[Botany • 2026] Sedum guniuensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Anhui, China

 

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, 

in Wang, Ma, Fang, Ding, Ni, Zhang, Zou, Shao, Li, Liu et Ai, 2026. 

牯牛景天  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74120

 

ABSTRACT

A new species of Sedum (Crassulaceae), Sedum guniuensis from the Guniujiang Mountains in southern Anhui, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to S. emarginatum, but can be clearly distinguished by its creeping growth habit and smaller cordate leaves. Additionally, complete chloroplast genomes from six populations of S. guniuensis provide strong molecular evidence for its taxonomic separation from S. emarginatum.

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, sp. nov.
 (A) habitat, (B) habit winter, (C) habit spring, (D) flowers, (E) plants.

 All are photographed by Kun Liu or Haijun Ma.

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, sp. nov. (Figures 4, 5).

Diagnosis: Sedum guniuensis (Figures 4 and 5) is morphologically similar to S. emarginatum, but differs in prostrate stems, cordate smaller leaves (0.5–1.2 × 0.4–1.0 cm vs. 1–2.5 × 0.5–1.2 cm), linear-obovate sepals (2–5 × 0.7–2 mm), and diminutive petals (6–8 × 1.5–2 mm) (Table 2). In sympatry (Figure 4A,B), S. guniuensis has creeping stems and smaller leaves than S. emarginatum.

Etymology: The epithet “guniuensis” is derived from the type locality, Guniujiang mountains, Shitai County, Anhui Province, China. 

The Chinese name given is “Gǔ Niú Jǐng Tiān” (牯牛景天).

Sedum guniuensis (B, D, E, G, I, K) and S. emarginatum (A, C, F, H, J, L),
(A, B) comparison of both species co-occurring in sympatric communities in the wild, (C, D) plants, (E, F) cauline leaves, (G, H) leaf, (I, J) flowers, (K, L) fruits.

All are photographed by Kun Liu or Haijun Ma.

 

Wan-Zeng Wang, Hai-Jun Ma, Hong-Ming Fang, Bai-Lin Ding, Wei-Yong Ni, Si-Yu Zhang, Shi-Hui Zou, Jian-Wen Shao, Nai-Wei Li, Kun Liu and Li-Jiao Ai. 2026. Sedum guniuensis, A New Species of Sedum (Crassulaceae) from Anhui, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74120 [29 July 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Echeveria zoquitlanensis (Crassulaceae) • A New microendemic Species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Echeveria zoquitlanensis J. Aragón-Parada & P. Carrillo,

in Aragón-Parada et Carrillo-Reyes. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3802  

 facebook.com/JuvenalAragonParada

Abstract

Background: Echeveria (Crassulaceae) is an American genus distributed from Mexico to South America. The genus has 132 species recorded in Mexico, where the state of Oaxaca with 56 species has the greatest richness of the genus. The exploration of the high mountains of Santa María Zoquitlán led us to discover a population of Echeveria that differed from previously known species.

Questions: Does the Echeveria population from the high areas of the municipality of Santa María Zoquitlán, Oaxaca represent a new species? 

Methods: Morphological comparison with the closely related taxa E. islasiae, E. longissima, E. longissima subsp. brachyantha, and E. longissima var. aztatlensis. Evaluation of conservation status based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Results: We described and illustrated Echeveria zoquitlanensis from Santa María Zoquitlán, Oaxaca, Mexico as a new species. Due their long corollas and styles, the new species were placed in the series Longistylae, mapped its distribution, and determined its conservation status category as critically endangered (CR B1; B2). It differs from the other members of the series by its very long (up to 3.7 cm) crimson red homochromatic flowers, and pale pink to red pistils.

Conclusions: Echeveria zoquitlanensis is the species with the largest flowers within the genus. Exploration carried out in isolated areas in Oaxaca favor the discovery of additional new species that would increase the large diversity of the state.

Keywords: endemism, New species, Sierra Madre del Sur, Zoquitlán, Saxifragales

Echeveria zoquitlanensis J. Aragón-Parada & P. Carrillo, sp. nov.

 

Juvenal Aragón-Parada and Pablo Carrillo-Reyes. 2026. Echeveria zoquitlanensis (Crassulaceae), A New microendemic Species from Oaxaca, Mexico.  Botanical Sciences. 104(2); 601-610. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3802 [2026-04-01]

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[Botany • 2026] Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu  

in She, Huang, Zhang, Yao, Zhu, Zhou et Xu. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024

 

Abstract

In this paper, Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular analyses, and its taxonomic relationships are discussed. Morphological analysis indicates that S. zhenghaianum should be classified in the genus Sedum sect. Sedum and is distinct from the related species S. tosaense in morphology, e.g. by lacking sterile stems, rosulate leaves 4-whorled, leaf blade and sepal apices retuse or obtuse, flowers pedicellate, ventral suture of follicles with a wing-like membranous structure, and seeds with auricled protrusions. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) further demonstrates that S. tosaense is the closest extant relative of the new species.

Keywords: ITS, morphological characters, new species, phylogenetic analysis, Sedum zhenghaianum

Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov.
(A) General view , (B) flower, (C) petals and stamens, (D) sepals, (E) mature follicle.

Drawn by Xin Zhou, based on the holotype.

Morphology of Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. 
 (A) Habitat, (B) rosulate plant in winter, (C) plant in early spring, (D) plant in flowering stage, (E) plant in fruiting stage, (F) rosulate leaves (4-whorled and spurless), (G) upper leaves (alternate and shortly spurred), (H) inflorescence, (I) flower, (J) sepals, (K) peduncle, (L) follicle.

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘zhenghaianum' is derived from the name of Zhenghai Chen (Professor Senior Engineer of Zhejiang Forest Resources Monitoring Center), to honor his contributions to the discovery of this new species.

 

Shi-Qi She, Shi-Guo Huang, Yang Zhang, Shen-Hao Yao, Zong-Wei Zhu, Xin Zhou and Yue-Liang Xu. 2026. Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024 [27 January 2026]

[Botany • 2020] Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega, 

 in Vega Aviña, Vargas et Pío León, 2020.  

DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/345773954

ABSTRACT 

Background and Aims: The genus Graptopetalum includes about 20 species of branched or acaulescent rosette herbs that grew in little accessible semiarid environments (mountains or ravines) of Mexico and Arizona. The authors have developed continuous work to document the flora of Sinaloa and the present article reports a taxonomic novelty in the genus Graptopetalum.

Methods: In the municipality of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, a small population of plants of the genus Graptopetalum with dry inflorescences was found in June 2013, and some plants were collected and cultivated, they flowered in March. Plants with flowers were collected from the same location in February 2014. Morphological data of wild and cultivated material were compared with that of herbarium specimens, literature, and cultivated Graptopetalum species; and it was determined that collected material is a new species for science.

Key results: The new taxon Graptopetalum sinaloensis, section Graptopetalum, is described. Its differences and similarities with the closest species are discussed. Moreover, a new and updated dichotomous key is provided for the eight species of this section.

Conclusions: Graptopetalum sinaloensis is endemic to south-central Sinaloa, Mexico. It grows in very localized areas, on rocky walls of streams and at the foot of hills, forming small populations in reduced areas of 5 to 10 m2. Graptopetalum sinaloensis differs from other Graptopetalum species from Sinaloa by its 5-merous flowers vs. G. rusbyi with 6-7-merous ones, and by its paniculate inflorescence, vs. G. occidentale with cymose ones. Additionally, the geographical distribution of the three species does not overlap.

Key words: Byrnesia, flora of Sinaloa, Graptopetalum rusbyi, Graptopetalum occidentale, Sedum, tropical deciduous forest.

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega.
A. plantas colectadas en campo (28.II.2014); B. y C. inflorescencias y planta en floración en medio silvestre (3.III.2019); D. planta sin floración registrada (7.XI.2018).

Fotos de Rito Vega-Aviña (A) y Juan Fernando Pío-León (B-D).

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega, sp. nov.

Rito Vega Aviña, Francisco Delgado Vargas and Juan Fernando Pío León. 2020. Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), una nueva especie de Sinaloa, México [Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico]. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 127; e1550. DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1550 

 Researchgate.net/publication/345773954_Graptopetalum_sinaloensis_una_nueva_especie_de_Sinaloa_Mexico

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[Botany • 2022] Rhodiola yushuensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Qinghai, China

Rhodiola yushuensis S.Y. Meng & J. Zhang,

in Rong, Li, Zheng, Zhang et Meng, 2022. 

玉树红景天  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.548.1.5

 

Abstract

A new species from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is described and illustrated. Rhodiola yushuensis S.Y. Meng et J. Zhang sp. nov. is similar to Rhodiola smithii (Hamet) S. H. Fu, but it differs in its inner caudex leaves with obvious petioles and the leaf blades are obovate-triangular (vs. inner caudex leaves with strongly descends to the base of the petiole, and the leaves are long linear) and the outer caudex leaves are scalelike, triangular-suborbicular (vs. scalelike, narrowly triangular). Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis of the leaf traits and seed coat architecture also showed that R. yushuensis can be separated from R. smithii. The nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences also support the claim that this plant is a new species, and it is grouped with R. smithii.

Rhodiola, Principal component analysis (PCA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), New species, Internal transcribed spacers (ITS), Eudicots

 

 Rhodiola yushuensis S.Y. Meng et J. Zhang,
(A) natural habitat, (B) cyme, (C) fruits.

Rhodiola yushuensis S.Y. Meng et J. Zhang sp. nov.

Yu-Lin RONG, Guo-Dong LI, Hai-Lei ZHENG, Jun ZHANG and Shi-Yong MENG. 2022. Rhodiola yushuensis, A New Species of Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) from Qinghai, China. Phytotaxa. 548(1); 63-72. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.548.1.5

[Botany • 2024] Echeveria sotoi (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from coastal Michoacán, Mexico

Echeveria sotoi  Rosales & Quirarte,

in Rosales-Martínez, Quirarte-Tejeda et Hernández-Campos, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.633.2.3

facebook.com: Santiago Rosales

Photographs: Jaime Quirarte.

 

Abstract

Echeveria sotoi (ser. Gibbiflorae, Crassulaceae) is described as a new species endemic to the coast of Michoacán, Mexico. It is morphologically similar to E. gibbiflora, from which it differs by having a generally taller but much thinner stem, narrower and oblanceolate to oblanceolate-obovate leaves without purplish-glaucous colourations, thinner peduncles, horizontally spreading to obliquely ascending cincinni, flowers with frequently longer corollas but usually shorter sepals, and narrower nectary scales. The species was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria. A distribution map is provided for the species of E. ser. Gibbiflorae native to Michoacán.

 

Aquila, biogeography, comparative morphology, microendemic species, Pacific Lowlands, taxonomy, Eudicots

Echeveria sotoi.
A, B. Plant with inflorescence; C. Distal portion of a cincinnus; D, E. Leaf; F. Flower bud; G. Flower dissection; H. Calyx, nectary scales, and gynoecium; I. Calyx.

Photographs: Jaime Quirarte.

Gerardo Soto and Echeveria sotoi in calcareous xerophilous scrub with Cephalocereus nudus, Bursera denticulata, and Agave kristenii.

Photograph: Jaime Quirarte.

Echeveria sotoi Rosales & Quirarte sp. nov.  

Eponymy:—The authors are honoured to name this species after Mr. Gerardo Soto Mendoza (Aquila, Michoacán) (Fig. 4), a passionate nature lover who discovered this species back in 2013. He was kind enough to provide us with plants for study and cultivation and guide one of us (Jaime Quirarte) to their natural habitat. Moreover, he has contributed to the knowledge and protection of biodiversity in the Sierra-Costa region of Michoacán, documenting the natural history of various animals (especially jaguars and other felines) and collecting seeds for the Comisión Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR).

C. Santiago ROSALES-MARTÍNEZ, Jaime A. QUIRARTE-TEJEDA and J. Daniel HERNÁNDEZ-CAMPOS. 2024. Echeveria sotoi (ser. Gibbiflorae, Crassulaceae), A New Species from coastal Michoacán, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 633(2);125-137. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.633.2.3 [2024-01-05]

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[Botany • 2025] Sinocrassula cuonaensis (Crassulaceae) • A New succulent Species from Southern Xizang, China

 

Sinocrassula cuonaensis  N.Wei & Q.F.Wang,

 in Qiu, Shi, Feng, Zhang, Wang, N. Wei et Q.-F. Wang. 2025.

  错那石莲  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159143 

Abstract

Sinocrassula cuonaensis, a new species of Crassulaceae from southern Xizang, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological evidence. Phylogenetically, it is sister to S. densirosulata with robust support. Morphologically, this new species is similar to S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, and S. jiaozishanensis in having glabrous indumentum and long inflorescences, but it can be easily distinguished by its rosulate, thick, and near-cylindrical basal leaves, greenish white flowers, and sub-rectangular nectar scales. A key for identification of the genus, including the new species, is provided.

Key words: Biodiversity hotspot, phylogeny, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, taxonomy

Sinocrassula cuonaensis.
A. Flowers; B. Basal leaves; C. Stem leaves; D. Flower (top view); E. Flower with sepals and one petal removed (side view); F. Flower structure (with sepals and carpels removed); G. Sepals; H. Stamen; I. Petals and nectar scales; J. Carpels; K, L. Seeds under the scanning electron microscope. [N.Wei & Z.H.Xin WN43 (HIB)]. According to the description, flowering and fruiting are at different times of the year. If so, these pictures belong to two different gatherings.

Sinocrassula cuonaensis.
A. Its habitat in a deep valley; B. Its rocky habitat; C. The whole individuals; D. A flowering branch; E. The whole individuals of mature plants; F. The whole individuals of seedlings.

[Voucher specimens: X.D.Qiu et al. XZ08 (HIB!)].

 Sinocrassula cuonaensis N.Wei & Q.F.Wang, sp. nov.

Chinese name: 错那石莲

 

Diagnostic description. Sinocrassula cuonaensis is similar to S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, S. jiaozishanensis in having glabrous plant and long inflorescence, but its rosulate, thick, and near-cylindrical basal leaves (vs. rosulate, spatulate, not rosulate, respectively) and greenish white flowers (vs. greenish yellow, purplish red, reddish purple, respectively) differ from the others. Besides, this new species has sub-rectangular nectar scales that are similar to S. indica var. viridiflava (vs. near-rectangular oblong) and S. densirosulata (vs. spatulate-quadrate) but different from S. jiaozishanensis (vs. oblong) (Table 2).

...

 Xiang-Dong Qiu, Jia-Jing Shi, Ya-Lin Feng, Feng-Di Zhang, Sheng-Wei Wang, Neng Wei and Qing-Feng Wang. 2025. Sinocrassula cuonaensis (Crassulaceae), A New succulent Species from Southern Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 263: 115-128. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159143 

[Botany • 2025] Echeveria machucae (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Jalisco, Mexico

 

Echeveria machucae 

in Jimeno-Sevilla, Hernández-Campos, Rosales-Martínez et Gabriela Posadas-Trejo, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.2 

 facebook.com: Santiago Rosales

 

Abstract

A new species, Echeveria machucae (ser. Nudae, Crassulaceae), is described from specimens collected in El Jacal, Atenguillo municipality, Jalisco. It is a putative close relative of E. flammigera, from which it differs by having larger stems, larger leaves, racemose to occasionally thyrsiform inflorescences, longer pedicels, presence of yellow corollas, and wider yellow nectary scales. It is also compared with E. multicaulis, E. pringlei, and E. longisepala, the latter raised here at the species level based on morphological evidence. A distribution map with records of the aforementioned species is presented.

 Atenguillo, endemic, morphological comparison, Sierra Madre del Sur, Eudicots

H. David JIMENO-SEVILLA, J. Daniel HERNÁNDEZ-CAMPOS, C. Santiago ROSALES-MARTÍNEZ and Karla Gabriela POSADAS-TREJO. 2025. A New Species of Echeveria ser. Nudae (Crassulaceae) from Jalisco, Mexico, and a new combination. Phytotaxa. 697(3); 234-244. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.2 [2025-04-17]

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[Botany • 2025] Echeveria barbosae (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from the State of Guanajuato, Mexico

Echeveria barbosae Pérez-Calix & Guadián-Marín, 

in Pérez-Calix et Guadián-Marín, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm132.2025.2466 

 facebook.com/ActaBotanicaMexicana

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Echeveria (Crassulaceae) is an American genus consisting of about 204 species, 164 of which have been recorded from Mexico, as a consequence of which this country is considered to be its center of diversity and endemism. Although several studies on this group exist, plants that do not correspond with earlier described species are continuously found during botanical explorations. The aims of this article were to describe an Echeveria species which is new to science, compare it with similar species, and assess its conservation status.

Methods: Explorations were carried out in the Sierra de Pénjamo, Guanajuato, where an unidentified Echeveria was discovered. In addition, we visited sites with records of Echeveria dactylifera and E. novogaliciana, species morphologically similar to the undescribed one. Morphological descriptions of the plants were made and the specimens were herborized to be sent to the herbaria IEB and MEXU. Finally, the conservation status of the new species was determined according to IUCN criteria and categories.

Key results: Echeveria barbosae is proposed as a species new to science, is compared to E. dactylifera and E. novogaliciana, to which it is similar, and assigned the status of Critically Endangered (CR).

Conclusions: Echeveria barbosae resembles E. dactylifera and E. novogaliciana, but differs from both in leaf shape and size, as well as in aspects of the flower. These three species, along with E. marianae, E. kristenii and E. rulfiana, have a pair of appendages on the inner side of the petals. The new taxon is endemic to southwestern Guanajuato. With the publication of this species, the number of Echeveria known from Guanajuato increases to 12.

Echeveria barbosae Pérez-Calix & Guadián-Marín, sp. nov. 

 

Emmanuel Pérez-Calix and Jesús Israel Guadián-Marín. 2025. Echeveria barbosae (Crassulaceae), A New Species from the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. Acta Botanica Mexicana. (132). DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm132.2025.2466 

 Researchgate.net/publication/394712146_Echeveria_barbosae_a_new_species_from_the_state_of_Guanajuato_Mexico

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[Botany • 2025] Sedum shunhuangense (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Hunan, China

 

Sedum shunhuangense L.Wu & Z.L.Feng, 

in Feng, Liao, Deng, Tang, Meng et Wu, 2025. 

舜皇景天  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.262.159097 

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Sedum shunhuangense, a new species from Hunan, China. The species is morphologically similar to S. alfredii and S. yangjifengensis but differs in having subequal sepals, papillate seeds, and alternate leaves with caducous lower leaves during flowering. Phylogenetic reconstruction strongly supports two accessions of S. shunhuangense as monophyletic and sister to S. lipingense and S. wilsonii. The species has an estimated wild population of 200 individuals and is assessed as Endangered (EN) under IUCN criteria.

Key words: Hunan Province, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, new species, Sedum

Morphology of Sedum shunhuangense L.Wu & Z.L.Feng, sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Whole plant; C. Habitat; D. Front view of infructescence; E. Leaf transition; F. Lateral view of infructescence; G. Sepals; H. Seed; I. Flowers; J. Oppositipetalous stamen; K. Nectar scale.

Scale bars: 1 cm (B, D, E); 0.5 cm (F, I, J); 1 mm (G); 0.3 mm (H); 0.1 mm (K). A, C, D, I. Photographed by Xiao Wen Liao (Pangutang area, voucher SHS0908); B, E, F, G, H, J, K. Photographed by Zi Lin Feng (Niulongqi area, voucher SHS2154).

 Sedum shunhuangense L.Wu & Z.L.Feng, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Phylogenetic analyses (Fig. 2) reveal that S. shunhuangense forms a sister group with S. lipingense and S. wilsonii. However, this species can be obviously distinguished from its allied species by the upper leaves aggregated at the flowering stem apex to form inflorescence bracts. Notably, S. shunhuangense shows distant phylogenetic relationships with S. alfredii and S. yangjifengensis; convergent evolution is observed in their phenotypic traits, particularly in inflorescence architecture and leaf morphology. However, it can be unequivocally distinguished by the following combination of characters (Table 1): (1) subequal sepals (vs. markedly unequal in both S. alfredii and S. yangjifengensis); (2) papillate seed coat (vs. smooth in S. alfredii); and (3) alternate leaves with caducous basal leaves during anthesis (vs. opposite leaves with persistent lower leaves in S. yangjifengensis).

Etymology. Sedum shunhuangense L.Wu & Z.L.Feng, with the epithet derived from its type locality, Shunhuang Mountain. The nomenclature follows the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (Turland et al. 2018), with holotype and paratype specimens permanently deposited.

Chinese name (assigned here). shùn huáng jǐng tiān (舜皇景天).

 Zi-Lin Feng, Xiao-Wen Liao, Du Deng, Long-Ping Tang, Shi-Yong Meng and Lei Wu. 2025. Sedum shunhuangense (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Hunan, China. PhytoKeys. 262: 305-320. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.262.159097 

[Botany • 2025] Sedum diversiflorum (Crassulaceae) • A New Species with variable merosity from the Satsunan Islands, Kagoshima, Japan

 

Sedum diversiflorum Takuro Ito,  

in Ito, Yokota, Endo, Iwamoto, Maki et Kokubugata, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04877

 

Abstract

We re-examined the taxonomic status of a plant previously identified as Sedum formosanum subsp. formosanum from four islands in the Satsunan Islands, Japan. To clarify its taxonomic identity, we conducted morphological and phenological comparisons and performed molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and three chloroplast DNA regions using closely related species of Sedum in East Asia. Morphologically, the plants share traits with S. danjoense, S. formosanum subsp. formosanum, S. formosanum subsp. miyakojimense, S. plumbizincicola and S. tetractinum, but differ in key features such as their perennial life cycle, greenish to yellowish stem, presence of lateral branches, spatulate leaves with rounded apices, variation in sepal shape, yellow anthers, oblique fruits and autumnal flowering (October–December). Notably, the plants exhibit remarkable variation in floral merosity – in the number of petal, stamen, and pistils – a unique trait absent in other East Asian Sedum species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed inconsistency between the nuclear ITS tree and the chloroplast DNA tree: the nuclear ITS tree clustered the plants with S. danjoense, whereas the chloroplast DNA tree grouped them with S. formosanum subsp. miyakojimense. This finding suggests that the plants experienced chloroplast capture due to introgressive hybridization between the two species. Considering their distinct morphological, phenological and genetic features, we described these plants as a new species, Sedum diversiflorum.

Keywords: Ryukyu Archipelago, stone crop, succulent, Tokara Islands, Yoron Island

Sedum diversiflorum Takuro Ito sp. nov.  

A species that differs from its close relatives S. danjoense, S. formosanum subsp. formosanum, S. formosanum subsp. miyakojimense, S. plumbizincicola and S. tetractinum by being a perennial, with irregular branching, greenish to yellowish stems, thick spatulate leaves with a rounded apex, polymorphic floral merosity and sepal morphology, yellow anthers, oblique fruits and an autumnal flowering period (Table 2).

Type:Japan, Kagoshima Pref.: the Satsunan Island, the Amami Islands, Yoron-jima Island, Ōshima-gun, Yoron-cho, Mugiya, 26 Nov. 2021, T. Ito 7707 (holotype: TUS).

Etymology: The epithet refers to the significant variation in floral morphology of this species.

 

Takuro Ito, Masatsugu Yokota, Mizuho Endo, Akitoshi Iwamoto, Masayuki Maki and Goro Kokubugata. 2025. Sedum diversiflorum sp. nov. (Crassulaceae), A New Species with variable merosity from the Satsunan Islands, Kagoshima, Japan. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04877 [08 September 2025]

[Botany • 2019] Sedum lipingense (Crassulaceae) • Identifying A New stonecrop Species in SE Guizhou, China, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

 

 Sedum lipingense R.B.Zhang, D.Tan & R.X.Wei, 

in Zhang, Deng, Dou, He, Lv et Jiang, 2019. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.134.38287 

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Sedum lipingense (Crassulaceae), a new species of stonecrop found in the limestone areas of SE Guizhou, China. Based on the presence of adaxially gibbous carpels and follicles, this taxon belongs to sect. Sedum S.H. Fu. The new species superficially resembles S. subtile Miquel and S. bulbiferum Makino but differs from these two taxa in its development of a basal leaf rosette during florescence. The nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences also support the claim that this plant is a new species in the Sedum genus.

Keywords: flora of Guizhou, karst, limestone flora, new taxon, Sedum lipingense

 Sedum lipingense 
A flowering plant B opened corolla C sepals D two follicles E seed F nectar scales G rosette leaf H distal leaf I bract of flower.

Drawn by Tan Deng.

 Sedum lipingense 
A natural habitat B 3-branched scorpioid cyme C follicles and bracts D single flowering stems derived from rosette centers.

Charted by Ren-Bo Zhang.

Sedum lipingense R.B. Zhang, D. Tan & R.X. Wei, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Sedum lipingense can be distinguished from the closely related S. subtile and S. bulbiferum by the presence of rosettes, absent sterile shoots and bulbils, subequal lanceolate-oblong sepals, and other traits.  

 Ren-Bo Zhang, Tan Deng, Quan-Li Dou, Lin He, Xin-Yun Lv and Hong Jiang. 2019. Sedum lipingense (Crassulaceae) Identifying A New Stonecrop Species in SE Guizhou, China, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence.  PhytoKeys. 134: 125-133. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.134.38287

[Botany • 2025] Sinocrassula obliquifolia (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from China

Sinocrassula obliquifolia Jing Zhao, J.Guan Wang & X.M.Zhou,

in Li, Zhao, Fang, Huang, Luo, He, Zhou et Wang, 2025. 

斜叶石莲  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.142079

Abstract

Based on a comprehensive morphological and molecular data analysis, we have confirmed and described a new species within the genus Sinocrassula, which is distributed in Sichuan Province, China. Morphologically, the new species resembles Sinocrassula diversifolia and S. indica, but it is distinctly different from them in its asymmetrical leaves, leaf apex with glands, triangular petals that are white at the base and adorned with dense purple-red stripes and spots on the surfaces upward, and rectangular nectar scales. A phylogenetic analysis utilizing four plastid markers and one nuclear marker supports the conclusion that the new species is sister to S. ganluoensis.

Key words: Hengduan mountains, phylogeny, rosette, species diversity, taxonomy

Sinocrassula obliquifolia 
 A, B habit C, D flowers E stamen F, G petals H carpel I sepal J nectar scale K basal leaves L stem leaves M gland of basal leaf N leaves that abscise and bud during the flowering period, left: basal leaf, right: stem leaf.

Sinocrassula obliquifolia
A habitat B, C habit.

 Sinocrassula obliquifolia Jing Zhao, J.Guan Wang & X.M.Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sinocrassula obliquifolia is similar to S. indica in having rosette, ovoid carpels, and broadly triangular sepals. However, this new species has shorter flowering stem (10–18 cm) (vs. 5–60 cm in S. indica), lanceolate stem leaves (vs. oblanceolate to ovate-orbicular stem leaves in S. indica), triangular petals (vs. lanceolate to ovate petals in S. indica), petals with a white base adorned with dense purple-red stripes and spots on the surfaces upward (vs. red, reddish, yellow, or greenish-yellow in S. indica) and rectangle nectar scales (vs. quadrate in S. indica). S. obliquifolia is also similar to S. diversifolia in having corymbiform inflorescences, petals, and stamens with purple spots. However, S. obliquifolia has a well-defined rosette (vs. less defined rosette in S. diversifolia), monomorphic stem leaves (vs. dimorphic stem leaves in S. diversifolia), triangular petals with dense purple-red stripes and spots on the surfaces upward (vs. lanceolate petals that are yellow with purple spots in S. diversifolia) and rectangle nectar scales (vs. broadly quadrate in S. diversifolia). 

Etymology. The epithet obliquifolia refers to the asymmetrical leaves of the basal leaves, a unique characteristic for this species within Sinocrassula. Its Chinese name is suggested as ‘斜叶石莲 (xie ye shi lian)’.

 Rong-Juan Li, Jing Zhao, Shao-Li Fang, Chuan-Jie Huang, Miao Luo, Zhao-Rong He, Xin-Mao Zhou and Jia-Guan Wang. 2025. Sinocrassula obliquifolia (Crassulaceae), A New Species from China. PhytoKeys. 255: 103-112. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.142079