[Botany • 2026] Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae) • A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Sarkar, Gap, Rai et Kumar, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7  

 facebook.com/DipuBORAH2

Abstract

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov. is described from Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species is morphologically allied to G. putaoensis but differs in having a broadly obovate basal part of the labellum with 6–7 prominent longitudinally thickened structures, and a distinct, thick, strongly incurved, narrowly oblong-ligulate, yellow apical part that is minutely papillate, with the apex rounded to obtuse (vs. an elliptic basal part with 3–5 parallel thickened lines, and a narrower apical part densely covered with yellow hairs, with the apex obtuse and densely covered with red papillae). A detailed morphological description, diagnosis, photographic illustrations, notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status, together with comparisons with morphologically allied species, are provided to facilitate its identification.

Monocots, Ghost orchid, Mycoheterotroph, New to Science, Orchid, Taxonomy

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov.

MADHUSUDHAN KHANAL, DIPANKAR BORAH, SHUVADIP SARKAR, NEELAM GAP, SANTOSH KUMAR RAI and DEVENDRA KUMAR. 2026. Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 773(3); 289-295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7 [2026-09-09]

  facebook.com/DipuBORAH2/posts/28179222161743622

[Botany • 2026] Begonia neelamorum (Begoniaceae, sect. Monophyllon) • A remarkable New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

 

 Begonia neelamorum  D.Borah & M.Khanal,

in Borah, Khanal, Taram et Gap, 2026.

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2210 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal, sect. Monophyllon, is described as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It closely resembles B. prolifera A.DC. in having a globose tuber, a single, sessile, basifixed leaf with a uniformly light-green lamina, an inflorescence which arises from the base of the sessile leaf blade, and white staminate and pistillate flowers, but differs in its glandular-hispid indumentum, terete stem, ovate lamina with double-serrate margins, a dichasial cyme and shorter styles. The species description is accompanied by illustrations and photographs, and information is provided on its distribution, phenology, ecology, preliminary conservation assessment and similarity to other species.

Keyword: Arunachal Pradesh, Begonia kayinensis, Begonia oyuniae, Begonia prolifera, Himalaya, Monophyllon, new species

 Begonia neelamorum. A. Habit; B. Flowering branch; C. Inflorescence; D-E. Male flowers, front and back views; F. Female flower, side view, G. Female flower, front view; H. Styles; I. Androecium.

(D.Borah, M.Khanal and G.Neelam 2267)

 Begonia neelamorum. A-C. Habitat

Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal, sp. nov. 

sect. Monophyllon

 Diagnosis: Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal is most similar to B. prolifera A.DC. in having a globose tuber, a single, sessile, basifixed leaf with a uniformly light-green lamina, an inflorescence from the base of the lamina and a symmetric or subsymmetric, cordate leaf bases, but differs in its glandular-hispid indumentum (vs. glabrous to subglabrous), stem terete (vs. adaxially grooved), ovate lamina with double-serrate margins (vs. orbicular-cordate lamina with dentate to slightly incised margins, sometimes tuberculate at the edges), dichasial cymes (vs. thyrsoid cyme), shorter styles, 1 mm long (vs. 3 mm)

Etymology: The specific epithet honours the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, who assisted in the collection of the species during a particularly treacherous expedition. Neelam is also the name of the village inhabited by members of the clan and is among the nearest villages to the type locality from which the species was collected. 

Vernacular name: Kobiirhopu Baabrai (Nyishi) 

 Dipankar Borah, Madhusudhan Khanal, Momang Taram and Neelam Gap. 2026. Begonia neelamorum (Begoniaceae sect. Monophyllon), A remarkable New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. Taiwania. 71(4); 617-620. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.617 [05 August 2026]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2210 

facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/1465287385621948

[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus nautiyalii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Didymocarpus nautiyalii M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Taram, Das, Rai, Rawat et Kumar, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2215

Abstract

Didymocarpus nautiyalii M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar (Gesneriaceae) is described as a new species from Shi-Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. It resembles D. albiflorus Souvann. & Phonep. in its habit, leaves, few-flowered inflorescences and slightly pouched infundibuliform corolla with an expanded mouth, but differs in its much shorter stem, sessile to very short petioles, coriaceous lamina, 1–3-flowered cymes, smaller campanulate calyx, shorter bluish-purple corolla, and a glabrous ovary. The species is assessed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keyword: Didymocarpoideae, Didymocarpus albiflorus, Didymocarpus nautiyalii, Eastern Himalaya, endemic

Madhusudhan Khanal, Dipankar Borah, Momang Taram, Niku Das, Santosh Kumar Rai, Sandeep Rawat, Devendra Kumar. 2026. A New Species of Didymocarpus Wall. (Gesneriaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Taiwania. 71(4); 649-654 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.649 [2026 August 13]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2215

[Botany • 2026] Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India

 

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja,

in Alen, Abhilash, Gayathri, Arya, Kumar, Sojan, Suresh, Antony et Leeja, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 

 Abstract

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova (Selaginellaceae) is described as a new lycophyte species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It morphologically resembles S. tenera, but can be distinguished by its small habit, basal rhizophores, median leaf traits, lack of vegetative buds and tapering strobili. The taxonomic delimitation is strongly supported by multivariate morphometric analysis (PCA) of macro- and micromorphological traits. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcL gene places S. jobii as a sister to S. miniatospora. Growing on shaded laterite habitats in Palakkad, the species has an Area of Occupancy of less than 10 km2. Consequently, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria.

Selaginella jobii (from the holotype).
— A: Habit. — B: Rhizophore. — C: Stem. — D: Axillary leaf. — E: Lateral leaf. — F: Median leaf. — G: Strobili, dorsal view. — H: Strobili, ventral view. — I: Ventral sporophyll with megasporangium. — J: Ventral sporophyll with microsporangium. — K: Dorsal sporophyll with microsporangium.

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova  

Etymology. The specific epithet jobii honours Dr Joseph Job, retired Associate Professor of Botany, St. Berchmans College, Changanassery, Kerala, India. An exemplary educator, Dr Job inspired numerous students, including the first author, to pursue science.

Diagnosis. Selaginella jobii is morphologically similar to S. tenera and S. miniatospora, but can be distinguished by its lean, non-spreading habit with exclusively basal rhizophores, tapering strobili featuring a distinct apical microsporangiate zone, and regular verrucate ornamentation on the megaspores. A comprehensive morphological comparison of these taxa is provided in Table 1.

Alex Philip Alen, Kalathil Sethumadhavan Abhilash, Thekkekara Suresh Gayathri, Sindhu Arya, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anil Kumar, Jose Sojan, Veerankutty Suresh, Raju Antony and Lakshmanan Leeja. 2026. Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae), A New Species from Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1);201-211. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 (13 August 2026)  

[Botany • 2026] Pimpinella pygmaea (Apiaceae) • A New Species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Pimpinella pygmaea  A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana, 

in Sajan, Shibu et Sujana, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0110

Abstract

Pimpinella pygmaea A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana (Apiaceae) is described as a new species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. It shares morphological similarities with P. candolleana, P. leschenaultii and P. tomentosa, but can be distinguished from them by several morphological features, including plant height, leaf size and shape, number and size of rays, number of flowers, and surface of the schizocarp. A detailed description, including habitat, phenology, photographs and scanning electron micrographs of the schizocarp, is provided.

Pimpinella pygmaea.
 — A: Habit and habitat. — B: Habit with associated plants. — C: Vegetative stage with basal leaves. — D: Inflorescence. — E: Infructescence. A—C photographed at the type locality 6 December 2025.

Pimpinella pygmaea (from the holotype).
— A and B: Habit. — C: Basal leaf. — D: Adaxial view of the lamina of basal leaf. — E: Abaxial view of the lamina of basal leaf. — F: Lower cauline leaf. — G: Upper cauline leaf. — H: Abaxial view of involucral bract. — I: Adaxial view of involucral bract. — J: Involucel bracteole. — K: Mature flower bud. — L: Single flower. — M: Petals. — N: Stamens. — O: Gynoecium. — P: Immature fruit with stylopodium. — Q: Carpophore. — R: Schizocarp. — S: Dorsal view of mericarp. — T: Lateral view of mericarp. — U: Ventral view of mericarp. — V: Cross-section of mericarp.

Pimpinella pygmaea A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana, sp. nova 

Etymology. The specific epithet pygmaea is derived from the Latin word pygmaeus, meaning dwarf, in reference to the small size of the species.

Akhil Sajan, Navya Shibu and Kanjiraparambil Arjunan Sujana. 2026. Pimpinella pygmaea (Apiaceae), A New Species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 63-69. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0110 [27 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Gaultheria watsonii (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Sikim Himalaya

 

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha,

in Maity, Halder, Saha, Panda, Jha et Pradhan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3606

Abstract

A new species of Gaultheria L. (Ericaceae) from the Sikkim Himalaya, Gaultheria watsonii, is described and illustrated. This species is  morphologically most similar to Gaultheria heteromera in terms of habit, especially in its procumbent branchlets and tetramerous flowers. However, it can be readily distinguished from all other known species of the genus, including Gaultheria heteromera, by its unique combination of morphological characters, namely prostrate habit with procumbent branchlets, adaxially smooth and smaller leaf blades with strongly acute and mucronulate apices, pseudoterminal 2- to 4-flowered racemes, longer rachis, shorter pedicel, 4-merous flowers, and ovary sparsely white hispidulous with conspicuously 8- to 10-lobed discs. Based on its limited geographical distribution and the continuing decline in habitat quality, the conservation status of the new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Critically Endangered (CR), Gaultheria series Leucothoides (Airy Shaw) D. J. Middleton, Himalaya, IUCN

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha, sp. nov.
 A, Habit and habitat; B, inflorescence; C, flower.

Photographs: A. K. Halder.

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha, sp. nov.

The new species is most similar to Gaultheria heteromera, from which it differs by having smaller leaf blades (4–10 × 3–5 mm vs 8–25(–30) × 5–14 mm), strongly acute leaf apex (vs obtuse), smaller petioles (0.5–0.75 mm vs 1–3 mm), pseudoterminal racemes (vs pseudoterminal and axillary), longer rachis (5–15 mm vs 3–6(–10) mm), shorter pedicel (1–1.75 mm vs 3–6 mm), bract and bracteoles with margins densely ciliolate (vs eciliolate), 8 stamens (vs 8 or 9), and ovary with conspicuous shallowly lobed disc (vs disc absent). In Gaultheria heteromera the veins on the adaxial surface of leaves are distinctly impressed, forming prominent reticulations, whereas in the new species although sometimes the midvein is slightly depressed adaxially, the secondary and tertiary veins are not impressed and thus the upper surface appears smooth. Moreover, in Gaultheria watsonii the ovary is sparsely white-hispidulous, whereas in G. heteromera the ovary is densely hispidulous.

D. Maity, A. K. Halder, S. Saha, S. Panda, B. K. Jha and D. K. Pradhan. 2026. GAULTHERIA WATSONII (ERICACEAE): A New Species from Sikim HIMALAYA. EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 83, 3606. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3606 [2026-08-24]

[Botany • 2022] Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

 

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu,  

in Harishma, Mohan et Nampy, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/359299628

Abstract  

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Monocots, Data Deficient, Eriocaulon quinquangulare, Eriocaulon truncatum, Idukki district, Koymanchola

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu sp. nov.

Kuttukaran Haridasan HARISHMA, Vishnu MOHAN and Santhosh NAMPY. 2022. Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India.  Phytotaxa. 539(3); 273-279. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6

 Researchgate.net/publication/359299628_Eriocaulon_pandeyana_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

[Botany • 2026] Anaphalis rosmarinifolia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

  

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia  Remya, K.M.P.Kumar & Maya, 

in Remya, Prabhukumar, Muhsina, Kanakambika, Smitha et Maya. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10354-0 

Summary

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia, a new species of Asteraceae, from the slopes of stream banks of montane grasslands of the southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India, is described and illustrated. The new species exhibits morphological affinities with its allied taxon, Anaphalis marcescens, in its habit, leaf shape, heterogamous and disciform capitula and 16, uniseriate, free, barbellate pappus bristles. However, it differs in habitat preference, coriaceous leaf texture, glabrous adaxial leaf surface, acute recurved leaf apex, sheathed leaf base, number of rows of phyllaries, type and nature of receptacle, number of florets and glandular indumentum in cypselae. A description of the new species, along with details on distribution and ecology and an illustration, colour photographs and comparison with its allied taxa, using SEM data of cypselae, are provided.

Key Words: Anaphalis marcescens, endemism, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, stenoendemic.

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia. A & B habit; C leaf, adaxial surface; D leaf, abaxial surface; E inflorescence; F foliar bract, adaxial surface; G foliar bract, abaxial surface; H capitulum; J – Q phyllaries; R receptacle, aerial review; S pistillate floret; T bisexual floret; U stamens; V pistil; W & X dimorphic pappus; Y cypsela.

photos: S. Remya & C. N. Maya.

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia Remya, K.M.P.Kumar & Maya sp. nov. 

Recognition. The new species is morphologically similar to Anaphalis marcescens (Wight) C.B.Clarke (Fig. 4) in overall habit, capitula type and the number, type and arrangement of pappus bristles. It differs from the latter by its habitat preference of wet rocks on the stream banks of montane grasslands (vs mud cliffs of montane grasslands in A. marcescens); coriaceous linear leaves (vs membranaceous linear); sheathing leaf base (vs decurrent); glabrous adaxial leaf surface (vs sparsely arachnoid midrib); leaf apex

Etymology. The specific epithet is based on the similarity of its leaves with those of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), a medicinal and culinary plant in the Lamiaceae.

 

S. Remya, K. M. Prabhukumar, A. A. Muhsina, G. Kanakambika, M. Smitha and C. N. Maya. 2026. Anaphalis rosmarinifolia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae): A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10354-0 [30 July 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae) • A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India

 

Rubus kashmiricus   

in Sofi, Khuroo, Lateef, Moochi et Wani, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.770.1.2 

  x.com/Khuroo_Kashmir

 

Abstract

Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), is described here as a new species from the Kashmir Himalaya, India. The species is distinct from its closely allied species R. niveus in possessing pedately-pinnate leaves on primocanes, 7–9-foliate with an obovate terminal leaflet, inflorescence paniculiform, flower larger (13–20 mm diam.), sepals reflexed at or after anthesis, petals spreading and non-overlapping, nearly equal in length to the sepals, stamens shorter than petals as well as carpels, ovary glabrous with a few hairs only at apex and fruit comprising 1–4 drupelets. Detailed photographic illustrations and comparison of its diagnostic characters with the allied taxa are provided to aid accurate identification.

Eudicots, Rosales, Species discovery, Systematic, Taxonomy

  

SAMEER A. SOFI, ANZAR AHMAD KHUROO, SHAGUFTA LATEEF, SHAKIR A. MOOCHI, AIJAZ A. WANI. 2026. Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 770(1); 20-28. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.770.1.2 [2026-08-14] 

 x.com/Khuroo_Kashmir/status/2088089468213530826

[Botany • 2026] Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali,   

 in Chowdhury, Hajong, Wood et Bharali, 2026.   

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2192

Abstract

Strobilanthes grandidentata, a new species from the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is described and illustrated. A detailed discussion of its morphological similarities and dissimilarities with closely allied taxa is provided. It is accompanied by photographs, as well as notes on distribution, habitat and conservation status. The new species is assigned as ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) following the IUCN (2024) guidelines.

Keyword: Dibang Valley, Eastern Himalaya, Goldfussia, Mishmi Hills, Strobilanthes pentastemenoides, Strobilanthes sumatrana

Strobilanthes grandidentata sp. nov.
A. Habit, B. Leaf, C. Inflorescence, D. Flower bud, E. Bract, F. Bracteoles, G. Calyx, H. Split-open corolla, I. Androecium, J. Gynoecium, K. Stigma, L. Ovary. Photos by Sambit Chowdhury

Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A very distinctive new species that has the diagnostic “Goldfussia” androecium in which the anthers are suborbicular to ellipsoid with the shorter (inner) pair incurved. The form of its inflorescence suggests an affinity with species with a similar capitellate inflorescence such as Strobilanthes pentastemenoides (Nees) T.Anderson but the persistent, green herbaceous bracts and presence of bracteoles (vs. bracts caducous, near colourless, scarious and bracteoles absent) are very different. Morphologically it is perhaps closest to the Sumatran species, S. sumatrana Miq., in its corolla size and indumentum, calyx size and indumentum and the shape of its bracts but is readily distinguished by the presence of bracteoles (vs. absent) and persistent bracts (vs. caducous). The new species is also distinctive in its apparently unique shiny leaves with brochidodromous venation, oblique base, large marginal teeth and winged petiole.

Sambit Chowdhury, Bipankar Hajong, John Richard Ironside Wood and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Taiwania. 71(3); 483-487 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.483  [2026 May 25]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2192

[Botany • 2026] Begonia mishmiorum (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A remarkable New Species from the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Begonia mishmiorum S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali, 

in Chowdhury, Hajong et Bharali, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.758.3.7

 

Abstract

A remarkable new species, Begonia mishmiorum sp. nov. (sect. Platycentrum), from Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. The species is allied to Begonia persistens Y.H.Tan, M.B.Maw & H.B.Ding and Begonia dicressine Wahlsteen but is readily distinguished by a unique combination of characters, notably its conspicuous, persistent bracteoles that are pinkish-white, deltoid to broadly ovate, sparsely hairy, and completely enclosing the ovary, a feature rarely observed within the section. It further differs in having glabrous, terete petioles, asymmetric cordate leaves with a variegated adaxial surface. A detailed taxonomic description, colour photographs, and a comparison table with allied species are provided. The species is currently known only from a single locality Mithumna in Anjaw district, where its habitat is fragmented and declining due to road construction and landslides. Owing to insufficient data on its population size and distribution, it is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN criteria. Further field studies are needed to clarify its conservation status.

Eudicots, Begoniaceae, Cucurbitales, Eastern Himalaya, Anjaw, endemic, new taxon

 Habitat of Begonia mishmiorum sp. nov. 

Begonia mishmiorum S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali sp. nov. 

§ Platycentrum  

Etymology: The specific epithet “mishmiorum” honours the Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh recognizing their indigenous heritage and long-standing association with the forests where the species occurs.

 

Sambit CHOWDHURY, Bipankar HAJONG and Pankaj BHARALI. 2026. Begonia mishmiorum (Sect. Platycentrum), A remarkable New Species from the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Phytotaxa. 758(3); 285-292. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.758.3.7 [2026-05-26]

[Botany • 2026] Mitrephora rashmiae (Annonaceae) • A New Species from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus

 

Mitrephora rashmiae

in Page, Kishwan et Thackeray. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 

 facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation

ABSTRACT

A new species of Mitrephora is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It can be distinguished from its congeners based on a combination of morphological characters such as evergreen leaf phenology, unbranched inflorescences with up to 8 flowers, inner petals being subequal or equal in length relative to the outer petals and stipitate, beaked, cylindric monocarps. This species is unique in the shape and geometry of the miter (dome) which is longer than broad (length: diameter ratio 1.25). This species is also the only andromonoecious species known in the genus to date. This discovery represents only the second record of the genus from the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Malmeoideae, Miliuseae, staminate flower

Mitrephora rashmiae

 

Navendu V. Page, Shivam Kishwan and Tejas U. Thackeray. 2026. A New Species of Mitrephora (Annonaceae) from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus. Feddes Repertorium. e70134. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 [07 July 2026] 

facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1551535750351977-ThackerayWildlifeFoundation

[Botany • 2026] Disporum yobinorum (Colchicaceae) • A New Species from Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Disporum yobinorum 

in Sahani et Chowlu, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.11 

Researchgate.net/publication/410044052

Disporum Salisbury (1812) (Colchicaceae) comprises 42 accepted species worldwide (POWO 2026). In India, Disporum is represented by 10 accepted names including 6 species and varieties (POWO, 2026). Additionally, Dasgupta (2006) treated all Indian taxa under a single species; a broadly circumscribed D. cantoniense (Loureiro; 1790: 206) Merrill (1919: 229). There are 24 species distributed in Bhutan, China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sikkim, Thailand and Vietnam (Liang & Tamura 2000, Li et al. 2007, Hu et al. 2016, Zhu et al. 2016 Hareesh et al. 2018, WCSPF 2018).

Monocots, Disporum yobinorum, new species, Eastern Himalaya, Colchicaceae

Disporum yobinorum sp. nov. 

VINAY KUMAR SAHANI and KRISHNA CHOWLU. 2026. Disporum yobinorum (Colchicaceae), A New Species from Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 767(1); 93-97. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.11 [2026-07-16] 

Researchgate.net/publication/410044052_Disporum_yobinorum_a_new_species_from_Eastern_Himalaya_India

[Botany • 2026] Begonia quadricornualata (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Begonia quadricornualata R.Maity, U.L.Tiwari & S.S.Dash, 

in Maity, Tiwari et Dash, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05000 

 

Abstract

A new species of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) belonging to sect. Platycentrum is described from the Papum Pare District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This new species is distinguished by its dense, long, red to brown hispid hairs on the adaxial leaf surface of female plants, caducous stipules and bracts, and solitary-flowered female inflorescence. Additionally, it features dense, woolly brown ovaries and fruits, the latter bearing four fully developed wings. This paper includes a detailed description, photographic plate, line drawings, a comparative morphological table and a dichotomous key to distinguish the new taxon from closely allied species.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Begonia sect Platycentrum, Eastern Himalaya, four-horned begonia, northeast India

  Begonia quadricornualata sp. nov. (female plant).
 (A) General habit, (B) leaf showing red hispid hairs, (C) habit showing open female flower, (D) habit showing position of female inflorescence from side view, (E) bracts, (F) outer tepal, (G) inner tepal, (H) gynoecium, (I) fruit, (J) T.S. of fruit.

Illustration of Begonia quadricornualata sp. nov.

 female plant
 (A) Habit, (B) bract, (C) outer tepal, (D) inner tepal, (E) gynoecium, (F) fruit.

male plant
(A) Habit, (B) inflorescence, (C) male flower, (D) bract, (E) outer tepal, (F) inner tepal, (G) stamen.

 Drawings by D. K. Sah.

Begonia quadricornualata R.Maity, U.L.Tiwari & S.S.Dash sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species morphologically allied to B. handelii Irmsch. and B. tessaricarpa C.B.Clarke, but distinguished by its dense, long, red to brown hispid hairs on the adaxial leaf surfaces of female plants (versus glabrescent in B. handelii, and puberulous in B. tessaricarpa), and its significantly longer petioles, measuring 40–50 cm (versus up to 25 cm in B. handelii and 14–31 cm in B. tessaricarpa). It is further characterized by caducous stipules and bracts (versus persistent in both B. handelii and B. tessaricarpa) and male flowers with 40–60 stamens (versus 70–100 in B. handelii, and 12–20 in B. tessaricarpa). Additionally, female inflorescences are solitary-flowered (versus 2–4-flowered in B. handelii and 2–5-flowered in B. tessaricarpa) and the fruit is 4-winged (versus 4-ridged in B. handelii, and 4-horned in B. tessaricarpa).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘quadricornualata' refers to the unique development of the four ovary horns into four distinct wings on the fruit. The name is derived from the Latin ‘quattuor' (four), ‘cornu' (horn), and ‘alatus' (winged).

Rohan Maity, Umeshkumar L. Tiwari and Sudhansu Sekhar Dash. 2026. Begonia quadricornualata sp. nov. (Begoniaceae) from India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05000 [07 July 2026] 

[Botany • 2022] Gentiana ranae (Gentianaceae) • A New Species from Himachal Pradesh, India revealed by morphology and molecular phylogeny

Gentiana ranae M.Shabir & M.D.Dwivedi, 

in Shabir, Pal, Dwivedi et Tiwari, 2022.

 Rheedea. 32(1);  

rheedea.in/IAAT/article/view/898 

 

Abstract 

A new species of the genus Gentiana, G. ranae sp. nov., from Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh (India) is described here. The species shows morphological resemblances with G. glauca Pall. and G. venusta Wall. of sect. Monopodiae, but differs in key morphological characters such as a stem with 4–6 fine lines, upper stem leaves more densely enveloping the inflorescence, a light blue corolla with margins of the corolla lobes scabrous to crenulate, horizontally truncate plicae, dentate to erose margins, and ovate to sub-orbicularseeds. Along with the morphological characters the species is supported as a new member of sect. Monopodiae in a molecular phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast trnL-F intergenic-spacer regions. The species is described, illustrated and discussed.

Keywords: cpDNA trnL-F, Gentiana glauca, nrDNA ITS, sect. Monopodiae, western Himalaya

 

Gentiana ranae M.Shabir & M.D.Dwivedi:
b. Flowering plant; c. Habit; d. Seeds

 (Photos by Mohd Shabir).

Gentiana ranae M.Shabir & M.D.Dwivedi: a. Habitat

 (Photos by Mohd Shabir).

Gentiana ranae sp. nov.

Shabir M., Pal A.K., Dwivedi M.D. and J.K. Tiwari. 2022. Gentiana ranae (Gentianaceae), A New Species from India revealed by morphology and molecular phylogeny.  Rheedea. 32(1); 30-45. DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2022.32.01.01 https://rheedea.in/IAAT/article/view/898