[Botany • 2026] Curcuma koonmeeana (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Hitcheniopsis) • A New endemic Species from Central Thailand

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, 

in S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Boonma, Ruannakarn, Junsongduang et Setyawan. 2026.  

กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Abstract

Continued botanical exploration in previously insufficiently surveyed areas of Saraburi Province, Central Thailand, revealed an undescribed member of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis. This study aimed to formally describe the taxon, assess its morphological distinctiveness, evaluate its phenetic relationships, and provide a preliminary conservation assessment. Morphological observations were based on living and freshly collected material, herbarium specimens, protologues, and comparative taxonomic sources. Phenetic relationships among 11 taxa were assessed using 34 morphological characters, the Gower coefficient, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The new species, Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, is distinguished from morphologically allied taxa by a unique combination of fertile-bract architecture, poorly developed coma bracts, well-exserted flowers, labellum morphology and indumentum, yellow markings, and anther-crest configuration. Phenetic analyses summarized overall morphological relationships among the sampled taxa, with Curcuma charanii Boonma & Saensouk showing the greatest Gower similarity to C. koonmeeana. The species is currently known from two populations along the same limestone mountain range and is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1). Its recognition increases the known native diversity of subgen. Hitcheniopsis in Thailand to 31 taxa, comprising 30 species and one natural hybrid. The discovery highlights the continuing value of targeted botanical exploration and the need for habitat and population conservation.

Keywords: Curcuma; Hitcheniopsis; limestone; phenetic analysis; Phra Phutthabat; Saraburi; taxonomy

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.:
(a) Habit. (b) Thyrse with flowers. (c) Front view of flower. (d,e) Coma bracts. (f) Lateral view of fertile bract. (g) Fertile bract. (h) Front view of anther. (i) Lateral view of anther. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Dorsal corolla lobe. (l) Lateral corolla lobes. (m) Cincinnus with bracteole and flower. (n) Lateral staminodes. (o) Labellum. (p) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma koonmeeana is morphologically most similar to C. charanii in having short, non-creeping rhizome branches, glabrous laminae and fertile bracts, exserted flowers, and similarly coloured lateral staminodes, but differs in having an internally pale-yellow rhizome (vs. ivory), globose to subglobose tuberous roots (vs. fusiform), undulate lamina margins (vs. entire), fertile bracts with the lower ones obtrullate and the upper ones rhomboid to lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate), longer, well-exserted flowers (vs. exserted), narrower lateral staminodes with a broadly obtuse to occasionally acute apex (vs. broader, with a rounded apex), a larger, deeply bilobed labellum with a V-shaped sinus c. 8 mm deep (vs. emarginate, with a sinus 4–5 mm deep), and a white filament (vs. pale purple)  

Etymology: The specific epithet “koonmeeana” is named in honor of Mrs. Koonmee Saensouk, in recognition of her invaluable support and contributions behind the study of Zingiberaceae diversity in Thailand.   "กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี"

Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Prasert Ruannakarn, Auemporn Junsongduang and Ahmad Dwi Setyawan. 2026. Continued Botanical Exploration Uncovers A New endemic Species of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from Central Thailand. Life. 16(10), 1623. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623 [28 September 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Typhonium gonos • A New Species from Northern Thailand and a new synonym [Studies on Typhonium (Araceae: Areae) of Thailand VII]

 

 Typhonium gonos K.Z.Hein & Saensouk, 

in Hein, P. Saensouk, Rakarcha, Warseno et S. Saensouk, 2026.

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2214 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

Typhonium gonos K.Z.Hein & Saensouk is described and illustrated as a species new to science, restricted to Permian limestone in Phrae Province, Northern Thailand, and compared with its probable closest congener, T. sinhabaedyae Hett. & A.Galloway from Tak Province. In addition, T. pusillum Sookch., V.D.Nguyen & Hett. is newly synonymized under T. gagnepainii J.Murata & Sookch.

Keyword: Aroideae, heterotypic synonym, Indochina, Northern Thailand, permian limestone, plant taxonomy

 Typhonium gonos sp. nov.
 A. Flowering individuals in habitat. B. Plants in habitat showing leaf blade variation within a population.

Photos by T. Uttarapong.

 Typhonium gonos sp. nov.
A. Excavated flowering plant. B. Leaf blade showing abaxial surface. C. Side view of anthomorph at pistillate anthesis. D. Front view of anthomorph at pistillate anthesis. E. Side view of anthomorph at pistillate anthesis (nearside spathe artificially removed to expose the spadix).

Scale bars: A–B.=3 cm, C–E.=5 mm. Photos by T. Sangchun and K.Z. Hein.

Detail of the spadices, each showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, staminate zone and base of appendix (the near side of the spathe artificially removed).
A. Typhonium gonos sp. nov. B. T. sinhabaedyae.

Scale bars: A-B = 5 mm. Photos by T. Sangchun and K.Z. Hein.

Typhonium gonos K.Z.Hein & Saensouk, sp. nov. 

 Type: THAILAND. Northern: Phrae Province, Long District, Ta Pha Mok Subdistrict, elev. ca. 260 m, 11 May 2026, T. Uttarapong 001 (holotype: ! [spirit collection]; isotype: VMSU! [spirit collection]). 

Diagnosis: Typhonium gonos most closely resembles T. sinhabaedyae Hett. & A.Galloway (Fig. 3B) in its anthomorph, but differs in having a sterile interstice bearing distantly arranged staminodes only in the middle portion, with the lower and upper portions naked (vs. tightly arranged staminodes restricted to the lower part of the sterile interstice immediately above the pistillate zone in T. sinhabaedyae), and a stigma narrower than the ovary narrower than the ovary (vs. wider than the ovary in T. sinhabaedyae).

Etymology: The specific epithet gonos is derived from the Greek γόνος (gonos), meaning seed, semen, or seminal fluid, in allusion to the odour reminiscent of seminal fluid emitted by the anthomorph during pistillate anthesis, and is used as a noun in apposition. 

Details of the spadices of Typhonium gagnepainii showing variation in the shape of the staminodes (A.–C. All specimens originally collected from the same locality).

Scale bars: A-C = 5 mm. Photos by K.Z. Hein.

Khant Zaw Hein, Piyaporn Saensouk, Sarayut Rakarcha, Tri Warseno and Surapon Saensouk. 2026. Studies on Typhonium (Araceae — Areae) of Thailand VII: A New Species and a new synonym.  Taiwania. 71(4); 643-648. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.643 [12 August 2026]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2214

  Researchgate.net/publication/412535832_Studies_on_Typhonium_of_Thailand_VII_A_new_species 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/1471319618352058

[Botany • 2026] Typhonium mukdahanense • A New Species (Araceae) from Northeastern Thailand

 

Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom,

in Promprom, Munglue, Phannasri et Chatan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life1608

Abstract

Typhonium is one of the most species-rich genera of Araceae in tropical Asia, with north-eastern Thailand representing an important but still incompletely documented area of diversity. During botanical surveys in northeastern Thailand, an unusual population of Typhonium was discovered in mixed deciduous forest and dry evergreen forest at 300–400 m elevation. Detailed morphological study of living plants and herbarium specimens, together with comparisons with relevant protologues, regional floras, and recently described species, confirmed that this population represents a species new to science. It is here described as Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov. The new species is morphologically most similar to T. fornicatum, but differs by its taller habit, larger hastate to trisect leaf blades, more numerous primary lateral veins, larger and nearly symmetrical spathe tube, triangular reflexed spathe limb, dark red stigma with a cream-colored depressed center, sterile interstice bearing 10–14 staminodes arranged in two whorls, slightly curved and not spreading–declinate appendix, and pyriform mottled berries. It also differs from T. acetosella by its broader leaf blades, reflexed triangular spathe limb, dark red stigma, and pyriform fruits. The new species is currently known only from the type locality and is therefore provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. A detailed description, diagnosis, information on distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status, and an identification key to morphologically similar species are provided.

Keywords: aroid; Indochina; nomenclature; plant diversity

Typhonium mukdahanense.
 (A, B) Habitat and habit under natural field conditions; (C–F) Habit of cultivated plants; (G) Whole plant.

 Typhonium mukdahanense.
 (A) Tuber and roots; (B,E) Leaf blades (adaxial surfaces); (C,D,F) Leaf blades (abaxial surfaces).

 Typhonium mukdahanense.
 (A) Basal portion of the spadix showing the pistillate zone, staminodes, and sterile interstice; (B) Appendix; (C) Enlarged view of the pistillate zone, staminodes, and sterile interstice; (D) Pistils; (E) Enlarged view of a pistil; (F) Staminate zone; (G,H) Stamens in top and lateral views, respectively.

 Typhonium mukdahanense.
(A, B) Naturally damaged infructescence in the field;
(C, D) Infructescence before and after longitudinal sectioning.

Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov., is most similar to Typhonium fornicatum in its clustered leaves and small inflorescences, but differs by its taller habit (up to 18 cm vs. up to 10 cm tall); larger hastate to trisect leaf blades (8–12 × 6.5–9.5 cm vs. 5.0–6.5 × 2.6–2.8 cm); more numerous primary lateral veins (5–8 vs. 3–4 per side of the midrib); larger and nearly symmetrical spathe tube (12–15 mm long vs. 8–9 mm long); triangular reflexed spathe limb with the adaxial surface facing upwards (vs. lanceolate and fornicate); longer spadix (9.5–10 cm vs. ca. 7 cm long); stigma dark red with a cream-colored depressed center (vs. white); sterile interstice bearing 10–14 staminodes arranged in two whorls (vs. only three staminodes arranged in single whorl); appendix slightly curved and not spreading-declinate (vs. spreading-declinate); and pyriform berries irregularly mottled or speckled with reddish- to purplish-brown markings (vs. clavate berries with darker brown mottling). A detailed morphological comparison between the new species and its most similar species is provided in Table 1.

...

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to its type locality, Mukdahan Province, in northeastern Thailand.

 Wilawan Promprom, Phukphon Munglue, Chuthep Phannasri and Wannachai Chatan. 2026. Discovery of Typhonium mukdahanense (Araceae), a New Species from Northeastern Thailand. Life. 16(8), 1376. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16081376 [20 August 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Boesenbergia calcicola (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from limestone karst, Northeastern Thailand

 

 Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk,

 in Boonma, S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Ruengrit, Srisuk, Ruannakarn et Naing, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16091480

Abstract

Limestone karst habitats in tropical Asia support specialized and geographically restricted plant diversity, yet many areas remain incompletely explored. During botanical surveys of limestone habitats in northeastern Thailand, a distinctive, yellow-flowered population of Boesenbergia was discovered in Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province. Morphological observations were conducted on living plants in the natural population and spirit-preserved material, supplemented by comparisons with protologues, published descriptions, and herbarium material. Patterns of phenetic similarity among ten selected Boesenbergia taxa were evaluated using 32 morphological characters, Gower distance, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The population is described here as Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov. It is morphologically most comparable to B. petiolata but differs by its conspicuously exserted inflorescence, shorter bracts and flowers, distally puberulent floral tube, smaller puberulent lateral staminodes, and distinctive labellum color pattern. Phenetic analyses were used to summarize patterns of overall morphological similarity among the examined taxa. The species is currently known only from its limestone type locality at approximately 385 m a.s.l. and is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD). This discovery further documents localized Boesenbergia diversity associated with limestone karst habitats in northeastern Thailand.

Keywords: Boesenbergia; karst; limestone; new species; northeastern; taxonomy; Thailand

 Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.
 (a,b) Habit in natural habitat. (c) Dissected rhizome and tuberous root. (d) Lateral view of flower. (e) Dorsal corolla lobe. (f) Lateral view of corolla lobe. (g) Lateral staminodes. (h) Calyx and ovary. (i) Floral tube and stamen with calyx and ovary. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Front view of ovary. (l) Bract. (m) Bracteole. (n) Ovary with epigynous glands. (o) Labellum, flattened under a glass plate to show its fully expanded shape.

Photographs (a,b) by Mukdamas Ruengrit and (c–o) by Thawatphong Boonma.

Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk

Diagnosis. Boesenbergia calcicola is morphologically similar to B. petiolata Sirirugsa in having a terminal inflorescence, lanceolate bracts, a broadly ovate to nearly orbicular labellum when flattened, and an anther crest absent, but differs by its inflorescence conspicuously exserted beyond the leafy shoot (vs. enclosed within or only shortly exserted from the upper leaf sheaths), shorter bracts, 1.5–2.5 cm long (vs. 3–4 cm long), shorter flowers, 2.0–2.5 cm long in lateral projection (vs. c. 4 cm long), a shorter calyx, 3.2–4.8 mm long (vs. c. 5 mm long), a floral tube 1.5–2.5 cm long and sparsely puberulent ...

Etymology: The specific epithet “calcicola” is derived from the Latin calx (genitive calcis), meaning “lime” or “limestone”, and -cola, meaning “dweller”, referring to the occurrence of the species on limestone substrates in Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand.

 Thawatphong Boonma, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Mukdamas Ruengrit, Pathomthat Srisuk, Prasert Ruannakarn and Min Khant Naing. 2026. Further Botanical Exploration of Limestone Karst Habitats in Northeastern Thailand Reveals a New Yellow-Flowered Species of Boesenbergia Kuntze (Zingiberaceae). Life. 2026, 16(9), 1480; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16091480 [4 September 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Breynia aberrans (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllantheae) • A New and exceptional Species from southwestern Thailand

 

 Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane, 

in Bouman, R.W.; van Welzen, P.C. et Tagane, S. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.03

 

Abstract

Based on molecular and morphological data a new species of Breynia, Breynia aberrans, is described from Kaeng Krachan National Park (SW Thailand), along the Thai border with Myanmar. An earlier published phylogenetic reconstruction of two nuclear (ITS, PHYC) and three chloroplast markers (matK, accD-psaI, trnS-trnG) placed the new species in Breynia subgenus Sauropus. Typical are the asperities along the branches on one side, the shape of the leaf blades and the pistillate flowers with a long-ovoid ovary ending in a sturdy style and three upright stigmas. This type of pistillate flower is rather unique within Breynia and almost certainly not pollinated by Epicephala moths.

Keywords: Asperities; Breynia; New species; Phyllantheae; Pistillate flowers; Pollination

Drawing of  Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane. 
a. Habit. b. Young staminate inflorescence. c. Pistillate inflorescence, note the single row of asperities. d. Fruit columella (D.J. Middleton, C. Hemrat, S. Lindsay, S. Suddee & S. Suwanachat 1715, L).

Illustration by Hilde Orye, 2026.

 Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane.
a. Habit showing the regularly spaced leaves along the branchlets. b. Detail of the underside of leaves. c. Pistillate flowers hanging under the branchlets. Photos by Shuichiro Tagane.

Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane, sp. nov. 

 Shrub, monoecious, with phyllanthoid branching. Staminate flowers (young): tepals 6, 3 inner slightly infolded, scales lacking, stamens 3, filaments likely united into androphore, anthers large, along androphore, overtopping latter. Pistillate flowers: tepals 6, disc lacking, ovary ovoid spindle-shaped, style distinct, stigmas 3, upright, spreading, bifid in upper part, apices somewhat recurved and flattened

Etymology — The epithet refers to the aberrant ovary shape, so far unknown within Breynia. 

Vernacular name — ใต้ใบ (tai bai).  

Bouman, R.W.; van Welzen, P.C. and Tagane, S. 2026. A New and exceptional Species of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae, Phyllantheae) from southwestern Thailand. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.03 [September 1, 2026]

[Botany • 2024] Curcuma roseobracteata (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

   

 Curcuma roseobracteata  P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Maknoi, Nguyen et Boonma, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250807

Researchgate.net/publication/383849598

Abstract  

Curcuma roseobracteata P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma sp. nov., a newly identified species within the Curcuma subgenus Curcuma of the Zingiberaceae family, has been found in the northern and southwestern floristic regions of Thailand, distributed in Mae Hong Son, Tak, and Kanchanaburi Provinces. This new species shares similarities with C. rubrobracteata Škorni?ková, M. Sabu & Prasanthkumar, and C. suraponii Boonma, but differentiated by its lemon yellow rhizome; leaves base broadly cuneate to rounded, or cordate, abaxial surface with scattered hairs; thyrse oblong ovoid; fertile bracts obovate, rose pink with a pale green base; coma bracts inconspicuous, with 1-4 in number; bracteoles apex rounded with short mucronate; filament c. 3 × 6 mm; anther c. 8.5 × 3.5 mm; epigynous glands c. 4.5 mm long; ovary 2.5-3 × 2.5 mm. The new taxon is formally described here, detailing its morphological characteristics, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, and distribution, which includes updates on the presence of C. suraponii, previously recorded only in Tak Province, but now also observed in Mae Hong Son Province. The study includes an IUCN conservation assessment based on recent collections and presents a revised taxonomic key to differentiate the new species from its relatives. 

Curcuma roseobracteata P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma sp. nov. 

Piyaporn SAENSOUK, Surapon SAENSOUK, Charun MAKNOI, Danh Duc NGUYEN and Thawatphong BOONMA. 2024. Curcuma roseobracteata sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand and Distribution Notes on C. suraponii Boonma. Biodiversitas 25: 3368-3375. DOI: doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250807 

Researchgate.net/publication/383849598_Curcuma_roseobracteata_sp_nov_a_new_species_from_Thailand

ว่านงูเห่าชมพู (𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙤𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙖 P.Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma) พืชสกุลขมิ้นชนิดใหม่จากจังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน ตาก และกาญจนบุรี ตีพิมพ์ในวารสารระดับนานาชาติ Biodiversitas 25(8): 3368-3375. DOI: doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250807

[Botany • 2026] Typhonium boonmae • A New Species from central Thailand [Studies on Typhonium (Araceae: Areae) of Thailand VI]

 Typhonium boonmae K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk & Saensouk,

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Hein, Rakarcha et Chanthavongsa, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05154

Abstract

A species new to science, Typhonium boonmae K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk and Saensouk, is described and illustrated from Saraburi and Lop Buri Provinces, central Thailand. A detailed description, color plates, comparisons with similar taxa, phenology, distribution, ecology, and a preliminary conservation status assessment are provided.

Keywords: colluvial deposit, Indochina, pedatisect leaf blade, Typhonium bognerianum, Typhonium watanabei

Typhonium boonmae sp. nov. 
(A) Excavated flowering individuals, (B) leaf blade of mature leaf (left showing adaxial surface, right showing abaxial surface), (C) leaf blade of first seasonal leaf (left showing adaxial surface, right showing abaxial surface), (D) leaf blade of juvenile leaf (left showing adaxial surface, right showing abaxial surface), (E) inflorescence at pistillate anthesis (left showing front view, middle showing back view, right showing side view), (F) spadix at pistillate anthesis (nearside of spathe artificially removed), (G) detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, and staminate zone (nearside of spathe artificially removed).

Scale bars: (A) = 5 cm, (B), (C), (E), and (F) = 2 cm, (D) = 1 cm, (G) = 5 mm. 

Photos by T. Boonma and K. Z. Hein.

Typhonium boonmae K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk & Saensouk sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species similar to T. bognerianum J.Murata and Sookch. (Hetterscheid et al. 2001) (Fig. 3A) and T. watanabei J.Murata, Sookch. and Hett. (Murata et al. 2002) (Fig. 3C) in having pedatisect leaf blades with five to seven narrowly linear lobes and similar inflorescence morphology. Typhonium boonmae differs from T. bognerianum by having a stigma narrower than the ovary (versus stigma wider than the ovary), staminodes arranged in a single whorl accompanied by an upper incomplete whorl (versus staminodes arranged in 6–7 whorls), and a sessile appendix (versus stipitate appendix). Typhonium boonmae differs from T. watanabei by having filiform staminodes with acute apices (versus clavate-fusiform staminodes with obtuse or rounded apices), a staminate zone diameter equal to the diameter of the appendix at its base (versus appendix base wider than staminate zone), and a pale yellow to pinkish-orange appendix (versus blackish-grey appendix).

Typhonium boonmae sp. nov. (A) Mature flowering individuals in a clump in situ, (B) inflorescences in situ, left one at post-staminate anthesis and right one at pistillate anthesis.

Photos by T. Boonma and K. Z. Hein.

Details of spadices of Typhonium species with pedatisect leaf blades having narrowly linear lobes (spathe artificially removed).
(A) T. bognerianum, (B) T. boonmae sp. nov., (C) T. watanabei, (D) T. vietnamense, (E) T. lineare, (F) T. pallescens, (G) T. edule.

Photos by K. Z. Hein ((A), (B), (C), (F) and (G), Nguyen Van Canh (D), and Vuong Ba Truong (E)).

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Khant Zaw Hein, Sarayut Rakarcha and Khamfa Chanthavongsa. 2026. Studies on Typhonium (Araceae – Areae) of Thailand VI: Typhonium boonmae sp. nov. from central Thailand. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05154 [31 August 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species of the Bisulcata group from northern Thailand and southwest China

  

Didiclis pseudobisulcata  X.M.Zhou & Liang Zhang,

in Gong, Hu, Pollawatn, Chantanaorrapint, Wang, Zhang et Zhou. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204624

Abstract

Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Lycopodioidoideae, Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte species from northern Thailand and southwest China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is similar to D. bisulcata but can be reliably distinguished by its dorsal leaves on branches with an arista often more than 3/4 of the leaf length, the densely ciliolate base of the dorsal sporophyll pteryx, and megaspores with subreticulate exospore ornamentation. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and rbcL sequences supports this species as an independent clade. The ITS sequences revealed more than 42 nucleotide differences between the new species and other members of the Bisulcata group, providing clear molecular evidence for its separation from its closest relatives.

Key words: Asia, Lycopodioidoideae, megaspore and microspore, phylogeny

Field photographs of Didiclis pseudobisulcata.
 A, B. Plant in its natural habitat; C. Dorsal view of stems and branches with strobili; D. Ventral view of stems and branches with strobili; E. Dorsal view of strobilus; F. Ventral view of strobilus; G. Dorsal view of a portion of the main stem, showing ventral and dorsal leaves; H. Dorsal view of a portion of a branch, showing ventral and dorsal leaves; I. Ventral view of a portion of the main stem, showing axillary and ventral leaves; J. Ventral view of a portion of a branch, showing axillary and ventral leaves.

(from voucher: Liang Zhang, Xin-Mao Zhou, Lu-Yao Jiang, & Xu-Ke Han 5734).

Didiclis pseudobisulcata X.M.Zhou & Liang Zhang, sp. nov.

 Sheng-Rong Gong, Yu-Ping Hu, Rossarin Pollawatn, Sahut Chantanaorrapint, Wen Wang, Liang Zhang and Xin-Mao Zhou. 2026. Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Selaginellaceae), A New Species of the Bisulcata group from northern Thailand and southwest China. PhytoKeys. 278: 233-246. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204624

[Botany • 2026] Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae) • A New Species of Thismia sect. Geomitra from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence

 

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.,

in Seelanan, Chantapram, Taosiri, Chuchuea et Chantanaorrapint, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868

Abstract

A new species of Thismia from Thailand, Thismia daemona is described based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Morphological characters were examined from fresh and spirit materials using a stereo microscope. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on three nuclear (SSU, ITS, LSU) and two mitochondrial (atpA, matR) markers. The new species is characterized by coralliform roots, blackish flowers, reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, inner tepals forming a mitre with three slender claviform appendages, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with white translucent trichomes, and translucent blue stamens with recurved apex. Phylogenetic analyses support its placement within Thismia sect. Geomitra, with a sister relationship to T. betung-kerihunensis. In addition, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Key words: Achlorophyllous plants, conservation status, coralliform root, endemic species

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.
A. Underground part showing hairy roots; B. Above-ground shoots with flowers; C. Top view of mitre showing irregular papillose surface; D. Side view of flower showing outer lobe; E. Longitudinal section of floral tube showing inner surface, three stamens, stylar column and styles; F. Epidermal cells of transversal bar; G. Stamens outer view. H. Stylar column and styles.

Photographed by N. Taosiri (B, C, E, G, H) and C. Chuchuea (A, D, F).

Locality and habitats of Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.
A. Distribution map; B–D. Habitats; arrowheads indicate plants of T. daemona; E. Plants in natural habitat. Photographed by C. Chuchuea (B–D) and N. Taosiri (E).

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Thismia daemona is somewhat similar morphologically to T. limkokthayi, but differs in having reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, outer surface of mitre covered with irregular papillae, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with translucent white trichomes, translucent blue stamens, and absence of mitre foveae.

Habitat and ecology. Thismia daemona was found growing amongst leaf litter, under shade of lower montane forest with small bamboo, at elevations 950–970 m.

 Tosak Seelanan, Isareyakorn Chantapram, Neeranuch Taosiri, Chanachon Chuchuea and Sahut Chantanaorrapint. 2026. Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 278: 177-189. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868 [17-08-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote,

in Choopan et Grote, 2026.

เข็มฉัตร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12

Abstract

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), a new species known only from Thailand, is here described and illustrated. It is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous and by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm long. Comparison of morphological characteristics are provided.

Keywords: conservation status, flora, morphology, taxonomy 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A. habit; B. flower; C. pistil and stamens; D. fruits; E. seeds.

(Drawn by Sunitsorn Pimpasalee).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A.-C. flowers; D. puberulous calyx and glabrous pistil; E. dried fruit and seeds; F. seeds; G. lower surface of leaf; H. & J. inflorescences; I. infructescence.

 (Photographed by Thiamhathai Choopan).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote, sp. nov.  

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by the inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous, by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm, and by capsule 3–3.5 cm long instead of 2–2.5 cm.

Thiamhathai Choopan and Paul Grote. 2026. Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 122-127. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12 [17 August 2026]
เข็มฉัตร พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก จากเขาสอยดาว จ.จันทบุรี

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron trichopetalum & R. yalaense (Ericaceae) • Two New Species, Three New Records and Taxonomic Notes of Rhododendron in Thailand

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph.
 

 in Tubtamat, Watthana, Hodkinson et Suwanphakdee, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.10

Photographed by M. Tubtamat and C. Suwanphakdee.

Abstract

Two new species, Rhododendron trichopetalum and R. yalaense, from Peninsular Thailand, are described and illustrated. Three new records of R. jasminiflorum, R. klossii and R. robinsonii are newly reported for Thailand, and R. klossii is herein reinstated. Lectotypifications were designated where required and an updated key to species, modified from the Flora of Thailand, is provided.

Keywords: anatomical features, Ericaceae, plant taxonomy, pollen morphology, Flora of Thailand

Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph.
A. flowering branch; B. flowers; C. hairs on corolla tube; D. basal filament with hairs; E. anther; F. ovary; G. stigma; H. capsule.

Photographed by C. Suwanphakdee and M. Tubtamat.

Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph., sp. nov.

This species is similar to Rhododendron javanicum subsp. teysmannii (Miq.) Argent, however, R. trichopetalum lacks hairs on lower leaf surfaces (vs sparsely hairy or glandular-verruculose in R. javanicum subsp. teysmannii), with the corolla tube being sparsely hairy outside (vs glabrous), and the larger capsule 2.3–2.5 cm long (vs 3.7–8 cm long).

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph.
A. habit; B. scales on lower leaf surface; C. inflorescence; D. ovary; E. stigma; F. capsule.

Photographed by M. Tubtamat and C. Suwanphakdee.

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph., sp. nov.

This new species is similar to Rhododendron rarilepidotum J.J.Sm., endemic to Indonesia, but differs by having petioles without grooves (vs with grooves in R. rarilepidotum), corolla 3.1–3.6 cm long (vs 2–2.5 cm long), pale orange with 2.1–3.0 cm long filaments (vs purplish, dark red or white, 0.9–1.0 cm long), yellow anthers (vs purplish) and cylindrical capsule (vs fusiform capsule).

Maneenuch Tubtamat, Santi Watthana, Trevor R. Hodkinson and Chalermpol Suwanphakdee. 2026. Two New Species, Three New Records and Taxonomic Notes of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 92–116. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.10 [2026-08-10] 

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กุหลาบฮาลา และ กุหลาบเพลิงภักดิ์: กุหลาบพันปีชนิดใหม่ของโลก

facebook.com/BotanyKU/posts/1514419747153693 

👩🏻‍💼น.ส. มณีนุช ทับทะมาตย์ นิสิตปริญญาโท ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ ค้นพบกุหลาบพันปี  ชนิดใหม่ของโลก 2 ชนิด 

🔬การค้นพบนี้เป็นผลงานวิจัยในระดับปริญญาโท ภายใต้การดูแลของ รศ. ดร. เฉลิมพล สุวรรณภักดี ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์, รศ. ดร. สันติ  วัฒฐานะ สาขาวิชาชีววิทยา สำนักวิชาวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีสุรนารี และ Prof. Dr. Trevor R. Hodkinson จากทรินิตี้คอลเลจ มหาวิทยาลัยแห่งกรุงดับลิน ประเทศไอร์แลนด์ ซึ่งตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่ในวารสาร 🌱Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) 🌱 ซึ่งกุหลาบพันปีทั้ง 2 ชนิด ประกอบด้วย

1. Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph. ชื่อไทย กุหลาบฮาลา พบที่จังหวัดนราธิวาส  ดอกมีสีเหลืองเข้ม กลีบดอกเป็นเอกลักษณ์ และเจริญเติบโตแบบพืชอิงอาศัยในป่าดิบชื้น ความโดดเด่นของลักษณะดอกและการปรับตัวต่อสภาพแวดล้อม ทำให้มีศักยภาพในการใช้เป็นแหล่งพันธุกรรมสำหรับการปรับปรุงพันธุ์ไม้ดอกประดับในอนาคต

2. Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph. ชื่อไทย กุหลาบเพลิงภักดิ์ พบที่จังหวัดยะลา ดอกมีสีส้มเข้ม ออกเป็นช่อค่อนข้างแน่น และเจริญเติบโตแบบพืชอิงอาศัย ด้วยลักษณะดอกที่โดดเด่นและสีสันสวยงาม จึงมีศักยภาพในการพัฒนาเป็นไม้ดอกประดับในอนาคต ควบคู่กับการอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรพันธุกรรมของพืชพื้นถิ่นไทย