[Botany • 2026] Aspidistra huashuishanensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

Aspidistra huashuishanensis C.R. Lin, Y.H. Tong & Y.Q. Li, 

in Tong, Chen, Huang, Li, Wan et Lin, 2026.

滑水山蜘蛛抱蛋  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2182

Abstract

Aspidistra huashuishanensis, a new species from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to A. daqingshanensis in shape and color of leaves and flowers, but can be distinguished by urceolate perianth tube, perianth lobes suberect or slightly recurved, purplish red, ovate-triangular, acuminate or obtuse at apex, and upper surface of stigma with dense small papillae. The new species is currently only known from the type locality in northern Guangdong. Detailed colour plates and data on morphology, ecology, phenology and distribution of the new species are also provided.

Keyword: Aspidistra daqingshanensis, Aspidistra triradiata, Huashuishan City-level Nature Reserve, new taxon

Aspidistra huashuishanensis sp. nov.
 A. Habit; B. Flowers; C. Flowering plant; D-E. Flower side view; F. Fruit; G. Flower longitudinally dissected showing stamens and pistil (8-merous); H. Flower longitudinally dissected showing stamens and pistil (6- merous); I. Pistil; J. Stigma top view (8-merous); K. Stigma top view (6-merous); L. Stigma bottom view (6-merous).

Aspidistra huashuishanensis C.R. Lin, Y.H. Tong & Y.Q. Li, sp. nov. 

滑水山蜘蛛抱蛋

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to A. daqingshanensis Y.L. Pan & C.R. Lin in shape and color of leaves and flowers, but can be distinguished by urceolate perianth tube, perianth lobes suberect or slightly recurved, purplish red, ovate-triangular, acuminate or obtuse at apex, and upper surface of stigma with dense small papillae. 

Yi-Hua Tong, Shu-Yan Chen, Hai-Jian Huang, Yuan-Qiu Li, Xin-Yu Wan and Chun-Rui Lin. 2026. Aspidistra huashuishanensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. Taiwania. 71(2); 390 - 393. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.390 [20 April 2026] 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2182

[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria similis • A New Species of Calamaria (Serpentes: Calamariidae) from southern China, previously confused with Calamaria pavimentata

 

Calamaria similis

Qi, Nguyen, Yang, Xu, David, Shi, Liu, Rong, Korolev, Poyarkov & Wang, 2026 

Similar Reed Snake | 拟尖尾两头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.187107  

 Abstract

Calamaria pavimentata Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was originally described from Java Island, Indonesia, yet specimens from southern China, particularly Guangxi, have long been referred to this species based on general morphological resemblance. Herein, the taxonomic status of Chinese populations previously referred to as Calamaria pavimentata is re-evaluated using an integrative approach combining morphological data and mitochondrial DNA analyses, based on four specimens from Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, and Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic analyses recover the Chinese specimens as a distinct and well-supported lineage within Calamaria. Notably, the Guangdong and Guangxi populations exhibit a relatively high intraspecific mitochondrial divergence (uncorrected p-distance = 10.78% based on the cytochrome b gene), despite the absence of consistent diagnostic morphological differences. Although mitochondrial DNA data from topotypic C. pavimentata, are currently unavailable, the observed morphological differences, together with the pronounced geographic disjunction between Java and southern China, support the recognition of the Chinese population as a distinct species, herein described as Calamaria similis sp. nov. from Guangdong and Guangxi, China. Detailed morphological examinations reveal that Calamaria similis sp. nov. differs from C. pavimentata and all of its currently recognized synonyms by having higher ventral scale counts in females, fewer subcaudal scales in males (but slightly more in females), a smaller maximum total length in males, and a shorter relative tail length in both sexes. Our results highlight the need for renewed field surveys in Java Island, Indonesia to rediscover C. pavimentata sensu stricto, and emphasize that other populations previously identified as C. pavimentata should be re-evaluated using integrative taxonomic approaches.

Key words: Calamaria similis sp. nov., Guangdong, Guangxi, integrative taxonomy, morphology, mtDNA, species complex

Calamaria similis sp. nov., adult male (SYS r001816, holotype) in preserved.
A. Dorsal view of body; B. Ventral view of body; C. Dorsal view of head; D. Ventral view of head; E. Lateral view of head, right side; F. Dorsal view of tail (posterior body). Photographs by Shuo Qi.

Calamaria similis sp. nov., in life, from Yangchun, Yangjiang, Guangdong, China.
A–C. Adult male (SYS r001816, holotype); A. Dorsal view of body; B. Anterior view of body; C. Ventral view of body; D–H. Not collected, sex undetermined; D. Dorsal view of body; E. Anterolateral view of body; F. Dorsal view of tail; G. Ventral view of head; H. Ventral view of body (cloacal region).

Photographs by Jing-Jian Liu.

Calamaria similis sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet similis is a Latin adjective meaning similar, referring to the strong morphological resemblance of this species to Calamaria pavimentata. This similarity has resulted in the species being previously misidentified and treated as C. pavimentata in numerous earlier studies (e.g., Yang and Zheng 2018). 

We propose the following common names for the new species: “Similar Reed Snake” (English), “拟尖尾两头蛇” (nĬ jiān wěi liăng tóu shé, Chinese), “Rắn mai gầm tương đồng” (Vietnamese), and “Сходная карликовая змея” (Skhodnaya karlikovaya zmeya, Russian).

Shuo Qi, Tan Van Nguyen, Jian-Huan Yang, Yu-Hao Xu, Patrick David, Jing-Song Shi, Jing-Jian Liu, Can-Zhong Rong, Alexey M. Korolev, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Ying-Yong Wang. 2026. A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata, Calamariidae) from southern China, previously confused with Calamaria pavimentata Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854. ZooKeys. 1277: 245-280. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.187107  [17 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Peliosanthes dawulingensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, Southern China

Peliosanthes dawulingensis  

in Ding, Xie, Le, Xiong, Fan, Sun et Feng, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.3.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/402637761

Abstract

This study announces the discovery of a new plant species, Peliosanthes dawulingensis, from the Dawuling Provincial Nature Reserve in Guangdong, China. It resembles P. cupuliformis in its annular corona with a broad, flat top but differs by its longer inflorescence, pedicellate and pendulous flowers, distinct cylindrical style, and half‑inferior ovary. It was found growing in well-drained soils on a sparsely wooded slope within a river valley. Its highly restricted range and small population size lead us to assess its conservation status as Critically Endangered.

Convallariaceae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy, Monocots, Yunkai Mountain

XIN DING, ZHI-YI XIE, ZUO-YU LI, QIN-DAI XIONG, QIANG FAN, YAN-JUN SUN and HUI-ZHE FENG. 2026. Peliosanthes dawulingensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, Southern China. Phytotaxa. 747(3); 289-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.3.5 [2026-03-18]

 Researchgate.net/publication/402637761_Peliosanthes_dawulingensis_a_new_species_from_Guangdong_Southern_China

[Herpetology • 2025] Quasipaa yunkaiensis • A New Species of the Genus Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Guangdong, China

Quasipaa yunkaiensis  

Qi, Lyu,  Song, Wang, Z. Li, Y. Li & Wang, 2025

云开棘蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0031 

Abstract

We herein describe a new species of spiny frog, Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. from Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, China. Morphological examination combined with mitochondrial (810 bp Cyt b) and nuclear (1 852 bp concatenated Rag2, Tyr, and Rhod) genetic data was used to test its distinctiveness within Quasipaa. Morphologically, the new species differs from other congeners by the following diagnostic characteristics: relatively large body size within Quasipaa; dorsal skin relatively smooth, having sparse tubercles; lacking spiny tubercles on the ventrolateral sides of the body; lacking keratinized spines in the ventral surface of the body, only present on prepollex, fingers I and II, in breeding males. Both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic results indicate that Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. constitutes a highly supported, deeply divergent lineage, but its precise phylogenetic placement within the genus Quasipaa remains unresolved. In view of the pronounced discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets within Quasipaa, we encourage future studies to use genome-wide data to improve phylogenetic resolution and to estimate species diversity more accurately.

 Keywords: mito-nuclear discordance, Paini, Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov., spiny frog, taxonomy

Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. in situ.
(A) holotype, SYS a008351, (B) paratype, SYS a008350.

Photos by Jian WANG.

The male holotype of Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. (SYS a008351) in life:
 (A) dorsolateral view, (B) dorsal view, (C) ventral view.

Photos by Shuo QI.

Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size large, SVL 89.1–113.8 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 95.7 mm in adult female (n = 1); (2) dorsal skin relatively smooth, with sparse tubercles; (3) without spiny tubercles on ventrolateral sides of body; (4) tympanum indistinct, margin blurred; (5) absence of dorsolateral folds; (6) hindlimbs rather long and stout, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching to tip of snout when leg stretched alongside body, heels overlapping when thighs flexed at right angles to body axis; (7) toes nearly entirely webbed, webbing formula: I 0 – 0 II 0 –0–III 0– – 1–IV 1– – 0 V, webbing incurved between tips of toes; (8) tarsal fold present; (9) vomerine teeth distinct, arranged between internal nares; (10) internal vocal sac present in males; (11) no keratinized spines on body ventral surface of breeding males, only present on prepollex, fingers I and II, forelimbs strongly hypertrophied; (12) colour in life: dorsal surface yellowish brown with large dark brown blotches, back of head with a dark brown transverse band, edges of the upper and lower lips with some brown blotches; some individuals with a pale yellow vertebral stripe.

Etymology: The specific epithet yunkaiensis refers to the type locality of this species, the Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve, Guangdong, China.

Suggested common name: “Yunkai Spiny Frog” in English and “云开棘蛙 (yún kāi jí wā)” in Chinese.

 

Habitat of Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. in the Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve.

Photo by Shuo QI.

  

Shuo QI, Zhitong LYU, Hanming SONG, Haotian WANG, Zhuoyu LI, Youyu LI and Yingyong WANG. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Guangdong, China. Asian Herpetological Research. 16(4); 319-330. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0031 [Nov 21, 2025]

  

 

The Yunkai Spiny Frog (Quasipaa yunkaiensis) is a newly described species discovered from the Yunkaishan Nature Reserve, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, China. This species inhabits montane stream environments within evergreen secondary forest at elevations between 1 200–1 550 m. It is currently only known from its type locality. Although mito-nuclear discordance has been reported in several species of the genus Quasipaa, both mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments consistently recover Q. yunkaiensis as a distinct evolutionary lineage. This new species was reported by Shuo QI et al. in this issue. This frog was drawn by Hanwen KANG and Timan YANG.

[Herpetology • 2026] Sphenomorphus lingnanensis • A New skink Species of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Central Guangdong, South China

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis

Guo, Zhong, Li, Xu, Wang, Li, Yu & Ji, 2026 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183764

Abstract

We collected nine specimens of the genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Liuxihe National Forest Park in central Guangdong, South China, which were found not to correspond to any currently recognized species. Here, we describe this new species, Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov., integrating morphological and mitochondrial DNA (COI and 16S rRNA) evidence. Phylogenetic analyses reveal the new species to be a sister taxon to S. indicus with uncorrected p-distances of 0.132 in COI and 0.021 in 16S rRNA. The p-distance in COI between the new species and S. indicus exceeds that between S. scutatus and S. solomonis (0.057), and the p-distance in 16S rRNA exceeds that between S. cyanolaemus and S. sabanus (0.005). Morphologically, this new species is distinguished from five congeners (including S. indicus) with comparable data by: (1) possessing 56–58 ventral scale rows (versus 65–69 in S. indicus); and (2) occupying a distinct position in the morphospace defined by the first two principal components derived from seven meristic variables. The description of S. lingnanensis sp. nov. raises the number of recognized Sphenomorphus species in China to nine. Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov. is currently known only from two proximate localities (approximately 5 km apart) in central Guangdong, where it is sympatric with the oviparous congener S. incognitus.

Key Words: Guangdong, mitochondrial DNA, morphology, new species, Scincidae, South China, Sphenomorphus, taxonomy

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov. from Central Guangdong, China.
The adult female holotype (A, WZULXHTXSP1), a juvenile paratype of (B, WZULXHTXSP2)

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov.
Close-up views of the adult female holotype (WZULXHTXSP1; left, from A1–D1) and
a juvenile paratype (WZULXHTXSP3; right, from A2–D2) 

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov.

 Kun Guo, Jun-Jie Zhong, Yi-Peng Li, Wang Xu, Wei-Min Wang, Yu-Dong Li, Xin-Fan Yu and Xiang Ji. 2026. A New skink Species of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Central Guangdong, South China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 411-420. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183764 [05 Mar 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Primulina taishanensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

 

Primulina taishanensis F.Wen & Yu Q.Chen, 

in Qian, Xin, Chen, Huang, Bai et Wen, 2026. 

台山报春苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10358-w

Summary

Primulina taishanensis F.Wen & Yu Q.Chen, a new species of Gesneriaceae, from Taishan County, Guangdong Province, China, is described. It is morphologically similar to P. dryas (Dunn) Mich.Möller & A.Weber in the cuneate leaf base, bract size, purple pubescent peduncle, pistil size and white glandular hairs on the ovary. It is clearly differentiated from that species by its acuminate leaf blade apex (vs obtuse in P. dryas); pedicels 8 – 25 mm long and purple glandular pilose (vs 30 – 50 mm long, densely white villous) and anthers that are reniform and deeply constricted at the middle, c. 2.5 mm long (vs fusiform, c. 4 mm long). A provisional conservation category of Vulnerable [VU D1], according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria is proposed.

Key Words: IUCN, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy.

   

Primulina taishanensis F.Wen & Yu Q.Chen sp. nov. 

Intraspecific flower colour variation in Primulina taishanensis.
Top row, front views; middle row, lateral view; bottom row, lateral view with corollas opened.

Etymology. “taishanensis” is Latinised from the pinyin and the suffix “-ensis” conveys “from the City of Taishan in Guangdong Province”, where the species was found.

Vernacular name. Tái Shān Bào Chūn Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation); 台山报春苣苔 (Chinese).

Xiao-Mao Qian, Zi-Bing Xin, Yu-Qiang Chen, Guan-Yun Huang, Xin-Xiang Bai and Fang Wen. 2026. Primulina taishanensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10358-w [23 February 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Peliosanthes chenmingsongii (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, Southwestern China

 

Peliosanthes chenmingsongii H.Z. Feng,

in Li, Pan, Sun, Yuan et Feng, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.3.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398377122

 

Abstract

Peliosanthes chenmingsongii is described and illustrated as a new species from southwestern China. The new species is morphologically closest to P. cupuliformis, but differs in its erect, woody and hard rhizome, longer petioles and larger leaf blades, more widely expanded flowers with recurved perianth segments, non-revolute margins and a horizontally inward-growing annular appendage in the corona. Careful comparisons with other closely related species are also made.

pistil, corona, Liliaceae, Peliosanthes cupuliformis, taxonomy

Peliosanthes chenmingsongii H.Z. Feng, sp. nov.

Xiao Hong LI, Xiang Ru PAN, Yi Fei SUN, Juan Juan YUAN and Hui Zhe FENG. 2025. Peliosanthes chenmingsongii (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, Southwestern China.  Phytotaxa. 732(3); 295-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.3.7 [2025-12-05] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398377122_Peliosanthes_chenmingsongii_a_new_species_from_Yunnan_China

[Botany • 2024] Peliosanthes yangchunensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

 

Peliosanthes yangchunensis  F.Z. Feng & W.B Liao,

 

in Feng, Wu, Zeng, Fan et Liao, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/381293293 

 

Abstract

A new species named Peliosanthes yangchunensis are described, which is endemic to Yangchun, western Guangdong, South China. The new species is closely related to P. macrostegia, but differs from the latter in that the flowers smaller, star-like and with strongly revolute, spreading and narrowly oblong tepals, style conical, ovary hexagonal in cross section, and fruit ovoid-globose, flower period September to October. Comparisons with other closely related species are also provided.

Asparagaceae, Peliosanthes, South China, western Guangdong, Monocots

Peliosanthes yangchunensis.
A. Habit; B & D. Inflorescence; C. Inflorescence & fruits; E & F. Flower, front view; G & H. Flower, views from side; I, J, K & L. Flower, longitudinally sectioned; L. Corona with three anthers; N. Corona, viewed from below; O. Basal portion of flower, with corona cross-sectioned; P. Basal portion of flower except corona and pistil; Q. Basal portion of flower, corona and ovary cross-sectioned; R. Flower, views from side and with corona removed. The the left photo in D and F were taken by Mr. Meng De Chang, and others photos, correction and design by H. Z. Feng.

Peliosanthes yangchunensis F.Z. Feng & W.B Liao, sp. nov.

Hui-Zhe FENG, Rang-Min WU, Qiu-Gen ZENG, Qiang FAN and Wen-Bo LIAO. 2024. Peliosanthes yangchunensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China.  Phytotaxa. 650(3); 262-268. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.6 [2024-05-29] 

Researchgate.net/publication/381293293_Peliosanthes_yangchunensis_a_new_species_from_Guangdong_China

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops guangzhouensis • A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura: Ranidae) from central Guangdong, China

Amolops guangzhouensis  

Song, F.-X. Wang, Qi, H.-T. Wang, Lyu, Cai, Zhu, Zhong, Liu & Y.-Y. Wang, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.2.8

 

Abstract

In this study, a new species of the genus Amolops (Anura, Ranidae), Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov., is described based on six type specimens collected from Conghua District, Guangzhou City, and adjacent Longmen County, Huizhou City, in Guangdong Province, China. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on two mitochondrial DNA fragments (16S and COI), places the new species as an independent evolutionary lineage within the A. daiyunensis group. The morphometric statistical analysis and morphological comparison also distinguish the new species from all other congeners. This species can be differentiated from those close relatives by dorsal surface pattern, tiny translucent white spinules across skin, indistinct supernumerary tubercle below fingers, prominent tarsal gland and tarsal fold, and nuptial pad coloration. The discovery of this new species adds to the growing diversity of this genus and represents the westernmost distribution occurrence of the A. daiyunensis group, implying the species diversity of Amolops in southeastern China might still be underestimated.

Amphibia, Amolops daiyunensis group, Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov., Guangzhou, principal components analysis, torrent frog

  The holotype of Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov. (SYS a009405, male) in life:
(A) dorsolateral view; (B) opisthenar surface of left hand, showing the feature of the nuptial pad and nuptial spines; (C) dorsal view; (D) ventral view; (E) ventral surface of right hand; (F) ventral surface of left foot.

Photos by Shuo Qi.

Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov. in situ:
 (A) the male paratype CIB 119033; (B) uncaptured individuals at the type locality.

Photos by Han-Ming Song and Dan-Yang Zhou.

Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov.

HAN-MING SONG, FU-XUAN WANG, SHUO QI, HAO-TIAN WANG, ZHI-TONG LYU, YAO-YU CAI, YUN-SHENG ZHU, QI-FENG ZHONG, YANG LIU and YING-YONG WANG. 2026. A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura, Ranidae) from central Guangdong, China.  Zootaxa. 5750(2); 267-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.2.8 [2026-01-20]

Researchgate.net/publication/400040586_A_new_species_of_Amolops_from_central_Guangdong_China

[Botany • 2026] Camellia shangshii (Theaceae) • A New Species endemic to Danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China

Camellia shangshii  Shi Y.Wang & Q.Fan,

in Wang, Liu, Tan, Shen, Z. Chen, F. Chen et Fan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.172597

Abstract

Camellia shangshii, a new species discovered in the danxia landscape of Danxiashan Mountain, Guangdong Province, China, is formally described and illustrated here. Morphologically, C. shangshii is similar to C. grijsii but can be distinguished by its petals connate at the base, smaller leaves, and fewer bracteoles and sepals. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes indicated that C. shangshii is a sister species to C. grijsii. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the recognition of C. shangshii as a new species of C. sect. Paracamellia.

Key words: Camellia, Danxia landscape, morphology, new species, phylogeny

Camellia shangshii sp. nov.
 A. Flowering and fruiting branch; B. Flowers; C. Bracteoles and sepals; D. Leaf; E. Stamens; F. Pistil; G. Pistil in longitudinal section and ovary in transverse section; H. Fruits and seeds.

Illustrated by Rong-En Wu.

Camellia shangshii. A. Flowering individual and habitat; B. Flowering branch; C. Fruiting branches; D. Leaves; E. Flower; F. Petals, bracteoles, and sepals, pubescent; G. Flower buds; H. Androecium; I. Pistil; J. Fruit and seed.

Photographed by Shiyang Wang, Yinyu Wu, and Xiaowei Yi.

Camellia shangshii Shi Y.Wang & Q.Fan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Camellia shangshii resembles C. grijsii, but it can be distinguished from the latter species by its petals connate at the base, smaller leaves, fewer bracteoles/sepals (6–8 vs. 9–10), and glabrous young branchlets (vs. puberulent).

Etymology. The specific epithet “shangshii” is dedicated in honor of Dr. Shangshi Wu (1904–1947), whose seminal work on the danxia landscape established its theoretical framework.

 Shiyang Wang, Hua Liu, Shimin Tan, Liran Shen, Zaixiong Chen, Fang Chen and Qiang Fan. 2026. Camellia shangshii (Theaceae), A New Species endemic to Danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 270: 13-23. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.172597

[Botany • 2025] Strobilanthes danxiaensis (Acanthaceae) • A New Species endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China

 

Strobilanthes danxiaensis B.H.Wu, J.F.Zhang & J.Q.Guo, 

in Wu, Zhang, Guo, Wang, Dai, Liu et Fan, 2025. 

丹霞马蓝  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.172546

Abstract

Strobilanthes danxiaensis, a new species endemic to the Danxia Mountain region of Guangdong, China, is described herein. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ITS sequences indicates that S. danxiaensis, S. japonica, S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis form a well-supported clade. Morphologically, S. danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis; however, it is readily distinguished from S. tetrasperma by its longer corolla, much broader oblong–obovate and emarginate corolla lobes, and a longer style. It further differs from S. austrosinensis in having larger oblong–obovate, emarginate corolla lobes, shorter filaments, and a longer style. The integration of morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of S. danxiaensis as a distinct species.

Key words: Biodiversity, Shaoguan, taxonomy

Strobilanthes danxiaensis.
 A. Wild individuals; B. Habitat; C. Flowering branch; D. Leaves; E. Inflorescence; F. Bud; G. Side view of flower; H. Front view of flower; I. Bracts; J. Bracteoles; K. Calyxs; L. Gynoecium; M. Dissected corolla showing stamens; N. Infructescence; O. Dissected capsule.

Photographed by Jian-Qiang Guo and Bao-Huan Wu.

 Strobilanthes danxiaensis B.H.Wu, J.F.Zhang & J.Q.Guo, sp. nov.

 Chinese name: “dān xiá mă lán” (丹霞马蓝)

Diagnosis. Morphologically, Strobilanthes danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma, but differs in its longer corolla (2.8–4 cm vs. 1.5–2 cm), with larger, emarginate oblong–obovate corolla lobes (ca. 1 × 1 cm vs. oblong lobes ca. 4 × 5 mm with obtuse apices), and a much longer style (3 cm vs. 1.5 cm).

 Bao-Huan Wu, Ji-Fang Zhang, Jian-Qiang Guo, Wei Wang, Se-Ping Dai, Guo-Feng Liu and Qiang Fan. 2025. Strobilanthes danxiaensis, A New Species of Acanthaceae endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys 268: 69-79. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.172546

[Botany • 2025] Angiopteris guangdongensis (Marattiaceae) • A New Species From Guangdong, China

 

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan,  

in W.-F. Chen, Sun, L.-J. Chen, Shu, Liang, Zheng et Yan, 2025.  

 广东观音座莲  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72447 

ABSTRACT

In this study, we confirm that the population of Angiopteris from Guangdong Province represents a distinct new species, which we describe as Angiopteris guangdongensis. Morphologically, A. guangdongensis resembles Angiopteris fokiensis but can be distinguished by its arborescent habit (reaching up to 5 m in height), robust scaly stipes, linear-lanceolate pinnules, abaxially scaly slender pinnules, sori with 7–16 sporangia, and a higher basal pinnule aspect ratio. Plastid phylogenomic analyses place A. guangdongensis as a monophyletic lineage sister to A. fokiensis. According to IUCN guidelines, the species is preliminarily assessed as ‘Data Deficient (DD)’. In addition, we report the complete plastid genome of this new species. This discovery not only provides important insights into the evolution and speciation of Angiopteris but also highlights the taxonomic oversimplification within the genus.

Keywords: ferns, Marattiaceae, morphology, phylogeny, plastid genome, taxonomy

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan, sp. nov.
 (A) Habit; (B) pinnule; (C) detail of pinnule; (D) spore; (E) scale on the abaxial surface of the pinnule; (F) scale on the abaxial surface of the pinna rachis.

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan, sp. nov.
(A) Habitat; (B) lamina; (C) pinnae; (D) rhizome and stipe; (E) sporangia.

Photographs by Jin-Gang Liu (A–E).

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Angiopteris guangdongensis is similar to both A. fokiensis (type locality: Fujian Province, China) and A. muralis (type locality: Guangdong Province, China), but it can be distinguished by the following diagnostic characters: (1) arborescent habit, 3–5 m tall (vs. 2–4 m in A. fokiensis and 2–3 m in A. muralis); (2) robust stipes, 9 cm in diameter, densely scaly (vs. 6 cm, sparsely scaly in both species); (3) linear-lanceolate pinnules (vs. lanceolate in A. fokiensis; ovate, lanceolate, acuminate in A. muralis); (4) pinnules densely scaly on the abaxial surface (vs. glabrous in A. fokiensis and sparsely scaly in A. muralis); (5) higher basal pinnule AR (Figures 5-8; Table 2).

Etymology: The specific epithet guangdongensis refers to Guangdong Province, China, the geographical origin of the type specimen. The species shows narrow endemism, being restricted to this region based on current distribution records.

Vernacular name: 广东观音座莲 (guang dong guan yin zuo lian).

 

Wu-Feng Chen, Wei-Yue Sun, Li-Jun Chen, Jiang-Ping Shu, Jun-Jie Liang, Yue-Bing Zheng and Yue-Hong Yan. 2025. Angiopteris guangdongensis (Marattiaceae): A New Species From Guangdong, China. Ecology and Evolution.15(11);  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72447 [09 November 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys yangchunensis • A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura: Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners

Boulenophrys yangchunensis 

 Zhao, Lin, Li, Lyu, Zheng, Zeng, Borzée & Wang, 2025

Yangchun Horned Toad Chinese | 阳春角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400 

Abstract

The genus Boulenophrys is predominantly distributed in China and exhibits high species diversity. However, accurate conservation assessments for this genus are hindered by its unresolved taxonomy, which is linked to morphological conservatism, sympatric distribution patterns, and limited field survey data. In this study, we describe a new species, namely Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., and report new locality records for B. acuta (Wang, Li & Jin, 2014) and B. yunkaiensis Qi, Wang, Lyu & Wang, 2021 from western Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, we propose downlisting B. acuta, currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a lower threat category, and we recommend an extinction risk category update for Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., B. yunkaiensis, and B. gaolanensis Song, Wang, Qi, Wang & Wang, 2024. We further discuss key conservation challenges and provide targeted management recommendations to address these challenges.

Key Words: conservation assessment, management suggestions, molecular phylogeny, morphological conservatism, range extension, reassessment, sympatry, systematics

Life aspect of Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.:
 holotype GEP a170 (A, B); paratype GEP a168 (C); paratype GEP a172 (D).

Photos by Jian Wang.

 Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.

 English name: Yangchun Horned Toad 

Chinese name: yáng chūn jiǎo chán (阳春角蟾)

Diagnosis. (1) small size (SVL 27.6–28.7 mm in five adult males); (2) snout sharpened in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a small horn-like prominent tubercle, supratympanic fold distinct and narrow, curving posteroventrally to above arm; (7) two metacarpal tubercles distinct, inner one observably enlarged, relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III, distinct subarticular tubercle at base of each finger; (8) heels just meeting when hindlimbs folded, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching middle to anterior corner of eye; (9) toes without webbing and lateral fringes, inner metatarsal tubercle long ovoid, outer one absent, relative toe length I < II < V < III < IV; (10) dorsal surface yellowish-brown to dark brown, with indistinct irregular dark-brown patches and small orange dots; dark-brown triangular marking between eyes; dorsal limbs and digits light brown with dark-brown transverse bands; and (11) a single nuptial pad bearing dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males, subgular vocal sac present in males.

Etymology. The specific epithet yangchunensis is in reference to the type locality, Yangchun City.

  Yi-Yang Zhao, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Ke Zheng, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Amaël Borzée and Jian Wang. 2025. A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura, Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners. Herpetozoa. 38: 345-357. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400