[Botany • 2026] Phylogenomic Analysis of Madagascar's Baobabs (Malvaceae: Adansonia) reveals admixed populations and supports Resurrection of a previously described species

 Approximate ranges of the six baobab species (Adansonia) of Madagascar.  

in Karimi, Grover, Wendel et Baum, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.70176

 Photos: B & C, Nisa Karimi; D, Cyrille Cornu.

Abstract

Baobab trees (Adansonia) are iconic members of Madagascar's biota that serve as emblems for the island's unique biodiversity. Despite this recognition, many questions remain regarding evolutionary relationships and species limits within the genus. We used custom-designed targeted sequence capture data to obtain phased allelic sequences for hundreds of nuclear loci and plastomes. Using broad geographic sampling, representing all species in the genus, and including a few possible hybrid individuals, we reconstructed the population history of Malagasy baobabs using network inference methods to detect reticulation. We obtained a species tree that is well supported, but with clear cases of reticulation, most notably admixture between Adansonia rubrostipa and A. madagascariensis in northwestern Madagascar, and instances of introgression involving the widespread species, A. za. Analysis of exclusivity factors suggests elevating one variety of A. za to the species rank, and also raises the possibility, pending additional sampling, of splitting A. rubrostipa into two species. We discuss the implications of gene flow on species delimitation and diversification in the context of conservation efforts for these iconic and threatened trees. Given our results, we formally resurrect the species A. bozy from A. za var. bozy, thus raising the number of endemic Malagasy baobab species from six to seven.

Keywords: conservation, exclusivity factors, hybridization, introgression, phylogenetic networks, species delimitation

A, Approximate ranges of the six baobab species (Adansonia) of Madagascar. Samples analysed are indicated on the map by coloured points. Stars indicate sampled individuals of possible hybrid origin based on morphological traits that are intermediate between two currently recognized species;
B, Images of trees, flowers, and fruit for the six species of baobab endemic to Madagascar;
C, Photo of a flower of the possible A. za × A. perrieri individual; D, Photo of the putative A. rubrostipa × A. madagascariensis individual. 

 Photos: B & C, Nisa Karimi; D, Cyrille Cornu.

  

Nisa Karimi, Corrinne E. Grover, Jonathan F. Wendel and David A. Baum. 2026. Phylogenomic Analysis of Madagascar's Baobabs reveals admixed populations and supports Resurrection of a previously described species. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.70176 [12 July 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Petrolamium crnojevicii • Morphology and Molecules revealed A remarkable New Genus of Lamiaceae, a surprising discovery in south-eastern Europe

Petrolamium crnojevicii  Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina, 

in Surina, Vuksanović, Dragićević, Glasnović, Siljak-Yakovlev, Balant, Radosavljević, Xiang et Li, 2025.   

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13313

Abstract

Petrolamium crnojevicii gen. & sp. nov., a new distinct and remarkable monotypic genus of Lamiaceae, was discovered in the Dinaric karst of southern Montenegro. This taxon exhibits a unique combination of morphological traits, including eglandular, mostly glabrous reniform leaves with 5–7 lobes and prominent hydatodes at their tips. Its small pedicellate flowers feature included anthers and styles within the corolla tube, a straight, narrow, and emarginate to bifurcate posterior corolla lip, and an anterior lip with entire, broadly elliptic-oblong lateral lobes. The trigonous mericarps have a truncated apex and bear fatty tissue. Notably, Petrolamium has a unique chromosome number of 2n = 32. A molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on 79 plastid protein-coding genes and 5 chloroplast markers placed Petrolamium in the subfamily Lamioideae, where it forms a distinct lineage, sister to the other members of the tribe Lamieae. Petrolamium is also unique from an ecological point of view, as it exclusively inhabits floristically depauperate calcareous rock crevices in a very restricted distribution range. This makes P. crnojevicii a critically endangered species according to IUCN criteria and emphasizes the need for immediate conservation efforts. This study highlights the importance of ongoing floristic exploration, demonstrating that even in regions long considered botanically well-known, important discoveries can still emerge, including within extensively investigated plant families like the Lamiaceae.

Keywords: Lamioideae, Mediterranean, molecular phylogeny, new genus, Petrolamium, systematics

 

  

Petrolamium crnojevicii Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina, gen. et sp. nov.

Boštjan Surina, Snežana Vuksanović, Snežana Dragićević, Peter Glasnović, Sonja Siljak-Yakovlev, Manica Balant, Ivan Radosavljević, Chun-Lei Xiang and Bo Li. 2025.  Morphology and Molecules revealed A remarkable New Genus of Lamiaceae, a surprising discovery in south-eastern Europe. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13313 [18 February 2025]

 

[Botany • 2024] Rhododendron tyaihyonii & R. kantoense • Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae)

 

  the Rhododendron keiskei complex. B–D, Morphological comparisons of:
B, Rhododendron keiskei Suzuki (1932) R. keiskei var. keiskei;
C, Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum;
D, Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. Rhododendron sp.

in Sakaguchi, H.-J. Choi, Yoichi, Takahashi, ..., H.-J. Choi et S.-C. Kim, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288 

 facebook.com: Shota Sakaguchi

 — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

 

Abstract

Unraveling species boundaries is pivotal for evolutionary biology and conservation endeavors. However, it proves challenging in instances where recent speciation is intertwined with complex demographic histories and natural selection processes. The Rhododendron keiskei complex, an evergreen rhododendron distributed in East Asia, consists of a widespread variety (R. keiskei var. keiskei) and a more restricted R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum. Intriguingly, the latter is exceptionally rare yet displays a disjunction that spans approximately 1100 km. This study aimed to elucidate the evolutionary backgrounds of the enigmatic disjunctions of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and to propose species delimitation within the species complex. An integrative approach, combining genomic data (MIG-seq and GBS-derived SNPs) with Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of leaf microstructures was adopted in this study. Phylogenetic analyses revealed significant divergence among the studied rhododendrons. Genetic demographic analyses favored the population models that assumed non-monophyly of two disjunct populations of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum indicating their independent origins. Recent gene flow between the widespread R. keiskei var. keiskei and “var. hypoglaucum” populations were limited due to geographic and habitat isolation factors, even in areas where their distributions overlap. Detailed morphological assessments detected distinctions between morphologically similar “var. hypoglaucum” populations based on leaf microstructures and flowering habits. Our study has shown that the apparent disjunctions of rare rhododendrons are more likely attributed to morphological convergence, possibly due to similar environmental selections in unrelated taxa. The finding highlights the importance of an integrative approach for resolving taxonomic challenges in plant species complexes.

Keywords: demographic modeling, disjunct distribution, East Asia, endangered species, phylogeny, species delimitation

A) Rhododendron tyaihyonii; B) R. kantoense; C) R. keiskei 

R. keiskei var. keiskei

R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum (R. kantoense nom. & stat. nov.)

Rhododendron sp. (R. tyaihyonii sp. nov.; formerly identified as var. hypoglaucum)

A, The geographic distribution of the Rhododendron keiskei complex.
B–D, Morphological comparisons of: B, R. keiskei var. keiskei; C, R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum; D, Rhododendron sp. 
E, Comparison of leaf blade morphology of three taxa, based on the voucher specimens (suppl. Table S1). Note that the leaf morphological variation of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and Rhododendron sp. overlap. — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. 

Distribution: SOUTH KOREA. Jeollanam-do, Yeosu-si, Samseon-myeon. Narrowly endemic to Daesambudo Island.

Ecology: The plants are found on the northern slope of Daesambudo Island. They inhabit coastal rocky places with the evergreen woody species of Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi, Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Camellia japonica L, Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss.

Etymology: The specific epithet, “tyaihyonii”, is named in honor of Chung Tyaihyon (1883–1971), known as the father of plant taxonomy in Korea and the first curator of Sungkyunkwan University Herbarium (Ha Eun Herbarium, SKK). We have a better understanding of Korean flora thanks to his work in the early to mid-1900s.

Korean name: Seom-Jin-Dal-Rae.

Japanese name: Chosen-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

English name: Tyaihyon's rhododendron.

Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. 

≡ Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum Suto & T.Suzuki in Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Formosa 22: 23. 1932 

– Holotype: JAPAN. Kanto District, Tochigi (Shimotsuke), Kanuma, Mt. Ozaku, 1 May 1931, E. Kitamura ST3902 (TAI barcode TAI 119040 [image!] [fl.]; isotype: TNS barcode TNS 55292 [image!]).

Note: Rhododendron kantoense is similar to R. tyaihyonii, the differences being: the latter has petiole 4–7 mm long; stomata type anomocytic; inflorescence with 2–6 flowers.

Distribution: JAPAN. Kanto, Prefectures of Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama and Tokyo. Endemic to the chert and limestone mountain ridges of Kanto District.

Etymology: The specific epithet “kantoense” is derived from the Kanto District, where this species is distributed.

Japanese name: Urajiro-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

Korean name: Il-bon-Huin-Jin-Dal-Rae.

English name: Kanto rhododendron.

 

Shota Sakaguchi, Hee-Joo Choi, Watanabe Yoichi, Daiki Takahashi, Shun K. Hirota, Masayuki Maki, Shoki Murakami, Taichi Harada, Nobuo Kobayashi, Yuji Kurashige, Jun-Ho Song, Hyeok-Jae Choi and Seung-Chul Kim. 2024. Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae). TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288

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[Botany • 2024] Srilankanthus gen. n. • The Cardamom Conundrum Resolved: Recircumscription and Placement of Elettaria (Zingiberaceae) in the only pantropically distributed ginger lineage

Srilankanthus Marasinghe & A.D.Poulsen, gen. nov.
 Srilankanthus nemoralis (Thwaites) Marasinghe & A.D. Poulsen comb. nov. 

in Poulsen, Fér, Darshika Marasinghe, Sabu, Hughes, Valderrama et Leong-Škorničková, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13242 

 x.com/AxelGinger

Abstract

The overarching aim of the present study is to sort out the taxonomy of a group of gingers that include the useful and worldwide economically important green cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, and its wild relatives, to highlight potentially overlooked genetic resources. These species occur naturally in India and Sri Lanka, and our study facilitates more appropriate management priorities for the remaining forest fragments in which they occur. We used NGS Hyb-Seq methods and sampled four species of the Alpinia I (Fax) clade, six representatives of Aframomum and Renealmia as well as two other basally flowering Sri Lankan species. This is the only pantropically distributed lineage within the entire family, and our result shows that the Alpinia I clade in fact is simply the genus Elettaria (confined to India and Sri Lanka), which is sister to the genera Aframomum (Africa) and Renealmia (Africa and Neotropics). The taxonomic implications are: (1) a recircumscription of Elettaria comprising seven species (E. cardamomum, E. ensal, E. floribunda, E. involucrata, E. rufescens as well as two new species, E. facifera and E. tulipifera described here); (2) the Sri Lankan endemic genus Cyphostigma should be retained; (3) the new monotypic genus, Srilankanthus endemic in Sri Lanka, is described with S. nemoralis, formerly Amomum nemorale, as type. A key is provided to the seven species of Elettaria and lectotypifications are made for five species (Cyphostigma pulchellum, Elettaria floribunda, E. involucrata, E. nemoralis, E. rufescens).

Keywords: Alpinioideae, Cyphostigma, Sri Lanka, Srilankanthus, Thwaites, Zingiberaceae

• Srilankanthus Marasinghe & A.D.Poulsen, gen. nov.

 Srilankanthus nemoralis (Thwaites) Marasinghe & A.D. Poulsen comb. nov. 

(≡ Elettaria nemoralis Thwaites).

Distribution.– Only one species, endemic in Sri Lanka. 

Etymology.– The generic name means “flower of Sri Lanka”. 

Ecology.– Primary lowland forest. 

 

 

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Tomáš Fér, Lakmini Darshika Kumarage Marasinghe, Mamiyil Sabu, Mark Hughes, Eugenio Valderrama and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2024. The Cardamom Conundrum Resolved: Recircumscription and Placement of Elettaria in the only pantropically distributed ginger lineage. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13242

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1837256202511684042  

 facebook.com/companyofenvironment76/posts/996680809137300

[Botany • 2024] Castrila latens (Rubiaceae: Rubieae) • A New plant Genus and Species from south-eastern Spain

 

Castrila latens Blanca, S.Ben-Menni, H.Blanca, Cueto, J.Fuentes, Ortega Oliv. & Suár.-Sant., 

in G. Blanca, Schuler, H. Blanca, Cueto, Fuentes, Ortega-Olivencia et Suárez-Santiago, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1002/tax.13181

 

Abstract

A new genus and species, Castrila latens, native to the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula, is described here for the first time and compared with its closest relatives. The plant is characterized by being annual, glabrous, having reduplicate leaves in whorls of (5)6–7, inflorescences capitate and involucrate, corolla shortly hypocrateriform and white, with yellowish doliiform tube, stamens included, and ovary and mericarps densely papillose. An endemic plant, it grows on the calcareous mountains of the Sierra Seca, Sierra de Castril, and Sierra de la Cabrilla, between 1800 and 2100 m of elevation, in the Granada and Jaén provinces (eastern Andalusia, Spain). For this genus and species, a description, an illustration, a distribution map, the chromosome number, the assessment of the conservation status, an estimate of the breeding system, and the situation in the Rubieae phylogenetic tree are provided.

Keywords: endemic plants, Iberian Peninsula, monospecific genus, paraphyly, phylogeny, taxonomy

Castrila Blanca, S.Ben-Menni, H.Blanca, Cueto, J.Fuentes, Ortega Oliv. & Suár.-Sant., gen. nov. 

– Type: Castrila latens Blanca et al.

Description: Herbaceous annual, glabrous. Stems erect, simple or divaricate, delicate. Stem leaves in whorls of (5)6 or 7, sessile, uninervous, reduplicate. Inflorescences capitate, 1–3 on the top of the stems, involucrate, composed of shortly pedunculated and bracteolate cymes. Flowers hermaphrodite, tetramerous; calyx absent; corolla shortly hypocrateriform, with tube doliiform, and lobes patent, triangular, obtuse, not apiculate, white. Stamens included, inserted near the base of the tube, with anthers linear, dorsifixed, yellow. Gynoecium with ovary papillose, topped in two globose stigmas. Mericarps ellipsoidal, densely papillose, blackish.

Castrila latens Blanca, S.Ben-Menni, H.Blanca, Cueto, J.Fuentes, Ortega Oliv. & Suár.-Sant., sp. nov.

Castrila latens. A, Habit; B, Leaves detail; C, Inflorescences detail; D, Ovary, style and stigmas; E, Fruits; F, Mitotic metaphase with 2n = 22 chromosomes (Castril, Sierra Seca, GDA 70863).

— Photos: A, D & E, Gabriel Blanca; B & C, Julián Fuentes; F, Víctor N. Suárez-Santiago.

Castrila latens (GDA 70863, holotype).
A, General appearance; B, Basal leaf; C, Stem leaf; D, Inflorescence detail; E, Flower front view; F, Flower lateral view; G, Flower longitudinal section; H, Fruits.

— Draw by Manuel García.

Etymology: The genus name refers to the municipality of Castril (Granada Province, eastern Andalusia, south-eastern Spain) where the species was first found. The specific epithet “latens” comes from Latin, meaning “hiding” or “escaping notice”, because of the difficulty of detecting this plant in the field, mainly due to its small size, its mimicry with depauperate specimens of other tetramerous species and its brief flowering period.

Gabriel Blanca, Samira Ben-Menni Schuler, Helena Blanca, Miguel Cueto, Julián Fuentes, Ana Ortega-Olivencia and Víctor N. Suárez-Santiago. 2024. A New plant Genus and Species from south-eastern Spain: Castrila latens (Rubieae, Rubiaceae). TAXON. DOI: 10.1002/tax.13181

 

[Botany • 2024] Lilium pacificum (Liliaceae) • Evolutionary History and Taxon Recognition in the L. maculatum–L. pensylvanicum Complex in Japan [Biosystematic Studies on Lilium (Liliaceae) II]

Lilium pacificum  

in Watanabe, Hayashi, Arakawa, Fuse, Takayama, Nagamasu et Tamura, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1002/tax.13141

 www.OMU.ac.jp

Abstract

To clarify the evolutionary history of the Lilium maculatum–L. pensylvanicum complex in Japan and to improve the circumscription of its component taxa, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast and nuclear internal and external transcribed spacer (ITS, ETS) DNA sequences, a genome-wide analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using multiplexed ISSR genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq), and morphological observations. Topological differences between the chloroplast and nuclear ITS + ETS phylogenies indicate that ancient hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting were involved in the origin of “maculatum”, but the relatively long length of relevant branches indicates that incomplete lineage sorting is implausible. The results of STRUCTURE analysis (K = 3, the highest delta K value) using MIG-seq indicate that “maculatum” has already developed its own cluster and can be considered a species (L. maculatum) that originated through the hybridization of L. pacificum (sp. nov.) and L. pensylvanicum. MIG-seq Neighbor-Net and STRUCTURE analyses (K = 3), as well as chloroplast DNA phylogeny, reveal that populations in disjunct limestone areas (L. maculatum var. bukosanense) originated via the hybridization of L. maculatum and L. pacificum, whereas populations in the Sado-Tobishima Islands (L. maculatum var. sadoense, var. nov.) originated via hybridization between L. maculatum and L. pensylvanicum. These taxa appear to be more or less genetically isolated from other populations based on the STRUCTURE analysis (K = 5), although we do not know whether this isolation resulted from geographic distance or reproductive barriers. Based on available MIG-seq and morphological data, respectively, we consider the two hybrid-origin populations to be independent varieties. Furthermore, the morphology of seaside populations of L. maculatum in East Tohoku District appears to have deviated slightly from that of mountain populations (L. maculatum f. monticola); as such, coastal populations merit recognition as a form of L. maculatum (L. maculatum f. spontaneum, comb. & stat. nov.). Other seaside populations of L. maculatum in the West Tohoku District appear to have originated from populations of L. pacificum, but have been successively taken over by L. maculatum through introgression, and have consequently evolved into a form of L. maculatum (L. maculatum f. maculatum). In addition, we found putative extant hybrid populations of L. maculatum × L. pensylvanicum. We recognize three species, two varieties, two forms, and one hybrid in the L. maculatum–L. pensylvanicum complex in Japan. 

Keywords: evolution, hybridization, Lilium maculatum var. sadoense, Lilium pacificum, MIG-seq, taxonomy

Among the characteristics differentiating this lily from other sukashiyuri are its leaves, which curve almost like a claw at the tips.

Lilium pacificum 

Seita T. Watanabe, Kazuhiko Hayashi, Katsuro Arakawa, Shizuka Fuse, Koji Takayama, Hidetoshi Nagamasu and Minoru N. Tamura. 2024. Biosystematic Studies on Lilium (Liliaceae) II. Evolutionary History and Taxon Recognition in the L. maculatum–L. pensylvanicum Complex in Japan. TAXON. DOI: 10.1002/tax.13141

New Japanese lily species identified, 1st addition to sukashiyuri group in 110 years

Classification of these plants bloom to double the number of taxonomic groups through morphological study, DNA analysis

 www.OMU.ac.jp/en/info/research-news/entry-51684.html

[Botany • 2023] A Single Origin of Leaflessness in Afro-Malagasy angraecoids (Orchidaceae: Angraecinae)

Microcoelia nguemae  

in Farminhão, Biteau, Yakhouba, Savignac, Simo-Droissart, Droissart, Sonké et Stévart, 2023.

  DOI: 10.1002/tax.12932 

 facebook.com/JardimBotanicoUC

Abstract

Microcoelia and the monospecific Taeniorrhiza and Chauliodon are notable among Afrotropical angraecoid orchids for being leafless. However, the affinity among these genera was not addressed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies, thus precluding the understanding of how many times has leaflessness evolved in angraecoids. The discovery of an additional species ascribable to Taeniorrhiza in Gabon, and a revision of all material referrable to this genus in herbarium collections, created the possibility to investigate the phylogenetic position of Taeniorrhiza relative to Microcoelia and Chauliodon. Based on phylogenetic inference using ITS-1 and two plastid regions (matK/trnK, trnL-trnF), and including 20 of the 34 species of Microcoelia recognised prior to our study, we here demonstrate that Taeniorrhiza and Chauliodon are deeply imbedded in Microcoelia, and are thus treated here as synonyms of the last. Accordingly, we describe the novelty from Gabon as a new species of Microcoelia: Microcoelia nguemae sp. nov. The new species is illustrated with colour photographs, and also with line drawings. Its preliminarily IUCN conservation status is provided. The novelty is notable for the dorsiventrally asymmetric distribution of pneumathodes along its roots and for bearing the longest lip spur in this Afro-Malagasy epiphytic genus. The new phylogenetic framework suggests a single origin of leaflessness in Afrotropical angrecoids and reveals the informative value of the rostellum to reconstruct relationships within Microcoelia. This serves as the basis of a newly proposed sectional treatment for Microcoelia, recognising 37 species, one new section, a new status for the defunct genus Encheiridion and the redefinition of Microcoelia sect. Microcoelia and sect. Brachyglossa.

Keywords: Epidendroideae, epiphyte, Madagascar, shadehouse, systematics, Tropical Africa

Microcoelia nguemae

João Farminhão, Jean Philippe Biteau, Diallo Yakhouba, Marie Savignac, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Vincent Droissart, Bonaventure Sonké and Tariq Stévart. 2023. A Single Origin of Leaflessness in Afro-Malagasy angraecoids (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae). TAXON. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12932

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[Botany • 2023] Delgadoa bambuicola • Phylogenetic Analyses of Phaseolinae (Leguminosae) reveal A New Genus endemic to Limestone Outcrops in Seasonally Dry Forests of Bahia, Brazil

Delgadoa bambuicola  

in Silva Santos, Snak, Ribeiro, Silva & de Queiroz, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1002/tax.12819

Abstract

Phaseolinae is one of the most diverse groups within the family Leguminosae, characterized by a style bearing a pollen brush and seeds with an epihilum. This subtribe has a complex taxonomic history and has undergone several changes over time. In the early 2000s, our research team found a phaseoloid liana growing in a limestone outcrop in western Bahia, Brazil. Its identity remained a mystery until recently, when we revisited the locality to study it in more detail and gathered material to generate nuclear ITS and plastid trnK/matK sequences. These sequences were included in a broadly sampled Phaseolinae matrix used to perform phylogenetic analyses and an ancestral character states reconstruction. Our results demonstrate that the enigmatic taxon represents a new lineage within subtribe Phaseolinae, sister to the genus Sigmoidotropis. This new lineage, along with Sigmoidotropis and Ancistrotropis, forms a clade here called the Sigmoid-keel clade, since all representatives present flowers with sigmoid keel petals. The new taxon is here described as Delgadoa bambuicola gen. & sp. nov., a new genus and a new species of woody lianas known from only two localities in the state of Bahia. We also present an identification key to the genera of the Sigmoid-keel clade, descriptions, illustrations, a distribution map, taxonomic comments, and a conservation status assessment of the new genus.

Keywords: Ancistrotropis, Darwinian deficit, Fabaceae, Phaseoleae, Sigmoidotropis, Vigna s.l.

Delgadoa bambuicola gen. & sp. nov.

Felipe da Silva Santos, Cristiane Snak, Carolina Lima Ribeiro, Christian Silva and Luciano Paganucci de Queiroz. 2023. Phylogenetic Analyses of Phaseolinae (Leguminosae) reveal A New Genus endemic to Limestone Outcrops in Seasonally Dry Forests of Bahia, Brazil. Taxon. 72(1); 64-77. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12819

Equipe de pesquisa da Udesc Laguna e da Uefs identifica nova planta exclusiva do Brasil

 udesc.br/cefid/noticia/equipe_de_pesquisa_da_udesc_laguna_e_da_uefs_identifica_nova_planta_exclusiva_do_brasil

[Botany • 2022] Bahiana pyriformis (Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae) • A New Genus from Seasonally Dry Forest in northeastern Brazil, corroborated by molecular and morphological evidence

Bahiana pyriformis J.F.Carrión, 

in Carrión, dos Santos, Cordeiro & Amorim, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1002/tax.12795 

Illustration by Klei Sousa

 instagram.com/klei_artebotanica

Abstract

After discovering an unknown Euphorbiaceae with an unusual combination of morphological characters, molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted to evaluate the phylogenetic position of the plant. Results of the analyses support the recognition of a resolved lineage sister to a clade comprising Caryodendron, which is sister to the Adenophaedra + Bernardia clade in subfamily Acalyphoideae. The phylogenetic position of this taxon is also supported by morphology, justifying the description of a new genus and species, Bahiana pyriformis, from the Caatinga seasonally dry forest, in Bahia State, Brazil. We compare morphological characters and discuss the phylogenetic relationships of these four genera, here treated as the Bernardia clade, as well as the possible relationship this clade has with genus Avellanita and tribe Plukenetieae.

Keywords: Bernardieae, Caatinga, Caryodendreae, limestone outcrop, phylogenetics

Bahiana pyriformis J.F.Carrión, sp. nov.

 

Juan F. Carrión, Francisco A.R. dos Santos, Inês Cordeiro and André M. Amorim. 2022. Bahiana, A New Euphorbiaceae (Acalyphoideae) Genus from Seasonally Dry Forest in northeastern Brazil, corroborated by molecular and morphological evidence. TAXON. 71(6); 1196-1213. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12795 

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[Botany • 2023] Phylogeny based Generic Reclassification of Muscari sensu lato (Asparagaceae) using Plastid and Genomic DNA

Inflorescences of Muscari species incorporated in this study.
A–H, M. subg. Muscari: A, M. anatolicum; B, M. adilii; C, M. armeniacum; D, M. discolor; E, M. sivrihisardaghlarense; F, M. vuralii; G, M. neglectum; H, M. commutatum.
I, M. subg. Muscarimia: M. macrocarpum.
J–L, Muscari subg. Pulchella (subg. nov.): J, M. latifolium; K, M. pulchellum; L, M. bourgaei.

 — Names listed above follow the new classification here proposed. 

in Böhnert, Neumann, Quandt & Weigend, 2023.

 DOI: 10.1002/tax.12864 

Images: T. Böhnert. twitter.com/TimBoeh

Abstract

The grape hyacinth (Muscari) represents an important ornamental plant group in Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloideae, comprising some 80 species distributed mainly in the Mediterranean. However, genus delimitation has repeatedly shifted over the past two centuries and a general consensus has not been reached so far. The present study investigates the phylogeny of Muscari s.l. (i.e., including the disputed segregates Pseudomuscari and Leopoldia) with a broad sampling of about half the currently recognized species using both chloroplast markers (trnK(matK)-psbA, trnL-trnF, rpl16) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data generated by double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD). We perform concatenated maximum likelihood inference for both datasets as well as a coalescent-based approach and principal component analysis (PCA) on the ddRAD data. We find that the morphological characters traditionally used to distinguish different genera are not diagnostic for the clades here retrieved. Also, the segregates Pseudomuscari and Leopoldia are deeply nested in Muscari and we therefore propose a broadly defined Muscari with five subgenera. The subgenera roughly correspond to previously recognized entities, with the exception of the newly identified clade here proposed as M. subg. Pulchella subg. nov. We provide a provisional assignment of the 80 currently accepted taxa to these subgenera.

Keywords: ddRAD, geophyte, Leopoldia, Mediterranean, Pseudomuscari, Scilloideae

Inflorescences of 16 Muscari species incorporated in this study.
A–H, M. subg. Muscari: A, M. anatolicum; B, M. adilii; C, M. armeniacum; D, M. discolor; E, M. sivrihisardaghlarense; F, M. vuralii; G, M. neglectum; H, M. commutatum.
I, M. subg. Muscarimia: M. macrocarpum.
J–L, M. subg. Pulchella (subg. nov.): J, M. latifolium; K, M. pulchellum; L, M. bourgaei.
M–P, M. subg. Pseudomuscari: M, M. parviflorum; N, M. chalusicum; O, M. inconstrictum; P, M. coeruleum.

 — Names listed above follow the new classification here proposed. 

Images: T. Böhnert.

CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK: 

Muscari is a very natural group, best recognized as a single genus. The ddRAD data are able to reconstruct a highly resolved and highly supported phylogeny. Comprehensive sampling of the remaining ca. 45 species would be highly desirable to reach a comprehensive understanding of this important geophyte genus. Our data show evidence for lineage admixture and future analyses should be directed towards understanding the role of hybridization in the evolution of the genus by testing for introgression and possibly ongoing gene flow. It would also be expected that the evolution of Muscari is correlated to the geological and climatic history of the Mediterranean basin and this could be tested with a dated phylogeny of this genus. Beyond molecular data, additional and critical morphological analyses are required to hopefully provide a morphological characterization of the different subgenera.

Tim Böhnert, Michael Neumann, Dietmar Quandt and Maximilian Weigend. 2023. Phylogeny based Generic Reclassification of Muscari sensu lato (Asparagaceae) using Plastid and Genomic DNA. TAXON. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12864

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[Botany • 2019] Reinstatement and Revision of the Genus Adelmeria (Zingiberaceae) Endemic to the Philippines

Adelmeria isarogensis Docot & Banag

in Docot, Banag & Poulsen, 2019.

 DOI: 10.1002/tax.12071  

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Abstract

In 1909, Ridley published Adelmeria characterized by its congested terminal inflorescence with large persistent floral bracts. All five species at some point placed in Adelmeria were synonymized in Alpinia by Loesener and subsequent authors. Several phylogenetic studies revealed that Alpinia is highly polyphyletic, suggesting that it should be split into several genera. In the present study, we sampled all five species initially placed in Adelmeria plus additional ones with a similar morphology. The combined analysis of the ITS and trnK/matK regions showed that these species formed a strongly supported monophyletic group inside the Alpinia eubractea clade of the tribe Alpinieae. Although not completely diagnostic, the following morphological characters separate Adelmeria from most of the species currently inside the Alpinia eubractea clade: bilobed ligules; congested inflorescences; utricular bracteoles; sessile flowers; crestless anthers; obovoid fruits. Considering this molecular and morphological evidence, the recognition of Adelmeria is highly justified. In this present paper, we reinstate the genus which is endemic to the Philippines and provide a comprehensive taxonomic revision including a discussion of the application of the name Elmeria. A key to nine species of Adelmeria, four of which (Adelmeria dicranochila, A. isarogensis, A. leonardoi, A. undulata) are new to science, is provided as well as full descriptions and preliminary conservation assessments. Interestingly, monoecy was observed in A. oblonga and reported for the first time for Adelmeria. Four lectotypes and one epitype are designated in this study.

Keywords: Alpinia, Alpinia eubractea clade, Elmeria, ITS, phylogeny, trnK/matK

Adelmeria Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 603. 1909 

≡ Elmeria Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 569. 1909, nom. illeg., 

non Elmera Rydb. in N. Amer. Fl. 22(2): 97. 1905 

– Type (designated by Smith in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 34: 175. 1975): A. paradoxa (Ridl.) Merr. (≡ Hornstedtia paradoxa Ridl.).

Adelmeria dicranochila Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – The specific epithet is derived from the Greek words “dicranos” meaning forked and “cheilos” meaning lip.

Adelmeria isarogensis Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – The specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Mount Isarog, which is considered as the last tropical rainforest of Bicol Peninsula.


Adelmeria leonardoi Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – This very unique species was first noticed by the first author on the website of Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines (see Pelser et al., 2011–) which includes photographs taken by Leonardo L. Co (1953–2010), who was one of the great botanists of the Philippines and shared a huge interest in gingers. Therefore, this species is named after him.

Adelmeria undulata Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to its coarsely undulated leaf margin.

Adelmeria alpina Elmer in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 8: 2885. 1915 (‘alpinum’) 

≡ Alpinia alpina (Elmer) R.M.Sm. 

ex M.F.Newman, Lhuillier & A.D.Poulsen in Blumea, 

Suppl. 16: 7. 2004

Local names. – Pusadok and lurasising (Bisaya language). 

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to the alpine regions of Mount Apo (2954 m), the highest mountain in the Philippines, where this species was first collected.

Adelmeria gigantifolia (Elmer) Elmer in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 8: 2963. 1919 (‘gigantifolium’) 

≡ Zingiber gigantifolium Elmer in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 8: 2916. 1915 

≡ Alpinia gigantifolia (Elmer) R.M.Sm. in Edinburgh J. Bot. 47(1): 65. 1990 

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to the large leaves.

Adelmeria oblonga Merr. in Philipp. J. Sci. 9: 443. 1914 

≡ Alpinia oblonga (Merr.) Loes. in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 15a: 620. 1930

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to the oblong inflorescence.

Adelmeria paradoxa (Ridl.) Merr. in Philipp. J. Sci. C 9: 444. 1914 

≡ Hornstedtia paradoxa Ridl. in Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35: 85. 1905 

≡ Elmeria bifida Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 569. 1909, nom. illeg. 

≡ Adelmeria bifida Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 603. 1909, nom. illeg. 

≡ Alpinia paradoxa (Ridl.) Loes. in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 15a: 620. 1930

Etymology. – The specific epithet was chosen by Ridley to reflect his confusion regarding in which genus to place his new species as he found the characters of this species contradicting.

Adelmeria pinetorum (Ridl.) Ridl. in Philipp. J. Sci. C 4: 179. 1909 

≡ Elmeria pinetorum Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 570. 1909 ≡ Alpinia pinetorum (Ridl.) Loes. in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 15a: 620. 1930

Etymology. – This species was discovered in the pine regions of Baguio, hence its specific epithet “pinetorum”, meaning associated with pines.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Cecilia I. Banag and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2019. Reinstatement and Revision of the Genus Adelmeria (Zingiberaceae) Endemic to the Philippines. TAXON. 68(3); 499-521. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12071

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