[Botany • 2025] Gagea kotuchovii (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species from the Karatau Mountains (western Tian Shan, Kazakhstan) evidenced by morphological and molecular analyses

Gagea kotuchovii  Kubentayev & Levichev,

in Kubentayev, Levichev, Baasanmunkh, Klichowska, Alibekov, Choi et Nobis. 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0336223

Abstract

Gagea kotuchovii (Liliaceae) a new narrow endemic species growing exclusively in the Karatau Mountains in South Kazakhstan, is here described and illustrated. It is a unique species within the section Gagea, differing from closely related taxa by the presence of several stolons of different lengths (0.5–8 cm), formed on a single vegetative individual, as well as a unique bulb with a densely woolly sheath. Morphological characteristics, distribution map, and illustrations of the habit and habitats of the new species are presented. We also present phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear DNA and SNPs obtained from DArT genome-wide sequencing (Diversity Arrays Technology sequencing), which confirmed the isolated position of G. kotuchovii but also revealed its phylogenetic relation with morphologically similar species. Additionally, our results reveal phylogenetic intergeneric organization of Gagea representatives occurring in Kazakhstan and/or Middle Asia. To facilitate morphological identification of Asian Gagea with stolons, and similar to G. kotuchovii, we present an identification key.

Gagea kotuchovii
 (A) General habit; (B) inflorescence; (C) flower; (D) outer petal of the perianth; (E) inner petal of the perianth (F) perianth petal with a stamen; (G) gynoecium; (H) basal leaf transverse section; (J) peduncle cross-section; (I) stem leaf transverse section; (K) last year’s juvenile bulb; (L) bulb of a vegetative individual with several stolons; (M) vegetative individual (Photo by: S. Kubentayev).

Gagea kotuchovii
Habitats (A); General habit of the species (B)

(Photo by: S. Kubentayev).

 

Gagea kotuchovii Kubentayev et Levichev, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. From all species of the nominal Gagea section, including the most similar G. turkestanica and G. brevistolonifera, the new species is easily distinguished by the presence of a group of stolons of different length on bulbs of vegetative individuals (Fig 3L, 3M), ending in single bulbs, which, after overwintering, are covered with densely woolly growths (Fig 3K).

Distribution. Endemic to the Karatau Mountains in South Kazakhstan. Currently, it is known only from Khantagi (Fig 6).

Etymology. The new species is named in honour of the eminent florist and taxonomist Yuri Andreevich Kotukhov (lat. J.A. Kotuchov), who greatly contributed to the study of the flora of Kazakhstan and surrounding regions.

  Serik Kubentayev, Igor Levichev, Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh, Ewelina Klichowska, Daniyar Alibekov, Hyeok Jae Choi, Marcin Nobis. 2025. Gagea kotuchovii (Liliaceae) A New Species from the Karatau Mountains (western Tian Shan, Kazakhstan) evidenced by morphological and molecular analyses. PLoS One. 20(12): e0336223. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0336223 [December 5, 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Gagea khassanovii (Liliaceae) • A New white-flowered Species of Gagea from the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

 

 Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li, 

in Turginov, Levichev, Kurbaniyazova, Karimov, Yang et Li, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.151373 

Abstract  

The article describes the morphological and anatomical features of Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li, sp. nov., recently described from the Fergana Valley. The species belongs to the section Incrustatae and differs from the species G. circumplexa Vved. in the colour of the flower and the presence of hairs on the leaves of the roots. This species is considered endemic to the Fergana Valley and contributes to the region’s floristic uniqueness.

Key words: Ageotropic sclerified roots, Fergana Valley, holotype, new species of Gagea, sect. Incrustata

 Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li 
A. View of the classic habitat of G. khassanovii (arrows indicate the position of individual);
B. G. khassanovii from the foothills of the Alay and C. Chatkal (Sumsar) ranges.

Photo: A, B. O.Turginov, C-A. Zhdanko.

 Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The species is similar to G. circumplexa Vved. in habit, but can be distinguished from the latter by the following characters: perianth is white (vs. golden yellow); inner tepals are linear, rounded at the apex (vs. lanceolate, pointed); cauline and basal leaves are much longer than the inflorescence (vs. equal to or slightly longer) (Table 1).

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the researcher and expert on the flora of Central Asia, Professor F. O. Khassanov.

 Orzimat Turdimatovich Turginov, Igor Germanovich Levichev, Gulsauir Tanirbergen qizi Kurbaniyazova, Farhod Isomiddinovich Karimov, Lei Yang and Wen Jun Li. 2025. A New white-flowered Species of Gagea (Liliaceae) from the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. PhytoKeys. 260: 139-152. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.151373 

[Botany • 2025] Fritillaria behcetiana (Liliaceae) • A New Species from eastern Anatolia (Türkiye)

Fritillaria behcetiana  Yapar & Tekşen,

in Yapar et Tekşen, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.1.5 

 facebook.com: Yakup YAPAR

Abstract

Fritillaria behcetiana sp. nov. is described as a new species from Bingöl Province in eastern Anatolia, Türkiye. It is closely related to F. shehbazii, F. chlororhabdota and F. pinardii, but differs from them in several morphological features, including leaf lenght and colour, perianth segment size and colour, anther colour and length, filament length, style lenght and branching. The new species is described in detail, including distribution, ecology, conservation status and photographs with comparisons to F. shehbazii, F. chlororhabdota and F. pinardii.

Endemic, Fritillaria, taxonomy, Türkiye, Monocots 

Fritillaria behcetiana sp. nov.

Yakup YAPAR and Mehtap TEKŞEN. 2025. Fritillaria behcetiana (Liliaceae), A New Species from eastern Anatolia (Türkiye). Phytotaxa. 706(1); 74-80. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.1.5  [2025-06-19] 

 facebook.com/YakupYAPAR58/posts/10232926347994941

[Botany • 2025] Lilium brunneum (Liliaceae) • A newly discovered Species in north-western Yunnan, China

 

Lilium brunneum  T.Wang & Y.D.Gao,  

in T. Wang, Shen, D. Wang, Zhao, Qu et Gao, 2025. 

焦瓣百合  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.147769

Abstract

Lilium brunneum represents a newly discovered and described lily species with a limited distribution in isolated alpine regions of north-western Yunnan, China. The recognition of this new species as a distinct entity is supported by both morphological and molecular data. Furthermore, the investigation of this region, identified as a ‘hotspot’ due to its high diversity and endemicity within the genus Lilium, is anticipated to provide greater insight into the processes of speciation and the maintenance of species boundaries in this genus. Further fieldwork aimed at exploring these regions is expected to discover additional new species and therefore warrants special attention and resources.

Key words: Hengduan Mountains, Liliaceae, Lilium brunneum, Lilium souliei complex, new species

Morphological characteristics and geographic distribution of the Lilium souliei complex.

Comparison of several closely related species.
 A Lilium medogense B L. paradoxum C Lilium brunneum D L. souliei E L. saccatum
F anatomical diagram of the flower of L. brunneum G anatomical diagram of the flower of L. souliei H anatomical diagram of the flower of L. saccatum.

Habitat and morphology of Lilium brunneum T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, sp. nov.
 A habitat B habit C pedicel D leaf E bulb F transverse section of the flower (a) adaxial surface of the petal (b) abaxial surface of the petal (c) G anatomy of the petal (d) pistil and stamen (e) H bulb with scale.

 Lilium brunneum T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, sp. nov.

Chinese name: 焦瓣百合 (jiao ban bai he)

Diagnosis. Lilium brunneum shares morphological similarities with L. georgei, L. souliei, and L. saccatum but exhibits distinct differences that set it apart. Compared to L. georgei, L. brunneum is characterised by its shorter stature and smaller flowers. In contrast to L. souliei, it possesses shorter pedicels, and its filaments are closely appressed to the ovary. When compared to L. saccatum, L. brunneum is distinguished by its unique petal coloration, which ranges from brown to light brown with a greenish-yellow base. (Table 1, Fig. 2).

...

Habitat and distribution. On open stony alpine meadows and edges of bushes. 3500–3800 m. NW Yunnan (Fugong[福贡]) and bordering Myanmar (Kachin).

Etymology. The epithet and Chinese name adopted here both denote the perianth colour of light brown resembling that of caramel.

Ting Wang, Xiuying Shen, De Wang, Ying Zhao, Xiaomei Qu, Yundong Gao. 2025. Lilium brunneum (Liliaceae): A newly discovered Species in north-western Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 254: 201-219. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.147769

[Botany • 2024] Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis (Liliaceae) • Taxonomic Revision of Tricyrtis in Taiwan and A New Species

Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis Y.H. Chen & T.H. Huang,

in Chen, Huang, Lu et Shen, 2024. 

凌雲巖油點草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.655.3.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/381732336 

Photos taken by Y.H. Chen.

Abstract

We examined morphological characteristics, elevation, and phenology to revise Tricyrtis in Taiwan. As a result, we confirmed five species and one variety. Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis is a new species found only in the north on Wunfong Mountain, Chiayi Country, Taiwan, at an elevation of approximately 1100 m. This study provides a detailed assessment of the morphology of each species by offering descriptions and comparative photographs.

morphology, new taxon, Sect. Hirtae, Tricyrtis formosana, Tricyrtis lasiocarpa, Tricyrtis ravenii, Monocots

Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis.
A. Habit. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, side view. D. Mature capsule with transverse slits. E. Seed. F. Adaxial surface of tepal, inner (left), outer (right). G. Abaxial surface of tepal, inner (left), outer (right). H. Adaxial surface of leaf. I. Abaxial surface of leaf.

Photos taken by Y.H. Chen.

Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis Y.H.Chen & T.H.Huang, sp. nov.  

líng yúnyányóu diǎn cǎo (凌雲巖油點草)

Yu-Huan CHEN, Ting-Hsuan HUANG, Chang-Tse LU and Rong-Show SHEN. 2024. Taxonomic Revision of Tricyrtis (Liliaceae) in Taiwan and A New Species, Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis. Phytotaxa. 655(3); 231-248. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.655.3.2 [2024-06-26]

 Researchgate.net/publication/381732336_Taxonomic_revision_of_Tricyrtis_in_Taiwan_and_a_new_species_Tricyrtis_lingyunyanensis

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria nevzatcaglari (Liliaceae) • A New Species from southern Anatolia, Turkey

  

Fritillaria nevzatcaglari Yıldırım & Tekşen, 
  

in Tekşen, Çimen et Yıldırım, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0107

 facebook.com: Hasan Yıldırım

 

Fritillaria nevzatcaglari Yıldırım & Tekşen (Liliaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Turkey. It morphologically resembles F. ozdemir-elmasii, F. bithynica and F. elwesii, but differs from them by several characters, the most distinct one being a pale purple outer surface of the perigon. Due to human activities and grazing pressure in the are where F. nevzatcaglari grows, we assess its conservation status as critically endangered (CR).

 

 Mehtap Tekşen, Aşkın Öykü Çimen and Hasan Yıldırım. 2024. Fritillaria nevzatcaglari (Liliaceae), A New Species from southern Anatolia, Turkey. Annales Botanici Fennici. 61(1); 41–46. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0107

  facebook.com/640594604/posts/10161048827289605 

 

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria pavehensis (Liliaceae) • A New Species from Western Iran

 

Fritillaria pavehensis Advay & Tekşen, 

in Advay, Tekşen et Soleimani, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0109  

 Researchgate.net/publication/378242173

Abstract  

Fritillaria pavehensis Advay & Tekşen (Liliaceae) is described as a new species from Kermanshah Province in western Iran. In general habit, it resembles F. kurdica, F. crassifolia and F. hakkarensis of the informal F. crassifolia group, but differs from them by the shape and size of its lowest leaves and bracts, shape and colour of perigone segments, and style branches' length. A detailed taxonomic description, diagnostic characters, images, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology and conservation assessment are presented.

Fritillaria pavehensis Advay & Tekşen sp. nov.

A-C:Fritillaria pavehensis; D: F. kurdica; E-F: F. hakkarensis

 

Mahfouz Advay, Mehtap Tekşen and Fahmi Soleimani. 2024. Fritillaria pavehensis (Liliaceae), A New Species from Western Iran. Annales Botanici Fennici. 61(1); 55-61. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0109 (8 February 2024) 

 Researchgate.net/publication/378242173_Fritillaria_pavehensis_A_New_Species_from_Western_Iran

[Botany • 2025] Lilium huanglongense (Liliaceae) • A Newly-discovered Species in north-western Sichuan, China

Lilium huanglongense T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, 

Wang, Yuan, Zhou et Gao, 2025. 

黄龙百合   ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.135155 

 

Abstract

In this study, we describe Lilium huanglongense, a newly-discovered lily species identified following extensive surveys in an undeveloped area of the Huanglong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China. This region, located in the Hengduan Mountains of south-western China, is recognised as one of the world’s prominent biodiversity hotspots, providing diverse habitats for a wide range of plant species. Morphologically, L. huanglongense resembles Lilium fargesii Franch., which is distributed in central China, as well as other tepal-recurved members of the section Lophophora (Bureau & Franch.) F. T. Wang & Ts. Tang. This section comprises dwarf lilies predominantly found in the alpine scrub of the Hengduan Mountains, extending westwards into the Himalayas. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using both nuclear ITS and chloroplast genomes confirm the independent status of the new species and its placement within the section Lophophora. The identification of this new species helps to fill the distribution gap between broad-leaved forest and alpine scrub species within the section, thereby enhancing our understanding of the diversity and distribution history of Lophophora.

Key words: Liliaceae, Lilium huanglongense, Lophophorum-clade, new species, section Lophophora

Comparison of floral structures of similar species
A Lilium huanglongense flower B tepals of Lilium huanglongense with basal nectaries C Lilium matangense flower D Lilium fargesii flower E Lilium stewartianum flower
F tepals of Lilium matangense with basal nectaries G tepals of Lilium fargesii with basal nectaries H tepals of Lilium stewartianum with basal nectaries.

 Photographed by Yundong Gao.

Lilium huanglongense T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, sp. nov.
A habit B dissected flower C outer perianth segment D inner perianth segment E stamen F pistil (frontal view) G pistil (lateral view).

Drawn by T. Wang from the holotype.

Habitat of Lilium huanglongense and morphological comparison with Lilium fargesii
A habitat destroyed by mudslides B flowering plant C habit of Lilium huanglongense exhibiting a greater abundance of basal leaves, accompanied by wider leaf blades compared to L. fargesii D habit of Lilium fargesii. 

 Lilium huanglongense T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, sp. nov.

Common name: 黄龙百合 huang long bai he

Diagnosis: Lilium huanglongense is most similar to L. fargesii and L. stewartianum, but can be distinguished from L. fargesii by its yellow tepals and stamens that are longer than the pistil and, in contrast to L. stewartianum, L. huanglongense lacks a deep, slender floral tubes (the height of the cone formed by the connivent tepals) and has a trilobed, non-inflated stigma. (Table 1, Suppl. material 1: table S1)

Etymology: The epithet adopted here is derived from Huanglong National Natural Reserve, the site of discovery of this species.

Ting Wang, Yumei Yuan, Ting-Hong Zhou and Yundong Gao. 2025. Lilium huanglongense (Liliaceae): A Newly-discovered Species in north-western Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 252: 9-24. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.135155 

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria arzuae (Liliaceae) • A New Species from Turkey

Fritillaria arzuae Tel,

in Tel, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0140

 Abstract

Fritillaria arzuae Tel (Liliaceae) is described as a new species from the Adıyaman Province, Turkey. It is endemic to the region and was found growing on slopes in stony areas at 1200 m a.s.l. The new species morphologically resembles F. carica and F. serpenticola. It differs from the former mainly by having a lanceolate, narrowly campanulate, yellow or sometimes reddish and smaller perigon, and from the latter by having a single leaf on the top of the stems. The pollen and seed micromorphology were studied by SEM. The conservation status was assessed to be Critically Endangered (CR).

Fritillaria arzuae Tel 

Ahmet Zafer Tel. 2024. Fritillaria arzuae (Liliaceae), a New Species from Turkey. Annales Botanici Fennici. 61(1):289-296. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0140

  facebook.com/IgdirUniversite/posts/1027153572761223

[Botany • 2023] Fritillaria ecerii (Liliaceae) • A New Species from Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey

 

 Fritillaria ecerii Balos & Eker,  

in Eker et Balo, 2023. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.060.0135  

 Researchgate.net/publication/375187572

 

Abstract

Fritillaria ecerii Balos & Eker sp. nova (Liliaceae) is described from the province of Mardin, SE Anatolia, Turkey. It is morphologically similar to F. melananthera in having a striped perigone, to F. caucasica and F. baskilensis in having a long style, and to F. assyriaca in having the same number of leaves. However, it clearly differs from F. melananthera and F. assyriaca mainly by its smooth style, longer filaments and more numerous bracts, and from F. caucasica and F. baskilensis mainly by its striped perigone and more numerous bracts. Diagnostic characteristics, a description, images, and a conservation assessment are provided.

 Fritillaria ecerii.
— A: Habitat. — B: Habit. — C, F and G: Lateral view of flowers. — D: Top view of flower. — E: Bottom view of flower. — H: Habit of fruiting plant.

 Fritillaria ecerii Balos & Eker sp. nova 

İsmail Eker and Mehmet Maruf Balo. 2023. Fritillaria ecerii (Liliaceae), A New Species from Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. Annales Botanici Fennici. 60(1), 231-236. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.060.0135 

  Researchgate.net/publication/375187572_Fritillaria_ecerii_a_new_species_from_southeastern_Anatolia_Turkey

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Turkey

Fritillaria yalcinii  

 

in Balos, Çeçen, Tekşen, Yıldırım et Sonay, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04220 

 facebook.com/biyolog.efe

Abstract

Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae) is described as a new species from Diyarbakır Province, southeastern Turkey. It is superficially similar to F. carica, F. forbesii, F. minima, F. minuta, F. mughlae and F. sibthorpiana, but differs in several morphological characters, such as leaves, perigon, nectary, filament, stigma and anther. Diagnostic characteristics, a comprehensive description, photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, observations and a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: Çermik, Diyarbakır, Mesopotamia, taxonomy

Mehmet Maruf Balos, Cahit Çeçen, Mehtap Tekşen, Hasan Yıldırım and Veysel Sonay. 2024. Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae), A New Species from southeastern Turkey. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04220 

 facebook.com/biyolog.efe/posts/7278961068806451

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria shahuensis (Liliaceae) • A New Species from western Iran

Fritillaria shahuensis   

in Advay et Rix. 2024. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/383085871

 

Abstract

A new species, Fritillaria shahuensis, from western Iran is described. It is similar in general facies to F. atrolineata and F. chlorantha in the F. caucasica-group but differs mainly in colour and size of lowest leaves and shape and colour of perigone segments. Fritillaria shahuensis is also similar in general facies to F. assyriaca and F. kordestanica but differs mainly by colour of perigone segments. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, diagnostic characters, original photographs, geographical distributions, habitat, phenology and ecology, etymology and conservation status of the new and related species are presented.

 Monocots, Fritillaria caucasica group, Hawraman, Lilioideae, Shahu, Kurdistan flora, Iranian flora

Fritillaria shahuensis, A, B. Habit. C, D. inner and outer surfaces of inner and outer tepals, pistil and stamens. E. Floral details. F. Seeds. G. Capsule. H. Bulb.

Fritillaria shahuensis A. Floral details. B-E. Habit and habitat.

 Mahfouz Advay and Martyn Rix. 2024. Fritillaria shahuensis (Liliaceae), A New Species from western Iran. Phytotaxa. 662(3); 279-286. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383085871_Fritillaria_shahuensis_a_new_species_from_western_Iran 

[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 • 2024] Lilium liangiae (Liliaceae) • A New Species in the Genus Lilium that reveals parallel evolution within morphology

 Lilium liangiae   Y. M. Yuan & Y. D. Gao, 

in Yuan et Gao, 2024.

DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1371237

The former genus Nomocharis, which has been merged as a clade within the genus Lilium (Liliaceae), represents one of the most complicated and unclear groups included in the latter. Research on members of the Nomocharis clade has been quite limited due to the sampling difficulties caused by its selective environmental preferences. In this study, we propose a new species within this clade, Lilium liangiae, as a further bridge connecting the former genus Nomocharis with other members of the genus Lilium. We conducted morphological clustering, phylogenetic, and comparative genomics analyses of nuclear internal spacers and the newly generated complete chloroplast genome, in conjunction with previously published sequences, and performed ancestral state reconstruction to clarify the evolutionary pattern of important traits in Lilium. The clustering results of 38 morphological traits indicated that the new species is allied to Nomocharis, further increasing the morphological polymorphism in the latter. The phylogenetic results and morphological clustering both supported L. liangiae belonging to the subclade Ecristata in Nomocharis, its closest affinity being Lilium gongshanense. Inconsistencies in phylogenetic relationships were detected between nuclear and plastid datasets, possibly due to ancient hybridization and ongoing introgression. Comparative genomics revealed the conservation and similarity of their chloroplast genomes, with variations observed in the expansion and contraction of the IR regions. A/T and palindromic repeat sequences were the most abundant. Seven highly variable regions (Pi≥0.015) were identified as potential molecular markers based on the chloroplast genomes of 47 species within Lilium. Both nuclear and plastid genes exhibited very low variability within the Nomocharis clade, contrasting with their highly variable morphological appearance. The ancestral state reconstruction analysis suggests that the campanulate flower form, as in L. liangiae, arose at least three times within the genus Lilium, revealing parallel evolution in the latter. Overall, this study adds important genetic and morphological evidence for understanding the phylogenetic relationships and parallel evolution patterns of species within the genus Lilium.

 Morphological characteristics of Lilium liangiae.
 (A) Habitat. (B, C) Plant. (D) Flower. (E) Anatomical view. (F) Tufted hairs. (G) Bulb. (H) Inner tepal. (I) Outer tepal.

Lilium liangiae Y. M. Yuan et Y. D. Gao sp. nov. 

At first glance, the new species bears a slight resemblance to Lilium mackliniae in terms of perianth morphology. Both have bell-shaped nodding flowers with petals curving upward at the end, and the petal edges transition from white to a deeper pink toward the center. Nonetheless, they significantly differ in overall plant morphology and leaf shape, with L. liangiae being shorter and smaller, typically bearing only one flower.

Yumei Yuan and Yundong Gao. 2024. Lilium liangiae, A New Species in the Genus Lilium (Liliaceae) that reveals parallel evolution within morphology. Front. Plant Sci. 15. DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1371237

[Botany • 2024] Lilium shenxianjuense (Liliaceae) • A New Species from Zhejiang, China

Lilium shenxianjuense Yue L.Xu & X.F.Jin, 

in Ye, Zhou, Peng, Zhu, Li, Xu et Jin. 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.640.2.4

 

Abstract

Lilium shenxianjuense, a new species of Liliaceae from Zhejiang, China, is described with illustrations. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete plastomes places the new species as sister to a clade that comprises species of L. sect. Sinomartagon. Morphologically, L. shenxianjuense is like L. concolor and L. lancifolium, but differs in habitat preferences and morphology. The plastome is like those of other species of Lilium in gene content and structure. The new species is critically endangered and in need of urgent protection.

 Lilium concolor, Lilium lancifolium, Lilium sect. Sinomartagon, plastome structure, plastid phylogenetics, Monocots

Lilium shenxianjuense, sp. nov. 
 A habit (showing lower part and bulb); B habit (showing upper part and inflorescence); C papillose indumentum on stem and leaf; D outer tepal; E inner tepal; F stamen; G ovary and style; H capsule; I seed.

(Drawn by Xiao-Feng Jin from Y.L. Xu & Z.M. Zhu 1453, ZM.)

Lilium shenxianjuense, sp. nov.
A, B habitat; C habit; D bulb; E alternative leaves; F indumentum; G inflorescence; H tepals, stamens and pistil; I stamens and pistil.

Lilium shenxianjuense Yue L.Xu & X.F.Jin

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘shenxianjuense’ refers to the type locality, Mount Shenxianju of Xianju County, which is situated in central Zhejiang Province, east China.

Ming-Yue Ye, Xin Zhou, Ya-Jun Peng, Zhi-Ming Zhu, Pan Li, Yue-Liang Xu and Xiao-Feng Jin. 2024. Lilium shenxianjuense (Liliaceae), A New Species from Zhejiang, China.  Phytotaxa. 640(2); 161-170. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.640.2.4