[Botany • 2026] Sonerila namii (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Central Highlands, Vietnam

 

Sonerila namii  C. H. Nguyen, Aver. & C. W. Lin, 

in Nguyen, Averyanov et Lin. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.2.11 

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Abstract

A new species, Sonerila namii, is described from Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The new species shares several morphological similarities with S. repens but differs in having a stem covered with golden-brown to maroon hispid or hispid-hirsute hairs (vs. white woolly), a leaf blade bearing white hirsute or gland-tipped hirsute hairs on both surfaces (vs. pubescent with simple hairs), about 6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 2 or 3 pairs), a hypanthium with white hispid or gland-tipped hispid hairs and minute glandular trichomes (vs. woolly simple hairs), and petals up to 2.3 cm long (vs. up to 1.2 cm). According to the IUCN criteria, it may tentatively be assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Keywords: endemism, flora of Vietnam, Melastomataceae tribe Sonerileae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Sonerila namii:
 A – habit; B, B’ – portions of leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces; C, D, E – indumentum of reproductive structures: C – villous-hirsute or gland-tipped hirsute indumentum on leaf, D – minutely glandular trichomes on vegetative parts, E – gland-tipped hispid on hypanthium and abaxially of petals; F, F’ – flower, frontal and side views; G, G’ – stamens, frontal and side views; H – hypanthium; I – longitudinal section of ovary.

Drawing by Che Wei Lin from the holotype NHC-20251015010.

Sonerila namii:
A – habit and habitat; B – habit; C – flowering branch; D – leaves; E – portions of leaf, adaxial surface; F – same, abaxial surface; G – hypanthium, petals, stamens, and styles; H – longitudinal section of ovary; I – longitudinal section of immature fruit; J – cross section of immature fruit.

Photos A by Tinh Van Lam; photos B – J by Cuong Huu Nguyen of plants used for the preparation of type herbarium specimen NHC-20251015010.

Sonerila namii C. H. Nguyen, Aver. et C. W. Lin, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet honors a postgraduate student from Vietnam National Forestry University, Duong Van Nam, who collected and provided specimens of this new species. 

 

Cuong H. Nguyen, Leonid V. Averyanov and Che W. Lin. 2026. Sonerila namii (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from Central Highlands, Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 29(2); 110–115. 

DOI: doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.2.11 

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[Botany • 2026] Pterolepis arenacea (Melastomataceae: Melastomateae) • A New Species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim.,

 in Silva, Figueira, Schindler, Simon et Guimarães, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2140

Abstract

Pterolepis arenacea is described and illustrated as a new species to the Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins and its  surroundings, in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Tocantins. This species is restricted to microhabitats of sandstone outcrops surrounded by savanna vegetation. Pterolepis arenacea is the first known species of the genus exhibiting a dorsal appendage on the stamens. Morphologically, Pterolepis arenacea is most similar to species of the P. polygonoides complex, composed of P. polygonoides, P. saturejiformis and P. trimera. Furthermore, Pterolepis arenacea shares vegetative similarities with the  haplostemonous species P. haplostemona and P. xaxa. Detailed line drawings, field photographs, and scanning electron microscopy images are provided. The conservation status of Pterolepis arenacea is preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN criteria.

Keywords: Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, Jalapão, Matopiba, Pterolepis polygonoides, sandstone outcrops

 Field images of  Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim., sp. nov.
A, Individuals growing in sandstone outcrop cavities; B, detail of a stem, showing the grey-green abaxial surface leaf blades; C, individuals with both flowers and fruits; D, flowering individual; E and F, details of the flowers and floral bud.

Photographs by M. Figueira (A, C and D; all from M. Figueira et al. 1773) and M. F. Simon (B, E and F; all from R.R. Souza et al. 269).

 Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim., sp. nov.
 A, Flowering branch; B, a small branched specimen; C, branch node; D, abaxial surface of the leaf blade; D′, detail of the abaxial surface of the leaf blade base; E, adaxial surface of the leaf blade; E′, detail of the adaxial surface of the leaf blade base; F, front view of the flower, exposing the inner surfaces of the petals and the androecium; G, lateral view of the flower, showing the outer surfaces of the hypanthium and perianth; H, inner surface of the petal, highlighting the venation; I–I′′, antesepalous stamens (I, lateral view of the stamen; I′, front view of the stamen; I′′, detail of the dorsal and ventral appendages); J, gynoecium; K, capsule covered by the hypanthium and persistent sepals; L, exposed capsule; M, open capsule exposing persistent placenta.

Drawn by Carla de Lima from R.R. Souza et al. 269 (A and C–M) and M. Figueira et al. 1773 (B).

 Distribution and habitat of  Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim., sp. nov. 
A, Distribution map for Pterolepis arenacea (yellow triangles) (Brazilian states: BA, Bahia; MA, Maranhão; TO, Tocantins). B, Aerial view of the vegetation in the Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins (EESGT), showing a predominance of savannas and grasslands interspersed with rocky outcrops. C and D, Habitat where Pterolepis arenacea was found in the municipality of Formosa do Rio Preto, Bahia.

Photographs: Sérgio E. Noronha (B) and M. Figueira (C and D).

D. N. Silva, M. Figueira, B. Schindler, M. F. Simon and P. J. F. Guimarães. 2026. PTEROLEPIS ARENACEA (MELASTOMATACEAE: Melastomateae), A New Species from the Brazilian Cerrado.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. (83); 1-14 pp. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2140 [2026-07-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/409266877_PTEROLEPIS_ARENACEA_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_THE_BRAZILIAN_CERRADO

[Botany • 2026] Sporoxeia furcillispinosa (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from North-western Vietnam

  

Sporoxeia furcillispinosa T.C. Hsu, T.V. Do & C.W. Lin, 

in Hsu, Do et Lin. 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0125  

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Abstract

Sporoxeia furcillispinosa T.C. Hsu, T.V. Do & C.W. Lin (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from Mt Fansipan in the Hoang Lien National Park on the Hoang Lien Son Range, north-western Vietnam. It resembles S. vietnamensis but can be distinguished from it by having stems that are sharply angled, quadrangular or narrowly 4-winged (vs. obtusely quadrangular); two inflorescences per axil (vs. one), which are short racemose to subumbellate (vs. umbellate); bracts that are ovate to broadly ovate, up to 15 mm long (vs. subulate, ca. 3 mm long); a hypanthium covered with multi-branched or unbranched, fleshy soft spines (vs. irregular thick spines); and anthers of the inner and outer whorls equal or subequal in size (vs. strongly unequal).

Sporoxeia furcillispinosa.
 A and B: Habit and habitat (photographed at the type locality on 14 July 2025). — C: Inflorescence, also showing bracts and a portion of stem. — D and E: Portions of leaf, adaxial surface. — F: Hypanthium and calyx lobes. — G: Flower, frontal and lateral views.

Sporoxeia furcillispinosa T.C. Hsu, T.V. Do & C.W. Lin, sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin furcilla (little fork) and spinosa (thorny), referring to the characteristic irregularly branched soft spines densely covering the surface of the hypanthium, which distinguish this species from its relatives.

Tian-Chuan Hsu, Truong Van Do and Che-Wei Lin. 2026. Sporoxeia furcillispinosa (Melastomataceae), A New Species from North-Western Vietnam. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 183-189 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0125 [15 July 2026]

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[Botany • 2026] Microlicia almedae (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Microlicia almedae  R.B.Pacifico & Kriebel,

in Pacifico et Kriebel, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.193021

Abstract

A new species, Microlicia almedae, is described and illustrated from the species-rich campo rupestre vegetation of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The taxonomic novelty is morphologically related to M. giuliettiana and M. pulchra, which are also restricted to Chapada Diamantina. Microlicia almedae differs from the latter two species in leaf shape and size, hypanthium indumentum, calyx lobe shape and size, and petal size. In addition, M. almedae differs from M. giuliettiana by its uniformly magenta petals and from M. pulchra by its capsules with deciduous columellae. Variation in leaf shape among M. almedae, M. pulchra, and M. giuliettiana was quantified using elliptic Fourier analysis, which revealed near-complete separation among the three species.

Key words: Campo rupestre, Lavoisiereae, Pico da Lapa Grande, Serra do Barbado, taxonomy

Microlicia almedae.
 A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Landscape with campo rupestre vegetation at Serra do Barbado, the type locality of M. almedae.

Voucher: L. Daneu et al. 796 (JABU). 

Photos: by L. Daneu (A, B); by E.A. Ramos (C).

Microlicia almedae.
A. Habit; B. Close-up of a branch; C. Leaf adaxial surface; D. Leaf abaxial surface; E. Detail of glandular-punctate adaxial surface; F. Detail of glandular-punctate indumentum on abaxial surface; G. Flower in lateral view; H. Flowering hypanthium and calyx lobes; I. Detail of the indumentum on the hypanthium; J. Petal in adaxial view; K. Antepetalous (left) and antesepalous (right) stamens; L. Gynoecium; M. Apex of style and stigma; N. Ovary in cross-section; O. Capsule enveloped by the hypanthium and calyx lobes; P. Seed in lateral view.

Illustration by Klei Sousa based on L. Daneu et al. 796 (JABU).

  

Microlicia almedae R.B.Pacifico & Kriebel, sp. nov.

Ricardo Pacifico and Ricardo Kriebel. 2026. Microlicia almedae (Melastomataceae), A New Species from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. PhytoKeys. 276: 183-195. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.193021 [12 Jun 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from northern Madagascar

 

Gravesia gautieri Almeda & R.B.Pacifico, 

in Almeda et Pacifico, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 

  Researchgate.net/publication/396286653

Abstract

Gravesia gautieri, a new species from northern Madagascar, is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared with presumed relatives based on morphological characters. It is readily diagnosed by its sparingly branched suffrutescent habit, 3-nerved leaf blades that are coarsely and remotely serrate at least distally with a sparse cover of minute brown granular hairs and ± appressed smooth hairs abaxially, long-pedunculate umbellate inflorescences, ± terete and ecostate hypanthia, obsolete calyx lobes with callose-thickened teeth borne on and barely exceeding the calyx tube in length, and dorso-basal subulate staminal appendages that are deflexed to variously coiled.

Andrafiamena-Andavakoera, Madagascar, new species, paleotropics, Sonerileae, Eudicots

 

 Photos of living plants of Gravesia gautieri.
A. Habit. B. Flower close-up.

FRANK ALMEDA and RICARDO PACIFICO. 2025. Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), A New Species from northern Madagascar.  Phytotaxa. 721(3); 288-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 [2025-10-08] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/396286653_Gravesia_gautieri_a_new_species_from_northern_Madagascar

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila roxburghii (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India

 

Sonerila roxburghii  Resmi, Nampy & Karthig., 

in Resmi, Nampy, Francis, Mohan et Karthigeyan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0119

Abstract

Sonerila roxburghii Resmi, Nampy & Karthig. (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from the Mankulam Reserve forest in the southern Western Ghats, India. It is morphologically similar to S. grandiflora and S. sadasivanii but differs from them by having terete stems, lanceolate to elliptic leaves with a cuneate and attenuate base, 3–10-flowered cymes, obscurely 6-ribbed hypanthia, acuminate to rostrate anthers, and 6-ribbed capsules.

Sonerila roxburghii. — A–E: Plants in natural habitats (A–C from Nallathanni, near Kurumalai bridge on 9 December 2025; D and E from Mankulam Reserve forest, near Lakshmi Tea estate on 20 December 2019).

Sonerila roxburghii (holotype material). — A and B: Habit. — C and D: Flowering shoots. — E: Leaves, adaxial view. — F: Leaves, abaxial view. — G: Stem. — H: Leaf base.

Sonerila roxburghii (holotype material). — A: Flowering shoot with inflorescences. — B: Base of stem. — C and D: Inflorescence. — E: Flower. — F: Hypanthium. — G: Petals, adaxial view. — H: Petals, abaxial view. — I: Hypanthium with stamens and pistil. — J: Hypanthium with pistil. — K: Style and stigma. — L: Stamens. — M: Immature capsule.

Sonerila roxburghii Resmi, Nampy & Karthig., sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet roxburghii honours William Roxburgh (1751–1815) for his valuable contributions to the taxonomy of the genus Sonerila.

Comparison of morphological characters among
Sonerila roxburghii (A1, B1 and C1; holotype material),
S. grandiflora (A2, B2 and C2; Resmi S., Krishnapriya M.P. & Santhosh Nampy 164464, CALI) and
S. sadasivanii (A3, B3 and C3; from Resmi S. & Santhosh Nampy 168287, CALI).
 A1–A3: Habit. — B1–B3: Inflorescence. — C1–C3: Leaves, adaxial view.

 

Resmi S., Nampy S., Francis D., Mohan V. & Karthigeyan K. 2026. Sonerila roxburghii (Melastomataceae), A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India.  Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 125–134, DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0119 (7 May 2026) 

    

[Botany • 2022] Sporoxeia vietnamensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from northern Vietnam

Sporoxeia vietnamensis D.V.Hai, Z.L.Lin & S.Jin Zeng,  

in Thuy, Zeng, Hai, Hoan, Lin et Deng, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.558.3.4

Researchgate.net/publication/362798168

Abstract

A new species of Sporoxeia (Melastomataceae), S. vietnamensis, is described from northern Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to S. blastifolia in having obtusely quadrangular stems, slightly unequal leaf blades with cuneate bases, and two secondary veins on each side of midvein, but differs by having stiffly papery leaf blades, larger and densely horned hypanthia, larger calyx lobes with concave adaxial surface and convex abaxial surface forming a ridge, and larger petals. Photos and illustration are provided together with information of habitat, ecology and preliminary conservation assessment following IUCN criteria. An identification key to the Sporoxeia species is also provided.

morphology, Sonerileae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Sporoxeia vietnamensis D.V.Hai, Z.L.Lin & S.Jin Zeng sp. nov.

NGUYEN THU THUY, SIJIN ZENG, DO VAN HAI, DUONG THI HOAN, ZHELI LIN, YUNFEI DENG. 2022. Sporoxeia vietnamensis (Melastomataceae), A New Species from northern Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 558(3); 283-290. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.558.3.4 [2022-08-17]

 Researchgate.net/publication/362798168_Sporoxeia_vietnamensis_a_new_species_from_northern_Vietnam

https://vast.gov.vn/web/vietnam-academy-of-science-and-technology/tin-chi-tiet/-/chi-tiet/discovering-and-recording-a-number-of-new-species-for-science-in-kim-hy-nature-reserve-bac-kan-province-119914-871.html

[Botany • 2026] Osbeckia zubeengargiana (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Assam, Northeast India

Osbeckia zubeengargiana Barnali Das & N. Nath,

in Das, Pulpra et Nath, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.1.1 

 facebook.com: Barnali DAS

 

Abstract

A new species of Osbeckia, O. zubeengargiana, from the family Melastomatacaeae, is described based on collections made from Assam, India. The new species is related to O. rostrata because of its tetramerous flowers, but can be distinguished by its habit, foliar morphology, bract shape and size, morphology of the intersepalar emergences, ciliated style base, and seed size. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, photographs showing diagnostic features, and comparison with the related species are provided here.

Assam, India, Melastomataceae, new species, Osbeckia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Barnali DAS, Prashob PULPRA and Namita NATH. 2026. Osbeckia zubeengargiana (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Assam, Northeast India.  Phytotaxa. 747(1); 1-7. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.1.1 [2026-03-13]

 facebook.com/BarnaliDAS1466126/posts/4383160901962339

  

[Botany • 2025] Axinaea filandiensis (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) • A New Species from Colombia, and Comments on the Circumscription of Axinaea and groups in Meriania

 Axinaea filandiensis Humberto Mend. & W. Vargas,  

  

 in Mendoza Cifuentes et Vargas, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm132.2025.2421 

Abstract

Background and Aims: Axinaea is a predominantly Andean genus, with one species found in the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama. It is similar to Meriania, and the only feature that separates them from each other is the shape of the dorsal connective of the anther. The discovery of a new species, described here, with anther connective characters intermediate between the two genera, raised the need to improve the circumscription of Axinaea and document variation within Meriania, aspects that are addressed in this paper.

Methods: A new species of Axinaea is described from collections deposited in the UDBC herbarium of the Distrital University of Bogotá. The degree of threat is evaluated and the need for conserving the species is described. In addition, various groups within Meriania, including Axinaea, are summarized, and a unique set of characters for Axinaea is proposed.

Key results: Axinaea filandiensis sp. nov. is characterized by its 4-merous flowers, isomorphous stamens with blue anthers and globose-ellipsoid dorsal connectives. It is known only from the type locality and its conservation status is proposed as Critically Endangered (CR). Seven groups are described in Meriania, including Axinaea, and a unique set of characters is proposed for the latter genus, considering non-nectariferous flowers, cucullate corolla, isomorphic or slightly dimorphic stamens, anthers with the vascular bundle of the connective tissue directed backwards, and inappendiculate and globose to globose-elliptic connective. According to this circumscription, one species described in Meriania (M. rubrifolia) establishes its position within Axinaea.

Conclusions: Axinaea filandiensis represents a critically endangered species that requires urgent conservation action. The unique set of characters established in this paper clarifies the separation between Axinaea and Meriania. It is proposed to maintain both genera separate, considering that Meriania is an artificial group that should be split into several genera.

Keywords: Andes, stamens, sub-Andean forest, taxonomy

Living plants of Axinaea filandiensis Humberto Mend. & W. Vargas.
A. flowering branch; B. detail of stem and inflorescence; C. floral buds; D. open flower.

Photos from Vargas 17591 (UDBC)

 

Humberto Mendoza Cifuentes and William G. Vargas. 2025. Axinaea filandiensis (Melastomataceae, Merianieae), A New Species from Colombia, and Comments on the Circumscription of Axinaea and groups in Meriania. Acta Botanica Mexicana. (132); DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm132.2025.2421 

 

[Botany • 2026] Medinilla calanasan (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Apayao Province, Philippines

 

Medinilla calanasan  

in Pelser, Dela Cruz, Suetos, Ibañez et Barcelona, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.1.7 

Abstract

Medinilla calanasan is here described as a new species from Calanasan in Apayao Province in northern Luzon (Philippines). It is morphologically distinct from all other known Medinilla species in having horn-like protrusions at the base of the leaf lamina. Morphological similarities with M. clementis Merr. and M. dolichophylla Merr. suggest that M. calanasan may be a member of the M. magnifica-alliance.

 Luzon, Medinilla magnifica-alliance, Myrtales, taxonomy, Eudicots

Medinilla calanasan sp. nov.

Pieter B. PELSER, Breiden DELA CRUZ, Kristian J. E. SUETOS, Jayson C. IBAÑEZ and Julie F. BARCELONA. 2026. Medinilla calanasan (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Apayao Province, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 742(1); 99-104. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.1.7 [2026-02-18]

https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/post/new-horn-leaf-medinilla-discovered-inside-apayao-eagle-forest

[Botany • 2026] Melastoma calcicolum & M. souladethianum (Melastomataceae) • Two New Species from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos

ເອນອ້າຂຸນກອງແລງ |  Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.
ເອນອ້າເພັດຊົມພູ |  M. souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.

in Souvannakhoummane, Tanaka, Souladeth, Tagane, Dang, Yamamoto, Yamazaki, Pham, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Phengmala, Kongxaisavath et Sengthong, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3141

Abstract

Two new species, Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov. and M. souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka sp. nov. (Melastomataceae), are described from limestone karst habitats in Khammouane Province, central Laos. Descriptions, photographs, distribution, habitat, phenology, and initial conservation statuses of both newly described species are given. A key to the species of Melastoma in Laos including currently reported species is provided. These discoveries result from extensive fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2025 in protected areas including Phou Hin Poun National protected area and Phou Pha Marn area. M. calcicolum sp. nov. is distinguished from M. saigonenese by its terete twigs, narrow lanceolate leaves, spaced penicillate emergences on the hypanthium, stalk of emergences on hypanthium shorter, glabrous sepals, and longer styles, while M. souladethianum sp. nov. differs from M. pellegrinianum by its terete branches, small inflorescences with 2–4 flowers, and sparsely bristled hypanthium with strigose hairs. Both species are currently known only from their type localities, occurring in exposed limestone areas, and are preliminarily assessed as Endangered and Critically Endangered based on IUCN criteria due to their restricted distributions and small population sizes. These findings highlight the high botanical diversity and endemism of Laos’s limestone ecosystems and underscore the importance of continued botanical exploration in the region.

Keywords: Limestone flora, Myrtales, new description, new taxa, Southeast Asia

 

Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.
 A. Habit. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C. Close-up of flower bud showing the penicillate emergences. D. Horizontal cross-section of ovary. E. Lateral view of flower. F. Top view of flower. G. Vertical cross-section of flower bud. H. Flower bud. I. Vertical cross-section of the flower with petals removed. J. Petals. K. Long stamens. L. Short stamens. M. Pistil. N. Bottom view of hypanthium showing the 5 sepals.

Photos from holotype (Tagane et al. Z1704) 

A, C by S. Tagane; B, D, G–N by K. Souvannakhoummane and E–F by P. Phonepaseuth.

Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to Melastoma saigonense (Kuntze) Merr., but differs in its terete young twigs  (vs.  (sub)quadrangular), narrower leaves (ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, length/width ratio 2.8–4.1 vs. ovate to elliptic, length/width ratio 1.8–2), penicillate emergences spaced apart (vs. densely covered by penicillate emergences), stalk of emergences on hypanthium 1–1.5 mm long (vs. 3–5 mm long), glabrous sepals except for ciliate margins (vs. outer surface densely covered with bristles), and longer styles (20–25 mm long vs. 15–20 mm long).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the limestone habitat.

Vernacular name: ເອນອ້າຂຸນກອງແລງ En R Khoun Kongleng (meaning: ʻKhoun Kongleng's Melastomaʼ).

Melastoma souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.
A. Habit. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C–D. Flowers. E. Petals. F. Hypanthium & pistil. G. Vertical cross-section of hypanthium showing ovary. H. Flower bud. I. Lateral view of young fruits. J. Top view of young fruit. K. Short stamens. L.  Long stamens. M. Lateral view of mature dry fruit. N. Top view of mature dry fruit. O. Vertical cross section of mature dry fruit.

C–L from holotype (Tagane et al. Z1213) and A–B; M–O paratype (Tagane et al. Z1915)

Photos by K. Souvannakhoummane.

Melastoma souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Similar to Melastoma pellegrinianum (H.Boissieu) Karst.Mey., but it differs in having terete young branches (vs. quadrangular in M. pellegrinianum), inflorescences with 2–4 flowers (vs. more than 15), hypanthia sparsely covered in bristles with sparse strigose hairs (vs. bristles without strigose hairs).

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Dr. Phetlasy Souladeth, curator of the FOF herbarium of the National University of Laos, who led our field trips and is an excellent plant taxonomist. She has greatly contributed to elucidating the flora of Laos and has described more than 30 new species and recorded over 100 species to Laos’ flora.

Vernacular name: ເອນອ້າເພັດຊົມພູ En R Phetsomphou (meaning: purple diamond’s Melastomaʼ).

Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Nobuyuki TANAKA, Phetlasy SOULADETH, Shuichiro TAGANE, Van-Son DANG, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Kaito YAMAZAKI, Quoc Trong PHAM, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH and Anousone SENGTHONG. 2026. Two New Species of Melastoma L. (Melastomataceae) from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1034(1); 1-13. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3141 [2026-01-08]

facebook.com/PhetlasySouladeth/posts/25405484335746080

[Entomology • 2025] Batophila alishanensis, B. chungi, B. tsoui, B. wusheensis ... • The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera: Chrysomeliae: Galerucinae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species

 

A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus; 
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Rubus wallichianus (Rosaceae); 
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

Lee, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 

Abstract

The Taiwanese species of the genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 are revised. Batophila acutangula Heikertinger, 1921 is removed from the list of Taiwanese fauna. Batophila taiwanica Döberl, 2010 is recognized and redescribed. Additionally, eleven new species from Taiwan are described: B. alishanensis sp. nov., B. choui sp. nov., B. chungi sp. nov., B. houjayi sp. nov., B. huangi sp. nov., B. jungchani sp. nov., B. meihuai sp. nov., B. tsoui sp. nov., B. wusheensis sp. nov., B. yehi sp. nov., and B. yuae sp. nov. The species descriptions include illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae.

Key words: Host plant, leaf beetles, Melastomataceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Rubus, taxonomy

Field photographs of Batophila species
A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus;
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of R. wallichianus (Rosaceae);
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

 Chi-Feng LEE. 2025. The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera, Chrysomeliae, Galerucinae, Alticitae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species. ZooKeys. 1258: 73-118. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 [03 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Blakea graciliflora (Melastomataceae: Pyxidantheae) • A New Species from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

  

Blakea graciliflora Urrea, Ariza-Cortés & Humberto Mend.,

in Urrea, Mendoza-Cifuentes et Ariza-Cortés, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-025-09840-3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391155588

Abstract

Blakea graciliflora, a new species of Melastomataceae from the western slopes of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, is described and illustrated, along with comments on its etymology, distribution, phenology, conservation status, and taxonomic affinities. Blakea graciliflora is a species readily distinguished by its obovate to obovate-elliptic leaf blades with acuminate apices, abaxial leaf surfaces that are densely covered with tiny lepidote trichomes, basally fused outer floral bracteoles free inner floral bracteoles, both pairs of which are equal to shorter than calyx lobes, isomorphic stamens that form a complete ring around the style, and anther connectives that are dorso-basally prolonged into a triangular spur. The new species is endemic to a relatively small area with an important anthropogenic influence, so it is preliminarily categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List. The discovery of this new species underscores the state of the Andean forests in this region and the importance of their exploration and conservation.

Keywords: Andes, Andean forests, endemism, Myrtales, taxonomy

Blakea graciliflora Urrea, Ariza-Cortés & Humberto Mend., sp. nov.

 

Johan Urrea, Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes & William Ariza-Cortés. 2025. A New Species of Blakea (Melastomataceae: Pyxidantheae) from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. Brittonia. 77, 194–200. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-025-09840-3 [25 April 2025]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/391155588_A_new_species_of_Blakea_from_Colombia