[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

[Botany • 2025] Sonerila charmadiensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Karnataka, India

Sonerila charmadiensis Karadakatti & Kakkalameli,

in Karadakatti et Kakkalameli, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.717.1.6 

Abstract

Sonerila charmadiensis is an acaulescent, corm producing, new species described here from Karnataka that has distinguishing characteristics from other members of the genus Sonerila worldwide. Sonerila charmadiensis differs in several characteristics, as compared with S. gadgiliana and S. wallichii two morphohlogically similar species, including having a corm, leaf structures and inflorescence characters. We herein describe this new species Sonerila charmadiensis from Karnataka, India.

Charmadi Ghat, misty climate, new species, rocky, south India, white dotted, white scattered spine, Eudicots

 

Sonerila charmadiensis sp. nov. 

Prashant KARADAKATTI and Siddappa B. KAKKALAMELI. 2025. Sonerila charmadiensis (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Karnataka, India. Phytotaxa. 717(1); 89-95. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.717.1.6  [2025-09-09] 

[Botany • 2024] Graffenrieda cardenasii (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) • A New Species from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and A Key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers

 

Graffenrieda cardenasii Humberto Mend. & Edwin Trujillo, 

in Mendoza-Cifuentes et Trujillo. 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2374 

Abstract

Background and Aims: Graffenrieda is a Neotropical genus with more than 70 species, mainly distributed in the Guiana Shield and the Andes. This work describes a new species of Graffenrieda and provides a key to identify all species with calyptrate flowers in the genus.

Methods: The description of this new species was made from collections deposited in the Colombian herbaria JBB and COAH. Measurements of vegetative parts and inflorescence were made from dried material, while floral structures and fruits were measured from fresh material preserved in alcohol. Their conservation status was assessed according to IUCN guidelines. A key for the recognition of all species of the genus with calyptrate flowers, including the new species and Centronia species to be transferred to Graffenrieda is also provided here, for which lists of species in Neotropical countries, collection databases, and literature on both genera were consulted.

Key results: Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. is endemic to the southern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and is characterized by its indumentum of irregular lepidote trichomes on the vegetative parts, leaves with incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as the flower buds, 5-merous flowers, calyptrate calyx and 2-locular ovary. It is categorized as Endangered in view of its endemicity and habitat specificity. A key is provided for 30 species of the genus Graffenrieda that share the character of calyptrate flowers.

Conclusions: This species is named in honor of the Colombian botanist Dairon Cárdenas López, a great collector and connoisseur of the Colombian Amazonian flora. It is so far known only from the type localities. The key to the species with calyptrate flowers included in this article allows 43% of the species in the genus Graffenrieda to be recognized, including four Centronia species.

Keywords: Amazonian foothills, Centronia, endemism, Merianieae

Graffenrieda cardenasii Humberto Mend. & Edwin Trujillo.
A. open flowers in front view; B. open flower in lateral view; C. flowering branch. All photos by Alejandro Zuluaga.

Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. 

Graffenrieda cardenasii is recognized by the dense indument of irregular lepidote trichomes on internodes, petioles and inflorescence, incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as flower buds, flowers 5-merous, calyx calyptrate and opening irregularly, and ovary 2-locu-lar. It is morphologically similar to G. moaensis Wurdack, but the latter has 6-merous, smaller flowers with a 3-loc-ular ovary. It also resembles G. penneysii Michelang. & C. Ulloa, but the latter is characterized by inflorescences with-out leafy bracteoles and 4-merous flowers with a 3-locular ovar y.

Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes and Edwin Trujillo Trujillo. 2024. A New Species of Graffenrieda (Melastomataceae) from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and A Key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers.  Acta Botanica Mexicana. 131; DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2374 

[Entomology • 2025] Lycoderides aburraensis & L. santainensis • Taxonomic and Ecological Notes on Lycoderides Sakakibara (Hemiptera: Membracidae), including Two New Species from the highlands of the Colombian Andes

 

in Flórez-V, Lapèze et Urban, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.2.1 

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Abstract

Two new species of Lycoderides Sakakibara are described and observations on their natural history are provided based on field observations in the highlands of the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes: Lycoderides aburraensis Flórez-V sp. nov. and L. santainensis Flórez-V sp. nov. The male of L. serraticornis (Fowler) and female of L. abditus Sakakibara are described, based on specimens collected in recent expeditions in Colombia and French Guiana, respectively. Information on host plants, ant-mutualism, behavior of adults and/or nymphs, female and male genitalia is provided for four species: L. santainensis sp. nov., L. luteus (Funkhouser), L. phasianus (Fowler) and L. serraticornis. Nymphal morphological variation in L. luteus due to host plant association are discussed. Additional notes on the biology of L. amazonicus (Sakakibara), L. brevilobus (Sakakibara), L. aff. brulei Sakaibara, L. fernandezi (Strümpel) and L. marginalis (Walker) are included. The species L. amazonicus, L. brevilobus, L. gradatus (Sakakibara) and L. marginalis are recorded for the first time in Colombia.

Hemiptera, Stegaspidini, Fagaceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, sexual dimorphism, host plants

 

Camilo FLÓREZ-V, Jérémie LAPÈZE and Julie M. URBAN. 2025. Taxonomic and Ecological Notes on Lycoderides Sakakibara (Hemiptera: Membracidae), including Two New Species from the highlands of the Colombian Andes.  Zootaxa. 5665(2); 151-186. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.2.1 [2025-07-22] 

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[Botany • 2025] Microlicia cangae (Melastomataceae) • A Critically Endangered Species from Canga of the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil

 

Microlicia cangae  A.J.Fern. & R.Romero, 

in Fernandes, Versiane et Romero. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10269-w  

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Summary

Here, we describe Microlicia cangae A.J.Fern. & R.Romero, a new species found in the Iron Quadrangle in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The new species has nodes with glandular trichomes and glabrous internodes, petiolate leaves with glabrous adaxial surfaces and abaxial surfaces covered with glandular trichomes. The calyx and sepals also have glandular trichomes. We compare M. cangae with M. ciliatoglandulosa R.Romero, M. graveolens DC., M. hirticalyx R.Romero & Woodgyer, M. maximowicziana Cogn. and M. regeliana Cogn., as they are morphologically similar. We also provide illustrations, field images and a distribution map. Microlicia cangae is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR] due to its restricted area of occupancy and the threat from iron mining in the vicinity of its occurrence.

Key Words: Campo rupestre, endemism, Espinhaço Range, Mariana, Santa Bárbara, taxonomy.

Microlicia cangae. A flowers with light pink petals, front view; B flowers with white petals, front view; C immature fruit; D flowering branches.

photos: Cristiano Vinícius Vidal.

Microlicia cangae A.J.Fern. & R.Romero, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the vegetation on ironstone outcrops (canga) of Iron Quadrangle, where the species was found.

Ana Júnia Fernandes, Ana Flávia Alves Versiane and Rosana Romero. 2025. Microlicia cangae (Melastomataceae), A Critically Endangered Species from Canga of the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10269-w [17 July 2025] 

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