[Botany • 2026] Syzygium khammouanense (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.,

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

ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3  

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH

Summary

A new species, Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. (Myrtaceae), discovered from Khounkham District, Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from other Syzygium species by having 26 – 30 pairs of secondary veins and a strongly quadrangular hypanthium, 1 cm long. A description, provisional conservation assessment, photographs and vernacular name of the new species are provided.

Key Words: Indochina, Khounkham, limestone flora, plant diversity, taxonomy

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.
A flowering branch; B leaf, abaxial surface; C flower bud; D inflorescence; E flower, cutaway, showing stamens and style; F young fruits; G hypanthium, with style (left), and petals, adaxial surface (centre), abaxial surface (right). photos by: Shuichiro Tagane.

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “khammouanense” refers to the name of the province containing the type locality, in Laos.

Vernacular name. ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ (Wa Khammouane, suggested here). “Wa” is the common Lao name for the genus Syzygium, and “khammouanense” represents the province’s name where the type material was collected.

 

Van-Son Dang, Phetlasy Souladeth, Quoc-Trong Pham, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Anousone Sengthong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Takenori Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kotaro T. Takahashi and Shuichiro Tagane. 2026. A New Species of Syzygium P.Browne ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae), S. khammouanense, from central Laos.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3 [21 May 2026] 

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH/posts/26753325944295239 

[Botany • 2025] Psidium guedesiae (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil

 

Psidium guedesiae Stadnik & Landrum, 

in Stadnik & Landrum, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.1 

 

Abstract

Psidium is one of the largest genera of Myrtaceae in Brazil. Bahia, the most species rich state, has species growing in the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest domains, and the ecotones between these. A new species, Psidium guedesiae, is described from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. It is compared to three similar species of Psidium that all seem to grow in the Caatinga habitat. A key to the species of this group is provided. The morphology, phenology, ecology and conservation status of P. guedesiae are discussed.

Bahia, dryland, Ecotone, Myrteae, Pernambuco, Eudicots

Psidium guedesiae.
Details. A—Fruiting branch (Stadnik 279); B—Twig. B1 –Vegetative bud, B2—Colleter (Stadnik 279);
C—Placenta with ovules (Guedes 30198); D—Seeds (Stadnik 279); E—Petal (Guedes 30198); F—young cataphyll (Guedes 30146); G— longitudinal section of an old flower, highlighting gynoecium features; H—old flower, H1—Bracteole, H2—Colleter (Guedes 30146).

Psidium guedesiae Stadnik & Landrum, sp. nov. 

Similar to Psidium brevipedunculatum but flower buds and lower surface of leaves moderately to sparsely strigose or pubescent (not densely tomentose), petioles 0–2 mm long (not 4–5 mm long) and leaf blades submembranous to chartaceous (not subcoriaceous) at maturity. 

Etymology:—Psidium guedesiae is a tribute to Maria Lenise Guedes who is a distinguished colleague of the Alexandre Leal Costa Herbarium at Salvador, Bahia. Guedes is a prolific botanist that has been contributing to the biodiversity knowledge of Brazil, mainly in the Bahia state. She was the first collector of P. guedesiae, and based on online platform of herbarium data, she is the paramount female collector of vascular plants in Brazil and has collected more specimens of Psidium in Bahia than anyone else.

 

Aline STADNIK and Leslie R. LANDRUM. 2025. Psidium guedesiae A New Species from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Phytotaxa. 734(1); 1-8. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.1 [2025-12-16]

[Botany • 2025] Syzygium rubrocarpum (Myrtaceae) • A New Species of Wallacean Syzygium with red-colored globose berries

Syzygium rubrocarpum I. Martian., M.R. Hariri & A.S.D. Irsyam, 

in Martiansyah, Hariri et Irsyam, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.715.2.5

Abstract

Syzygium rubrocarpum, a new species from Sulawesi, is described and illustrated here. This novel species is recognized by its narrowly elliptic or oblong-elliptic to subfalcate leaf shape with 13‒15 lateral veins, cauliflorous cymes on main stem, pink-colored flowers, and red-colored globose berries. Currently, S. rubrocarpum is known to occur in two locations in Southeast Sulawesi (Kendari and Kolaka) and is locally referred to as ruruhi.

Indonesia, Malesia, Myrtoideae, Sulawesi, Syzygieae, Eudicots

Syzygium rubrocarpum

Irfan MARTIANSYAH, Muhammad Rifqi HARIRI, Arifin Surya Dwipa IRSYAM. 2025. Syzygium rubrocarpum (Myrtaceae): A New Species of Wallacean Syzygium with red-colored globose berries. Phytotaxa. 715(2); 153-158. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.715.2.5 [2025-08-19]

https://itb.ac.id/berita/herbarium-bandungense-sith-itb-dan-brin-ungkap-spesies-baru-tumbuhan-endemik-dari-sulawesi-tenggara/62751

 

[Botany • 2023] Myrcia tenondeporan (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from the Atlantic Forest in the Serra do Mar Mountains, Brazil

 

Myrcia tenondeporan M.F.Santos & E.Barretto,  

in Santos et Barretto, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.632.1.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/376852574 

Abstract

Myrcia sect. Eugeniopsis is one of the nine sections of Myrcia (Myrciinae, Myrteae, Myrtaceae) and includes mostly species of the current synonym genus Eugeniopsis. Using fieldwork and the analysis of herbarium collections as a basis, we describe here a new species of this section, Myrcia tenondeporan, which is endemic to the Atlantic Forest in the Serra do Mar Mountains. The new species is related to Myrcia vellozoi and Myrcia multipunctata but differs mainly in the leaf shape and size, inflorescence structure and size of floral buds.

Brazil, Calyptranthes, Marlierea, Systematics, Taxonomy, Eudicots

Myrcia tenondeporan M.F.Santos & E.Barretto, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet honours the indigenous territory of Tenondé Porã, which houses about 1,500 Guarani people (Garcia & Barretto 2021). The territory is located in parts of Mongaguá, São Bernardo do Campo,São Paulo and São Vicente municipalities (São Paulo state). The region is heavily urbanised but also has many naturalareas, where the new species is commonly recorded. 

Matheus F. SANTOS and Eduardo H. P. BARRETTO. 2023. 2023. Myrcia tenondeporan, A New Species of Myrtaceae from the Atlantic Forest in the Serra do Mar Mountains, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 632(1); 69-77. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.632.1.6 [2023-12-27] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/376852574_Myrcia_tenondeporan_a_new_species_of_Myrtaceae_from_the_Atlantic_Forest_in_the_Serra_do_Mar_Mountains_Brazil

[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 

 facebook.com/CamiloFlorez10

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] 

 facebook.com/CamiloFlorez10/posts/10164005062633799

[Botany • 2025] Syzygium triflorum (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong,

in Cuong, Thanh, Hiep, Huyen, Hoang et Tagane, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.143043

Abstract

Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong, sp. nov., from Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinguished from related species, Syzygium skiophilum, by its having 4-angled and reddish-grey twigs, oblong leaves with an attenuate apex, less secondary veins of 26–30 pairs, exclusively axillary inflorescences, lanceolate-ovate bracts, sessile flowers, obconical hypanthium (slightly pyriform in flower buds) and more stamens of 18–28. The flowers and fruits were observed in the rainy season, July 2024. This new species grows under a mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forest dominated by Dacrydium elatum and Dacrycarpus imbricatus.

Key words: Flora, Indochina, Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Myrtales

Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong
A immature fruit in lateral view B immature fruits in top view
C hypanthia in lateral view (after petals and most stamens had fallen off) D hypanthia with calyx disc and styles in top view (after petals and most stamens had fallen off)
E inflorescence in top view, showing flowers before anthesis (left and right) F inflorescence in lateral view (3 flowers in cluster)
G leafy branches H leaves, adaxial (upper) and abaxial (bottom) surface. Photos: H. T. Truong and H. C. Dang.

 Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Syzygium triflorum could be confused with S. skiophilum (Duthie) Airy Shaw distributed in Thailand, Malay Peninsula and Borneo (Airy Shaw 1949; Parnell and Chantaranothai 2002; Ashton 2011). Generally, S. triflorum is similar to S. skiophilum because they both show small tree habit and short cymose inflorescences with tiny flowers. However, S. triflorum differs from S. skiophilum in having 4-angled and reddish-grey twigs (vs. terete and blackish-brown in S. skiophilum), oblong leaf blades (vs. elliptic-lanceolate, obovate or oblanceolate), fewer secondary veins (26–30 pairs vs. ca. 45 or 14–18 pairs), exclusively axillary inflorescences (vs. temirnal and axillary), lanceolate-ovate bracts (vs. linear), sessile or subsessile flower (vs. with short pseudostalk ca. 1 mm long), obconical hypanthium (slightly pyriform in flower buds) (vs. funnel-shaped) and more stamens (18–28 vs. 8 stamens) (Table 1, Fig. 3).

Etymology. The species epithet refers to its number of flowers in a inflorescence, which is usually in a cluster of three.

Vernacular. Trâm ba hoa (three-flowered syzygium), 

Trâm hoa nhỏ (tiny-flowered syzygium)

Dang Hung Cuong, Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, Nguyen Huu Hiep, Dang Ngoc Huyen, Thanh Truong Hoang and Shuichiro Tagane. 2025. Syzygium triflorum (Myrtaceae), A New Species from Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 255: 75-83. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.143043

[Botany • 2025] Syzygium nebulosum (Myrtaceae) • A Novel and narrowly endemic Species from the cloud rainforests of the Wollumbin (Mt Warning) – Tweed volcanic Caldera on the New South Wales – Queensland border, Australia

Syzygium nebulosum L.Weber,

in Weber et Forster, 2025. 

www.qld.gov.au/environment

Analysis of morphological variation for plants previously confused with Syzygium crebrinerve (C.T.White) L.A.S.Johnson due to similar bark and leaf appearance, or S. oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland due to similar fruit appearance, has revealed that a novel species is present in the high elevation (800–1200m) cloud rainforests of the Tweed Range and Springbrook, Lamington plateaux. These plateaux form the northern and western erosional remnants of the ~ 20 million-year-old Wollumbin (Mt Warning) – Tweed volcano. The new species S. nebulosum L.Weber is described with notes on morphology, distribution, habitat, dispersal ecology and conservation status. The biogeographic context and potential threats and conservation status for this species are discussed.

Key Words: Myrtaceae; Syzygium; Syzygium crebrinerve; Syzygium johnsonii; Syzygium nebulosum;

Syzygium oleosum; flora of New South Wales; flora of Queensland; new species; conservation status;

Wollumbin (Mt Warning) – Tweed Volcanic Caldera; biogeography; myrtle rust; refugia

Syzygium nebulosum L.Weber sp. nov. 

Similar to S. crebrinerve (C.T.White) L.A.S.Johnson but differing in having smooth to flaky, pinkish bark, often with numerous coppice shoots at the base of the trunk (vs scaly fissured, fawn to pale pink bark without coppice shoots at the base of the trunk in S. crebrinerve); fresh mature leaves with 14–24 pairs of dark green looping secondary lateral veins (vs fresh mature leaves with 22–35 pairs that are usually the same colour as the lamina and not prominently visible on S. crebrinerve); oil glands are of two types: larger golden glands interspersed with smaller translucent glands (vs one type of translucent gland in S. crebrinerve); new flush of leaves often has a distinctive golden green colour (vs pink to wine red and maturing orange in S. crebrinerve); twigs are covered in smooth peeling maroon to orange bark just below the leaves (vs pinkish non peeling bark in S. crebrinerve); inflorescences are borne in the leaf axils (vs terminal and multi branched in S. crebrinerve); flowers with four creamygolden petals (vs four white or pinkish ...

Suggested Vernacular Name: Caldera Satinash

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin adjective nebulosus – subject to cloud and mist or hazy, foggy or obscure. Named for the cloud rainforest environment on the Wollumbin (Mt Warning) – Tweed caldera above 800 m from which the species is restricted to and that is frequently shrouded in mist for up to 70% of the year, and the obscure hazy identity of the species not uncovered for nearly half a century after its first collection.

Lui C. Weber and Paul I. Forster. 2025. Syzygium nebulosum L.Weber, a novel and narrowly endemic species from the high-elevation cloud rainforests of the Wollumbin (Mt Warning) – Tweed volcanic caldera on the New South Wales – Queensland border, Australia. Austrobaileya. 15: 1−27. 

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/austrobaileya

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0037/573796/weber-forster-syzygium-nebulosum-page-7.pdf

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Ferruaspis brocksi • The Paleobiology of A New osmeriform Fish Species (Teleostei: Osmeriformes) from Australia

 

Ferruaspis brocksi

McCurry, Gill, Baranov, Hart, Slatyer & Frese, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445684  

ABSTRACT

Osmeriformes represent an important component of freshwater ecosystems in Australia and New Zealand and yet are poorly represented in the fossil record in these countries. Here we describe a new species of fossil osmeriform from the Miocene of New South Wales. Australia. Phylogenetic analyses place the species as an early diverging member of the southern radiation of Osmeriformes. The fossils are embedded and mineralized in the iron oxide-hydroxide mineral goethite, resulting in an unusual degree of preservation. Preserved stomach contents indicate an opportunistic benthopelagic diet, evidenced by the remains of numerous phantom midge larvae (Chaoborus abundans), two insect wings, and a bivalve. Another bivalve (Unionidae) was found attached to the tail of one of the specimens. The distribution of melanophores indicates that the species was counter-shaded with two lateral stripes. Discovering this species west of the Great Dividing Range, with a population that includes a range of body sizes, suggests that at least this population if not the species spent its entire life in fresh water, unlike most extant Osmeriformes. The description of Ferruaspis brocksi highlights the ability of specimens with preserved soft tissues to reveal aspects of the paleobiology of extinct species.

 

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

TELEOSTEI Müller, 1846

EUTELEOSTEI Greenwood et al., 1967

OSMERIFORMES sensu Nelson, 2016

FERRUASPIDAE fam. nov.

Diagnosis: Slender, fusiform fish with an adipose fin. Distinguished from Stokellia and Retropinna and most Galaxiidae by the position of the dorsal fin that is positioned above pelvic fins in Ferruaspis and further posteriorly in other species. Distinguished from members of Retropinnidae, that have 17 or 18 primary caudal fin rays, by the presence of 19 primary caudal fin rays, the absence of a horny ventral keel, the slender structure of the last few neural spines and an absence of fusion of the first hypural and parhypural. Distinguished from Osmeridae, that possess 7–14 dorsal fin rays, by the presence of 16 dorsal fin rays as well as the tapered posterior margin of the anal fin. Distinguished from Galaxiidae, that have <16 primary caudal rays, by the number of primary caudal rays and a greater depth of the body.

 FERRUASPIS gen. nov.

FERRUASPIS BROCKSI gen. et sp. nov.

 

Ferruaspis brocksi 
Habitus and fin positions (holotype AM F.154511). A, photograph of AM F.154511; B, C, line drawings showing the positions of the various fins, eye, and stomach.

Scale bar equals 8 mm.

 

Etymology—‘Ferru,’ from ferrum (Latin), meaning ‘iron,’ in relation to the iron-rich matrix that it was found in and ‘aspis,’ (Greek) meaning ‘shield,’ commonly applied to fossil fish. The specific epithet is named for Professor Jochen J. Brocks of Canberra, Australia, who discovered several of the specimens.

A school of Ferruaspis is chased by the extinct platypus, Obdurodon.

Artwork: Alex Boersma

Matthew R. McCurry, Anthony C. Gill, Viktor Baranov, Lachlan J. Hart, Cameron Slatyer and Michael Frese. 2025. The Paleobiology of A New osmeriform Fish Species from Australia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2445684. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445684  

[Botany • 2024] Eugenia elapparensis (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from Southern Western Ghats, India

 Eugenia elapparensis Robi, Balan & Sujanapal,  

 Jose, Balan et Sujanapal, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.668.3.6  

Researchgate.net/publication/384969835 

  facebook.com/AnoopPBalan

 

Abstract

A new species, Eugenia elapparensis, from southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It is very similar to Eugenia calcadensis, but differs in habit, leaf, floral and fruit characters. Additionally, lectotypification of E. calacadensis is also provided.

Asia, Elappara, Eugeniinae, Idukki, nomenclature, taxonomy, Eudicots

 Eugenia elapparensis.
A. Habit; B. Leaves-abaxial view; C. Leaves-adaxial view; D. Inflorescence; E. Flower enlarged; F. Flower-lateral view; G. Dorsal view of calyx and corolla.

Eugenia elapparensis Robi, Balan & Sujanapal, sp. nov.

Robi Aloor JOSE, Anoop Puthuparambil BALAN and Puthiyapurayil SUJANAPAL. 2024. Eugenia elapparensis (Myrtaceae), A New Species from Southern Western Ghats, India, and a correction on the lectotypification of Eugenia Calcadensis. Phytotaxa. 668(3); 272-278. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.668.3.6 [2024-10-16]

 Researchgate.net/publication/384969835_Eugenia_elapparensis_a_new_species_from_southern_western_ghats_India 

 facebook.com/AnoopPBalan/posts/8943697969021834

[Botany • 2024] Syzygium ngheanense (Myrtaceae: Syzygieae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam

 Syzygium ngheanense  N.S. Lý, N.Đ.Đỗ & T.H.Lê, 

in Lê, Nguyễn, Trần, Đỗ et Lý, 2024.   

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.641.3.5 

 facebook.com/PTTNha

 

Abstract

Syzygium ngheanense (Myrtaceae), a new species from Nghe An Province, in Central Vietnam is described and illustrated. The species is most similar to S. vestitum, S. scarbum and S. levinei but differs from the three latter in having glabrous bracts and bracteoles, sparsely scabrid flower buds and hypanthia, larger sepals and petals, longer stamens and styles. Information on phenology, ecology and distribution is provided, together with a preliminary conservation status assessment and taxonomic notes for the new species and a key to distinguish it from three hairy Syzygium species in Indochina.

 

Endemic species, Eudicots, Indochina, Myrtales, Syzygieae, Taxonomy, Truong Son range

 Syzygium ngheanense.
A. Leafy twig with inflorescences. B. Leaf (abaxial view). C. Close-up of abaxial leaf. D. Inflorescence. E. Flower bud and its longitudinal section. F. Petals. G. Stamens. H. Infructescence with mature fruits.

Drawn from type materials by Phan Thị Thanh Nhã.

 

 Syzygium ngheanense  N.S. Lý, N.Đ.Đỗ & T.H.Lê, 

Thị-Hương LÊ, Thành-Chung NGUYỄN, Thị-Thuý-Nga TRẦN, Ngọc-Đài ĐỖ and Ngọc-Sâm LÝ. 2024. Syzygium ngheanense (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae), A New Species of Syzygium from Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 641(3); 228-234. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.641.3.5

  facebook.com/PTTNha/posts/3209104455888123

[PaleoEntomology • 2024] Baladi warru • A New exceptionally preserved Sawfly Fossil (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) and an Evaluation of its utility for Divergence Time Estimation and Biogeography

 

Baladi warru Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald, 

in Rodriguez, Frese, Dettmann, Chavoshi-Jolfaei et Macdonald, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12653

 www.CSIRO.au

Abstract

We report the discovery of the first fossil of an Australian species of Pergidae, Baladi warru gen. et sp. n., found at McGraths Flat, a newly discovered Miocene Konservat-Lagerstätte in central New South Wales. Using morphological data from the well-preserved fossil, along with a previously published molecular dataset of 59 taxa and a newly generated molecular dataset for 8 taxa, we constructed a data matrix and generated the first chronogram for Pergidae that incorporates internal calibration points. Our data reveal that Baladi warru belongs to the subfamily Perginae and is closely related to the Australian genera Cerealces and Xyloperga (tribe Cerealcini). According to our analysis, the origin of Pergidae appears slightly younger than previously hypothesised; however, additional calibration points are needed for a more detailed age constraint. Furthermore, ancestral character reconstruction indicates four independent adaptations to toxic Myrtaceae as host plants, while biogeographic analyses suggest that sympatry followed by founder events were the primary processes shaping the current disjunct distribution of pergids. Two significant founder events correspond with transitions to utilising Myrtaceae as host plants. With the approval of the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, Wiradjuri words were used to name the newly described species. ‘Baladi’ means ‘saw’ and ‘warru’ means ‘wasp’. This name honours the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the fossil was collected.

Systematic palaeontology

Superfamily Tenthredinoidea.

Family Pergidae Rohwer, 1911.

Subfamily Perginae Ashmead, 1898.

Tribe Cerealcini Benson, 1939.

Genus Baladi Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald new genus.

Type species: Baladi warru Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald new species by original designation.

 

Diagnosis: Antennae with at least seven segments; singular distal tarsal plantulae with transverse rugosity on the ventral surface (Figure 1c–e); forewing venation with cell 1 M shorter than vein M + Cu, vein 2MCu present, 2r cross-vein absent, distal free section of vein SC appearing like a cross-vein (Sc and R fused), vein 2R present, vein 2A absent (Figure 2b,c); hindwing venation with vein RM joining RS after it has diverged from SC + R (R cell longer than SC + R), crossvein m-cu absent, and cell 2A absent (Figure 2b,c).

Occurrence: McGraths Flat, Gulgong, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Derivation of name: The name “baladi” is a Wiradjuri word meaning “saw” or “serrated” (Grant & Rudder, 2010); it is to be treated as feminine in gender. The use of the name was approved by the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Baladi warru Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald new species.

Derivation of name: The name “warru” is the Wiradjuri word for wasp or hornet (Grant & Rudder, 2010); it is to be treated as a noun in apposition. The use of the name was approved by the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council.

  Reconstruction of Baladi warru with larvae and Quintinia flowers.

Artwork by  Alex Boersma 

With the approval of the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, Wiradjuri words were used to name the newly described species of sawfly 'Baladi warru'.

Artwork by  Alex Boersma

Juanita Rodriguez, Michael Frese, Mary Dettmann, Mahin Chavoshi-Jolfaei and John Macdonald. 2024. A New exceptionally preserved Sawfly Fossil (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) and an Evaluation of its utility for Divergence Time Estimation and Biogeography. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12653

Fossil sawfly discovery 16 million years in the making

The find is the first of its kind in Australia, and sheds new light on the co-evolution of insects and toxic plants.

 www.CSIRO.au/en/news/All/News/2024/October/Fossil-sawfly-discovery-16-million-years-in-the-making

[Botany • 2024] Siphoneugena carolynae (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

 Siphoneugena carolynae  T.Fern. & J.M.A.Braga,

in Fernandes, Faria, Caldas, Costa Souza et Braga, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12228-024-09784-0 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382127051

  facebook.com/JardimBotanicoRJ

Abstract

This study describes Siphoneugena carolynae (Myrtaceae), a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The species inhabits inselberg forests and differs from all other species of Siphoneugena by the following exclusive combination of morphological characters: relatively long petioles, leaf blades chartaceous with midvein canaliculate adaxially, inflorescences in racemes with a markedly compressed and indistinguishable main axis, hypanthium markedly constricted above the ovary, calyx calyptrate, ovaries with two locules, each with four ovules, and cotyledons densely covered with foveolate glands. We herein provide taxonomic notes, morphological plates (derived from both fresh and dried material), and a distribution map. Regarding the conservation status, the new species is preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD), but comments on population size and possible threats to the habitat are presented.

 Siphoneugena carolynae.
A. Fertile branch. B. Leaf adaxial surface (detail: flat midvein). C. Leaf abaxial surface. D. Axillary inflorescences. E. Detail of flower buds. F. Leafless branch with fruits at early stages of maturation.

A-E from Fernandes 1018; F from Fernandes 1258. 

Photographs by Thiago Fernandes.

Siphoneugena carolynae T.Fern. & J.M.A.Braga, sp. nov. 

Thiago Fernandes, Jair Eustáquio de Faria, Diana Kelly Dias Caldas, Marcelo da Costa Souza & João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga. 2024. Siphoneugena carolynae (Myrtaceae), A New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Brittonia. 76; 137–143. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09784-0 

  Researchgate.net/publication/382127051_Siphoneugena_carolynae_a_new_species_from_the_Brazilian_Atlantic_Forest

  facebook.com/JardimBotanicoRJ/posts/911206294380716

[Botany • 2024] Myrcia cupreiflora (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro

  

 Myrcia cupreiflora T.Fern. & J.M.A.Braga, 

in Fernandes, Gaem, Vasconcelos, Bovini et Braga, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.663.2.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383232356

Abstract

A new species of Myrcia (Myrtaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro is described and illustrated. The species is recognizable by its strongly bullate leaf blades, long, axillary and terminal, coppery and strigose inflorescences and calyces completely fused in the flower buds, tearing deeply vertically into 4–5 homogeneous sepals at anthesis. We herein provide a morphological description of the new species along with taxonomic notes, preliminary conservation status, illustrations, and a map of occurrence records.

Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia, Myrtales, Myrteae, Neotropical flora, taxonomy, Atlantic Forest, Eudicots

 

 Morphology of  Myrcia cupreiflora in fresh state (left insert: flower buds, right insert: immature fruit). Flowering branch and flower insert from Bovini 4763 (holotype, RB), fruit insert from Bovini 4787 (paratype, RB).

Photos by Massimo G. Bovini.

 Morphology of Myrcia cupreiflora.
 A. Leaf adaxial surface, and marginal vein. B. Leaf abaxial surface, midvein and secondary venation. C. Leaf abaxial surface, dense cover of dark glands. D. Terminal inflorescences. E. Flower buds. F. Immature fruit.

 A-E from Bovini 4763 (holotype, RB), F from Bovini 4787 (paratype, RB).

 Myrcia cupreiflora T.Fern. & J.M.A.Braga, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific epithet, from the Latin cupreus, meaning shiny brownish red, refers to the distinctive coppery, strigose indumentum on the flowers (and inflorescences) of this new species. 

Thiago Fernandes, Paulo Henrique Gaem, Thais N.C. Vasconcelos, Massimo Giuseppe Bovini and João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga. 2024. Myrcia cupreiflora (Myrtaceae), A New Species from the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro.  Phytotaxa. 663(2); 95-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.663.2.5

  Researchgate.net/publication/383232356_Myrcia_cupreiflora_a_new_species_from_the_Brazilian_state_of_Rio_de_Janeiro

[Botany • 2024] Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae) • A New Species of jaboticaba from Brazil with pentamerous flowers

Guapurium caipirinha 

 in Braga, Ferreira da Silva, Melo, Tiburcio, Pereira da Silva, Ferreira, Lacerda et Lorenzi, 2024. 

   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.3  

  Researchgate.net/publication/381253781

Abstract

Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae) is a new species of jaboticaba from Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil, which morphologically resembles Plinia oblongata, from which it differs in being a shrub or treelet 1–4 m height, with exclusively pentamerous flowers, and membranous epicarp with very sweet pulp. A detailed morphological description, etymology and vernacular names, information on history, phenology, conservation, habitat and taxonomic notes, a distribution map, and images of living plants and the type specimen are provided.

jaboticaba, Myrtaceae, Myrtales, Plinia, Guapurium, Eudicots  

João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga, Diego Ferreira da Silva, Eugenio Arantes de Melo, Hélio Caixeta Tiburcio, Adelício Pereira da Silva, Rodrigo Borges Ferreira, Marco Túlio Côrtes de Lacerda and Harri Lorenzi. 2024. Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae), A New Species of jaboticaba from Brazil with pentamerous flowers.  Phytotaxa. 652(3); 217-226. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.3   

 Researchgate.net/publication/381253781_Guapurium_caipirinha_a_new_species_of_jaboticaba_from_Brazil_with_pentamerous_flowers