[Botany • 2026] Passiflora albopurpurea (Passifloraceae) • A New Species of Passiflora Subg. Passiflora discovered in the central montane forest of Peru

 

 Passiflora albopurpurea Chávez-Corcuera,  
 

in Chávez-Corcuera, Castañeda, Gutierrez et Ocampo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.10  

  Researchgate.net/publication/400720451 

 Abstract

A new species of Passiflora sect. Granadillastrum belonging to P. subg. Passiflora discovered in the montane forests of Peru is described and illustrated. This new taxon, Passiflora albopurpurea, differs from P. crassifolia by having entire 3–5-nerved leaves, corona in 6 or 7 series, sepals, petals and inner row of corona white and a glabrous ovary. A taxonomic discussion and a distribution map are provided, along with keys for the identification of morphologically related species occurring in Peru. This new species is rare, due to its restricted occurrence with a small population size and should be considered under category Endangered (EN). 

Chanchamayo, Endemism, Passifonflower, Oxapampa, Stipulata, series Menispermifoliae, supersection Stipulata, Eudicots

 

 Passiflora albopurpurea Chávez-Corcuera. A) Fertile branch; B) Senescent flower; C) Stipules; D) Petiole glands; E) Flower; F) Inner view of the flower.

Photographs A-B R. Vásquez; C-F G. Chávez-Corcuera.

Passiflora albopurpurea Chávez-Corcuera sp. nov.

GONZALO CHÁVEZ-CORCUERA, ROXANA CASTAÑEDA, HAROL GUTIERREZ and JOHN OCAMPO. 2026. Passiflora albopurpurea, A New Species of sect. Granadillastrum (Passifloraceae, subg. Passiflora) discovered in the central montane forest of Peru.  Phytotaxa. 741(1); 107-114. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.10 [2026-02-12] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/400720451_Passiflora_albopurpurea_a_new_species_discovered_in_the_central_montane_forest_of_Peru

[Botany • 2026] Valeriana umbellifera (Caprifoliaceae) • A New saxicolous endemic Taxon from Central Chile Mountains

 

Valeriana umbellifera A. Cádiz-Véliz, A.E. Villarroel & Nic. García, 

Cádiz-Véliz, García, Villarroel et Zúñiga-Acevedo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.6  

 Researchgate.net/publication/400718107

Abstract

Valeriana, comprissing approximately 436 species, represents a successful evolutionary radiation within Dipsacales, with an important center of diversification in South America. In Chile, 46 species are currently recognized, 41.3% of which are endemic; two are reported as Endangered and one is probably extinct. The genus is mainly represented by herbaceous species, a calyx that is entire or modified into a pappus, a gamopetalous and pentamerous corolla, an inferior ovary, and an achene as indehiscent dry fruit. During botanical surveys in mountainous areas of Central Chile, specimens of a Valeriana restricted to crevices of steep rocky walls were found. Examination of herbarium material and relevant literature confirmed that it corresponds to a previously undescribed species, here named Valeriana umbellifera. This taxon is characterized by its perennial herbaceous habit, strictly saxicolous ecology, fleshy and glossy leaves arranged in a rosette, and a capituliform inflorescence with an umbel-like appearance. Its phylogenetic position was evaluated using molecular markers within the framework of previous analyses of Valeriana species from the southern Andes. According to IUCN criteria, we propose that the species be categorized as Endangered (EN) due to its restricted distribution, fragmented populations, and threats. The restricted distribution and ecological specialization of this new species underscore the conservation importance of rocky microhabitats in Central Chile, which are increasingly threatened by human activities. 

Taxonomy, Andean flora, IUCN Red List, Mediterranean hotspot, Plant conservation, Phylogenetics, rock outcrops, Eudicots

Valeriana umbellifera.
(A) Habitat; (B) Rhizome; (C) Habit -Cerro Poqui-; (D) Stem; (E) Basal leaves; (F) Detail of basal leave; (G) Petiole; (H) Upper leaves; (I) Bracteoles; (J) Capituliform inflorescence; (K, L) Detail of flowers (female); (M) Dry inflorescence; (N) Achene.

Photographs by A.E. Villarroel, N. García and A. Cádiz-Véliz.

Valeriana umbellifera A. Cádiz-Véliz, A.E. Villarroel & Nic. García, sp. nov.

ARÓN CÁDIZ-VÉLIZ, NICOLÁS GARCÍA, ALEJANDRO E. VILLARROEL, PAULA ZÚÑIGA-ACEVEDO. 2026. Valeriana umbellifera (Caprifoliaceae): A New saxicolous endemic Taxon from Central Chile mountains.  Phytotaxa. 741(1); 57-70. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.6 [2026-02-12]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400718107_Valeriana_umbellifera_a_new_saxicolous_endemic_taxon_from_Central_Chile_mountains

[Botany • 2026] Sinningia pampeana (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Pampa's rocky outcrops in southern Brazil and Uruguay

 

Sinningia pampeana G.E.Ferreira and Chautems, 
  

in Ferreira, Spiazzi, Barbieri, Chautems et Araújo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05231 

Abstract

Sinningia pampeana is a new rupicolous species from the rocky outcrops of the Pampa biome in southern Brazil and Uruguay. Morphological analyses based on herbarium material, field observations, and detailed illustrations support its recognition as a distinct species from Sinningia sellovii. Sinningia pampeana is restricted to rock outcrops within the Pampa grasslands, where populations are threatened by grazing, habitat degradation, and potential mining activities. Given the current uncertainty regarding its distribution and sampling completeness, a preliminary conservation assessment of ‘Data Deficient' (DD) is proposed under IUCN criteria.

Keywords: Gesneriaceae, new species, Pampa biome, rocky outcrops, Sinningia

Sinningia pampeana sp. nov. (A) Corolla, frontal view, (B) inflorescence, detail, (C) trichome structure, (D) ovary, transverse section showing the nectary consisting of two separate dorsal glands, (E) ovary, style, and nectary, (F) calyx and corolla showing stamens, (G) coherent anthers, detail, (H) corolla throat, detail showing stamens and anthers, (I) immature capsule, (J) habit.

Drawn from Jarenkow and Garcia 3607.

Morphology of Sinningia pampeana sp. nov.
 (A) Habitat on rocky outcrop, (B) inflorescence in the shrub vegetation, (C) inflorescence, (D) habit, (E) axillary flowers, (F) close-up of the calyx and corolla.

Photo by A. Chautems.

Sinningia pampeana G.E.Ferreira and Chautems sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Sinningia pampeana differs from S. sellovii by its consistently red, horizontally oriented corollas (versus whitish pink to lilac or yellowish and pendent corollas), included anthers (versus exserted), a slightly bilabiate limb with enlarged dorsal lobes (versus a corolla tubular with subequal lobes), and the presence of only one to ca four flowers per bract axil (versus 3–9 flowers).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘pampeana' refers to the Pampa biome, characterized by grasslands and rocky outcrops across southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The name derives from the Quechua word ‘pampa', meaning ‘plain' or ‘open field'.

Gabriel Emiliano Ferreira, Daniel Alves Spiazzi, Pedro Henrique Sonsim Barbieri, Alain Chautems and Andréa Onofre Araújo. 2026. Sinningia pampeana sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from the Pampa's rocky outcrops in southern Brazil and Uruguay. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05231 [24 June 2026]

[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 • 2026] Polystemma cualense (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from western Mexico

Polystemma cualense  C.D.Sánchez, S.Islas & A.Black, 

in Sánchez-Sánchez, Islas-Hernández et Black, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.176723 

Abstract

A new species of Polystemma is described from the Sierra El Cuale, Jalisco, Mexico. Polystemma cualense is distinguished from its congeners, particularly P. horconesense, by a gynostegial corona higher than the gynostegium, longer external corona lobes, and a black gynostegium. Morphological data were obtained by examining herbarium specimens, consulting digital images from iNaturalist, and reviewing specialized literature. A preliminary conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria indicates that it is a Critically Endangered (CR) species due to its restricted area of occupancy and threats from deforestation, agriculture, and livestock grazing. The discovery of P. cualense increases the known diversity of Polystemma in Jalisco and highlights the floristic importance of the Sierra El Cuale.

Key words: Asclepiadoideae, high diversity, Jalisco, Sierra El Cuale

Polystemma cualense.
A. Complete plant; B. Inflorescence; C. Detail of gynostegium; D. Pollinarium. E. Immature follicle with sepal remnants.

Polystemma cualense C.D.Sánchez, S.Islas & A.Black, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Polystemma cualense resembles P. horconesense in having flowers similar in size and shape. Polystemma cualense differs in having a gynostegial corona higher than the gynostegium (vs. gynostegial corona the same height as the gynostegium), external gynostegial corona lobes 3–4 mm length (vs. 0.5–0.6 mm length) and gynostegium black (vs. gynostegium green-yellowish).

 Cristóbal Daniel Sánchez-Sánchez, Carla Sofía Islas-Hernández and Adam W. Black. 2026. Polystemma cualense (Apocynaceae), A New Species from western Mexico. PhytoKeys. 276: 245-251. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.176723   [18 Jun 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Psittacanthus job-kuijtii • Novelties in Psittacanthus (Loranthaceae) from Colombia: A New Species and four new records for the Andean and Amazon Regions

 

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii F.J.Roldán, Carmona & J.S.Murillo,

in Carmona-Gallego, Roldán-Palacio et Murillo-Serna, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.1886910 

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Psittacanthus is the largest genus of neotropical mistletoes within Loranthaceae, comprising approximately 110 species. With 37 species recorded to date, Colombia stands as the most diverse country for this group of aerial hemiparasites. Despite this richness, a comprehensive national or regional taxonomic revision of these mistletoes is currently lacking. This study aims to update the knowledge of Colombian Psittacanthus diversity by describing a new species and reporting new records for the country.

Material and methods – This study is based on an extensive literature review and the examination of herbarium material of Psittacanthus. We examined herbarium specimens using both physical collections and high-resolution digital images. Morphological analyses were conducted using dried and rehydrated samples, following the standardized specialized terminology for neotropical mistletoes. Taxonomic descriptions and diagnoses were developed to establish and test taxonomic hypotheses, ensuring a rigorous comparison between focal taxa and previously described species.

Key results – A new species for the Colombian Andes is described, and four new records for the Amazonian and Andean–Amazonian Piedmont of Colombia are reported. Psittacanthus job-kuijtii sp. nov. is described and illustrated herein; this species inhabits the moist lowland forests of the Colombian inter-Andean valleys, which are areas containing exceptional biodiversity. Furthermore, P. amazonicus, P. lamprophyllus, P. pilanthus, and P. zonatus are recorded for the first time for Colombia. The description of this new species and the additional records increase the known diversity of Colombian Psittacanthus to 41 taxa and a total of 111 species for the genus.

Keywords: Andes, flora of Colombia, mistletoe, Psittacantheae, Santalales, taxonomy

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii.
 A. Habit. B. Flower, showing from bottom to top: the upper portion of the flower pedicel, cupule with bract followed by the ovary and calyculus, petals with their tips recurved at anthesis, and protruding stamens and pistil. C. Detail of vermicular projections on the margin of petal. D. Basal ligule in front view. E. Basal ligule in lateral view.

 Based on the holotype (David et al. 6371, HUA). Illustration by Diego Zapata (HUA).

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii.
 A. Triad of an inflorescence showing basal floral parts (flower pedicels and cupule with bract, ovary, calyculus, and proximal portion of petals). B. Flower buds. C. Flower at anthesis with recurved petals.

Photographs from the holotype (David et al. 6371, HUA) by Esteban Domínguez. 

Figure composition by Diego Zapata (HUA).

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii F.J.Roldán, Carmona & J.S.Murillo, sp nov.

 

Diagnosis. Psittacanthus job-kuijtii differs from the remaining species in the genus by the combination of the following characters: percurrent shoots; leaf blades ovate to broadly lanceolate, base truncate to rounded, margins revolute and adaxially extending toward the petiole, forming a V-shaped projection, apex attenuate to acuminate; inflorescences usually double triads, rarely triple triads, or a monad with two triads (all variations were observed in the holotype); flowers 4–5 cm long in pre-anthesis; petals red to orange in the proximal and medial portions and yellow distally with a deltoid, fleshy basal ligule bearing minute papillae, 1.8–2 mm long; stamens dimorphic, staminal hairs absent. Psittacanthus job-kuijtii is similar to P. peronopetalus, but differs from it by having usually double (rarely triple) triads (vs umbels of four triads), and flowers opening at anthesis with petals recurved for about 2 cm (vs flowers opening only at the apex, with petals recurved for no more than 2 mm).

Isabel Carmona-Gallego, Francisco J. Roldán-Palacio and Jhon S. Murillo-Serna. 2026. Novelties in Psittacanthus (Loranthaceae) from Colombia: A New Species and four new records for the Andean and Amazon Regions. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(2): 347-355.  DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.1886910 [2 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Calea breviflora (Asteraceae) • A New Species endemic to White Sand ecosystems of easternmost Amazon, Maranhão, Brazil

Calea breviflora  V.R.Bueno & M.S.Silva, 

in Silva, Bueno, Scatigna et Marinho, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.1.6 

Abstract

During field expeditions on white sand patches in northwestern Maranhão, Brazil, we found specimens of Calea characterized by minute florets and pappuses, common to Calea divaricata clade species. After thorough analysis, we concluded that those specimens represent a new species, which is described here as Calea breviflora. Its description, distribution map, illustrations, taxonomic comments, information on the habitat and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided. Moreover, we present an identification key for the Calea divaricata clade species.

Biodiversity, campinarana, taxonomy, white sand soil, Eudicots

Calea breviflora

MIZALENE SILVA DA SILVA, VINICIUS RESENDE BUENO, ANDRÉ VITO SCATIGNA and LUCAS CARDOSO MARINHO. 2025. Calea breviflora (Asteraceae): A New Species endemic to White Sand ecosystems of easternmost Amazon, Maranhão, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 682()1); 91-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.1.6 [2025-01-16]

[Botany • 2026] Echeveria zoquitlanensis (Crassulaceae) • A New microendemic Species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Echeveria zoquitlanensis J. Aragón-Parada & P. Carrillo,

in Aragón-Parada et Carrillo-Reyes. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3802  

 facebook.com/JuvenalAragonParada

Abstract

Background: Echeveria (Crassulaceae) is an American genus distributed from Mexico to South America. The genus has 132 species recorded in Mexico, where the state of Oaxaca with 56 species has the greatest richness of the genus. The exploration of the high mountains of Santa María Zoquitlán led us to discover a population of Echeveria that differed from previously known species.

Questions: Does the Echeveria population from the high areas of the municipality of Santa María Zoquitlán, Oaxaca represent a new species? 

Methods: Morphological comparison with the closely related taxa E. islasiae, E. longissima, E. longissima subsp. brachyantha, and E. longissima var. aztatlensis. Evaluation of conservation status based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Results: We described and illustrated Echeveria zoquitlanensis from Santa María Zoquitlán, Oaxaca, Mexico as a new species. Due their long corollas and styles, the new species were placed in the series Longistylae, mapped its distribution, and determined its conservation status category as critically endangered (CR B1; B2). It differs from the other members of the series by its very long (up to 3.7 cm) crimson red homochromatic flowers, and pale pink to red pistils.

Conclusions: Echeveria zoquitlanensis is the species with the largest flowers within the genus. Exploration carried out in isolated areas in Oaxaca favor the discovery of additional new species that would increase the large diversity of the state.

Keywords: endemism, New species, Sierra Madre del Sur, Zoquitlán, Saxifragales

Echeveria zoquitlanensis J. Aragón-Parada & P. Carrillo, sp. nov.

 

Juvenal Aragón-Parada and Pablo Carrillo-Reyes. 2026. Echeveria zoquitlanensis (Crassulaceae), A New microendemic Species from Oaxaca, Mexico.  Botanical Sciences. 104(2); 601-610. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3802 [2026-04-01]

 facebook.com/JuvenalAragonParada/posts/10242202083289028

[Botany • 2026] Sarcaulus paujilensis (Sapotaceae: Chyrsophylloideae) • Morphological and Genetic Evidence for the Sarcaulus brasiliensis complex reveals A New Species from the Rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia

 

Sarcaulus paujilensis M.A.Jaram. & T. D.Penn.,

in Jaramillo, Pennington, Aymard-Corredor et Majin-Ladino, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.175192 

Abstract

Sarcaulus is a small genus of neotropical trees in the Sapotaceae. Most specimens in herbaria are identified as S. brasiliensis, a species recognized from Costa Rica to Bolivia. Morphological characteristics and molecular sequence data help us to identify a new species of Sarcaulus with hermaphrodite flowers from the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. A complete description, an illustration, a Lancaster plate, information about habitat, phenology, conservation status, and the species name etymology are presented. In addition, a key for identifying Sarcaulus species is provided. Sarcaulus paujilensis is remarkable for its bisexual flowers, in an otherwise predominantly unisexual (plant dioecious) genus. This new finding increases the number of species of the genus in the Neotropical flora to six. More fieldwork and molecular phylogenetics are needed to establish many new taxa.

 

Key words: Chocó Region, Ericales, Flora Neotropical, Flora of Colombia

 

Sarcaulus paujilensis.
A. Flowering branch; B. Seed; C. Fruiting branch; D. Immature fruit; E. Mature fruit; F, G. Transversal section of fresh fruit.

Photos by A. Lizette Sierra, Paula Lara, and Luisa Suarez; B–G. Andrés F. Majín-Ladino.

Sarcaulus paujilensis M.A.Jaram. & T. D.Penn., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sarcaulus paujilensis resembles S. oblatus, however, this new species can be differentiated from the latter by having leaves oblanceolate to oblong (vs. elliptic to narrowly oblong-elliptic), petiole 1.7–2.5 cm long (vs. 8–15 mm long), flowers paired (vs. fascicles 5-many-flowered), bisexual (vs unisexual), sepals 5–6 mm (vs. 2.5–3 mm), staminodes ca. 2 mm long (vs. 0.5–1 mm), ovary 1–4-locular, shortly sericeous (vs. 4­5-locular, minutely adpressed puberulent), fruits ca. 50 × 25–30 mm, ovoid (vs. 22–25 × 30–32 mm, oblate), and seeds 25–28 mm long (vs. seeds 17–18 mm long).

M. Alejandra Jaramillo, Terence D. Pennington, Gerardo A. Aymard-Corredor and Andrés F. Majin-Ladino. 2026. Morphological and Genetic Evidence for the Sarcaulus brasiliensis complex (Sapotaceae, Chyrsophylloideae) reveals A New Species from the Rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. PhytoKeys. 273: 37-54. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.175192  [09 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Scottmoria umbonata (Lecythidaceae) • A New Species from Panama’s Caribbean Rainforests

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., 

in Batista-Guerra, Campos-Pineda et Carrión, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1

 

Abstract

A new species, Scottmoria umbonata, from wet Caribbean forests on the slopes of Sierra Llorona, Province of Colón, Panama, is described and illustrated. We provide a comprehensive description of the new taxon, discuss its affinities with similar species, and include line drawings, field photographs, a distribution map, and a preliminary conservation status assessment.

Bertholletia clade, Endemism, Scottmoria complex, Sierra Llorona, Taxonomy, Eudicots

Plate comparing Scottmoria umbonata (A–E) and Scottmoria woodsoniana (F–J).
Scottmoria umbonata: A. Laminated grey bark. B. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially. C. Inflorescence. D. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. E. Lateral view of mature fruit.
S. woodsoniana: F. Smooth reddish-brown bark. G. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins strongly impressed adaxially. H. Inflorescence. I. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. J. Lateral view of mature fruit.

(A, E, J. Batista et al. 2174; B–D, Galdames et al. 6359; F, I, H, J. Batista 1449; G, J. Batista 1455; J, J. Batista 1659). Photos by Juvenal Batista and Carmen Galdames.

Scottmoria umbonata.
A. Apical and lateral views of flowers. B. Androecial hood in cross section showing yellow staminodes and nectaries. C. Androecial hood in cross section showing pink staminodes and yellow nectaries. D. Clustered or agglomerated inflorescences. E. Agglomerated inflorescences showing buds, robust rachis and lateral view of flowers. F. Rachis of inflorescences in groups of 5–6 per node.

(A, B, D–F, J. Batista et al. 2174; C, J. Batista et al. 2173). 

Photos by Juvenal Batista.

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—Scottmoria umbonata and Scottmoria woodsoniana (Dwyer) (1965:362) Cornejo (2025: 489) are morphologically closely related species due to their similar flower color and depressed-globose fruits, but S. umbonata differs by presenting leaf blades with secondary veins slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed in S. woodsoniana); 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed); leaf blade base cuneate, acute to slightly attenuate (vs. obtuse to rounded or truncate); inflorescences 2–5 per node, clustered, sometimes 1 per node (vs. solitary or 1 per node); rachis 0.5–3 (–7) cm long, thick and robust (vs. 2–8.5 cm, thin and slender); hypanthium verrucose with crowded lenticels (vs. smooth with scattered lenticels); sepals widely ovate (vs. ovate to oblong); flowers with style finely grooved (vs. smooth); style obconical (vs. columnar); stigma long-apiculate (vs. rounded to short-apiculate); mature fruits 6–7 × 3.5–8 cm (vs. up to 2.5 × 6 cm); supra-calycine zone 1.5–2.5 cm long (vs. 1–1.5 cm); the operculum with well-developed umbo from immature fruit to maturity (vs. convex operculum to poorly-developed); seeds 2–13 per mature fruit (vs. 5–6), with a flattened funicle (vs. thickened).

Etymology:—The epithet “umbonata” means having a highly developed umbo or raised central protuberance that persists from immature to mature fruit. 

Vernacular name:—The people of the Santa Rita and Sierra Llorona communities call this species “Coquito de potrero”. Its vernacular name refers to its peculiar pyxidium and the fact that it is one of the few trees that survives in pastures (“potreros”) that were once primary forests its hard wood, short height, and seeds that are edible for cattle are among the reasons why it is not cut down in the area.

Juvenal E. BATISTA-GUERRA, Ernesto CAMPOS-PINEDA and Juan F. CARRIÓN. 2026. Scottmoria umbonata sp. nov. (Lecythidaceae) from Panama’s Caribbean rainforests.  Phytotaxa. 750(3); 147-156. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1 [2026-04-07]

[Botany • 2026] Grindelia mutabilis (Asteraceae: Astereae) • A New South American Species and a Link for synonymizing Notopappus

Grindelia mutabilis  Fern.Fern. & G.Heiden, 

in Fernandes, de Souza, Iganci, de Souza-Chies et Heiden, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15050760   

Illustration by João Iganci.

 photos by F. Fernandes, B. de Souza and M. Grings. 

Abstract

Grindelia mutabilis (Asteraceae, Astereae), a new species from Brazil endemic to the Espinal Ecoregion of the Río de La Plata Grasslands Bioregion and Pampa Province of the Chaco Biogeographical Domain, is proposed and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a combination of traits: small, rosette cespitose habit, linear to linear–oblanceolate leaves, light-yellow to pastel salmon ray florets, three-winged ray floret cypselae bearing a pappus of two to four elements and two-winged disc floret cypselae bearing a pappus of two elements. It has a highly restricted habitat and is known exclusively within Parque Estadual do Espinilho in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Preliminary conservation assessments classify the new species as Critically Endangered. We provide illustrations and photographs, as well as a distribution map with an identification key for the South American Grindelia species with winged cypselae. The intriguing morphology of this species combines characters traditionally regarded as diagnostic for Notopappus, a genus segregated from Haplopappus and Grindelia. Previously published phylogenetic studies of related taxa indicate that the recognition of Notopappus as monophyletic is not supported and render Grindelia as non-monophyletic too. Based on this combined morphological evidence and existing phylogenetic hypotheses, we reaffirm the non-monophyly of Notopappus and formally propose its synonymization under Grindelia s.l.

Keywords: Asteroideae; Compositae; endangered species; endemism; grassland; Machaerantherinae; savanna; taxonomy

 Grindelia mutabilis  (Asteraceae).
(A) Habitat on sandy, halophilous soils within the Espinal/Ñandubay savanna of Espinilho State Park, Barra do Quaraí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (B) Cespitose rosette habit with spreading branches. (C) Leaves. (D) Lateral view of the capitulum. (E) Capitulum with pastel-salmon ray florets. (F) Capitulum with light-yellow ray florets.

 Pictures by F. Fernandes (A), B. de Souza (B–D, F), and M. Grings (E).

Grindelia mutabilis (Asteraceae).
(A) Habitat. (B) Cespitose rosette habit with spreading branches; scale bar = 0.3 m. (C) Leaves and bracts, from left to right: leaf, bract distant from the capitulum, and bract closest to the capitulum; scale bar = 20 mm. (D) Phyllaries, from left to right: outer, middle, and inner phyllaries; scale bar = 4 mm. (E) Frontal view of the capitulum showing ray florets with pastel salmon-colored ligules; scale bar = 10 mm. (F) Lateral view of the capitulum showing ray florets with light-yellow ligules; scale bar = 10 mm. (G) Ray floret; scale bar = 5 mm. (H) Disc floret; scale bar = 2 mm. (I) Pappus; scale bar = 2 mm. (J) Cypselae, from left to right: cypsela of a disc floret and cypsela of a ray floret; scale bar = 1 mm.

Illustration by João Iganci.

Grindelia mutabilis Fern.Fern. & G.Heiden, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: Grindelia mutabilis differs from all other species in the genus by the unique combination of cespitose rosette habit 0.2–0.3 m tall; leaves linear to linear–oblanceolate; ray corollas light yellow to pastel salmon; three-winged ray floret cypselae bearing a pappus of two to four elements and two-winged disc floret cypselae bearing a pappus of two elements.

 Etymology: The specific epithet mutabilis (Latin for “changeable” or “variable”) refers to the ligules of the ray florets that change from light yellow to pastel salmon along the maturity.

 Fernando Fernandes, Bruno de Souza, João Iganci, Tatiana Teixeira de Souza-Chies and Gustavo Heiden. 2026. Grindelia mutabilis (Asteraceae: Astereae), a New South American Species and a Link for synonymizing Notopappus. Plants. 15(5), 760. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15050760   

[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] Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae) • A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio,

 in Hurtado-Reveles, Amancio et Burgos-Hernández, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2

 

Abstract

Peperomia accentus is described and illustrated as a new species of Piperaceae from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. This new taxon belongs to the subgenus Tildenia, which includes species characterized by their geophytic habit. It can be distinguished from its congeners mainly by the combination of roots at the apex of the globose tuber, peltate leaves, numerous simple inflorescences and flowers with long and geniculated styles of a reddish color. A preliminary threat assessment is provided for the new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the distribution patterns of the Mesoamerican species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia. Finally, we include a key for species distributed north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

endemic, geophyte, Neotropics, Tildenia, Magnoliids

Peperomia accentus morphology. A. General view of a flowering specimen from a lateral perspective. B. General view from an upper perspective. C. Tuber from the bottom. D. Apex of a developing inflorescence with flowers in different anthesis stages. E. Flower with mature stamens from a front and bottom perspective. F. Close-up of a mature anther. G. Sideways perspective of a flower in anthesis. H. Closeup of a receptive stigma. I. Lateral perspective of a developing fruit.

Photographs of Peperomia accentus in habitat.
A. General view of a flowering specimen. B. Mature inflorescences. C. Closeup of a single inflorescence. D. Specimen growing in a sheltered soil pocket on a rock outcrop.

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis:—Peperomia accentus can be differentiated from the rest of the geophytic species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia by the following combination of characters: globose tubers without trunk-like outgrowths, green to wine-colored inflorescences (green to black in sicco), and flowers with geniculate styles 1.5–2.5 mm long, which remain longer than the ovaries after anthesis, persistent in fruit. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet alludes to the common shape of the pistil in developing flowers: a wavy line which resembles a tilde (~). Tildes are graphemes commonly used as diacritic (accent) in several scripts.

Leopoldo HURTADO-REVELES, Guadalupe AMANCIO and Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ. 2026. Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae), A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 740(3); 237-247. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2 [2026-02-10]