[Botany • 2026] Phyllocephalum keralense (Asteraceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India

Phyllocephalum keralense Arya Sindhu, Suresh, Sojan, Alen & V S A Kumar, 

in Sindhu, Jose, Alen, Anilkumar et Suresh, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04812 

Abstract

A new species of Phyllocephalum is described and illustrated from Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The new species shows similarity to P. rangacharii but differs with respect to key floral traits, viz. ovoid shape of the capitula, involucral bracts in 3 series, inflated receptacle and ovoid 6-ribbed ovary with 5–6 densely barbellate pappus setae. Colour photographs, SEM images of pollen and florets along with a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: Achene, florets, involucre bracts, Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi

Phyllocephalum keralense sp. nov. 
 (A) Habit, (B) and (C) flower, (D) outer phyllaria, (E) middle phyllaria, (F) inner phyllaria, (G) floret, (H) floret open, (I), (J) & (K) corolla lobes, (L) base of ovary with pappus, (M) gynoecium, (N) achene.

Phyllocephalum keralense Arya Sindhu, Suresh, Sojan, Alen & V S A Kumar sp. nov. 

Arya Sindhu, Sojan Jose, Alex Philip Alen, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anilkumar and Veerankutty Suresh. 2026. Phyllocephalum keralense (Asteraceae) A New Species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04812  [03 April 2026]

[Fungi • 2026] Leucocoprinus roseus (Basidiomycota: Agaricaceae) • Molecular Phylogenetic and Morphological Analyses revealed A New Species from Punjab, Pakistan

Leucocoprinus roseus W. Akram, Saba & Asif,  

in Akram, Saba, Asif, Nawaz, F. Ullah, Samen, Maula et M. Ullah, 2026. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05015

 

Abstract

In this article, we describe a new fungal species, Leucocoprinus roseus, collected in Canal View Park, District Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan. The species is proposed as new based on detailed morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analysis using nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequences. In a phylogenetic reconstruction, L. roseus forms a distinct clade clearly separated from related taxa. It is characterized by small basidiomata, a plano-convex pileus with dark red center becoming pale reddish toward the margins, center covered with squarrose scales, broadly ellipsoid amygdaliform basidiospores and versiform cheilocystidia. A comprehensive description, illustrations, and results of the phylogenetic analysis are provided, along with a comparison with morphologically and genetically related species.

Keywords: molecular phylogeny, Mandi Bahauddin, nrITS, saprotrophic, taxonomy

Macro–Morphological features (a–f) Fresh field pictures of basidiomata of Leucocoprinus roseus.

Photos by: Muhammad Asif and Wajahat Akram.

Leucocoprinus roseus W. Akram, Saba & Asif sp. nov. 

 

Wajahat Akram, Malka Saba, Muhammad Asif, Ayesha Nawaz, Fahim Ullah, Warda Samen, Fazli Maula and Mohsin Ullah. 2026. Molecular Phylogenetic and Morphological Analyses revealed A New Species, Leucocoprinus roseus (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota), from Punjab, Pakistan. Nordic Journal of Botany.  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05015 [28 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen, 

in V. C. Nguyen, Tran, Truong, Averyanov, T. H. Nguyen, Phan-Thi et Tram, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05025

 

Abstract

A new species, Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae subgen. Sauropus), is described and illustrated from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to B. beillei, B. bonii, and B. thorelii, but differs in having oblong-elliptic leaves, sepals marked with reddish striations, an androphore exceeding 1 mm in length, and distinctly hexagonal, starfish-shaped fruits with erect and persistent stigmas. A detailed morphological comparison with related species is provided. A preliminary conservation assessment categorizes it as ‘Data Deficient' (DD) based on IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Breynia, Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, plant endemism, taxonomy

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) A plant with inflorescences and infructescences, (B) stipules, (C) leaf from different views: adaxial (upper), abaxial (lower), (D) staminate flower from different views, (E) pistillate flower from different views, (F) inflorescences and infructescences, (G) fruit, (H) open fruit and seeds.

Drawing from type specimens by Thanh Nha Phan-Thi.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) Flowering plant in its habitat, (B) inflorescence, (C–D) a staminate flower, (E) flowers from different views; a pistillate flower (left) and a staminate flower (right), (F) fruit with erect stigmas.

All photos from holotype specimen AL2456 by Van Canh Nguyen, correction and design by Ba Vuong Truong.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) Leaves and branches, (B) inflorescences, (C) stipules, (D) portion of inflorescence, (E) staminate flower from different views: (1–4) adaxial surface, (5) abaxial surface, (F) pistillate flower from different views, (G) longitudinal section through the pistil and pedicel.

All from holotype specimen AL2456 by Van Canh Nguyen, correction and design by Ba Vuong Truong.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: The species is characterized by a combination of the following features: cauliflorous inflorescences and infructescences arising near the ground, sepals with reddish striations, an androphore more than 1 mm long, and distinctly hexagonal, starfish-shaped fruits with erect and persistent stigmas.

Etymology: The species name honours Ms. Ha Thi Phuong (Hà Thị Phương), who first discovered the species.

 

Van Canh Nguyen, Thi Thuy Nhan Tran, Ba Vuong Truong, Leonid V. Averyanov, Thi Hoa Nguyen, Thanh Nha Phan-Thi and Nguyen-Khanh-Trinh Tram. 2026. Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05025 [21 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza jomyi (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from the Vagamon Hills, southern Western Ghats, India

 

Ophiorrhiza jomyi Ebin, Sreehari & Joby,  

in Ebin, Sreehari et Joby, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05085 

Abstract

A new species of Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae)is identified and described from the Vagamon hills of Kerala, Western Ghats, India. The new species is similar to Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wight and Ophiorrhiza meenachilarensis Robi and Balan, but differs in having densely hirsute hairs on young stem, petiole and peduncle; patent hirsute hairs on, above and beneath the leaf; 14.0–15.0 mm long flower; linear to falcate bracts and bracteoles; sparsely hirsute cupuliform hypanthium; triangular calyx lobes; 9.5–12.0 mm long corolla tube; stamens inserted at the middle of the corolla tube; and oblong and papillate stigma. A detailed description, colour photographs, comparison, phenology, distribution, conservation status and key to the allied taxa of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Kottayam, new species, Ophiorrhiza jomyi, Western Ghats

Ophiorrhiza jomyi Ebin, Sreehari & Joby sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) stipule, (C–D) inflorescence, (E) bract, (F) bracteole, (G–H) adaxial and abaxial side of leaf, (I) indumentum on the upper surface of lamina, (J) indumentum on the lower surface of lamina, (K) flower bud, (L) single flower, (M) flower L.S., (N) indumentum on the stem, (O) indumentum on the peduncle, (O) indumentum on the petiole, (Q) hypanthium cup, (R) stamen, (S) gynoecium, (T) fruit, (U) seed.

Ophiorrhiza jomyi Ebin, Sreehari & Joby sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: This species shows close morphological resemblance with O. eriantha Wight, but differs in having densely ascending hirsute indumentum on stem (versus pubescent or glabrous stem), patent hirsute hairs on both sides of leaves (versus glabrous above, puberulous on the nerves beneath), densely hirsute petiole (versus glabrous or puberulous petiole), stipule acuminate to attenuate at apex (versus stipule bifid at apex), 14.0–15.0 mm long flower (versus 19.0–27.0 mm long flower), cupuliform hypanthium (versus obovoid hypanthium), triangular calyx lobes (versus subulate calyx lobes), densely puberulous hairs and with a villose ring at the middle of the corolla tube inside (versus glabrous inside without a ring of villose hairs), 2.5–3.0 mm long corolla lobes (versus 5.0–7.0 mm long corolla lobes), 1.75–2.0 mm long anthers (versus 3.0–3.5 mm long anthers), oblong stigma, obtuse at apex with papillate hairs (versus lanceolate stigma, acute at apex and glabrous), 0.4 × 0.5 mm, irregularly angled seeds (versus 0.6 × 0.5 mm, 4–6 angular seeds).

Etymology: The specific epithet is in honour of retired Professor, Dr Jomy Augustine, Department of Botany, St Thomas College, Pala, Kottayam, Kerala, for his guidance and support in the field of taxonomy to the authors. Dr Jomy Augustine has significantly contributed to the documentation and conservation of plant diversity in the Western Ghats through his extensive field explorations, research and publications.

 

Ebin Padiyara Joy, Sreehari Sivan Nair, Joby Paul. 2026. Ophiorrhiza jomyi (Rubiaceae) sp. nov. from the Vagamon Hills, southern Western Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05085 [21 March 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Primula himalayana (Primulaceae) • A New Species from eastern Himalaya, India

 

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali, 

in Hajong, Singh et Bharali, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05052

 

Abstract

Primula himalayana sp. nov., a new species of Primulaceae, is described and illustrated from Tawang, Lutrem, 4238 m a.s.l., Arunachal Pradesh, India. It grows under Juniperus and Berberis scrub forest in an alpine meadow. The new species belong in Primula section Cordifoliae and is resembling P. gambeliana, but differs from the latter by the lamina puberulent with a white protuberance on the tips of the teeth, petiole 2‒3 times longer than lamina and white puberulent, scape long with many flowers, flowers yellow with orange-yellow center and along corolla tube, corolla lobes elliptic, anther basifixed, and ovary cylindrical without any teeth.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, new taxon, Primrose, Primula sect Coridfoliae, Tawang, taxonomy

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) leaf, (C) side view of an umbel, (D) face view of an umbel, (Ei) bract, (Eii) sepals, (F) side view of a dissected ‘pin'-eyed morphs flower, (G) side view of a dissected ‘thrum'-eyed morphs flower, (H) face view of a dissected ‘pin'-eyed morphs flower, (I) face view of a dissected ‘thrum'-eyed morphs flower, (J) white puberulent on the corolla margin, (K) stamen, (L) carpel (left ‘thrum'-eyed morphs, right ‘pin'-eyed morphs).

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali sp. nov.
 (A–B) Habit, (C) face view of an umbel, (D) leaf;
Primula gambeliana G.Watt (E) Habit, (F) face view of an umbel, (G) leaf.

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A new species resembling P. gambelina due the appearance of leaves and flowers, but differing in lamina puberulent with a white protuberance on the tip of each teeth (versus glabrous and without any protuberances), petiole 2‒3 times longer than lamina and white-puberulent (versus 3‒5 times longer than lamina, glabrous), scape 15‒35 cm long with 4‒17 flowers in the umbel (versus 6‒15 cm long with 2‒8 flowers), flowers yellow with an orange-yellow center and ca 1.5‒1.9 cm long corolla tube (versus bright reddish-pink or purple-pink to violet-purple with yellow center, ca 1.2 cm long), corolla lobes elliptic (versus obcordate or broadly obovate), anthers basifixed (versus dorsi-basifixed), ovary quadrate–globose without any teeth (versus globose–cylindric with 5 or more apical teeth).

Etymology: The species epithet ‘himalayana' is derived from the Great Himalaya Mountains – a biodiversity hotspot and widely considered as the geographical origin as well as the centre of diversity and distribution of Primula.

Bipankar Hajong, Harsh Singh and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Primula himalayana sp. nov., A New Species from eastern Himalaya, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05052 [11 March 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Oreocharis konkakinhensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands, Vietnam

 

Oreocharis konkakinhensis   T.V.Do & T.T.D.Pham, 

in Pham, Hoang, Lu, Ho, Wen, Ito et Do, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05071

Abstract

Oreocharis konkakinhensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated from the Central Highlands, Vietnam. The new species is morphologically most similar to Oreocharis phuongii, a recently described species from central Vietnam. However, it clearly differs from the latter by having stems without stolons, subulate bracts, yellow inner surface of corolla lobes with purple patches, and filaments sparsely puberulent at the base. A detailed morphological description, along with a color illustration, and information on its phenology, distribution, ecology, and preliminarily conservation status, as well as a comparison with its similar species, are also presented.

Morphological illustration of Oreocharis konkakinhensis sp. nov. from the Central Highlands, Vietnam.
 (A) Habitat, (B) adaxial leaf surface, (C) abaxial leaf surface, (D) top view of opened flower, (E) frontal view of opened flower, (F) lateral view of opened flower, (G) ventral view of opened flower, (H) detailed view of longitudinally dissected flower, (I) shape of young fruits.

Photos by Thi Thanh Dat Pham. Scale bar: (A) = 1 cm, (B)–(C) = 5 mm, (D) = 5 mm, (E) = 5 mm, (F)–(G) = 5 mm, (H) = 5 mm, (I) = 1 cm.

Morphological comparison between Oreocharis konkakinhensis sp.nov. (A–C) and O. phuongii (D–F).
(A, D) abaxial leaf surface, (B, E) lateral view of opened flower, (C, F) frontal view of opened flower.

(A)–(C) photos by Thi Thanh Dat Pham and (D)–(F) photos by Truong Van Do.

Oreocharis konkakinhensis T.V.Do & T.T.D.Pham sp. nov. 

Oreocharis konkakinhensis is most similar to O. phuongii by sharing acaulescent and rosette-forming stems, elliptic to ovate leaf blade with 4–5 pairs secondary veins, yellow, zygomorphic flowers with tubular corolla, abruptly constricted at the base, stamens 4 with two pairs of coherent anthers, and absent staminode, but it clearly differs from the latter by having stems without stolons (versus conspicuous stolons), subulate bracts (versus linear-lanceolate to elliptic), yellow inner surface of corolla lobes with purple patches (versus exclusively yellow without patches, dots and striations), and sparsely puberulent filaments at the base (versus glabrous).

Thi Thanh Dat Pham, Thao Thi Hoang, Ngan Thi Lu, Thanh Tam Ho, Fang Wen, Yu Ito and Truong Van Do. 2026. Oreocharis konkakinhensis (Gesneriaceae) sp. nov. from the Central Highlands, Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05071 [16 February 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Hechtia mixtecana (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae) • A New Species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Hechtia mixtecana  Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr.,  

in Hernández-Cárdenas, Espejo- Serna, López- Ferrari, Lara- Godínez et Siekkinen, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05137 

Abstract

Botanical explorations carried out in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, led to the discovery of a new Bromeliaceae: Hechtia mixtecana,which is here described and illustrated. The new taxon is compared with the morphologically similar Hechtia fragilis, Hechtia lyman-smithii, and Hechtia minuta. Hechtia mixtecana differs from these taxa by the orientation of the leaves (ascending to divaricate), by the architecture of the staminate (twice branched) and pistillate inflorescences (once to twice branched), and by the length of the primary branches of the pistillate inflorescence (15–28 cm). A complete morphological description, images, and a geographic distribution map of the new species are included, as well as a list of examined specimens.

Keywords: Balsas Basin Province, endemism, Monocots, Poales, Sierra Madre del Sur Province

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov.
(a) Staminate and pistillate plants in bloom, (b) staminate primary branch, (c) staminate flower, (c1) floral bract, (c2) sepals, (c3) petals, (c4) stamens, (d) pistillate primary branch, (e) pistillate flower, (e1), floral bract, (e2) sepals, (e3) petals, (e4) pistil, (f) fruit, (g) seed. Illustration drawings a, b, c, d, e, f, g by M. T. Jiménez Segura; photographs c1–c4, e1–e4 by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov.
(a) Staminate flowers, (b) pistillate flowers. Photographs by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov. (a–b) Rosettes at the type locality.

Photographs by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr. sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Hechtia mixtecana is similar to H. fragilis but differs in the inflorescence of the staminate plants (twice branched versus once branched), in the presence of indument on its peduncle and floral bracts (glabrous versus lepidote), in the shape (elliptic versus broadly ovate to oblong) of the petals of the staminate flowers; in the length of the primary branches of the pistillate plants (15–28 versus 1–6 cm), and in the presence of indument on its floral bracts (glabrous versus lepidote).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to and honours the Mixtec culture from Mexico. One of the regions occupied by the Mixtec ethnic group is located in northwestern Oaxaca, the area in which the type locality of the new species is found.

Rodrigo Alejandro Hernández- Cárdenas, Adolfo Espejo- Serna, Ana Rosa López- Ferrari, Sofía Ana Lucrecia Lara- Godínez and Andrew Siekkinen. 2026. Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov. (Hechtioideae; Bromeliaceae), from Oaxaca, Mexico. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05137 [02 February 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu  

in She, Huang, Zhang, Yao, Zhu, Zhou et Xu. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024

 

Abstract

In this paper, Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular analyses, and its taxonomic relationships are discussed. Morphological analysis indicates that S. zhenghaianum should be classified in the genus Sedum sect. Sedum and is distinct from the related species S. tosaense in morphology, e.g. by lacking sterile stems, rosulate leaves 4-whorled, leaf blade and sepal apices retuse or obtuse, flowers pedicellate, ventral suture of follicles with a wing-like membranous structure, and seeds with auricled protrusions. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) further demonstrates that S. tosaense is the closest extant relative of the new species.

Keywords: ITS, morphological characters, new species, phylogenetic analysis, Sedum zhenghaianum

Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov.
(A) General view , (B) flower, (C) petals and stamens, (D) sepals, (E) mature follicle.

Drawn by Xin Zhou, based on the holotype.

Morphology of Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. 
 (A) Habitat, (B) rosulate plant in winter, (C) plant in early spring, (D) plant in flowering stage, (E) plant in fruiting stage, (F) rosulate leaves (4-whorled and spurless), (G) upper leaves (alternate and shortly spurred), (H) inflorescence, (I) flower, (J) sepals, (K) peduncle, (L) follicle.

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘zhenghaianum' is derived from the name of Zhenghai Chen (Professor Senior Engineer of Zhejiang Forest Resources Monitoring Center), to honor his contributions to the discovery of this new species.

 

Shi-Qi She, Shi-Guo Huang, Yang Zhang, Shen-Hao Yao, Zong-Wei Zhu, Xin Zhou and Yue-Liang Xu. 2026. Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024 [27 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ceropegia andhrica (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) • A New Species from Andhra Pradesh, India

Ceropegia andhrica  P.Chiranjeevi, K.Prasad & V.Nagaraju,  

in Chiranjeevi, Prasad, Nagaraju, Sujanapal, Sowghandika et Bheemalingappa. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05069

Abstract

A new hysteranthous species of Ceropegia, C. andhrica P.Chiranjeevi, K.Prasad & V.Nagaraju sp. nov. (Apocynaceae), is described from the Paderu forest division, Alluri Sitharamaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It morphologically resembles Ceropegia vemanae and C. ciliatior in features such as the shape and size of tuber, pendulous flowers, reflexed corolla lobes and exposed gynostegium with corona, but differs in having branched or rarely unbranched stem, flowers 4–6 at a node, pedicels 4–10 mm long, sepals subulate or narrowly deltoid, corolla dark purple, densely hairy, lobes 3.4–6.0 mm long, ovate-triangular at base then gradually tapering above, interstaminal corona lobes shortly bilobed with triangular lobules, and staminal corona lobes narrowly oblong, 3-lobed at apex. A detailed description, photographs, and the conservation status of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Asclepiadoideae, Ceropegieae, Hysteranthous, Paderu forest division

Ceropegia andhrica sp. nov. 

(A) Habit with leaves, (B) habit with leaves and follicles, (C) tuber, (D) buds, (E) flowers, (F) follicles, (F) open follicle with seeds.

Ceropegia andhrica sp. nov. 

(A–A2) Habit with flowers, follicles, leaves, (B) buds, (C) flowers, (D) pedicel, (E) corona side view, (F) corona top view, (G) gynostegium with pollinia, (H) pollinia, (I) solitary follicle, (J) paired follicles, (K) seed.

Ceropegia andhrica P.Chiranjeevi, K.Prasad & V.Nagaraju sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species showing similarities with Ceropegia vemanae, and to a lesser extent with C. ciliatior, but differs from these two species in having branched or rarely unbranched stem (versus unbranched in C. vemanae and unbranched or sparsely branched in C. ciliatior), lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate leaves (versus linear-lanceolate to oblong in C. vemanae and acicular to subulate or linear or linear-lanceolate in C. ciliatior), 4–6 flowers at each node (versus solitary in C. vemanae and 2–4 in C. ciliatior), 4–10 mm long pedicels (versus 9–12 mm long in C. vemanae and 15–38 mm long in C. ciliatior), subulate or narrowly deltoid sepals (versus narrowly triangular, ovate-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate in C. vemanae and ovate or ovate-lanceolate in C. ciliatior), dark purple, 3.4–6.0 mm long, densely hairy corolla lobes that are ovate-triangular at base then gradually tapering above, (versus basal portion light brown or creamish with dark rose ornamentation, later becoming uniformly brownish-pink, 7–10 mm long and corolla lobes lanceolate or lanceolate-oblong, completely pilose in C. vemanae and greenish-yellow or pale yellow and violet at apex and with violet streak at middle and 1.5–5.0 mm long corolla lobes narrowly ovate-lanceolate or oblong-ovate, ciliate at apex in C. ciliatior), interstaminal corona lobes shortly bilobed with triangular lobules (versus lobes deeply divided, lobules triangular at base then narrower towards apex in C. vemanae and lobes bifid, lobules orbicular in C. ciliatior) and staminal corona lobes glabrous, narrowly oblong, 3-lobed at apex (versus sparsely pilose, linear or linear-oblong, obtuse at apex in C. vemanae and glabrous, ovate, obtuse at apex in C. ciliatior).

 

Etymology: The new species is named after the Andhra Pradesh state of India.

 

Pabbathi Chiranjeevi, Kothareddy Prasad, Vallepu Nagaraju, Puthiapurayal Sujanapal, Marapareddy Sowghandika and Madiga Bheemalingappa. 2026. Ceropegia andhrica (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Andhra Pradesh, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05069 [25 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Lepidagathis konkanensis (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) • A New Species from Lateritic Plateaus of Konkan Region of Western Ghats based on morphological and molecular evidence

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil,  

in Patil, Kadam, Jangam, Dive et Mane. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05075  

Abstract

Lepidagathis konkanensis, a new species from the lateritic plateaus of the Konkan region in Maharashtra, India, is described and illustrated based on distinct morphological and molecular characters. Morphologically and phylogenetically, this species is close to L. mahakassapae and L. dalzelliana, but it can be distinguished by its compact inflorescence, oblanceolate leaves, bilabiate yellow corolla, elliptic-lanceolate bracteoles with three nerves, shorter style and smaller seeds. In addition, the longer branch length observed in the phylogenetic tree further supports the presence of molecular divergence. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and color plates of field photographs and floral part micrographs are provided to aid in precise identification. The IUCN conservation status has also been assessed to emphasize the need for conservation measures.

Keywords: molecular phylogeny, Northern Western Ghats, taxonomy, trnL-F, trnS-G

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil, sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) branch, (C) leaf, (dry), (D) inflorescence: spike, (E) flower: lateral view, (F) flower, (G) floral anatomy, (H) outer bract, (I) inner bract, (J) calyx, (K) androecium, (L) gynoecium, (M) capsule, (N) capsule valves, (O) capsule with seeds, (P) seed.

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil, sp. nov.
(A) Habitat, (B) vegetative stage, (C) and (D) flowering spikes.

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species similar to L. mahakassapae and L. dalzelliana, but differing in having condensed spikes (versus elongated spikes in L. mahakassapae and elongated or pyramidal spikes in L. dalzelliana), smaller floral bracts with 5–7 nerves (versus larger floral bracts with 7 nerves in L. mahakassapae and with 3–5 nerves in L. dalzelliana), elliptic-lanceolate bracteoles with 3 nerves (versus lanceolate bracteoles with 5 nerves in L. mahakassapae and elliptic-oblong bracteoles with 1 nerve in L. dalzelliana), a shorter style, 8 mm long (versus 14 mm in L. mahakassapae and 14–17 mm in L. dalzelliana), and smaller seeds, 3.0–3.5 × 2.0–2.5 mm (versus 3.0–3.7 × 3.0 mm in L. mahakassapae and 2.8 × 3.0 mm in L. dalzelliana).

 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘konkanensis' alludes to the geographical region of the type locality, i.e. Konkan region of Maharashtra.

Anant Prakash Patil, Suhas Kishor Kadam, Akshay Prakash Jangam, Ajay Sanjay Dive and Rohit Nivas Mane. 2026. Lepidagathis konkanensis sp. nov. (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) from Lateritic Plateaus of Konkan Region of Western Ghats based on morphological and molecular evidence. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05075  [13 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Parakaempferia alba (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Parakaempferia alba Tatum, D.Koch, B.Hajong & P.Bharali,

in Mibang, Hajong, Koch et Bharali. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030

Abstract

Parakaempferia alba, a new species of Zingiberaceae from East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India is herein described. A detailed taxonomic description, diagnosis, color photoplate, distribution map, notes on habitat and ecology, conservation status, and a table of comparisons with the closely related species Parakaempferai synantha Rao & Verma are provided. This new species differs, inter alia, from P. synantha by its leaf characters, number of spikes, length of peduncle, number of bracts as well as their shape and size, bracteole shape and size, staminode shape and color, labellum shape and color of apical margin, anther size and color, filament size, style size, ovary shape, and by presence of two linear shaped glands attached to the ovary.

Keywords: Eastern Himalaya, new taxon, Parakaempferia, Siang Valley

Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. habit to the right.
To the left, the red dot indicate the type location of Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. in Miglung area of East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Black dots indicate the distribution of P. synantha in type location (North Lakhimpur, Assam) as well as in Murlen National Park, Champhai, Mizoram (Kumaret al. 2013).

Parakaempferia alba sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) base of stem with immature inflorescence, (C) inflorescence, (D) flower, (E) side view of a flower with bract (bt), bracteole (bl) and calyx (cx), (F) petal (md- medial, lt- lateral), (G) labellum with stamen (st), (H) staminode, (I) pistil with 2 glands (gn).

Parakaempferia alba Tatum, D.Koch, B.Hajong, P.Bharali sp. nov. 

Tatum Mibang, Bipankar Hajong, Devpratim Koch and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030 [14 January 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Psychotria caraballoensis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from northern Luzon, Philippines

Psychotria caraballoensis Pajarillaga, Ordas & Moran, 

in Pajarillaga, Ordas, Odulio, Venturina et Moran, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05026

Abstract

In this paper, we describe and illustrate Psychotria caraballoensis, a new endemic species from the Caraballo Mountain Range, Luzon, Philippines. It is allied to the Subalpina species group sensu Sohmer and Davis (2007), and resembles Psychotria sohotonensis. However, it is distinct by its greater number of lateral veins, leaf blades drying khaki to dark brown, inflorescences/infructescences with axes branching into verticillate or oppositely branched cymules, puberulous flowers with longer corolla lobes, smaller and globose to subglobose fruits, and ruminate endosperms. It is one of few species of Philippine Psychotria documented to have both long and short-styled flower morphs. The conservation status of this species is proposed as ‘Endangered' (EN), due to its restricted range and the presence of anthropogenic threats in the area.

Keywords: distylous, montane, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippine flora, Psychotrieae, taxonomy

Psychotria caraballoensis sp. nov. 
(A) Flowering individual, (B) stipules and leaf attachment, (C) short styled flower, (D) short styled flower front view, (E) corolla, (F) opened corolla, (G) calyx and hypanthium of short styled flower, (H) infructescence, (I) fruit, (J) fruit cross-section showing pyrenes, (K) pyrenes (left – dorsal view, right -ventral view).

Scale bars – A = 1 cm, B–K = 1 mm. Illustrated by Propa Joy S. Venturina.

Psychotria caraballoensis sp. nov.
(A) Leaf attachment and stipules, (B) leaves with abaxial side (top) and adaxial side (below), (C) inflorescence, (D) long-styled flower (pin), (E) short-styled flower (thrum), (F) infructescence, (G) fruits.

Scale bar A–C = 1 cm, D–G = 5 mm. 

Photographs A and C–F by Lyle Christian P. Santiago and B and G by Sarah Grace S. Zamudio.

Psychotria caraballoensis Pajarillaga, Ordas & Moran sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species closely resembling Psychotria sohotonensis Sohmer and Davis, but distinct by its leaf blades with numerous lateral veins (14–19 versus 10–14) drying khaki to dark brown (versus dark brown to dark olivaceous brown), inflorescences/infructescences with axes that further branch into verticillate or oppositely branched cymules (versus axes terminating into shortly branched cymules), puberulous flowers (versus glabrous) with longer corolla lobes (2.7–3.2 mm versus 1.5 mm), smaller (4.0–5.5 mm versus 8–9 mm) globose to subglobose fruits (versus ellipsoid-globose), and ruminate endosperms (versus entire). Additionally, dimorphic flower morphs with long and short styles were observed.

Etymology: This species was named after the Caraballo Mountain Range of Nueva Vizcaya Province, where it was discovered.

 

Jenifer D. Pajarillaga, Jorge Anton D. Ordas, Eiana Joshier A. Odulio, Propa Joy S. Venturina and Cecilia B. Moran. 2025. Psychotria caraballoensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from northern Luzon, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05026  [14 November 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Begonia chunxiuensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

 

Begonia chunxiuensis W.G.Wang, D.K.Tian, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi, 

in Xi, Li, Z.-X. Wang, Lang, W.-G. Wang et Tian, 2025. 

春秀秋海棠  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04840 

Abstract

Begonia chunxiuensis, a new species from Guangxi of China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to B. sinovietnamica and B. aurora, but differs from them by its narrowly triangular stipules, leaf blade that is adaxially green, dark green to viridian, pinkish-white to white villous, but abaxially light green with red veins, red to pinkish-white villous, and convex anther apex. It also differs from B. sinovietnamica by smaller staminate flowers. The new species is currently known from only two subpopulations and is assessed as ‘Data Deficient' (DD) according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria.

Keywords: Begonia, China, Guangxi, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Begonia chunxiuensis sp. nov. (A)–(B) Habitat, (C) plant in flowering, (D) leaf blade, adaxial and abaxial, (E)–(F) adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum, (G) petiole section, (H) stipules, (I) inflorescences, (J) staminate flower, adaxial view, (K) staminate flower, abaxial view, (L) androecium, (M) pistillate flower, adaxial view, (N) pistillate flower, side view, (O) styles and stigmas, (P) dissected ovary showing axile placentation, (Q) capsules.

Photos (A), (Q) by Wen-Guang Wang, (B) by Dai-Ke Tian, (C), (D), (H)–(P) by Ren-Kun Li, (E)–(G) by Hou-Cheng Xi.

Begonia chunxiuensis W.G.Wang, D.K.Tian, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum most similar to B. sinovietnamica C.Y.Wu (Wu and Ku 1997) in shape of leaf blades, shape and color of both staminate and pistillate flowers and 3-loculed ovary, but easily distinguished by its narrowly triangular stipules (versus ovate-oblong), leaf blade adaxially green, dark green to viridian (versus brownish-green), abaxially light green with red veins (versus light brownish-green), adaxially pinkish-white to white villous with hairs ca 5 mm long (versus densely hirsute), abaxially red to pinkish-white villous (versus hirsute), outer 2 tepals of staminate flower 10–15 × 8–14 mm, inner 2 tepals 8–12 × 4–5 mm (versus outer 2 tepals ca 21 × 16 mm, inner 2 tepals ca 12 × 5–6 mm) and anther apex convex (versus obtuse).

Etymology: The specific epithet chunxiuensis' refers to the name of type locality, Chunxiu Reservoir in Longzhou County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Chinese name is 春秀秋海棠'.

 

Hou-Cheng Xi, Ren-Kun Li, Zhong-Xuan Wang, Xiao-An Lang, Wen-Guang Wang and Dai-Ke Tian. 2025. Begonia chunxiuensis, A New Species of Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04840 [23 November 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Primulina marmorata (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from northern Guangxi, China

 

Primulina marmorata  F. Wen, W. C. Chou & Y. G. Wei,

in Zhang, Chou, Wang, Yi-Gang Wei et Wen, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05016

Abstract

Primulina marmorata, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the limestone areas of Siding Town, Rong'an County, liuzhou City, Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated here. It morphologically resembles P. yungfuensis in leaf blades. Still, it can be easily distinguished from the latter by noting a combination of characteristics, especially in its obviously larger bracts. We found only one population, about 10 000 mature individuals, at the type locality. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Ver. 3.1), the new species is tentatively designated as ‘Critically Endangered' (CR).

Keywords: Flora of Guangxi, Gesneriaceae, new taxon, Primulina marmorata, taxonomy

Primulina marmorata sp. nov. (A) Habit, (B) adaxial side of leaves, (C) abaxial side of leaves, (D) inflorescence, (E) calyx, (F) pistil with calyx, (G) adaxial side of bracts, (H) front view of a flower showing the internal structure, (I) top view of a flower, (J) abaxial side of bracts, (K) opened corolla, (L) lateral view of a flower. Photographs by Fang Wen.

Primulina marmorata F. Wen, W. C. Chou & Y. G. Wei sp. nov. 

A species resembling Primulina yungfuensis (Fig. 3A2–F2) in shape and texture of leaf blades, but easily distinguished by its bracts broadly lanceolate, with strigose pubescence and apex acute (versus narrowly ovate to elliptic, villous indumentum and obtuse apex), 39–60 × 26–33 mm (versus 7–12 × 5–7 mm); blade margin entire and apex obtuse to round (versus crenate to repand and apex acute to rounded); calyx lobes lanceolate, ca 7 × 3 mm (versus lanceolate-linear to narrowly triangular, 5.5–7 × 1.2–2.2 mm); corolla tube tubular (versus funnel-shaped to narrowly funnel-shaped). Detailed morphological comparisons with Primulina yungfuensis are provided in Table 1.

Primulina marmorata sp. nov., demonstrating its extremely high ornamental value (Photographs by Wei-Chuen Chou). (A)–(F) variations in leaf upper surface coloration and texture, (D)–(H) different corolla shapes, colors, patches, and spots. Photographs by Fang Wen.

Shu-Shan Zhang, Wei-Chuen Chou, Qi-Jun Wang, Yi-Gang Wei, Fang Wen. 2025. Primulina marmorata (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from northern Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05016 [14 November 2025]