Showing posts with label Phyllanthaceae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phyllanthaceae. Show all posts

Sunday, July 19, 2026

[Entomology • 2026] Caloptilia augeas & C. ceryneia • Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880)


[4-6] Caloptilia augeas
[11-13] Caloptilia ceryneia 
Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, 

in Guiguet, van Nieukerken, Giron, Gravendeel, Lopez-Vaamonde et Ohshima, 2026. 

Abstract
New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of micro-endemism, yet its gracillariid fauna remains poorly documented. Here, two new species of Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariidae) are described from Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) host plants in Parc des Grandes Fougères, New Caledonia: Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., and Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov. Both species induce leaf galls on Glochidion billardierei Baill., co-occurring on the same host species, sometimes even on the same leaf. They exhibit distinct wing patterns, but very similar male and female genitalia, and DNA barcoding supports their status as separate species. These findings provide evidence for potential within-host sympatric speciation, as documented in other gall-inducing insects. The larval biology of C. augeas and C. ceryneia reveals a unique frass disposal behaviour, whereby waste is excreted through a hole and the aperture is subsequently sealed—an adaptation not previously reported in gall-inducing Lepidoptera. Our findings double the known number of gall-inducing species in Gracillariidae, highlighting that this life history strategy may be more common than currently appreciated. We also provide new information on distribution and host plants of Caloptilia xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880), a leaf roller found on the same host plant, G. billardierei. These findings mark the first records of the subfamily Gracillariinae in New Caledonia. This study underscores the underexplored diversity of New Caledonian gracillariids and emphasises the conservation value of Parc des Grandes Fougères. Further surveys in the Indo-Pacific region may reveal additional yet undescribed Caloptilia species associated with Phyllanthaceae and help clarify the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning their diversification.

Key words: Australia, DNA barcoding, endemism, frass disposal, host plant use, sympatry, taxonomy

Habitus of adult Caloptilia augeas sp. nov. 
4. Resting posture; 5. Paratype, male RMNH.INS.25563; 6. Holotype, male, RMNH.INS.25562.
 
Habitus of adult Caloptilia ceryneia sp. nov.
11. Resting posture, holotype male, RMNH.INS.25650; 12. Paratype, female, RMNH.INS.25565; 13. Paratype, male, RMNH.INS.25564.
Scale bars: 2 mm.

Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name augeas refers to the fifth Labour of Hercules in the Greek mythology. The larval behaviour of frass cleaning in the gall reminds this Labour that consisted in cleaning the stables of king Augeas (Αὐγέας). This name comes from the word “αὐγή” that designates “sun shine” and “reflection of a shiny object” in Classic Greek (Bailly 1899), referring to the bright colour of the adult wings. The epithet is to be regarded as a noun in apposition.

Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name ceryneia refers to the ancient Greek city of Ceryneia or Keryneia (Κερύνεια), the location of the Ceryneian Hind from Greek mythology, which features in the third Labour of Hercules. The moth’s striking yellow and red wing pattern evokes the golden antlers and bronze hooves of the mythical deer. Its cryptic gall-inducing behaviour also recalls the elusive nature of the Ceryneian hind, which was known for its ability to remain hidden. The epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.


 Antoine Guiguet, Erik J. van Nieukerken, David Giron, Barbara Gravendeel, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, Issei Ohshima. 2026. Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880). ZooKeys. 1268: 113-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 [04 Feb 2026]

Thursday, March 26, 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. 
 
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]

Monday, March 16, 2026

[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus vietnamensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam

 

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane, 

in Vu, T. A. Le, Nong, Dinh, V. H. Le, Yamamoto et Tagane, 2026. 
 
Abstract
A new species of NymphanthusN. vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane is described from Quang Tri Province and Thua Thien Hue Province (currently Hue City), central Vietnam. It is similar to N. namkadingensis but distinguished by its branchlet with 14–30(–40) leaves (vs. 50–60 in N. namkadingensis), leaf blades with 3–6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 8–12 pairs), pistillate pedicel of 8–9 mm long (vs. 10–16 mm long), disc of pistillate flowers with 4–6 free rectangular segments (vs. connate and annular), and subglobose capsules (vs. ellipsoid). A detailed description, photographs, and information on the distribution and ecology, vernacular name, phenology, and preliminary conservation status are provided for the species.

Flora of Vietnam, Dakrong, Phong Dien, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots


Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane sp. nov. 


TIEN CHINH VU, TUAN ANH LE, VAN DUY NONG, DIEN DINH, VAN HUONG LE, TAKENORI YAMAMOTO, SHUICHIRO TAGANE. 2026. Nymphanthus vietnamensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 742(3); 237-242. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 [2026-02-24]


Saturday, January 24, 2026

[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus belliflorus (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Nymphanthus belliflorus P. Sukkharom, Chantar. & Pornp., 

in Sukkharom, Chantaranothai et Pornpongrungrueng, 2026. 
ว่านธรณีสารเล็ก  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20559 

Abstract
Nymphanthus belliflorus, a newly described species from the northeastern part of Thailand, is the most similar to N. chantaranothaii, N. glaucescens and N. huamotensis in having staminate flowers with four sepals bearing long-fimbriate margins and the pistillate flowers composed of 5–6 sepals with long-fimbriate margins. However, it is distinguished by its swollen stem base, young branchlets that are glabrous, disc glands of staminate flowers that are obdeltoid and yellow-reddish in color, long pedicel of pistillate flowers (3.2–4.8 cm long) and fruits (3.5–5.5 cm long). The description, distribution, ecological information and provisional conservation status are provided.

Keywords: Eriococcus, Morphology, Phyllantheae, Phyllanthus, Taxonomy, Section Nymphanthus

Nymphanthus belliflorus P. Sukkharom, Chantar. & Pornp., sp. nov.
 (A) Habit. (B) Leaf (adaxial side). (C) Leaf (abaxial side). (D) Stipule. (E) Staminate flower. (F) Pistillate flower. (G) Mature capsule.
drawn by Piya Sukkharom.

Nymphanthus belliflorus.
(A) Habit. (B) Staminate flowers. (C) Pistillate flower. (D) Mature capsule. (E) Swollen stem base. (A) & (E) photos by Piya Sukkharom, (B–D) photos by Silakan Khunnok.

Nymphanthus belliflorus P. Sukkharom, Chantar. & Pornp., sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Nymphanthus belliflorus is distinguished from other species of Nymphanthus by a combination of swollen stem base, long-fimbriate sepal margins in both staminate and pistillate flowers, obdeltoid, yellow to reddish disc glands in staminate flowers, and long pedicels in pistillate flowers and fruits (3.2–4.8 cm long and 3.5–5.5 cm long, respectively).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the beautiful flowers of this species.
Vernacular name. Wan thorani san lek (proposed here).

Distribution. Khon Kaen and Sakon Nakhon Provinces in the northeast of Thailand.

Ecology. Nymphanthus belliflorus grows on sandy soil with organic matter found in the ecotone between mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest, at 240–285 m elevation.


Piya Sukkharom, Pranom Chantaranothai and Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng​. 2026. Nymphanthus belliflorus (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. PeerJ. 14:e20559. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20559 [January 21, 2026]

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

[Botany • 2025] Breynia enchengensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Areas of southwestern Guangxi, China

 

 Breynia enchengensis  

in Chang, Li, Liang, G.-L. Huang et Y.-S. Huang, 2025.

Abstract
Breynia enchengensis, a new species with a narrowly geographic distribution in limestone areas of southwestern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to B. poomae (Welzen & Chayam.) Welzen & Pruesapan in having creeping stems, ovate to oblong leaf blade, and reddish brown to dark purple flowers, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by the size of the leaf blade and flowers, the number of lateral veins, the habit of the inflorescence, and the shape of the ovary. It also resembles B. lithophila Welzen & Pruesapan in having alternate leaves and in the length/width ratio of leaf blade, but may be distinguished by the presence of hairs throughout the plant, number of lateral veins, length of the pedicle, the habit of the inflorescence, and calyx shape of female flowers. A table to distinguish the new species from B. poomae and B. lithophila, as well as color plates and photos of type specimens of the new species are also provided.

Keywords: Breynia, limestone flora, new species, Sauropus, taxonomy

 


 Shi-Li Chang, Wen-Hua Li, Jin-Hui Liang, Guo-Li Huang and Yu-Song Huang. 2025. Breynia enchengensis (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from Limestone Areas of southwestern Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04635 [17 April 2025]


Tuesday, April 29, 2025

[Botany • 2024] Reinstatement and Lectotypification of Phyllanthus rosellus (Phyllanthaceae), an endemic species from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil


Phyllanthus rosellus  (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg.

in Torres et Silva, 2024. 

Abstract
Phyllanthus rosellus, an endemic species from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was treated under Phyllanthus niruri subsp. lathyroides. After analyzing herbarium collections, including all types related to the names P. niruri and P. rosellus, we conclude that both species are morphologically distinguishable, and consequently we propose the reinstatement of P. rosellus. Additionally, as the latter is a species usually known from literature dating from the 19th century, where its description overlaps with that of some congeners, we provide its description, illustrations, preliminary conservation status, images in their habitat, as well as designate a lectotype for it.

Eudicots, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Phyllanthus subsect. Phyllanthus, taxonomy

Phyllanthus rosellus.
 A. Habit. B. Stem. C. Cataphylls. D and E. Fertile branches, showing small leaves and male flowers on the adaxial surface. F and G. Detail of the unisexual branchlet, showing the pink staminate flowers, with three free stamens. H. Pistillate flower. I. Detail of the pistillate disk and styles J. Seed
[Photos A, and F by João Paulo Zorzanelii, B, D, E and G by Paulo Sampaio and C, H, I and J by Alícia Torres]. 


Phyllanthus rosellus (Müller Argoviensis) Müller Argoviensis (1873:53). 
≡ Phyllanthus lathyroides f. rosellus MüllerArgoviensis (1863:42) 
≡ Diasperus rosellus (Müller Argoviensis) Kuntze (1891:601). 


Alícia Marques TORRES and Marcos José da SILVA. 2024. Reinstatement and Lectotypification of Phyllanthus rosellus (Phyllanthaceae), an endemic species from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 645(3); 259-269. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.645.3.5 [2024-04-26]

Friday, January 31, 2025

[Botany • 2025] Nymphanthus adenophorus (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllantheae) • A New Species from central Vietnam

  

Nymphanthus adenophorus Tk.Yamam., Tagane & V.S.Dang

in Yamamoto, Dang, Souladeth et Tagane, 2025.  
Diệp hạ châu núi chúa  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.3 

Abstract
A new species of Nymphanthus (Phyllanthaceae), N. adenophorus from Ninh Thuan Province, central Vietnam, is described and illustrated, along with its vernacular name and preliminary conservation status. The new species is similar to N. pireyi and N. nanellus, but distinguished by its terete and shorter floriferous branchlets with fewer leaves, larger leaf blades, faintly visible lateral veins, longer pedicels of male flowers, and accordion-folded discs of pistillate flowers.

flora, Indochina, Malpighiales, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Nymphanthus adenophorus Tk.Yamam., Tagane & V.S.Dang (from Tagane et al. N226).
A. Habit; B, C. Floriferous branchlets showing adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces respectively; D. Enlarged view of a part of a floriferous branchlet showing stipules; E. Lateral view of a staminate flower. One of four sepals was detached to show the internal morphology; F, G. Overhead view of a staminate flower. Sepals were detached in G to show four foveolate discs; H. Diagonally overhead view of a pistillate flower; I. Lateral view of a pistillate flower; J. Enlarged view of a young ovary with one of three bifid stigmas (the rest of two were destroyed during dissection); K. Young fruit.
 Abbreviations: an, theca of anther; dc, floral disc; ov, ovary; sp, stipule. 
All scale bars = 0.5 mm. All photos taken by T. Yamamoto.

Nymphanthus adenophorus Tk.Yamam., Tagane & V.S.Dang, sp. nov.  

 Among Nymphanthus species distributed in Vietnam and adjoining countries, N. adenophorus is similar to N. pireyi (endemic to Central Vietnam) and N. nanellus (endemic to South China) in having small leaf blades (≤ 1 × 1 cm) of ovate, suborbicular to obovate shapes, sepals of both staminate and pistillate flowers with non-fimbriate margins, and pistillate flowers bearing connate (not free) discs surrounding the lower portion of the ovary. However, the new species can be clearly ...

Etymology:—The specific epithet adenophorus is derived from the presence of many distinct glands on floral discs. 
Vernacular name:—Diệp hạ châu núi chúa.

 
Takenori YAMAMOTO, Van-Son DANG, Phetlasy SOULADETH and Shuichiro TAGANE. 2025. Nymphanthus adenophorus, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 683(1); 18-24. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.3 

  

Friday, January 10, 2025

[Botany • 2024] Amanoa tolimensis (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllanthoideae) • A New Timber Species endemic to Colombia’s Montane Forests and Critically Endangered, with an Updated Key for the Species of the Genus


Amanoa tolimensis Villanueva & Corrales-Bravo,

in Villanueva-Tamayo, Bravo et Aymard-Corredor, 2024. 

Abstract
Amanoa tolimensisa critically endangered new timber tree species from Andean forests of Colombia is described, illustrated, and its distinctive morphological structures are displayed through a Lankester plate. A. tolimensis is recorded so far in montane forests over sandy-clay soils of “Bosque de Galilea” Regional Natural Park, an area located on the western flank of the eastern mountain range of Tolima department. This new species belongs to a small group within the genus characterized by the presence of an androphore, and presents morphological similarities with A. almenrindae. The latter, is a shrub to small tree from black water periodically flooded forests and savannas of Rio Negro basin of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. This new species is a tree 24 m tall, with branches and inflorescence lenticellate, with a ferruginuous tomentum, presenting differences in shape and size in leaves, petioles, pedicels, sepals, ovary, and the pistillate flowers are pedicellate. Additionally, habitat, phytogeographical information, a distribution map, and data about its conservation status are included. An updated identification key for the neotropical species of Amanoa is also provided. This new species represents the first report of this genus in Colombian Andes, and the first endemism of this genus for the country. Amanoa tolimensis is under pressure from logging in some areas of the park, and urgent protection of the species is needed.

Alma Negra, Andes, Doselia galilensis, endangered tree, Galilea, Cordillera oriental, Eudicots



Amanoa tolimensis Villanueva & Corrales-Bravo, sp. nov.

Etymology: — The epithet “tolimensis” refers to the name of Tolima Department, the political region where this new species occurs.



Boris VILLANUEVA-TAMAYO, Lina M. Corrales BRAVO and Gerardo A. AYMARD-CORREDOR. 2024. A New Timber Species of Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae; Phyllanthoideae) Endemic to Colombia’s Montane Forests and Critically Endangered, with an Updated Key for the Species of the Genus. Phytotaxa. 672(2); 187-198. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.2.5

Thursday, January 2, 2025

[Botany • 2021] Rediscovery and Expansion of the Distribution of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) in southeastern Brazil


 Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade, 

in Mendes, Athiê-Souza, Ribeiro, Gomes, Carrijo et Sales, 2021.  

Abstract
We report here the rediscovery of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) after 50 years, as well as its occurrence in Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil. We provide a taxonomic diagnosis, in situ photographs, a distribution map, and a reassessment of its conservation status, which will contribute to our knowledge of this rare and endemic species as well as our ability to protect it.

Keywords: Atlantic domain, Biodiversity hotspot, Endemism, Phyllanthus subsect. Clausseniani, Southeastern Brazil, Taxonomy

 Phyllanthus itatiaiensis.
A, B. Habitat, with emphasis on the Pedra do Altar rock formation. C, D. Habitat. E. Staminate flower. F. Pistillate flower and fruits.
Photographs: Caio Baez (A, B); J. Külkamp (C-F).


 Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza, Rayane de Tasso Moreira Ribeiro, Caio Baez Gomes, Tatiana Tavares Carrijo and Margareth Ferreira de Sales. 2021. Rediscovery and Expansion of the Distribution of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) in southeastern Brazil. Check List. 17(2): 695-700. DOI: 10.15560/17.2.695

Friday, November 22, 2024

[Botany • 2024] Phyllanthus gandarelensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New and Endangered tiny Species from Serra da Gandarela, Minas Gerais, Brazil


 Phyllanthus gandarelensis J.C.R.Mendes, R.Secco & P.L.Viana,  

in Mendes, Secco et Viana, 2024.
Photographs: Heron O. Hilário, Drawing by Carlos Alvarez

Abstract
Field observations and specimens from herbaria revealed the existence of a new species of the genus Phyllanthus, restricted to the municipality of Santa Bárbara, André do Mato Dentro, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Characteristics such as the subsessile petiole and the size and morphology of the leaves, in addition to the pistallate flowers with 6 sepals, stipules, styles, and stigmas were important to recognize Phyllanthus gandarelensis as a new taxon. Description, illustrations, distribution and habitat, phenology, preliminary conservation status as Critically Endangered, and comments on its morphology, as well as a comparative table with its congener species are presented.

 Phyllanthus gandarelensis
A. Habit. B. Branch. C. Branch detail, showing stipules. D. Staminate flower. E. Pistillate flower. F. Fruit (capsule with accrescent calyx and persistent styles). G. Seeds, with obtriangular hilum and detail of ornamentation.
Drawing based on the holotype (drawn by Carlos Alvarez).

 Phyllanthus gandarelensis.
 A. Micro-habitat (resembling some cave environments). B. Habit. C. Detail of the stipules (subulate). D. Flowering branches. E. Leaf blade, with base asymmetric-cordate. F-G. Staminate flower showing stamens and glandular disk. H. Pistillate flower, with evident porrect styles. I. Capsules (mericarps 6, with accrescent calyx and persistent styles).
 (Photographs: Heron O. Hilário).

Phyllanthus gandarelensis J.C.R.Mendes, R.Secco & P.L.Viana, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The epithet “gandarelensis” is a reference to the mountain complex, known as Serra do Gandarela, where this species is found.

 
Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, Ricardo de S. Secco and Pedro Lage Viana. 2024. An Account of A New and Endangered tiny Species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from Serra da Gandarela, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Brittonia. 76; 26–32. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09779-x


Friday, August 16, 2024

[Botany • 2024] Phyllanthus celatus (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species hiding in the shades in an urban Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

 
 Phyllanthus celatus  J.C.R. Mendes, J.M.A. Braga & Fraga, 

in Mendes, Braga, Fraga, Tomazello-Filho, Orlandini  et Athiê-Souza. 2024.

Abstract
A new and critically endangered species of Phyllanthus, endemic to the Parque Nacional da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, is described and illustrated here. Phyllanthus celatus is placed in Phyllanthus subgenus Phyllanthus section Phyllanthus subsection Phyllanthus. Morphologically it resembles P. augustinii, P. lobatus and P. niruri, but differs mainly by presenting reddish primary, secondary and intersecondary veins on the abaxial surface (vs absent in both species), and 5-lobed pistillate disc (vs entire only in P. augustinii and P. niruri). Of these, only P. lobatus has a lobed disc, but it differs in pistillate sepals light green (vs whitish or slightly pinkish), deeply 5-lobed pistillate glandular disc (vs 3–5-lobed), styles erect (vs curved), and geographic distribution restricted to the Southeast (vs South). The systematic position of this species and its morphological relationships with allies are discussed and field photographs, illustrations, a distribution map, preliminary conservation status, and taxonomic notes are provided.

Eudicots, Malpighiales, neotropics, Phyllanthoideae, taxonomy

 Phyllanthus celatus.
A. Habitat, B. Habit, C. Branches showing both leaf surfaces (adaxial and abaxial), D. Pistillate flowers with details, E. Developed fruits.
(Photographs by J.C.R. Mendes).


Phyllanthus celatus J.C.R. Mendes, J.M.A. Braga & Fraga, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet is a Latin adjective meaning hidden away. It is allusive to the discovery of this species that stayed unknown for centuries in the shadows of the forest, in a place intensely explored by historic and current botanists.  


Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga, Claudio Nicoletti de Fraga, Mario Tomazello-Filho, Priscila Orlandini and Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza. 2024. A New Species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) hiding in the shades in an urban Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 660(3); 278-286. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.660.3.5   Researchgate.net/publication/382488487_A_new_species_of_Phyllanthus_hiding_in_the_shades_in_an_urban_Atlantic_Forest_Brazil
Researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Joao-Marcelo-Alvarenga-Braga-30580335

  

Thursday, June 20, 2024

[Botany • 2024] Nymphanthus namkadingensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Laos


Nymphanthus namkadingensis Tk.Yamam., Tagane & Soulad., 

in Yamamoto, Souladeth, Phonepaseuth, Kongxaisavath, Vongthavone, Vuong, Trong, Souvannakhoummane et Tagane, 2024. 
ໝາກຍົມນ້ອຍນ້ຳກະດິງ  ||  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.1
 
Abstract
A new species of Nymphanthus (Phyllanthaceae), N. namkadingensis from Bolikhamxai Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated, along with its vernacular name and preliminary conservation status. The new species is similar to N. rubescens, but distinguished by having larger stipules, longer pedicels, and connate annular disc glands (vs. free disc glands) of pistillate flowers.

Key words: flora, Indochina, Malpighiales, Phyllantheae, taxonomy 



Nymphanthus namkadingensis Tk.Yamam., Tagane & Soulad.
(A, E–G, I–M. Tagane et al. Z74; B–D. Souladeth et al. Z595; H. Tagane et al. Z128). A. Habitat; B. Habit; C, D. Portion of floriferous branchlet showing adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces respectively; E. Abaxial leaf surface; F. Stipule; G. Staminate flower (front view); H. Staminate flowers (lateral view); I. Enlarged view of staminate flower showing stamens and disc glands; J. Pistillate flower (lateral view, sepals detached); K & L. Ovary (lateral view & overhead view, respectively); M. Fruit just before dehiscence.
Abbreviations: an, theca of anther; dp, disc gland of pistillate flower; ds, disc gland of staminate flower; ov, ovary, sy, style. Scale bars E = 5 mm, F = 3 mm, I–L = 0.5 mm, and M = 1 mm. 
Photos: T. Yamamoto (A, E, F, I–M), K. Souvannakhoummane (B), P. Souladeth (C, D), and S. Tagane (G, H).

Nymphanthus namkadingensis Tk.Yamam., Tagane & Soulad., sp. nov. 

Nymphanthus namkadingensis is distinguished from the other members of Nymphanthus by having combination of following features: branches and branchlets glabrous, stipules of 3–9 × 1–2 mm, ovate-lanceolate laminae of 14–25 × 5–8 mm with 8–12 pairs of lateral veins, reddish purple sepals with slightly undulate (non-fimbriate) margins, annular disc glands of pistillate flowers, and glabrous ovaries. Among Nymphanthus species distributed in Laos and its adjoining countries, the new species is most similar to N. rubescens distributed in Laos and Vietnam in having floriferous branchlets rather congested near ...

Etymology:—The specific epithet namkadingensis is derived from Nam Kading National Protected Area, in which the species was first discovered. 

Vernacular name:— ໝາກຍົມນ້ອຍນ້ຳກະດິງ [Mak yom noy namkading (“Mak yom” means Nymphanthus species in general in Lao; “noy” means small fruit), suggested here].



Takenori Yamamoto, Phetlasy Souladeth, Phongphayboun Phonepaseuth, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Truong Ba Vuong, Pham Quoc Trong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane and Shuichiro Tagane. 2024. Nymphanthus namkadingensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Laos.  Phytotaxa. 650(3); 199-205. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.1
 

Saturday, May 25, 2024

[Botany • 2024] Emblica chakrabartyi (Phyllanthaceae) • A striking Species from the southern Western Ghats, India


Emblica chakrabartyi   

in Sunil, Prabhukumar, Kumar, Sanilkumar, Simi et Balachandran, 2024. 
 
Abstract
A new species of Emblica Gaertn. (Phyllanthaceae), E. chakrabartyi sp. nov. from the southern part of the Western Ghats, India is described here along with data on distribution, phenology and colour photographs. A key to the species of Emblica in India is also provided. The new species is allied to Emblica anamalayana, but differs in habit, urceolate staminate flowers with short pedicel, inner tepals of staminate flower larger than outer, short anthers which are equal in length to its column, three distinct deeply bifid styles, shape of capsule and its styles and black lineolate smooth seeds.

Keywords: India, Kerala, new species, Phyllanthaceae



Emblica chakrabartyi sp. nov. 


Chandrasseril Narayanan Sunil, Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar, Vannaratta Veettil Naveen Kumar, Malayil Gopalan Sanilkumar, Mattappilly Sugathan Simi and Indira Balachandran. 2024. Emblica chakrabartyi sp. nov. (Phyllanthaceae), A striking Species from the southern Western Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04154