[Botany • 2026] Primula pingwuensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China

Primula pingwuensis Y.Hu, J.L.Gu & S.Y.Zhang,  

in Zhang, Fang, Y.-F. Hu, Y. Hu, Gu, Wu et Shao, 2026. 

Primula (China.  . 278: 247-258.

平武报春  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204611

Abstract

Primula pingwuensis sp. nov., a new species of Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China, is described. It resembles P. sinensis in having palmately lobed leaves and multi-whorled inflorescences but differs by its multi-branched stems, more densely short-pubescent surfaces, thicker chartaceous leaves, narrower leaf blades, and indistinct translucent nectar guides. A taxonomic key covering all nine known species of Primula sect. Auganthus is compiled herein to support field morphological discrimination. A chloroplast genome-based phylogeny shows that P. pingwuensis is sister to P. rongrong, and this clade is sister to P. fujiangensis. Incongruence between morphology and molecular phylogeny is observed within the section. Leaf-lobing patterns have undergone multiple independent evolutionary transitions during adaptive radiation in karst habitats, indicating that a few morphological traits cannot be used to reliably infer interspecific relationships. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN criteria, owing to the lack of long-term observations of its threat status and population dynamics. This study provides new data for the taxonomy and evolution of Primula sect. Auganthus.

Key words: Phylogeny, Primula, sect. Auganthus, Sichuan, taxonomy

Primula pingwuensis sp. nov.
A, B. Habitat; C. Flowering plant in the wild;
Da. Flowering plant; Db. Root; Dc. Adaxial surface; Dd. Abaxial surface; De. Front view of pin flower; Df. Front view of thrum flower; Dg. Longitudinal section of thrum flower; Dh. Longitudinal section of pin flower; Di. Bract; Dj. Young fruits; Dk. Young fruit, showing ovary.

Primula pingwuensis Y.Hu, J.L.Gu & S.Y.Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Primula pingwuensis is morphologically similar to P. sinensis in having palmately lobed leaves and multi-whorled scapes but differs by its multi-branched stems, densely pubescent indumentum, thickly chartaceous leaves (vs. submembranous in P. sinensis), narrower blades (3–6 cm wide), 2–3 flower whorls, and indistinct translucent ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Pingwu County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, the type locality of the new species, which is also an important habitat of the giant panda.

Chinese name. Píng Wŭ Bào Chūn (平武报春).

 Si-Yu Zhang, Ming Fang, Ying-Feng Hu, Yang Hu, Jiu-Lin Gu, Zhi-Kun Wu and Jian-Wen Shao. 2026. Primula pingwuensis (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 247-258. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204611 [25 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza xishuiensis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species endemic to Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing, China

 

Ophiorrhiza xishuiensis Sheng H.Tang, Jia W.Yang & X.Z.He,   

in He, Dai, Xu, Yang et Tang, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.189435 

Abstract

A new species in Rubiaceae, Ophiorrhiza xishuiensis, is described from China. The new species is endemic to the Danxia landform at the juncture of Guizhou Province, Sichuan Province, and Chongqing City. It is a herb with a 1–7 cm long rooting stem, 3–11 nodes, and most leaves arranged in markedly unequal pairs. It has a somewhat inequilateral leaf blade base, a congested-cymose inflorescence, and well-developed bracteoles. We investigated two populations in Guizhou, China. The new taxon has been collected or photographed by others in Sichuan and Chongqing, China, and misidentified as O. japonica, O. umbricola, O. cantonensis, or O. chinensis. An identification key to O. xishuiensis and morphologically similar species is provided.

Key words: Danxia landform, flora of China, new taxon, Ophiorrhiza

Habitat of Ophiorrhiza xishuiensis sp. nov.
A, B. Population of Sanchahe Town, Xishui County, China; C, D. Population of Baoyuan Town, Chishui City, China

 (Photographed by Sheng-Hu Tang and Xuan-Ze He).

Ophiorrhiza xishuiensis Sheng H.Tang, Jia W.Yang & X.Z.He, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species is most similar to O. japonica, O. guizhouensis, and O. chinensis by the length of the stipules, calyx lobes and corolla tube, the shape of the corolla, and the distribution areas and altitudes. It differs from O. japonica and O. guizhouensis by the 1–7 cm long rooting stems (vs. 10–30 cm, or longer), the fact that most leaves are arranged in markedly unequal (vs. subequal) pairs, the style reaching above (vs. below) the middle of the tube in the short-styled flowers, and the glabrous (vs. pubescent) style in the long-styled flowers. It is distinct from O. chinensis by the congested-cymose (vs. paniculiform to cymose) inflorescences, the well-developed and persistent (vs. absent or reduced and caducous) bracteoles, and the glabrous (vs. pubescent) style in the long-styled flowers.

 Xuan-Ze He, Zheng-Xian Dai, Jian Xu, Jia-Wen Yang and Sheng-Hu Tang. 2026. Ophiorrhiza xishuiensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species endemic to Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing, China. PhytoKeys. 275: 163-176. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.189435 [29 May 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Rhinogobius mengyangensis • A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Sichuan Province, southwestern China

 

Rhinogobius mengyangensis 

X. Liu, Chen, Shu, Huang, K. Liu & Yu, 2026

濛阳吻虾虎鱼  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

Abstract

A new species of freshwater goby, Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov., is described from the upper Changjiang River basin in Sichuan Province, China, based on comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. The new species is sister to Rhinogobius szechuanensis Tchang, 1939 and can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: absence of sensory canals and pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes; second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings; incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin; branchiostegal membrane bright yellow.

Key words: Biodiversity, freshwater, phylogeny, taxonomy

Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov. alive. 

A. Male, Tuojiang River basin (holotype, IHB 0202506006); B. Female, Tuojiang River basin (Paratype, IHB 0202506007); 

C. Male, Qingyijiang River basin; D. Female, Qingyijiang River basin.

Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners except R. szechuanensis by the following combination of features: absence of sensory canals and sensory pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes (Fig. 3). It can be distinguished from R. szechuanensis in having the second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings (vs with blue spots, some coalescing into vertical bars), incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin (vs with complete edges), and a bright-yellow branchiostegal membrane (vs white or blue) (Fig. 4).

 Xin Liu, Zhong-Guang Chen, Yi-Fan Shu, Jun-Hao Huang, Kai Liu and Yi Yu. 2026. Rhinogobius mengyangensis : A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from Sichuan Province, southwestern China. ZooKeys. 1280: 333-347. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

[28 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Primula maershanensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Primula maershanensis  J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, 

in Sheng, Y.-M. Wu, Gu, Lin, Zhou, Zheng and Z.-K. Wu, 2026. 

马耳山报春  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.191386 

Abstract

Primula maershanensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports the placement of P. maershanensis within Primula sect. Auganthus, a section characterized by leaves that are shallowly to deeply lobed and covered with hairs and by a distinctively broad calyx with a flattened base. The new species is distinguished from other species in this section by its short rhizome and nearly fleshy roots; subpurple petioles and scapes; leaf blade suborbicular, wider than long, margin palmately 5–9-lobed to the middle of the blade; and a bright yellow corolla associated with long-homostylous flowers. Information on the distribution, morphological comparisons with closely related species, and the conservation status of the new species is also provided, along with a key to the known species of Primula sect. Auganthus.

Key words: Conservation status, diversity, maer shan bao chun, nomenclature, Sichuan, taxonomy

Primula maershanensis sp. nov. 

A. Habitat; B, C. Habit during flowering; D. Roots; E. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; F. Flower scape; G. Flower bract (enlarged view); H. Bracts; I. Flower, lateral view; J. Dissected corolla showing anthers and stigmas; K. Calyx and pedicel; L. Outside of dissected calyx; M. Infructescence; N. Young fruits; O. Dissected young fruit. 

Photographed by Zhikun Wu, Mingyun Sheng, and Jiulin Gu.

Primula maershanensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species is most similar to P. sinensis, P. rupestris, and P. jiangyouensis in sharing leaves and stems covered with hairs, lobed leaf blades, distinctly petiolate leaves, and a distinctively broad and flat-bottomed calyx. However, it is distinguished from the latter three mainly by several morphological features: a short rhizome and nearly fleshy roots; subpurple petioles and scapes; leaf blade suborbicular, wider than long, palmately 5–9-lobed to approximately 1/2 of its blade, long-homostylous flowers with a bright yellow corolla (Figs 1, 2). For a more accurate delimitation of all known species in this section, we observed living plants and captured their photographs, in addition to examining herbarium specimens of the other seven species within this section (Figs 3, 4). The main morphological distinctions between P. maershanensis and P. jiangyouensis, P. sinensis, and P. rupestris are summarized in Table 1.

 

Ming-yun Sheng, Yuan-mi Wu, Jiu-lin Gu, Hong-qiang Lin, Wei Zhou, Lei Zheng and Zhi-kun Wu. 2026. Primula maershanensis (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 274: 61-71. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.191386 [28 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Hemipilia huanglongensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from north Sichuan, China

Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang, 

in Xie, Li, Deng, Wei, Dou, Peng et Zhang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.181545 

Abstract

A new species of Orchidaceae, Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang, was discovered on steep karst slopes in northern Sichuan, China and is described and illustrated, based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. While morphologically similar to H. amplexifolia (Tang & F.T.Wang) Y.Tang and H.Peng, H. faberi (Rolfe) Y.Tang and H.Peng and H. tetraloba (Finet) Y.Tang and H.Peng, it can be distinguished by a squamose lip base with an upwardly protruding lamella, along with larger floral structures, including the sepals, petals, lip and ovary. Phylogenetic analyses, based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, rbcL) DNA sequences, further support its distinction from these three morphologically allied species.

Key words: Conservation assessment, morphological diagnosis, new species description, orchid systematics, Sichuan flora

Images of living, dry or rehydrated specimens of Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang.
 A. Flowering plant; B. Front inflorescence view; C. Back inflorescence view; D. Flower disintegration; E. Leaf; F. Bracts; G. Tubers; H. Ovary and pedicel; I. Gynostemium (1: anther; 2: auricle; 3: rostellum; 4: bursicle; 5: lamellae at lip base); J. Squamose lip base

(Photographed by T. Deng and R.B. Zhang).

Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Hemipilia huanglongensis morphologically resembles H. amplexifolia, H. faberi and H. tetraloba. Hemipilia huanglongensis differs from H. amplexifolia in having a multi-flowered rachis (vs. 1–2-flowered) and purple flowers (vs. white with purplish-red spotting, which may appear red in PPBC photographs). Hemipilia huanglongensis can be distinguished from the other two species by the lip base (squamose vs. papillate in H. faberi and H. tetraloba, following the same order) with an upwardly protruding lamellae (vs. absent), more lateral sepal veins (3 vs. 1), longer ovary and pedicel (≥ 12.6 vs. ≤ 10; measurements in millimetres, the same below), longer dorsal sepal (≥ 3.7 vs. ≤ 3.5), longer lateral sepal (≥ 4.7 vs. ≤ 4), longer petal (≥ 3.7 vs. ≤ 3.5), longer lip (≥ 12.6 vs. ≤ 8), wider lip (≥ 8.3 vs. ≤ 7.5), longer lateral lip lobe (≥ 4.5 vs. ≤ 3.8) and longer middle lip lobe (≥ 8.6 vs. ≤ 4.2).

 Da-Jun Xie, Jin-Xiao Li, Tan Deng, Ruo-Xun Wei, Quan-Li Dou, Shu-Ming Peng and Ren-Bo Zhang. 2026. Hemipilia huanglongensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from north Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 273: 225-236. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.181545 [22 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Gentiana daofuensis (Gentianaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Gentiana daofuensis  Y.M.Yuan & P.C.Fu, 

in Sun, Guo, Zhang, Yi, Xu et Fu, 2026.

道孚小龙胆  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.183828

Abstract

Gentiana daofuensis, a new species of the family Gentianaceae, is described and illustrated here. Currently, this species is known only from Daofu County, Sichuan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast genome data indicate that it belongs to G. section Chondrophyllae s.l. Morphologically and genetically, it is closely related to G. crassuloides but can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter calyx and pale blue-purple corolla with numerous dark blue short stripes or spots.

Key words: Chloroplast genome, Gentiana, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, section Chondrophyllae

Morphological characteristics of Gentiana daofuensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Whole plants; C. Stem with flower at anthesis; D. Stem with mature flower bud; E. Leaf pair (front view); F. Leaf pair (reverse view); G. Calyx; H. Flower (front view); I. Fruit (front view); J. Seed; K. Fruit (side view); L. Pistil; M. Dissected flower; N. Flower.

Photographs by Peng-Cheng Fu (B–N) and Yong-Ming Yuan (A).

Gentiana daofuensis Y.M.Yuan & P.C.Fu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gentiana daofuensis is distinguishable from all other similar species of the genus by the combination of the reniform leaves on the upper stem and the pale blue-purple corolla with numerous dark blue short stripes or spots.

Etymology. The specific epithet “daofuensis” is derived from the type locality of the new species, Daofu County, and the Latin suffix -ensis, indicating the place of origin or growth.

Vernacular name. Chinese mandarin: dao fu xiao long dan (道孚小龙胆).

Shan-Shan Sun, Yuan-Meng Guo, Xin-Yue Zhang, Wen-Jie Yi, Shu-Han Xu and Peng-Cheng Fu. 2026. Gentiana daofuensis (Gentianaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 272: 1-10.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.183828  [18 Mar. 2026] 

[Herpetology • 2026] Scincella heishuiensis • A New Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, western China

Scincella heishuiensis

Liu, Pu, Tan, Chen, Lyu, Shu, Wu, Dong & Guo, 2026

 

Heishui ground skink | 黑水滑蜥   ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani16040592 

Abstract

The genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 of the family Scincidae currently includes 50 species. However, due to challenges in sample collection, the taxonomy and phylogeny of this genus remain poorly resolved. This study conducted a taxonomic study of the genus Scincella based on three mitochondrial gene fragments (12S, 16S, COI) combined with morphological comparisons. The results indicated the specimens collected in Heishui County, Sichuan Province, China, represented a previously undescribed species. This new taxon is formally described as Scincella heishuiensis sp. nov. Phylogenetically, the new species is most closely related to S. wangyuezhaoi, which is another species recently described in Wenchuan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. As a new species, the uncorrected genetic distance between this new species and its closest relative within the genus, as calculated based on 16S rRNA, is 5.45%. The new species can be distinguished from other closely related species by the following morphological characters: (1) 4 dorsal scale rows between dorsolateral stripes; (2) 5–7 superciliary; (3) 28 midbody scale-rows; (4) 24–25 gulars; (5) during the breeding season, the ventral scales and preanal exhibit a reddish-brown color; and (6) a black lateral stripe extends from behind the eye to the posterior third of the tail near the cloaca. In the phylogenetic analysis, the new species and S. wangyuezhaoi form an independent lineage, distinctly separate from all other taxa included in the study. The new species has currently been recorded and discovered in Heishui County in Sichuan Province, China. This description thus increases the number of members in the genus Scincella in China to 17 species.

Keywords: Hengduan mountains; phylogenetic taxonomy; morphological comparison; lizard

 General view of the holotype of Scincella heishuiensis sp. nov. (YBU 22269) in life.

Scincella heishuiensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Scincella heishuiensis sp. nov. exhibits the following characteristics which can distinguish from its congeners: (1) four dorsal scale rows between dorsolateral stripes; (2) 5–7 superciliary; (3) 28 midbody scale rows; (4) 24–25 gulars; (5) during the breeding season, the ventral scales and preanal exhibit a reddish-brown color; and (6) a black lateral stripe extends from behind the eye to the posterior third of the tail near the cloaca.

Etymology. The species is named after its type locality in Heishui County, Sichuan Province, China. We suggested the common names “黑水滑蜥” in Chinese and “Heishui ground skink” in English for this species.

  Fan Liu, Hongli Pu, Songwen Tan, Jiahao Chen, Bing Lyu, Guocheng Shu, Yayong Wu, Bingjun Dong  and Peng Guo. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan Province, Western China. Animals. 16(4); 592. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani16040592 [13 February 2026]

Simple Summary: The skink genus Scincella, a member of the family Scincidae, is characterized by a wide distribution and conservative morphology. This study integrates molecular and morphological data to conduct phylogenetic analyses and comparative morphology of Scincella population in the Hengduan Mountains. Our findings include the discovery of a new species and the clarification of its phylogenetic relationships within the genus. Significant morphological differences were observed between specimens collected from Heishui County and other known Scincella species. When combined with phylogenetic analysis results, these specimens were identified as a new species, formally described as Scincella heishuiensis sp. nov. Phylogenetic reconstruction reveals that Scincella heishuiensis sp. nov. forms a sister group with S. wangyuezhaoi while exhibiting distinct morphological differentiation from all other Scincella species. This study not only enriches the diversity of the genus Scincella but also provides new insights into its phylogeny history and evolutionary patterns. The results indicate that the diversity of Scincella in the Hengduan Mountains is underestimated and requires further research and exploration.

[Herpetology • 2026] Trimeresurus lii • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China

 

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, 

in Cai, Gou, Wang, Liu, Liang, X. Gu, H. Gu, Fang, Liu, Li et Ding, 2026. 

华西竹叶青蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601

Abstract

The genus Trimeresurus Lacépède comprises over 57 species, with recent taxonomic revisions recognizing six subgenera. Despite extensive research, many regions in China remain understudied, particularly the biodiversity-rich West China Rain Zone. This study reports a new pitviper species from western Sichuan Province, China, based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. Specimens collected from the West China Rain Zone were examined using detailed morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of three mitochondrial genes (16S, cytb, and ND4). The results show that this population, together with T. loong, forms a distinct monophyletic clade within the subgenus Viridovipera Malhotra & Thorpe, with uncorrected genetic distances to its closest relatives exceeding 6.50% (cytb) and 5.77% (ND4). Diagnostic morphological differences, including smooth cephalic scales, a postocular streak extending beyond the 2nd supralabial in males, dorsal scale rows of 21–21–15, and a grass-green body color lacking bands or markings, further support its taxonomic distinctness. We propose the new species Trimeresurus lii sp. nov., which represents the second species of Viridovipera in Sichuan Province and the 58th species of Trimeresurus worldwide, and contributes to understanding biodiversity in the Giant Panda National Park region. This discovery highlights the importance of continued field surveys in biodiversity hotspots for documenting and conserving unique faunal assemblages.

Key Words: Bamboo pitviper, biodiversity hotspots, Giant Panda National Park, morphology, snakebite envenoming, Viridovipera, West China Rain Zone

Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in life:
paratype CIB CB2120, male (A, B);
allotype CIB 122872, female (C, D); and
paratype CIB CB249CD03, juvenile male (E, F).

Photographs by Bo CAI.

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (Table 2). This new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) dorsal scale rows 21-21-15; (2) ventrals 152–167 in males and 160–168 in females; (3) subcaudals 64–75 in males and 63–70 in females; (4) skin coloration is black to dark gray, and body coloration is grass green without bands or markings in both sexes; (5) eye color is amber in males and orange-yellow in females; (6) postocular stripe is red and white, extending to the 2nd supralabial in males, but yellow or faintly developed yellow in females; (7) ventrolateral stripe is white (above) and red (below) in males, but yellow in females; (8) temporal scales and occipital scales smooth, dorsal scales rhomboid, feebly keeled except the first row of scales, which are smooth in both sexes.

Etymology. The specific epithet lii is a Latinized genitive form honoring LI Er (c. 6th–5th century BCE), traditionally revered as Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasize harmonious coexistence between humans and nature—a principle that aligns closely with the conservation ethos of the Giant Panda National Park, where this species was discovered. The known distribution of Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in western Sichuan Province falls within the West China Rain Zone, a region historically associated with the early development of Daoist thought. In light of its geographic range and ecological context, we propose ‘Huaxi Green Pitviper’ as the English common name and ‘华西竹叶青蛇’ (Huáxī Zhúyèqīng Shé) as the Chinese name.

 Bo Cai, Yubo Gou, Gang Wang, Fengjing Liu, Dong Liang, Xiaodong Gu, Haijun Gu, Haolong Fang, Yuzhou Liu, Qiujie Li and Li Ding. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata, Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 285-302.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601 [30 Jan 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens longcanggouensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Impatiens longcanggouensis Q.Luo,   

in Luo, Chen, Yuan, Yang, Liu, Song et Ma, 2026. 

龙苍沟凤仙花  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.174879

Abstract

Impatiens longcanggouensis Q.Luo (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Yingjing County, Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. Its morphology, including pollen and seed characters observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is documented in detail. The new species is morphologically similar to I. recurvicornis, but is readily distinguished by the following combination of characters: leaf margin shallowly arcuate-serrate (vs. serrulate); abaxial leaf surface usually purplish-red (vs. pale green); inflorescence commonly two-flowered (vs. one-flowered); bracts lanceolate, 2–2.5 mm long (vs. ovate, 3–4 mm long); flowers 1.2–1.8 cm long (vs. 3–4 cm long); dorsal petal 6–8 mm in diameter, with two erect, stout rostella along the abaxial mid-vein (vs. dorsal petal ca. 13 mm in diameter with a beaked apex); lower sepal narrowly funnel-form with a spreading mouth (vs. navicular with an oblique mouth); and capsule clavate (vs. linear).

Key words: Balsaminaceae, China, Impatiens longcanggouensis sp. nov., Sichuan

Impatiens longcanggouensis sp. nov.
A. Upper plant; B. Lower plant; C. Flower, lateral view; D. Flower, frontal view; E. Bract; F. Lateral sepals; G. Dorsal petal; H. Lateral united petals; I. Lower sepal; J. Anther.

 Drawn by Wang Ling from Q. Luo (holotype: PE).

Impatiens longcanggouensis sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Plant; C. Leaves; D. Adaxial scabrous hairs; E. Capsules; F. Flower anatomy; G–K. Flowers from different angles.

Impatiens longcanggouensis Q.Luo, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Impatiens longcanggouensis is morphologically similar to I. recurvicornis, but is readily distinguished by the following combination of characters: leaf margin shallowly arcuate-serrate (vs. serrulate); abaxial leaf surface usually purplish-red (vs. pale green); inflorescence commonly two-flowered (vs. one-flowered); bracts lanceolate, 2–2.5 mm long (vs. ovate, 3–4 mm long); flowers 1.2–1.8 cm long (vs. 3–4 cm long); dorsal petal 6–8 mm in diameter, with two erect, stout rostella along the abaxial mid-vein (vs. dorsal petal ca. 13 mm in diameter with a beaked apex); lower sepal narrowly funnel-form with a spreading mouth (vs. navicular with an oblique mouth); and capsule clavate (vs. linear).

Etymology. The epithet longcanggouensis refers to the type locality: Longcanggou Yinjing County, Sichuan Province, China. The new species is named ‘龙苍沟凤仙花’ in Chinese.

 Qiang Luo, Hong Chen, Ying Yuan, Hong Yang, Chan Liu, Xinqiang Song and Shen Ma. 2026. Impatiens longcanggouensis (Balsaminaceae): A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 270: 1-12. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.174879

[Botany • 2025] Dysosma xishuiensis (Berberidaceae) • A New Species from Guizhou, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence

Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang, 

[G-H] D. versipellis;  [I] D. majoensis

in Huang, Yao, Yang, An, Yu, Zhou et Li, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.152287

Abstract

Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang is described and illustrated as a new species from Xishui County in northern Guizhou Province, China. This species is morphologically similar to D. versipellis, but differs by its glabrous abaxial leaf surface, pedicels, and sepals; inflorescences bearing more flowers (8–20 vs. 5–8); larger obovate–oblong petals (2.8–3.4 × 1.5–2.0 cm vs. 2.5 × 0.8 cm); and an obpyriform ovary (vs. ellipsoid). The phylogenetic relationships reconstructed using ITS, matK, and rbcL sequences further confirm that it is a new species within Dysosma. This species is currently known only from the Xishui National Nature Reserve in Guizhou. According to IUCN criteria (B2, D), due to its limited distribution and low population numbers, D. xishuiensis is assessed as Endangered (EN).

Key words: Dysosma, molecular phylogeny, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Images of living plants of Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang.
A. Individual; B. Root; C. An adaxially leaf blade; D. Abaxial leaf blade; E. Inflorescence anatomy of a flower; F. Stamens and pistils;
G. Plant habit and leaf morphology (D. versipellis); H. Inflorescence (D. versipellis); I. Leaf morphology (D. majoensis).

Photos credit: A, F, G, I by C. H. Yang; C, D by L. Huang; B, E by J. G. Wang; G, H by Z. Wei.

Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang sp. nov. 

 Lang Huang, Wei-Hao Yao, Yan-Bing Yang, Ming-Tai An, Yuan-Lin Yu, Mei Zhou and He Li. 2025. Dysosma xishuiensis (Berberidaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 268: 59-67. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.152287

[Botany • 2025] Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from China based on molecular and morphological data

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis P.Y.Wu & C.Y.Zhou, 

in Wu, Guo, Zhou, Wang, Shan, Yong et Zhang, 2025. 

汶川盆 距兰  || https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2135

Abstract

The newly discovered orchid, Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Aeridinae, Orchidaceae), found in Wenchuan, Sichuan of China, is described here based on the data of its morphology, phenology, ecology and distribution. This entity bears resemblance to G. formosanus, G. wolongensis, G. nanchuanensis, G. sinensis, G. minjiangensis and G. armeniacus, but can be distinguished by a distinctive vein on both the petals and sepals, as well as an epichile and hypochile that are devoid of spots or stripes. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four plastid regions (atpI, matK, psbA, and trnL-F), supports the conclusion that Gastrochilus wenchuanensis is a new species and is sister to G. formosanus.

Keyword: Gastrochilus, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, new species, sect. Caespitosi

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis
  A. Flowering plant. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower (front view). D. Leaves (view from above and from below). E. Labellum (view from below). F. Anatomy of flowers (F1: dorsal sepals; F2 and F3: lateral sepals; F4 and F5: petals; F6: labellum). G. Flowers (view from rear). H. Capsule. I. Labellum (longitudinal dissection). J. Pollinia. K. Stigma.

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis 
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower (front view). C. Flowers (view from rear). D. Leaves (view from above and from below). E. Sepal and petal. F. Pollinia. G. Labellum (view from above and from below). H. Labellum (longitudinal dissection). I. Inflorescence. J. Capsule.

Plant and inflorescence with flowers for Gastrochilus wenchuanensis 
A. Habitat. B. Plant with flowers in wild. C. Plant with flowers in cultivation. D. Plant with fruit.

Gastrochilus sect. Caespitosi Z. H. Tsi 

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis P.Y.Wu & C.Y.Zhou, sp. nov 

Diagnosis: The new species resembles G. formosanus, but differs in the morphology of the epichile and the markings on both the petals and sepals. It also deviates from G. wolongensis due to its shorter inflorescences, an undimpled and spotless epichile, and a stripeless hypochile. The distinguishing characteristics of the new species compared to G. armeniacus include leaf morphology, flower pigmentation, sepal length, epichile trichome density, and the absence of hypochile surface ridges. The distinctive stripe on the petals and sepals, along with the morphology of the hypochile and epichile, serves to distinguish this species from G. minjiangensis. It differs from G. nanchuanensis by its reniform epichile, green and fully open flowers. The shape of the epichile and a distinct purple stripe on the petals and sepals distinguish it from G. sinensis.

  

Peng-Yu Wu, Jiaxu Guo, Cheng-Yuan Zhou, Zi-Yang Wang, Qian-Tong Shan, Heng Yong, Yu-Tian Zhang. 2025. Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Aeridinae; Orchidaceae): A New Species from China based on molecular and morphological data. Taiwania. 70(4): 757‒765.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.757

   https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2135 [2025 November 14]

[Herpetology • 2025] Gekko tesselatus • A New Rock-dwelling Gekko (Subgenus Japonigekko) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northwestern Sichuan Province, China

 

Gekko tesselatus Xu, Ma, Cai, Qi, Matsukoji, Poyarkov, Sun, Jiang & Peng, 

in Xu, Ma, Cai, Qi, Matsukoji, Poyarkov, Sun, Weng, Gu, Tian, Zhang, Jiang et Peng, 2025. 

Checkered Gecko | 斑纹壁虎  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.175246 

Abstract

We describe a new rock-dwelling species of the genus Gekko (subgenus Japonigekko) from Heishui County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, based on both morphological and molecular (1,574 bp from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and ND2 genes) evidence. Morphologically, Gekko tesselatus sp. nov. is characterized by its moderate body size; two (rarely one) enlarged postmentals; flattened dorsal tubercles extending from the posterior head through the neck to the anterior portion of the tail, arranged in 12–15 rows at midbody; 130–157 ventral scales between the mental and the cloacal slit; 98–106 midbody scale rows; 31–39 ventral scale rows; subdigital lamellae numbering 7–10 on finger I, 9–12 on finger IV, 7–9 on toe I, and 9–12 on toe IV; absence of webbing; 6–8 precloacal pores in males and absence in females; one (rarely two) postcloacal tubercle on each side; and a distinctive dorsal coloration. Phylogenetically, the new species forms a distinct clade within the subgenus Japonigekko, showing uncorrected 16S sequence divergences of at least 8.2% from its closest relative, G. liboensis, and at least 8.9% from all other congeners, as well as ND2 divergences of at least 14.3% from G. fengshanensis and at least 14.9% from other species in the subgenus. The discovery of this new species raises the number of Japonigekko species recorded in China to 26 and in Sichuan Province to seven.

Key Words: Gekko tesselatus sp. nov., molecular phylogeny, morphological characters, taxonomy

Holotype of Gekko tesselatus sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of head; D. Lateral view of head; E. Ventral view of head.

Photographs by Yuhao Xu.

Coloration of Gekko tesselatus sp. nov. in life.
A. Specimen QHU R2025022, adult female; B. Specimen QHU R2025023, adult male;
C. Specimen QHU R2025024, adult female; D. Specimen QHU R2025025, adult male;
E. Specimen QHU R2025026, subadult male; F. Specimen SYS r003029, adult male.

Photographs by Yuhao Xu.

 Gekko tesselatus Xu, Ma, Cai, Qi, Matsukoji, Poyarkov, Sun, Jiang & Peng, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Gekko tesselatus sp. nov. can be diagnosed from other Japonigekko species by the following unique combination of characters: (1) a moderate body size (SVL reaches up to 64.9 mm in males and 72.9 mm in females); (2) nares in contact with the rostral, internasal 0 or 1; (3) two enlarged postmentals, rarely one; (4) flattened dorsal tubercles present from the posterior head through the neck to the anterior portion of the tail, arranged in 12–15 rows at midbody; (5) 130–157 ventral scales between the mental and the cloacal slit; (6) 98–106 midbody scale rows; (7) 31–39 ventral scale rows; (8) subdigital lamellae 7–10 on finger I, 9–12 on finger IV, 7–9 on toe I, and 9–12 on toe IV; (9) webbing absent; (10) 6–8 precloacal pores in males, absent in females; (11) one postcloacal tubercle on each side, rarely two; (12) in life, the dorsum is predominantly greyish brown, with a series of irregular dark transverse bands that are faintly interrupted medially by a narrow vertebral stripe and laterally fragmented and interconnected, forming an irregular, checkerboard-like reticulated pattern.

Etymology. The specific name “tesselatus” is a Latinized adjective in the nominative singular (masculine gender), derived from “tessella” (a small square tile), and means “reticulated” or “checkerboard-like.” It refers to the characteristic dorsal pattern of the new species, which consists of a series of irregular dark transverse bands that are faintly interrupted medially by a narrow vertebral line and, laterally, are partly fragmented and partly interconnected, forming an irregular, checkerboard-like reticulated pattern across the dorsum. For the common names, we suggest “Checkered Gecko” in English and “Bān Wén Bì Hǔ” (斑纹壁虎) in Chinese.

Habitat and field observations of Gekko tesselatus sp. nov.
 A. Macrohabitat of the new species in Se’ergu Town, Heishui County, Sichuan, China; B. Microhabitat of the new species; C. Gekko tesselatus sp. nov. in life, in situ; D. The sympatric Lycodon multizonatus.

 Photographs by Yuhao Xu (A–C) and Tianxuan Gu (D).

Comparison of Gekko tesselatus sp. nov. and four closely related species in life, in situ.
A. Gekko tesselatus sp. nov., unvouchered adult male individual from Se’ergu, Heishui, Sichuan, China; B. Gekko tesselatus sp. nov., unvouchered juvenile individual from Se’ergu, Heishui, Sichuan, China;
C. G. liboensis, unvouchered individual from Libo, Guizhou, China; D. G. fengshanensis, NHMG 202408007, adult male from Fengshan, Guangxi, China;
E. G. kwangsiensis, unvouchered adult female individual from Nanning, Guangxi, China; F. G. paucituberculatus, unvouchered individual from Baise, Guangxi, China.

Photographs by YHX (A, B), Dan-Yang Zhou (C, F), reproduced from Huang et al. (2025) (D), and Yang (2015) (E).

 Yuhao Xu, Shun Ma, Bo Cai, Shuo Qi, Tomoya Matsukoji, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Fanyue Sun, Shiyang Weng, Tianxuan Gu, Kaidi Tian, Di Zhang, Jianping Jiang and Lifang Peng. 2025. A New Rock-dwelling Gecko of the Subgenus Japonigekko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gekko) from northwestern Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2221-2242. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.175246 

[Botany • 2025] Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New epiphytic orchid from Jiuzhaigou World Heritage Site, China

 

Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis Jun Y.Zhang, D.L.Zhu & Y.Zhang,   

in Zhu, J.-Y. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Liao, He, Chen et Xu, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.159138 

Abstract

Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species epiphytic on tree branches on the bank of an alpine lake at the famous Jiuzhaigou National Park in China, is described and illustrated. It differs from its morphologically similar species, G. bernhardtianus, by its shorter stems, obliquely linear-lanceolate leaves, reniform and revolute epichile without ornamentation, and the absence of a middle ridge at central callus of the epichile. To test its species status, sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA markers (matK, psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnL-F) were newly generated. Molecular phylogenetic analyses including 53 accessions of Gastrochilus species resolved it within the same clade as G. bernhardtianus, but with distinct boundary. Both morphological differences and phylogenetic evidence supported it a species new to science.

Key words: Gastrochilus, Jiuzhaigou, new species, Orchidaceae, phylogeny

Habitat and habit of Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis in situ.
 A, B. Habitat; C–E. Flowering plants of G. Jiuzhaigouensis growing on tree branches.

 [Images A–E. Photographed by Da-Lin Zhu].

Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis.
A. Flowering plant; B. Leaves (B1: front view, B2: abaxial view); C. Flowers, front view; D. Flowers, abaxial view; E. Dissection of a flower (E1: dorsal sepal; E2-3: lateral sepals; E4-5: petals; E6: labellum); F. Anther cap; G. Pollinarium with pollinia; H. Raceme, lateral view; I. Labellum, lateral view.

 [Images A–I. photographed by Jun-Yi Zhang].

 Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis Jun Y.Zhang, D.L.Zhu & Y.Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. It is most similar to G. bernhardtianus, but it can be distinguished by its shorter stem (0.5–1.2 vs. ca. 5.0 cm), obliquely linear-lanceolate leaves (vs. oblong-lanceolate leaves), reniform and revolute epichile (vs. transversely oblong and spread) without ornamentation (vs. two conic calli near its base), and absence of middle ridge (vs. distinctly ridged) at the middle of central callus on the epichile.

 Da-Lin Zhu, Jun-Yi Zhang, Yue Zhang, Min Liao, Hai He, Ke Chen and Bo Xu. 2025. Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), A New epiphytic orchid from Jiuzhaigou World Heritage Site, China. PhytoKeys. 265: 25-38. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.159138