[Botany • 2026] Impatiens zayuensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Xizang, China

 

 Impatiens zayuensis  S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, 

in Yuan, T. Hu, Zhang, Cao, Du, Chen, Cong, G.-W. Hu, Peng et Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.751.2.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/403820090 

english.CAS.cn

Abstract

Impatiens zayuensis (Balsaminaceae), from Cibagou National Nature Reserve in southeastern Xizang, China, is described. Based on molecular evidence, I. zayuensis is assigned to I. sect. Racemosae. Morphologically, it is close to I. margaritifera and I. casseabriae in having spurless flowers, but differs in upper stem with glands, ovate lateral sepals, dentate margin of lateral sepals, sub-dolabriform or oblong lower petal, and oblique mouth of lower sepal. Phylogenetically, the new species does not cluster with the other two similar spurless species, indicating that the spurless character may have evolved several times within the I. sect. Racemosae.

Impatiens, New Species, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Xizang, Eudicots

 Impatiens zayuensis.
 A. habitat; B. inflorescence; C-D. front view of flower; E-F. lateral view of flower; G. dissected flower (a. dorsal petal; b. lateral sepals; c. lateral united petals; d. lower sepal; e. stamens and pedicel); H. capsule and fruit stalk. I. seeds; J. leaves; K. root (Image by YUAN Taohua)

Morphological comparison of Impatiens zayuensis (A1-I1) and I. margaritifera (A2-I2).
A. inflorescences; B. the upper part of the stems (showing glands); C. leaves (showing glands at the base of the leaf blade); D. front view of flowers; E. lateral view of flowers; F. lateral sepals; G. dorsal petals; H. lateral united petals; I. lower sepals

 (1-I1 photographed by YUAN Taohua; B2-E2 by HUANG Wen; F2-I2 by PENG Shuai)

Impatiens zayuensis S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang

TAO-HUA YUAN, TIAN HU, BEI ZHANG, MING CAO, ZHI DU, XIANG-YUN CHEN, YI-YAN CONG, GUANG-WAN HU, SHUAI PENG and QING-FENG WANG. 2026. A New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from southeastern Xizang, China.  Phytotaxa. 751(2); 163-175. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.751.2.7 [2026-04-15] 

Researchgate.net/publication/403820090_A_new_species_of_Impatiens_from_Tibet

 english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research-news/202605/t20260507_1158557.shtml

[Herpetology • 2026] Excidobates perplexus • Tiny Jewels of the Forest: A New and Endangered Species of Excidobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from southeastern Ecuador

Excidobates perplexus

Sánchez-Nivicela, Falcón-Reibán, Lituma, Fajardo-Torres, Urgiles, Apunte-Ramos & Ron, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5886.2.2

Abstract

Poison dart frogs are one of the most studied and charismatic groups of amphibians, yet diversity within small and geographically restricted genera such as Excidobates remains incompletely understood. Until recently, this genus was known to comprise only three species distributed across the eastern mountain ranges of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Here, we describe a new species represented by two populations in southern Ecuador: one from the eastern slopes of the Andes and another from north of Cordillera del Cóndor. The new species is more closely related to Excidobates mysteriosus, from which it differs by a genetic distance of 2.7–3.5% (16S rRNA gene) and markedly distinctive morphology such as 15.1–18.3 mm on snout-vent length and strongly granular skin. The two populations of the new species differ markedly in color from each other and from E. mysteriosus: scarlet red mottled dorsal coloration on a black background and a red-orange and black reticulated venter in the Central Andean Cordillera population, and green dorsal coloration with inconspicuous yellow spots and a yellow and black reticulated venter in the Cordillera del Cóndor population. Its advertisement call has 24–26 pulses, dominant frequency 4781.3–5062.5 Hz, and 0.51–0.56 s duration. The two populations are separated by 65 km, inhabit different forest types and have a genetic distance of 0.6–0.7%. Despite the marked color and habitat differences, the combined evidence indicates that the two populations represent polymorphic variants of the same species. Because the new species faces severe and imminent threats, including large and medium-scale mining, hydroelectric development, and illegal wildlife trade, we propose to assign it to the Red List category as Critically Endangered. Our findings highlight the rich but still underestimated amphibian diversity of the southeastern Ecuadorian Andes and underscore the urgent need for conservation actions in these regions.

Amphibia, Andes, conservation, Ecuador, phylogeny, taxonomy

 

Excidobates perplexus sp. nov. 

JUAN C. SÁNCHEZ-NIVICELA, JOSÉ M. FALCÓN-REIBÁN, MICHELLE CABRERA LITUMA, JAIME D. FAJARDO-TORRES, VERÓNICA L. URGILES, KATHERINE APUNTE-RAMOS, SANTIAGO R. RON. 2026. Tiny Jewels of the Forest: A New and Endangered Species of Excidobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from southeastern Ecuador.  Zootaxa. 5886(2); 193-217. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5886.2.2 [2026-10-02]

[Paleontology • 2026] New Fossil Material of Chelus colombiana (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru

 

Chelus colombiana MUSM-920
specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru.
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron. 

in Cadena, Salas-Gismondi, Zamora-Vega, ... et Pérez-García. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135

  Artistic reconstruction  by Juan Giraldo

Abstract

We describe two fossil turtle shells of Chelus colombiana from Middle Miocene vertebrate localities in the Fitzcarrald Arch and Iquitos regions of Peru. One specimen represents one of the most complete fossil shells of the genus, also one of the largest known, measuring 84.6 cm in carapace length and estimated to have weighed approximately 65 kg. Morphological comparisons confirm synchronous consistency with other C. colombiana specimens from Colombia and Brazil, with only minor variation in the gular and extragular scutes. These new records extend the known geographic distribution of C. colombiana to the southwestern margins of the Pebas wetland system and support a broader pattern of body size gigantism among Miocene South American turtles, likely driven by ecological connectivity rather than climatic factors. However, the absence of associated cranial material remains a major obstacle to fully resolving the taxonomy of fossil Chelus, a problem further explored in this study.

Keywords: South America; Neogene; Pebas Formation; Testudines; Pleurodira; paleobiogeography

Systematic paleontology

Order Testudines Batsch, 1788 sensu Joyce et al., 2020a

Suborder Pleurodira Cope, 1865 sensu Joyce et al., 2020b

Family Chelidae Gray, 1825 sensu Joyce et al., 2021

Genus Chelus Duméril, 1806

Chelus colombiana Wood, 1976

 Shell of Chelus colombiana MUSM-920 specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru. 
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron.
 (D) Artistic reconstruction of Chelus colombiana by Juan Giraldo.

Edwin-Alberto Cadena, Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi, Camila Zamora-Vega, John Flynn, Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Patrice Baby and Adán Pérez-García. 2026. New Fossil Material of Chelus (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru. Palaeoworld. 35(5); 201135. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135 [25 May 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Sphaenopolystichum) • A New cave fern from Guangxi, China

 

Polystichum oligodontum  Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, 

in Nong, Jiang, Xiong, Q.-J. Wei, G.-Y. Wei, Ji, Lai et  H.-J. Wei, 2025. 

稀齿耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701

Abstract

Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae), a new fern species in P. subg. Haplopolystichum from three karst caves in northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This species is unique in having pinnae with a shallow or nearly free lobe on the acroscopic base and coarsely toothed distal margins. It resembles P. membranifolium and P. kwangtungense in its reflexed and oblong pinnae with an obtuse or rounded apex, but can be easily distinguished by its remote pinnae bearing a lobe at the acroscopic base. The new species also somewhat resembles P. leveillei in the nearly free basal lobe, but differs by its toothed upper pinna margins. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 56 Polystichum species, based on the rbcL gene, supports the placement of P. oligodontum within P. sect. Sphaenopolystichum, with P. alcicorne as its closest relative. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assigned to the Critically Endangered (CR) category.

Key words: Cave ferns, coarse tooth, karst area, serration pattern

Polystichum oligodontum (from Bama county).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B. Lower portions of stipes showing scales; C, D. Habits; E. Portions of laminae (adaxially); F. Portions of laminae (abaxially); G. Pinna showing sori; H. Portion of pinna showing indusia.

Polystichum oligodontum (from Fengshan County).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B, C. Habit; D. Portions of laminae (adaxially); E. Scales from stipes base (bottom), pinna base (middle) and pinna surface (top); F. Portions of lamina (abaxially).

 Polystichum oligodontum Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Polystichum oligodontum is unique by the pinna acroscopic side with a shallow or nearly free lobe at the base and coarsely toothed along distal margins.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, oligodontum, meaning “few teeth”, and referring to the number of the teeth on pinna margins.

Chinese name. 稀齿耳蕨 (xī chǐ ěr jué).

 You Nong, Ri-Hong Jiang, Chi Xiong, Qiu-Jun Wei, Gui-Yuan Wei, Xing-Yun Ji, Ke-Dao Lai and Hong-Jin Wei. 2025. Polystichum oligodontum (subg. Haplopolystichum, Dryopteridaceae), A New cave fern from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 266: 297-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701 [25 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum ensiforme (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtomiopsis) • A New simple-lamina Species from Lingnan Region, China

 

[A-C] Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang;  
[D-F] P. basipinnatum (Baker) Ching

 [A & D] Habit, [B & E] Portion of frond, [C & F] Portion of lamina showing sori

in Shang, J.-L. Li, Z.-Y. Li, SHAO, F.-H. Li, D. Li, Liu et Jiang, 2025. 

剑叶鞭叶耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740

 (photos: Z. Y. Li; W. Q. Wang; X. L. Zhou & K. Ye). 

Abstract

Polystichum ensiforme, a new polystichoid fern species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species most closely resembles P. basipinnatum but differs in having a generally simple lamina, scattered sori, and leathery lamina texture. Phylogenetic analysis placed it as an isolated clade within P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis. A key to the species of P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis is also provided.

Cyrtomidictyum, fern, phylogeny, taxonomy, whip-like leaves, Pteridophytes

Morphological comparison between Polystichum ensiforme (top) and P. basipinnatum (bottom): A. & D. Habit, B. & E.Portion of frond, C. & F. Portion of lamina showing sori

 (photo credits: A & C by Z. Y. Li; B by W. Q. Wang; D by X. L. Zhou; E &F by K. Ye). 

Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The species epithet is derived from the Latin, ensiform (sword-shaped), referring to sword-shaped fronds of the new species.

Vernacular name:—剑叶鞭叶耳蕨(jiàn yè biān yè ěr jué)

HUI SHANG, JIAN-LING LI, ZHONG-YANG LI, WEN SHAO, FANG-HUA LI, DONG LI, HONG-MEI LIU and RI-HONG JIANG. 2025. A New simple-lamina Species of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) from Lingnan Region, China.  Phytotaxa. 704(2); 178-186. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5 [2025-06-06] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740_A_new_species_of_Polystichum_from_Lingnan_China

New sword-shaped fern species found in Guangxi

http://english.xtbg.cas.cn/rh/rp/202506/t20250616_1045654.html

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum cretaceum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtogonellum) • A New fern from Guangxi, China

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu,  

 

in X.-H. Chen, Shu, Xu, Liu, L.-J. Chen, He, Zheng et Gu, 2025. 

白垩柳叶耳蕨 | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725

Abstract

Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) is a cosmopolitan fern genus known for its rich species diversity, with its primary diversity center in eastern Asia. In this study, we describe a novel species, Polystichum cretaceum, discovered in Napo County, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This species is distinguished by its dwarf habit, fronds simple or 1-pinnate (pinnae 2–4 pairs), pilose or glabrous surface, and fenestrate perispores. This new species resembles P. fraxinellum but differs by having oval pinnae with entire margins and free veins, while P. fraxinellum has ovate-lanceolate pinnae with slightly recurved margins and anastomosing veins. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship between P. cretaceum and P. minimum. However, P. minimum differs in having obliquely ovate lateral pinnae with shallowly incised-toothed margins and acuminate apices.

new taxon, Cyrtogonellum, ferns, species diversity, Pteridophytes, rbcL gene, chloroplast genome

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “cretaceum” is derived from the habitat of this newly identified species, which thrives on moist, chalky soil slopes.

Vernacular name:—白垩柳叶耳蕨 (bai e liu ye er jue) 

 

XIAO-HUA CHEN, JIANG-PING SHU, YI-DA XU, HONG-MEI LIU, LI-JUN CHEN, JIAO HE, XI-LONG ZHENG and YU-FENG GU. 2025. Polystichum cretaceum (Polystichum sect. Cyrtogonellum, Dryopteridaceae), A New fern from Guangxi, China.  Phytotaxa. 690(2); 276-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8 [2025-02-28]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725_Polystichum_cretaceum_a_new_fern_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma koonmeeana (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Hitcheniopsis) • A New endemic Species from Central Thailand

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, 

in S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Boonma, Ruannakarn, Junsongduang et Setyawan. 2026.  

กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Abstract

Continued botanical exploration in previously insufficiently surveyed areas of Saraburi Province, Central Thailand, revealed an undescribed member of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis. This study aimed to formally describe the taxon, assess its morphological distinctiveness, evaluate its phenetic relationships, and provide a preliminary conservation assessment. Morphological observations were based on living and freshly collected material, herbarium specimens, protologues, and comparative taxonomic sources. Phenetic relationships among 11 taxa were assessed using 34 morphological characters, the Gower coefficient, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The new species, Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, is distinguished from morphologically allied taxa by a unique combination of fertile-bract architecture, poorly developed coma bracts, well-exserted flowers, labellum morphology and indumentum, yellow markings, and anther-crest configuration. Phenetic analyses summarized overall morphological relationships among the sampled taxa, with Curcuma charanii Boonma & Saensouk showing the greatest Gower similarity to C. koonmeeana. The species is currently known from two populations along the same limestone mountain range and is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1). Its recognition increases the known native diversity of subgen. Hitcheniopsis in Thailand to 31 taxa, comprising 30 species and one natural hybrid. The discovery highlights the continuing value of targeted botanical exploration and the need for habitat and population conservation.

Keywords: Curcuma; Hitcheniopsis; limestone; phenetic analysis; Phra Phutthabat; Saraburi; taxonomy

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.:
(a) Habit. (b) Thyrse with flowers. (c) Front view of flower. (d,e) Coma bracts. (f) Lateral view of fertile bract. (g) Fertile bract. (h) Front view of anther. (i) Lateral view of anther. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Dorsal corolla lobe. (l) Lateral corolla lobes. (m) Cincinnus with bracteole and flower. (n) Lateral staminodes. (o) Labellum. (p) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma koonmeeana is morphologically most similar to C. charanii in having short, non-creeping rhizome branches, glabrous laminae and fertile bracts, exserted flowers, and similarly coloured lateral staminodes, but differs in having an internally pale-yellow rhizome (vs. ivory), globose to subglobose tuberous roots (vs. fusiform), undulate lamina margins (vs. entire), fertile bracts with the lower ones obtrullate and the upper ones rhomboid to lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate), longer, well-exserted flowers (vs. exserted), narrower lateral staminodes with a broadly obtuse to occasionally acute apex (vs. broader, with a rounded apex), a larger, deeply bilobed labellum with a V-shaped sinus c. 8 mm deep (vs. emarginate, with a sinus 4–5 mm deep), and a white filament (vs. pale purple)  

Etymology: The specific epithet “koonmeeana” is named in honor of Mrs. Koonmee Saensouk, in recognition of her invaluable support and contributions behind the study of Zingiberaceae diversity in Thailand.   "กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี"

Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Prasert Ruannakarn, Auemporn Junsongduang and Ahmad Dwi Setyawan. 2026. Continued Botanical Exploration Uncovers A New endemic Species of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from Central Thailand. Life. 16(10), 1623. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623 [28 September 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Primula xideensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

 

 Primula xideensis W.B.Ju, Hu Ju & Bo Xu,   

in J.-T. Li, X. Li, Liu, Xu, Hu, Meng et Ju, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15121829

Abstract

We document and illustrate Primula xideensis, a new species collected from Xide County, Sichuan Province, China. Morphologically, it resembles P. stenocalyx, P. farinosa s.l., and P. pulchella, but differs by its roots densely covered with multicellular hairs; elliptic to obovate leaves with non-revolute, irregularly and deeply dentate margins, both surfaces efarinose, shortly hairy, and scabrous; tubular calyx parted to the middle; corolla mouth densely white-farinose; stamens positioned at mid-corolla tube in pin flowers and near the throat in thrum flowers; styles reciprocally placed; and an oblong capsule shorter than the persistent calyx. To clarify its phylogenetic placement, we constructed phylogenetic trees using two datasets: 63 complete chloroplast genome sequences and 75 nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequences. Both trees showed similar topologies, consistently placing the new species within a monophyletic group of Sect. Aleuritia, supporting its assignment to this section. For a deeper comparison between the new species and other members of Sect. Aleuritia, we incorporated chloroplast genomes of seven additional species from this section. The results revealed highly conserved chloroplast genomes among all eight species, with only minor differences between the new species and the others. Primula xideensis is currently known only from its type locality. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Keywords: Primula sect. Aleuritia; morphological taxonomy; chloroplast genomics; molecular phylogeny

 Habitat of Primula xideensis sp. nov.

 Primula xideensis sp. nov.
 (A) fresh plants; (B) plant base, showing the roots and withered old leaves. (C) leaves; (D) Leaf abaxial surface and indumentum; (E) Corolla; (F) Bracts and calyx; (G) pin flower; (H) capsule; (I) seed; (J) thrum flower.

 Primula xideensis sp. nov.
  (A) habit; (B) leaves; (C) Leaf indumentum; (D) Bracts and calyx; (E) flowers: pin flower, thrum flower; (F) front of the flower; (G) capsule.

Primula xideensis W.B.Ju, Hu Ju, Bo Xu sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: Primula xideensis is most similar to P. stenocalyx, P. farinosa s.l. and P. pulchella, but differs by its roots densely covered with multicellular hairs, leaves with dentate to irregularly deeply dentate margins, both surfaces efarinose, densely short-hairy and scabrous, corolla mouth densely white-farinose, pin flowers with stamens inserted about the middle of the corolla tube and styles adjacent to the corolla throat, thrum flowers with stamens positioned near the corolla throat and styles inserted about the middle of the corolla tube, and an oblong capsule shorter than the persistent calyx.

 Jiang-Tao Li, Xiong Li, Cheng-Wu Liu, Bo Xu, Jun Hu, Fan-Juan Meng and Wen-Bin Ju. 2026. Primula xideensis (Primulaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China, Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence. Plants. 15(12), 1829. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15121829   [12 June 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Hypomasticus rectangulatus • A New Species of Hypomasticus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Vila Nova River, State of Amapá, Brazil

Hypomasticus rectangulatus

Ito, Gama, Sabaj & Birindelli, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025102 

 Abstract  

A new species of Hypomasticus is described from the Vila Nova River, a left-bank tributary to the lower Amazon in the state of Amapá, Brazil. The new taxon belongs to the Hypomasticus granti group, a clade recently corroborated by molecular phylogenetics, and is diagnosed by a color pattern distinctive among anostomids: midlateral side with dusky rectangular blotch extending from the opercle to near vertical through dorsal-fin origin and followed by three dark oblong (vertically elongated) blotches well separated on posterior half of body, and (in adults) scales in anterior portion of lateral line and flanking rows with a dark spot at their base, forming three longitudinal rows within the dusky rectangular blotch. It further differs from congeners by having 32–34 perforated lateral-line scales and 12 circumpeduncular scale rows. Osteological examination revealed polymorphism in the number of dentary teeth regarding the presence of a fifth tooth, a condition previously observed in other members of the H. granti group. Sexual dimorphism was recorded with males exhibiting hypertrophy of the first pair of ribs, a condition previously unknown within this clade.

Hypomasticus rectangulatus.
(A) IEPA 5637, holotype, 213.3 mm SL and (B) IEPA 5417, paratype, 89.84 mm SL. Brazil, Amapa´ state, municipality of Mazaga˜o, rio Vila Nova. Photos by M. Sabaj. Scale = 1 cm.

Hypomasticus rectangulatus sp. nov. 

Etymology.—The specific epithet rectangulatus is derived from the Latin word meaning rectangular or right-angled, in reference to the distinctive rectangular blotch present on the anterior midlateral region of the body. An adjective.

 

Ian Solon Bortoloci Ito, Cecile de Souza Gama, Mark Henry Sabaj and José Luís Olivan Birindelli. 2026. A New Species of Hypomasticus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Vila Nova River, State of Amapá, Brazil. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3); 507-519. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025102 (22 September 2026)

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens yakandawalarum (Balsaminaceae) • A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka

 

 Impatiens yakandawalarum  Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, 

in Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi, Jayathissa, Gunarathna et Karunarathna, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118  

  facebook.com/BhathiyaGopallawa

Abstract

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov., a new ecalcarate species from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence. The species was discovered on a wet rocky slope at Manna Kathi Ella, Kitulgala, Kegalle District, and represents the first Sri Lankan Impatiens characterized by a consistently ecalcarate lower sepal across the examined population and material. It is distinguished by a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal, a fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ, and glabrous leaves. The flowers superficially resemble those of Impatiens thwaitesii Hook.f. ex Grey-Wilson, while the habit shows similarities to Impatiens janthina Thwaites. A description, illustrations, comparisons, and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Keywords: ecalcarate, endemic species, Kitulgala, lithophyte, fleshy subterranean storage organ

Floral and vegetative morphology of Impatiens yakandawalarum sp. nov.
  A. Flower, frontal view. B. Dissected floral parts showing dorsal petal, lateral petals, lateral sepals. C. Androecium. D. Fruiting capsule. E. Dehisced capsule and seeds. F. Cross section of seed capsule. G. Lower sepal, inner and lateral views. H. Flower, lateral view. I. Flower, rear view. J. Floral bracts. K. Flower buds, lateral and dorsal views. L. Leaf variation, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. M. Leaf margin. N. Habit. O. Basal stem and fibrous roots. P. Longitudinal section of fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ. Q. Fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ with fibrous roots. Scale bars as indicated

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Impatiens yakandawalarum differs from I. thwaitesii in possessing a globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ (vs absent), glabrous leaves (vs pubescent adaxially), terminal 2 – 3-flowered, umbel-like racemes (vs 6- to many-flowered subumbellate racemes), and a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal with a linear series of purplish-pink internal spots (vs a spurred lower sepal without such a linear series). It differs from I. janthina in its branched, 4 – 6 mm thick stem, terminal 2 – 3-flowered racemes with peduncles 5 – 16 cm long, completely ecalcarate lower sepal, and elongate-fusiform capsules.

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Professor Deepthi Yakandawala and Professor Kapila Yakandawala for their contributions to plant taxonomy, systematics, forestry, conservation and botanical research in Sri Lanka. As the epithet commemorates two people sharing the surname Yakandawala, yakandawalarum is formed as a genitive plural by adding -rum to a personal name ending in -a, in accordance with Art. 60.8 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al., 2025). 

Proposed common names E. Kitulgala Balsam,
S. කිතුල්ගල කූඩලු

Bhathiya Gopallawa, S. I. Hapuarachchi, Chathura Jayathissa, S. S. Gunarathna and Peshala Pasan Karunarathna. 2026. A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science. 55(4); 1424-1433. DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118 [Sep 30, 2026] 

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[Paleontology • 2026] Norellraptor barsboldi • Independent Assembly of the Flight Apparatus in A Non-avian Dinosaur Clade

  

 Norellraptor barsboldi 

Wang, Ji, Cau, Kundrát, Liu, Wang & Ji, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77804-6

Abstract

The discovery of feathered dinosaurs revolutionized the studies on the origin of birds and the evolution of their flight. Among paravians (birds and their closest relatives), the microraptorine dromaeosaurids are unique in bearing several flight-related adaptations with a controversial evolutionary interpretation, supporting, alternatively, flight as ancestral to Paraves or having evolved multiple times among the latter. Here, we introduce an exquisitely-preserved member of Microraptorinae, Norellraptor barsboldi gen. et sp. nov., and describe in detail forelimb osteohistological features for that clade. Norellraptor nests among late-diverging microraptorines and supports step-wise assembly of aerial adaptations in that clade. About 30% of the microraptorine synapomorphies are convergently acquired by the bird lineage (Avialae). Yet, the sequences of flight-related novelties reconstructed along the two lineages differ consistently; combined with histological evidence which might indicate a peculiar limb growth model in Microraptorinae, these results dismiss a shared developmental pattern driving the evolution of the flying dinosaurs and support multiple and independent selective regimes at the origin of the winged taxa in Paraves.

 Norellraptor barsboldi 130108-MHGU-F4281
a Whole specimen. b Skull in lateral view. c Close up of the rostrum. d Close up of the posterior part of skull. e Pectoral region. f Distal end of tail.

aof, antorbital fossa; arm, ascending ramus of maxilla; at, anterior tympanic recess; bt, basal tuber; bp, basypterygoid process; cf, coracoid fenestra; ct, caudal tympanic recess; cnV, 5th cranial nerve opening; cnVII, 7th cranial nerve opening; cv, cervical vertebra; d1, first dorsal vertebra; de, dentary; dt, dorsal tympanic recess; fo, foramen; fr, frontal; fu, furcula; gl, glenoid; h, humerus; la, lacrimal; lat, laterosphenoid; lcv, last caudal vertebra; lp, lateral pneumatic recess; mc, metacarpus; mxf, maxillary fenestra; na, nasal; oc, otosphenoid crest; or, otic region; pa, parietal; paw, postantral wall; pmx, premaxilla; pp, paroccipital process; ppd, posterior processes of dentary; pt, pterygoid; pxf, promaxillary fenestra; r, radius; rp, retroarticular process; sa, surangular; sc, scapula; so, supraoccipital; sp, sternal plate; sr, sclerotic ring; u, ulna; up, uncinate process; vor, ventral otic recess. 

Arrow indicates point of histological sampling. 

Scale bar = 50 mm (a); 10 mm (b–f).

 Norellraptor barsboldi 130108-MHGU-F4281, appendicular elements.
a Right hand. b Pubis. c Feet.

am, acetabular margin; ap, apron; cs, claw soft tissue; gi, gastral impression; mcI-III, metacarpals I to III; mtI-V, metatarsals I to V; p, phalanx; pf, pubic foot; r, radius; sc, semilunate carpal; t, tibiotarsus; u, ulna; uI-III, unguals 1 to 3. 

Scale bar = 10 mm.

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842 

Theropoda Marsh, 1881 

Dromaeosauridae Matthew and Brown, 1922  

Microraptorinae Senter et al., 2004 

Microraptorini (Senter et al., 2004) 

Norellraptor barsboldi gen. et sp. nov.

Locality and horizon: Lamadong Town, Jianchang County, western Liaoning, China. Jiufotang Formation, Lower Cretaceous. China.

Diagnosis: Microraptorine dromaeosaurid with the unique combination of features (autapomorphies marked by asterisk; Supplementary Fig. 2): premaxilla with length of prenarial part half the depth of the subnarial body; large promaxillary fenestra occupying the whole rostral third of the antorbital fossa*, and with long axis inclined 35° caudodorsally; pila promaxillaris narrower than the pila interfenestralis and both less than half the diameter of the maxillary fenestra*; pubis gently curved caudoventrally with small foot having the posterior projection less than the diameter of the pubic shaft*. Differential diagnosis: Norellraptor differs from Changyuraptor in having basally-constricted dentary crowns and in the semilunate carpal barely

 

Etymology: The genus name refers to the American palaeontologist Mark Allen Norell (1957-2025), with Latin word “raptor” (“robber”), a frequently used suffix in dromaeosaurid taxonomy. The species name refers to the Mongolian palaeontologist Rinchen Barsbold (1935-2025). The new taxon name remarks and honours the exceptional contributions by R. Barsbold and M. A. Norell to the study of the bird-like dinosaurs.

 

Xuri Wang, Yannan Ji, Andrea Cau, Martin Kundrát, Yichuan Liu, Yang Wang and Qiang Ji. 2026. Independent Assembly of the Flight Apparatus in A Non-avian Dinosaur Clade. Nature Communications. 17: 10074. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77804-6 [29 September 2026]

[Fungi • 2026] Pholiotina constrictibasidiata, P. raribasidiata & P. jilinensis (Agaricales: Bolbitiaceae) • Three New Species from China

 

 A, B. Pholiotina constrictibasidiata;
C, E. P. raribasidiata;
F, G. P. jilinensis 

H.B. Song & J.L. Deng,

in Deng et Song, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.139.201595

Scale bars: 1 cm

Abstract

In this study, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees were reconstructed for Pholiotina based on the phylogenetic framework of the genus established by Song and Bau and on a concatenated dataset of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) sequences. The phylogenetic trees resolved Pholiotina into two monophyletic clades: one containing sect. Pholiotina and the other comprising sect. Vestitae together with sect. Intermediae. The infrageneric subdivision of the genus was also reviewed, and the taxonomic issues that remain to be addressed were proposed. By further integrating morphological evidence, three new species of Pholiotina were discovered from Jilin Province and the Xizang Autonomous Region: P. constrictibasidiata (characterized by basidia with a median constriction), P. raribasidiata (notable for its rare basidia and basidiospores), and P. jilinensis (distinguished by the absence of pileocystidia and germ pores, with its type locality in Jilin City). In addition, this study provides an identification key to the new species, together with morphological descriptions and line drawings.

Key words: Infrageneric division, morphology, new taxa, phylogenetic placement

Basidiomata of Pholiotina species.
 A, B. Pholiotina constrictibasidiata (FJAU78860 T);
C. P. raribasidiata (FJAU78862 T); D. P. raribasidiata (FJAU78868); E. P. raribasidiata (FJAU78867);
F. P. jilinensis (FJAU78873 T); G. P. jilinensis (FJAU78874); H. P. jilinensis (FJAU78875).

Scale bars: 1 cm; T = holotype.

Pholiotina constrictibasidiata H.B. Song & J.L. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet “constrictibasidiata” refers to basidia that are subutriform to cylindrical, with a median constriction.

Diagnosis. The cheilocystidia of this species are predominantly utriform, making it easily confused with species of ser. Teneroides, however, most of its basidia are subutriform to cylindrical with a median constriction, which distinguishes it from other species in ser. Teneroides.

Pholiotina raribasidiata H.B. Song & J.L. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet “raribasidiata” refers to basidia being rare.

Diagnosis. The main distinguishing features of this species are basidiospores and basidia both rare (ratio of basidia to basidioles less than 1/20), pileus applanate when mature, cheilocystidia long-necked lageniform to nettle hair-shaped, some with swollen apex, sub-lecythiform. Based on these features, it can be distinguished from other species in sect. Vestitae.

Pholiotina jilinensis H.B. Song & J.L. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The epithet “jilinensis” refers to the type locality, Jilin City, where the holotype of this species was collected.

Diagnosis. The basidiospores of this species are without germ pore, and the species was collected from Jilin Province. It is easily confused with P. serrata, which also comes from Jilin Province and lacks a germ pore, but P. serrata has non-lecythiform cheilocystidia, basidiospores 7–9 μm, and grows in moss layers in grasslands, thus can be distinguished from it.

 Ji-li Deng and Han-bing Song. 2026. Three New Species of Pholiotina (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from China. MycoKeys. 139: 277-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.139.201595   [27-08-2026]