[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius ngoclinhensis • A New Snake of the Genus Hebius (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Ngoc Linh Mountain Range, Vietnam

 Hebius ngoclinhensis 

Le, Phan, T. L. Nguyen, Murphy, Lam, S. N. Nguyen & Che, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/399775730

 

Abstract

We describe a new keelback snake of the genus Hebius from the Ngoc Linh Mountain Range, Central Highlands, Vietnam, based on morphological characters and molecular evidence (Cytb). Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov. is diagnosed by the following combination of morphological features: dorsal scale rows 19-19-17; first dorsal scale row smooth; ventrals 143–148; subcaudals 95–97, paired; two preoculars; two or three postoculars; one loreal; eight or nine supralabials; ten infralabials; cloacal plate divided; maxillary teeth 24–26, gradually enlarged, with two distinctly enlarged teeth posteriorly; 17 keeled dorsal scale rows at midbody; dorsal surface of body and tail dark brown with numerous irregular dark yellow spots; a distinct reddish-brown dorsolateral stripe on the 4th–7th dorsal scale rows on each side; ventral surface of body and tail reddish-orange to orange; and lateral margins of ventrals and subcaudals dark brown. In addition, the new species differs from its congeners by an uncorrected p-distance in Cytb sequences of at least 9.3%.

Reptilia, Central highlands of Vietnam, Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov., keelback snakes, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy

Holotype of  Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov. (ILS h.20386) in life.
A, whole body in dorsolateral view; B, whole body in ventral view;
C–F, dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of head, respectively (scale bar 5 mm);
 G & H, sulcal and asulcal views of hemipenis, respectively.

  Paratypes of  Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov. in life.
 ILS h.20756, adult female: A & B, dorsal and ventral views of whole body, respectively; C–F, dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of head, respectively. ILS h.20765, subadult male: G–H, dorsolateral and ventral views of whole body; I & K, dorsal and lateral views of head, respectively; L, sulcal view of hemipenis. Scale bars 5 mm.

Distribution and habitat of Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov.
A, sampling sites: 1–3, Dak Glei District, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam; 4, Tra My District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam).
B & C, macro- and microhabitat of the new species in the type locality, respectively

MANH VAN LE, KHANH DUY PHAN, THANH LUAN NGUYEN, ROBERT W. MURPHY, NGON QUANG LAM, SANG NGOC NGUYEN and JING CHE. 2026. A New Snake of the Genus Hebius (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Ngoc Linh Mountain Range, Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5748(4); 480-498. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.2 [2026-01-15]

 Researchgate.net/publication/399775730_A_new_snake_of_the_genus_Hebius_from_the_Ngoc_Linh_Mountain_Range_Vietnam

facebook.com/luongcubosatVietnam/posts/1634906191227204

[Ichthyology • 2026] Sternopygus embera • Towards Deconstruction of the Sternopygus macrurus species complex (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae): Description of A New Species from the Pacific Coast of Colombia

 

Sternopygus embera 

Torgersen, Galindo-Cuervo, Ortega-Lara, Lujan, Reis & Albert, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/399770371

Abstract

A new species of longtail electric knifefish, Sternopygus embera sp. nov., is described from the trans-Andean Río Baudó and Río San Juan basins of the Pacific coast of northwestern Colombia. The new species is diagnosed from all congeners by a unique combination of characters, including the complete lack of a humeral spot, morphology of the Weberian apparatus, lack of pigment bars or saddles, possession of endopterygoid teeth, vertically-oriented ascending endopterygoid process, a short snout, convex dorsal margin of neurocranium in adults, and 22–23 precaudal vertebrae. Despite sharing more external morphological similarities with species of the S. macrurus complex, the new species is phylogenetically nested within the larger-bodied and longer-snouted trans-Andean S. aequilabiatus species group, based on phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial barcode gene. Alternative hypotheses for these contrasting results, including mitochondrial introgression, incomplete lineage sorting, and paedomorphosis, are discussed. The description of this species is a step towards deconstructing the S. macrurus complex ahead of a future systematic revision.

Pisces, río Baudó, Chocó, freshwater, knifefish, río San Juan, taxonomy, Trans-Andean region

Holotype of Sternopygus embera, CZUT-IC 28654, 326 mm TL, 264 mm LEA. Scale bars = 1 cm.

Live Sternopygus embera CZUT-IC 28654, holotype, from the Río Baudó basin immediately after capture.

Sternopygus embera Torgersen, Galindo-Cuervo, Ortega-Lara, Lujan, Reis, & Albert, new species

Etymology. The specific epithet honors the Emberá, an Indigenous people native to the Chocó region of westernColombia, where the new species occurs. The name acknowledges the deep connection of the Emberá people withthe region’s rivers and ecosystems. A noun in apposition.

 

Kevin T. TORGERSEN, Aleidy M. GALINDO-CUERVO, Armando ORTEGA-LARA, Nathan K. LUJAN, Roberto E. REIS and James S. ALBERT. 2026. Towards Deconstruction of the Sternopygus macrurus species complex (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae): Description of A New Species from the Pacific Coast of Colombia.  Zootaxa. 5748(4); 539-560. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.5 [2026-01-15]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/399770371_Towards_deconstruction_of_the_Sternopygus_macrurus_species_complex_Description_of_a_new_species_from_the_Pacific_Coast_of_Colombia

[Entomology • 2022] Metapocyrtus baulorum & M. malindangensis • Two New Species of the Genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Northern Mindanao Philippines

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum 

Cabras, Pajota, Rivera & Medina, 2022

  du.lv/en/research/institutes

Abstract

 Two new species of the genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, subgenus Dolichocephalocyrtus Schultze 1925 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Northern Mindanao, Philippines are described and illustrated. The novel species are Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov. and Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov. from Mt. Malindang, Misamis Occidental and Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao. Photographs of habitus and male genitalia are presented with a brief ecologic note of their habitats. 

Keywords: archipelago, beetles, endemic, novel species, taxonomy, weevils

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.
A–C, Holotype male; A. dorsal view, B. lateral view, C rostrum (dorsal view).
D–F, Paratype female; D. dorsal view, E. lateral view, and F. rostrum (dorsal view).

Species of plants associated with Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.:
A– Philippine oak tree, Lithocarpus sulithi (Soepadmo 1970); B– leaves of a Philippine oak tree with visible chew marks; C– M. (D.) baulorum sp. nov. perching on its natural habitat.

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov. 
 A–C, Holotype male; A. dorsal view, B. lateral view, C rostrum (dorsal view).
D–F, Paratype female; D. dorsal view, E. lateral view, and F. rostrum (dorsal view).

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov.  

Analyn Cabras, Efrhain Loidge Pajota, Rodrin Rivera and Milton Norman Medina. 2022. Two New Species of the Genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, subgenus Dolichocephalocyrtus Schultze 1925 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Northern Mindanao Philippines. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp. 22(1); 113 – 123.  

 du.lv/en/research/institutes/institute-of-life-sciences-and-technologies/issued-journal/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis-archives/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis-volume-22-no-1-2022

  twitter.com/imEfrhainLoidge/status/1602873163905654784

[Diplopoda • 2025] Apterourus palomar • A third species of the rare Millipede Genus Apterourus Loomis, 1966 (Chordeumatida: Striarioidea: Apterouridae) from California, USA

Apterourus palomar Shear, Richart and Marek, 2025

 

journals.flvc.org/mundi

Abstract

The millipede genus Apterourus Loomis, 1966, the only genus of the family Apterouridae Loomis, 1966 (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Striarioidea), contains two species and is rarely collected. We add a third species from Mt. Palomar, San Diego County, California, USA, Apterourus palomar Shear, Richart and Marek, new species.

Keywords: New Species, Mt. Palomar, California

Apterourus palomar Shear, Richart and Marek, new species.

 William A. Shear, Casey H. Richart, Paul E. Marek. 2025. A third species of the rare Millipede Genus Apterourus Loomis, 1966 (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Striarioidea: Apterouridae) Insecta Mundi. 1159: 1–7. [November 28, 2025] 

https://journals.flvc.org/mundi/article/view/140680

https://www.facebook.com/groups/205802113162102/posts/1957847614624201/

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma fibrifera (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Tuan, Sy, Taesuk, Nguyen, Phimpha et Boonma, 2026.  

Taiwania. 71(1);  

Nghệ Sợi Trắng  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2149 

Abstract

Knowledge of the diversity of Curcuma species in mainland Southeast Asia remains incomplete, and Vietnam is no exception. To address this gap, we conducted extensive field surveys throughout the country to document native taxa and clarify previously uncertain records. As a result of these efforts, we described and illustrated a new species, Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, Saensouk & P.Saensouk. In addition, we confirm the presence of three further species, C. comosa Roxb., C. petiolata Roxb., and C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, in Vietnam for the first time, and we correct the prior misidentifications. To complement the taxonomic findings, we applied species distribution modeling to evaluate both current and future suitable habitats for these taxa under low- and high-emission climate scenarios. The inclusion of these species raises the total number of Curcuma subgenus Curcuma in Vietnam to 16, though actual diversity may still be underestimated. Full taxonomic accounts are provided for the new species and newly verified records, covering morphological descriptions, distribution, habitat preferences, phenology, taxonomic affinities, traditional uses, and conservation status. This study contributes a more comprehensive account of Curcuma diversity in Vietnam, supports conservation planning, and identifies priorities for further taxonomic and ecological investigations.

Keyword: Conservation, Curcuma comosa, Curcuma fibrifera, Curcuma petiolate, Curcuma phrayawan, Indochina, Zingibereae

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk.
 A. Front view of flower. B. Side view of anther with floral tube. C. Front view of anther with dissected floral tube to show the epigynous glands. D. Dorsal corolla lobe E. Lateral corolla lobes. F. Lateral staminodes. G. Labellum. H. Dissected calyx. I. Side view of flower. J. Fertile bract. K. Habit. L. Cincinnus with flower and young buds. Photos by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk.
A. Dissection of branches rhizome, and fibrous threads visible when broken apart of branches rhizome. B. Habits. C. Semi-top view of inflorescences. D. Side view of inflorescence with flowers. E. Dorsal corolla lobe. F. Lateral corolla lobes. G. Cincinnus with flower and young buds. H. Side view of flower. I. Lateral staminodes. J. Labellum. K. Side view of anther with floral tube. L. Front view of anther with dissected floral tube to show the epigynous glands. M. Front view of flower.

Photos by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Curcuma fibrifera is similar to C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma (Saensouk et al., 2021c, 2025b) in having terminal inflorescences, coma bracts, epigynous glands, spurred anthers, and flowers of the gullet type, but differs in having rhizomes ovoid to subglobose, 3–4 × 3–4 cm, ivory to cream (vs. ovoid, 5–9 × 3–5 cm, yellow); branches rhizome internal ivory with cream core, fibrous threads visible when broken (vs. yellow with darker yellow core, no fibrous threads when broken); leafy shoot 60–85 cm tall (vs. 100–150 cm); leaf sheaths 15–32 cm long (vs. 10–60 cm); petiole 5–13 cm long, green (vs. 15– 35 cm long, green with reddish tinge); lamina lanceolate to elliptic, 28–45 × 8–14 cm, base cuneate to rounded, midrib green (vs. narrowly lanceolate, 50–70 × 15–18 cm, base attenuate, midrib reddish-purple, fading with age); peduncle 20–24 cm long (vs. 30–40 cm); lateral staminodes asymmetrical ovate, apex obtuse to acute, 1.4–1.6 × 1.0 cm (vs. irregularly obovate, apex rounded, 1.3–1.4 × 0.7–0.8 cm); filament 3.2–3.5 mm long (vs. ca. 4 mm); anther spurs narrowly conical, ca. 1.5 mm, curved inward (vs. ca. 4 mm, pointing downward); and ovary oblate, 3–4 × 2 mm (vs. subglobose, ca. 3 × 3 mm).

Etymology: The specific epithet “fibrifera” is derived from the Latin words fibra meaning “fiber” and fero, ferre meaning “to bear, to produce, to carry.” Thus, fibrifera means “bearing fibers” or “producing fibers,” in reference to the characteristic fibrous threads that appear when the branches rhizome is broken, resembling the breaking of the petioles of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Vo Van Sy, Nonthiwat Taesuk, Danh Duc Nguyen, Suriya Phimpha and Thawatphong Boonma. 2026. A New Species and three new records of Curcuma subgenus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) for Vietnam with notes on their traditional utilization and conservation status.  Taiwania. 71(1); 83-100 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.83 [2026 January 12]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2149 

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

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

in Mibang, Hajong, Koch et Bharali. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Ichthyology • 2025] Aepysomanthias & Poroanthias gen. nov., Pelontrus, Zalanthias, ... • A 40-year Taxonomic Enigma: Multigene Phylogeny Resolves the Polyphyly of Plectranthias (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) and supports A Revised Taxonomy

Plectranthias, Pelontrus, Sayonara, Xenanthias, Zalanthias, 
 Aepysomanthias and Poroanthias Tang & Chen gen. nov. 

in Tang et Chen, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf148 

  facebook.com/TVictorCN

 

Abstract

Anthiadidae, a family of shallow and deep-water reef-associated fishes, include about 250 species distributed widely from tropical to temperate regions, with the majority found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific (IWP). Despite their broad distribution, the phylogeny and taxonomy of this family remain unresolved, particularly at the generic level, due to challenges in sampling from deep-water zones. Plectranthias, the most species-rich genus, has been suspected of non-monophyly since its last revision over 40 years ago. In this study, we explore the phylogenetic relationships of anthiadids using a multigene dataset (one mitochondrial and four nuclear genes) from 103 specimens across 19 genera, with a focus on IWP Plectranthias. Our results confirm the polyphyly of Plectranthias, revealing seven distinct clades. Based on this new phylogenetic framework and morphological re-examinations, we propose a taxonomic revision, including the resurrection of the genera Pelontrus, Sayonara, Xenanthias, and Zalanthias, and the establishment of Aepysomanthias and Poroanthias Tang and Chen gen. nov. The revised taxonomy restricts Plectranthias to 20 currently recognized species.

 

systematics, taxonomic revision, anthias, Indo-West Pacific, Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos, osteology, diagnostic characters, Serranidae, new genus

 

Chi-Ngai Tang and Wei-Jen Chen. 2025. A 40-year Taxonomic Enigma: Multigene Phylogeny Resolves the Polyphyly of Plectranthias (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) and supports A Revised Taxonomy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 205(3); zlaf148. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf148 [11 November 2025]  

 facebook.com/TVictorCN/posts/25008703768796255

[Botany • 2026] Habenaria adamantina (Orchidaceae) • Hidden in plain sight: A New Species from the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil, plus an updated checklist of the Genus from Grão Mogol

 

Habenaria adamantina Cruz-Lustre & J.A.N.Bat., 

in Cruz-Lustre, et Batista, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.165607 

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Habenaria is the largest genus of predominantly terrestrial orchids and the genus with the largest number of species in the family in Brazil. Field expeditions to Grão Mogol, in the northern part of the Espinhaço range of Minas Gerais, Brazil, led to the discovery of a taxon within the Habenaria nuda complex that could not be assigned to any of the known species within the complex. This study aimed to investigate the identity and taxonomic status of this taxon.

Material and methods – We analysed the morphology of the taxon and compared it with herbarium specimens of morphologically similar species. We assessed its phylogenetic relationships using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference, based on nuclear (ITS and ETS) and plastid (matK-trnK and rps16-trnK) DNA sequences.

Key results – This taxon belongs to a large clade that mostly comprises species from the Cerrado domain. It differs from other species in the Habenaria nuda complex in that it has patent lateral sepals, and petal anterior segment and lip lateral segments that are shorter than the petal posterior segment and lip median segment, respectively. It also has small auricles located below the rostellum arms and anther canals. Based on these results, we described it here as a new species, Habenaria adamantina sp. nov. We present a distribution map, alongside comments on the taxon’s habitat, phenology, and preliminary conservation status, as well as an identification key to differentiate it from other species within the complex. The number of Habenaria species in Grão Mogol has increased from four to 12 species, with the new species being the only one restricted to the region.

Conclusion – This study highlights the importance of both continuous and group-specific botanical surveys for documenting biodiversity, particularly for species that are seasonal, inconspicuous, or present in low numbers.

Keywords: campo rupestre, endemism, grasslands, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, Neotropics, taxonomy, systematics

Habenaria adamantina.
A. Habit. B. Leaf. C. Flower, front view. D. Flower, lateral view. E. Floral bract. F. Pedicellate ovary, gynostemium, and spur, lateral view. G. Dissected perianth. H. Gynostemium, front view. I. Gynostemium, lateral view. J. Pollinarium.

A–D from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 407 (BHCB), E–G from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 406 (BHCB).

Abbreviations: ac = anther canals; an = anther; au = auricles; ca = caudicle; co = connective; ov = ovary; po = pollinia; rm = rostellum mid lobe; rs = rostellum side-lobe; si = stigmatophores inner margin; sp = spur; st = stigmatophores; vi = viscidium. All photographs by G. Cruz-Lustre.

Habenaria adamantina.
A. Overview of the landscape and vegetation in the Grão Mogol region, Minas Gerais. B. Habitat of H. adamantina in the campo rupestre (Tropa Trail). C–D. Plants flowering in situ during the rainy season (Barão Trail). E. Inflorescence.

B from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 406 (BHCB), C–E from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 407 (BHCB). All photographs by G. Cruz-Lustre.

Habenaria adamantina Cruz-Lustre & J.A.N.Bat., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Habenaria adamantina is morphologically similar to Habenaria australis J.A.N.Bat., A.A.Vale & Menini in its small auricles, but it can be distinguished by the patent lateral sepals (vs deflexed in H. australis) and by the insertion of the anterior petal segment at the base of the posterior segment (vs 3.0–3.5 mm above in H. australis). It is also similar to Habenaria egleriana, Habenaria sobraliana J.A.N.Bat., A.A.Vale & Menini, and H. sprucei in that the anterior segment of the petals and the lateral segments of the lip are shorter than the posterior segment of the petals and median segment of the lip, respectively. However, it differs in that the auricles are arranged below the rostellum arms and the anther canals.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin “adamas”, meaning “diamond”, and refers to the abundance of these crystals in the Grão Mogol region, which was a major diamond mining area in the late 18th and early 19th centuries (Karfunkel et al. 1994; Chaves et al. 2006).

Gabriela Cruz-Lustre, João A.N. Batista. 2026. Hidden in plain sight: A New Species of Habenaria (Orchidaceae) from the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil, plus an updated checklist of the Genus from Grão Mogol. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(1): 12-26. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.165607 [15 Jan 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Lysimachia longiracemosa (Primulaceae: Lysimachieae) • A New frutescent herb from Yunnan, China

Lysimachia longiracemosa  Y.H.Tan & Z.X.Ma,

in Ma, Quan et Tan. 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2141

Abstract

Lysimachia longiracemosa, a new species of Primulaceae, is described from the margin of highland subtropical broad-leaved forests in southeastern Yunnan, China. Based on morphological evidence, the new species is placed in Lysimachia subgenus Idiophyton and diagnosed against its closest congener, L. nutantiflora. A revised key is also provided to distinguish L. longiracemosa from the related frutescent species with racemose inflorescences of the Lysimachia subgenus Idiophyton.

Keyword: Flora of China, Linnean, Lysimachia nutantiflora, Lysimachia subgenus Idiophyton, Yunnan

Habit of Lysimachia longiracemosa.
 A-B. Plant in the habitat, showing an erect subshrub habit. C. Plant with horizontally extending inflorescence.

A is vouched by Z.X.Ma 2466, and B-C are vouched by the type gathering Z.X.Ma 2408. 

Photographs: Z.X. Ma.

Inflorescence and flower of Lysimachia longiracemosa.
A-D. Racemes from multiple individuals were compared, noting their horizontally extending axis with pendulous flowers, which superficially resembles to a helicoid cymose inflorescence.
E-G. Flowers from different views. H. Flower dissected, note half of the calyx and corolla are artificially removed, displaying the robust anthers with minute filaments. I. Flower dissected, showing the glabrous pistil.

All images are vouched by the type gathering Z.X.Ma 2408. Photographs: Z.X. Ma.

Lysimachia longiracemosa Y.H.Tan & Z.X.Ma, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Lysimachia longiracemosa is morphologically similar to L. nutantiflora, but differs in having unwinged stems (vs winged stems), basally branched racemes that often develop the lowest branch into a paniculate unit and extend horizontally, smaller lanceolate bracts with the lowest 0.2–0.4 × 1.0–1.8 cm that abruptly reduce upward to nearly indistinct narrowly lanceolate to subulate bracts ca. 0.4 × 0.2 mm (vs. leaflike, elliptic to lanceolate, lowest bracts ca. 2.8 × 1.5 cm, gradually reduced upward to ca. 4 × 1.5 mm), and calyx medium green (vs. dark purple). 

 

Zhengxu Ma, Dongli Quan and Yun-Hong Tan. 2026. Lysimachia longiracemosa (Primulaceae: Lysimachieae), A New frutescent herb from Yunnan, China. Taiwania. 71(1); 32-36 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.32 [2026 January 04] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2141

[Botany • 2026] Peperomia kauaiana (Piperaceae) • A New alternate-leaved Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands and Notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia

Peperomia kauaiana  K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, 

in Wood, Wagner, et Fawcett, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173971

 

Abstract

A new species of Peperomia with alternate leaves from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated, with notes on its conservation status, distribution and ecology. We present a dichotomous key to all five Hawaiian Peperomia species with alternate leaves and include notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia species, namely P. degeneri and P. subpetiolata. Peperomia kauaiana sp. nov. differs morphologically from its Hawaiian congeners by its unique combination of diminutive leaves 5–14(–18) mm long, 4–11(–14) mm wide, palmately 5- to 7-nerved, ovate to ovate-orbicular with margins revolute, petioles 2–5 mm long and spikes 11–17(–22) mm long. Plants have been documented in three distinct windward Kaua‘i locations to date, including the southern ridges of Wahiawa, the central ridges of Wai‘ahi and the north-eastern ridges of the Makaleha Mountains. Peperomia kauaiana represents a newly-described wet forest species endemic to the island of Kaua‘i and is currently in need of conservation. Its discovery raises the total number of endemic Hawaiian Peperomia species to 24 and single-island endemic Peperomia on Kaua‘i to three.

Key words: ‘ala‘ala wai nui, endangered species, Hawaiian flora, pepper family, plant extinction prevention, single-island endemism, subgenus Micropiper

A–C. Peperomia kauaiana, fertile plants in situ, decumbent to sub-erect habit with terminal spikes, terrestrial in moss; D. View from Kawaikini looking south along the windward ridgeline of eastern Kaua‘i showing buttressed ridges descending to the east (left), which are prime habitat for Peperomia kauaiana.

Field photos: A, B Wai‘ahi, 4 Apr 2019, Wood et al. 18149 C Wai‘ahi, 22 Oct 2020, Wood et al. 18580 D photo taken 28 Jan 2022.

 

 Peperomia kauaiana K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Peperomia kauaiana is morphologically most similar to P. degeneri Yunck. from which it differs by the following combination of characteristics: stem internodes 3–5 mm long (vs. 10–15 mm long), leaves 5- to 7-nerved, ovate to ovate-orbicular, 0.5–1.4(–1.8) cm long, margins revolute (vs. leaves 3-nerved, elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 1.5–2(–3.5) cm long, margins flat), petioles 0.2–0.5 cm long (vs. petioles 0.8–1.2 cm long) and spikes 1.1–1.7(–2.2) cm long (vs. spikes 2.5–4.8 cm long).

Etymology. The epithet refers to the island of Kaua‘i, oldest and most floristically rich of all the high Hawaiian Islands and the only known location for Peperomia kauaiana.

Vernacular name. ‘Ala‘ala wai nui is the Hawaiian name for related species. Hawaiians used the ash of their burned leaves and stems as a grey-green dye in kapa making (Krauss 2001).

Kenneth R. Wood, Warren L. Wagner, Susan Fawcett. 2026. Peperomia kauaiana (Piperaceae), A New alternate-leaved Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands and Notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia. PhytoKeys. 269: 113-129. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173971

[Botany • 2026] Agapetes lichengii (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

Agapetes lichengii  Y.H.Tong & B.M.Wang, 

in Tong, Ye, Ni, Wang et Zheng. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177341 

Abstract

A new species of Ericaceae, Agapetes lichengii, from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically most similar to A. pentastigma, but differs by having leaf blade with an obtuse or slightly auriculate leaf base, corolla with a constricted basal part and V-shaped stripes, spurless anthers and stigma without obvious gap between crenae. Detailed description, colour plates, and taxonomic notes on the new species are provided.

Key words: Agapetes, Mêdog, morphology, stigma ornamentation, taxonomy

Agapetes lichengii Y.H.Tong & B.M.Wang, 
A. Habit, the arrow shows a plant of this species epiphytic on a big tree trunk; B. Infructescence; C. Flowering branch and leaf branch; D. Leaves; E. Lateral view of flowers, showing the V-shaped transverse bands on corolla tube; F. Front view of flowers.

Photos (A, B) by Cheng Li, (C–F) by Y.H. Tong. 

(A. Unvouchered; B. based on J.B. Ni et al. TYH-2813; C–F. based on B.M. Wang s.n.).

Agapetes lichengii.
A. Inflorescence; B. Ovary, transection view; C. Bract and bracteoles; D. Calyx lobes, adaxial view; E. Pedicel; F. Corolla; G. Style and androecium; H. Style; I. Stamens, adaxial (left), lateral (middle) and abaxial (right) view; J. Lower part of stamens, showing pubescent filaments and echinate thecae, adaxial (left), lateral (middle) and abaxial (right) view; K. Front view of flower, showing the 5-crenated capitate stigma and corolla lobes; L. Front view of young fruits, showing the rounded ring of 10 distinct filament scars.

Scale bars: 3 cm (A, E, F, G, H, I); 5 mm (B, D, J, L); 2 mm (C); 1 cm (K).

 Agapetes lichengii Y.H.Tong & B.M.Wang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Agapetes lichengii is morphologically similar to A. pentastigma in having pseudo-whorled leaves, corymbose inflorescences, greenish yellow corolla with crimson transverse bands and capitate stigmas, but can be distinguished from it by the elliptic to oblanceolate (vs. oblong-lanceolate) leaf blades with an obtuse or slightly auriculate (vs. attenuate) base, corolla with a constricted(vs. not constricted) basal part, V-shaped (vs. ladder-like) stripes and triangular and spreading or slightly reflexed (vs. triangular-lanceolate and reflexed) lobes, anthers without dorsal spurs (vs. with two small dorsal spurs), stigma without gap between crenae (vs. with obvious gap between crenae), and filament scars forming a rounded ring (vs. a pentagonal ring) on fruit top (Fig. 3; Table 1).

Etymology. The species is named in honor of Mr. Li Cheng, who devoted lots of time and energy to the biodiversity conservation of Mêdog County, and is also one of the discoverers of this new species. The Chinese name is given as 李成树萝卜 (pinyin: lĬ chéng shù luó bo).

Yi-Hua Tong, Xue-He Ye, Jing-Bo Ni, Bing-Mou Wang and Xi-Rong Zheng. 2026. Agapetes lichengii (Ericaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 269: 183-191.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177341 

[Botany • 2019] Nepenthes erucoides (Nepenthaceae) • An ultramaficolous micro-endemic from Dinagat Islands Province, northern Mindanao, Philippines

 

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio, 

  

in Robinson, Zamudio et Caballero, 2019.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.423.1.3 

academia.edu/51914542

Abstract

A new species of Nepenthes—Nepenthes erucoides—is described and illustrated from a single ultramafic peak in the Dinagat Islands Province of northeastern Mindanao. It is a distinctive component of a relatively low-elevation, highly biodiverse montane elfin forest that has evolved in association with a particularly thin and extremely hostile substrate. Plant habit, and leaf, inflorescence, indumentum and peristome-column morphology appear superficially similar to those of the ultramaficolous montane species of Palawan, implicating an environmental basis for a syndrome of shared characteristics.

Keywords: Philippines, Malesia, new species, non-core Caryophyllales, taxonomy, ultramafic, Eudicots

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio.
A) the indumentum of juvenile stem and leaf parts is abruptly caducous. B) the largely persistent indumentum of the tendril. C) the extremely dense indumentum of a senescent male inflorescence; note the large bracts on the rachis and partial peduncles. D) sequential anthesis and development of tepal colouration in the male inflorescence. E) detail of male flowers at anthesis. F) a female rosette in fruit. G) transverse section of fruit with seeds; note the relatively short, broad form of the seeds.
 H) the natural hybrid Nepenthes erucoides × mindanaoensis.
I) the elfin ‘forest’ at the summit of Mt. Redondo, formed in response to the inorganic, granular, ultramafic substrate and associated conditions.

Photograph A by P. Pelser; B–H by A. Robinson.

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio.
 A) mature rosette emergent from elfin vegetation. B) lower pitcher. C) upper pitcher. D) the limited waxy zone. E) transverse sections of (left) lower and (right) upper pitchers showing the almost entirely glandular interior. F) detail of the superficially caterpillarlike (erucoid) developing leaf emergent from the petiolar-laminar groove of the preceding leaf. G) a recently unfurled leaf; the dense adaxial indumentum has already begun to be shed towards the leaf base.

Photographs A, C by P. Pelser; B, D–G by A. Robinson.

Taxonomy

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio, sp. nov. 

Etymology:— The specific epithet erucoides is derived from the Latin eruca (caterpillar) and the Greek suffix – oides (resembling), in reference to the densely hairy developing leaves which, when still appressed within the petiolarlaminar groove of the preceding leaf, resemble the exuberantly hairy caterpillars of certain erebid macromoths from the subfamily Arctiinae, such as those of the genus Arctia Schrank (1802: 152) [e.g. Arctia opulenta Edwards (1881: 38)].

 

  

 

Alastair S. Robinson, Sarah Grace Zamudio and Rolly Balagon Caballero. 2019. Nepenthes erucoides (Nepenthaceae), an ultramaficolous micro-endemic from Dinagat Islands Province, northern Mindanao, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 423(1); 21–32. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.423.1.3

  academia.edu/51914542/Nepenthes_erucoides_an_ultramaficolous_micro_endemic_from_northern_Mindanao_Philippines