Vincetoxicum phucanhense (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Vietnam, is described, illustrated, and compared with three morphologically similar species: Vincetoxicum flexuosum (R.Br.) Kuntze, V. harmandii (Costantin) Meve & Liede, and V. tengii (Tsiang) Meve & Liede. V. phucanhense differs from V. flexuosum in having shorter pedicels, very sparsely hairy sepal margins (vs. glabrous), a larger corolla, broadly elliptic pollinia (vs. globose), longer fruits, and longer seeds. It also differs from V. harmandii in having shorter petioles, smaller leaf blades, glabrous adaxial leaf surfaces (vs. hairy), and a larger corolla. In comparison with V. tengii, V. phucanhense can be distinguished by its larger corolla, corolla coloration (yellow, pink, or red vs. greenish), and broadly elliptic pollinia (vs. globose). A key to the 14 species of Vincetoxicum recorded in Vietnam is provided.
Recent field expeditions to the Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve in Colombia’s Cordillera Occidental resulted in the discovery of two new species of Besleria (Gesneriaceae). These species are described, illustrated with field images, and compared with morphologically similar taxa. The new species are Besleria purpureovenosa J.L.Clark, sp. nov., characterized by prominent purple venation, and Besleria roseocalyx J.L.Clark & Clavijo, sp. nov., distinguished by reddish-pink calyx lobes contrasting with a yellow corolla. The Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve protects critical Andean cloud forest at the intersection of three Colombian departments (Antioquia, Caldas, and Risaralda), a region of exceptional biodiversity and endemism that underscores its importance as a key conservation priority in Colombia’s Cordillera Occidental.
The classification of Disakisperma is reevaluated with the study of molecular DNA sequences and morphological characters. We present a phylogeny of four species of Disakisperma utilizing eight plastid ( rps3 , rps16-trnK , rps16 intron, rpoC2 , rpl32-trnL spacer, ndhF , ndhA intron, ccsA ) and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions investigating 31 species of subtribe Eleusininae, including an increase in the number of DNA markers and sequence data for an additional individual of Disakisperma dubium . We present a revised classification, resurrect Cypholepis with a new generic description for three species, make two new combinations ( C. eleusine and C. obtusiflora ), and recognize Disakisperma as monotypic with an amended generic description.
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 .
Two diatom samples collected from two freshwater habitats in Hunan Province, China, were studied using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Three Tryblionella species were found; one was identified as T. calida (Grunow) Stroganov et al., and the other two species are established here as new species: T. dongtingensis sp. nov . and T. hunanensis sp. nov . These two new species are morphologically allied to T. calida because they possess the following unique combination of characters: 1) a more or less undulate valve face from side to side; 2) transapical ribs; 3) uniseriate striae with rounded, rimmed inner openings of areolae; 4) a longitudinal row of bar-like ribs connecting the raphe canal wall on both the valve side and the distal mantle side; 5) a marginal ridge; and 6) squat, sometimes apically elongated fibulae. This group around T. calida is different from the group around T. apiculata W. Gregory, which possesses an axial sternum and different stria and areola structures. Additional details of the complex marginal ridges in Tryblionella are revealed and discussed in this paper. Whether the group around T. calida is a monophyletic group and possesses a synapomorphy cannot currently be resolved, and further investigations are needed.
Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Lycopodioidoideae, Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte species from northern Thailand and southwest China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is similar to D. bisulcata but can be reliably distinguished by its dorsal leaves on branches with an arista often more than 3/4 of the leaf length, the densely ciliolate base of the dorsal sporophyll pteryx, and megaspores with subreticulate exospore ornamentation. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and rbcL sequences supports this species as an independent clade. The ITS sequences revealed more than 42 nucleotide differences between the new species and other members of the Bisulcata group, providing clear molecular evidence for its separation from its closest relatives.
The genus Epipactis (Orchidaceae) is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, tropical Africa, and North America. In Korea, only Epipactis thunbergii and Epipactis papillosa have traditionally been recognized, and the taxonomy of the genus has not been critically reassessed. Based on examination of protologues, herbarium specimens, and field observations, Epipactis xanthophaea , previously misidentified as E. thunbergii , is confirmed to occur in Korea and is recognized as a distinct species. Accordingly, three species of Epipactis ( E. thunbergii , E. xanthophaea , and E. papillosa ) are recognized on the Korean Peninsula. Their diagnostic characters and distribution ranges are clarified, and a revised taxonomic treatment is provided.
Brachythecium wangianum (Brachytheciaceae), a new moss species from northern China and southern Russia, is described and illustrated. Combining morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses, this study clarifies the systematic placement of Chinese and Russian materials of this taxon, provides a full morphological description, and distinguishes it from other morphologically similar species of Brachythecium . Special attention is paid to comparison with the closely related congeners B. laetum (Brid.) Schimp. and B. boreale Ignatov, as well as the widespread and highly polymorphic B. salebrosum (Hoffm. ex F. Weber & D. Mohr) Schimp. and B. rotaeanum De Not. Phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS sequences strongly supports B. wangianum as a distinct species, sister to B. laetum (Brid.) Schimp. Morphologically, B. wangianum differs from B. laetum in having a longer, more slender leaf acumen, longer median laminal cells, and an autoicous sexual condition. Combined with morphological and phylogenetic evidence, the taxonomic status of B. wangianum is established, and its geographical distribution delineated. Detailed micrographs are also provided. The discovery of this new species enriches the species diversity of Brachythecium in China and Russia, and provides valuable data for future studies on the phylogeny and biogeography of Brachytheciaceae in temperate regions.
Accurate species delimitation serves as a cornerstone for effective biodiversity conservation strategies, particularly for rare taxa where misclassification of taxa may lead to misallocation of limited resources. Callicarpa oligantha , one of only two plant species declared extinct in Guangdong Province, South China, was historically documented solely from its type specimen--a single individual collected in 1917 at Luofushan (Loh Fau Mountain). However, the morphological similarities with C. brevipes have long challenged the taxonomic status of C. oligantha . Following the rediscovery of the species at its type locality in 2024, we conducted an integrative taxonomic reassessment of C. oligantha and C. brevipes based on the newly collected materials using combined analyses of molecular phylogenetics and morphological comparisons. Both molecular and morphological evidence congruently support the conspecificity of C. oligantha and C. brevipes . We therefore propose synonymizing C. oligantha under C. brevipes and recommend its exclusion from extinction lists. This study underscores the importance of robust taxonomic frameworks in preventing conservation misprioritization, and highlights the value of integrative, multidisciplinary approaches for establishing accurate biodiversity baselines prior to biological conservation action.
A new species of Thismia from Thailand, T. daemona is described based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Morphological characters were examined from fresh and spirit materials using a stereo microscope. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on three nuclear (SSU, ITS, LSU) and two mitochondrial ( atpA , matR ) markers. The new species is characterized by coralliform roots, blackish flowers, reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, inner tepals forming a mitre with three slender claviform appendages, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with white translucent trichomes, and translucent blue stamens with recurved apex. Phylogenetic analyses support its placement within Thismia sect. Geomitra , with a sister relationship to T. betung-kerihunensis . In addition, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.
Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L. Zhang & Z. K. Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports its placement within Primula sect. Aleuritia , a section characterized by entirely glabrous plants that lack scales at the base of the leaf rosette, has a moderate to small habit and typically bears farina on the foliage and scape. The new species differs from other members of this section by its petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, and elongated filaments and a style exserted far beyond the mouth of the corolla tube. Information on its distribution, a morphological comparison with related species, and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status are also provided.
Thailand, a recognized cradle of diversity for the wild banana Musa acuminata , has long been considered home to four subspecies: siamea , burmannica , malaccensis , and microcarpa . However, recent extensive field surveys across the country have unveiled a more complex picture, necessitating a revision of their taxonomic classification. This study revisits the subspecific classification of M. acuminata in Thailand, reassessing the circumscriptions, descriptions, and distributions of previously recognized subspecies using morphological and biogeographic evidence. The findings reveal a distinct new subspecies, M. acuminata subsp. kraburiensis , located on the Isthmus of Kra. This subspecies is distributed in the transitional zone between M. acuminata subsp. siamea in northern Thailand and M. acuminata subsp. malaccensis in Peninsular Thailand. Furthermore, a northern occurrence of the latter subspecies was recorded, suggesting a potential dispersal route along the Thailand–Myanmar mountain range. Fieldwork revealed additional novel forms within existing subspecies, i.e., a putative mutant form with yellow inflorescence bracts and another form with unusual branching of the inflorescence. Finally, M. acuminata subsp. truncata was recorded for the first time in Thailand. Musa acuminata subsp. burmannica , M. acuminata subsp. burmannicoides , and M. acuminata subsp. microcarpa were not observed during the field survey. Based on the analysis of the M. acuminata subspecies complex in Thailand, the variation is best treated at the subspecies rather than the varietal level. A key for identifying M. acuminata subspecies in Thailand is presented here based on diagnostic characters such as leaf base shape, rachis position, imbrication type, and color of the male bracts.
Cinnamomum fasciculatum , a new species from Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated here. Morphologically, it is most similar to Cinnamomum parthenoxylon in having sericeous terminal buds, glabrous branchlets, glabrous leaves, and fruits of similar shape and size. However, C. fasciculatum can be readily distinguished by its subterminal inflorescences (vs. axillary and lateral) and a later flowering season (June–July vs. March–May). Phylogenetic analysis based on complete chloroplast genomes also supports that it is a new member of C. sect. Camphora and is sister to a clade comprising Cinnamomum mollifolium and Cinnamomum tenuipile . Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) due to insufficient knowledge of its true population status in the wild.
Galium transcarpaticum was described in 1979 as an endemic occurring exclusively in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Since then, little has been contributed to its taxonomy and distribution, and only a few specimens have been collected. We successfully isolated DNA and amplified nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnH-psbA, atpB-rbcL, trnL (c-d), and trnL (e-f)) markers from G. transcarpaticum isotype specimens deposited at the LWS herbarium. The obtained results do not allow delimiting G. transcarpaticum as an independent species, but rather place it within G. mollugo. Hence, the new combination Galium mollugo subsp. transcarpaticum (Stojko & Tasenk.) A.V.Novikov, Nachychko & Zinenko is proposed.
A new species, Ilex decapetala , is described and illustrated from central Vietnam. It is distinguished by its female flowers with (8–)9–10(–11) pink petals (mostly 10); such a high floral merism is rare within the genus and, on top of this rarity, no other known species of Ilex combines such a high merism with pink corolla. Phylogenetic analyses, based on three nuclear markers (ITS, ETS and nep GS), place the new species in Ilex sect. Prinifoliae with strong support, where it is sister to a clade comprising I. angulata , I. hainanensis , I. pubescens and I. stewardii . Morphologically, I. decapetala resembles I. stewardii most, but differs in having more numerous flowers in female inflorescences (3–18 vs. 1–5) and a higher merism of corolla and androecium of female flowers (8–11 vs. 6–7). In addition, the new species shows similarity to I. umbellulata , which also occurs in central Vietnam, but the latter is distinguished by white flowers with 4–5 petals and staminodes.
Based on an integrative analysis of morphological traits and molecular phylogenetic evidence, a new species of Astragalus (Fabaceae), A. baimaensis B. Jiang & Y. Z. Zhang, discovered during field investigations in the Baima Mountain region, Deqin County, Yunnan Province, China, is formally described. This species is defined by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters that unequivocally distinguish it from all previously documented congeners: it is completely glabrous throughout, with narrowly oblong leaflets, yellow flowers, and obliquely ellipsoid, glabrous, inflated legumes. The full chloroplast genome of A. baimaensis is 124,633 bp in length. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on plastid genomic data resolve A. baimaensis as sister to A. tongolensis , whereas analyses of the combined nuclear ITS and plastid ( rbcL , matK ) multilocus dataset support a closer evolutionary affinity between A. baimaensis and A. chilienshanensis . Despite these close phylogenetic relationships, the new species exhibits a distinct set of consistent morphological differences that clearly distinguish it from both putative relatives. The results highlight the considerable taxonomic value of variation in ovary pubescence within Astragalus and confirm that the presence or absence of trichomes on the ovary represents a stable diagnostic trait for species delimitation and infrageneric classification in this genus. This study adds to the known diversity of Astragalus and provides data for future phylogenetic and ecological studies.
Based on comprehensive morphological and molecular data analyses, this study confirms that three populations of Sinocrassula from central Yunnan Province represent two distinct new species, which are described herein as Sinocrassula kunmingensis J.Guan Wang & Jing Zhao and S. chenggongensis J.Guan Wang & Jing Zhao. Morphologically, the two new species are most similar to S. adpressa , S. crassifolia , S. obliquifolia , and S. yongshengensis . However, S. kunmingensis is characterized by its greenish-yellow or red stem leaves without spots, subligulate nectar scales, reddish-purple flowers, ovate-lanceolate bracts, and petals with a slight central protrusion; S. chenggongensis is distinguished by its green stem leaves with purplish-red spots, subligulate nectar scales, pinkish-purple flowers, oblong-elliptic bracts with an oblique apex, and petals without a protrusion. This combination of morphological characters can be clearly distinguished from those of similar species. Phylogenetic analyses further reveal that the two new species form two independent clades with strong support and are sister to each other.
The genus Asplenium is known for its high morphological diversity and complex evolutionary history. Two South American species, Asplenium brasiliense and A. douglasii , possess unusual morphological traits, including simple fronds, anastomosing venation, and paired indusia opening toward each other, which have historically led to their assignment to several satellite genera, such as Antigramma , Hemidictyum , Phyllitis , and Scolopendrium . However, their phylogenetic positions have never been rigorously tested using molecular data. In this study, four chloroplast markers were employed to infer the phylogenetic placement of these two enigmatic species. The phylogenetic analyses robustly resolved both species as members of the Asplenium schaffneria clade, where they form a strongly supported monophyletic group that is sister to the A. varians subclade. This study provides the first molecular phylogenetic evidence clarifying the phylogenetic relationships of A. douglasii and A. brasiliense , demonstrating that their morphological peculiarities represent specialized evolutionary derivations within Asplenium s.l. rather than providing justification for generic segregation.
Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li, sp. nov ., a new species of the genus Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae) discovered in the karst regions of Guizhou, China, and provides its taxonomic basis from a morphological perspective. The new species is morphologically similar to Ophiorrhiza lignosa , but differs from the latter by having an inflorescence in that its young branches are uniformly pubescent (vs. bifariously pubescent in O. lignosa ); the abaxial leaf surface is pubescent (vs. puberulent only along the midrib and secondary veins in O. lignosa ); the bracteoles are 5–6 mm long (vs. 1.5–3 mm long in O. lignosa ); the petioles are 2–5.8 mm long (vs. 6–20 mm long in O. lignosa ); the stamens are inserted at the base of the corolla tube (vs. inserted near the middle of the corolla tube in O. lignosa ); the flowers are distylous (vs. monomorphic with pin flowers in O. lignosa ), and the styles of long-styled flowers are 6–8 mm long (vs. 10–11 mm long in O. lignosa ). These stable and significant morphological differences, combined with a comprehensive and detailed morphological description of the new species and a comparison of diagnostic characters with similar species, firmly support the recognition of Ophiorrhiza saxatilis as a distinct new species.
Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from the middle part of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological evidence. This new species resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long) its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube and styles ca. 3 mm long). The new species is currently known from a single population with approximately 60–100 mature individuals. Following IUCN Criteria, it is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. Photographs, an illustration and a distribution map are also provided.
