ABSTRACT A narrowly distributed aroid, Typhonium inopinatum Prain, previously known only from India and Myanmar, is now reported from Nepal. This study extends its distribution into the central Himalaya and suggests its potential occurrence in the Eastern Himalaya. Detailed morphological descriptions, color images, and ecological notes are provided. Additionally, images of all the Typhonium species occurring in Nepal and their taxonomic key are provided. We further discuss the distribution, species association, and habitat preference of T. inopinatum .
ABSTRACT Currently, the name Peristylus duthiei (= Herminium duthiei ) is treated as a heterotypic synonym of Herminium josephi . A critical examination of the herbarium, including type specimens, together with a thorough review of the relevant literature, clearly demonstrates that these two taxa are morphologically distinct from each other. Hence, we reinstate the independent specific status of P. duthiei . It is a Himalayan endemic species reported from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In India, it was previously recorded from Uttarakhand only. In the present study, we report it as a new distributional record for Himachal Pradesh. Besides, during the study it was also observed that Herminium duthiei and H. josephi also lack typification; hence, the lectotype of the names is designated here.
ABSTRACT The endemic species Euphorbia epiphylloides Kurz (Euphorbiaceae) has narrow and highly fragmented distribution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was previously assessed as “Endangered C2a” based on its restricted distribution and declining population in the Islands. Recent observations show a further decline of its population with the species is known to survive in the wild only in South Andaman Islands in limited numbers and under ex situ conservation. The present study records two new wild populations from South Andaman. Considering the continued population decline and habitat fragmentation, the species is reassessed applying Criteria B, C, and D as per IUCN Guidelines. As there is no type designated for the name, a lectotype has been designated from the available original herbarium specimens.
ABSTRACT Corsia (Corsiaceae) is a remarkable genus of achlorophyllous, fully mycoheterotrophic plants distributed across New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Northern Australia. The genus has often been considered an example of adaptive radiation amongst mycoheterotrophic plants, with 25 narrowly endemic species, most known from just one or two specimens. The previous revision by van Royen in 1972 recognized 25 species from just 45 specimens. Here, we present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Corsia based on the c. 150 specimens now available, including critical re‐examination of type material. Many previously recognized species lack consistent diagnostic characters and are here synonymized, reducing the number of accepted species from 25 to 10, with the description of one species new to science: Corsia mantarayoides . Rather than representing a radiation of micro‐endemic taxa, Corsia species are shown to be more morphologically variable and geographically widespread than previously considered. These findings suggest that perceived rarity can reflect sampling artifacts and taxonomic inflation rather than true biological patterns. This has direct implications for conservation prioritization, where inflated species counts can misdirect efforts and resources. More broadly, our study highlights the critical importance of rigorous, up‐to‐date taxonomy in accurately documenting biodiversity, particularly in cryptic and rarely encountered plant lineages.
ABSTRACT Uapaca kirkiana Müell. Arg. is an ecologically and socioeconomically important indigenous fruit tree of miombo woodlands, valued for food, income, and ecosystem services across rural Malawi. Understanding its population structure is essential for conservation; however, no study has examined its dynamics in Perekezi and Kaning'ina forest reserves, northern Malawi. This study compared the population structure, regeneration, and health condition of U. kirkiana between these ecologically distinct reserves. Fifty circular sample plots were established, 20 in Perekezi and 30 in Kaning'ina. Mature individuals were measured for diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown diameter, and health condition, while juveniles were counted to assess regeneration. Data were analyzed using independent‐samples t ‐tests and gamma distribution fitting, following normality and variance homogeneity tests. Kaning'ina had significantly larger, older trees (mean DBH = 20.58 ± 9.38 cm) than Perekezi (11.42 ± 5.08 cm; p < 0.001). Perekezi had more healthy trees and greater juvenile abundance, indicating active recruitment. Both sites displayed an inverted J ‐shaped distribution typical of regenerating populations, but Kaning'ina showed recruitment decline linked to urban proximity and disturbance. These findings reveal site‐specific demographic trends and underscore the need for differentiated management, including community‐based protection, to sustain U. kirkiana across northern Malawi's miombo landscapes.
ABSTRACT Rungia mastersii T.Anderson (Acanthaceae) was collected and rediscovered after a gap of 180 years since its first discovery and naming. This endemic species has been recorded from Dima Hasao district of Assam following its type collection made by J.W. Masters from an unidentified locality of Assam in the year 1845. The present record represents the first confirmed locality of the species since the original collection and documents a new distributional locality in Assam. Detailed description, habitat, phenology and conservation note are provided along with a photo plate to facilitate in identification. Photographs illustrating the plant habit and dissected floral parts are presented here for the first time since the species' original collection in 1845.
ABSTRACT The Bornean Dracaena are morphologically diverse, enabling the recognition of a highly distinctive group here referred to as the “linear‐leaved Dracaena complex” which includes species with leaves that are grass‐like with ratios of blade length to maximum width > 10. The complex is represented by 16 species in Borneo, of which 13 are newly described. Important morphological characters used in species delimitation including vegetative growth (continuous vs. episodic) and leaf base (pinched vs. pseudo‐petiolate vs. broadly laminate) are illustrated and discussed. Furthermore, the name “ Dracaena angustifolia ” that was previously attributed to the Bornean taxa is shown to be erroneous. A key to the linear‐leaved Dracaena of Borneo is provided.
ABSTRACT The genus Iphigenia Kunth has been poorly recorded in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. In this research, we provide a detailed taxonomic account based on comprehensive field and herbarium investigations. Five species are recognized, each accompanied by detailed nomenclatural notes, morphological descriptions, photographic plates, and an identification key to Indian Iphigenia . This study integrates multiple lines of evidence, including leaf epidermal anatomy, pollen morphology, and seed characteristics examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), along with molecular data from sequencing the rbcL and trnL regions. Two new species, Iphigenia ehrhartii and I. balamii , are described herein. These species are closely related to I. sahyadrica but can be distinguished by their taller stature (> 10 cm), shorter pedicels, flowers ranging in color from purple to golden yellow, perianth lobes with fewer than five nerves, obovoid to cylindrical capsules, and ovoid to oblong seeds with a foveolate–curvilinear surface. Notably, they flower and fruit during December–January.
ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examined the taxonomic importance of stem and petiole anatomy among some species of Rosaceae from arid localities of District Mianwali. Cross‐section of petiole and stem were made with standard microtome to observed major anatomical characters. The petiole and stems characters; epidermal cell shape, number and arrangement of the vascular bundles, presence of sclerenchyma, presence of parenchyma, presence of crystals were studied. The diagnostic characters were polygonal outline of stem in Rosa foetida , high vascular bundle numbers in Eriobotrya japonica , low layers of collenchyma in Rosa banksiae and crescent‐shaped vascular bundles in the petiole of Prunus persica , prismatic crystals in P. persica , P. armeniaca and P. amygdalus . PCA analysis with of anatomical petiole and stem features indicated that the first two principle components explained the highest percentage change with PC1 contributing the highest percentage changes. The PCA presentation showed the presence of obvious petiole and stem structural variation among the species of the Rosaceae. These anatomical characters were found to be both consistent and species‐specific and have shown to be useful taxonomically informative characters for species delimitation in the family Rosaceae.
ABSTRACT A new monotypic mistletoe genus, Crispusanthus L.J. Singh and V. Ranjan with the type species, C. indicus L.J. Singh and V. Ranjan sp. nov ., is described from the protected forest of Sikkim‐Darjeeling range of the Eastern Himalayas. The genus is morphologically distinct from all other Paleotropic Loranthaceae, characterized by a unique combination of bract, calyculus, and cupule structures, as well as specialized pollen dispersal mechanisms. Alongside a detailed taxonomic description and illustrations, we provide a distribution map, an inventory of host plants, and an identification key to the genera of Indian Loranthaceae. Given its restricted distribution and specialized ecology, the taxon is currently categorized as “Data Deficient” as per IUCN guidelines category and criteria 2024. This discovery adds a significant lineage to the Himalayan flora and highlights the need for targeted conservation in protected montane forests.
ABSTRACT During a floristic survey conducted in northeastern Iran, some populations of Acantholimon nikitinii (Plumbaginaceae, sect. Tragacanthina ) were discovered. This species was previously known only from Turkmenistan and adjacent areas of northwestern Afghanistan, and its occurrence in Iran had remained doubtful. Detailed morphological examination and comparison with descriptions in Flora USSR, Flora Iranica, and Manual to the Plants of Turkmenistan confirmed the identity of the Iranian specimens as A. nikitinii . This finding extends the known distribution range of the species into northeastern Iran. This species belongs to a morphologically complex group including A. heratense , A. kandaharense , and A. longiflorum . These species share overlapping morphological characters and geographic ranges, leading to taxonomic uncertainty and possible synonymy.
ABSTRACT The discovery and reported occurrence of the rare threatened wild species, Piper thermale J. Koenig ex Vahl (Piperaceae), from Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), Tamil Nadu, India, is clarified here. This overlooked Piper species is indeed a possibly extinct endemic restricted to Trincomalee region of Sri Lanka. It is thus added here to the Flora of Ceylon based on a thorough survey of pertinent literature, checking the type collections, perusing the protologue, besides the natural history, phytogeography, nomenclature, conservation, and potential use of the species. The diversity of the genus Piper in Sri Lanka is now raised to 22 species from the island, P. thermale being the fifth endemic to Sri Lanka. The lectotype for P. thermale has also been designated here (C10016636!).
ABSTRACT A comprehensive ecological assessment was conducted to investigate the weed flora in chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) fields across District Muzaffar Garh and Layyah, Pakistan. A total of 18 weed species, representing 13 families comprising two monocots and eleven dicots, were documented. The dominant families included Poaceae (3 spp.), Boraginaceae (2 spp.), and Chenopodiaceae (2 spp.). Weed species density and frequency varied significantly between two study sites, Abdul Rauf and Chubara, influenced by climatic and edaphic factors. Convolvulus arvensis and Asphodelus tenuifolius emerged as the most prevalent species, exhibiting the highest density, frequency, and importance values across both sites. Cynodon dactylon , a persistent perennial from the Poaceae family, also displayed consistent growth and significant importance values, making it a notable threat to chickpea cultivation. The overall weed abundance showed a declining trend, attributed to the increasing use of weedicides and improved weed management practices. Environmental factors such as low rainfall and poor moisture levels contributed to reduced weed infestations during the study period. Soil analysis revealed non‐saline to slightly saline conditions with high pH values and electrical conductivity ranging from 9.14 to 10.93 dS/m. A strong correlation was observed between weed diversity and soil physical and chemical characteristics, highlighting the influence of soil texture and structure on weed distribution. The PCA ordination separated dominant weed species from less abundant species based on ecological variables including density, relative density, and frequency. The PCA indicates that weed distribution patterns were strongly influenced by abundance‐related ecological parameters. The strong relationships among ecological variables indicate that weed distribution is associated with abundance and site‐specific environmental conditions. These findings provide useful baseline data for integrated weed management and ecological monitoring in dryland agricultural systems. This study underscores the importance of site‐specific weed management strategies, particularly in chickpea cultivation, and provides baseline ecological data for further agronomic and conservation planning in arid agro‐ecosystems of southern Punjab, Pakistan.
ABSTRACT Several early names in Striga (Orobanchaceae), currently treated as heterotypic synonyms, have never been typified, but they continue to cause confusion in species delimitation, especially in the morphologically variable Striga asiatica and S. gesnerioides complexes. As part of the taxonomic revision of Striga , the identities of the names Striga coccinea , S. orchidea , and Buchnera hydrabadensis were critically investigated. Lectotypes are designated here for S. coccinea and B. hydrabadensis . The name Striga orchidea is shown to be invalidly published and is therefore excluded from typification. Although these taxa are currently treated as heterotypic synonyms of S. asiatica ( S. coccinea ) and S. gesnerioides ( B. hydrabadensis ), their typification is essential to ensure nomenclatural stability, prevent future misapplication, and allow objective re‐evaluation of species limits in these taxonomically complex groups.
ABSTRACT Zingiber yunnanense , belonging to Zingiber sect. Cryptanthium , is reported here as a new addition to the flora of Bhutan. Zingiber yunnanense can be distinguished from other related species by its ciliate, bilobed ligules, an inflorescence borne on a procumbent peduncle, ellipsoid spikes, a three‐lobed labellum, white with purple lines or red with white and yellow mottling, and bilobed anther appendages. Detailed morphological description, distribution, ecology, and color photographs are provided to facilitate easy identification.
Boletes represent an artificial group of macro-fungi, notable for their ecological, economic, and taxonomic importance in various forest ecosystems globally. In this study, six species of boletes published from Mexico in 2023 are validated, as the corresponding protologues do not comply with the requirements outlined in Article F.5.1 and Article 40.7 of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. This validation ensures nomenclatural accuracy and contributes to the stability of fungal taxonomy.
Vincetoxicum andamanicum is described as a new species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, and assessment of its conservation status. This species exhibits a close resemblance to Vincetoxicum indicum (Burm.f.) Mabb. and V. fasciculatum (Buch.-Ham. ex Wight) Kuntze in habit, phyllotaxy, morphological features, and fruit type. However, this new species differs from previously known Vincetoxicum species in vegetative morphology, inflorescence architecture and floral characters. We propose the IUCN conservation status of V. andamanicum as ‘Data Deficient’ until further study. A comprehensive description, images of live plants and herbarium specimen of holotype, illustrations, distribution map and an identification key to Vincetoxicum species of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are provided for easy identification.
The name Diospyros shukangi is proposed for the Chinese endemic ebony D. leei published by Yan Liu, Song Shi & Y.S. Huang in 2015, which is an illegitimate later homonym of a fossil species described by Knowlton from Mexico in 1918.
Berberis lamberti (Berberidaceae) is an endemic shrub from Western Himalaya validly described in 1921 (as “ Berberis lamberti ” here orthographically corrected according to the Art. 60.1 and the Recommendation 60C.1(a) of Madrid Code ) without the indication of the holotype. According to the Art. 9.3, a lectotypification is, therefore, required and it is addressed in the present paper. Among the two syntypes found (specimens K000644948 and K000644940, mounted on a single sheet which includes five twigs), collected by W.J. Lambert in 1820, the former (specifically the two branches on the left side of the sheet) is designated as lectotype of the name B. lamberti being well-preserved and also matching the original description and current concept of the species; the specimen K000644940, which is collected in a different day (October 18, 1820), remains a syntype. The fifth branch (occurring on the center of the sheet) cannot be ascribed with certainty with any of the two barcordes. This fixing supports ongoing taxonomic and conservation efforts.
Eragrostiella leioptera has been recollected after 65 years from its type locality, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. We have also designated a lectotype of E. leioptera . In addition, updates on its taxonomy and distribution along with a detailed description, photo plates and a distribution map, have also been provided.
