A new species of the genus Besleria Plum. ex L. (Gesneriaceae), endemic to the Andean forests of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia in the department of Cundinamarca, is described and illustrated. Besleria atopa Solano-C., D. Ruiz-Mol. & Zapata-Corr. is readily distinguished by a combination of characters including decumbent stems, solitary axillary flowers, and laterally compressed yellow corollas. The new species is morphologically similar to B. immitis C. V. Morton, which occurs in the Amazon basin of Colombia, and to B. barbensis Hanst., found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Two new Malagasy species of Bulbophyllum Thouars (Orchidaceae) are described and illustrated. Notes on conservation status, habitat, and taxonomy are provided. An overview of taxonomic research of Bulbophyllum in Madagascar is given. Bulbophyllum voethii G. A. Fisch. & Sieder is distinct from any other known Bulbophyllum species through the combination of characters including: non-creeping rhizome; densely clustered bifoliate pseudobulbs; non-resupinated, erect, single-flowered inflorescences; a short, fully sheathed peduncle with large distinct floral bracts; sepals with one thickened vein, lateral sepals longer than dorsal sepal; pandurate lip; and a column without wings or teeth, the stelidia short and bilobed. The character set is so unique that morphologically it cannot be assigned to any existing Malagasy section. Bulbophyllum kiehnii G. A. Fisch. & Sieder belongs to section Elasmatopus Schltr. and is most similar to B. oxycalyx Schltr. It differs by having orbicular to slightly ovoid 4-angled pseudobulbs, indurate and succulent leaves, a densely multiflowered inflorescence, glabrous sepals and petals with entire margins, a strongly ligulate lip with a large adaxial callus, and a short, oblique-angled incurved and subcylindrical column foot. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, both B. kiehnii and B. voethii are provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered, the latter possibly extinct.
Here we describe Anthurium circinale Theófilo & Arantes, a new species of Anthurium Schott (Araceae) from the Sugarloaf Land region in eastern Brazil. We emphasize the importance of using unusual characteristics to define species within the genus, such as flower shape and androecium. We present illustrations and a distribution map. Furthermore, we highlight the need for further research focused on detailed evaluations of floral structures within Anthurium sect. Urospadix Engl.
The Linnean name Asparagus sarmentosus L. (Asparagaceae) was incorrectly typified by earlier workers under the International Code of Nomenclature. Therefore, an unpublished illustration by Hermann is selected here as a lectotype for the precise application of the name.
Ilex pixquiacana Lozada-Pérez, Gallardo-Hern. & Cruz Durán is described and illustrated based on specimens collected in the Mexican states of Veracruz and Puebla. The new species is characterized primarily by male inflorescences in fasciculate compound cymes and fasciculate female flowers. One illustration and a distribution map are provided, and its relationships with I. tolucana Hemsl. and I. discolor Hemsl. are discussed.
