The indigenous Iban of Sarawak recognize Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco as two distinct species, lumok and pingan, leading to the recent recognition of the latter as A. mutabilis Becc. While the morphology of these two species is similar, they differ in fruit, stipule, and twig characters. This study aims to identify distinguishing leaf anatomical characters in these taxa and aid in species delimitation. Lumok and pingan samples from primary and secondary forests in central and Southern Sarawak were preserved, sectioned, and mounted. Samples were observed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Findings have shown that these species differ in the type of epidermal walls, the number of cells in the glandular trichomes, the length of non-glandular trichomes, the number of vascular bundles in the midrib and petiole, and the number of collenchyma layers, which distinguish these two species. These anatomical differences support the distinction between A. odoratissimus and A. mutabilis, providing a practical tool for future anatomical and ecological studies of Artocarpus.
Three new species of Sumatran Homalomena Schott are described herein: H. pachyderma A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, H. pulopadangensis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, and H. uncinata A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri. These taxa first came to scientific attention through their circulation on social media as ornamental plants, wherein horticulturists and collectors share images of morphologically distinctive but unidentified specimens, highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in revealing undocumented biodiversity, especially in Sumatra. Detailed morphological examination demonstrates that these taxa represent species new to science, clearly distinct from all previously described Sumatran Homalomena.
Justicia sect. Rostellaria T.Anderson (formerly known as Rostellularia Rchb.) is revised for Australia, with the recognition of 14 species. Seven new species (J. elliptica A.R.Bean, J. hadrophylla A.R.Bean, J. lissophylla A.R.Bean, J. occulta A.R.Bean, J. polytricha A.R.Bean, J. sparsa A.R.Bean and J. wondecla A.R.Bean) are described. Two new combinations are made, namely J. pogonanthera (F.Muell.) A.R.Bean and J. dallachyi (R.M.Barker) A.R.Bean. Each species is fully described with notes on distribution, habitat and diagnostic features. Photographic images are provided for all species. The distribution of each species has been mapped, and a dichotomous identification key is presented.
new species, Hoya bukitrayaensis R.P.P.Ahmad, Yudistira & Mustaqim, is described based on material collected from Mount Bukit Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The species is characterized by a pubescent corolla and a floral morphology that closely resembles that of H. kastbergii Kloppenb. However, the new species differs from H. kastbergii in its lanceolate leaf blade with a pointed tip (vs ovate with a rounded tip), shallowly lobed corolla (vs deeply lobed), and 3-lobed (vs entire) outer coronal lobes. A detailed morphological comparison with these related species is provided to highlight diagnostic features and support its recognition as a distinct taxon, and photographs of live plants are provided.
The genus Homoranthus A.Cunn. ex Schauer currently includes 31 endemic species in eastern and southern Australia. In a c. 400,000-hectare section of the New England Tableland bioregion, there are seven rare described species of Homoranthus endemic to granite outcrops, six of which are each found only in a single small, isolated distribution. The exception, Homoranthus lunatus Craven & S.R.Jones, has populations 70 km apart and broadly spans the range of the other species. Genetic analysis of the seven Homoranthus species in the region revealed a phylogenetically distinct lineage indicative of an eighth, undescribed taxon. Morphological assessment of H. lunatus has led to the formal recognition and conservation assessment of H. wissmannii Pemberton & McMaster (Myrtaceae), with a revised assessment for H. lunatus.
