[Most Recent Entries] [Calendar View]
Sunday, June 12th, 2022
| Time | Event | ||||||||||
| 2:23a | [Botany • 2021] Leptocereus velozianus (Cactaceae) • Phylogenetics of Leptocereus on Hispaniola: Clarifying Species Limits in the L. weingartianus complex and A New Species from the Sierra de Bahoruco
Abstract The Antillean genus Leptocereus represents an in-situ radiation among the Greater and Lesser Antilles of 19 currently recognized species. Extensive fieldwork carried out in the Dominican Republic over recent years has revealed that the species limits of Leptocereus of Hispaniola are more complex than previously thought. There are four currently recognized species that occur on the island, L. demissus, L. paniculatus, L. undulosus and L. weingartianus. We evaluate species limits in this group based on DNA sequence data and phylogenetic analysis, morphological characters and a survey of herbarium specimens from across Hispaniola. Based on our analyses, it is clear that at least five species occur on the island of Hispaniola, with the new species from Sierra de Bahoruco, L. velozianus, described here. We provide an identification key, distribution maps and photographic plates for all species on Hispaniola based on our own fieldwork and the study of herbarium specimens. The description of yet another species of Leptocereus on Hispaniola reiterates the importance of the poorly studied, but yet biodiverse, seasonally dry tropical forest in the Antilles. Keywords: Biodiversity, Greater Antilles, plastome phylogeny, Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest
Leptocereus velozianus Clase, Y.Encarn., Peguero & Majure, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Differing from both L. weingartianus and L. demissus by the white young spines (vs. yellowish spines) and larger stem diameter (up to 3.7 cm in diameter in L. velozianus). Differing from L. demissus by the erect, primary trunk rather than the sprawling growth form, and oblong hypanthium in L. velozianus rather than obconic hypanthium as in L. demissus. Etymology: The specific epithet, “velozianus” is given honoring the Dominican botanist Alberto Veloz, who is the Head and Curator of the Herbarium JBSD of the “Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso” National Botanical Garden of Dominican Republic. For 27 years, Veloz has dedicated his life to the study of the Hispaniolan flora and has conducted extensive fieldwork across the island, with many collections from the Sierra de Bahoruco, where this new species was found. Together with other botanists he has collected over 10,000 specimens and has published several papers on the flora in national and international journals. His publications have included different approaches, such as floristics, taxonomy, ecology and conservation. Veloz has also contributed to the formation of young botanists by involving students as part of the staff in the herbarium JBSD and through fieldwork. Lucas C. Majure, Yuley Encarnación, Teodoro Clase, Brígido Peguero, Kelly Ho and Duniel Barrios. 2021. Phylogenetics of Leptocereus (Cactaceae) on Hispaniola: Clarifying Species Limits in the L. weingartianus complex and A New Species from the Sierra de Bahoruco. PhytoKeys. 172: 17-37. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.172.59497 | ||||||||||
| 3:03a | [Botany • 2021] Begonia nangunheensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Yunnan, China
Abstract Begonia nangunheensis belonging to Begonia sect. Platycentrum is described and illustrated as a new species in Caryota obtusa forests in Yunnan province of China. It is similar to Begonia siamensis in 3-winged fruits, 2-loculed ovary and axile placentation with 2 segments per locule, but differs in its glabrous petiole and abaxial leaf-blade, ovate outer tepals and oblanceolate to narrowly obovate inner tepals of staminate flower, and the unequal pistillate tepals. The new species is assigned to Critically Endangered according to the guidelines of IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (version 13). Keywords: Begonia sect. Platycentrum, Begonia siamensis, Southwestern China, Thailand, Eudicots
Begonia nangunheensis Y.M. Shui & W.H. Chen, sp. nov. The new species is most similar to Begonia siamensis Gagnepain in 3-winged fruits, 2-loculed ovary and axile placentation with 2 segments per locule, but differs in its petiole glabrous (vs. dense brown pubescent in B. siamensis)and leaf blade abaxially glabrous ( vs. dense brown pubescent), ovate and 2.0–2.3 × 1.3–1.6 cm (vs. broadly-ovate to orbicular and 1–1.5 × 1–1.2 cm) outer tepals and oblanceolate to narrowly obovate (vs. oblong) inner tepals of staminate flower, and the unequal (vs. nearly equal size) pistillate tepals. Etymology: The epithet ‘nangunheensis’ refers to the type locality: Nangunhe National Natural Reserve. Shi-Wei Guo, Wen-Hong Chen, Aung Aung, Sirilak Radbouchoom, Jin-Chao Zhao, Zhi Hong Li and Yu-Min Shui. 2021. Begonia nangunheensis, A New Species of Begoniaceae from Yunnan province, China. Phytotaxa. 480(2); 201–209. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.480.2.9 | ||||||||||
| 3:20a | [Botany • 2022] Asplenium jiulianshanense (Aspleniaceae) • Molecular, Chromosomal, and Morphological Evidence reveals A New Allotetraploid Fern Species of Asplenium from southern Jiangxi, China
Abstract Asplenium jiulianshanense, a new tetraploid fern species of the A. normale complex (Aspleniaceae) from Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve, southern Jiangxi, China is described and illustrated. We inferred the phylogenetic position of the new species based on sequences from seven plastid markers (atpB, rbcL, rps4, rps4-trnS, trnL, trnL-F, and trnG) and one low-copy nuclear gene, pgiC. The plastid phylogeny supported a close relationship among the new species A. jiulianshanense, A. minutifolium, and A. kiangsuense, while the nuclear phylogeny differed in topology from the plastid tree. The new species may be due to hybridization between A. kiangsuense and A. boreale. Morphologically, the new species can easily be distinguished from other members of the A. normale complex by rachises bearing a gemma near the apex, pinna margins entire to sparsely crenate, and (1‒)3‒4(‒6) sori per pinna. Keywords: Black-stemmed spleenworts, conservation, new taxon, species complex, taxonomy
Asplenium jiulianshanense K.W.Xu & G.L.Xu, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Asplenium jiulianshanense somewhat resembles A. kiangsuense by its small size, rachises adaxially without a deep furrow, pinnae elliptic to trapeziform-oblong, sori 3–4 per pinna in the middle part of frond. However, the former has rachises with only one gemma near apex, pinnae (15‒)20‒35 pairs, pinna margins entire to sparsely crenate, exospore length 37‒43 μm, while the latter has rachises without gemmae near the apex, pinnae 8‒20(‒22) pairs, pinna margins entire to sinuate, exospore length 31‒36 μm. Etymology: Based on the Chinese pinyin, Jiulianshan, the name of the National Nature Reserve in southern Jiangxi, China, referring to the type locality of the species. Vernacular name: 九连山铁角蕨 (jiǔ-lián-shān tiě-jiǎo-jué). Geographical distribution and habit: Asplenium jiulianshanense is known only from a single locality in Mount Jiulianshan, Jiangxi, China, where there have been multiple collections. It was observed to grow on cliff rocks under shrubs at an elevation of ca. 200 m in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest.   Chen-Xue Lin, Guo-Liang Xu, Zhi-Fang Jin, Wen-Bo Liao and Ke-Wang Xu. 2022. Molecular, Chromosomal, and Morphological Evidence reveals A New Allotetraploid Fern Species of Asplenium (Aspleniaceae) from southern Jiangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 199: 113-127. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.199.81292  | ||||||||||
| 3:22a | [Botany • 2022] Petalidium sesfonteinense (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the Kaokoveld, Namibia
Abstract Petalidium sesfonteinense, previously most commonly confused with the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is only known from the Sesfontein area in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows on hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds. Diagnostic characters for P. sesfonteinense include the short, stout trunk on older plants, white bark that peels on the younger branches in long, narrow strips, dendritic trichomes on vegetative parts, flowers in short dichasia with acute oblanceolate bracts, flowers with externally glabrous corollas, corolla lobes that are pink, magenta, apricot or cream and with the two upper lobes connate towards the base and the lower lobe with two yellow spots near the base. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate Petalidium sesfonteinense from close relatives is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC) is recommended for the new species. Keywords: Desert, endemism, flora, Kaokoveld, Ruellieae, Sesfontein, taxonomy
Petalidium sesfonteinense Swanepoel & E.Tripp, sp. nov. Diagnosis:— A woody shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium kaokoense and P. variabile; from P. kaokoense it differs in having an indumentum on vegetative parts of relatively slender dendritic trichomes (vs. relatively stout stalked-stellate trichomes interspersed with dendritic trichomes), bracts oblanceolate (vs. linear-oblanceolate or linear-lanceolate), bracteoles symmetrically elliptic or narrowly ovate with long multicellular glandular trichomes and venation weak or not prominent (vs. asymmetrically elliptic-oblong, long multicellular glandular trichomes absent, reticulation prominent), corolla with expanded portion of tube glabrous externally (vs. strigose), upper lobes connate for 20–30% of their length and obovate (vs. 50%, oblong), lobes variously coloured (white, pink, magenta, apricot, yellow, or cream) and in contrast with maroon throat and mouth (vs. lobes, throat, and mouth maroon), seeds cordate (vs. discoid or ovate); from P. variabile it differs in indumentum on young stems different from that on leaves (vs. similar), indumentum on leaves dendritic (vs. strigose), bracteoles usually with long multicellular trichomes (vs. absent), expanded portion of corolla tube glabrous externally (vs. with short appressed simple trichomes), all corolla lobes of same colour and shade (vs. front corolla lobe differently coloured or shaded than other lobes), capsule flattened ellipsoid or ovoid, sides rugose or smooth (vs. flattened ovoid, sides smooth). Distribution and habitat:—At present, Petalidium sesfonteinense is only known from the vicinity of Sesfontein and the surrounding mountainous area up to Tomakas in the west and Warmquelle in the east (Fig. 3). It occurs on hillsides, along seasonally dry riverbeds and at the base of rocky outcrops at elevations of 340–1070 m a.s.l., about 75–125 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Average annual rainfall in the area is 100–150 mm (Mendelsohn et al. 2002). Conservation status:—Petalidium sesfonteinense is locally common and probably more widespread in suitable habitats than currently recorded. It is here considered not in immediate conservation danger, because it occurs in sparsely to unpopulated areas and does not seem to be utilised by humans. However, it is browsed by livestock (goats) of the local inhabitants (pers. obs.). The area of occupancy is estimated at < 20000 km² (2250 km²) with less than 10 (8) subpopulations. However, since no decline in population size or numbers is known, it is here ranked as Least Concern (LC) (IUCN 2012). Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to Sesfontein, a village in northwestern Namibia near the type locality. Wessel Swanepoel and Erin A. Manzitto-Tripp. 2022. Petalidium sesfonteinense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from the Kaokoveld, Namibia. Phytotaxa. 549(2); 127-135. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.549.2.1 | ||||||||||
| 3:24a | [Botany • 2022] Eulophia myanmarica (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from Myanmar and Notes on Geodorum densiflorum
Abstract Eulophia myanmarica, a species new to science is herein described from Monywa District, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. The species superficially resembles E. andamanensis but differs significantly in having 5-veined petals and sepals, narrowly oblong dorsal sepal with acute, slightly cucullate apex, obliquely narrowly oblong-elliptic lateral sepals and obliquely triangular sidelobes of the labellum. Detailed morphological description, a colour plate, notes on phenology, distribution, and a provisional conservation assessment are provided below. With this discovery, Myanmar now holds a total number of 19 Eulophia species. Additionally, after merging the genus Geodorum under Eulophia, a new name is needed for Geodorum densiflorum, for which taxonomic notes have been provided. Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, Geodorum densiflorum, Myanmar Flora, terrestrial orchid, Tropical botany, Monocots   Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Khant Zaw Hein, Pankaj Kumar and Paul Ormerod. 2022. Eulophia myanmarica (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Myanmar and Notes on Geodorum densiflorum. Phytotaxa. 548(2); 288-294. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.548.2.11  | ||||||||||
| 1:44p | [Herpetology • 2022] A Molecular-genetics Perspective on the Systematics of the Parthenogenetic Flowerpot Blindsnake Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) (Serpentes: Typhlopidae)
Abstract Sri Lanka has a rich snake diversity, but the island’s scolecophidians (‘blindsnakes’) are poorly understood due to the cryptic, burrowing habits of these inconspicuous animals and lack of systematic field surveys and morphological and molecular analyses. Here we report findings from a systematic survey carried out over a decade across the island of Sri Lanka, focusing particularly on the globally widespread, parthenogenetic species Indotyphlops braminus. We report 780 locations across the island in which this species was recorded, at elevations of 1–1,424 m asl, and mostly <1,000 m (771 out of 780 localities). We provide a molecular-systematics perspective by reporting new DNA sequence data for 15 specimens from Sri Lanka, and new analyses of asiatyphlopine molecular genetic diversity and relationships. Based on molecular results, we conclude that (i) Indotyphlops, as originally conceived may not be monophyletic, (ii) phenotypically the I. braminus-like blindsnakes widespread across most of Sri Lanka are a single, genetically homogeneous species, and (iii) some populations from peninsular India are very similar in DNA sequence to I. braminus from Sri Lanka, but others are genetically highly distinct and unlikely to be conspecific. Based on the estimated phylogenetic relationships, we recommend that I. braminus is currently best recognized as a phenotypically exceptional species of Indotyphlops rather than, as recently proposed, the only species of a monotypic genus (Virgotyphlops). Key words: Asia, Typhlopinae, distribution, diversity, phylogenetics, snake, Sri Lanka, Typhlopidae --2022_Wickramasinghe_Wickramasinghe_Vidanapathirana__@NethuWickramasinghe.jpg) --2022_Wickramasinghe_Wickramasinghe_Vidanapathirana__@NethuWickramasinghe.jpg) Nethu Wickramasinghe, L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe, Dulan Ranga Vidanapathirana, Kamani H. Tennakoon, Sameera R. Samarakoon and David J. Gower. 2022. A Molecular-genetics Perspective on the Systematics of the Parthenogenetic Flowerpot Blindsnake Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) (Squamata: Serpentes: Typhlopidae). Systematics and Biodiversity. 20(1); DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2062478 | ||||||||||
| 3:08p | [Herpetology • 2022] Phelsuma dorsivittata paradoxa • Day Geckos (Phelsuma) in northern Madagascar: First Step to Resolve A Paradoxical Case of Mitochondrial Paraphyly and Morphological Differentiation
Abstract We describe a new subspecies of day gecko, Phelsuma dorsivittata paradoxa ssp. n. (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Nosy Be Island and the Sambirano region in northwestern Madagascar. Due to its colouration and small size, Phelsuma d. paradoxa shares at first glance more similarities with P. parva or P. quadriocellata than with P. d. dorsivittata. Yet, phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded DNA sequences unambiguously shows that P. d. paradoxa is related to the allopatrically distributed P. d. dorsivittata. Due to the substantial and constant morphological divergence and the geographic separation between the two taxa we concluded that assigning them an initial status of subspecies is adequate, although they are not reciprocally monophyletic in mitochondrial DNA. Subsequently we discuss possible scenarios for eyespot convergence and mitochondrial paraphyly within P. dorsivittata. Furthermore, the molecular data presented here confirm the separate position of P. lineata punctulata within the P. dorsivittata complex. In order to resolve the paraphyly of the Phelsuma lineata complex, we here elevate this taxon to species rank, as Phelsuma punctulata Mertens, 1970. Key words. Squamata, Gekkonidae, Phelsuma punctulata, Phelsuma dorsivittata paradoxa new subspecies, molecular genetics, taxonomy, Madagascar.
Phelsuma dorsivittata paradoxa ssp. n. Diagnosis. Phelsuma dorsivittata paradoxa is a member of the Phelsuma lineata species group and characterized by small size, green dorsal colour in life with red markings and a relatively large black posthumeral spot that is dorsally surrounded by light blue colour. It differs from all other species in the genus Phelsuma (except P. quadriocellata andP. parva) by the presence of an oval blackish spot behind the insertion of forelimbs (posthumeral spots), which is dorsally bordered by a light blue ring that does not extend onto the back. It furthermore differs from most other species in the lineata group (P. antanosy, P. comorensis, P. dorsivittata, P. lineata, P. punctulata, and P. quadriocellata) by smaller size (max. TL ≤ 92 mm versus ≥ 110 mm; max. SVL ≤ 44 mm versus ≥ 46 mm). P. d. paradoxa differs from the most similar species P. parva by the presence of a distinct dark prefemoral spot, by less distinct whorls on the tail (compare Fig. 6), and by the pattern of mental scales, which are continuously and gradually decreasing in size in P. d. paradoxa (versus irregularly decreasing in P. parva). It differs from P. quadriocellata by smaller size (max. TL 92 mm; max. SVL 44 mm versus max. TL 110 mm, max. SVL 63 mm) and usually by larger red markings on the back. P. d. paradoxa differs from other Phelsuma species by a distinct genetic distance in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Phelsuma dorsivittata paradoxa differs from individuals assigned to the nominal subspecies, P. dorsivittata dorsivittata, by distinctly smaller size (max. TL 92 mm / max. SVL 44 mm versus max. TL 130 mm / max. SVL 57 mm), presence of blue colour around the posthumeral spot (versus absent), a slightly lower number of preanofemoral pores in males (21–27 versus 25–29), slightly fewer subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe (13–16 versus 16–19), and higher number of interorbitalia (25–29 versus 24–25). Most of these differences also apply to the male holotype of P. dorsivittata (SMF 59373) with the following data (according to Mertens 1964 and Rocha et al. 2010: 21, respectively): 57 / 55.3 mm SVL, 130 / 124.9 mm TL, no blue ring around posthumeral spot, 27 / 28 preanofemoral pores, 18 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe, number of interorbitalia not available.   Etymology. The subspecies epithet ‘paradoxa’ is the feminine form of the Latin adjective paradoxus (derived from Greek παράδοξος—parádoxos) meaning “contrary to expectation” but also “marvellous”. This name was given in reference to the fact that these day geckos appear very similar to P. quadriocellata and P. parva at first sight, but contrary to this expectation they are actually closely related to the northern P. dorsivittata clade.
Philip-Sebastian Gehring, Jary H. Razafindraibe, Miguel Vences and Frank Glaw. 2022. Day Geckos (Phelsuma) in northern Madagascar: First Step to Resolve A Paradoxical Case of Mitochondrial Paraphyly and Morphological Differentiation. SALAMANDRA. 58(2); 83–100. https://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.p  |
--2022_Wickramasinghe_Wickramasinghe_Vidanapathirana__@NethuWickramasinghe.jpg)
| << Previous Day |
2022/06/12 [Calendar] |
Next Day >> |