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Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
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| 2:02a | [Botany • 2023] Lindernia barthlottii (Linderniaceae) • A New Species from Inselbergs in northern Madagascar
Abstract The new species Lindernia barthlottii from an inselberg in Northern Madagascar is described and illustrated. It differs from all Madagascan Lindernia species in the small rosulate habit with condensed stems, the broad obtuse sepals, and the large and except for the palate entirely blue corolla. A short discussion on the other four species of Linderniaceae (Linderniella cerastioides, L. horombensis, L. pygmaea, Crepidorhopalon microcarpaeoides) endemic to inselbergs in Madagascar is provided. Eudicots, endemic, Linderniella cerastioides, L. horombensis, L. pygmaea, Crepidorhopalon microcarpaeoides, ephemeral flush vegetation, taxonomy 
 EBERHARD FISCHER, JACKY LUCIEN ANDRIANTIANA and ANTON SIEDER. 2023. Lindernia barthlottii (Linderniaceae), A New Species from inselbergs in Madagascar. Phytotaxa. 626(3); 191-198. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.626.3.5 | ||||||
| 2:09a | [Botany • 2024] Eugenia elapparensis (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from Southern Western Ghats, India
Abstract A new species, Eugenia elapparensis, from southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It is very similar to Eugenia calcadensis, but differs in habit, leaf, floral and fruit characters. Additionally, lectotypification of E. calacadensis is also provided. Asia, Elappara, Eugeniinae, Idukki, nomenclature, taxonomy, Eudicots
 Eugenia elapparensis Robi, Balan & Sujanapal, sp. nov. Robi Aloor JOSE, Anoop Puthuparambil BALAN and Puthiyapurayil SUJANAPAL. 2024. Eugenia elapparensis (Myrtaceae), A New Species from Southern Western Ghats, India, and a correction on the lectotypification of Eugenia Calcadensis. Phytotaxa. 668(3); 272-278. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.668.3.6 [2024-10-16] | ||||||
| 2:10a | [Botany • 2025] Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution in Yucca (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae)
Abstract The current classification of Yucca (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae) is based on morphological characters, mainly on fruit type, caulescence, leaf margin and inflorescence type. To investigate the evolution of these characters, and their potential taxonomic significance as synapomorphies for some groups within Yucca, a phylogenetic analysis was performed with 44 Yucca and eight outgroup species. Divergence times were estimated to produce a suitable phylogenetic framework for the investigation of morphological character evolution. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses showed closer phylogenetic relationship between Hesperoyucca and Hesperaloe than either of these two genera with Yucca. The series previously proposed within the genus were not recovered as monophyletic, but based on fruit type we recovered two main clades which we name here clade Aloifolia and clade Rupicola. The ages of the Yucca stem and crown groups were estimated at 14.34 (95% HPD: 14.64–14.2) and 7.45 (95% HPD: 11.31–3.48) million years, respectively. More recent diversification events occurred in both the species with fleshy and dry fruits. Yucca is monophyletic with two main clades, corresponding to the species with dry fruit (clade Rupicola) and fleshy fruit (clade Aloifolia). Partial geographical concordances were observed in both clades. The dispersal type could be a key character in the diversification of the genus. Leaf margin, caulescence, and inflorescence type are not consistent with phylogenetic relationships. ABK clade, ancestral-characters, classification, fruit-type, Hesperoyucca, morphological evolution, phylogeny, yuccas, Monocots
  María M. AYALA-HERNÁNDEZ, Shannon D. FEHLBERG, Abisai J. GARCÍA-MENDOZA, Eloy SOLANO, Ricardo GARCÍA-SANDOVAL and Marie-Stéphanie SAMAIN. 2025. Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution in Yucca (Agavoideae, Asparagaceae). Phytotaxa. 687(2); 176-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.2.2 [2025-02-18] | ||||||
| 2:10a | [Botany • 2024] Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southwestern Guangxi, China
ABSTRACT The genus Petrocodon is renowned for its remarkably diverse floral morphology, exhibiting a high level of disparity compared to most genera within Gesneriaceae. In this study, we present a detailed description and illustration of Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, a new species with unique floral features that is native to Guangxi, China. This species is geographically close to P. jingxiensis H.S. Gao & W.B. Xu and is indistinguishable from P. jingxiensis in vegetative characteristics. However, it can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter pedicels, slender tubular corolla, shorter corolla tube, distinctly unequal corolla lobes with upper ones linear and reflexed and lower ones oblanceolate, and included chiritoid-like stigma. The presence of linear upper lobes and the chiritoid-like stigma has not been previously reported in Petrocodon, and the emergence of this new species will further expand the morphospace occupied by this morphologically diverse genus. Keywords: disparity, floral morphology, Gesneriaceae, pollination taxonomy
Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, sp. nov. Diagnosis: The new species is most similar to P. jingxiensis but can be distinguished from the latter by the short pedicels of 1–4 mm long (vs. long pedicels 10–22 mm), a slender tubular corolla (vs. narrowly funnel-shaped corolla), a short corolla tube of 8–12 mm long (vs. a long corolla tube of 15–25 mm long), distinctly unequal corolla lobes with the upper ones linear and reflexed and the lower ones oblanceolate (vs. subequal ovate corolla lobes with the upper ones erect), and included stigma (vs. exserted stigma). Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the almost linear upper corolla lobes. The Chinese name given is Xi Ban Shi Shan Ju Tai (细瓣石山苣苔). Tao Ding, Ming Liu, Qiang Zhang, Peng-Fei Wang, Xing Huang, Yan-Xiang Lin, Bo Pan and Peng-Wei Li. 2024. Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from southwestern Guangxi, China. Ecology and Evolution. 14(12); e70670. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70670 | ||||||
| 2:10a | [Botany • 2025] Pitcairnia zapoteca (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnioideae) • A New Species with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico
Abstract Background: Pitcairnia is the third largest bromeliad genus in Mexico with 57 species and ca. 82.5 % endemism, and is characterized mostly by zygomorphic, ornithophilous flowers of diurnal anthesis in several hues of red, orange, or yellow, whereas white or green flowers are uncommon. Moreover, there are just a few species with nocturnal anthesis in Megamexico. One of them is documented and discussed here. Questions: Is the Pitcairnia with campanulate, fragrant flowers of nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca different from other species with similar characters native to Mexico and the Neotropics and what is its conservation status? Studied species: Pitcairnia abundans, P. lokischmidtiae, P. zapoteca. Study site and dates: Oaxaca, Mexico, 2016-2024. Methods: Live plants, herbarium material, protologues, and high-resolution images of herbarium specimens, both of the new taxon and of morphologically similar taxa, were studied and compared against each other. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN criteria. Results: Pitcairnia zapoteca is similar but different at the species level from P. lokischmidtiae from Jalisco; both share campanulate flowers of nocturnal anthesis and a musky or frutal fragances. The conservation status of the new taxon is assessed as DD. Conclusions: Pitcairnia zapoteca is a new species, only known from the type locality in the state of Oaxaca and only one of three Mexican species with campanulate, white, yellowish or greenish flowers of nocturnal anthesis. The assessment the true conservation status of the new taxon requires detailed exploration of the SE portion of Oaxaca. Keywords: actinomorphic flowers, endemic species, nocturnal anthesis  
Pitcairnia zapoteca I. Ramírez, G. Carnevali & K. Romero, sp. nov. Diagnosis. This new species resembles Pitcairnia lokischmidtiae. However, P. zapoteca differs by the fewer leaves per rosette (10-15 vs. (16-)18-25 in P. lokischmidtiae), shorter leaves (40-60 vs. 80-100 cm), which are also narrower (1.3-1.5 vs. ca. 4.5 cm wide), and deciduous (vs. persistent); it also features shorter inflorescences (70-80 vs. 120 cm), larger floral bracts (1.5-2 vs. ca. 1 cm), sepals tinged dull brown-red (vs. totally green), pale-yellowish petals with distal, dull red brown tinges (vs. greenish white), the stigma surpassing the petals when the flower withers (vs.included), and ovary superior (vs. almost completely superior). Etymology. The name zapoteca honors the Zapotecan people, an ethnic group that have traditionally inhabited the type locality area. Ivón Ramírez-Morillo, Germán Carnevali, Katya J. Romero-Soler, Juan Pablo Pinzón, Iván Tamayo-Cen, Néstor Raigoza Flores and Ricardo Rivera Martínez. 2025. A New Species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico. Botanical Sciences. 103(1); 207-217. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3550 | ||||||
| 8:52a | [Herpetology • 2025] A Preliminary Assessment of the Diversity in the Frog Genus Anilany (Anura: Microhylidae: Cophylinae) with Description of Anilany karsticola, A New Species from western Madagascar
Abstract The cophyline microhylid frog genus Anilany was established as a monotypic genus in 2016 for the miniaturised species Anilany helenae (Vallan, 2000), from the type locality Ambohitantely, a patch of rainforest surrounded by savannah in central Madagascar. Fieldwork conducted over the past two decades identified three unexpected populations from Bemaraha, Mahajanga, and Beanka from limestone caves near sea level in arid western and northwestern Madagascar, which were assigned to the genus Anilany based on diagnostic morphological features. We generated new data for specimens of the Ambohitantely, Bemaraha, and Mahajanga populations to test if all three populations belong to one or multiple species, studying their genetic variability based on mitochondrial (16S rRNA, COI) and nuclear (BDNF, RAG-1) genes, as well as morphological and osteological data. We identify several previously unknown diagnostic characters of the skeleton of Anilany compared to its closest relatives, Rhombophryne and Stumpffia, but no skeletal features that can be used to reliably distinguish among Anilany populations. Based on concordant genetic and morphological differences, we formally describe the population from the limestone karsts of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, formerly considered candidate species Anilany sp. Ca14, as a new species, Anilany karsticola sp. n. It can be distinguished from other Anilany lineages by larger size and shorter relative tibia length, uncorrected p-distances in DNA sequences of the 16S gene amounting to 2.6% and a lack of allele sharing in the analysed fragments of the nuclear genes BDNF and RAG-1. More data, especially advertisement call recordings and additional specimens, are required from other locations for a more thorough assessment of the genus and the distribution of its species. Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Anilany karsticola sp. n., citizen science, iNaturalist, molecular genetics, morphology, osteology, systematics. 
Anilany karsticola sp. n. Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the genus Anilany on the basis of its small size combined with expanded terminal discs and T-shaped terminal phalanges, short
parasphenoid, broad, angled postchoanal vomers, absence
of a neopalatine, and close genetic afnities with A. helenae. It can be distinguished from populations of its only
described congener, A. helenae, by larger adult body size
(adult SVL 15.7–17.4 mm vs. 13.8–15.0 mm Ambohitantely
and 12.7 mm Mahajanga) and relative shorter tibia length
(TIBL/SVL 0.42–0.46 vs. 0.48 Ambohitantely and 0.47–
0.50 Mahajanga). Furthermore, A. karsticola sp. n. is distinguished from all other genetic lineages of Anilany by the ... Etymology: The species epithet karsticola is a first-declension noun derived from the German word ‘Karst’ (a craggy limestone formation), and the Latin lexical suffix ‘-cola’
meaning ‘inhabitor’, in refection of ecology of this species,
which has only been found in and near caves in limestone
karst within the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The
species name is considered as a noun in apposition.
Petzold, A., F. Glaw, K. E. Mullin, A. Rakotoarison, A. P. Raselimanana, A. Crottini, P. Orozco-terWengel, J. Köhler, D. Prötzel, M. Vences, M. Hofreiter and M. D. Scherz. 2025. A Preliminary Assessment of the Diversity in the Frog Genus Anilany (Microhylidae: Cophylinae) with Description of A New Species from western Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 70-94. | ||||||
| 9:48a | [Herpetology • 2025] Gracixalus weii • A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Guizhou Province, China
Abstract A new species of small tree frog was discovered in southwestern China, exhibiting morphological differences and molecular divergence. The new species, formally described herein as Gracixalus weii sp. nov., is morphologically distinct from other congeners by body size (SVL 30.1–34.0 mm in males and 35.2–36.0 mm in females). In addition, the head width was larger than the head length, with a distinct tympanum, a brown to beige dorsum, and an inversed Y-shaped dark brown marking. The skin of the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head, body, and limbs was rough and sparsely scattered with tubercles. The toes showed moderately developed webbing, while finger webbing was rudimentary. Nuptial pads were found on the base of finger I; males had a single subgular vocal sac, with heels overlapping when the legs were at a right angle to the body, and the tibiotarsal articulation reached the mid-eye when the legs were stretched forward. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA supported the new species as a sister species of G. jinxiuensis. Genetically, the new species diverges from its congeners by 3.4%–14.5% (uncorrected p-distance) and is closest to G. jinxiuensis, which is 3.4%. Key Words: Gracixalus weii sp. nov., Rhacophoridae, taxonomy, mitochondrial gene, southwestern China
Gracixalus weii sp. nov. Diagnosis: Gracixalus weii sp. nov. was assigned to the genus Gracixalus based on molecular data and morphological characteristics. Morphologically, the new species presented an intercalary cartilage between the terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits. The tips of the digits expanded into large disks with circummarginal grooves, the vomerine teeth were absent, and the pupil was horizontal (Delorme et al. 2005). ... Etymology: The specific epithet “weii” was given in honor of Professor Gang Wei from Guiyang University, in recognition of his contributions to the systematic studies and biodiversity conservation of amphibians in China. Jing Liu, Cai-Chun Peng, Bin Wang, Chao-Bo Feng, Tuo Shen, Shi-Ze Li, Ji-Jun Chen, Hai-Jun Su and Xiu-Jun Tang. 2025. A New Species of Gracixalus (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(1): 405-417. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.133735 | ||||||
| 10:09a | [Ichthyology • 2025] Protocobitis longibarba • A New Species of the rib-degenerated loach, Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China
Abstract A new species of the genus Protocobitis is described based on morphological comparisons and molecular analyses from specimens of a subterranean tributary of the Hongshui River, Lingyun County, Baise City, and a cave in Jinya Township, Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi, China. Both morphological and molecular data support the validity of Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characteristics: whole body except for head and area between pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin origin sparsely covered with minute scales; barbels elongate; five or six branched pectoral-fin rays and four branched pelvic-fin rays; vertebrae 4+42. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference phylogenetic trees exhibited congruent topological structures, exhibiting high node support for the monophyly of Protocobitis longibarba (BPP = 1; BS = 100), which was clustered with the other congeners. Key words: Cavefish, mitochondrial gene, Pearl River, taxonomy 
Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. Diagnosis: Protocobitis longibarba can be distinguished from all other species of Protocobitis by the following combination of characteristics: whole body, except for head and abdomen, sparsely covered with minute scales (vs scaleless in P. anteroventris, scales present along midline of body in P. typhlops; barbels elongate; 5–6 branched pectoral fin rays (vs seven in P. anteroventris, P. longicostatus, and P. polylepis); four branched pelvic-fin rays (vs five in other Protocobitis species); caudal-peduncle height 34.9%–58.6% of its length (vs 64.1%–65.7% in P. polylepis, 27.9%–43.3% in P. anteroventris); head width 7.3%–10.3% of SL (vs 5.4%–6.6% in P. anteroventris); head height 50.2%–80.6% of lateral head length (vs 45.7%–49.5% in P. longicostatus, 43.8%–46.8% in P. anteroventris). Etymology: The specific epithet is a combination of the Latin words long- (long) and -barba (barbel), indicating its long maxillary barbel, which extends almost to the vertical line at the junction of the head and dorsal body, feminine. We suggest the common Chinese name “Cháng Xū Yuán Huā Qiū (长须原花鳅)” and English name “long-barbal protocobitis”. Zhi-Xian Qin, Ye-Wei Liu, Si-Yu Zhang, Jing-Song Shi, Li-Na Du and Jia-Jun Zhou. 2025. A New Species of the rib-degenerated loach, Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1228: 185-195. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1228.131341 | ||||||
| 2:28p | [Botany • 2025] Sinocrassula holotricha (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China
Abstract A new species of crassulacean acid metabolism, Sinocrassula holotricha, is described based on specimen collected from Sichuan Province, Southwest China. The new species can be distinguished from its morphologically and phylogenetically related species by the hairy plants and lack of rosette. In the present study, a molecular phylogeny, taxonomic description, distribution information, and photographs of this new species are presented. Key words: Crassulaceae, Phylogeny, Rosette, Sempervivoideae
Sinocrassula holotricha J. Guan Wang, Jing Zhao & Chao Chen, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Morphologically, Sinocrassula holotricha is similar to S. ambigua and S. jiaozishanensis, but clearly differs from the latter two by its hairy plants (vs. glabrous), and similar to S. yunnanensis (Franch) A. Berger in having hairy plant, but differs from the latter in basal leaves opposite (vs. rosette), orangish-red (vs. yellowish green) petals, and ligulate (vs. quadrate) nectar scales (Table 2). The new species with the combined morphological characters of hairy plants and lack of basal rosette is obviously different from these known species. Etymology: The specific epithet holotricha is derived from the Latin holo, meaning whole, and “trichome,” meaning hair, in reference to the plants covered by pubescence throughout. Zhi-Bai Xu, Jing Zhao, Rong-Juan Li, Hong Jiang, Jia-Guan Wang and Chao Chen. 2025. Sinocrassula holotricha (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 251: 241-250. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.134633 | ||||||
| 4:26p | [Botany • 2025] Sedum guangxiense (Crassulaceae: Saxifragineae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China
Abstract A new species, Sedum guangxiense sp. nov., discovered in Guangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological differences indicate that this species is well separated from its close relatives in Sedum, justifying its recognition as a distinct new species. Morphologically, it closely resembles Sedum tosaense and S. emarginatum in its leaf shape, inflorescence type and life form, but it can be easily distinguished in its erect stems when young, much larger leaves, narrowly triangular petals, ovate nectar scales and oblong anthers. Key words: Phylogeny, sect. Sedum, Sedum guangxiense, taxonomy
Sedum guangxiense Yan Liu & C.Y.Zou, sp. nov. Diagnosis. Sedum guangxiense is similar to S. tosaense and S. emarginatum in its leaf shape and inflorescence type, but can be distinguished from the latter two by its erect stems in youth (vs. prostrate when young), much larger leaves (1.5–3.5 cm long vs. 1–2 cm), narrowly triangular petals (vs. narrowly elliptic-lanceolate and linear-lanceolate to lanceolate), ovate nectar scales (vs. subquadrangular and oblong) and larger, oblong anthers (rather than oblong-ovoid). Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the distribution in Guangxi Province, China. Chun-Yu Zou, Tao Meng, Shi-Yong Meng and Yan Liu. 2025. A New Species of Sedum (Crassulaceae, Saxifragineae) from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 252: 287-299. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.128011 |
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