Phytotaxa

Ilex damingshanensis (Aquifoliaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, with evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny

2026-09-09T19:18:52+12:00

Ilex damingshanensis (Aquifoliaceae), a new species from Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, is described and compared with morphologically similar species. The new species is morphologically most like I. occulta but can be distinguished by its lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate leaves with acuminate or obtuse apices (vs. elliptic or obovate-elliptic with obtuse or subrounded apices), distinctly crenulate-serrulate leaf margins (vs. subentire) and smaller pyrenes. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on three nuclear markers supports its distinct evolutionary position, revealing that it is sister to a large clade. In this sister clade, the morphologically most similar I. occulta is deeply nested alongside I. xiaojinensis, I. robustinervosa and I. peiradena.

Reduction of Clematis dingjunshanica (Ranunculaceae) to the synonymy of C. hexapetala, with a review on the ambiguity of the name C. angustifolia

2026-08-27T05:30:49+12:00

Based on our observations of herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants in the wild, we demonstrate that Clematis dingjunshanica described from Mianxian county in Shaanxi province, China, is not essentially different from C. hexapetala in any morphological characters, a species that is particularly common in northern China and also occurs in Korea, Mongolia, and Russia (eastern Siberia). We therefore place C. dingjunshanica in synonymy with C. hexapetala herein. We also discuss the ambiguity of the name C. angustifolia, to which sometimes C. hexapetala was reduced as a synonym.

**New Neidium (Neidiaceae: Bacillariophyta) Pfitzer species from a clear water lake in the Brazilian Amazon (Santarém, Pará, Brazil)**

2026-02-24T10:19:18+13:00

Two new species of Neidium, Neidium saire and Neidium mocorongo, are described from Verde Lake, located in the lower central region of the Amazon Basin, Brazil. Verde Lake is a clear water lake characterized by low pH (5.5–5.9), low conductivity (5.4–7.6 µS cm-1), and shallow Secchi depth (0.8–1.45 m). The lake has poorly buffered waters with seasonal algal blooms, driven by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The new species contributes to a diverse flora of unique species from the Amazon region. Currently, more than 25 Neidium taxa are recognized in the Amazon, comparable to species numbers in other parts of South America and North America. In this study, similarities in valve morphologies between the North American species and Amazonian species of Neidium are considered, suggesting possible similarities in morphological development between continents.

Mapping Floristic Research in Malvaceae: Scientometric Trends and a Case Study from Northeastern Brazil

2026-06-27T22:27:59+12:00

This study provides a thorough examination of regional floristic inventories of Malvaceae Juss. through a scientometric analysis. To identify publication trends, metrics including total publications, new herbarium collections, most used keywords and core authors were explored. This analysis highlights the critical impact of taxonomic specialists on floristic research. In addition, a case study from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil, demonstrates how focal efforts increased the recorded diversity of Malvaceae by approximately 51%. The updated checklist provides 26 new occurrence records for the state, including six new occurrences at genus level. The results emphasize the importance of specialists to generate accurate knowledge of local, regional, and global floras, aiding in achieving taxonomic and conservation goals.

Smithiomyces umbonatus (Agaricaceae), a new species from Anhui Province, subtropical China

2026-09-07T12:18:44+12:00

Smithiomyces Singer is a rare genus in the family Agaricaceae, previously known from the Neotropics and tropical Asia. Based on morphological observation and phylogenetic analyses of four nuclear loci (ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tef1-α), we describe Smithiomyces umbonatus sp. nov. from Anhui Province, China. The new species is characterized by a slightly prominent pileal umbo, conspicuous white rhizomorphs at the stipe base, and both 2- and 4-spored basidia. A full morphological description, field photographs, and line drawings of the microcharacters are provided.

Centrosema montanum, a new endemic species of Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil

2026-08-16T08:40:45+12:00

Centrosema montanum, a new species of Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is described, illustrated and compared to C. angustifolium, C. dasyanthum and C. pascuorum. The new species can be recognized by its pinnate leaves and lanceolate leaflets. The large flowers present pubescent calyx with linear lobes and emarginate stigmas. Additional comments about the geographic distribution, phenology, etymology, and taxonomy of C. montanum are provided. Due to its restricted area of occurrence which encompasses a fragmented landscape and poor habitat environmental quality, this species must be considered as Critically Endangered according to IUCN criteria.

Perilimnastes pluriflora (tribe Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), a new species from Sekong Province, Southern Laos

2026-09-13T04:35:09+12:00

Perilimnastes pluriflora from Sekong Province, is described here as a new species endemic to Laos. It resembles P. aura in having multi-branched stems, oblanceolate leaves, and bright pink flowers, and both species occur in relatively close geographical proximity. However, the new species can be readily distinguished from P. aura by its equal to subequal leaf pairs, multi-flowered inflorescences, shorter peduncles, linear calyx lobes, and longer petals with an acuminate to attenuate apex. So far, only two populations are known from the type locality, with the total number of mature individuals estimated at fewer than 50. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii); B2ab(iii); C2a(i); D].

Aeschynanthus basarensis: A new species from Arunachal Pradesh state, India

2026-06-24T03:59:01+12:00

Aeschynanthus basarensis, from Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated as a new species. It morphologically resembles Aeschynanthus micranthus in having sessile inflorescences, but differs due to the elliptic-lanceolate leaves, 3–4 cm long vs. narrowly ovate to elliptic, 5–10 cm long; calyx lobes linear-lanceolate vs. narrowly triangular to elliptic; corolla 2–2.2 vs. 2.5–3.5 cm long; style 4–4.2 vs. 0.5–1 cm long. It also appears to be morphologically similar to Aeschynanthus buxifolius, but differs in having leaves 3–4 vs. 0.7–2 cm long; bracts 1.5–2 vs. 3–4.5 mm; corolla lobes round, 2–2.5 mm vs. ovate to oblong, 3.2–3.5 mm; staminodes absent vs. present; style 4–4.2 vs. 0.65–1.5 cm long. This species is narrowly confined to the Lepa-Rada district of Arunachal Pradesh, in a small population comprising about 20–25 mature individuals in two localities Lep area of Soi Village. The threat status of this new species is provisionally assessed here as “Critically Endangered CRB2ab (III); D)” following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 16 (2024).