[Botany • 2024] Aphelandra almanegra (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the dry forests of the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia department, Colombia

 

Aphelandra almanegra   

in Gallego et Wood, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.2  

www.KEW.org 

Abstract

Aphelandra almanegra, a new species from tropical dry forest in Antioquia department, Colombia, is described, illustrated and mapped. Notes are given on its geographical distribution, phenology, conservation status and taxonomic affinities. It is compared with its morphologically closest relative Aphelandra pulcherrima, which differs by its habit, indumentum and various inflorescence characters. This species is restricted to dry forests of the Cauca River canyon, in the northwest of Colombia, a highly degraded and threatened ecosystem.

Endemism, Inter Andean Valleys, Vulnerable species, Eudicots

 

Pablo C. GALLEGO and John R.I. WOOD. 2024. Aphelandra almanegra (Acanthaceae), A New Species from the dry forests of the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia department, Colombia.  Phytotaxa. 652(3); 208-216. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.2

Kew's Top 10 New Species of 2024

  www.KEW.org/read-and-watch/top-10-species-2024

  www.TheGuardian.com/environment/2024/dec/19/toadstool-with-teeth-ghost-palm-plant-finds-2024

[Botany • 2024] Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Namibia

  Petalidium namibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk,

in Swanepoel et van Wyk. 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.2 

 

Abstract

Petalidium namibense, hitherto confused with P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the southwest, west and northwest of Puros in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows at the base of rocky outcrops, on arid hillsides, and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. namibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, corky bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of relative long dendritic trichomes appearing lanate, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate. The flowers of P. namibense are distinctive in having the two upper corolla lobes discolorous, abaxially light brown, adaxially vermillion, without nectar guides, and connate towards the base for 25–40% of their length. The anterior lobe is adaxially magenta with two relative long, narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. The two lateral lobes are adaxially vermillion, or distally magenta, grading to vermillion towards the throat, and lack conspicuous nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. namibense from P. sesfonteinense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and P. variabile, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species. 

endemism, flora, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Namib Desert, Ruellieae, Puros, taxonomy, Eudicots

Petalidium namibense, habitat and habit. 

A. Mature plant (ca. 0.5 m high) with greyish appearance, growing among rocks. 

B. Multiple stems (thickest ca. 80 mm in diam.) from base of a relatively old plant, each covered with thick corky bark.  

Petalidium namibense, habitat and habit. 

A. Several plants (dark grey dwarf shrubs) growing in the bed of an ephemeral drainage line. 

B. Ancient windswept plant sprouting from persistent woody stems with corky bark. 

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

 Petalidium namibense, morphology of leaves and flowers.
 A. Flower, reduced shoots, and congested leaves; leaves with dense greyish indumentum. B. Flower in the process of fading as indicated by its pale colours. C. Newly opened flower with bracteoles in oblique lateral view; note brownish abaxial colour of posterior corolla lobes. D. Flower in front view. E. Flower with bracteoles in lateral view. F. Flower in dorsal view.

 Photographs: W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium namibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium sesfonteinense, differing by having the leaf lamina ovate, elliptic, suborbicular or orbicular (vs. ovate, elliptic or oblanceolate); bracteoles with trichomes dendritic, interspersed with glandular ones (vs. trichomes glandular with in addition appressed simple ones towards base); corolla shorter, 15.0–17.5 mm (vs. 20–24 mm long), upper lobes rectangular, smaller, 4.9–5.2 × 2.9–3.2 mm (vs. obovate, 5.8–8.2 × 3.5–4.3 mm), upper and lateral lobes differently coloured than anterior lobe with nectar guides absent or inconspicuous (vs. all lobes similarly coloured, nectar guides on upper and lateral lobes conspicuous).

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Namib Desert to which Petalidium namibense is endemic. The Namib Desert in its broadest definition, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean from Saõ Nicolau (Bentiaba) in Angola through Namibia to the Olifants River in South Africa (Seely 2004, Goudie & Viles 2015).

Petalidium sesfonteinense, morphology of leaves and flowers.
A. Flowers, shoots, and leaves; greyish leaves are still densely covered in trichomes; green leaves almost glabrous. B–E. Flowers in front view showing variation in corolla colour and lobe margins, with two yellow nectar guides.

Photographs: W. Swanepoel. 

Republished from Swanepoel & Manzitto-Tripp (2022).

Wessel Swanepoel and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2024. Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia.  Phytotaxa. 671(2); 128-138. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.2 

[Botany • 2023] Stenostephanus purpureus (Acanthaceae: Justicieae: Isoglossinae) • A New Species from Costa Rica and Panama—Overlooked for More than 150 Years

 Stenostephanus purpureus 

in Daniel et Kriebel, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3100/hpib.v28iss2.2023.n3

 Abstract  

Comparative studies of macromorphological and palynological characters of plants representing Stenostephanus silvaticus from southern Mexico and southern Central America reveal that those from the two geographically isolated regions represent different taxa. Stenostephanus purpureus is described as a new species from Costa Rica and Panama. It differs from S. silvaticus of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz, Mexico by numerous characters, including: pyramidal inflorescences with rachises, dichasial peduncles, and floral pedicels glabrous; corollas blue-purple to purple with both lips recoiled; and pollen subspheroidal with a fossulate interapertural band of exine bearing a medial row of gemmae and baculae. We provide a description of S. purpureus and a key to, images of, and map showing the distributions of both species.

KEYWORDS: Stenostephanus silvaticus, pollen, nototriby/sternotriby/pleurotriby

Thomas F. Daniel and Ricardo Kriebel. 2023. Stenostephanus purpureus (Acanthaceae: Justicieae: Isoglossinae), A New Species from Costa Rica and Panama—Overlooked for More than 150 Years. Harvard Papers in Botany. 28(2); 655-662. DOI: doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v28iss2.2023.n3

 calacademy.org/phenomena/what-makes-a-new-species-a-new-species

Los estudios comparativos de caracteres macromorfológicos y palinológicos de plantas que representan a Stenostephanus silvaticus del sur de México y el sur de Centroamérica revelan que las de las dos regiones geográficamente aisladas representan taxones diferentes. Stenostephanus purpureus se describe como una especie nueva de Costa Rica y Panamá. Se diferencia de S. silvaticus de Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco y Veracruz, México por numerosos caracteres, entre ellos: inflorescencias piramidales con raquis, pedúnculos bicaisales y pedicelos florales glabros; corolas azul-púrpura a púrpura con ambos labios retraídos; y polen subesferoidal con una banda interapertural fosulada de exina que lleva una fila medial de yemas y báculas. Proporcionamos una descripción de S. purpureus y una clave, imágenes y un mapa que muestra las distribuciones de ambas especies.

[Botany • 2024] Dicliptera polymorpha (Acanthaceae: Justicieae) • A New pyrophytic Species from northern Western Ghats, India

Dicliptera polymorpha Dharap, Shigwan & Datar,

in Dharap, Shigwan et Datar, 2024.

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-024-10203-6

  x.com/naigavkar

Summary

A novel species, Dicliptera polymorpha, from the northern Western Ghats of India, has been identified and characterised. Dicliptera polymorpha is taxonomically distinct, due to its unique inflorescence form among Indian species, with inflorescence units (cymules) developing into spicate inflorescences. This species also stands out as the sole Indian representative of this genus with a documented pyrophytic habit and precocious flowering during the summer, following the typical flowering in the post-monsoon season. Comprehensive information on the habitat, geographic distribution and conservation status of the new species, along with illustrations, photographs and distribution maps, is provided.

Key Words: Justicieae, precocious flowering, taxonomy

Dicliptera polymorpha, in situ precocious flowering post fire.

photo: Adittya Dharap.

Dicliptera polymorpha Dharap, Shigwan & Datar sp. nov. 

 

Adittya V. Dharap, Bhushan K. Shigwan and Mandar N. Datar. 2024. Dicliptera polymorpha (Acanthaceae): A New pyrophytic Species from northern Western Ghats, India. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10203-6

  x.com/naigavkar/status/1819634457487286546

[Botany • 2024] Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from India

Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii 

in Goswami et Maity, 2024.

DOI: 10.54207/bsmps1000-2024-OPXV43 

Abstract

Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, a new species is described here from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This newly described species is closely allied to Phlogacanthus guttatus (Wall.) Nees, but can be differentiated by its strikingly different yellowish-cream colored corolla with yellow patches and brown maculation, ratio of calyx lobes and tube length being ~1:1 and deltoid staminodes (vs. greenish-cream to white corolla with red-maroon maculation, ratio of calyx lobes and tube length ~2:1 and subulate-ensiform staminodes in the latter).

Keywords: Andrographideae, Arunachal Pradesh, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii

 

Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii

Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity. 2024. A New Species of Phlogacanthus (Acanthaceae) from India. Indian Journal of Forestry. 46(4); 200-204. DOI: doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2024-OPXV43 

[Botany • 2024] Ruellia kalungae (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Goiás state, Brazil

Ruellia kalungae  G.V.R.Mendonça & M.J.Silva, 

in Mendonça et da Silva, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.635.1.6 

facebook.com/ogutiGustavo

 

Abstract

Taxonomic studies about Ruellia from Goiás state, Brazil, ongoing, revealed a new species, R. kalungae, that it is here described and illustrated, and systematically positioned. The novel species is similar to Ruellia nitens in the subshubby erect habit, leaves light green and corolla infundibuliform. However, it differs from the latter by several characters related specially to the shapes and indument of the leaves, bracts and capsules, inflorescence type, aspect and size of the calyx lacinia, presence de bracteoles, and number and shape of the seeds.

Cerrado, Conservation, Cerradicola, taxonomy, Eudicots

Ruellia kalungae

 

Gustavo Vieira Rodrigues Mendonça and Marcos José da Silva. 2024. A New Species of Ruellia L. (Ruellieae, Acanthaceae) from Goiás state, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 635(1); 98-104. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.635.1.6

 facebook.com/ogutiGustavo/posts/10231787775102387

 

[Botany • 2016] Wuacanthus microdontus • A New Chinese Endemic Genus segregated from Justicia (Acanthaceae)

Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, gen. nov.
  Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W. Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, 

in Deng, Gao, Xia et Peng, 2016.

DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2016.11.010 

Abstract

A new genus, Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng (Acanthaceae), is described from the Hengduan Mountains, China. Wuacanthus is based on Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W.Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, originally published in Justicia and then moved to Mananthes. The new genus is characterized by its shrub habit, strongly 2-lipped corolla, the 2-lobed upper lip, 3-lobed lower lip, 2 stamens, bithecous anthers, parallel thecae with two spurs at the base, 2 ovules in each locule, and the 4-seeded capsule. Phylogenetic analyses show that the new genus belongs to the Pseuderanthemum lineage in tribe Justicieae. Wuacanthus is closely related to Pseuderanthemum but differs from the latter by its shorter corolla tube and two minute spurs at the base of each anther-theca. W. microdontus is assessed with the status EN B2ab (iii) based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Acanthaceae, Jinshajiang Valley, Justicia, Justicieae, Pseuderanthemum lineage, Wuacanthus

  Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W. Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng.
A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Inflorescence; D. Flower; E. Calyx and pistil; F. Opened corolla showing androecium; G. Anther base showing spurs; H. Opened capsule.

 s: stamen; st: staminode; sp: spur.

Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, gen. nov.

 Type: Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W.Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng.

  Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W. Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng.
 A. Flowering branch; B. Portion of stem; C. Upper leaf surface; D. Lower leaf surface; E. Bract; F. Bracteole; G. Calyx; H. Opened calyx; I. Flower; J. Opened corolla showing androecium; K. Anther; L. Pistil; M. Stigma; N. Capsule; O. Seed.

A–G, I–M drawn from F. Ducloux 5741 (P) by Yun-Xiao Liu, 

G–H, N–O drawn by Ding-Han Cui from Y.F. Deng et al. 25860 (IBSC).

 Yunfei Deng, Chunming Gao, Nianhe Xia and Hua Peng. 2016. Wuacanthus (Acanthaceae), A New Chinese Endemic Genus segregated from Justicia (Acanthaceae). Plant Diversity. DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2016.11.010 

[Botany • 2024] Gymnostachyum calcicola (Acanthaceae: Andrographideae) • A New Species from Limestone Karst of Peninsular Malaysia

Gymnostachyum calcicola Rafidah, 

in Rafidah, Nazrah et Ong, 2024.

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.122869

 

Abstract

A new species, Gymnostachyum calcicola Rafidah, sp. nov. (Acanthaceae) is described from limestone karst in Peninsular Malaysia. Characters distinguishing it from related species, colour photographs, botanical illustration and provisional conservation status are provided.

Key words: Andrographideae, endemic, flora, Kelantan, taxonomy

Gymnostachyum calcicola Rafidah
A flowering plant B portion of inflorescence with flowers C flower D flower with opened corolla E bract, calyx and carpel with corolla and stamens removed F indumentum of anther along longitudinal line of dehiscence G anthers (dorsal and ventral views) H seeds I fruit J-K attachment of seeds

(all drawn by Mohd Aidil Nordin).

Gymnostachyum calcicola Rafidah
A habit B flower (side view) C flower (front view) D portion of inflorescence showing dichasial cymose branches E portion of infructescence.

 Gymnostachyum calcicola Rafidah, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Unique among Peninsular Malaysian species of Gymnostachyum by having a racemose inflorescences occasionally lower axils with pairs of flowers and dichasium inflorescence with opposite branches. Gymnostachyum calcicola shows affinity with Gymnostachyum decurrens var. decurrens and var. robinsonii by its crowded rosette leaves at the base, however it is different in the inflorescences type.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the limestone habitat of this species.

Abdul Rahman Rafidah, Abdul Rahman Ummul Nazrah and Poh Teck Ong. 2024. Gymnostachyum calcicola (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Limestone Karst of Peninsular Malaysia. PhytoKeys. 242: 273-280. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.122869

[Botany • 2023] Aphanandrium narupayacuensis • The Reinstatement of Aphanandrium (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Ecuador and Four New Combinations

 

Aphanandrium narupayacuensis Cornejo, Wassh. & Exe,

in Cornejo, Wasshausen, Exe et Johnson, 2023. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371958844

Abstract

 Aphanandrium, a genus of herbs and shrubs in the Acanthaceae from the Neotropics, is reinstated based on a previous phylogenetic study, and the following new combinations are herein presented: Aphanandrium grandifolius, A. harlingii var. harlingii, A. harlingii var. longifolius, and A. nitidus. Also, Aphanandrium narupayacuensis, a distinctive new species from the lowlands of northeastern Ecuador, is formally described and illustrated, and its relationship to morphologically closely related species is discussed. 

Keywords: Ecuador, Narupayacu, Neriacanthus, Neotropics

Aphanandrium narupayacuensis Cornejo, Wassh. & Exe.
A, habit; B, terminal leafy branch, abaxial view; C, inflorescence; D, close-up of swollen distal part of corolla tube; E, F, flowers at anthesis; G, longitudinal section of corolla, lateral view; H, floral bract, calyx, and base of corolla tube; I, fruits nearly to maturity attached to the rachis of infructescence, lateral view.

A–I are based on the type. 

Photographs A, B, G, and H by X. Cornejo; C, D, E, F, and I, by N. Exe.

Xavier Cornejo, Dieter Wasshausen, Nolan Exe and Mia Johnson. 2023. The Reinstatement of Aphanandrium (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Ecuador and Four New Combinations. Harvard Papers in Botany. 28(1);  31-36. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371958844_The_reinstatement_of_Aphanandrium_A_new_species_from_Ecuador

[Botany • 2024] Petalidium etendekaense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Namibia, with Notes on the Taxonomic Identity of P. glutinosum

  

 Petalidium etendekaense  Swanepoel, E.Tripp & A.E.van Wyk,

in Swanepoel, Manzitto-Tripp, Dexter et van Wyk, 2024. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.636.1.3

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Abstract

Petalidium etendekaense, previously mistaken for P. glutinosum and P. variabile, is now described as a new species. The name P. pilosibracteolatum is considered synonymous with the older P. glutinosum, the latter of which is also lectotypified. The newly described species is currently only known from the vicinity of Bergsig and slightly further west towards the Skeleton Coast National Park in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia. It typically grows on hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds, primarily in soils derived from Etendeka Group basalt. Diagnostic characters for P. etendekaense include its tomentose-strigulose indumentum, the inflorescence main axis and secondary branches that invariably become spiny with age, and a corolla with an ovate front lobe that is longer than it is wide. Additionally, all lobes of the corolla exhibit similar colours, ranging from dark burgundy to carmine to pink towards the apices. A comparison of some morphological features is provided to differentiate Petalidium etendekaense from P. glutinosum and P. variabile. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, we conducted a conservation assessment, resulting in the new species being classified as of Least Concern (LC).

Keywords: desert, endemism, flora, Kaokoveld, lectotypification, Ruellieae, Bergsig, taxonomy

 Petalidium etendekaense. Morphology of flowers and leaves.
A, B, C, D. Flowers in front view, each from a different plant to show variation; note all corolla lobes of a flower being similarly coloured. E. Flower and bracteole in lateral view; note absence of long, simple trichomes on bracteoles. F. Flower with bracteoles, viewed from below. G. Shoot showing leaves with dense white indumentum and persistent bracteoles of spent flowers, some enclosing developing fruit.

Scale bar = 3 mm. Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

 Petalidium etendekaense. Habitat and habit.
A. Several plants (foreground and greyish dwarf shrubs in the background) growing on the gently sloping ground between rocky hills in stony soil derived from Etendeka Group basalt. B. Mature plant (ca. 600 mm high) with very short main stem and greyish appearance.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

   Petalidium etendekaense. Habitat and habit.
 A. Plant (ca. 350 mm high) with relatively long single main stem, growing among rocks of Etendeka Group basalt. B. Part of fissured greyish white bark on woody stem (ca. 60 mm in diam.) at base of mature plant. C. Plants growing in abundance (right front and low greyish shrublets in background) among rocks of Etendeka Group basalt on a hill slope.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium etendekaense Swanepoel, E.Tripp & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis:—A woody shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium glutinosum and P. variabile, but differing from both in having indumentum on leaves tomentose-strigulose (vs. strigulose); corolla lobes ascending-spreading with respect to the corolla tube axis (vs. patent or upper lobes in line with tube to sub-patent), lobes all similarly coloured (vs. anterior and sometimes lateral lobes differently coloured or shaded than upper lobes); differing from P. glutinosum in absence of long, simple trichomes on bracteoles abaxially; differing from P. variabile in absence of short geniculate simple trichomes on bracteoles abaxially.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “etendekaense” refers to the Etendeka Tableland landscape (or plateau), which was formed by lava flows (basalts of the Etendeka Group) ca. 132 million years ago due to sea floor spreading and the formation of the South Atlantic. This plateau is a component of a significant igneous province, and its counterpart in Brazil is represented by the Paraná basalts (Goudie & Viles 2015). The name “Etendeka” is derived from the Otjiherero word for layered or stacked, in reference to the flat-topped mountains that define the landscape (Detay & Detay 2017, Atlas of Namibia Team 2022). The entire known population of Petalidium etendekaense is located in this landscape, growing on soils derived from Etendeka basalt.

Wessel Swanepoel, Erin A. Manzitto-Tripp, Kyle G. Dexter and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2024. Petalidium etendekaense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia, with Notes on the Taxonomic Identity of P. glutinosum. Phytotaxa. 636(1); 35-47. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.636.1.3

[Botany • 2023] Reinstatement of the Name Petalidium ovatum (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae), with an amplified description of the species

Petalidium ovatum (Schinz) Clarke, 

P. englerianum (Schinz) Clarke

in Swanepoel, Dexter, Loiseau et van Wyk, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.626.3.2

 

Abstract

The name Petalidium ovatum is reinstated and an amplified description is provided for a species of Petalidium confined to Namibia. Petalidium ovatum used to be treated as a synonym of the widespread P. englerianum, but morphological characters support the reinstatement. Petalidium ovatum is a range-restricted species, only known from the Khorixas-Bergsig area in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows on arid hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. ovatum include the pale grey, often almost white, appearance of the plants, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of both stellate and dendritic trichomes, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, bracts oblanceolate with apices acute or obtuse, and bracteoles widely ovate. The flowers of P. ovatum are distinctive in having the anterior corolla lobe partly or completely yellow, the others burgundy, and with the two upper lobes connate towards the base for almost half their length. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate Petalidium ovatum from P. englerianum, its morphologically most similar relative, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC) is recommended for the reinstated species.

Eudicots, desert, endemism, Flora, Kaokoveld, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Ruellieae, Khorixas, Bergsig, lectotypification, taxonomy

  Petalidium ovatum, habit. 

A. Dwarf shrub, ca. 350 mm high (at Farm Fonteine 717). B. Base of mature plant showing woody stems with fissured greyish white bark (at Farm Fonteine 717).  

Petalidium ovatum, habitat and habit. 

A. Plant (ca. 600 mm high) on arid hillside at Grootberg, highest point on road C39 between Vrede and Bergsig. B. Plant (ca. 500 mm high) in ephemeral riverbed, Farm Inhoek 482, 8 km from Khorixas on road C39. 

Photographs: W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium ovatum, leaf (A) and flower morphology (B–E). 

A. Branchlet with leaves and flowers. B. Flower in front view. C. Flower in lateral view; note widely ovate bracteole with venation ca. visible. D. Flower in front view. E. Flower in lateral view; note bracteoles with indumentum particularly dense and venation not visible.

 Petalidium englerianum, leaf (A) and flower morphology (B–E). 

A. Branchlet with leaves and flower, the latter starting to fade. B. Flower in front view. C. Flower in lateral view. D. Flower in front view. E. Relatively old flower; upper corolla lobes having turned brownish orange as they are fading. 

Photographs: W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium ovatum (Schinz) Clarke (1899: 90) 

Wessel Swanepoel, Kyle G. Dexter, Oriane Loiseau and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2023. Reinstatement of the Name Petalidium ovatum (Acanthaceae), with an amplified description of the species.  Phytotaxa. 626(3); 159-169. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.626.3.2

[Botany • 2023] Isoglossa pareensis (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp, 

in Darbyshire et Hemp, 2023.

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10103-1

Summary

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp (Acanthaceae), from submontane moist forest at Mwala in the South Pare Mountains of northeastern Tanzania, is described and illustrated. This species is considered to be related to I. gregorii (S.Moore) Lindau and I. punctata (Vahl) Brummitt & J.R.I.Wood, which are widespread in the montane forests of eastern Africa, but it clearly differs from these species in inflorescence structure and indumentum and in anther morphology. Notes on the habitat requirements and extinction risk of this new species are provided; it is considered to be Vulnerable under IUCN criterion D2 because of its extremely limited range and a plausible future threat from wildfires. The recent discovery of the Critically Endangered acanthaceous herb Asystasia masaiensis Lindau at lower, drier elevations at the same site is also reported and the first known photograph of that species is reproduced

Key Words: Conservation, extinction risk, Isoglossinae, IUCN Red List, taxonomy.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov. 
A habit, flowering branch; B flower in situ; C face view of corolla with stamens and stigma visible at mouth; D dissected corolla with stamens; E partial infructescence with mature capsules; F indumentum of calyx lobe, side view, external face to left; G indumentum of peduncle; H capsule with seeds, and dorsal view of capsule valve; J mature seed, with detail of sculpturing.

A & D from Hemp 8165; B & C from photographs of plants in the field; E – J from Hemp 6953. DRAWN BY ANDREW BROWN.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov.
 A – C in situ at Mwala, Tanzania, collected as A. Hemp 7355;
D & E in cultivation at UBT.

PHOTOS: A – C a. Hemp; D, E U. Meve.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov.

RECOGNITION. Isoglossa pareensis is similar to I. gregorii in foliage and to both I. gregorii and I. punctata in corolla form and in having seeds with elongate, minutely glochidiate tubercles, but differs from both in the inflorescence being a panicle-like thyrse with pedunculate dichasial or monochasial cyme units (vs inflorescence a simple spike or, if branched, the branches being spiciform with (sub)sessile cyme units); in the anther thecae overlapping for c. half their length (vs thecae fully superposed to widely separated); in the capsule being puberulous with eglandular and occasional glandular hairs (vs capsule glabrous or occasionally with few eglandular hairs towards apex and/or with scattered glandular and/or long eglandular hairs); and in the inflorescence axes and calyces having a more dense indumentum including more numerous glandular hairs. It additionally differs from I. gregorii in having linear-lanceolate bracts, 1.3 – 3.6 × 0.3 – 0.5 mm (vs bracts elliptic, somewhat obovate or basal pairs ovate, (3.5 –) 4.5 – 14 × 0.7 – 6 mm) (Fig. 5; Table 1).

ETYMOLOGY. The species epithet “pareensis” denotes that this species is, so far as is known, endemic to the Pare Mountains of Tanzania.

 Iain Darbyshire and Andreas Hemp. 2023. A further New Species of Isoglossa (Acanthaceae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10103-1

[Botany • 2023] Petalidium karasbergense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Namibia

Petalidium karasbergense  Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk,

in Swanepoel et van Wyk, 2023.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.1.1

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Abstract

Petalidium karasbergense, here described as a new species, is only known from the Groot Karasberge (Great Karas Mountains) in southeastern Namibia where it grows on arid hillsides in dwarf shrubland. Diagnostic morphological characters for P. karasbergense include the rigid, tapering and often spinescent distal stems and lateral branchlets, grey, grey-white or grey-black bark (white to cream when young), strigulose, glabrescent vegetative parts, oblanceolate to narrowly obovate leaves, and the free to almost free bracteole pairs (not connate at the base). A comparison of some of the more prominent features to differentiate Petalidium karasbergense from P. parvifolium, its morphologically most similar relative, and P. lucens with which its distribution range marginally overlaps, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Vulnerable VU D1 is recommended for the new species.

Keywords: desert, endemism, flora, Great Karas Mountains, Groot Karasberge, Petalidium lucens, Petalidium parvifolium, Ruellieae, taxonomy

Petalidium karasbergense, morphology of flowers, stems, and leaves. A. Flower in front view. B. Flower with bracteoles in lateral view. C. Flower viewed from below; note the bracteoles that are not connate at the base, hence the calyx is clearly visible over the whole of its length. D. Branchlet showing an open flower, persistent bracteoles, and leafy side shoots (some tapering to a spinescent tip). E. Enlarged portion of Auret 5617 in Herb. PRE showing three brachyblasts, the longest one with several phyllopodia, the latter each ca. 1 mm long.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel (A–D) and A.E. van Wyk (E).

Petalidium karasbergense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium parvifolium, differing in having the distal stems and lateral branchlets tapering to a blunt or spinescent apex (vs. cylindric); indumentum on vegetative parts strigulose (vs. scattered sessile glandular trichomes); young growth not glutinous (vs. covered with a glutinous secretion [glossy]); leaf lamina subconduplicate towards recurved apex (vs. flat or subreduplicate, apex slightly recurved); bracteoles free or almost free from base (vs. distinctly connate towards base), indumentum (abaxially) on bracteoles strigulose (vs. scattered sessile glands, towards base sometimes with very short stalked glandular trichomes in addition).

Petalidium karasbergense, habitat and habit. A. Plant (ca. 50 cm high) with open flower. B. Old, stunted plant showing thick, woody stem (ca. 8 cm in diameter). C. Mature plant (ca. 80 cm high) in habitat; surrounded by sandstone rocks of the Nama Group.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Groot Karasberge in southeastern Namibia, the mountain complex to which the new species is confined.

Wessel Swanepoel and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2023. Petalidium karasbergense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia.  Phytotaxa. 609(1); 1-9. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.1.1

 

[Botany • 2023] Lepidagathis dalzelliana (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) • A New Species from the Northern Western Ghats of India

Lepidagathis dalzelliana S. More, Mane, M. Sawant & H.S. Bhosale, 

in More, Mane, Sawant et Bhosale, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/17143

 Researchgate.net/publication/372308135

Lepidagathis dalzelliana sp. nov., (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae), is described from Maharashtra, India. The new species is closely allied to Lepidagathis clavata Dalzell. in appearance, but differs by long lanceolate, hairy bracts, and spatulate, oblanceolate to ovate-lanceolate glabrous leaves. Colored photographs and notes are provided to facilitate its distinction from closely allied species. In addition, we have designated the lectotype for the name Lepidagathis prostrata Dalzell.

Key words:  Acanthaceae, India, Plateau, Barlerieae

Lepidagathis dalzelliana sp. nov.
  a - Habit, b - Spike close up, c - Style and ovary, d - Capsule, e - Seed, f - Flower, g - Vegetative twig showing leaves, h - Bracts abaxial and side view, i - Bracteoles, j - Sepals

(Photographs © Sushant More & Rohit Mane).

 

Lepidagathis dalzelliana S. More, Mane, M. Sawant & H.S. Bhosale sp. nov.

Lepidagathis dalzelliana sp nov. is morphologically allied to L. clavata Dalzell. but can be distinguished by leaves broadly oblanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, base attenuate (versus leaves oblong-lanceolate, base truncate), terminal, axillary, 3-4 cm long, elongated or pyramidal shaped spikes (versus terminal, 7-8 cm long, oblong or clavate spikes),floral 2.5 - 3cm. long, lanceolate, sterile ca. 3.5 - 3.9 cm long, ovate-lanceolate, hairy bracts (versus floral 1-1.5 cm. long, ovate, hairy, sterile 1.8-2 cm long, lanceolate, plicate, glabrous bracts).

Etymology: The new species is named after Nicol Alexander Dalzell conservator of forests and superintendent of the Botanical Gardens in the Bombay Presidency, to honour his work and contributions to the field of the botany of Western Maharashtra.

 Sushant More, Rohit Mane , Mandar Sawant and Harshal Bhosale. 2023. Lepidagathis dalzelliana (Acanthaceae), A New Species from the Northern Western Ghats and Lectotypification of the Name Lepidagathis prostrata Dalzell. International Journal of Advanced Research. 11(6); 907-911. DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/17143 

Researchgate.net/publication/372308135_LEPIDAGATHIS_DALZELLIANA_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_THE_NORTHERN_WESTERN_GHATS