[Funga • 2024] Cyathus magnipilosus (Basidiomycota: Nidulariaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Borneo

Cyathus magnipilosus

in Góis, Cruz, Baseia et Hosaka, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.1.3 

 x.com/RhudsonCruz 

 

Abstract

In this study, we present the first new species of Cyathus from Indonesia. Cyathus magnipilosus is characterized by having light-colored basidiomata, an exoperidium with long tomentum, single-layered cortex, black peridioles with a smooth surface and elongated basidiospores. The new species is presented with morphological illustrated description, and phylogenetic analyses using ITS and LSU sequences. Cyathus magnipilosus fits in the pallidum group, based on recent classifications. Comparative analyses with related taxa and a detailed discussion are provided as well as an identification key to the known species of Cyathus in the pallidum group for the world.

biodiversity, bird's nest fungi, new taxa, phylogeny, systematics, Fungi

 

Jefferson Dos Santos GÓIS, Rhudson Henrique Santos Ferreira da CRUZ, Iuri Goulart BASEIA and Kentaro HOSAKA. 2024. A New Species of Cyathus (Nidulariaceae, Basidiomycota) from Kalimantan, Borneo.  Phytotaxa. 677(1); 66-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.1.3

  x.com/RhudsonCruz/status/1867030844831043887

[Funga • 2024] Peniophora salaccae (Russulales: Peniophoraceae) • A Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca) pathogen from southern Thailand

  

 Peniophora salaccae  Suwannar. S. Boukaew & J. Kamla, 

in Boukaew, Kamla et Suwannarach. 2024.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.2.2

 facebook.com/NakarinSuwannarach

 

Abstract

The genus Peniophora is known to be distributed from boreal to tropical regions worldwide. During surveys of plant diseases in southern Thailand in 2022 and 2023, two specimens of rotten snake fruits (Salacca zalacca) were collected. The new species, Peniophora salaccae, is described based on collections with morphological and molecular data. This species is characterized by orange-gray to brownish-orange basidiomes, simple-septate generative hyphae, brown lamprocystidia, subclavate to subcylindrical gloeocystidia, and subtriangular basidiospores. It can be distinguished from P. trigonosperma by its larger basidiospores and shorter lamprocystidia. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the large subunit (nrLSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) confirmed the position of the new species within the genus Peniophora. The full description, color photographs, illustrations, and the phylogenetic tree showing the position of P. salaccae are provided. Additionally, pathogenicity tests showed that P. salaccae could infect snake fruits, which developed the same symptoms under artificial inoculation conditions as those observed in the field.

Corticioid fungus, pathogenic fungus, phylogeny, taxonomy, tropical area, Fungi

 Peniophora salaccae sp. nov. 

Sawai Boukaew, Jaturong Kamla and Nakarin Suwannarach. 2024. Peniophora salaccae sp. nov. (Russulales, Basidiomycota), A Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca) pathogen from southern Thailand. Phytotaxa. 662(2); 137-149. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.662.2.2

Researchgate.net/publication/382967126_Peniophora_salaccae_a_Salacca_pathogen_from_southern_Thailand

 facebook.com/NakarinSuwannarach/posts/8326187354091908

 facebook.com/SKRUAgriTech/posts/997963168785162

โรคอุบัติใหม่ในประเทศไทย “โรคผลเน่าในสละ จากเห็ดสกุล Peniophora ที่เป็นชนิดใหม่ของโลก” 

[Botany • 2023] Butia soffiae (Arecaceae) • A New Purple-flowered Butia from the Highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros (Brazil)

Butia soffiae   B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos,

in Sant`Anna-Santos. 2023.

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.110654

Abstract

Background and aims – The highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros region comprise one of the largest savannah areas in central Brazil. The region includes large areas of the rare and little-known cerrado rupestre, which is home to numerous endemic species. During research on the Arecaceae flora of Chapada dos Veadeiros, a new species of Butia was discovered, and it is described here.

Material and methods – The morphology and anatomy are described based on field collections. Following the default methodology, pinnae and flowers were analysed using LM (freehand cross- and longitudinal sections) and SEM. The new species is compared to its morphologically similar species from the Brazilian central plateau, and an identification key and distribution map were established.

Key results – At first sight, the new species Butia soffiae resembles B. archeri, but with staminate and pistillate flowers, which are always purple, different in size, and congested in the rachillae. After close inspection, it is morphologically allied to B. buenopolensis, differing mainly by its glaucous peduncular bract – similar size to the inflorescence, herbaceous peduncle, numerous rachillae, purple floral colour, and inconspicuous staminodes. Differences in leaf anatomy, such as the presence of raphides, a cross-sectionally truncated midrib, and the number of accessory bundles on the midrib, also support the description of a new species. Two structures were recorded for the first time for the genus: squamiform trichomes at the base of the pistil and osmophores on the staminodes. The new species is assessed as Critically Endangered based on the restricted area of occurrence and anthropogenic threats.

Conclusion – Butia soffiae is the first endemic Butia species described in Chapada dos Veadeiros. The type population is located near Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, which is the subject of a bill that aims to reduce its area by 73%. The discovery of this new species reinforces the uniqueness of the local flora and the importance of maintaining the park.

Keywords: acaulescent, Goiás State, new species, Palmae, plant anatomy, raphides, squamiform trichomes, taxonomy

Butia soffiae.
 A. Arched leaves. B. Close-up of an asymmetrical pinna tip. C. Branched inflorescence and congested flowers. D. Rachillae. E. Sepals, connate at the base. F. Petal: ventral view. G. Stamen: lateral view. H. Stamen: dorsal view. I. Close-up of a pistillode. J. Pistillate flower: imbricate sepals. K. Petals, imbricate at the base and valvate at the tip. L. Valvate tip. M. Pistil. N. Fruit: persistent perianth. O. Endocarp pore.

A–M from Sant’Anna-Santos 378 (UPCB, holotype), fruit of N and endocarp of O added from habitat photographs. 

Illustration by Gustavo Surlo.

Butia soffiae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Butia soffiae is similar to B. buenopolensis B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, from which it differs by congested pinnae on the leaf rachis (vs lax pinnae); longer rachis (45–79 cm vs 25–40 cm); fibres of the pseudopetiole red (vs brown); true petiole frequently absent (vs always present); longer prophyll (6.5–14 cm vs 5–6.5 cm); glaucous peduncular bract (vs glossy); peduncular bract almost the same size as the inflorescence (vs smaller than the inflorescence); herbaceous peduncle (vs woody); longer inflorescence axis (11–28 cm vs 4.0–7.5 cm); flowers light purple (vs dark purple); inconspicuous staminodes (vs conspicuous staminodes); more rachillae (27–32 vs 4–7).

Floral morphology of Butia soffiae.
A. Rachillae bearing only staminate flowers on its upper 2/3 and triads on its lower 1/3: staminate flowers in anthesis (white arrowheads). B. Triad: a central pistillate flower flanked by two staminate flowers. C. Briefly pedicellate staminate flower (dotted white circle) and floral bracteole (white arrowhead). Sepals (grey dot). Petals (white dot). ...

Vegetative and reproductive morphological aspects of Butia soffiae. 
A. Solitary habit of specimens (white rectangles) in the understory. B. The black arrowheads indicate the congested pinnae. Leaf rachis (white arrowhead). C. Asymmetric and acuminate tip of a pinna (pi). D. Ramenta (ra). E. Prophyll (pr). F. Closed peduncular bract (pd) glaucous and purple. G. Closed peduncular bract (pd) glaucous and green. H. Yellowish-green rachillae (ra). I. Early stage of fruit development: sepals (se), petals (pe), and shiny aspect of perianth margins (white arrowheads). J. Purple fruit: apical stigmatic remains (white circle) and persistent perianth (pe). K. Endocarp in lateral view: subequatorial pore (po). Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Habitat and morphoanatomical aspects of Butia soffiae with ecological implications and threats in the vicinity of the type population.
A. Specimen of Velloziaceae (white arrowhead). B. Inflorescence of the endemic and rare Syagrus caerulescens. C. Bee visiting a stamen. D. Bee visiting a petal. E. Pollen (po). F. Droplet of nectar (white arrowhead). G. Beetle visiting a petal. H. Frontal view of staminodial ring: staminode (black circle), raphides (white arrowheads), and vascularisation (black arrowheads), LM. I. Detail of H: vascularisation (black arrowhead) under polarised light, LM. J. Cross-section of the staminode’s vascularisation (black dotted), LM. Ovary (ov). Staminode (st). K. Frontal view of staminode showing the oil-like droplets (white arrowhead). L. Sudan staining of lipophilic compounds (white arrowhead). M. Infructescence: aphids (white circles) and ants (white arrowheads). N. Inflorescence at pre-anthesis grazed by cattle. O. Landscape view of a pasture nearby the type population showing a rocky outcrop (black arrowhead), a Eucalyptus sp. plantation (grey arrowhead), cattle, and non-native grasses (white arrowheads). Butia soffiae (white rectangle) in the foreground.

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Etymology: The epithet honours Dr Patrícia Soffiatti, affectionately called Soffi by her friends and mentees. She is a Brazilian scientist and professor at the Department of Botany at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), mainly devoted to studying Cactaceae. Her deep knowledge of the environment where cactuses and palms cohabit and her expertise in plant anatomy were essential to the description of the newly acaulescent Butia and Syagrus species discovered by our team on the Serra do Cabral massif.

 Bruno Francisco Sant`Anna-Santos. 2023. A New Purple-flowered Butia (Arecaceae) from the Highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros (Brazil). Plant Ecology and Evolution 156(3): 383-398. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.110654

[Botany • 2023] Syagrus aristeae (Arecaceae) • A New rupicolous Palm from the Campos Rupestres, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, 

in Sant'Anna-Santos, Carvalho et Soffiatti, 2023.

DOI: 10.24823/ejb.2023.1974

Abstract

The Syagrus glaucescens species complex occurs in the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. In addition to Syagrus duartei Glassman, S. glaucescens Glaz. ex Becc. and S. evansiana Noblick, a fourth undescribed species was previously identified by its morphology, leaf anatomy and geographical isolation. Here we formally describe this species as new to science and compare it with Syagrus evansiana, its closely related species. We also provide a distribution map, illustrations, photographs, taxonomic notes, and an IUCN conservation status assessment of Endangered.

Keywords: Arecaceae, Palmae, Serra do Cabral State Park, Syagrus aristeae, Syagrus evansiana, Syagrus glaucescens complex

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.
 A, Solitary habit; B, asymmetrical tip; C, unbranched inflorescence; D, branched inflorescence. E–J, staminate flower: E, staminate flower, opened; F, detail of calyx; G and H, petals; I, dorsal view of stamens; J, ventral view of stamens and pistillode. K–S, pistillate flower: K, pistillate flower (front view); L–N, sepals; O–Q, petals; R, pistil; S, staminodal ring. T, Stigma; U, three endocarp pores; V, four endocarp pores.

Drawn from the holotype, Sant’Anna-Santos 388 (DIAM), by G. Surlo.

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.
A, Landscape photograph of the type locality in the Serra do Cabral State Park: individuals (white rectangles) growing in the rocky outcrops (Ro); B, specimen (black arrow) growing in the rocky outcrop (Ro); C, specimen (black arrow) growing on the sandy soils near rocky outcrops (Ro); D, pinnae irregularly arranged in the leaf rachis; E, dark-green adaxial (Ad) and glaucous abaxial (Ab) surfaces of the pinnae; F, the asymmetrical tip (white arrow); G, the long tapering tip (white arrow); H, abaxial side of the leaf rachis with white tomentum (To); I, leaf sheath with fibrous margins; J, pinnae consumed (white arrow) by locusts: abaxial surface (Ab); H, pinnae consumed (white arrow) by locusts: adaxial surface (Ad).

Photographs: B. F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.
A, Habitat photograph of the typelocality in the Serra do Cabral State Park: individual flowering (white circle); B, branched inflorescence; C, detail of branched inflorescence: floral visitor on the peduncular bract (PB); D, rachillae with pre-anthesis flowers stored in ethyl alcohol: triads (a central pistillate flower flanked by two staminate flowers) on the lower portion of the rachilla (black line) and isolated staminate flower occupying the upper half of the rachilla (blue line); E, deeply grooved peduncular bract (PB); F, prophyll (Pr); G, unbranched inflorescence; H, fruits (Fr): epicarp covered with crackled plates.

Photographs: B. F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

Similar to Syagrus evansiana Noblick but differs by its size (100–165 cm vs 60–100 cm tall); abaxial side of petiole and rachis with tomentum and leaf rachis 94–145 cm long (vs glabrous and 21–92 cm long); peduncular bract glabrous (vs with indument); inflorescence axis 18–29.5 cm long (vs 4.5–17 cm long); the rachillae of the apex and base of the inflorescence being almost the same size (vs different sizes); staminate flowers 10–15.9 mm long and stamens 5.9–9 mm long (vs flowers 8–10 mm long and stamens 3.5–4 mm long); pistillate flowers of the apex and base of the inflorescence being almost the same size (vs different sizes); pistil 5.8–7.7 cm long and glabrous (vs 10–11 cm long with lepidote indument from base to nearly the base of the stigmas); stigmas 3 (vs 3–5), epicarp covered with crackled plates (vs with a thick brown indument).

Etymology. Named in honor of Professor Aristea Alves Azevedo, one of the most prominent Brazilian botanists and the first woman hired as a professor by the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) in the 1970s. Recently, she received the Peter Henry Rolfs Medal of Merit in teaching, one of the UFV’s highest honours. She mentored many botanists in plant anatomy, an inarguable source for the taxonomy of Arecaceae. Moreover, her former mentees carry out relevant research in plant conservation in Brazil, including for several botanical families of the campos rupestres of Minas Gerais.

  

B.F. Sant'Anna-Santos, L.F.L. Carvalho and P. Soffiatti. 2023. A New rupicolous Palm from the Campos Rupestres, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. (80); DOI: 10.24823/ejb.2023.1974

[Botany • 2023] Pinanga subterranea (Arecaceae: Arecoideae: Areceae) • A New Arecoid Palm from Borneo that Flowers Underground

Pinanga subterranea Randi & W.J.Baker, 

in Randi, Petoe, Kuhnhäuser, Chai, Bellot et Baker, 2023.

 Researchgate.net/publication/371756560 

DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10393

A new acaulescent species of Pinanga (Arecoideae: Areceae: Arecinae) is described and illustrated here. This remarkable new species is the first palm described as flowering and fruiting underground, highlighting Borneo as a hotspot for palm diversity. 

Pinanga subterranea.
 (a) Mature, fruiting individual, with leaf litter and soil partially removed around base to expose tip of infructescence; (b) base of plant, with top layer of soil removed to expose ripe red fruits (left) and unripe green-brown fruits (right); (c) ripe fruits. Scale bar = 1 cm; (d) partially excavated infructescence bearing young fruits; (e) bearded pig (Sus barbatus), a seed disperser of Pinanga subterranea.

Localities: (a–c) Gunung Niut Natural Reserve, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, (d) Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia, (e) Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Photographs: (a–c) Agusti Randi, (d) William J. Baker, (e) Benedikt G. Kuhnhäuser.

Population of mature Pinanga subterranea in Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia.

 Photograph: William J. Baker.

Pinanga subterranea Randi & W.J.Baker, sp.nov.

Diagnosis: This species is superficially similar to P. tenacinervis J.Dransf. (1980) but can be easily distinguished by its solitary habit (vs. clustering in P. tenacinervis), stem, crownshaft and inflorescence that are usually subterranean(vs. all above ground), and erect, usually subterranean infructescence (vs. pendulous, aerial).

Etymology: The specific epithet “subterranea” is derived from the Latin word subterraneus, meaning “underground.” This reflects the position of the stem, inflorescences and crownshaft below ground level. 

Habitat: Mainly recorded from lowland mixed dipterocarp forest valleys and on slopes near streams. On clay soils on chalk, red clay soils, or sandy clay soils, up to 650 m elevation.

Vernacular nam: Pinang Tanah (Malay, West Kalimantan). Pinang Pipit, Muring Pelandok (Kendorih language, Central Kalimantan).Tudong Pelandok (Iban language, Sarawak).  

Agusti Randi, Peter Petoe, Benedikt G. Kuhnhäuser, Paul P.K. Chai, Sidonie Bellot and William J. Baker. 2023. Pinanga subterranea, A New Arecoid Palm from Borneo that Flowers Underground. PALMS, the Journal of the IPS. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371756560_Pinanga_subterranea_a_New_Arecoid_Palm_from_Borneo_that_Flowers_Underground

 twitter.com/nemesis_bone/status/1671723846372835328

 phys.org/news/2023-06-hidden-plain-sight-rare-palm.html

 

Benedikt G. Kuhnhäuser, Agusti Randi, Peter Petoe, Paul P. K. Chai, Sidonie Bellot and William J. Baker. 2023. Hiding in plain sight: The underground palm Pinanga subterranea. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET. DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10393

[Botany • 2023] Syagrus carvalhoi (Arecaceae) • A New Bluish-leaved Syagrus from an overlooked OCBIL in the Espinhaço Range (Brazil)

 

Syagrus carvalhoi  B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos,

in Sant'Anna-Santos, Micheli, Carvalho et Soffiatti, 2023. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.101027

Abstract

Background and aims – This study is part of ongoing research on the Arecaceae Flora of the Serra do Cabral, an isolated massif in the southwest of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais State. Because of the isolation of the massif, the area has a rich biodiversity and a high level of endemism. While searching for populations of the rare and critically endangered Syagrus cabraliensis, a new bluish-leaved palm species was discovered and it is described here.

Material and methods – The new species’ morphology is described based on field collections. The pinnae were analysed using SEM and LM cross- and longitudinal sections following default methodology. In addition, we compared the species to S. cabraliensis and provided ecological notes and a conservation status assessment.

Key results – Syagrus carvalhoi resembles S. cabraliensis but they can easily be distinguished by morphoanatomical characters. Both species occur non-sympatrically in the Serra do Cabral, in contrasting microhabitats: S. carvalhoi in the southern quartzitic campos rupestres and S. cabraliensis in the northern ferruginous campos rupestres. A key to the known grass-like Syagrus species from the massif is provided. Based on the restricted area of occurrence and the anthropogenic threats, Syagrus carvalhoi is assessed as critically endangered.

Conclusion – Syagrus carvalhoi is the second grass-like endemic Syagrus species from the Serra do Cabral and presents rare characters within the genus (grass-like aspect, colonial habit, flowers in tetrads, and the stem forking at or below the ground). This discovery corroborates that this isolated OCBIL (old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscape) is a home for endemic and rare palm species. The Serra do Cabral massif has proved a source of morphological and anatomical novelties in Arecaceae, affecting the taxonomy and understanding of the evolution and ecology of palms. Our results reinforce the notion that it is important to conserve this area with rich and rare biodiversity but under alarming and unprecedented threats.

Keywords: campos rupestres, grass-like leaf, Minas Gerais State, new species, Palmae, plant anatomy, Serra do Cabral, taxonomy

 

Syagrus carvalhoi  B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos 
A. Straight leaves. B. Spicate inflorescences and infructescences. C. Close-up to a symmetrical pinnae tip. D. Branched inflorescence. E. Staminate flowers at anthesis. F. Tetrad. G. Triad. H. Staminate flower. I. Filaments connate. J. Petal. K. Stamens: ventral view. L. Pistillode. M. Stamens: dorsal view. N. Transversal-section: valvate petals. O. Pistillate flower. P. Sepal keeled. Q. Petal obscurely nerved. R. Petal: trichomes. S. Pistil. T. Infructescence. U. Endocarp pores. A, C–U from Sant’Anna-Santos 377 (UPCB, holotype), spicate inflorescences and infructescences of B added from habitat photographs.

Illustration by Gustavo Surlo.

Reproductive morphological aspects of Syagrus carvalhoi.
A. Dried inflorescence: inflorescence peduncle (pe) surrounded by prophyll (pr) and peduncular bract (pb). B. Bifurcate prophyll (white arrowhead). C. Base of a peduncle (pe) and peduncular bract (pb), tomentose (white arrowhead). D. Dorsal surface of the peduncular bract, deeply grooved (white arrowhead). E. Ventral surface of the peduncular bract, deeply grooved (white arrowhead). F. Tetrad after the fall of the staminate flower, bracteoles (br). G. Fruits (fr) with persistent perianth (pp), mostly covered by a brown lepidote indumentum (in) contrasting the green glabrous tip (gt).

 Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Vegetative morphological aspects of Syagrus carvalhoi  .
A. Colonial habit near a rock outcrop (black arrowheads). B. Detail of A: straight and ascending leaves. C. Prostrated stem (white arrowhead). D. Roots (white arrowhead). E. Unbranched stem (white arrowhead). F. Forked stem (white arrowhead). G. Acaulescent specimen: without aerial stem (white arrowhead).

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus carvalhoi B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Syagrus carvalhoi is similar to Syagrus cabraliensis (Noblick & Lorenzi) B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, from which it differs by larger, taller clumps (sometimes with colonial habit); taller plants; leaves bluish and straight (vs dark green and slightly arched); pinnae inserted at various angles near the base but otherwise regularly arranged on the upper part of the leaf towards the tip (vs inserted at various angles throughout the entire rachis); pinnae with symmetric tip (vs asymmetric tip); pinnae glaucous on adaxial surface (vs pinnae glossy on adaxial surface); the presence of inconspicuous ramenta (vs without ramenta); rachillae of different sizes throughout the rachis (vs similar-sized rachillae); staminate flowers briefly pedicellate and filaments briefly connate at the base (vs staminate flowers long pedicellate and stamens with free filaments).

Etymology: The specific epithet carvalhoi is named in honour of Wellington Geraldo Oliveira Carvalho Júnior, a palm enthusiast who discovered this species. Mr Carvalho and his family have provided financial and logistical support to our research in recent years. So, our team’s discoveries were only possible thanks to his support and motivation. 

Bruno Francisco Sant'Anna-Santos, Rafael Micheli, Luiz Fernando Lima Carvalho and Patrícia Soffiatti. 2023. A New Bluish-leaved Syagrus (Arecaceae) from an overlooked OCBIL in the Espinhaço Range (Brazil). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 156(2): 129-145. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.101027

    

[Herpetology • 2022] Cyrtodactylus papeda • A New Bent-Toed Gecko of the Cyrtodactylus marmoratus Group (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Obi Island in the Moluccas, Indonesia

Cyrtodactylus papeda

 Riyanto, Faz, Amarasinghe, Munir, Fitriana, Hamidy, Kusrini & Oliver, 2022

cecak jarilengkung Obi | Obi Bent-toad Gecko || DOI: 10.1655/Herpetologica-D-21-00028 

  facebook.com/thasun

Abstract

Based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, we describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus from Obi Island in the northern Moluccas, Indonesia. The new species is genetically and morphologically allied to the Melanesian species Cyrtodactylus papuensis but is distinguished by its larger body size, fewer midbody scale rows, deep precloacal groove in males, and enlarged nonpored femoral scales and pored precloacal scales arranged in a continuous series. The new species is also genetically divergent from C. papuensis (p-distances of 19.0%–20.1% in the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene). Four species of Cyrtodactylus are now known from the northern Moluccas, but it is likely additional species remain unrecognized.

Cyrtodactylus papeda sp. nov.
Adult male holotype (MZB.Lace. 14052), 

from Kawasi, Obi Island, Halmahera Selatan, Maluku Province, Indonesia

Precloacal depression posterior and enlarged femoral and precloacal scales of
(A) Cyrtodactylus papeda sp. nov. holotype MZB.Lace. 14052

and (B) C. papuensis holotype ZMA.RENA 10937.

Illustrations by A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe (not to scale).

  facebook.com/thasun

Cyrtodactylus papeda sp. nov.

Etymology.— The specific epithet is an invariable noun in apposition and refers to papeda (in Indonesian language), a traditional fiber-rich, cholesterol-low food in Moluccas and West Papua made from sago (Metroxylon sagu, family Arecaceae) starch. Here, we used this epithet to honor (promote) a traditional culinary feature of Obi Island and to showcase this new endemic gecko species to the public. Papeda is white in color, with the texture resembling sticky glue, and the cuisine is usually served with tuna fish and flavored with saffron. Suggested vernacular names are ‘‘cecak jarilengkung Obi’’ and Obi Bent-toad Gecko, in Bahasa Indonesia and English, respectively.

(A) The holotype of Cyrtodactylus papeda sp. nov. (MZB.Lace. 14052) 
and (B) the habitat at Kawasi, Obi Island.

Photographs by F.H. Faz.  

  facebook.com/thasun

Awal Riyanto; Fata H. Faz; A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe; Misbahul Munir; Yuli S. Fitriana; Amir Hamidy; Mirza D. Kusrini and Paul M. Oliver. 2022. A New Bent-Toed Gecko of the Cyrtodactylus marmoratus Group (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Obi Island, Indonesia. Herpetologica. 

DOI: 10.1655/Herpetologica-D-21-00028

  facebook.com/thasun/posts/10160259261819407

[Botany • 2022] Pinanga leonardcoi (Arecaceae) • A New Species from Mt. Cagua in northeast Luzon, Philippines

Pinanga leonardcoi   

in Adorador & Fernando, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.536.2.7

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Abstract

A new species of Pinanga, P. leonardcoi, from Mt. Cagua in northeastern Luzon, Philippines is described and illustrated. This novel palm belongs to the Urosperma group but is unique in having the combination of the following characters: clustered stems with stoloniferous off-shoots, few rachillae (2–3), spirally arranged fruits throughout the rachillae, and fruiting perianth with imbricate calyx lobes. Relevant morphological and ecological notes, and an updated key for the Urosperma group are also included. P. leonardcoi is a narrow-endemic species and is hereby assessed as Critically Endangered.

 

Keywords: Cagayan, palms, taxonomy, Pinanga, Urosperma group, Monocots

 Jiro T. Adorador and Edwino S. Fernando. 2022. Pinanga leonardcoi (Arecaceae), A New Species from Mt. Cagua in northeast Luzon, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 536(2); 183-189. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.536.2.7

"A slender new species of Pinanga, a genus of palms native to eastern and southern Asia across to New Guinea, has been recently described from the volcanic slopes of Mt. Cagua, Cagayan by botanists Jiro T. Adorador and Edwino S. Fernando. Adorador and Fernando are assistant professor and Professor Emeritus, respectively from the University of the Philippines Los Baños." 

Prof. Fernando is also the UPLB Museum of Natural History's curator for forest palms. Their discovery has been published in the journal Phytotaxa last 24 February 2022.

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[Botany • 2021] Ceroxylon ravenii • A New Species of Ceroxylon (Arecaceae) from Cordillera Azul National Park, Peru

Ceroxylon ravenii 

in Valdivia & Gamarra, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.483.3.6

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Abstract

A new species of Ceroxylon from the Cordillera Azul National Park in Peru is described and illustrated. The main distinguishing feature of the new species, named C. ravenii, is its acaulescent habit. So far, only one population has been recorded at an elevation of 1240 m in the wilderness zone of the protected area.

Keywords: Arecaceae, Ceroxylon, Cordillera Azul National Park, new species, Monocots

Ceroxylon ravenii 

Etymology:—This species is named in honor of Dr. Peter H. Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Garden from 1971 to 2011, who is one of the main promoters of botanical research in Peru and the world to preserve endangered plants, also considered a great defender of conservation and sustainable environment.

 

  

  María Isabel Villalba Valdivia and Luis Valenzuela Gamarra. 2021. A New Species of Ceroxylon (Arecaceae) from Cordillera Azul National Park – Peru. Phytotaxa. 483(3); 267–276. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.483.3.6

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[Entomology • 2021] First Phylogenetic Analysis of Dryophthorinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) based on Structural Alignment of Ribosomal DNA reveals Cenozoic Diversification

in Chamorro, de Medeiros & Farrell, 2021. 

 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7131 

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Abstract

Dryophthorinae is an economically important, ecologically distinct, and ubiquitous monophyletic group of pantropical weevils with more than 1,200 species in 153 genera. This study provides the first comprehensive phylogeny of the group with the aim to provide insights into the process and timing of diversification of phytophagous insects, inform classification and facilitate predictions. The taxon sampling is the most extensive to date and includes representatives of all five dryophthorine tribes and all but one subtribe. The phylogeny is based on secondary structural alignment of 18S and 28S rRNA totaling 3,764 nucleotides analyzed under Bayesian and maximum likelihood inference. We used a fossil‐calibrated relaxed clock model with two approaches, node‐dating and fossilized birth‐death models, to estimate divergence times for the subfamily. All tribes except the species‐rich Rhynchophorini were found to be monophyletic, but higher support is required to ascertain the paraphyly of Rhynchophorini with more confidence. Nephius is closely related to Dryophthorini and Stromboscerini, and there is strong evidence for paraphyly of Sphenophorina. We find a large gap between the divergence of Dryophthorinae from their sister group Platypodinae in the Jurassic‐Cretaceous boundary and the diversification of extant species in the Cenozoic, highlighting the role of coevolution with angiosperms in this group.

Keywords: angiosperms, coevolution, fossilized, birth‐death model, node dating, palm weevils, red palm weevil, structural alignment

Bayesian topology with posterior probabilities (denoted by open red circle) of Dryophthorinae of the combined 18S and 28S aligned using primary and secondary structure. The analysis includes a broad sampling of 64 taxa, 2 platypodine outgroup taxa and 62 ingroup taxa representing all 5 tribes dryophthorine tribes and all but 1 subtribe Ommatolampina and a putative African lineage.

Lateral views of Dryophthorinae genera (From left to right and top to bottom: Mahakamia (long fore legs); Rhabdoscelus; Acantharhinus; Cactophagus: Tapinostethus; Dynamis; Poteriophorus; Rhinostomus; Prodioctes; Sipalinus; Yuccaborus; Orthognathus; Stromboscerini; Nephius; Mesocordylus; Tryphetus; Dryophthorus; Cyrtotrachelus (long fore legs); Polytus; Sitophilus; Diocalandra; Cryptoderma; Metamasius (=Paramasius); Scyphophorus; Metamasius; Myocalandra.

Maria Lourdes Chamorro, Bruno A. S. de Medeiros and Brian D. Farrell. 2021. First Phylogenetic Analysis of Dryophthorinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) based on Structural Alignment of Ribosomal DNA reveals Cenozoic Diversification. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7131

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