The Edinburgh Journal of Botany is an international journal of plant systematics covering related aspects of biodiversity, conservation science and phytogeography for plants and fungi. The journal is now online-only and published under the Diamond Open Access model. No fees will be charged for publication or access to content, and the journal will continue to provide the same high-quality editorial and peer review services and publish science of the highest standard. The digital archive of volumes 1-46 which were published under the journals previous name, Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden, is available here.
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FLORA OF NEPAL NOTULAE V: NEW SPECIES AND COMBINATIONS IN HIMALAYAN PLANTAGINACEAE AND SCROPHULARIACEAE
Two new species in the genus Lagotis Gaertn. (Plantaginaceae) are described from Nepal. Specimens of Lagotis annupurnensis and L. geniculiflora were formerly identified as belonging to the polymorphic species L. kunawurensis. They are distinguished from this species by their geniculate or bent corollas. Lagotis annapurnensis and L. geniculiflora are distinguished from each other by the size and shape of their bracts. A key to the species in Nepal is provided. Two combinations are made in Nanorrhinum (Plantaginaceae), and two combinations in Scrophularia (Scrophulariaceae), to reflect changes in the taxonomy of Kickxia Blume and Oreosolen Hook.f.
Copyright (c) 2026 P. A. Kosachev, C. A. Pendry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CONNATE OVARIES AND MULTIPLE FRUITS IN RUBIACEAE, WITH REDUCTION OF CONJUGATOVARIUM TO SYNONYMY WITH MITCHELLA (RUBIACEAE – MITCHELLEAE)
Multiple fruits are rare in Rubiaceae, occurring in only 14 genera. They have evolved in different ways in phylogenetically distant clades. We present a survey of all known occurrences of multiple fruits in the family. Leaving aside the poorly known genus Pagameopsis, we distinguish four types: (i) double or multiple drupes resulting from fusion of neighbouring ovaries Prismatomerideae, Mitchelleae and Morindeae), (ii) dry fruits resulting from partial fusion of a flower pair (Calanda in Knoxieae), (iii) dry multiple fruits dehiscing by an operculum (Anthospermeae – Operculariinae), and (iv) massive fleshy, woody or fibrous globose multiple fruits formed by expansion of the inflorescence tissue embedding numerous ovaries (Naucleeae). Based on this framework, we evaluated the systematic position of the Taiwanese genus Conjugatovarium, characterised by paired flowers with connate ovaries. Comparison of the characters excludes affinity with most lineages possessing multiple fruits due to major differences in habit, floral and fruit morphology, and biogeography. However, Conjugatovarium lalashanianum matches Mitchella undulata in all morphological characters, and both taxa co-occur in northern Taiwan. We formally place Conjugatovarium in synonymy with Mitchella and treat C. lalashanianum as M. undulata.
Copyright (c) 2026 E. Robbrecht, B. Verstraete https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ENTOLOMATACEAE OF THE PAKARAIMA MOUNTAINS OF GUYANA VIII: ENTOLOMA ALDINOPHILUM SP. NOV., A STRIKING SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH ALDINA INSIGNIS
A new species of Entoloma, E. aldinophilum, is described from the central Guiana Shield region. The species’ combination of features – including medium-sized, tricholomatoid, yellow basidiomata with intrinsically bright yellow trama, isodiametric, 6-angled basidiospores, and occurrence with the endemic ectomycorrhizal tree Aldina insignis (Benth.) Endl. (Fabaceae subfam. Papilionoideae) – is unique among Entoloma species worldwide.
Copyright (c) 2026 T. W. Henkel, D. L. Largent https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TWO NEW SPECIES OF CYRTANDRA (GESNERIACEAE) FROM THE BIRD’S TAIL PENINSULA OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: CYRTANDRA MOROBENSIS AND C. RABARABANA
New Guinea is a major centre of species richness for Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae), a megadiverse genus of understorey herbs, yet much of this diversity remains undescribed. Here, two species are newly described from the Bird’s Tail Peninsula of Papua New Guinea: Cyrtandra morobensis S.Hatt & Bramley and C. rabarabana S.Hatt & Bramley. Both are similar to Cyrtandra menyamyana S.Hatt & Bramley and provisionally assessed as Threatened. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided, as is a table of key morphological characters that separate Cyrtandra morobensis, C. rabarabana and C. menyamyana.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. A. Hatt, P. Lamei, G. L. C. Bramley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AGROCYBE HIMALAYENSIS (STROPHARIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM INDIAN HIMALAYA
A new species, Agrocybe himalayensis (Strophariaceae), from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India, is described based on macro- and micro-morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. This species is characterised by its pale-orange to yellow-brown pileus with distinct umbo, wavy cream margin, crowded pale-salmon to fleshy brown lamellae (often anastomosing), and ellipsoid basidiospores 8.7–11.4 × 6.6–7.8 μm. A phylogenetic tree, line drawings and photographs are provided, as is a table of morphological characters of the new and closely related species.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. Choudhary, Y. P. Sharma, P. Uniyal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GAULTHERIA WATSONII (ERICACEAE): A NEW SPECIES FROM SIKKIM HIMALAYA
A new species of Gaultheria L. (Ericaceae) from the Sikkim Himalaya, G. watsonii, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically most similar to Gaultheria heteromera in terms of habit, especially in its procumbent branchlets and tetramerous flowers. However, it can be readily distinguished from all other known species of the genus, including Gaultheria heteromera, by its unique combination of morphological characters, namely prostrate habit with procumbent branchlets, adaxially smooth and smaller leaf blades with strongly acute and mucronulate apices, pseudoterminal 2- to 4-flowered racemes, longer rachis, shorter pedicel, 4-merous flowers, and ovary sparsely white hispidulous with conspicuously 8- to 10-lobed discs. Based on its limited geographical distribution and the continuing decline in habitat quality, the conservation status of the new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to the IUCN Red List criteria.
Gaultheria series Leucothoides (Airy Shaw) D. J. Middleton
Copyright (c) 2026 D. Maity, A. K. Halder, S. Saha, S. Panda, B. K. Jha, D. K. Pradhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ADENOSCIADIUM OMANENSIS (APIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS OF OMAN
Adenosciadium omanensis, a species new to science, is described from the foothills of the northern mountains of Oman. It is closely related to Adenosciadium arabicum but differs in having a reniform leaflet with finely serrate margin, a compact inflorescence, lanceolate bracts and bracteoles with acute tip, a cylindrical fruit (schizocarp) with narrow commissure, oblong-oval terete mericarps with an exocarp covered with long forked hairs, and an emarginate endocarp on the commissural side. Adenosciadium omanensis is illustrated by photographs in its natural habitat. In addition, a comparative morphological analysis is presented that distinguishes it from Adenosciadium arabicum, the single species known in the genus, from southern Oman and Yemen. A distribution map for the two species in Oman is provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 A. A. Al Farsi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EDITORIAL: DIGITAL ARCHIVE OF 125 YEARS’ WORTH OF JOURNAL CONTENT NOW FREELY AVAILABLE
This year marks 125 years of the Edinburgh Journal of Botany and its forerunner, Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. To mark the event all content published under both journal names is now free to access online.
Copyright (c) 2025 P. Wilkie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PTEROLEPIS ARENACEA (MELASTOMATACEAE, MELASTOMATEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO
Pterolepis arenacea is described and illustrated as a new species to the Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins and its surroundings, in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Tocantins. This species is restricted to microhabitats of sandstone outcrops surrounded by savanna vegetation. Pterolepis arenacea is the first known species of the genus exhibiting a dorsal appendage on the stamens. Morphologically, Pterolepis arenacea is most similar to species of the P. polygonoides complex, composed of P. polygonoides, P. saturejiformis and P. trimera. Furthermore, Pterolepis arenacea shares vegetative similarities with the haplostemonous species P. haplostemona and P. xaxa. Detailed line drawings, field photographs, and scanning electron microscopy images are provided. The conservation status of Pterolepis arenacea is preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN criteria.
Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins
Copyright (c) 2026 D. N. Silva, M. Figueira, B. Schindler, M. F. Simon, P. J. F. Guimarães https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A NEW SPECIES OF THE PAPILIONOID LEGUME GENUS AESCHYNOMENE FROM THE CANGA OF SERRA DOS CARAJÁS, PARÁ, BRAZIL
We describe a new species of the papilionoid legume genus Aeschynomene (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) that is tightly ecologically associated with Amazonian campos rupestres on iron-rich canga soils of the Serra dos Carajás mountain range, Pará, Brazil. The new species is morphologically similar to Aeschynomene rudis, but it differs by the smaller leaflets, larger flower, glabrous ovary, and a longer and sigmoid fruit stipe. We present a complete description, taxonomic comments, illustrations, and a distribution map for the new species. Additionally, we provide its phylogenetic position and an identification key to all Aeschynomene and Ctenodon species occurring on the canga of the Serra dos Carajás.
Copyright (c) 2026 C. M. J. Mattos, C. S. Carvalho, A. N. Lima, S. M. de Faria, T. S. Cabral, F. R. M. Fraga, H. C. Lima, D. B. O. S. Cardoso https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IDENTIFICATION KEYS TO THE WOODY LIANAS OF APOCYNACEAE FROM THE SANGHA TRINATIONAL, CENTRAL AFRICA
Vegetative keys to the 16 genera and 46 species of woody climbers of Apocynaceae recorded from the Sangha Trinational, Central Africa, are presented. These are accompanied by genus and species descriptions and illustrations of key diagnostic characters.
Copyright (c) 2026 E. Dwyer, M. Bayo, S. T. Ndolo Ebika, L. L. Forrest, D. J. Harris https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
HENCKELIA MULTIFLORA (GESNERIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM THE EASTERN HIMALAYAN REGION OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA
Henckelia multiflora, a robust, caulescent herb, is described from the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The species is morphologically similar to Henckelia khasiana and H. oblongifolia but differs in having up to 30 (occasionally more) flowers per inflorescence, and a longer calyx with caudate-acuminate lobes. The species is presently known from only the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh.
Copyright (c) 2025 S. Kishwan, T. U. Thackeray, N. V. Page https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A REVISED CONSPECTUS OF SARCOTHECA (OXALIDACEAE)
A synopsis of the Southeast Asian genus Sarcotheca (Oxalidaceae) is presented. The number of species recognised has increased from 11 in the last revision of the genus to 15, primarily due to the elevation of Sarcotheca laxa varieties to species rank. The first validation of the basionyms for three species has been changed, as the generic name Connaropsis was not validly published in the generally cited source. A lectotype is designated for Connaropsis, and seven species names are lectotypified, two of them at the second step. Additionally, Sarcotheca laxa is confirmed as part of Thailand’s native flora.
Copyright (c) 2025 I. M. Turner, R. C. K. Chung https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GAULTHERIA ROSTRATA (SECT. DIPLYCOSIA, ERICACEAE), A NEW WINTERGREEN SPECIES ENDEMIC TO MINDANAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
Gaultheria rostrata, a new species of wintergreen endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines, is here described and illustrated. It resembles Gaultheria bartolomei, endemic to Luzon Island, but differs by having a terrestrial habit, shorter petioles, longer pedicels, white or pale-pink corollas, coiled corolla lobes, longer anther tubules, and a longer style. The flowers of Gaultheria rostrata are unique among Asian species of Gaultheria on account of their coiled corolla lobes exposing the anthers and style at anthesis. This discovery raises the number of Gaultheria species in the Philippines to 16.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. N. Tamayo, N. E. Lagunday, V. B. Amoroso, D. N. Tandang, P. W. Fritsch, M. M. Medecilo-Guiang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BEGONIA MATILLANOAE (BEGONIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM MALAMPAYA SOUND PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE, PALAWAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
A new species, Begonia matillanoae, is here described and illustrated from Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Palawan Island, Philippines. It closely resembles Begonia cabanillasii but is distinct in having an ovate leaf with irregularly lobed margin, an acute leaf apex, and a 5-tepalled pistillate flower with the larger wing flat to shallowly cucullate. Begonia matillanoae is the latest addition to the Palawan begonias bearing a conspicuously 5-winged ovary. Based on IUCN guidelines, we here propose a Critically Endangered (CR) conservation designation for this species. A revised key to Palawan Begonia sect. Baryandra bearing five or six conspicuous ovary wings is also provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Y. P. Ang, A. B. Marcos-Langbao, L. M. Camangeg, E. D. Jose, J. M. L. Diego, M. N. Tamayo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ELAEOCARPUS PULNEYENSIS, A NEW SPECIES OF ELAEOCARPUS (ELAEOCARPACEAE) FROM PENINSULAR INDIA, BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR EVIDENCE
A new species of Elaeocarpus is described from the Kodaikanal region of Pulney Hills, India; it is morphologically allied to E. variabilis in having anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs and 3-locular pyrenes. It differs from the latter in having ovate, light-green sepals, and ellipsoid fruits enclosing ellipsoid pyrenes. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and trnL–F regions revealed that Elaeocarpus pulneyensis is distinct from E. variabilis and support the novelty of the taxon.
Copyright (c) 2026 C. N. Gole, N. V. Page, M. M. Sardesai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GENTIANA MACNEILLIANA (GENTIANACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM SIKKIM HIMALAYA (INDIA) BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DATA
Gentiana macneilliana (Gentianaceae), a new species from North Sikkim, in the Eastern Himalayan region of India, is described, illustrated and discussed. It is morphologically similar to Gentiana lacinulata T.N.Ho of Gentiana sect. Chondrophyllae Bunge but differs markedly in having acute and usually mucronate leaf apex, ovate corolla lobes with acuminate apex, much longer plicae (1.5–2.6 mm), which are more than half as long as corolla lobes, and longer pedicel (up to 8 mm). This new species also resembles Gentiana muscicola C.Marquand (Gentiana sect. Chondrophyllae) but can easily be differentiated by its unique corolla lobe, shorter petiole, narrowly based leaf lamina, longer pedicel and shorter style. The affinity of the new species with Gentiana grata Harry Sm., a member of the same section, is also highlighted. A taxonomic description, images and illustrations of the new taxon are provided, along with a discussion of closely related taxa.
Gentiana sect. Chondrophyllae, Eastern Himalaya, ITS, IUCN, trnL-F, new species
Copyright (c) 2026 A.K. Halder, S. Saha, M. D. Dwivedi, A. Banerjee, B. K. Jha, D. K. Pradhan, D. Maity, A. K. Pandey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Professor Mary Gibby, Ph.D., OBE, FLS, FRSE, PPBPS (1949-2024)
Obituary of Professor Mary Gibby.
Copyright (c) 2024 Professor Stephen Blackmore, Ph.D, CBE, VHM, FRSE Honorary Fellow of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and His Majesty’s Botanist in Scotland, Professor Johannes Vogel, Ph.D. Director General, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TWO NEW SPECIES IN THE GENUS DUPARQUETIA (LEGUMINOSAE – DUPARQUETIOIDEAE)
Two new species in the monospecific genus Duparquetia (Leguminosae–Duparquetioideae) are described: Duparquetia alba and Duparquetia minima. The new species are diagnosed by flower characters such as the presence or absence of glands on the edge of sepals and petals, and the colour, shape and position of the sepals, petals and stamens. Photographs of the new species are provided, as is a key to all species and a map showing their distribution.
Copyright (c) 2026 C. C. H. Jongkind https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IDENTITY AND TYPIFICATION OF THE BEGONIAS FROM VELLOZO’S FLORA FLUMINENSIS
We review the 22 names in the genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) from J. M. da C. Vellozo’s Flora Fluminensis, taking advantage of recent advances in the understanding of Vellozo’s collecting itinerary and the Begonia flora of southern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. We unambiguously match 18 of Vellozo’s names to current species concepts in the genus Begonia, resulting in 10 new synonyms. We provide lectotypifications and epitypifications and accepted names for all taxa. The widespread and common species currently known as Begonia radicans Vell. is shown to be a misapplication of the name, and we reinstate the name B. limmingheiana É.Morren for this taxon. We report the rediscovery of Begonia acetosa Vell., which was last collected approximately 250 years ago by Vellozo, and provide an emended description and IUCN conservation assessment for this species. We are unable to match four of Vellozo’s names to current species concepts and propose that they are rejected.
Copyright (c) 2025 P. W. Moonlight, E. J. de Lima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TYPES IN HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE: THE NAMES OF VASCULARPLANTS TYPIFIED BY ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE PUBLICATION OF RUMPHIUS
A list is presented of more than 300 names of vascular plants that are typified by illustrations published in Herbarium Amboinense, the botanical magnum opus of Rumphius. The list includes the currently accepted name for each entry and its typification, where available. Merrill effectively designated lectotypes for some two-thirds of the names linked to Herbarium Amboinense; the rest were dealt with by various authors. In total, 85 new typifications are presented, including both lectotypes and epitypes. A new combination in Ochrosia (Apocynaceae) is proposed. Some nomenclatural issues relating to names published by Loureiro in Flora Cochinchinensis, for which no extant specimens are available but which could be typified by Rumphius illustrations, are also highlighted.
Copyright (c) 2025 I. M. Turner https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRANSFER OF THE GENUS AULANDRA INTO PALAQUIUM (SAPOTACEAE) AND ASSOCIATED NOMENCLATURAL CHANGES
Aulandra H.J.Lam (Sapotaceae) has hitherto been treated as a genus of tropical forest trees native to Borneo. To test whether the genus is distinct from Palaquium Blanco, phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood was performed on target capture of nuclear data, including all species currently recognised as belonging in Aulandra. The results confirm that Aulandra is nested within Palaquium and should be synonymised with it. One new combination, Palaquium longifolium (H.J.Lam) A.Phang, is made, and the application of the name P. beccarii discussed, resulting in the description of a new species, Palaquium aulandrum A.Phang.
Copyright (c) 2025 A. Phang, D. J. Middleton, P. Wilkie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEMECYLON COORGENSIS (MELASTOMATACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM THE CENTRAL WESTERN GHATS OF KARNATAKA, INDIA
Memecylon coorgensis sp. nov., a small shrubby species from the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India, is described and illustrated. The species is similar to Memecylon gracile with respect to its axillary, peduncled inflorescence but differs in having up to six flowers per inflorescence, in addition to the conical shape of its buds, its acute sepals and its acuminate petals. The species is so far known only from the Kodagu district of the state of Karnataka.
Copyright (c) 2025 S. S. Shrotri, T. U. Thackeray, N. V. Page https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE PUTRANJIVACEAE OF THE WORLD: A CROSS-REFERENCED CHECKLIST OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES
An updated taxonomic checklist of all the accepted species and infraspecific taxa of the family Putranjivaceae (Malpighiales) worldwide is presented. We currently accept 223 species in two genera, Putranjiva (four species) and Drypetes (219 species). A morphological description of the family and a nomenclatural checklist of its infrageneric taxa and species are provided, and for each species the correct name, synonyms and type information, as well as available information on distribution, habitat, published iconography and infrageneric classification are given. To stabilise the nomenclature of the Putranjivaceae, a total of 133 lectotypes and five neotypes are designated, as well as a new combination, Putranjiva sect. Matsumuranae (Hurus.) Quintanar, Barberá & D.J.Harris comb. nov. Type species for four sectional names (Drypetes sect. Oligandrae, Drypetes sect. Roxburghianae, Drypetes sect. Stemonodiscus and Drypetes sect. Stipulares) have been designated, as well as two new species synonyms. The checklist is preceded by an introduction to the family and the taxonomic history of the main taxa. The International Plant Names Index Life Sciences Identifier (LSID) and the World Flora Online Unique Identifier are added to each name, thereby providing direct links to these nomenclatural resources.
Copyright (c) 2025 A. Quintanar, P. Barberá, A. Elliott, D. J. Harris https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A NEW SPECIES OF HETEROPOLYGONATUM (ASPARAGACEAE: CONVALLARIOIDEAE, POLYGONATEAE) FROM THE GAOLIGONGSHAN IN EASTERN MYANMAR AND WESTERN CHINA
A new species of Heteropolygonatum, H. farreri, is described from the easternmost part of Myanmar and western Yunnan in a limestone region of the Gaoligongshan. It is morphologically similar to Heteropolygonatum marmoratum but differs by its shortly scabrous stem, narrowly cylindrical perianth with lanceolate tepals, red-orange fruit, and diploid chromosome count. An illustration of the new species is provided, as is a map of its distribution and that of its closest relative, Heteropolygonatum marmoratum, showing their disjunction. Chromosome counts for Heteropolygonatum farreri (2n = 32) and a second count for H. marmoratum (2n = 4x = 64) are given.
Copyright (c) 2025 A. J. Floden, C. A. Pendry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PLEUROTHALLIS MARKGRUINII, A NEW PLEUROTHALLIDINAE(ORCHIDACEAE) FROM NORTHWESTERN ECUADOR
Pleurothallis markgruinii, a particularly tall species for the genus, is described as new to science and an illustration provided. The new species is most similar to Pleurothallis gargantua and shares with that species its large size, reaching 1 m tall, but differs in the much smaller flowers with a deeply concave dorsal sepal, narrower petals, and a synsepal with strongly revolute margins that form an elongated, triangular shape. Comprehensive field research has shown Pleurothallis markgruinii to have a restricted geographical range in the northwest Andes of Ecuador, and it is assessed as Critically Endangered. Pleurothallis markgruinii, una especie con plantas particularmente largas dentro del género se describe e ilustra aquí como nueva para la ciencia. La nueva especie es similar a Pleurothallis gargantua y comparte con esta las grandes plantas que alcanzan 1 m en longitud, pero se diferencia en las flores mucho más pequeñas con el sépalo dorsal muy cóncavo, pétalos más estrechos, y un sinsépalo con márgenes fuertemente revolutos que le dan una forma alargada y triangular. Investigación de campo exhaustiva muestra que Pleurothallis markgruinii tiene una distribución restringida, al noroeste de los Andes en Ecuador y es evaluada como en peligro crítico.
Copyright (c) 2024 L. E. Baquero, M. F. Monteros, G. A. Iturralde, M. M. Jimenez, R. Dueñas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TOPOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND FOREST COVER DETERMINETHE GLOBAL SPECIES RICHNESS PATTERNS OF FILMY FERNS(HYMENOPHYLLACEAE)
Species richness patterns are essential for understanding how species diversity has evolved. The filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae) are one of the largest families of epiphytic ferns; however, a comprehensive global overview of their species diversity and distribution is lacking. In the present study, we identified the regions of greatest species diversity as Central America, South America and Southeast Asia (including Taiwan Island), followed by the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Madagascar. North America and Europe are low in species richness. Global species richness data based on 100 × 100 km grid cells were analysed to investigate the correlation between species richness and ecological factors. Our results show that filmy ferns have a strong preference for moist and warm habitats, and that current species richness patterns are codetermined by topography, climate and forest cover. Our results also indicate that, as expected, the relationship between soil and epiphytic ferns is minimal, and that there is weak support for the use of solar radiation levels to predict global patterns of diversity for filmy ferns, which primarily occur in deep shade. We highlight potential ecological differences between the two lineages of the Hymenophyllaceae: hymenophylloids and trichomanoids. The unusually low species diversity of filmy ferns in some areas (e.g. the Pan-Himalayan region) is potentially explained by historical ecological adaptation and lack of suitable habitats.
Copyright (c) 2025 T. X. Ye, F. Wu, X. C. Zhang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BOURNEA IS NOT SUPPORTED AS SEPARATE FROM OREOCHARIS(GESNERIACEAE)
The genus Bournea Oliv., established in 1893 and comprising two morphologically very similar species with actinomorphic flowers, was included in Oreocharis Benth. in 2011, essentially based on molecular data. However, a recent publication has suggested that Bournea should be maintained as a genus distinct from Oreocharis, based on morphological, palynological and DNA sequence data. By contrast, in another recent publication also based on DNA sequences, Bournea is placed within Oreocharis. The morphological, palynological and published molecular phylogenetic data are discussed here. The conclusion is that the overall evidence available is insufficient to support an independent genus, Bournea.
Copyright (c) 2025 M. Möller, D.J. Middleton, S. Ulrich, A. Weber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SKOGEA IS A SYNONYM OF BOEICA (GESNERIACEAE)
The genus Skogea U.B.Deshmukh, a replacement name for the recently described monospecific genus Actinostephanus F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & L.F.Fu and the correct name for the superfluous Radiaticorollarus Y.G.Wei, F.Wen & Lei Cai, is placed in synonymy with the genus Boeica C.B.Clarke. Neither the morphological characters nor the molecular data provide sufficient justification for generic recognition.
Copyright (c) 2025 A. Weber, D. J. Middleton, M. Möller https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TWO NEW SPECIES OF SYZYGIUM (MYRTACEAE) FROM ULTRAMAFICSOILS IN NORTHEASTERN MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES, WITH NOTES ONTHREE OTHER RARE SPECIES
Two new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae), S. omissum Mansibang & Fernando and S. parvipomum Fernando & Mansibang from the ultramafic forests of Surigao del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines, are formally described. The subgeneric placement of the species is discussed, and an identification key for species of the subgenus Perikion with an axillary to ramiflorous inflorescence is presented. Notes on three ‘lost’ Syzygium species, namely S. filipes Merr., S. siderocolum (Merr.) Merr. and S. surigaense (Merr.) Merr., are provided, and lectotypes are assigned for Eugenia siderocola (basionym of S. siderocolum) and E. surigaensis (basionym of S. surigaense).
Copyright (c) 2024 E. S. Fernando, M. O. Quimado, J. A. Mansibang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0