The flowering phenology of P. atrodentata in the Himalayan area was examined to determine their trends. Historic data from herbarium specimens during the last century indicate that the blooming period in P. atrodentata has advanced by 16 ± 9.02 days, compared to its typical flowering time. In the meantime, P. atrodentata has been classified as Near Threatened. Furthermore, lectotypes have been assigned to the names in accordance with the regulations outlined in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants to establish the correct application of the name.

The spore morphology and perispore ornamentation of 14 plants of Hypodematium of China were carefully observed and photographed under light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in this paper for the first time. The results showed that the perispore ornamentation of all species of the Hypodematium that were divided into six types by SEM were as follow: H. sinense, H. hirsutum, H. glanduloso-pilosum, H. confertivillosum, H. chingii, H. jianxiuii and H. zhangii with tuberculate ornamentations; H. squamuloso-pilosum with tuberculiform-rugulates ornamentations; H. fordii and H. shandongense with ringed and semi-ringed ornamentations; H. crenatum and H. gracile with ridged ornamentations; H. mengshanensis with auricular ornamentations; H. guilinense with reticulate ornamentations. These characteristics were stable in the intra-species with significant differences between interspecies. It not only provides an palynological important scientific basis for species identification and interspecific classification, but also provides a new data for the establishment of palynology of ferns, and provides a scientific basis for the biodiversity of Hypodematium, which is of great significance for the exploitation and conservation of its resources.

Breynia enchengensis, a new species with a narrowly geographic distribution in limestone areas of southwestern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to B. poomae (Welzen & Chayam.) Welzen & Pruesapan in having creeping stems, ovate to oblong leaf blade and reddish brown to dark purple flowers, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by the size of leaf blade and flowers, the number of lateral veins, the growing way of inflorescence and the shape of ovary. A table to distinguish the new species from B. poomae, as well as color plates and type specimens of the new species are also provided.

Iris longnanensis Z.F. Bai, Y.E. Xiao, F.Y. Yu (Iridaceae: subgenus Iris section Pseudoregelia), a novel herbaceous species native to the arid and thermal valleys of Longnan city, Gansu province, China, is herein described and illustrated. Morphologically akin to I. leptophylla Lingelsheim, I. longnanensis is distinguished by its dense, persistent foliage and strikingly short new leaves (6.6–15.1 cm) during the blooming season, along with its distinctive purplish-brown flowering stem. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequences corroborate the classification of I. longnanensis within section Pseudoregelia, highlighting the significance of this new species discovery for understanding the evolution and diversity within the genus.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown A new species of Gesneriaceae, Lysionotus calcicolus Phonep., Soulad. & Souvann., is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. This species is distributed in limestone karsts in Luangprabang, Vientiane, and Khammouane provinces, from northern to central Laos. The new species can be distinguished from the hitherto known species in the genus by its deciduous shrubby habit, up to 2 m tall, and 4-angled stems which are considered to be an adaptation to the severe environment in limestone karst and cliffs. The information on its distribution, ecology, phenology, vernacular name, and provision of conservation status are provided.

Laccaria friesii sp. nov. is proposed here as a new species based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region. The combination of morphological and molecular data confirmed the novelty of the species and its infrageneric placement within the genus Laccaria. This species was found in association with Rhododendron arboreum and Quercus leucotrichophora and is characterized by large basidiome (17–90 µm pileus diam.), convex to campanulate pileus with a central depression, wavy margins, pink fleshy brown distant lamellae, presence of versiform cheilocystidia and trichoderm type pileipellis.

To understand the phylogenetic relationships of Menyanthes and address the existing gap in the evolutionary study of embryological characteristics, we investigated and compared these characteristics with those of related taxa. Our objective was to deduce the evolutionary polarity of these characteristics. We analyzed the dicotyledonous type of anther wall, the development of an endothelium, and endosperm formation of the ab initio Cellular type. Our findings revealed that vascular bundles extending into the integument are an autapomorphy. When compared with the closely related taxon Nymphoides, Menyanthes share common embryological characteristics at the family level, except for three-celled pollen at shedding time. Primitive angiosperm Amborella exhibited tetra-sporangia, glandular tapetum, and other symplesiomorphic characters, while Menyanthes showed apomorphic characteristics such as simultaneous cytokinesis and endothelium development. Although previously classified as Campanulas, embryological characteristics of Menyanthaceae support its reclassification to Asterales in APG system IV. These findings indicate that Menyanthaceae is more primitive than Calyceraceae, Goodeniaceae, and Asteraceae within Asterales. Our study strongly supports the APG system IV classification based on both embryological and DNA data, providing new insights into the evolutionary history of Menyanthaceae

Western European coastal dune landscapes are naturally dynamic and ever changing. However, in the past 100 years coastal dunes have become more stable and encroached by sand-fixating grasses and shrubby vegetation. The drivers of these changes are primarily due to human exploitation with deliberate planting for coastal protection and nitrogen deposition, mainly from agricultural sources. The effects of these changes on terrestrial plant communities in dune landscapes are well documented; they are becoming more homogenous and species poor especially due to the loss of specialized pioneer species. However, much less is known about the effects on the aquatic plant communities in the dune landscape. Here we studied the composition of plant communities in 38 shallow dune lakes in Northwest Denmark, with the aim to identify the effect of stabilization and vegetation encroachment on the aquatic plant communities. Fine benthic and dissolved organic matter (FBOM and DOC) along with lake type (permanent/temporary) was among the main explanatory factors for specialized dune lake plant communities. Isoetids and low-growing plant communities were negatively impacted by increasing amounts of FBOM and DOC, the latter being more pronounced in permanent lakes. At the same time, elevated amounts of organic matter led to an increase of emergent and amphibian plant communities. Stable isotope analysis suggested that the main source of organic matter was allochthonous, possibly resulting from a buildup of organic matter in the catchment of each lake. These results suggest that coastal dune fixation and vegetation encroachment affect plant communities in a similar manner to terrestrial communities, leading to a loss of rare and low-growing dune lake plant species specialists and a favoring of more common and competitive species.

This study elucidates the poorly known phenomenon of bulbil formation observed in three species of Sonerila viz., Sonerila tenella, S. ponmudiana and S. nairii. These bulbils represent clusters of 5 to 20 fleshy scales, developing adventitiously from roots or lower stem nodes, connected by a common stalk or premature stem, and predominantly occurring during early winter when plants are in fruiting or late flowering stages. Initially, these scales are white or vinaceous, but later turn into green, ciliate structures resembling leaves. The bulbils undergo rapid growth into independent plantlets, typically within a few weeks, with clusters up to 10 cm from the parent individual. While commonly associated with vivipary, Sonerila bulbils differ by their developmental origin and lack of connection to reproductive structures. Instead, their occurrence may contribute significantly to short-distance dispersal and population persistence in fragmented habitats. This study generates hypotheses on the ecological significance of dispersal mechanisms in response to environmental heterogeneity, highlighting the unique adaptive features of Sonerila bulbil formation within the broader context of plant reproductive strategies.

The anatomy of three endemic species in Türkiye, previously classified under the genus Pseudosempervivum (Brassicaceae), considered as the N. aucheri species complex (Noccaea aucheri, N. sempervivum and N. mummenhoffiana) in this study, was comprehensively evaluated anatomically for the first time. To aid the taxonomy of these three species, known for their transitional forms and classification challenges, 15 different populations were sampled, covering the entire distribution range of the species complex. The study investigated anatomical characteristics, such as root, stem and leaf anatomy, as well as stomatal index, which complement morphological identification traits, and examined their correlation with environmental factors. Root diameter and root cortex diameter, which are considered important for distinguishing perennials, showed the highest values in N. mummenhoffiana populations, while N. aucheri populations showed considerable variability. Multivariate analyses highlighted the importance of stomatal cavity size in basal leaves and the number of myrosine cells in explaining anatomical variation. Correlation analysis between climatic variables and anatomical traits revealed associations with stomata and epidermis cell sizes in cauline leaves with temperature and precipitation. Overall, the measurements indicated significant variability in anatomical traits among the three species within the complex, failing to provide clear distinctions. Alternatively, our results support the notion that the three species studied may represent a single polymorphic species.

A document by Amin Zeraatkar . Click on the document to view its contents.

The palm family is a major source of invasive woody plants because of their long history of introductions outside their native range in tropical and subtropical regions for their use as food and ornamentals. Areca triandra Roxb. Ex Buch-Ham, was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1867 through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya has been grown as an ornamental for over a century. This study shows its naturalization in the southwest humid lowlands and is invasive. Population and reproductive characteristics were studied in Meethirigala and Yagirala Forest Reserves. In each location, stems > 1m height and crown cover were sampled in three plots of 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) and the ground layer < 1 m height sampled through four 1 m x 1 m plots within each 400 m2 (total of 24 plots). A. triandra accounted for 56% - 66% of stems > 1 m height, 52% - 76% crown cover, and 64% - 77% of stems and seedlings in the ground layer < 1 m height. Clump formation was high with 30% - 51% having 2 - 7 stems, compared to single stems of 12% - 26%. Fruit production was prolific, each infructescence yielding 140 - 250 fruits and each clump of multiple stems producing 1 - 3 infructescence. This resulted in a total of 250 - 440 fruits per clump, translating up to 8000 fruits per 20 m × 20 m plot; bright red, fleshy fruits attracted avian and mammalian frugivores aiding seed dispersal. The palm favored disturbed forest edges, and shady understory habitats displacing native understory, suppressing native canopy regeneration. The Invasiveness Assessment Protocol indicated moderate risk from A. triandra in the wet zone, exposing vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s highly fragmented biodiverse rain forests. This emphasizes the need for urgent action of this species.

Boesenbergia kalakadensis (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India is described and illustrated. Boesenbergia kalakadensis is closely allied to B. rotunda (L.) Mansf., and B. tiliifolia (Baker) Kuntze, but differs from them in its rhizome; leaves; inflorescence; length of flowers; glabrous nature of bract and bracteoles; length of calyx and corolla tube; size and shape of the corolla lobes; size, colour and margins of lateral staminodes; broader, orbicular, flat labellum; sessile, glandular hairy, crested anther; and length of style. A key to species of Boesenbergia in Peninsular India is provided.

Abstract: A Foliar anatomical study of five Kalanchoe species in Nigeria was carried out for taxonomic purposes. The study tends to provide anatomical information on Nigerian Kalanchoe species, for the purpose of documentation and delimiting the taxa studied. Matured fresh samples of the leaves of Kalanchoe crenata (Andr.) Haw, Kalanchoe gastonis-boonieri Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier , Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken, Bryophyllum delagoense (Eckl. and Zeyh.) Schinz, Bryophyllum houghtonii (D.B Ward) P.I.Forst were used. Epidermal peels and transverse sections were carried out according to standard procedures. Unifying and diagnostic characters important for the taxonomy of the selected five species of the genus Kalanchoe were identified. Unifying characters include amphistomatic leaves, a non-pitted anticlinal wall, mesophyll not differentiated into palisades and a spongy layer. Diagnostic characters such as uniseriate to multiseriate epidermis in Bryophyllum houghtonii. The study provides concise information on the anatomical attributes of the epidermis and transverse section of the leaf of the Kalanchoe species studied

The Cordillera Central is a vast mountain range, spanning 22,500 km2 in the Philippines, containing some of the country’s last remaining intact forests. These forests are a reservoir for biodiversity and home to many poorly-known species, including those in the genus Rafflesia, renowned for containing the world’s largest flowers. Here we describe Rafflesia balatociana, a distinctive yet overlooked taxon from the high elevation moss forest, which we name after the Balatoc Indigenous Peoples, one of the subtribes in the Kalinga Province. This species is distinguished from its close relatives by a combination of conspicuous and stable characters including a double-dentate disk rim and strap-shaped lacuna on the annulus interior. We compare R. balatociana with co-occurring species in the Cordillera Central, provide a key, and consider our findings in the wider context of the exceptional biodiversity of this region and its conservation requirements. We propose R. balatociana should be classified as Critically Endangered, and recommend its habitat be declared as either a Critical Habitat Area (CHA) or a Local Conservation Area (LCA).

A new species of Ixora (Rubiaceae), Ixora fernandoi C.B. Moran, from Dinagat Island, Philippines is formally described and illustrated. This species is easily recognized from other known Ixora species by its infloresceence that are erect to drooping, articulate throughout, flower bud with rounded apex, calyx tube not more than 2 mm long; corolla tube 6–8 mm long; corolla lobes elliptic oblong.

Viola ministipulata, a newly discovered species of Violaceae from the Sanqingshan mountain in Jiangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated here. The identification is based on comprehensive morphological and molecular evidences. While the new species shares similarities with V. fukienensis W. Becker in terms of leaf color and stoloniferous habit, it can be differentiated by its smaller leaves and flowers, distinct petal coloration, stamens and lanceolate appendages of equal length, and comparatively smaller and prematurely withered stipules. Additionally, the sepals of V. ministipulata feature a distinctive basal appendage.

An updated synopsis of the genus Chara L. (Characeae) occurring in India are discussed here in conformity with the available monographs, literatures, related publications, digital herbarium records and online taxonomic databases. The taxonomy and nomenclature are based on the critical review of 51 taxa of Chara L. which include 35 species, 9 varieties and 7 forms so far reported from India. Information related to type citations, range of distribution along with the key for each taxon was included in discussion. The review further marks 9 taxonomically uncertain taxa of India.