plant biodiversity

Revisiting Acalypha: Integrating global knowledge and taxonomy for drug discovery

This diverse genus of flowering plants holds significant medicinal relevance, and yet remains considerably understood.

Guest Blog Post by Lucía Villaescusa-González and Pablo Muñoz-Rodríguez

Since the first humans learned to distinguish the plant that cured a fever from the one that caused a funeral, we have amassed an extraordinary amount of information about the natural world. Whether used for food, medicine, or shelter, this ethnobotanical knowledge passed down through generations now serves as the foundation for modern experimental research.

Today, researchers explore the world’s plant chemical diversity seeking new compounds and species of medicinal or economic interest. However, discovering these resources and sharing the information effectively depends on one often-overlooked key: naming things correctly.

Taxonomy ensures that, when researchers identify a promising use of a plant, the rest of the scientific community can find that plant again, replicate the results, and build upon them. In a time of accelerated biodiversity loss, taxonomy provides the framework that allows us to document biodiversity and connect knowledge about species before they are lost.

For nearly two decades, our research group has focused on Acalypha, a remarkably diverse genus of flowering plants with approximately 450 species. It is the third largest genus in the family Euphorbiaceae —the same as cassava, poinsettia or the rubber tree— yet many aspects of its biology remain poorly understood. While numerous studies have pointed to the medicinal relevance of Acalypha, the information has historically been scattered across disconnected sources and regions.

*Acalypha mollis* growing at the Naciones Unidas National Park in Guatemala. Author: Gandhi Ponce Juárez – iNaturalist, CC0 licence (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/234908619)

To fully explore a plant group’s potential, we must ensure our knowledge is organised and reliable. This is precisely where taxonomy becomes powerful. In a study recently published in PhytoKeys, we compiled, revised, and standardised existing knowledge about Acalypha uses published worldwide between 1816 and 2024.

Our review, published in the open-access journal PhytoKeys, revealed that nearly 25% of the studies we analysed contained at least one taxonomic error. These errors ranged from the use of non-existent names and already outdated synonyms at the time of publication to “impossible” data, such as species allegedly collected for research in countries thousands of kilometres away from their known distribution range.

By verifying every scientific name against current standards, we were able to provide the first standardised, reliable global synthesis of the genus. Furthermore, this process allowed us to clear the “noise” from the literature and identify exactly which species hold the most promise for future research.

Geographical distribution of *Acalypha* ethnobotanical knowledge. Top: number of studies with ethnobotanical information per country. Bottom: number of species with reported medicinal uses per country. Darker colours indicate higher values. Author: Villaescusa-González et al.

A clearer global picture

Once we brough this information together under a robust taxonomic framework, a much clearer picture of Acalypha medicinal uses emerged. We identified 62 species with documented medicinal uses across 55 countries. While the genus is used globally, pharmacological research is heavily concentrated in India, Nigeria, and Mexico.

In contrast, species-rich countries such as Brazil and Madagascar, with over 40 species each, remain significantly underrepresented. Also, while many species are used locally, a few are globally relevant: Acalypha indica, for example, is used to treat 23 different disease categories, while Acalypha wilkesiana, a common ornamental plant, is linked to 18 disease categories.

Our work revealed that these plants are used not just for human medicine; they are used in veterinary medicine, as pesticides targeting disease-carrying insects, and in ritual contexts. In human health, they most frequently target infectious and parasitic diseases, digestive tract issues, and respiratory symptoms.

Finally, we also detected a big gap between traditional use and modern research: of all species recorded in ethnobotanical surveys, 36 have never been studied in a laboratory. They represent a promising avenue for future research and drug discovery.

*Acalypha argomuelleri*, a shrub growing in the Peruvian Andes. Author: Pablo Muñoz-Rodríguez

Why this matters for the future

The relationship between ethnobotany and experimental biology is widely recognised, and taxonomy plays a key role in bridging these fields. Accurate taxonomic knowledge is essential for ensuring scientific discovery and reproducibility.

When experimental research investigates plants that have been incorrectly identified, it leads to the perpetuation of errors in scientific literature. If pharmacological results are based on misidentified specimens, those experiments cannot be replicated, potentially misleading years of subsequent, expensive medical research.

Glandular hairs in *Acalypha ecklonii*, a species from Southern Africa. Author: Emma Ortúñez & Roberto Gamarra.

By integrating scattered ethnobotanical reports into a standardised, taxonomically reliable system, we wanted to provide a reliable map for all future Acalypha research. This study proves that precise identification is the basis of scientific discovery.

In an era of accelerated biodiversity loss, applying taxonomy to organise and validate the data we have today ensures the discovery of the medicines of tomorrow.

Original source

Villaescusa-González L, Cardiel JM, Montero-Muñoz I, Muñoz-Rodríguez P (2026) Revisiting Acalypha medicinal interest: ethnobotany, experimental studies, and the implications of taxonomic misuse pitfalls. PhytoKeys 270: 119-142. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.169087

Don’t forget to also keep yourself up-to-date with the latest discoveries described in PhytoKeys by signing up for the journal newsletter from the PhytoKeys homepage. You can also follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.

Commemorating a conservation trifecta: Three new species of Glossoloma honoring a donor, a family of forest stewards, and a conservation visionary

Three new Andean plant species, discovered in a single day, stand as living proof that collaborative conservation and local stewardship work.

Guest blog post by John L. Clark

In 2016, I was in the midst of a major professional transition. After years in a tenured university position, I had moved into independent-school teaching and was directing my first extended international field course for the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. My goal was simple: give students firsthand experience in how biodiversity research actually happens—how field observations become scientific knowledge.

That March, I led 13 students into Ecuador’s Pastaza Valley on the eastern slopes of the Andes. We established two remote camps along a steep trail beginning near the Pastaza River and hiked toward Páramo, the high-elevation grasslands above treeline. The programme focused on documenting plant diversity: observing carefully, photographing plants, recording habitat data, and learning why details matter.

High camp during the 2016 Lawrenceville School Ecuador field course. (Photo credit: John L. Clark).

We expected a rewarding day of exploration in a spectacular landscape. What we did not expect was to encounter three plant species unknown to science, all in a single day along the same trail.

Those discoveries became the basis of a newly accepted PhytoKeys paper describing three new species of Glossoloma (Gesneriaceae) from the Cerro Candelaria Reserve. But this story is about more than taxonomy. It also illustrates how conservation works in practice, through visionary leadership, local stewardship, and sustained support.

Meet Glossoloma: upside-down flowers and unexpected climbers

Glossoloma is a genus of Neotropical plants recognised for resupinate flowers, meaning the blossoms appear upside-down relative to the typical orientation. Most species are stout, unbranched terrestrial subshrubs with colorful flowers that stand out in Andean forests.

The three species we discovered are unusual because they are nomadic climbers. Instead of remaining self-supporting, they germinate in the soil and climb nearby vegetation, sometimes persisting higher on trunks and branches.

Three new species of *Glossoloma* (Gesneriaceae) from Cerro Candelaria: A–B, Glossoloma recalde; C–D, Glossoloma puroanum; E–F, Glossoloma jostii. (Photo credit: John L. Clark).

The setting: Ecuador’s rich, complex and vulnerable Pastaza Valley

The upper Río Pastaza Valley is one of the Andes’ most remarkable biodiversity regions. Moist air from the Amazon Basin rises through this deep valley and meets successive mountain ridges, creating steep gradients in rainfall, temperature, and habitat over short distances. These transitions foster exceptional diversity and endemism.

Yet the region has experienced significant forest loss since the 1970s due to agricultural expansion and land-use change. Much original forest now survives only in fragments, making protected reserves essential. The forest where these species were found persists because of a unique alignment of conservation efforts—a true “conservation trifecta.”

Why these names? Conservation stories written into taxonomy

Scientific names can honor the people and partnerships that make discovery and conservation possible. Each of the three new species recognises a different kind of contribution.

Glossoloma jostii honors Lou Jost, botanist, conservationist, and co-founder of Fundación EcoMinga. His work has helped establish reserves and bring international attention to the Pastaza Valley as a biodiversity hotspot, demonstrating how scientific insight and persistence can translate into lasting protection.

Glossoloma puroanum honors Puro Coffee, founded by Andy Orchard, whose support through the World Land Trust helped establish and sustain the Cerro Candelaria Reserve. Conservation depends not only on research but also on reliable financial support for land protection, management, and the people safeguarding these forests.

Glossoloma recaldeorum honors the Recalde family of El Placer, long-time park guards and local stewards. Their daily presence, including monitoring trails, observing wildlife, and protecting the reserve, illustrates how conservation ultimately relies on committed local guardianship.

Brothers Luis and Jesus Recalde walking in the forest. (Video credit: John L. Clark).

Discovering three species in one day

Rather than promising immediate discovery, field courses aim to teach observation and critical thinking. Yet along the Cerro Candelaria trail, each unfamiliar plant raised the same question: could this really be undescribed? As evidence accumulated, curiosity turned into excitement.

For students, the realisation was powerful, as biodiversity shifted from a classroom abstraction to a live and evolving data set. Meanwhile, for me, after nearly a decade studying Glossoloma, finding three new species on a single trail was both thrilling and humbling. It emphasises how much remains unknown, even in relatively well-studied groups, and how urgent documentation can be in threatened landscapes.

Montane forest and type localities at Cerro Candelaria Reserve. (Photo credit: John L. Clark).

Why taxonomy matters

Taxonomy is sometimes misunderstood as simply naming organisms. In reality, it provides the framework that allows biology and conservation to function. Before a species can be protected, we must first know it exists and understand where it occurs.

By linking these plants to the people who helped protect their habitat, I hope this work does more than add three names to a checklist. It shows that taxonomy makes biodiversity visible, measurable, and ultimately protectable, while recognising the collaborative efforts that allowed these species, and their forest, to persist long enough to be discovered.

Conservation is a shared effort

The Cerro Candelaria Reserve exists because leadership, funding, and local stewardship converged. These three new Glossoloma species are living evidence of what such collaboration can safeguard.

If there is one lesson from this discovery, it is that conservation works best when it is shared across scientists, communities, donors, and organisations, and sustained over time.

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Original source:

Clark JL (2026) Commemorating a conservation trifecta: Three new species of Glossoloma (Gesneriaceae) honoring a donor, a family of forest stewards, and a conservation visionary. PhytoKeys 271: 173-185. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.181141

Pensoft Celebrates World Wildlife Day 2026 with Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS) are essential for human health and ecological balance.

This World Wildlife Day, we are celebrating the role of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), which are essential for both human health and ecological balance. To highlight this year’s theme – “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods” – we have spotlighted six fascinating species from the open-access journal PhytoKeys.

Medicinal Marvels

The Coleus genus, a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, comprises approximately 294 species of perennial herbs and subshrubs native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. These plants are well-regarded for their diverse medicinal applications, and are traditionally employed to address respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis. The pictured Coleus harmandii species, native to Indo-China, shares the genus’ characteristic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

*Coleus Harmandii.* (Photo credit: Thamarat Phutthai).

Read more: Paton AJ, Mwanyambo M, Govaerts RHA, Smitha K, Suddee S, Phillipson PB, Wilson TC, Forster PI, Culham A (2019) Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus (Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera. PhytoKeys 129: 1-158. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.129.34988

Meanwhile, an interesting-looking parasitic plant named Balanophora xinfeniae, and found in the shaded forests of Motuo County in Tibet, exhibits similar properties. A study on its taxonomic identification notes the broader medicinal significance of the Balanophora genus. Indeed, species within this genus are historically used to treat ailments, including liver disorders, stomach aches and hemorrhoids.

*Balanophora xinfeniae*. (Photo credit: Meng Li and Chen-Long Fu).

Read more: Fu C-L, Zhou J-N, Liao W-H, Zhang T, Xu B, Li M (2025) Balanophora xinfeniae (Balanophoraceae), a new species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys 266: 241-252. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400

Perhaps the most interesting of the bunch are species within the genus Huperzia, commonly known as firmosses, which are highly valued for their ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease. While the newly-discovered species, Huperzia crassifolia, was identified during medicinal plant inventories in China, it belongs to a group of plants that have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for cognitive health. Because this new species is a close relative of these established medicinal plants, it holds significant potential for future pharmaceutical research.

*Huperzia crassifolia*. (Photo credit: Zhi-You Guo).

Read more: Guo Z-Y, Liu H-M, Wang K-K, Fujiwara T, Liu Z-Y, Zhang X-C, Schneider H (2024) Huperzia crassifolia (Lycopodiaceae), a new species from China based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys 246: 27-42. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.246.131046

Fragrant Frontiers

We now shift our focus to aromatic plants, beginning with Capsicum fruits. These are driven by a diverse range of organic compounds, responsible for their characteristic “bell pepper” scent. Pictured below, Capsicum cornutum is a unique pepper known locally in Rio de Janeiro as Pimentinha-do-mato (wild pepper). Its specific aroma is the product of rust-coloured outer hairs, which densely cover its stems and leaves. Unlike many common garden peppers, this species features a continuous ring of glandular hairs, which give it a distinct herbal scent.

*Capsicum cornutum.* (Photo credit: G.E. Barboza).

Read more: Barboza GE, García CC, Bianchetti LB, Romero MV, Scaldaferro M (2022) Monograph of wild and cultivated chili peppers (Capsicum L., Solanaceae). PhytoKeys 200: 1-423. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.200.71667

Plants within the genus Uvariodendron are also frequently characterised by the presence of aromatic compounds. Their scents are concentrated in the leaves, bark and flowers, ranging from spicy and peppery notes to distinct citrus or anise-like fragrances. These aromatic profiles have served as key diagnostic markers for botanists; for instance, species like Uvariodendron anisatum are named specifically for their scent. Interestingly, the fragrance emitted by the pictured Uvariodendron molundense aids in attracting many pollinators!

*Uvariodendron molundense.* (Photo credit: Ehoarn Bidault).

Read more: Dagallier L-PMJ, Mbago FM, Couderc M, Gaudeul M, Grall A, Loup C, Wieringa JJ, Sonké B, Couvreur TLP (2023) Phylogenomic inference of the African tribe Monodoreae (Annonaceae) and taxonomic revision of Dennettia, Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis. PhytoKeys 233: 1-200. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.233.103096

We end our series with the species Neocinnamomum citratum, a recently described evergreen tree from southwestern China. Unlike other Neocinnamomum species, which typically possess only a faint fragrance, N. citratum is characterised by a strong lemon fragrance present throughout its branches, leaves and bark. This potent aroma is reflected in its specific epithet, “citratum”. Due to these aromatic properties, the species has practical local utility; in Malipo County, for instance, residents collect the branches and leaves to use as spices for cooking.

*Neocinnamomum citratum*. (Photo credit: Lin et al.).

Read more: Lin W-L, Zhang Z-Y, Deng C-Y, Xu W-B, Liu B (2026) Taxonomic notes on Neocinnamomum (Lauraceae): a new combination and a new species from southwestern China. PhytoKeys 269: 209-220. .https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177163

From the life-saving potential of Huperzia crassifolia to the cultural heritage of Neocinnamomum citratum, these selected species demonstrate that the conservation of wildlife is deeply intertwined with our own survival. Through the protection of these medicinal and aromatic plants, we can safeguard the health and heritage of our planet for generations to come.

Cover image: Passiflora juliana – Porter-Utley K (2014) A revision of Passiflora L. subgenus Decaloba (DC.) Rchb. supersection Cieca (Medik.) J. M. MacDougal & Feuillet (Passifloraceae). PhytoKeys 43: 1-224. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.43.7804

From field trip to first paper: the colorful arable fields of Lemnos, Greece

From fieldwork to first publication in the journal Vegetation Classification Survey, Lina Rinne reflects on her research in Lemnos, Greece. Alongside Erwin Bergmeier and Stefan Meyer, she tracks her path from a 2024 field trip to a 2025 publication, exploring the island’s unique agro-ecosystems.

Guest blog post by Lina Rinne

I was introduced to the island of Lemnos during a university field trip in 2024, while I was still a master’s student. At the time, I admittedly questioned Erwin’s and Stefan’s choice of destination—why not go to a “cool” island like Crete? However, now, after two visits to Lemnos, I have to say that this island is very special. As my very first scientific publication focuses on this island—and was selected as an Editors’ Choice paper in the last quarter of 2025—Lemnos will always have a place in my heart.

The path to that publication was anything but straightforward. Fortunately, my supervisors and co-authors, Erwin and Stefan, supported me throughout the entire process.

Erwin Bergmeier and Stefan Meyer are well known to researchers working on arable plant diversity, whether in Greece, Germany, or beyond. They have been involved in numerous projects, and only a few people know arable fields, their plant species, and communities better than they do.

Their work on Lemnos began in 2018 as part of the Terra Lemnia project , a local initiative established by the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA). The project aims to understand and preserve the island’s arable plant diversity and to support farmers to maintain the less intensive, “traditional” agriculture on the island.

beautiful barley field with a rich diversity of arable plants — Barley field with a rich diversity of arable plants, among others *Papaver rhoeas*, *Rapistrum rugosum*, *Glebionis segetum*, and *Agrostemma githago*, Lemnos, May 2025. The harsh volcanic landscape of the Fakos peninsula is visible in the background (photo credit: Lina Rinne)

On Lemnos, most agricultural fields are used to grow rain-fed fodder crops for sheep and goats. As they are mainly interested in biomass, eradicating wild arable plants (“weeds”) would be more costly than simply tolerating them. This farming reality has allowed an exceptionally high diversity of arable plants to persist—a central focus of our study.

During the master’s field trip in spring 2024, Erwin and Stefan introduced us to the island, the Terra Lemnia project, and local farmers. We explored a wide range of landscapes and attractions: the medieval castle overlooking the island’s capital Myrina, the wetlands and salt lakes in eastern Lemnos, the Ammothínes—striking inland sand dunes resembling a small desert—and Poliochni, often referred to as the “oldest city in Europe”.

At the time, arable plants played only a minor role in my perception, and I certainly did not expect that my academic journey would soon lead me back to Lemnos—and specifically to its agricultural fields.

That changed when I started my PhD in July 2024 with a research focus on Greek agro-ecosystems. We decided to use Lemnos as the basis for my first publication, contributing to the VCS Special Collection “Vegetation classification of islands and archipelagos”. Given my familiarity with the island and the extensive vegetation survey data collected by Erwin and Stefan over several years, it was the perfect starting point.

In January 2025, Erwin and Stefan handed me their dataset, wished me “good luck,” and I began working through the data in R. It was a learning process in every sense. Many species were unfamiliar to me, and even online resources did not always provide clear answers. Gradually, however, my understanding of the data—and of the community patterns it contained—improved. This was greatly helped by accompanying Erwin and Stefan during their fieldwork on Lesvos and Lemnos in spring 2025.

Standing in the agricultural fields and seeing species I had previously known only from spreadsheets and photographs brought the data to life. It also reinforced just how unusual Lemnos is from a Central European perspective. Many people of my generation grew up surrounded by heavily managed and sprayed fields, where a single red poppy is a photo-worthy sight.

In contrast, the cereal and pulse fields of Lemnos are colorful: yellow Brassicaceae grow alongside seas of red poppies, the pink flowers of Agrostemma githago (which is basically eradicated in Germany), and so many Trifolium species that it was difficult to keep track of them all.

Erwin Bergmeier conducting a vegetation survey on a rotational fallow dominated by *Anchusa hybrida* in front of a small Greek chapel on Lemnos, May 2025 (photo credit: Lina Rinne)

During our fieldwork, I learned a lot from Erwin and Stefan. We sampled additional fields for our study, and Erwin pointed out the soil differences (from sandy to loamy) that translated into the vegetation patterns revealed in the data analysis. I also took many pictures and notes to remember the fields and the species.

Fieldwork in Greece, of course, also comes with its own rewards: bathing in hot springs or the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying local dishes grown on the very fields we studied, encountering rare and fascinating bird species (including flamingos!), and meeting local colleagues and friends. Some of them joined us during fieldwork or helped us talk to local farmers, which provided valuable insight into agricultural management practices on the island and their socio-ecological context.

Back in Germany, it was time for a major overhaul of the analyses and manuscript. I incorporated what I had learned during fieldwork, and together with my co-authors, we integrated their extensive knowledge of Lemnos’ agro-ecosystems and arable plant communities.

By May, the writing and revision process was in full swing. Drafting, discussing, revising, and finalizing figures and tables continued until July, when we finally submitted the manuscript to Vegetation Classification and Survey.

As my first publication, the peer-review and production process has been a steep learning experience, involving multiple rounds of revisions and corrections. In the end, however, it was immensely rewarding.

We are very happy to have drawn attention to this remarkable island and to the often-overlooked topic of arable plant biodiversity. Lemnos is well worth visiting in spring (or any other season)—whether for its colorful fields, the diversity of migrating birds, unique landscapes, historical landmarks, or great food. Just be prepared for strong winds and surprisingly cold temperatures; at times, I wore nearly all my clothes at once to stay warm.

Original source:

Rinne, L., Meyer, S. and Bergmeier, E. (2025). Soil and season shape less intensively managed agro-ecosystems of a Mediterranean island—Insights from Lemnos (Greece). Vegetation Classification and Survey, 6, pp.253–271. doi: https://doi.org/10.3897/vcs.164437

Sun-shunning thief: new plant species robs underground fungi to survive

Tiny and highly specialised, Thismia malayana belongs to a group of plants known as mycoheterotrophs.

Researchers in Malaysia have discovered a tiny and distinctive plant that steals its nutrients from underground fungi.

Published as a new species in the open-access journal PhytoKeys, Thismia malayana belongs to a group of plants known as mycoheterotrophs. Unlike most plants, mycoheterotrophs do not perform photosynthesis. Instead, they act as a parasite, stealing carbon resources from the fungi on their roots.

Unusual brown and orange plant in leaf litter. — *Thismia malayana* live specimen.

The 2 cm-long plant’s unusual adaptation takes advantage of the mycorrhizal symbiosis, which is usually a mutually beneficial relationship between colonising fungi and a plant’s root system.

Several scientific photographs of an unusual brown and orange plant. — *Thismia malayana*.

By stealing nutrients from fungi, it can thrive in the low-light conditions of dense forest understories where its highly specialised flowers are pollinated by fungus gnats and other small insects.

A team of botanists from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) collaborated with local naturalists and stakeholders to make the discovery in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. It was there they found the miniscule species hidden amongst leaf litter and growing near tree roots and old rotten logs.

The research team identified Thismia malayana in two locations: the lowlands of Gunung Angsi Forest Reserve in Negeri Sembilan and the hilly dipterocarp forests of Gunung Benom in the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve, Pahang.

Unusual brown and orange plant with a scale showing it measures around 2 cm long. — Thismia malayana with scales (the finest grade is 0.5 mm).

Despite its small size, Thismia malayana is very sensitive to environmental changes and has been classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Its limited distribution and the potential threat from trampling due to its proximity to hiking trails underscore the importance of continued conservation efforts.

Original source

Siti-Munirah MY, Hardy-Adrian C, Mohamad-Shafiq S, Irwan-Syah Z, Hamidi AH (2024) Thismia malayana (Thismiaceae), a new mycoheterotrophic species from Peninsular Malaysia. PhytoKeys 242: 229-239. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.242.120967

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A year of biodiversity: Top 10 new species of 2021 from Pensoft journals, Part 1

With 2022 round the corner, we thought we’d start off the celebrations by looking back to some the most memorable discoveries of 2021. And what a year it has been! Many new species made their debuts on the pages of Pensoft journals – here’s our selection of the most exciting animals, plants and fungi that we published in 2021.

10. The delicious wild oak mushroom

It’s amazing that edible species, long known to local communities, can still present a novelty for science. This was the case with Cantharellus veraecrucis, a chanterelle from – that’s right, Veracruz, Mexico.

During the rainy season, locals harvest this mushroom from tropical oak forests to sell it or enjoy it as a delicacy; this is probably why they’ve dubbed it “Oak mushroom”.

Published in: MycoKeys

9. The master of disguise

If you ever see a leaf insect, there’s a good chance you won’t notice it – these little critters are masters of camouflaging.

This picture was taken in 2014, when Jérôme Constant and Joachim Bresseel from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences were enjoying a night walk in Vietnam’s Nui Chua National Park. It wasn’t until this year, though, that this beauty got its own scientific name: Cryptophyllium nuichuaense. Named after the park where it was found, it is one of 13 new species of leaf insects described in our journal ZooKeys this February.

This leaf insect, like many others, is endemic to Vietnam. This is why the researchers who found itcall for the creation of more protected areas in order to keep this precious biodiversity intact.

Published in: ZooKeys

8. The Neil Gaiman spider

Unlike most spiders, trapdoor spiders don’t use silk to make a web. Instead, they live in burrows lined with silk that they cover with a “trapdoor”. They are relatively widely spread, but you’d rarely encounter one out in the open, because they spend most of their lives underground.

This is probably why arachnologists and spider lovers the world over got so excited when Dr. Rebecca Godwin (Piedmont University, GA) and Dr. Jason Bond (University of California, Davis, CA) described 33 new species of trapdoor spiders from the genus Ummidia – in addition to the 27 already known.

Dr. Rebecca Godwin talks to L. Brian Patrick about her discovery of 33 new species of trapdoor spiders on his podcast New Species.

One of the 33 is Ummidia neilgaimani, named after fantasy and horror writer Neil Gaiman. A particular favorite of Dr. Godwin, Gaiman is the author of a number of books with spider-based characters. His novel American Gods features a character based on the West African spider god Anansi and a World Tree “one hour south of Blacksburg,” not far from the type locality of this species. He’s also part of the documentary Sixteen Legs, in his own words “An amazing film about Tasmanian cave spider sex.”

“I think anything we can do to increase people’s interest in the diversity around them is worthwhile and giving species names that people recognize but that still have relevant meaning is one way to do that,” says Dr. Godwin.

Published in: ZooKeys

7. The deadly Chinese-goddess snake

Bungarus suzhenae was only described as a new species this year, but its reputation preceded it – in a bad way. Researchers were already familiar with a notorious black-and-white banded krait that bit herpetologists on expeditions in Myanmar and China – in one infamous case, to death. After extensive morphological and phylogenetical analysis, the researchers were finally able to confirm it as new to science.

The story behind B. suzhenae’s name is interesting, too: it was named after a character from the traditional Chinese myth ‘Legend of White Snake’. The powerful snake goddess Bai Su Zhen is to this day regarded as a symbol of true love and good-heartedness in China.

Snakebites from kraits – including this one – are known to have a high mortality. This is why the new knowledge on B. suzhenae and its description as a new species are essential to the research on its venom and an important step in the development of antivenom and improved snakebite treatment.

Published in: ZooKeys

6. The ephemeral fairy lanterns

Commonly known as “fairy lanterns”, plants of the genus Thismia are very rare and small in size. They are mycoheterotrophic, which means they live in close association with fungi from which they acquire most of their nutrition. They’re also very elusive, growing in dark, remote rainforests, and visible only when they emerge to flower and set seed after heavy rain.

In fact, researchers were only able to find one specimen of the new T. sitimeriamiae, which they discovered in the Terengganu State of Malaysia – the rest of the population had been destroyed by wild boars.

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Just discovered, T. sitimeriamiae may already be threatened by extinction – which is why the research team that discovered it suggest that this exceptionally rare plant is classified as Critically Endangered.

Published in: PhytoKeys

A year of biodiversity: Top 10 new species of 2021 from Pensoft journals, Part 2

Described 28 years post-collection, new grass species makes a strong case for conservation

Originally collected 28 years ago in Ecuador, new species Poa laegaardiana has been just described, only to find out its prospects for surviving in its type location seem bleak nowadays. The study was published in the open access journal PhytoKeys.

When roaming in the Cordillera de los Andes of Ecuador, near the village of Facundo Vela, little did Smithsonian scientist and author, Dr. Paul M. Peterson, know that a small grass specimen will not only turn out to be an intriguing new species, but will also make a big statement on the importance of conservation.

Scientific drawing showing what makes new species P. laegaardiana distinct from its congeners

Almost three decades after its original collection the new species P. laegaardiana has finally emerged from its herbarium collection, but the story took an unexpected twist.

It took the authors a single Google Earth search to find out that what used to be the natural habitat of the newly found densely tufted bunchgrass, is now occupied predominantly by small farms.

Heavy agricultural use of the terrain, poses a good possibility for P. laegaardiana to have already been extirpated from this location. With the species currently known only from this area, chances are that this newly described species, might in fact turn out to be already extinct.

“Further studies are needed to search the area and browse collections for specimens from different locations,” explains Dr. Peterson. “But, in fact, it may well be that with our study we are documenting a possible extinction of a species, happening in the space of just 30 years. The story of P. laegaardiana serves to show how human-induced habitat loss can indeed be a major threat to the survival of life on Earth.”

The new species was named after renowned Danish botanist Simon Laegaard, who has made extensive collections in South America, Greenland, Ecuador, and Bolivia (accompanied by the authors) contributing to the documentation of the flora to make informed conservation and management plans.

Google Earth image comparison between the area of collection in 2011 and today. With the area having been plowed, chances of the grass still existing there are small, however it may still be found along the margins of the fields. CREDIT Left: @2018DigitalGlobe; Right: @2018Google @2018CNES/Airbus

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Original Source:

Peterson PM, Soreng RJ (2018) Poa laegaardiana, a new species from Ecuador (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae, Poinae). PhytoKeys 100: 141-147. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.100.25387

New species with heart-shaped fruits inspires a love for biodiversity in Hawai’i

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, botanists from Hawai’i have discovered a new species of plant with small heart-shaped fruits. The new species is a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and part of the genus Coprosma, which occurs across many remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. They named the new Hawaiian species after the symbol of love – calling it Coprosma cordicarpa – meaning the Coprosma with heart-shaped fruit. Their research is published in the open-access journal PhytoKeys.

The botanists, who discovered C. cordicarpa, describe their finding as the result of a loving adventure with Hawaiian biodiversity. It began when Hawai’i’s State Botanist Dr. Maggie J. Sporck-Koehler noticed the little heart-shaped fruits in the Kanaio Natural Area Reserve on the Island of Maui, while attending a work meeting with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).

One of the primary mandates of DOFAW is to conserve Hawai’i’s native ecosystems and the species that reside in them. As State Botanist, Sporck-Koehler is most often working on issues relating to rare or State and Federally listed threatened and endangered (T&E) plant species. Gaining a better understanding of native Hawaiian plant conservation status and helping to facilitate conservation efforts is one of the main objectives of the work she does for the State. Therefore, when something extraordinary gets under her nose, such as an unusual Coprosmapopulation, she takes a note and a sample.

Sporck-Koehler attempted to identify the species using a key so that she could know what she was looking at. She got to Coprosma foliosa, but was not satisfied. So, she turned to Dr. Jason T. Cantley, who at the time was finishing his PhD research on the genus Coprosma at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Department of Botany. “I was very taken with it,” Sporck-Koehler told Cantley. “It seemed different than any other [Coprosma] foliosas I’ve seen.”

Then, Cantley concluded that the heart-shaped fruits and other characteristics looked different enough that it was worth it to visit specimens at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu, and then to examine the plants themselves. “We needed to get all our ducks in a row, making sure we knew what we were looking for before we flew to Maui,” Cantley says. “Part of that planning was to think about the long-term conservation of Coprosma cordicarpafrom the start. That’s one reason it was necessary to bring Dr. Chau into this project.”

Dr. Marian M. Chau is the Seed Conservation Laboratory Manager at Lyon Arboretum’s Hawaiian Rare Plant Program in Honolulu. The Seed Conservation Lab‘s mission is to aid in the prevention of extinction of Hawaiian plant species by maintaining a long-term seed bank collection, to propagate plants for use in approved restoration projects, and to conduct research on seed storage and germination for the Hawaiian flora. The Seed Conservation Lab currently stores over 11 million seeds from about 40% of all Hawaiian native species, with the ultimate goal to represent the entire flora with research and/or long-term germplasm collections. This includes under-described biodiversity, like the heart-shaped fruits of C. cordicarpa.

From early on, it was clear that C. cordicarpa was not all that common, as it can only be found on one island. In fact, the botanists determined the new species fell within the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Vulnerable Category (VU) for extinction risk. The VU is the lowest of the three threatened Red List categories, but indicates that C. cordicarpastill faces threats of extinction in the wild. Chau suggested that they collect seeds for long-term germplasm storage at the Seed Conservation Lab.

Two field adventures on Maui and many herbarium specimen measurements later, the authors were confident they were looking at a new species. All in all, 609 seeds from 32 plants were collected, which are going to help preserve the biodiversity of this species for many years to come.

The authors had a passion for Hawaiian plant biodiversity and conservation well before this project, but it was the discovery of the heart-shaped fruits that brought these three botanists together. With their naming of this new species, they hope to also inspire others with a love for biodiversity that will continue long into the future.

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Original source:

Cantley JT, Sporck-Koehler MJ, Chau MM (2016) New and resurrected Hawaiian species of pilo (Coprosma, Rubiaceae) from the island of Maui. PhytoKeys 60: 33-48. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.60.6465