A New Species of Phyllocladiferous Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest

Abstract— A new species of Phyllanthus with phylloclades endemic to the State of Bahia is described here. Phyllanthus dracaenoides can be recognized for its peculiar habit that resembles a species of Dracaena, a very unusual height of up to 7 m, the plagiotropic phylloclades spirally arranged, and its vermiform cincinni. Notes on its habitat, taxonomic affinity, conservation status, geographic distribution, illustrations, and photographs are provided.

Wildfires in the Campanian of James Ross Island: a new macro-charcoal record for the Antarctic Peninsula

The Cretaceous “high-fire” period was a global event that reached almost all continental masses during that period in Earth’s history. The extensive wildfires directly affected plant communities. Significant palaeobotanical records in the Antarctic Peninsula have been studied from the James Ross Sub-Basin, especially from the Santa Marta Formation. However, there is no described evidence for palaeo-wildfires in the area so far. Here, we present the first occurrence of fossilized macro-charcoal coming from James Ross Island, confirming that palaeo-wildfires occurred in the Campanian vegetation preserved in the Santa Marta Formation. The new charcoal material has a gymnospermous taxonomic affinity, more specifically with the Araucariaceae, which is in accordance with previous palaeobotanical records from James Ross Island. This occurrence adds new information to the construction of the palaeo-wildfire scenario for Gondwana.

Taxonomic placement of four confusable Crepidium species (Orchidaceae, Malaxidinae) based on macro-and micro-morphological analyses, including a note on two new records to Peninsular Malaysia

Crepidium amplectens and Crepidium lowii are reported as two newly recorded Crepidium species belong to sect. Commelinodes from Peninsular Malaysia. The taxonomic affinity is discussed and validated involving another two of their complexes, Crepidium micranthum and Crepidium rheedei subsp. rheedei, to which they share some similar characteristics of the leaves and flowers. The comparative study was conducted based on a comprehensive description and clear photographic evidence of the macro-morphology and surface micro-morphology of the labellar and gymnostemium parts. This paper emphasizes the usefulness of diversity and distribution of ultrastructures and epicuticular sculpturing of the reproductive parts in delimiting the confusable and sympatric Crepidium species, and a brief note on the nectar or reward secretion in the genus with inference on the ecological adaptation and pollination strategies. Macro-morphologically, C. amplectens differs from C. lowii in having the leaves smaller, greenish and widely ovate. Individually, both species can be differentiated from C. micranthum based on the smaller flower and shorter labellum auricles, and inconspicuous gymnostemium stelidia. Micro-morphologically, C. amplectens is also distinguishable from C. lowii by having different diversity and distribution of the epicuticular ornamentation and papillae on the labellum and gymnostemium. Also, amongst the four studied species, only C. lowii has nectarostomata, occurring on the fovea or nectary.

Reply to Li et al. “Is Oculudentavis a bird or even archosaur?”

We welcome any new interpretation or alternative hypothesis regarding the taxonomic affinity of the enigmatic Oculudentavis khaungraae. However, here we demonstrate that Li et al. have failed to provide conclusive evidence for the reidentification of HPG-15-3 as a squamate. We analyse this specimen in a matrix that includes a broad sample of diapsid reptiles and resolve support for this identification only when no avian taxa are included. Regardless of whether this peculiar skull belongs to a tiny bird or to a bizarre new group of lizards, the holotype of Oculudentavis khaungraae is a very interesting and unusual specimen, the discovery of which represents an important contribution to palaeontology. Its discovery documents a potential new case of convergent evolution in reptiles, while highlighting the importance of amber deposits for documenting taxa not recorded in sedimentary deposits.

Morphological variability and taxonomic affinity of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) clones from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the most important export commodities of Indonesia, with Sulawesi becomes the largest cocoa production centers in Indonesia. Since the majority cocoa production comes from Sulawesi Island, there is high diversity of cocoa clones cultivated in this area. The objective of this study was to explore morphological variability and to assess taxonomic affinity of cocoa clones cultivated by smallholder farmers in four districts of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Nineteen cocoa clones from the districts of Sigibiromaru, Palolo, South Parigi and Sausu were used in this study. Fourteen morphological characters of leaves, fruits, and beans were examined. Cluster analysis were done to determine taxonomic affinity between the clones. Results of this study indicated that there was high morphological variability, mainly in fruit or pod characters. Cluster analysis on 14 morphological characters resulted in the grouping of the clones into two main clusters. The grouping of cocoa clones did not correspond to the geographical origin of samples. It is concluded that taxonomic affinity was determined by similarities of morphology, especially fruit and bean characters.

LECTOTYPIFICATION AND AMENDED DESCRIPTION OF PHYLLANTHUS (PHYLLANTHACEAE) SPECIES DESCRIBED BY KOORDERS FROM SULAWESI, INDONESIA

BOUMAN, R. W., KEßLER, P. J. A. & VAN WELZEN, P. C. 2019. Lectotypification and amended description of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) species described by Koorders from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 18(2): 97−103. — Two species of Phyllanthus collected and described by Koorders during his travels on the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia) are lectotypified, descriptions amended and their taxonomic affinity is discussed. Phyllanthus mindorensis was found to be too similar to P. celebicus and is placed in the synonymy of the latter. A key is provided to the species of Phyllanthus on Sulawesi.

Reassessment of a juvenile Daspletosaurus from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada with implications for the identification of immature tyrannosaurids

Daspletosaurus is a large tyrannosaurine found in upper Campanian deposits of Alberta and Montana. Although several large subadult and adult individuals of this taxon are known, only one juvenile individual, TMP 1994.143.1, has been identified. This specimen has played a key role in the idea that juvenile tyrannosaurid individuals are difficult to differentiate among species. Here the taxonomic affinity of TMP 1994.143.1 is reassessed in light of a juvenile tyrannosaurine postorbital recently discovered in the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta. Anatomical comparisons and phylogenetic analyses reveal that TMP 1994.143.1 is referable to the albertosaurine Gorgosaurus libratus, whereas the new postorbital belongs to a small juvenile Daspletosaurus. This taxonomic reassignment of TMP 1994.143.1 results in the juvenile ontogenetic stage of Daspletosaurus being known only from two isolated cranial elements. The new postorbital provides insights into early Daspletosaurus ontogeny, revealing that the cornual process developed earlier or faster than in other tyrannosaurids. Although some ontogenetic changes in the postorbital are found to be unique to Daspletosaurus, overall changes are most consistent with those of other large tyrannosaurines. Our results also show that diagnostic features develop early in ontogeny, such that juveniles of different tyrannosaurid species are easier to differentiate than previously thought.

Acremonium arthrinii sp. nov., a mycopathogenic fungus on Arthrinium yunnanum

Acremonium arthrinii sp. nov. was collected from Phyllostachys heteroclada in the forest of Sichuan Province, China. This mycopathogenic fungus was frequently found on the top of the ascomata of Arthrinium yunnanum, and presumably causes its death. In this study, the new species was examined morphologically and maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of a combined LSU, SSU, ITS and TEF 1-α were performed to clarify the taxonomic affinity of the species. Acremonium arthrinii can be distinguished from other Acremonium species based on conidiogenesis, size differences in conidiophores, conidiogenous cells and conidia, and its DNA sequence differences and phylogeny. Detailed descriptions, micrographs and phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon were provided.

On the identity and occurrence of Rubus racemosus (Rosaceae) in India with note on its neotypification

Rubus racemosus is an endemic species of Rosaceae and the distribution is strictly restricted to southern parts of the Western Ghats. The present paper provides a detailed taxonomic description, colour photographs and discusses the taxonomic affinity of the taxon with its allied taxa. And also, the name Rubus racemosus is neotypified here.