First generic record of aero-terrestrial algae Apatococcus lobatus (Chodat) J.B.Petersen for algal flora of Nepal

Short note

Pentatropis R.Br. ex Wight & Arn. (Apocynaceae), a new generic record for Kerala, India

Pentatropis capensis (L. f.) Bullock. is being reported for the first time from the state of Kerala, India. The extended distribution is discussed with notes on ecology.

Stadiochilus R. M. Sm. (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae), a new generic record for India

The monotypic ginger genus Stadiochilus R. M. Sm. with S. burmanicus R. M. Sm. earlier known from Myanmar is reported here as a new record for India from the state of Nagaland. A detailed taxonomic description along with photographic illustrations of S. burmanicus is given. For conservation purposes, the IUCN status of this species has been evaluated as Endangered. The present field study ascertained that extraction of timber and non-timber forest products, forest fires and shifting cultivation are the major threats to the species in the locality in Nagaland reported here.

Ancistrorhynchus (Orchidaceae), a new generic record for the Flora of Zambia

N/A

 Neothelaxes pileata, a new species from China (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aphididae, Thelaxinae)

Neothelaxes pileata Qiao sp. nov., found on Pilea martinii (Urticaceae) in China, is described and illustrated. Neothelaxes Chakrabarti & Quednau is also a new generic record for China.

The habitat-modifying red alga Ramicrusta on Pacific reefs: A new generic record for the Tropical Northwestern Pacific and the description of four new species from Guam

The genus Ramicrusta (order Peyssonneliales) is a new record for Micronesia, with range expansions of Ramicrusta fujiiana and R. lateralis to Guam. In addition, four species (Ramicrusta adjoulanensis, R. asanitensis, R. labtasiensis, and R. taogamensis) are newly described from Guam using molecular and anatomical characters. Ramicrusta lateralis specimens from Guam share most anatomical features with the holotype description from Vanuatu, but the plants from Guam are more tightly adherent, rigid, and robust than those of Vanuatu. Ramicrusta adjoulanensis possesses a well-developed epithallus with frequent cell fusions, secondary pit connections, and lacking hair bases or trichocytes, similar to Ramicrusta bonairensis. Ramicrusta adjoulanensis differs from other Ramicrusta species in having occasionally free margins and being attached by frequently produced, relatively long rhizoids (75–100 μm long). Ramicrusta asanitensis shares features with many other species, but the thickness of the crust (upwards of 2 mm thick), heavy calcification in the epithallus, and the extent of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary growth, differentiate it from other Ramicrusta species. Ramicrusta labtasiensis shares features with its close relative Ramicrusta lateralis but possesses frequent, robust, and relatively long rhizoids (75–95 μm long) throughout its entire undersurface. Ramicrusta taogamensis resembles its close relative Ramicrusta appressa but is primarily distinguished by its generally well-developed epithallus with occasional secondary pit connections and cell fusions. The six species reported here make Guam equal to Vanuatu in currently having the highest known species richness of Ramicrusta in the world.

Bidens L. (Coreopsideae, Asteraceae), a new generic record for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

We report a collection of Bidens pilosa L. from an urban habitat in Abu Dhabi. This represents a new generic record of Bidens L. for the emirate. The species has most likely been accidentally introduced and has the potential to affect the native flora because of its fast rate of growth. The new record expands the geographic distribution of the species and highlights the importance of expanding surveys to include urban habitats, which would help track the spread of non-native species within the emirate.