Averyanov, Leonid Vladimirovich

NGUYEN K.S., AVERYANOV L.V., LIN C.W.

Two new species, Sonerila cornuta and S. phaluongensis, discovered in Vietnam, are described and illustrated. The first, superficially similar to S. reptans, however, it is distinguished by an obclavate hypanthium (vs. cylindrical-campanulate or obconical) and purple anthers (vs. yellow), with the base having two prominent S-curved lobes (vs. lobes at the base of anther short, inconspicuous). The second, is morphologically similar to Sonerila betongensis but differs in having a quadrangular, 4-winged stem (vs. terete), glabrous leaves (vs. densely hispid), shortly cylindrical hypanthium (vs. cupuliform to campanulate) that is sparsely covered with glandular hispid hairs (vs. relatively densely hispid with simple hairs), and the anther base with two prominent lobes (vs. small, inconspicuous). In addition to the formal description, line drawings, color plates, information on distribution, ecology, and conservation status, as well as comparisons with morphologically similar species, are provided for each species.

DIEP T.T., DOAN H.T., QUANG B.H., AVERYANOV L.V., LYSKOV D.F., SAMIGULLIN T.H., SENNIKOV A.N., NURALIEV M.S.

An overview of the genus Osmanthus (Oleaceae) in Vietnam is provided. Four species are recognized, of which O. heterophyllus and O. yunnanensis are newly recorded for the country. Results of a molecular phylogenetic study are reported, and employed for clarification of the species idendity of the Vietnamese collections assigned to O. fragrans. In addition, uncertainties in phylogenetic relationships between the sections of Osmanthus are highlighted. For each species, taxonomic and nomenclatural notes are given, along with geographical distribution and analytical illustrations; accounts of the two newly recorded species are supplemented by morphological descriptions and notes on their ecology and phenology. Lectotypes are designated for three names currently treated within the genus Osmanthus. A key for identification of the Vietnamese species of Osmanthus is presented.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., VUONG T.B., QUANG B.H., NGUYEN K.S., LE T.A., BINH T.D., MAISAK T.V., NGUYEN C.H.

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly during the fieldwork of 2023–2024, as well as a result of investigation of the herbarium and garden collections of Russia and Vietnam. It includes five species new to science, namely Cleisostoma truongquanii, Cymbidium bavuongii, Hemipilia uniflora, Micropera vietnamensis, Robiquetia binhii, and one variety, Biermannia averyanovii var. micrantha. Six species, Biermannia brachystachys, Cleisostoma nangongense, Coelogyne cumingii, Eulophia bicallosa, Gastrodia fontinalis, and Schoenorchis seidenfadenii are reported for Vietnam at first. For each of the studied taxa, their types, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology and phenology (within Vietnam), distribution, preliminarily assessed conservation status, brief taxonomic notes and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are included. In addition, new nomenclature combinations, Panisea lecongkietii (Vuong, Aver. & Q.T.Truong) Aver., Biermannia brachystachys (Schltr.) Aver., Thrixspermum arunachalensis (A.N.Rao) Aver., and Thrixspermum jainiana (S.N.Hegde & A.N.Rao) Aver. are proposed. Based on available literature data and currently presented data the orchid flora of Vietnam includes 1382 species belonging to 184 genera.

DANG M.Q., AVERYANOV L.V., MAISAK T.V., TRAN T.T., NGUYEN V.C., WOOK U.S., NGUYEN Q.B., TRUONG B.V.

The paper presents an illustrated taxonomic survey of Bulbophyllum sect. Macrocaulia in the flora of Vietnam including a key to species identification, data on phenology, habitat, distribution and taxonomic notes for all accepted species. The estimated conservation status of these species in Vietnam is also discussed. Additionally, Bulbophyllum papilluliferum is described as a new species for science. The presence of B. ignevenosum in Vietnam is confirmed and documented correcting its long-standing misidentification as B. menghaiense or B. moniliforme.

AVERYANOV L.V., TANAKA N., NGUYEN V.C., MAISAK T.V., SHVANOVA V.V.

Peliosanthes epigynica, a new species occurring in a dry coastal forest in southeastern Vietnam (Ninh Thuan Province) is described and illustrated. It is distinguishable from any other Peliosanthes by a combination of the following character states: comparatively small elliptic leaf blades, drooping narrowly campanulate purple/violet flowers, and a nearly flat-topped, perfectly inferior ovary with a short straight (non-tortuous) conoid style. Besides data on morphological and ecological aspects, we provide notes on its taxonomic relationships to some other species similarly sharing completely epigynous flowers.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., LE T.A., VUONG T.B., NURALIEV M.S., MAISAK T.V., YUDOVA D.A., NGUYEN C.H., NONG D.V.

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly during the fieldwork of 2020–2023, as well as a result of investigation of the herbarium collections of Russia and Vietnam. It includes two species new to science, Bidoupia micrantha and Hylophila vietnamensis, and three species new to the native flora of Vietnam, i.e. Diphylax urceolata, Disperis neilgherrensis, and Habenaria siamensis. Three genera, Diphylax, Disperis and Hylophila, are reported here for the flora of Vietnam for the first time. In addition, a newly naturalized species Cynorkis fastigiata is documented, which originates from the Comoros, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Mascarenes. For each of the studied species, its type, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology and phenology (within Vietnam), distribution, preliminarily assessed conservation status, brief taxonomic notes and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are additionally included.

NGUYEN C.H., DANG H.V., NGUYEN Y.T., NGUYEN L.V., AVERYANOV L.V., MAISAK T.V., SHVANOVA V.V.

Dendrobium namdongense is described here as a new species from limestone areas of the Nam Dong Conservation Area, Thanh Hoa Province, Quan Hoa District (northern Vietnam). This species inhabits primary evergreen broad-leaved and mixed forests on karstic limestone at elevations of 900–1100 m a.s.l. in a zone of humid, cool tropical climate. A detailed illustrated description and comparison of the discovered plant with the morphologically closest species, D. fuscifaucium and D. hekouense is provided, along with data on its distribution, ecology, and phenology. The new species has a potential in ornamental horticulture. According to the criteria of the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the species is determined as Critically Endangered (CR).

DANG M.Q., AVERYANOV L.V., MAISAK T.V., WOOK U.S., CANH N.V., PHAN X.T., TRUONG Q.T., WOJTAS K.P., TRUONG B.V.

Chiloschista eckhardii, discovered recently in Ha Giang Province of northern Vietnam, is described as a new species to science. The newly discovered species belongs to group of plants having yellow sepals and petals spotted with dark brown marks. Our newly identified species may be misidentified as C. glabrisepala, C. parishii, or C. quangdangii, which share a similar hairy band on the central callus of the lip, whereas this feature is glabrous in other related species. The new species differs from the similar species mentioned in having a callus that is slightly shorter than the median lobe and a densely hairy median part of the lip callus. In contrast, C. glabrisepala has a callus that is as long as or slightly longer than the median lobe, with hairs only on the apex of the disc callus. C. parishii has a callus shorter than the median lobe, with the lip disc and callus entirely hairy, while C. quangdangii has a distinctly shorter callus that is densely hairy. This paper presents the description of the new species, along with data on its habitat and phenology, a color plate detailing the flower structure, and notes comparing it with similar species.

CHU Q.N., NGUYEN C.H., AVERYANOV L.V., DAI H.V., NGUYEN K.S., MAISAK T., KRUPKINA L.I.

This study establishes two new species, Aspidistra tenuistyla and A. luteo-rubra (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae). The first one, Aspidistra tenuistyla, is described here as a new species for science. It was discovered in the lowland limestone area of Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan Province). A detailed illustrated description of this species, along with data on its distribution, ecology, and phenology, is provided. According to the criteria of the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of A. tenuistyla is estimated as Near Threatened (NT). Additionally, the species rank is proposed for A. luteo-rubra, the plant regarded earlier as a variety (A. lutea var. luteo-rubra). It was found in the limestone area of Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve (Hoa Binh Province). Both plants belong to the group of species with narrowly tubular flowers and are most closely related to A. lutea. A detailed, illustrated comparison of A. tenuistyla, A. lutea, and A. luteo-rubra is additionally presented. All these species are endemic to the limestone regions of northern Vietnam.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., VUONG T.B., NURALIEV M.S., NGUYEN K.S., MAISAK T.V., YUDOVA D.A., SAIDOV N.T., NGUYEN C.H., NONG D.V.

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly in the course of the fieldwork in 2020–2023, as well as from the investigation of the collections stored at the Herbaria of Russia and Vietnam. It includes descriptions of four species (Appendicula spicata, Dendrobium khanhii, D. vietii, Listera anthropophora) and one variety (Eria dacrydium var. cornuta) new to science, as well as reports of 18 species new to the flora of Vietnam (Bulbophyllum conchiferum, B. gibbosum, B. lasiochilum, B. malleolabrum, B. medusae, B. mucronatum, B. reclusum, B. siamense, B. sutepense, Dendrobium deltatum, D. densiflorum, D. lampongense, D. polyanthum, Oberonia maxima, Phreatia sulcata, Podochilus lucescens, Sunipia grandiflora and S. rimannii). In addition, a new name, Dendrobium nobile var. luteoalbum, and a new nomenclatural combination, Eria chienii, are proposed, and lectotypes for the names Bulbophyllum mucronatum, B. sutepense, Dendrobium deltatum and D. nobile var. luteoalbum are designated. For each of the studied species, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology, phenology, distribution, conservation status assessment according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, brief taxonomic notes, and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are included.

NGUYEN K.S., AVERYANOV L.V., LIN C.W.

Oreocharis hapii, a new species endemic to Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. This species bears a superficial resemblance to O. cotinifolia in its elliptic leaves, campanulate corolla tube, and the stamens protruding from the tube. However, the new species differs in its stoloniferous habit (vs. absent stolons), petioles and stems densely woolly (vs. villous), leaf blade adaxially scabrous (vs. villous), sub-actinomorphic corolla (vs. distinctly zygomorphic) that is white (vs. pink) with 4 stamens (vs. 2). Following IUCN criteria, the conservation status of the new speciesis proposed to be Vulnerable (VU: D1).

Samigullin T.H., Logacheva M.D., Averyanov L.V., Zeng S., Fu L., Nuraliev M.S.

The orchid genus Vietorchis comprises three species, all discovered in the 21 century. Each of these species is achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic and is known to be endemic to Vietnam. The type species of the genus, V. aurea, occurs in a single location in northern Vietnam within a lowland limestone karstic area. Vietorchis furcata and V. proboscidea, in contrast, are confined to mountains of southern Vietnam, far away from any limestone formations. Taxonomic placement of Vietorchis remained uncertain for the reason of inconclusive morphological affinities. At the same time, the genus has never been included into molecular phylogenetic studies. We investigate the phylogenetic relationships of two species of Vietorchis (V. aurea and V. furcata) based on three DNA datasets: (1) a dataset comprising two nuclear regions, (2) a dataset comprising two plastid regions, and (3) a dataset employing data on the entire plastid genomes. Our phylogenetic reconstructions support the placement of Vietorchis into the subtribe Orchidinae (tribe Orchideae, subfamily Orchidoideae). This leads to a conclusion that the previously highlighted similarities in the rhizome morphology between Vietorchis and certain mycoheterotrophic genera of the subfamilies Epidendroideae and Vanilloideae are examples of a convergence. Vietorchis is deeply nested within Orchidinae, and therefore the subtribe Vietorchidinae is to be treated as a synonym of Orchidinae. In the obtained phylogenetic reconstructions, Vietorchis is sister to the photosynthetic genus Sirindhornia. Sirindhornia is restricted to limestone mountains, which allows to speculate that association with limestone karst is plesiomorphic for Vietorchis. Flower morphology is concordant with the molecular data in placing Vietorchis into Orchidinae and strongly supports the assignment of the genus to one of the two major clades within this subtribe. Within this clade, however, Vietorchis shows no close structural similarity with any of its genera; in particular, the proximity between Vietorchis and Sirindhornia has never been proposed. Finally, we assembled the plastid genome of V. furcata, which is 65969 bp long and contains 45 unique genes, being one of the most reduced plastomes in the subfamily Orchidoideae. The plastome of Vietorchis lacks any rearrangements in comparison with the closest studied autotrophic species, and possesses substantially contracted inverted repeats. No signs of positive selection acting on the protein-coding plastid sequences were detected.

NGUYEN K.S., AVERYANOV L.V., LIN C.W.

Primulina hoangmongii, a new species from Yen Bai Province of northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. albicalyx in its robust rhizome, rosette leaves, and yellow flowers. However, P. hoangmongii is clearly distinguished by its linear to narrowly-lanceolate bracts, 8–12 × 2–3 mm (vs. narrowly ovate to ovate, 18–25 × 9–14 mm), green calyx (vs. white), rich yellow corolla (vs. pale yellowish), base of the upper lip flat, thin and rich pure yellow (vs. swelling between lobes, yellow-brownish), and a ligulate, entire stigma (vs. deltoid, 2-lobed). The conservation status of P. hoangmongii is preliminarily assessed according to IUCN criteria as Critically Endangered (CR).

Tran T.T., Nguyen V.C., Averyanov L.V., Truong B.V., Dang V.S., Nguyen V.K., Maisak T.V., Nguyen Q.B., Krupkina L.I.

A new species, Hoya sungwookii, discovered in southern Vietnam near Nha Trang Town (Khanh Hoa Province) is described and illustrated. It belongs to the type section of the genus and is distinguished from the morphologically closest H. ablongacutifolia (= H. graveolens) in glabrous pedicels, smaller flower 1.1–1.4 cm across, greenish ciliate calyx, corolla abaxially light green, small green to dark green corona 4.5–5 mm in diameter, 1.6–1.8 mm tall, small, 2–2.2 mm long, corona segments, and short corona segment inner angle, not exceeding anthers. Additionally, data on ecology, phenology, distribution of newly described species are presented, as well as its evaluated conservation status and color illustrations. Taking into consideration our new data, the genus in Vietnam currently includes 45 species.

Averyanov L.V., Nguyen K.S., Tillich H., Maisak T.V., Shvanova V.V.

This paper continues the publication of Aspidistra species newly discovered in the flora of Vietnam. It includes an illustrated description of A. pentagona, found in the northern part of the country. Detailed analytical color illustrations, data on morphology and ecology, phenology, tentative relationships, distribution and expected conservation status are provided for the discovered species.

Malhocká A., Švábová M., Suchý T.

Gale S.W., Li J., Suddee S., Traiperm P., Peter C.I., Buruwate T., Crain B.J., McCormick M.K., Whigham D.F., Musthofa A., Gogoi K., Ito K., Minamiya Y., Fukuda T., Landrein S., et. al.

IntroductionThe terrestrial orchid genus Nervilia is diagnosed by its hysteranthous pattern of emergence but is nested among leafless myco-heterotrophic lineages in the lower Epidendroideae. Comprising ca. 80 species distributed across Africa, Asia and Oceania, the genus remains poorly known and plagued by vague and overlapping species circumscriptions, especially within each of a series of taxonomically intractable species complexes. Prior small-scale, exploratory molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed the existence of cryptic species, but little is otherwise understood of origin, the scale and timing of its biogeographic spread, or the palaeoclimatic factors that have shaped its ecology and given rise to contemporary patterns of occurrence.MethodsHere, we sample widely throughout the generic range, including 45 named taxa and multiple accessions referable to several widespread ‘macrospecies’, as well as material of equivocal identity and probable undescribed status, for the first time enabling an evaluation of taxonomic boundaries at both species and sectional level. Using nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, trnL-F) sequence data, we conduct phylogenetic (maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference) and ancestral area analysis to infer relationships and resolve probable origin and colonisation routes.ResultsThe genus is strongly supported as monophyletic, as are each of its three sections. However, the number of flowers in the inflorescence and other floral characters are poor indicators of sectional affinity. Dated ancestral area analysis supports an origin in Africa in the Early Oligocene, with spread eastwards to Asia occurring in the Late Miocene, plausibly via the Gomphotherium land bridge at a time when it supported woodland and savanna ecosystems.DiscussionTaxonomic radiation in Asia within the last 8 million years ties in with dramatic Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau uplift and associated intensification of the Asia monsoon. Multiple long-range migrations appear to have occurred thereafter, as the genus colonised Malesia and Oceania from the Pliocene onwards. The bulk of contemporary species diversity is relatively recent, potentially explaining the ubiquity of cryptic speciation, which leaves numerous species overlooked and unnamed. Widespread disjunct species pairs hint at high mobility across continents, extinction and a history of climate-induced vicariance. Persistent taxonomic challenges are highlighted.

Lone A.R., Thakur S.S., Tiwari P., James S.W., Yadav S.

The endemic genus Eutyphoeus (Crassiclitellata: Acanthodrilidae) plays a significant role in temperate and subtropical regions of India and was collected from Mizoram state of the Northeastern Region (NER). This work aims to assess the diversity of the genus based on the integrative morpho-anatomical features and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene, study phylogenetic relationships among species, and evaluate their genetic variability at the regional scale. Our morpho-anatomical results revealed six Eutyphoeus species namely E. comillahnus, E. festivus, E. gigas, E. mizoramensis, E. pharpingianus, and E. scutarius respectively out of which E. comillahnus, E. festivus, E. scutarius, and, E. pharpingianus are new earthworm records from Mizoram. Additionally, E. pharpingianus was reported for the first time from the entire NER. Based on the Kimura 2 parameter model we observed 3.08% mean intraspecific and 12.35% minimum interspecific genetic distances in species, and the species delimitation methods show a consensus of a clear barcode gap of 7–10%. The phylogenetic relationships based on the Maximum Likelihood (ML) tree revealed three well-supported major clades reflecting the potential of CO1 in earthworms. However, more sampling and multi-loci data are required for in-depth analysis. In addition, the network analysis and genetic variability parameters such as haplotype diversity (hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) are provided for each species. Such information can be used for studying their population structure, biogeography, and dispersal which have a substantial effect on biodiversity and conservation owing to perturbances and anthropogenic activities.

HAO J., FENG H., TAN K., LIU L., LIN Q.

Ophiopogon ximengensis, a newly described species from Yunnan Province, SW China, is illustrated herein. Characterized by its strongly recurved tepals O. ximengensis resembles O. griffithii originally described from the same region. However, it is distinctly identifiable by its shorter and broader, more distinctly inequilateral leaf blades, denser inflorescences usually with a tuft of 2 or 3 clustered flowers in axils of bracts and shorter internodes, and more strongly recurved, internally unspotted white perianth lobes. Additionally, we provide notes on its habitat, conservation status, phenology, and taxonomic relationships with related species.

Xiong C., Fu X., Tan K., Huang Y., Zhang H., Wang Y., Yang Y., Yi S.

Gastrochilus obovatifolius, a new species discovered in the Dabashan of northeast Chongqing (China), is described and illustrated. The novelty morphologically resembles G. affinis, G. balangshanensis and G. heminii in having a glabrous and smooth epichile. but can be distinguished by the unique obovate shape of the leaves, smaller epichile, and flower color. The results of molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA–trnH, psbM–trnD, and trnL–F) of 55 Gastrochilus species, support the inclusion of G. obovatifolius in G. sect. Microphylli, being most closely related to G. balangshanensis from Sichuan. The new species is a trunk epiphyte in evergreen broad-leaved forest.

Xu Z., Zhao J., Li R., Jiang H., Wang J., Chen C.

A new species of crassulacean acid metabolism, Sinocrassula holotricha, is described based on specimen collected from Sichuan Province, Southwest China. The new species can be distinguished from its morphologically and phylogenetically related species by the hairy plants and lack of rosette. In the present study, a molecular phylogeny, taxonomic description, distribution information, and photographs of this new species are presented.

Cheng Z., Liu X., Yu N., Chen W., Zhao H., Li F., Long C.

Acorus shannai (Acoraceae) is a commonly used seasoning in southern China. It was previously misidentified as A. macrospadiceus (Yamam.) F. N. Wei & Y. K. Li before. Through comparison of morphological characteristics, distribution locations, and type specimen, we determined that the elevation of A. gramineus var. macrospadiceus Yamam to species status was incorrect. Therefore, we propose a formal description of a new species following nomenclature regulations. Based on morphological and plastid genomic data, this study formally describes and illustrates Acorus shannai, distributed in the Qiandongnan area of Guizhou Province and its surroundings, confirming it as a new species within the genus Acorus. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other members of the A. gramineus group. Key distinguishing features include a strong fennel odor (vs. aromatic in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), fruit with prominent dorsal sutures (vs. inconspicuous dorsal sutures in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), and a leaf-shaped spathe that is about 2–3 times as long as the spadix (vs. more than 3 times in “A. tatarinowii”). Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. shannai is closely related to the other species in the A. gramineus group. The recognition of A. shannai is not only important for the species diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Acorus, but also can avoid the drug safety caused by using other Acorus species as A. shannai to eat and promote the conservation of A. shannai resources.

Gao D., Xaybouangeun N., Zaw Z., Yang R., Fan Z.

Huang J., Condamine F.L., Han M., Cai L., Nguyen K.S., Zou C., Xu W.

AbstractThe Himalayas represent a complex mountain system housing some of the world's richest floras along with a high level of endemism. Among them, Lysionotus (Gesneriaceae) stands out as a small genus (~34 species) that is unexpectedly distributed across southern to eastern Asia. Within this genus, the mountain forests of the south Pan‐Himalaya region emerge as a hotspot of diversity, hosting most epiphytic and endemic Lysionotus species. To explore the origin, evolutionary history and development of the current distribution pattern of Lysionotus, we inferred a highly resolved phylogenetic framework using 649 nuclear genes sourced from transcriptomes for 27 species. We revealed three major clades within Lysionotus with strong support, corresponding to the genus's classification into three sections (sects. Didymocarpoides, Lysionotus, and Cyathocalyx) based on morphological characters. Molecular dating suggests that Lysionotus is likely to have originated in the karst regions of northern Vietnam to southwestern China during the middle Oligocene (28.18 Ma), and then migrated westward to the southern Himalaya regions during the Miocene. The speciation rates of Lysionotus were likely to be positively linked to changes in East Asian monsoons and past temperatures. Notably, epiphytic species of sect. Lysionotus began colonizing the tropical and subtropical forests of the Pan‐Himalaya around the mid‐Miocene Climatic Optimum, coinciding with the transition to long seed appendages. Our findings support that the formation and development of forests in the southern Himalaya, along with paleo‐climate changes and morphological innovations, which probably facilitated the evolution and expansion of the spatial distribution of Lysionotus.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., VUONG T.B., QUANG B.H., NGUYEN K.S., LE T.A., BINH T.D., MAISAK T.V., NGUYEN C.H.

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly during the fieldwork of 2023–2024, as well as a result of investigation of the herbarium and garden collections of Russia and Vietnam. It includes five species new to science, namely Cleisostoma truongquanii, Cymbidium bavuongii, Hemipilia uniflora, Micropera vietnamensis, Robiquetia binhii, and one variety, Biermannia averyanovii var. micrantha. Six species, Biermannia brachystachys, Cleisostoma nangongense, Coelogyne cumingii, Eulophia bicallosa, Gastrodia fontinalis, and Schoenorchis seidenfadenii are reported for Vietnam at first. For each of the studied taxa, their types, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology and phenology (within Vietnam), distribution, preliminarily assessed conservation status, brief taxonomic notes and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are included. In addition, new nomenclature combinations, Panisea lecongkietii (Vuong, Aver. & Q.T.Truong) Aver., Biermannia brachystachys (Schltr.) Aver., Thrixspermum arunachalensis (A.N.Rao) Aver., and Thrixspermum jainiana (S.N.Hegde & A.N.Rao) Aver. are proposed. Based on available literature data and currently presented data the orchid flora of Vietnam includes 1382 species belonging to 184 genera.

Raskar S., Mitra S.

WANG L.H., BI M.H., CHU H.B., ZHANG G.C., FENG H.Z.

Peliosanthes orthocoronata is described and illustrated as a new species from southern China. The new species is similar to P. griffithii, they can be easily distinguished by horizontal stolons, the perianth lobes, and the staminal corona morphology. Notes on the habitat, conservation status, phenology, and taxonomic relationships with congeners are also provided.

THIEN T.D., QUANG B.H., ANH T.T., HAI D.V., NURALIEV M.S.

Petrocosmea albocaerulea, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2018 and 2023 during botanical surveys in two neighboring northwestern provinces of Vietnam, close to the tri-border area of Vietnam, China and Laos. Petrocosmea albocaerulea is distinct from its congeners by the following features: several-flowered inflorescences, corolla with white tube and light blue lobes, corolla glabrous inside, corolla lobes not longer than the tube, glabrous stamen filaments, anthers rounded at the apex, and style hairy near base and glabrous otherwise. A need for a thorough reconsideration of the sectional subdivision of Petrocosmea is highlighted.

Huang Y., Li Y., Hong X., Luo S., Cai D., Xiao X., Huang Y., Zheng Y.

Glyptostrobus pensilis is an endangered tree species, and detecting its genetic diversity can reveal the mechanisms of endangerment, providing references for the conservation of genetic resources. Samples of 137 trees across seven populations within Fujian Province were collected and sequenced using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD-seq). A total of 3,687,189 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, and 15,158 high-quality SNPs were obtained after filtering. The genetic diversity in the populations was found to be low (Ho = 0.08630, He = 0.03475, π = 0.07239), with a high genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst). When K = 4, the coefficient of variation (CV) error value was minimized, suggesting that the 137 individuals could be divided into four groups, with frequent gene flow between them. Principal component analysis (PCA) divided the seven populations into two major categories based on their north–south geographic location. The clustering was consistent with those obtained from the PCA. The main reasons for the endangerment of G. pensilis are likely to be poor natural regeneration, human disturbances, and climatic factors. It is recommended that methods such as in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, and the establishment of germplasm banks be implemented to maintain the genetic diversity of G. pensilis populations.

Chen L., Liu W., Jiang N., Xiao Y., Shan Y., Wang S., Wu S., Wang Q., Yu J., Zhang Y., Lu X., Qiao H.

The growth and development of Cypripedium macranthos Sw. are affected by environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, soil type, and its crown density. In this study, its morphological attributes, physiological traits, and interactions with environmental factors were analysed. The results indicate that the growth of C. macranthos was limited by elevated crown density, soil alkaline-hydrolysed nitrogen, and available soil potassium concentration. Moreover, the physiological attributes of C. macranthos were variably suppressed by high crown density and elevated soil alkaline-hydrolysed nitrogen concentration, whereas enhanced available soil potassium concentration promoted these physiological characteristics. At lower crown density, C. macranthos had greater photosynthetic capacity and higher δ13C, C, and N, which were more favourable for organic matter accumulation and plant growth and development. Conversely, at higher crown densities, plants relied more heavily on mycorrhizal fungi for nutrient acquisition. In conclusion, crown density, soil alkali-hydrolysed nitrogen, and available soil potassium concentration were the main environmental factors influencing the morphological and functional form of C. macranthos. Optimal growth conditions were identified at a crown density of 0.5–0.7, soil alkali-hydrolysed nitrogen concentration of 155.06–246.98 mg/kg, and available potassium concentration of 432.53–502.87 mg/kg. The results of this study provide a theoretical understanding for developing conservation strategies for C. macranthos to ensure the stability of the wild population and the health of its habitats.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., LE T.A., VUONG T.B., NURALIEV M.S., MAISAK T.V., YUDOVA D.A., NGUYEN C.H., NONG D.V.

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly during the fieldwork of 2020–2023, as well as a result of investigation of the herbarium collections of Russia and Vietnam. It includes two species new to science, Bidoupia micrantha and Hylophila vietnamensis, and three species new to the native flora of Vietnam, i.e. Diphylax urceolata, Disperis neilgherrensis, and Habenaria siamensis. Three genera, Diphylax, Disperis and Hylophila, are reported here for the flora of Vietnam for the first time. In addition, a newly naturalized species Cynorkis fastigiata is documented, which originates from the Comoros, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Mascarenes. For each of the studied species, its type, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology and phenology (within Vietnam), distribution, preliminarily assessed conservation status, brief taxonomic notes and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are additionally included.

LUU H.T., NGUYEN H.C., NAO D.P., NGUYEN T.Q., NGUYEN-LE X.B.

Peliosanthes thachii is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to southern Vietnam. This is the fifth species found for the Neolourya group as it has a slender tortuous style with the stigma positioned above the level of anthers and an inferior ovary. The new species is morphologically closest to P. curviandra but it is distinguishable from all the others of the group by having smaller dimension leaves and floral parts, spherical and hardly open perianth, short and strongly tortous style and purple ovules. The data on phenology, distribution, and provisional assessment of conservation status of the new taxon are provided.

Borah D., Tanaka N.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., VUONG T.B., NURALIEV M.S., NGUYEN K.S., MAISAK T.V., YUDOVA D.A., SAIDOV N.T., NGUYEN C.H., NONG D.V.

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly in the course of the fieldwork in 2020–2023, as well as from the investigation of the collections stored at the Herbaria of Russia and Vietnam. It includes descriptions of four species (Appendicula spicata, Dendrobium khanhii, D. vietii, Listera anthropophora) and one variety (Eria dacrydium var. cornuta) new to science, as well as reports of 18 species new to the flora of Vietnam (Bulbophyllum conchiferum, B. gibbosum, B. lasiochilum, B. malleolabrum, B. medusae, B. mucronatum, B. reclusum, B. siamense, B. sutepense, Dendrobium deltatum, D. densiflorum, D. lampongense, D. polyanthum, Oberonia maxima, Phreatia sulcata, Podochilus lucescens, Sunipia grandiflora and S. rimannii). In addition, a new name, Dendrobium nobile var. luteoalbum, and a new nomenclatural combination, Eria chienii, are proposed, and lectotypes for the names Bulbophyllum mucronatum, B. sutepense, Dendrobium deltatum and D. nobile var. luteoalbum are designated. For each of the studied species, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology, phenology, distribution, conservation status assessment according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, brief taxonomic notes, and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are included.

Dupin J., Hong-Wa C., Gaudeul M., Besnard G.

Abstract Background and Aims Progress in the systematic studies of the olive family (Oleaceae) during the last two decades provides the opportunity to update its backbone phylogeny and to investigate its historical biogeography. We additionally aimed to understand the factors underlying the disjunct distribution pattern between East Asia and both West Asia and Europe that is found more commonly in this family than in any other woody plant families. Methods Using a sampling of 298 species out of ca. 750, the largest in a phylogenetic study of Oleaceae thus far, and a set of 36 plastid and nuclear markers, we reconstructed and dated a new phylogenetic tree based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and checked for any reticulation events. We also assessed the relative support of four competing hypotheses [Qinghai–Tibet Plateau uplift (QTP-only hypothesis), climatic fluctuations (Climate-only hypothesis), combined effects of QTP uplift and climate (QTP-Climate hypothesis), and no effects (Null hypothesis)] in explaining these disjunct distributions. Key Results We recovered all tribes and subtribes within Oleaceae as monophyletic, but uncertainty in the position of tribe Forsythieae remains. Based on this dataset, no reticulation event was detected. Our biogeographic analyses support the QTP-Climate hypothesis as the likely main explanation for the East-West Eurasian disjunctions in Oleaceae. Our results also show an earlier origin of Oleaceae at ca. 86 Mya and the role of Tropical Asia as a main source of species dispersals. Conclusion Our new family-wide and extensive phylogenetic tree highlights both the stable relationships within Oleaceae, including the polyphyly of the genus Chionanthus, and the need for further systematic studies within the family’s largest and most under-sampled genera (Chionanthus and Jasminum). Increased sampling will also help to fine-tune biogeographic analyses across spatial scales and geological times.

Mahmoud K.B., Abdelkefi F., Mezzapesa G.N., Perrino E.V.

AbstractThe study centers on the valorization of Beta macrocarpa Guss., an endangered Mediterranean wild plant that grows in Tunisia. This plant is disappearing due to a reduction in marginal areas and a lack of awareness of this important crop wild relative (CWR). This prompted us to carry out work to assess the nutritional and functional value of its plant shoots in relation to physicochemical soil properties at three different Tunisian sites covering the north (Sijoumi), the center (Enfidha) and the south (Kerkennah) of the country. All soil samples showed an alkaline pH and high salinity. Sijoumi, Enfidha and Kerkennah soils were classified as loamy, silty clay loamy and sandy, respectively. Chemical analysis revealed that all soils, especially the sandy one, were low in total nitrogen, organic matter and microelements. Plant analysis showed that shoots harvested from the loamy soil presented the highest levels of carbohydrate (19.1 g/100 g FW) and fiber (6.1 g/100 g FW) and the greatest energetic value (94 kcal/100 g FW), whereas shoots collected from the sandy soil showed the highest contents of protein (4.1 g/100 g FW), ash (5.2 g/100 g FW), total polyphenols and flavonoids (39.01 mg GAE/g DW; 27.8 mg CE/g DW), and the greatest DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50 = 0.74 mg/ml). The results suggest that Beta macrocarpa, which naturally grows in poor and salt-affected soils, could play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity and sustainability of agro-ecosystems, particularly in marginal areas, and could also provide an alternative source of food with significant nutritional value and health benefits. Graphical abstract

Borah D., Taram M., Tanaka N.

Le T.M., Ly N.S., Pham V.T., Nguyen P.H., Tran D.B., Dong L., Averyanov L.V., Tanaka N., Nguyen S.K.

With the aim of inferring phylogenetic relationships among 86 species (including 45 species from Vietnam) mostly of the subfamily Convallarioideae (=Nolinoideae) (Asparagaceae sensu APG IV), we analyzed their chloroplast DNA sequences (rbcL and trnL-F) by both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Our dataset included six of the seven tribes classified in this subfamily; Convallarieae, Dracaeneae, Liriopeae Nolineae, Polygonateae and Rusceae (Eriospermeae not examined). Our study supported the sisterhood between Convallarioideae and Asparagoideae and the monophyly of all the tribes except Polygonateae. Within the Convallarioideae we examined, Dracaena formed the basalmost clade. Theropogon did not positively nest in any of the tribes including Convallarieae in which it had often been classified. It was weakly defined as the second basalmost branch. Ruscus (Rusceae) nested in Polygonateae as the sister to Maianthemum, hence Polygonateae was recognized here as paraphyletic. Nolineae was discordant in position between BI and ML analyses, probably reflecting the limited molecular markers we examined. In both BI and ML analyses, all genera of Liriopeae and Convallarieae were monophyletic and their intergeneric relationships were consistent. In Liriopeae, Liriope was sister to the clade of Ophiopogon + Peliosanthes. In Convallarieae, Aspidistra + Tupistra formed the sister clade to Reineckea + Rohdea. Interspecific relationships within these genera were, however, not clearly resolved, except for several pairs of sister species. We also briefly discussed some of the resultant phylogenetic relationships from the morphological and/or evolutionary aspects.

Ya J., Jiang H., He Z., Liao Q., Zhao Y., Cai J., Wang H., Xiong Z.

A new species of Cylindrolobus (Orchidaceae), C. gaoligongensis from the Gaoligong Mountain, northwestern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. arunachalensis and C. gloensis, but can be distinguished from them by having orange to pink and triangular‐ovate lip mid‐lobe with mucronate apex, front margin of lateral lobes yellow to white and with short glandular hairs gradually transitioning to dense long hairs, two central calli connected to a keel toward mid‐lobe in the disk, and three rows of white long hairs at the base of the disk. Additionally, an improved description and illustration of the closely related species C. arunachalensis, is also provided.

Dai J., Van Do T., Liu Y.

Perilimnastes is a genus currently treated in the polyphyletic Phyllagathis. Recent phylogenomic analyses have identified a morphologically cohesive lineage referred to as the Phyllagathis (raphides) clade, which should be excluded from Phyllagathis and treated as a distinct genus under the name Perilimnastes. Morphological and phylogenomic data have confirmed that four new species collected from Vietnam are part of the Phyllagathis (raphides) clade. They are described herein as Perilimnastes multisepala, P. setipetiola, P. uniflora, and P. banaensis. Perilimnastes multisepala is phylogenetically closest to Phyllagathis setotheca, and morphologically to P. fruticosa and P. stenophylla, but is distinct in the 4- to 8-lobed calyx, 28 × 9 mm, apically long acuminate petals, and 1–2 mm pedicel at fruiting stage. Perilimnastes setipetiola, P. uniflora, and P. banaensis are phylogenetically most closely related. Perilimnastes uniflora is characterized by its prostrate habit, small size, glabrous, obovate to obovate-lanceolate leaf blade, and solitary flower. Perilimnastes setipetiola and P. banaensis resemble each other in habit, leaf size and shape, and sessile or near sessile inflorescences but can be easily distinguished by the indumentum of the stems and leaves.

Zavatin D.A., Ramos R., Watanabe M.T., Pedrosa L.G., de Lírio E.J.

Monimiaceae comprises approximately 26 genera and 250 species, with a pantropical distribution, predominantly occurring in humid forests. In Brazil, it is represented by five genera and 47 species, most of which are found in the Atlantic Forest, particularly in dense ombrophilous forest. Nevertheless, studies on this family in other biomes and vegetation types in Brazil are still scarce. The Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF), a region located in the state of Minas Gerais, exhibits high plant species richness and endemism. During collections and analysis of herbarium materials from this region, some specimens of Mollinedia caught our attention due to a combination of characteristics that do not match those of any described species within the genus. For this reason, we describe this new taxon and assess its risk of extinction. Additionally, we review the occurrences of Monimiaceae in the QF and provide maps of its geographical distribution. With the description of this new species, the region now hosts eight species of Monimiaceae, two from the genus Macropeplus and six from Mollinedia. The new species is the first endemic species of the Monimiaceae family to be described in the QF. Concerning the extinction risk assessment, the new species was assessed as critically endangered.

Li Y., Li X., Nie S., Zhang M., Yang Q., Xu W., Duan Y., Wang X.

SUMMARYWhen interspecific gene flow is common, species relationships are more accurately represented by a phylogenetic network than by a bifurcating tree. This study aimed to uncover the role of introgression in the evolution of Osmanthus, the only genus of the subtribe Oleinae (Oleaceae) with its distribution center in East Asia. We built species trees, detected introgression, and constructed networks using multiple kinds of sequencing data (whole genome resequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing of nrDNA) combined with concatenation and coalescence approaches. Then, based on well‐understood species relationships, historical biogeographic analyses and diversification rate estimates were employed to reveal the history of Osmanthus. Osmanthus originated in mid‐Miocene Europe and dispersed to the eastern Tibetan Plateau in the late Miocene. Thereafter, it continued to spread eastwards. Phylogenetic conflict is common within the ‘Core Osmanthus’ clade and is seen at both early and late stages of diversification, leading to hypotheses of net‐like species relationships. Incomplete lineage sorting proved ineffective in explaining phylogenetic conflicts and thus supported introgression as the main cause of conflicts. This study elucidates the diversification history of a relict genus in the subtropical regions of eastern Asia and reveals that introgression had profound effects on its evolutionary history.

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., VUONG T.B., NGUYEN K.S., NURALIEV M.S., NGUYEN C.H., ORMEROD P.A., MAISAK T.V., DIEP D.Q., LYSKOV D.F., NONG D.V.

The seventh paper of the series on orchid diversity in Vietnam includes descriptions of four species new to science (Goodyera umbonata, Myrmechis brachyscapa, Rhomboda obcordata, and Vietorchis proboscidea) and five new national records (Calanthe speciosa, Habenaria coultousii, Myrmechis urceolata, Paphiopedilum barbigerum var. barbigerum, and Peristylus affinis). Two new nomenclatural combinations, Rhomboda aurea (≡ Odontochilus aureus) and Odontochilus tonkinensis (≡ Anoectochilus tonkinensis), are proposed. Odontochilus putaoensis described from Myanmar and reported also from China and Laos is synonymized with Odontochilus umbrosus described 22 years earlier from Vietnam. Data on relevant synonyms and etymology are provided, along with morphological descriptions for the newly described species. For the species new to science and for the taxa reported for Vietnam for the first time, the information is given about studied specimens, ecology, phenology, distribution, and conservation status assessed according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, accompanied by brief taxonomic notes and illustrations.  

WOJTAS K.P., BANDARA C., KUMAR P.

A new species of Chiloschista is described and illustrated from Myanmar (Shan State) with colour plates, line drawing and photographs. The comparison and differentiation are made with Chiloschista rodriguezii, C. parishii and C. lunifera. Chiloschista shanica is most similar to C. rodriguezii from which it differs in having brownish streaks on green coloured peduncle and pedicel, densely placed flowers on the peduncle; sepals and petals comparatively shorter and wider, white coloured dotted with reddish-brown spots and being glabrous on the outer surface; labellum sac pointing forwards; side lobes of labellum acute with denticulate margin and arching above the column and denticulate upper margin of rostellum. From C. parishii and C. lunifera the new species differs in having a deeply saccate labellum with hairs on its front and back wall and sepals and petals almost glabrous on outer surface.  

AVERYANOV L.V., NGUYEN V.C., TANAKA N., NGUYEN K.S., MAISAK T.V.

Two new species, Peliosanthes annamensis and P. virescens from Dak Lak Province in southern Vietnam, are described and illustrated. The former is morphologically similar to P. crassicoronata, while the latter to P. argenteostriata. We also describe and illustrate one new variety, P. nivea var. acutiloba from Khammouane Province, central Laos. Peliosanthes divaricatanthera, formerly known from central Vietnam (Da Nang City) and SW China (Yunnan), was rediscovered in southern Vietnam (Dak Lak Province). Its illustrations and amended description based on new materials are provided. We also report P. micrantha, so far known from central and southernVietnam, as a new addition to the flora of Laos. Notes on their morphological and ecological aspects, taxonomic relationships to the respective congeners, and data on their habitats are provided as well.