A revision of Neotropical Costaceae: sixty years of taxonomic struggle

Homalolepis Turcz. is a neotropical, monophyletic genus, recently reestablished as a segregate from Simaba Aubl., based on molecular and morphological grounds. As here defined, Homalolepis comprises 28 species, mainly distributed in tropical South America, with one species extending to Central America. Most species occur within the Cerrado and Atlantic forest domains in Brazil and only a few species occur in the Caatinga and Amazonian domains or in other countries. Most of the species are narrow endemics, and two (H. suaveolens and H. maiana) are presumably extinct. The present revision treatment is primarily based on the examination of about 1300 specimens from 58 herbaria. Natural populations of 20 species were also studied. Extensive field work improved the representativeness of collections of several species which were poorly known until now, and it was critical for achieving accurate species circumscriptions, especially for some species complexes present in the genus. Twenty-three species were transferred from Simaba to Homalolepis, seven names lectotypified, an epitype designated, seven new species described, and one reestablished. The infrageneric classification is reevaluated, with an updated morphological circumscription of two traditional sections. This revision provides the taxonomic data on nomenclatural types, including synonymies, morphological descriptions, etymology of species names, common names and uses, illustrations and photos, and brief discussions on phenology, taxonomy and nomenclature. Distribution maps are provided for each species, along with biogeographical and ecological comments.

Insects play a vital role for humans. Apart from well-known ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, biological control, decomposition), they also serve as food for humans. An increasing number of research reports (Mitsuhashi 2017, Jongema 2018) indicate that entomophagy (the practice of eating insects by humans), is a long-standing practice in many countries around the globe. In Africa notably, more than 524 insects have been reported to be consumed by different ethnic groups, serving as a cheap, ecofriendly and renewable source of nutrients on the continent. Given the global recession due to the pandemic (COVID-19) and the threat induced to food security and food production systems, edible insects are of special interest in African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where they have been reported as vital to sustain food security. Indeed, to date, the broadest lists of edible insects of the DRC reported (a maximum) 98 insects identified at species level (Monzambe 2002, Mitsuhashi 2017, Jongema 2018). But these lists are hampered by spelling mistakes or by redundancy. An additional problem is raised by insects only known by their vernacular names (ethnospecies) as local languages (more than 240 living ones) do not necessarily give rigorous information due to polysemy concerns. Based on the aforementioned challenges, entomophagy practices and edible insect species reported for DRC (from the independence year, 1960, to date) have been reviewed using four authoritative taxonomic databases: Catalogue of Life (CoL), Integrated Taxonomic Information System, Global Biodiversity Information Facility taxonomic backbone, and the Global Lepidoptera Names Index. Results confirm the top position of edible caterpillars (Lepidoptera, 50.8%) followed by Orthoptera (12.5%), Coleoptera and Hymenoptera (10.0% each). A total of 120 edible species (belonging to eighty genera, twenty-nine families and nine orders of insects) have been listed and mapped on a national scale. Likewise, host plants of edible insects have been inventoried after checking (using CoL, Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species). The host plant diversity is dominated by multi-use trees belonging to Fabaceae (34.4%) followed by Phyllanthaceae (10.6%) and Meliaceae (4.9%). However, data indicated endangered (namely Millettia laurentii, Prioria balsamifera ) or critically endangered (Autranella congolensis) host plant species that call for conservation strategies. To the best of our knowledge, aforementioned results are the very first reports of such findings in Africa. Moreover, given issues encountered during data compilation and during cross-checking of scientific names, a call was made for greater collaboration between local people and expert taxonomists (through citizen science), in order to unravel unidentified ethnospecies. Given the challenge of information technology infrastructure in Africa, such a target could be achieved thanks to mobile apps. Likewise, a further call should be made for: bеtter synchronization of taxonomic databases, the need of qualitative scientific photographs in taxonomic databases, and additional data (i.e., conservational status, proteins or DNA sequences notably) as edible insects need to be rigorously identified and durably managed. bеtter synchronization of taxonomic databases, the need of qualitative scientific photographs in taxonomic databases, and additional data (i.e., conservational status, proteins or DNA sequences notably) as edible insects need to be rigorously identified and durably managed. Indeed, these complementary data are very crucial, given the limitations and issues of conventional/traditional identification methods based on morphometric or dichotomous keys and the lack of voucher specimens in many African museums and/or collections. This could be achieved by QR (Quick Response) coding insect species and centralizing data about edible insects in a main authoritative taxonomic database whose role is undebatable, as edible insects are today earmarked as nutrient-rich source of proteins, fat, vitamins and fiber to mitigate food insecurity and poor diets, which are an aggravating factor for the impact of COVID-19.

The Miconieae (Melastomaceae) are a strictly Neotropical group comprising over 1900 species. The tribe is characterized by inflorescences that are terminal or axillary, but not cauliflorous (except a few species of Charianthus, Clidemia, and Mecranium), flowers subtended by only one pair of bracteoles (or none at all), with anthers that lack a pedoconnective, leaves without long acicular raphides, and berry fruits. Generic delimitations within the Miconieae have been notoriously complex, and phylogenetic analyses have shown that Miconia is paraphyletic with many other genera embedded within it. These nested genera include Anaectocalyx, Calycogonium, Catocoryne, Charianthus, Clidemia, Conostegia, Killipia, Leandra, Maieta, Mecranium, Necramium, Ossaea, Pachyanthus, Pleiochiton, Sagraea, Tetrazygia, and Tococa. In the absence of a workable solution that allows the subdivision of the tribe into smaller, morphologically recognizable and monophyletic genera, it has been previously proposed that only one genus be recognized in the tribe. Here we present the necessary taxonomic and nomenclatural changes necessary to recognize Miconia as the sole genus within Miconieae.

BackgroundA literature review revealed heavy reliance on a few key publications for identification of medicinal plant species from local or vernacular names and a lack of citation of voucher specimens in many publications. There is a need for more reliable and standardized data on the identity of species used for medicine, especially because local names vary from region to region. This is especially true in the case of medicinal roots, for which identification of species is difficult. This paper contributes to existing data on the species sold as medicinal roots (and other underground plant parts such as bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers) in Morocco.MethodsData were collected in collaboration with herbalists in Marrakech and collectors in rural regions near Marrakech where species are collected from the wild. The ethno-medicinal uses of these species were also recorded.ResultsWe identified the vernacular names for 67 medicinal roots (by free listing) used to treat a variety of human diseases. We were able to collect and identify one or more species for 39 of the recorded vernacular names. The ones we were not able to identify were either imported or no longer available in the markets. We collected more than one species for some of the vernacular names for a total of 43 species. We identified six new vernacular names and four species which had not been previously described in the literature. Our botanical identification matched at least one of the names listed in the literature 63% of the time and did not match any species listed in the literature 37% of the time. Of the three most commonly cited pieces of literature we compared to, we found the greatest overlap with the broader, more comprehensive work of Bellakhdar 1997 (as opposed to Benchâabane and Abbad 1997 which worked in a similarly focused geographical area). However there was only 63% agreement between Bellakhdar 1997 and our botanical identifications, and 29% of the time our identification didn’t match even the genus of any of the species listed in any of the 3 most commonly cited pieces of literature.ConclusionsMore rigorous methodology and reporting are needed for medicinal plant research in Morocco. This will ensure that studies are comparable, help to protect traditional medicine users from negative health effects, and, support efforts to conserve overharvested wild medicinal plants.

Internet scientific name frequency as an indicator of cultural salience of biodiversity

It is well known that butterflies are valuable indicators of environmental quality, given their existence in various habitats. Collecting and regularly updating data on species richness, abundance, and distribution of all butterfly species in the country is crucial for effective monitoring and conservation efforts, which can ultimately help minimise biodiversity losses. Since the last publication of the Georgian butterfly list, there have been numerous reports registering taxonomic revisions, nomenclatural changes or providing several new butterfly "cryptic species" based on genetic research. In the following article, based on a review of various sources of data, including existing literature and new, unpublished data, we present an annotated regional checklist of butterflies of Georgia, a country that is a part of the Caucasus ecoregion representing one of 36 biodiversity "hotspots". A database with all reported species for Georgia was created by compiling information from critical reviews of all available literature reports, records submitted by contributors of three websites dedicated to butterfly fauna, and data deposited in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database. Various specialised sources were used to extract vernacular species names (Georgian, Russian and English). The updated list of butterflies from Georgia includes 244 species of the superfamily Papilionoidea recorded from almost 600 different locations. Nearly 25% of the 244 species were considered rare and extremely rare, while at the same time being at risk of potential extinction. For each species, we present brief phenological information, distribution in Georgia/Caucasus, occurrence status in each region of the country, thumbnails (ventral and dorsal view), as well as a list of vernacular names in Georgian, Russian and English. Regarding species that are reported in the literature as new, uncertain, or questionable in Georgia, we provide the relevant comments. In comparison to the other republics of Transcaucasia (Armenia, Azerbaijan), we noted a similar number of species. Our studies provide a robust baseline of data for further exploration of the Lepidoptera fauna of Georgia. This foundation should help to fill in the gaps in knowledge regarding regional species distribution, phenology, and habitat requirements.

The reviving Hebrew language requires an artificially enriched vocabulary for animals. This is created advisedly by the Academy of the Hebrew Language and its Committee for Zoological Terms, who hold that, (a) vernacular names serve in communication and should be educational; (b) therefore they should be generally accepted, unambiguous, stable, instructive, and of reasonable scope; each name should be meaningful, simple, convenient, and preferably pretty. The Committee has defined the scope of the required vocabulary and decided that the Hebrew system should reflect the scientific nomenclature, with three main modifications: (a) The Hebrew genus is a practical one, comprising species related in the eyes of amateurs; taxonomic and nomenclatural changes need not affect the Hebrew terms. (b) Famous species may carry single-word names. (c) A family name may derive from the name of a genus prominent in Israel. Names are recruited from the following sources: (a) Biblical and later scripture. (b) Modern common usage. (c) Scientific or foreign vernacular names. (d) New, coined by the Committee. After adequate discussion, involving the public, the names are decided by the Academy and published. The process may serve as model for similar enterprises.

124Taxonomy is concerned with the discovery of biodiversity, its classification, and the establishment of a system of nomenclature that provides unique labels for individual species and thus, a standardized, universal means of communication. Our grasp of the planet’s biodiversity remains incomplete, and this applies to venomous reptiles just as much as to most other taxa. New species are still being discovered regularly, and our understanding of their phylogenetic relationships is constantly evolving. This results inevitably in changes to the scientific names of populations and species of these animals. For toxinologists, following these developments is essential to ensure correct identification of experimental animals, venoms and causes of bites as well as for the development of antivenoms and drug discovery. This chapter summarizes changes in the nomenclature and taxonomy of venomous reptiles over the last 10 years. A total of 102 front-fanged snake species were added to the list, as well as a number of opisthoglyphous colubrids and beaded lizards, mostly through the splitting of previously known species but also due to new discoveries in previously poorly explored regions. Changes in genus-level nomenclature due to new phylogenetic insights also affected a number of well-known groups (seasnakes, Asian green pitvipers, neotropical lanceheads).

The taxonomic revision of Burmeistera (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae) in Colombia comprising 57 species (42 of them endemic to the country) is here presented, along with a key for identification, maps of distribution, comments on the habitat, conservation status, phenology, and illustrations. Twenty species are considered as Critically Endangered, mostly due to the reduced number of individuals, the low number of flowering branches and flowers per individual, the narrow areas of distribution, and the habitat destruction. Burmeistera microphylla is reported for the first time from Colombia. Vernacular names and uses for some species are also provided. Additionally, 16 names are subsumed as new synonyms, and 15 lectotypes and one neotype are designated.

Abstract. Saensouk P, Boonma T, Saensouk S. 2022. Curcuma pulcherrima (Zingiberaceae), a new rare species of Curcuma subgen. Ecomata from eastern Thailand. Biodiversitas 23: 6635-6644. Curcuma pulcherrima Boonma, Saensouk & P. Saensouk sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae, belonging to Curcuma subgenus Ecomata) distributed in Ubon Ratchathani Province, the eastern part of Thailand. The morphological characteristic of this species causes it to fall into Curcuma subgenus Ecomata due to the presence of epigynous glands, lack of coma bracts, bracts fused only at the base, and production of open-form flowers. Furthermore, this species is similar to Curcuma pierreana Gagnep., due to its similar color flowers with a pink tinge, but lighter (vs. C. pierreana maroon tip), and similar to Curcuma siamensis Saensouk & Boonma due to its characteristics of the anther and spurs. Nevertheless, after careful morphological examination and comparison of all allied species in the Curcuma genus, especially in subgenus Ecomata, it was found that this plant did not match any existing species. Therefore, we describe it here as a new species to science with the name of Curcuma pulcherrima, according to this species's very beautiful inflorescences and flowers. In contrast, its morphological characteristics description, illustrations, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, distribution, utilization, conservation status, map of distribution, and comparison table of the new species and its ally species, including a revised key to the species of Curcuma subgenus Ecomata are provided.

Abstract. Saensouk P, Boonma T, Saensouk S. 2022. Curcuma nakhonphanomensis (Zingiberaceae), a new species from the lower Mekong River basin, northeastern Thailand. Biodiversitas 23: 6040-6048. Curcuma nakhonphanomensis Boonma, Saensouk & P. Saensouk sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) was distributed in Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern Thailand. The morphological characteristic of this species makes it fall into Curcuma subgenus Ecomata, due to the presence of epigynous glands, lack of coma bracts and bracts fused only at the base, and production of open-form of flowers. This plant did not match any existing species after careful morphological examination and comparison of all allied species in the genus Curcuma, especially in subgenus Ecomata. Therefore, we described it here as a new species to science in the name of Curcuma nakhonphanomensis Boonma, Saensouk & P. Saensouk. The specific epithet is named according to the province's name of the type locality. The morphological characteristics description, illustrations, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, distribution, utilization, conservation status, and map of distribution are present. The comparison table of the new species and its allies species, including a revised key to 41 species of Curcuma subgenus Ecomata is provided.

Twelve new species of Sonerila from Thailand are described here: S. anisophylla, S. banthatensis, S. betongensis, S. epiphytica, S. montana, S. peninsularis, S. phuhinrongklaensis, P. phuphanensis, S. reptans, S. subumbellata, S. tenasserimensis and S. tenue. Detailed descriptions, line drawings, color photos, distribution map, ecological data, phenology, DNA barcode sequences, vernacular names and conservation assessment are also provided. Although most of them are narrowly distributed and known only from Thailand, some species might be also found in neighboring countries. Conservation assessments are suggested for all new species, from which seven are assessed as Endangered (EN), two Vulnerable (VU) and three Data Deficient (DD). With the addition of the new taxa, there are now a total of 29 species of Sonerila known from Thailand.

“Cool” Fish in Cold Waters

A new orchid species Platanthera australis is described and illustrated from Hunan Province in southern China. A detailed description, line drawings, colour photographs and a distribution map are provided, together with notes on conservation status and comparisons with allied species.

Through field observations, recollections at known sites and research on specimens and relevant literature, Ophiorrhiza rarior and O. mycetiifolia are reduced to the synonyms of O. amplifolia. In addition, lectotype of Ophiorrhiza amplifolia is here designated with detailed description, colour photographs, conservation status and distribution map.