Lateral Veins Research Articles

Quercus zhekunii M.Deng & J.Huang, a new sclerophyllous oak from Guangxi, southwest China

Asian (sub)tropical karst regions harbor high endemism and species diversity of sclerophyllous oaks. In this study, Quercus zhekunii, a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Phylogenomic reconstruction using RAD‐seq placed this new species within the ‘Tropical clade' of Quercus sect. Ilex. The dense fused fasciculate and uniserate trichomes on the leaf abaxial surface of Q. zhekunii resemble those of Q. kingiana. However, its distinctively concave primary and lateral veins on the leaf adaxial surface, along with the prominent backward‐recurved leaf blade and leaf margin, make it morphologically distinct from any known species in Q. sect. Ilex. The conservation status of Q. zhekunii is assessed as ‘Endangered' (EN). A new identification key to the species in the ‘Tropical clade' is provided. In addition, character evolution and phylogeography of the ‘Tropical clade' of Q. sect. Ilex is briefly discussed based on the new phylogenetic and morpho‐anatomical data.

Mathematical modelling of vacuum cooling of leafy vegetables using bidirectional conjugate model combining heat and mass transfer with leaf structural deformation

The numerical model is an effective solution to regulate the uneven temperature distribution, water loss, and structural shrinkage of leafy vegetables during vacuum cooling (VC). Nevertheless, the developed models mainly concentrate on the heat and mass transfer of leafy vegetables during the cooling, ignoring the structural deformation and its interaction with heat and mass transfer. For a better understanding of the cooling process, a macroscopic bidirectional coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) model was developed to describe the VC of leafy vegetables using spinach as a representative case. The simulations, validated by the experimental results, accurately predicted the changes in vapour pressure, weight loss, evaporation rate, moisture concentration, and shrinkage of the leafy vegetable, as well as the cooling gradients of the stem, blade, midvein, and lateral veins. Results showed that the cooling of the blade was easier, but the cooling gradient of the blade was lower than that of the leaf stem, with a maximum temperature gradient of stem, veins, and blade after cooling being 2.09 °C. Reducing the cooling end pressure could shorten the cooling time to the desired cooling temperature and minimise the water loss. Sensitivity analysis revealed that porosity significantly affected the changes in temperature, moisture concentration, and shrinkage. Notably, water evaporation was the primary reason for the shrinkage of the leaf tip and edge, but the contraction of the solid matrix cannot significantly aggravate further water evaporation. These findings highlight the potential of the THM model to promote the commercialisation of VC for leaf vegetables.

Intra‐arterial contrast enhanced computed tomography of the deep digital flexor tendon and palmar veins in the distal forelimb in Jeju horses: Evaluating contrast‐enhancing factors

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have investigated the adequate contrast enhancement (CE) evaluation depending on concentration, volume, and rate of administration of contrast media (CM) and the scan parameters in equine contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT).ObjectivesTo investigate CE of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and veins depending on the computed tomography (CT) voltage and concentration, volume, and rate of CM administration during intra‐arterial CECT of equine distal forelimbs.Study DesignIn vivo experiments.MethodsSix horses underwent 54 CT scans. First, the CE of DDFT and veins was evaluated depending on the voltage (80 kV and 250 mA or 120 kV and 150 mA) and CM concentration (150, 120, or 90 mg I/mL in 50 mL of CM). Second, CE of DDFT and veins was evaluated depending on the CM volume (50, 100, or 150 mL) and administration rate (2, 4, or 6 mL/s) with a fixed iodine delivery rate (IDR; 300 or 180 mg I/s).ResultsContrast enhancement of DDFT was significantly higher at 80 kV of voltage and 150 mg I/mL of CM concentration (Median: 29.65; IQR: 1.74; p < 0.05). CE of the DDFT positively correlated with CM concentration (p < 0.001; r = 0.75). At 180 mg I/s IDR, contrast attenuation in the medial and lateral palmar veins significantly decreased at a CM of 30 mg I/mL, rate of 6 mL/s, and volume of 150 mL (median and IQR: 985.93 and 71.8 Hounsfield units [HU] and 988.73 and 41.16 HU, respectively); the CE was sufficient to distinguish between the vessels and the adjacent structures.Main LimitationsThe number of animals was small.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a low CM concentration could yield sufficient CE of the DDFT and arteries with adjusted CT scanning parameters or volume and injection rate of CM.

101 5-HT4 receptor-mediated vasorelaxation occurs through a cyclic mononucleotide-dependent mechanism in the isolated bovine lateral saphenous vein

Abstract Serotonin (5-HT)-mediated vasorelaxation of the isolated bovine lateral saphenous vein occurs primarily through 5-HT4 receptor activation. Vasorelaxation responses mediated through 5-HT4 have only been documented to occur in cattle and sheep and thus, may represent a novel vasorelaxation mechanism that is specific to ruminants. In tissues from other species, the 5-HT4 receptor and its associated G protein couple with adenylate cyclase. However, the mechanisms contributing to 5-HT4-mediated vasorelaxation in vascular tissue remain undefined. To better understand the mechanisms of 5-HT4-mediated vasorelaxation, lateral saphenous veins from cattle (n = 4) were collected and assessed for vasoactivity in response to increasing concentrations of a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist (BIMU-8) in the absence and presence of selective inhibitors of downstream proteins involved with cyclic mononucleotide-mediated signaling. Isolated vessel segments were suspended in chambers of a multi-myograph containing 5 mL of continuously oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer and equilibrated to 1 g tension for 90 min. After the equilibration period, vessels were exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; vehicle control) or selective inhibitors of downstream protein targets dissolved in DMSO (1×10-5 M) for 5 min. Vessels were pre-contracted with 1×10-4 M phenylephrine for 10 min to achieve a sustained increase in tension. After the 10-min pre-contraction period, vessels were exposed to increasing concentrations (1×10-9 to 1×10-4) of BIMU-8 non-cumulatively. Vasoactive response data were normalized as a percentage of the maximum contractile response induced by the phenylephrine pre-contraction. In the absence of selective inhibitors (control), BIMU-8 induced (P < 0.01) dose-dependent relaxations (mean -log EC50 = 6.30 M) with a 112% increase in maximal vasorelaxation activity occurring at 1×10-4 M. In the presence of the selective inhibitors for adenylate cyclase (NKY80) or guanylate cyclase (NS2028), 66% and 86% of the vasorelaxation responses to BIMU-8 were attenuated (P < 0.01), respectively. In the presence of the selective inhibitors for protein kinase A [protein kinase A inhibitor fragment (6-22) amide] or protein kinase G (Rp-8-bromo-PET-Cyclic GMPS), 66% and 97% of the maximal vasorelaxation responses to BIMU-8 were attenuated (P < 0.01), respectively. In the presence of non-selective inhibitors for Ca2+ channels and K+ channels, vasorelaxation responses to BIMU-8 were attenuated (P < 0.01). In the presence of selective inhibitors for the protein phosphatase 1 and 2A subunits of myosin light chain (calyculin A) and heat shock protein synthesis (quercetin), vasorelaxation responses to BIMU-8 were attenuated (P < 0.01). The findings of the current study demonstrate that 5-HT4-receptor mediated vasorelaxation occurs through a cyclic mononucleotide-dependent mechanism involving cross-activation of protein kinase A and G signaling. Downstream proteins involved in the signaling cascade leading to vasorelaxation include Ca2+ channels, K+ channels, myosin light chain phosphatase, and heat shock proteins. More research is needed to fully describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for 5-HT4 receptor-mediated vasorelaxation.

An unilateral double fenestration of the right external jugular vein: a rare variant.

This report presents a rare anatomical variation, double fenestration of the External jugular vein on the right side. During the routine dissection of a male cadaver aged 60 years, we observed a unilateral large double fenestration of the External jugular vein on the right side. After its formation from the posterior division of the retromandibular and posterior auricular veins, External jugular vein descended in the posterior triangle of neck. Here, it divided into medial, intermediate, and lateral veins that united again before draining into the subclavian vein. Lateral vein was the largest (7.2cm) and intermediate and medial veins were measuring 6.4cm each. Two large fenestrations, measuring 5.8cm each, arranged like a "double bubble" were seen in the External jugular vein extending from fourth to sixth cervical (C4 to C6) vertebrae. The medial branch of supraclavicular nerve was seen passing superficial to the distal part of External jugular vein. On the left side, the course of External jugular vein showed a standard pattern. Surgeons must be acquainted with the varied anatomy of the superficial neck veins to prevent major bleeding during operative procedures, including carotid endarterectomy, flap operations, & central venous catheterisation.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of plantar venous thrombosis: a comparative study with Doppler ultrasound

Objective: Analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, demographics and clinical data in patients with plantar venousthrombosis (PVT). Methods: A retrospective study screening patients with PVT, diagnosed with color Doppler ultrasound, who also underwent MRI of the foot and ankle. In the post-contrast MRI sequences, the intravascular filling defect was analyzed, and in the non-contrast MRI sequences, the diameter of the foot vessels was analyzed, and perivascular edema was documented. MRI exams from a control group without PVT were also analyzed. Results: Sixty-one cases and 204 controls were included. The lateral plantar veins were the most frequent location in the foot with PVT (63.9%). In all post-contrast sequences, an intravascular filling was seen. In the case group, veins had a significantly greater diameter compared to controls (p < 0.05), and perivascular edema was observed in all cases (100%). A history of trauma/mechanical overload of the foot was documented in 83% of the patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that the lateral plantar vein was the most frequent location of PVT. An intravascular filling defect on post-contrast MRI sequences was seen in all PVT cases. Compared to the control group, all vessels had a greater diameter in the case group, and perivascular edema was observed in all cases. Our results also suggest that a clinical history of trauma or mechanical overload (physical activities) in the foot and ankle may be one of the causal factors of this pathology. Level of evidence III; Therapeutic studies - investigating the results of treatment; Retrospective comparative study

Consistent Delivery of Adeno-Associated Virus via Lateral Tail-Vein Injection in Adult Mice.

Many disorders affect multiple organs or involve different regions of the body, so it is critical to deliver therapeutics systemically to target the affected cells located in different sites. Intravenous injection is a widely used systemic delivery route in preclinical studies that assess treatments intended for body-wide administration. In adult mice, it involves the intravenous administration of the therapeutic agent into the mouse's lateral tail veins. When mastered, tail-vein injections are safe and fast, and only require simple and commonly available tools. However, tail-vein injections are technically challenging and require extensive training and continuous practice to ensure the accurate delivery of the intended dose. Here we describe a detailed, optimized, lateral tail-vein injection protocol that we have developed based on our experience and on recommendations that had been previously reported by other groups. Other than the mouse restrainers and insulin syringes, this protocol requires only reagents and equipment that are readily available in most labs. We found that following this protocol results in consistently successful intravenous delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the tail veins of unsedated 7-9 week-old mice. Additionally, we describe the optimized protocols for the histological detection of fluorescent reporter proteins and vector genome per diploid genome (vg/dg) quantification used to assess AAV transduction and biodistribution. The goal of this protocol is to aid experimenters in easily performing tail-vein injections successfully and consistently, which can reduce the practice time needed to master the technique.

Seven New Species of Entoloma Subgenus Cubospora (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from Subtropical Regions of China.

Entoloma is a relatively large genus in Agaricales, with a rich diversity of species and a wide distribution. In this study, seven new species of Entoloma belonging to the subgenus Cubospora have been identified based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence from subtropical regions of China. Morphologically, E. excavatum is characterized by the yellow, depressed, estriate pileus and medium-sized basidiospores; E. lacticolor is recognized by the white and papillate pileus, adnexed lamellae, and presence of clamp connections; E. phlebophyllum is identified by the pink-to-maroon and estriate pileus, and lamellae with lateral veins; E. rufomarginatum differs from other cuboid-spored species by the lamellae edge which is red-brown-underlined; E. subcycneum is characterized by the white pileus and carneogriseum-type cheilocystidia; E. submurrayi is recognized by the pileus margin exceeding the lamellae, 2-layered pileipellis with hyphae of different widths, and the presence of clamp connections; E. tomentosum is identified by the tomentose pileus, heterogeneous lamella edge, and versiform cheilocystidia with brown-yellow contents. Their distinct taxonomic status is confirmed by the positions of the seven new species in both the ITS + LSU and 3-locus (LSU, tef-1α, rpb2) phylogenetic trees. Detailed descriptions, color photos, and a key to related species are presented.

Saurauia decolorata (Actinidiaceae), a new species from Mindanao, the Philippines

Saurauia decolorata from the Mt. Pantaron Range, Bukidnon and Mt. Balatukan Natural Park, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao Island, the Philippines, is illustrated and described as a new species. It closely resembles S. avellana and S. elegans in having branchlets, petioles, and abaxial surfaces of the leaves covered with tomentum and scales, densely clustered flowers, longitudinal anther dehiscence, and 3–4 styles. However, S. decolorata is distinguished from these species by its prominent rusty-colored tomentum and scales on branchlets and abaxial leaf surfaces, cordate leaf bases, crenate margin, 16–21 pairs of lateral veins, fascicled-cymose inflorescences that are both axillary and ramiflorous, and sparsely scaly pinkish green outer sepals. This discovery further emphasizes the unique biodiversity of the forests of the Pantaron Range and Mt. Balatukan which urgently need legislative protection and enhanced protected area management plans, respectively.

Serotonin receptor-mediated vasorelaxation occurs primarily through 5-HT4 activation in bovine lateral saphenous vein.

To better understand mechanisms of serotonin- (5-HT) mediated vasorelaxation, isolated lateral saphenous veins from cattle were assessed for vasoactivity using myography in response to increasing concentrations of 5-HT or selective 5-HT receptor agonists. Vessels were pre-contracted with 1 × 10-4 M phenylephrine and exposed to increasing concentrations of 5-HT or 5-HT receptor agonists that were selective for 5-HT1B, 5-HT2B, 5-HT4, and 5-HT7. Vasoactive response data were normalized as a percentage of the maximum contractile response induced by the phenylephrine pre-contraction. At 1 × 10-7 M 5-HT, a relaxation was observed with an 88.7% decrease (p < 0.01) from the phenylephrine maximum. At 1 × 10-4 M 5-HT, a contraction was observed with a 165% increase (p < 0.01) from the phenylephrine maximum. Increasing concentrations of agonists selective for 5-HT2B, 5-HT4, or 5-HT7 resulted in a 27%, 92%, or 44% (p < 0.01) decrease from the phenylephrine maximum, respectively. Of these 5-HT receptor agonists, the selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist resulted in the greatest potency (-log EC50) value (6.30) compared with 5-HT2B and 5-HT7 receptor agonists (4.21 and 4.66, respectively). To confirm the involvement of 5-HT4 in 5-HT-mediated vasorelaxation, blood vessels were exposed to either DMSO (solvent control) or a selective 5-HT4 antagonist (1 × 10-5 M) for 5-min prior to the phenylephrine pre-contraction and 5-HT additions. Antagonism of the 5-HT4 receptor attenuated the vasorelaxation caused by 5-HT. Approximately 94% of the vasorelaxation occurring in response to 5-HT could be accounted for through 5-HT4, providing strong evidence that 5-HT-mediated vasorelaxation occurs through 5-HT4 activation in bovine peripheral vasculature.

Nonaneurysmal Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated with an Anomalous Anastomotic Cisternal Vein

A 54-year-old woman, with no medical history presented with severe headache, nauseas and vomiting for 8 days. Imaging exams revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left interpeduncular cistern, without aneurysms. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography found an anomalous vein near the site of the hemorrhagic clots, indicating abnormalities in cerebral venous drainage that provided an anastomosis between the drainage system of the deep middle cerebral, petrosal, and lateral mesencephalic veins. In the primitive pattern, the basal vein of Rosenthal drains into the lateral mesencephalic vein and to the petrosal sinus. This anomalous flow may predispose to subarachnoid hemorrhage, emphasizing the association between non-aneurysmal perimesencephalic hemorrhage and venous anomalies.

Petrocosmea arunachalense: a new species of Gesneriaceae from Northeast India

Petrocosmea arunachalense, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species is similar to P. nanchuanensis, and P. parryorum, but differs from the former in having much bigger, lanceolate ovate to lanceolate elliptic leaves, uniformly entire margins, more numerous lateral veins, inflorescence with long peduncles, short pedicels, and more numerous flowers, striated corolla, hairy filaments and number of staminodes, and from the later by more numerous leaves per plant, texture of leaves, uniformly entire margins, more numerous lateral veins, green calyx, corolla colour and striation, and colour of the hairs on the filaments. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Altitude-dependent variations in some morphological and anatomical features of Anatolian chestnut

Morphological measurements of Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) leaves were done within the borders of Abana district of Kastamonu province. The study was conducted using mixed (oak, beech, hornbeam, black pine, and yellow pine) medium (41% to 70%) and fully closed (71% to 100%) stands. Some leaf parameters, such as leaf blade width, petiole length, leaf blade length, leaf length, distance between lateral veins, teeth width, teeth length, the angle between the leaf base and the petiole, and the angle between the midrib and lateral veins, were measured. Moreover, stomata of the leaves picked up from precise altitudes were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The differences between fibre elevation, fibre wall thickness, elasticity coefficient, rigidity coefficient, Muhlstep rate, and Runkel ratio were found in the wood samples taken from different altitude zones. It was found that altitude did not affect leaf blade width, fibre length, fibre width, felting ratio, and lumen width. However, it was determined that altitude affected other studied characteristics.

Panxianopteris taeniopteroides gen. et sp. nov., an anatomically preserved taeniopterid leaf from the upper Permian of Guizhou Province, China

Taeniopterid leaves with entire margins, prominent midribs and simple or bifurcate lateral veins are present in many Paleozoic and Mesozoic floras globally and were a typical and diverse element in the late Paleozoic equatorial Cathaysian flora. Most taeniopterid leaves are preserved as impression-compression fossils that reveal only information on their morphology and in some cases cuticle structure. Taeniopterid leaves preserved with anatomy are much rarer and have only previously been identified in the Mesozoic. Here we report a taeniopterid leaf from the upper Permian Xuanwei Formation in southwestern China that preserves morphology and anatomy. The leaf is over 18 cm long and 10 cm wide, with the lamina attached to the lateral sides of the midrib. Parallel lateral veins arise from the midrib which has longitudinal ridges on its adaxial surface and two distinct groups of vascular bundles. One group of bundles is adaxially located and arranged in a rough inverted Ω-shape, while the other is abaxially located and arranged in a ring. Individual bundles have endarch primary xylem and secondary xylem. Comparisons with other anatomically preserved taeniopterid leaves allow us to establish Panxianopteris taeniopteroides gen. et sp. nov. This vascular bundle arrangement is most comparable to the rachis of the Triassic Umkomasiales pteridosperm leaf Dicroidium fremouwensis from the Gondwanan flora. P. taeniopteroides is the first anatomically preserved taeniopterid leaf reported from the Paleozoic and the Cathaysian flora, and although its affinity remains enigmatic because it is only known from its isolated leaf, it is likely to be a pteridosperm allied with the Umkomasiales or their ancestral lineage.

The WIP6 transcription factor TOO MANY LATERALS specifies vein type in C4 and C3 grass leaves

Grass leaves are invariantly strap shaped with an elongated distal blade and a proximal sheath that wraps around the stem. Underpinning this shape is a scaffold of leaf veins, most of which extend in parallel along the proximo-distal leaf axis. Differences between species are apparent both in the vein types that develop and in the distance between veins across the medio-lateral leaf axis. A prominent engineering goal is to increase vein density in leaves of C3 photosynthesizing species to facilitate the introduction of the more efficient C4 pathway. Here, we discover that the WIP6 transcription factor TOO MANY LATERALS (TML) specifies vein rank in both maize (C4) and rice (C3). Loss-of-function tml mutations cause large lateral veins to develop in positions normally occupied by smaller intermediate veins, and TML transcript localization in wild-type leaves is consistent with a role in suppressing lateral vein development in procambial cells that form intermediate veins. Attempts to manipulate TML function in rice were unsuccessful because transgene expression was silenced, suggesting that precise TML expression is essential for shoot viability. This finding may reflect the need to prevent the inappropriate activation of downstream targets or, given that transcriptome analysis revealed altered cytokinin and auxin signaling profiles in maize tml mutants, the need to prevent local or general hormonal imbalances. Importantly, rice tml mutants display an increased occupancy of veins in the leaf, providing a step toward an anatomical chassis for C4 engineering. Collectively, a conserved mechanism of vein rank specification in grass leaves has been revealed.

Morphology, anatomy, and quantitative determination of corosolic acid in Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz in the Southeast region, Vietnam

Objectives: To describe the morphological characteristics, anatomy (stem, leaves), and quantify the corosolic acid in the leaves of Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz collected in the Southeast region, Vietnam. Subjects and methods: Using the comparative morphological method to determine the scientific name of species. Studying the microscopic characteristics of Lagerstroemia calyculataKurz according to the research method of N. Ba (2009) [1] and quantifying the content of corosolic acid in the leaves according to the United States Pharmacopeia 2017 (USP 40), with adjustments to suit the conditions of the laboratory. Results: Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz is tree, deciduous, height 30-35 m, smooth bark. Leaves lanceolate, lateral veins 9-11 pairs, hairy. Inflorescence paniculate, small white flowers. Capsules ovoid, 6-valved. Seeds are numerous, brown, and smooth. The stem has a bicollateral vascular bundle, conduction tissue arranged continuously, double phloem pillars and leaf veins exposed on both sides. The outer epidermis has multicellular stellate hairs. Scattered in soft tissue there are crystalline particles. Stomata are present only on the underside of leaves. The quantification of corosolic acid in three leaf samples of Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz was from 0.05 to 0.12%. Conclusions: This study has detailed morphological, anatomical characteristics, and quantitative determination of corosolic acid in three leaf samples of Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz collected in the Southeast region.

A new Spathiphyllum (Araceae) from Mexico segregated by its morphology and floral scent from closely related species

AbstractSpathiphyllum is a mostly Neotropical genus of the Araceae plant family. Many species have a long flowering period and emit a strong, pleasant, and species‐specific floral scent. In Mexico, Spathiphyllum is represented by 14 species, 9 of which are endemic. Here, we describe the morphology, floral scent composition, and flowering phenology of a hitherto unknown species, S. hentrichianum sp. nov. This species is characterized by having a petiole not sheathed to the geniculum, leaf blades with less than 25 primary lateral veins per side, 1–2 ovules per locule, and 3–5 ovules per ovary. The strong scent consists of various terpenes and aromatic compounds, mainly (E,E)‐α‐Farnesene, (E)‐Cinnamyl acetate and (E)‐Cinnamyl alcohol. The new species is morphologically similar to S. cochlearispathum, but the latter differs in having a petiole sheathed to the geniculum, leaf blades with up to 31 primary lateral veins per side, 2–6 ovules per locule and 6–16 ovules per ovary, and the floral scent is also different between both species. In S. cochlearispathum, the scent is dominated by aromatic compounds, one terpene and one nitrogen‐containing compound, such as Methyl salicylate, Methyl p‐anisate, Methyl (E)‐cinnamate, (R)‐Linalool and 2‐Phenylacetonitrile. The flowering cycle of an inflorescence in S. hentrichianum lasted between 25 and 29 days. We suggest that detailed volatile organic compounds in the floral scent could be useful when defining a new taxon, especially among cryptic and sympatric aroid species.

Medinilla campana, M. flammea, M. purpureoviridis and M. rangkong (Melastomataceae), four new species from Borneo

Four new species of Medinilla from Borneo, M. campana, M. flammea, M. purpureoviridis and M. rangkong are described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics. Medinilla campana most resembles M. rubicunda but differs from it by having campanulate hypanthium that thickens significantly towards the distal end (vs. cupuliform and not thickened) and the anther has an underdeveloped, obtuse dorsal spur (vs. well-developed, beak-like dorsal spur). Medinilla flammea is similar to M. rubicunda, but differs in having erect to suberect habit (vs. spreading), the inner pair of lateral veins in the lamina diverges from the midrib above the base (vs. veins diverged from the base) and orange to vermilion petals (vs. white). Medinilla purpureoviridis is somewhat similar to M. laxiflora, but it can easily be distinguished from the latter by its 4-merous flowers (vs. 5-merous) and the cymose branching of approximately 3 times (vs. 5 to 9 times). In addition, the hypanthium is distally thickened (vs. not thickened in M. laxiflora). Medinilla rangkong most resembles M. sessiliflora, but differs in its cordate leaf base (vs. acute), the lateral two veins diverging from the base (vs. departing about 5 mm from the base of midvein), and the hypanthium with four minutely apiculate teeth (vs. with four conspicuous, triangular calyx lobes).

Hydrangeaxinfeniae (Hydrangeaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China.

Hydrangeaxinfeniae W.B.Ju & J.Ru, a new species of Hydrangeaceae from Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Hydrangeasect.Dichroa (Lour.) Y.De Smet & Samain, with its distinctive characteristic being the nearly superior ovary. It shares morphological similarities with H.yaoshanensis (Y.C.Wu) Y.De Smet & C.Granados, but can be distinguished by its hirsute trichomes densely covered on the branchlets, leaves, peduncles and pedicels, broadly elliptic to rectangular-elliptic leaf blade with nearly rounded base, coarse teeth leaf margins, 3-4 pairs of lateral veins, corymbose cyme with few and loose branches, lanceolate bract, the calyx tube and lobes margin with sparsely hirsute trichomes, adaxially glabrous and abaxially sparsely hirsute petal, outer whorl filaments are linear, inner ones are awl-shaped, glabrous styles, and the nearly superior ovary. H.xinfeniaesp. nov. currently known from only three relatively small populations of the type locality, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

A New Hybrid Record for The Vascular Flora of Türkiye: Fagus x taurica Popl.

The presence of Fagus x taurica Popl., a hybrid of two Fagus L. taxa known to be naturally distributed in Türkiye, has been detected in the natural deciduous-mixed forests of Bolu. Specimens were collected from Kökez Old Growth Fir Forest Nature Reserve Area, Bolu Kale Fındığı Nature Reserve Area, and Yedigöller National Park in Bolu province, northwest Türkiye. After the identification, specimens were compared with materials in the international herbaria. As a result of the examinations, the morphological features seen to be different from its parents are as follows: Young shoots are grayish-green in color, leaves have 7-13 pairs of lateral veins, are ovate or obovate, and their margins are dentate, and the cupula scales are subulate. It resembles F. orientalis Lipsky in terms of leaf characteristics and F. sylvatica L. in terms of cupula characteristics. In this article, a botanical description of the taxon, differences from the main species, distribution maps, and photos are given. Fagus x taurica is a new hybrid record for the vascular flora of Türkiye. With this new record, the number of Fagus sp. taxa in the flora of Türkiye has risen to 3.