ABSTRACT Eulophia mackinnonii Duthie (Orchidaceae) is a terrestrial orchid species native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It was first collected from Dehradun (Uttarakhand), and based on this collection, Duthie described the species in 1902. Recently, the species has been recorded for the first time from Madhya Pradesh, constituting a new distributional record. In the present study, a lectotype has been designated for E. mackinnonii from the available original materials, in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The species has been assessed as “Endangered” following IUCN Red List criteria, due to its limited distribution and declining habitat quality. A brief morphological description, along with habitat details and photographic documentation, is provided to support the identification of the species and to aid in future taxonomic and conservation studies.

Abstract Species within the Superorder Cladocera have long been considered cosmopolitan organisms since their first descriptions. However, taxonomic studies integrating morphological and molecular data have revealed numerous geographically isolated species complexes. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity within the genus Diaphanosoma using a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI ), together with morphological descriptions and characterization of climatic niche breadth. Our results revealed a distinct clade of species-level divergence, which is here described as Diaphanosoma tohai sp. nov., based on comparisons between Neotropical populations and those of Diaphanosoma birgei from the Nearctic region. Molecular and taxonomic analyses revealed high phylogenetic complexity within the group, clustering Diaphanosoma tohai sp. nov. with D. cf. heberti and separating a cryptic lineage of North American D. birgei into a distinct clade. Morphological features, such as the hook on the posterior margin of the valve, and the comparison of the climatic niche breadths support these genetic differences. Our results expand current knowledge of Neotropical biodiversity and provide new insights into the non-cosmopolitan nature of Diaphanosoma species and the persistent issue of high morphological stasis within the group.

During a survey of helicosporous hyphomycetes in tropical regions of China, four fungal strains were isolated from decaying wood in freshwater habitats of Hainan Province. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (LSU, ITS, tef 1-α, and rpb 2), coupled with detailed morphological examinations, support the recognition of two new species, Neohelicomyces baochengensis and N. xiangshuiensis . Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and phylogenetic evidence are provided to clarify their systematic placement. These findings broaden the current understanding of Neohelicomyces diversity and provide further records of the genus from tropical freshwater habitats in Hainan Province.

Two new species of Psechrus Thorell, 1878, P. ntu sp. nov. (♀) and P. phenshunyu sp. nov. (♀) are described from the Indian state of Nagaland. Additionally, P. himalayanus Simon, 1906 is recorded for the first time from northeastern India. The record of P. himalayanus is based on a male specimen found cohabiting a web of P. phenshunyu sp. nov., suggesting that heterospecific association may occur among the members of this genus. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of the copulatory organs of the new species are provided along with the natural history observations and distribution map of the Psechrus species currently known from India.

Imageability is a cognitive measure of environmental differentiation and place memory. However, the existing literature focuses mainly on static morphological descriptions or subjective perception, without systematic quantitative studies of how physical environment and behavioral activity jointly generate the imageability of characteristic districts. This limits active responses to the rise of “placelessness” in numerous cities. Based on the S-O-R theory, this study proposes a “visual–activity” two-channel mediation model. Based on 65 typical characteristic districts in Wuhan, and using multi-source data in the research, PLS-SEM was employed to systematically study the process that influences imageability in urban environments. It was found that (1) behavioral activity serves as the core mediating link between the physical environment and imageability; (2) scenic beauty exerts a partial mediating effect between visual sensitivity and imageability; (3) vitality exerts a full mediating effect between activity support and imageability. This study is expected to provide a scientific foundation for design refinements, quality enhancement, and place identity construction in urban characteristic districts oriented toward perceptual experience in the post-industrial era.

Graphostroma changbaiense sp. nov., discovered in Jilin Province, northeastern China, is described as a new species based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses. Morphologically, the new species G. changbaiense is characterized by its flat stromc perithecia and suballantoid, inequilateral, hyaline ascospores lacking a germ slit. Phylogenetically, the analyses based on ITS+RPB2+TUB2 datasets confirm the new species is distinct from other known Graphostroma species. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided.

Black swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum nigrum) is an aggressive invasive vine infesting pastures and fields in the northeastern United States. An unknown fungal pathogen was recovered from foliar lesions occurring on black swallow-wort at two locations in Rhode Island in 2022 and was identified as Boeremia exigua based on morphological and molecular descriptions of eight isolates. The potential weed biological control value of a single isolate, FDWSRU 22-216, was evaluated through colonized agar block and conidial spray inoculations of black swallow-wort. Minor leaf-spotting and tip die-back symptoms were reproduced under controlled conditions but did not appear to substantially reduce the health of infected plants. Because broad host range pathogen species found on weeds may pose a disease threat to crops, cultivated plants including tomato, barley, sunflower, and flax were evaluated for susceptibility to the pathogen. None of these crops developed disease symptoms following inoculation with B. exigua, suggesting that the pathogen population associated with black swallow-wort poses little direct risk to crop production. However, using taxon-specific markers, two B. exigua genotypes, including one that does not correspond to existing reference material, were described. Although both genotypes grew most rapidly at 25°C in vitro, the dominant genotype was capable of higher growth rates at 30°C, suggesting potential phenotypic differentiation. This study reports the first instance of B. exigua on a swallow-wort species and highlights the potential for widespread invasive plants to harbor previously undescribed pathogen genotypic diversity. Although B. exigua has limited potential as a living biological control agent for black swallow-wort, the isolates from this study should be further screened for production of phytotoxic secondary metabolites with weed-suppressive activity.

Differences in testes arrangement and length of post-testicular region between Australian specimens of Paraschistorchis seychellesiensis sensu Magro, Cutmore, Carrasson & Cribb, 2023 and the original description of Paraschistorchis seychellesiensis (Toman, 1989) Blend, Karar & Dronen, 2017 from the Indian Ocean have raised a question whether such variations are intraspecific or interspecific variations. To address this, in-depth morphological descriptions and species delimitation analyses were conducted using a combination of comparative morphology, multivariate classification analyses, and host-parasite data. The Australian population of P. seychellesiensis differs from all known species of Paraschistorchis Blend, Karar & Dronen, 2017 by a broad linguiform body, a ventral sucker noticeably smaller than the oral sucker, a subquadrate pharynx that is partly dorsal to the oral sucker, and testes arrangement in a cluster configuration, as well as its distinct spatial clustering within all multivariate classification analyses without any intrusion into the space occupied by another cluster. Furthermore, the distinctive extension of the anterior vitellarium, significant differences in anterior testis/ovary ratios, and egg sizes indicate that Australian and Indian specimens of P. seychellesiensis are two distinct species. The apparent comparatively distant geographic localities, each with distinct ecosystems (Seychelles Islands vs Great Barrier Reef [GBR], Australia), are an interesting outcome of the recognition of separate species. Accordingly, Paraschistorchis australiensisn. sp. is established to accommodate this Australian record. Given the detailed review and newly added data provided herein, we discuss the nature of the excretory vesicle within schistorchiines and amend the key to the recognized species of Paraschistorchis.

Abstract This study investigated whether the genus Luffa could act as a sporulation inducer for Macrophomina euphorbiicola , with the aim of providing a morphological description and proposing a taxonomic amendment for the species. In a greenhouse, Luffa cylindrica was inoculated with M. euphorbiicola to induce the formation of pycnidia and conidia. Previously, M. euphorbiicola had been described only using molecular methods. Eighty days after inoculation, symptoms of stem rot disease were observed, such as collar lesions, leaf necrosis, and pycnidia on the hypocotyl and roots. Molecular identification of the isolate used was confirmed through amplification of the TEF1-α gene using specific primers (MeTefF/MeTefR). Morphological characterization revealed structures (pycnidia and conidia) smaller than those reported in other species of the genus. These findings reinforce the importance of an integrated approach combining morphological and molecular data for the identification of M. euphorbiicola and highlight L. cylindrica as an effective host for inducing sporulation.

Species Astragalus L. Family Fabaceae Lindl. Widely represented in the flora of Azerbaijan. Descriptions of the species composition of Astragalus L. were previously made by the authors. In 2025, new locations of some species were discovered during field research. For the first time, new locations of Astragalus hamosus L. were discovered during research conducted near the village of Sus in the Lachin district (June 17, 2025), on the left bank of the Khakari River, and in the center of the village of Agaly in the Zangilan district (May 8, 2025). The morphological description and exact coordinates of the detection locations are provided.

Crotalaria meghalayensis Danda & A.K. Pandey, belonging to the family Fabaceae and Vaccinium amakhangium Panda & Sanjappa, belonging to the family Ericaceae, are reported here for the first time in Manipur, Northeast India. The occurrence of these two species extends their distributional range beyond the Meghalaya and Nagaland states of the Indian Union. The detailed morphological descriptions and colour photographic plates are provided for easy identification.

The present investigation on the angiosperm flowering plants revealed two families, viz., Petiveriaceae and Talinaceae, for the first time in the flora of Manipur, Northeast India. Rivina humilis L. represents the family Petiveriaceae, whereas Talinaceae is represented by Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. and T. fruticosum (L) Juss. respectively. According to the available literature, all three taxa recorded, viz., R. humilis, T. paniculatum and T. fruticosum, are introduced plants and their occurrence in Manipur indicates that they have expanded their distributional range within the state. Detailed morphological descriptions and colour photographs are provided for easy identification.

In the flora of Ukraine, 48 findings of the spontaneous spread of the alien species Nepeta racemosa Lam. were recorded: 30 records within the introduction centers and 18 outside the boundaries of cultivation. A brief morphological description of the plants is provided, and their ecological and biological features are investigated. It was found that all the habitats of this species in Ukraine were confined to synanthropic biotopes: decorative cultivated biotopes (parks, squares, lawns, flower gardens), residential and technotopes (biotope complexes of built-up areas, garbage and solid waste landfills). Most often, the plants grow in cracks in sidewalks and asphalt. According to time of introduction, N. racemosa belongs to neophytes, and according to method of introduction to ergasiophytes. The species requires further monitoring to assess the likelihood of its further spread within and beyond urban environments.

Pluteus sinensis , a new species of Pluteus sect. Celluloderma from China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular data. It is mainly characterized by terrestrial habitat, very small to small basidiomata, slightly umbonate at disk, a cracking pileus surface, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 5.5–6.5 × 4.5–5.5 µm, fusoid pleurocystidia, an epithelioid hymeniderm pileipellis with a predominantly mucronate apex, and the common presence of narrowly cylindro‐clavate caulocystidia. Phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that P. sinensis forms a well‐supported, independent lineage corresponding to cinereofuscus clade and distinct from previously known Pluteus species. A morphological description and illustration of the new species, as well as comparison with closely related taxa of Pluteus, are provided.

Stephanurus dentatus Diesing, 1839 (Nematoda: Syngamidae), commonly known as the swine kidney worm, parasitizes the renal pelvis, ureters, and perirenal fat of pigs and wild boars, occasionally causing severe pathological effects. Despite reports of low prevalence in domestic pigs in South Korea, no epidemiological data exist for wild boars. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, morphology, and molecular characteristics of S. dentatus infection in wild boars from the southwestern regions of South Korea. A total of 167 wild boars were examined between 2009 and 2019. Kidneys, ureters, and perirenal fat were dissected, and worms were collected for morphological analysis using light and scanning electron microscopy. Molecular identification was conducted via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assess taxonomic placement. Morphological identification keys were provided for both the traditional family Syngamidae and the revised family Chabertiidae. Stephanurus dentatus was detected in 38.3% of the examined wild boars (64/167), with a mean intensity of 6.8 worms per infected animal. Morphological analyses of adult worms revealed characteristics consistent with previous descriptions, including the corona radiata, the vulva located posteriorly in females, and a rudimentary copulatory bursa in males. Molecular analyses confirmed 99.7-99.9% identity with reference sequences and supported placement of S. dentatus within the family Chabertiidae. Revised identification keys based on morphology were provided. This study provides the first epidemiological data on S. dentatus in wild boars in South Korea, demonstrating a substantial prevalence and potential risk for transmission to domestic pigs. Detailed morphological descriptions, identification keys, and molecular analyses presented here contribute valuable information for faunistic, taxonomic, and parasitological studies of S. dentatus.

Hydnellum is an ectomycorrhizal fungus with important ecological and medicinal value. However, the species diversity of Hydnellum in China remains poorly understood. To deepen the understanding of the diversity of Hydnellum species in China, this study, based on a combination of morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) regions, identified and described four new species: H. aureoluteum sp. nov., H. aureotomentosum sp. nov., H. fuscozonatum sp. nov., and H. pileospinosum sp. nov. For each new species, we provided detailed morphological descriptions, hand-drawn illustrations, and comparisons with closely related taxa. In addition, this study systematically compiled key morphological characteristics and ecological distribution data for all known Hydnellum species in China and constructed a dichotomous identification key. This work provides an important basis for taxonomic research on the genus Hydnellum and enhances our understanding of its ecological distribution patterns in China.

ABSTRACT The Amazon Basin is home to the world's greatest terrestrial biodiversity, but many plant groups remain poorly studied. One example is the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia (Thismiaceae), which is notable for its highly specialized floral morphology and ephemeral life cycles, making it difficult to detect in the field and limiting its representation in scientific collections. Here, we report the first confirmed record of Thismia pseudomelanomitra in the Ecuadorian Amazon and expand its known distribution to the Brazilian State of Acre. Our study is based on a comprehensive review of herbarium specimens (AAU, RB, UFACPZ) and photographic records from iNaturalist.org . We also provide the first morphological description of its fruits and seeds, a distribution map, and an identification key for Ecuadorian species. Morphological comparisons reveal significant differences from related taxa, particularly T. melanomitra and specimens previously assigned to T. singeri . These findings highlight the role of citizen science and integrative approaches in documenting rare taxa and advancing conservation strategies.

Ongoing studies on the Lepidoziaceae in East Indochina have yielded new information on the distribution and morphology of a number of family representatives. This study aimed to provide new data in this regard. The latter task looks quite justified, taking into account the fact that East Indochina houses a notable portion of the worldwide Lepidoziaceae diversity, especially in the genus Bazzania. The materials for the paper were 48 specimens collected throughout East Indochina. The cited specimens contain 18 taxa, discussed in respect of their ecology, distribution, and morphology. All the taxa discussed in this paper are supplemented with illustrations, and their morphological descriptions based on the Indochinese materials are also included in most cases. One taxon (Bazzania appendiculata subsp. cambodiana subsp. nov.) is described as new-for-science. Six species are new to Indochina, three species are new to East Indochina, one species is new to Vietnam, and three species are new to Cambodia. A comparison of the currently known taxonomic diversity with that of Malaysia, which borders East Indochina, reveals that the diversity of Lepidoziaceae in East Indochina is still clearly understudied, and further research is likely to yield new discoveries. The final target in this field is the creation of a thorough taxonomic revision of the family in this region in the future.

ABSTRACT Leaf samples displaying necrotic lesions were collected from Archidendron lucyi (Fabaceae), Litsea pungens (Lauraceae), and Malus hupehensis (Rosaceae) in China. Fungal strains isolated from these symptomatic tissues were assignable to Colletotrichum. Species delimitation relied on multilocus phylogeny, with colony and morphological characters documented for comparison and formal description. Three new species were identified and described, namely, Colletotrichum archidendri in the dracaenophilum complex and C. litseae and C. brunni in the gloeosporioides complex. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided for each species. This study also expands the known host range of Colletotrichum and contributes to the understanding of species diversity within the genus.

The Orinoco Matamata turtle (Chelus orinocensis) was described in 2020, representing the second evolutionary lineage within the genus Chelus. The anatomy of this species has not been described, and such information is essential for understanding its biology, ecology, and for its potential relevance in clinical diagnosis. This research provides the first description of the macroscopic morphology of the skeletal system in neonates of the Orinoco Matamata turtle. A group of confiscated turtles was donated from the Alexander von Humboldt institute to our university for academic purposes. From this group, we obtained the skeleton of ten individuals, which measured between 51–80 mm of straight carapace length. Then, the skeletons of the two largest individuals were disarticulated to describe each bone in detail based on anatomical atlases and turtle osteological guides. Bones from the cranium, mandible, hyoid apparatus, and the axial and appendicular skeletons were identified and photographed. Compared to other turtle species, some bones were absent, not fully ossified, or unusually well developed at this early life stage, likely reflecting ecological adaptations. Further ontogenetic studies on skeletal ossification are important to fully understand the evolutionary history and functional adaptations of this species.