Chroogomphus gracilis sp. nov. is described from Mexico, occurring in pine-oak mixed forests on the slopes of the Popocatépetl volcano. The species is characterized and documented based on both morphological features and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using DNA sequences from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region. Comprehensive descriptions and photographic documentation of the new species are provided. C. gracilis is consumed by members of the local Nahua community of San Pedro Nexapa, state of Mexico, and commercialized in local markets located in the eastern part of the State of Mexico. Additionally, four bolete species described from Mexico in 2023 are here validated, as their protologues did not initially satisfy the stipulations of Articles F.5.1 and 40.7 of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants.

A review of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai polysaccharides: Extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacology, and structure-activity relationships.

This study dealt with the taxonomy of filamentous cyanobacteria from Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Borneo, by employing polyphasic approach. Seven strains were successfully isolated, and their morphology was examined microscopically, and their phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the 16S rRNA gene and 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) secondary structural information. The results revealed three species belonging to Aerosakkonemataceae, namely Aerosakkonema funiforme, Cephalothrix komarekiana, and a novel morphotype of Cephalothrix. The cell size of this undescribed morphotype was significantly larger than the known species of Cephalothrix. In the 16S rRNA gene and 16S–23S rRNA ITS phylogenetic trees, this morphotype formed a monophyletic clade with high bootstrap supports. Structural comparison of the 16S–23S rRNA ITS secondary structure showed compensatory base changes and single nucleotide polymorphisms between the new morphotype and the described species, C. komarekiana and C. lacustris. Based on the morphology and molecular characterization, we here propose Cephalothrix magna sp. nov., with the species epithet proposed under the International Code of Nomenclature (ICN) for Algae, Fungi, and Plants.

Botanical history and nomenclature of three generic eponyms pertinent to the conquest of Tenerife by the Kingdom of Castile (1494 – 1496)

Cyanobacteria of the genus Tychonema are common inhabitants of freshwater bodies in a temperate zones. In Lake Baikal, Tychonema sp. was first reported in 2014. It grows excessively on the bottom on almost all substrates types, forming epiphytic and epizoic biofilms, and its role in the mass mortality events affecting of endemic Baikal sponges is discussed. The cyanobacterial strain BBK16 (=IPPAS B-2063T), isolated from a biofilm on a log pier in the Bolshiye Koty settlement in 2016, was used for further taxonomic characterization. Key morphological features of strain BBK16 include its growth as a creeping mat, highly motile trichomes that are sometimes narrowed and hooked at the ends, and the presence of rounded-conical apical cells with a calyptra. Strain ultrastructure (fascicular parietal thylakoids and type D cell division) differs from Tychonema species with radial thylakoids but aligns with other genera in the Microcoleaceae family. A comprehensive analysis, including 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, conserved protein phylogeny, and whole-genome comparisons, confirmed its placement within the genus Tychonema. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain BBK16 and T. bourrellyi FEM GT703 were 90.7%, 91.1% and 43.3%, respectively, indicating values below the standard thresholds for species delineation. Based on combined morphological, genomic, and ecological evidence, we propose the name Tychonema litorale sp. nov. for strain BBK16, a novel species described in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants.

Hexaploid tall fescue is a widely adapted forage and turf grass with three synonyms in botanical nomenclature. It is one of the most drought tolerant cool-season forage and turf species, and can host Neotyphodium endophytes that can further affect physiological traits. The cultivated variety 'Kentucky-31' (K31) was one of the original tall fescue varieties yet still has a large presence in the current market. We generated a haplotype-aware assembly of K31 tall fescue along with its chloroplast genome; with structural and functional gene annotation. Each haplotype assembly was approximately 7.1Gb. The three sub-genomes within each haplotype assembly were discernable and syntenic, with the Festuca pratensis (P) sub-genome intermediate in size between the two sub-genomes from Festuca glaucescens (G1 and G2). Interspersed repeat levels were high in the assemblies, with long terminal repeats (LTRs) alone comprising over 50% of the genome space. With an interest in testing for K31 as a variety, 15 seed sources of K31 were obtained from forage and turf industry sources and their genetic relationship tested with pairwise PhiST statistics from over 3,400 SNP markers that mapped across the genome. All but four seed sources coalesced into a group that differed from turf-type cultivated variety checks; three were broad-based and did not differ from any other entry; and K31-4 was genetically differentiated from all other K31 sources. These results provide a chromosome-scale and haplotype-aware tall fescue genome assembly for mapping and functional genomic studies.

ABSTRACT Boletes represent an artificial group of macro‐fungi, notable for their ecological, economic, and taxonomic importance in various forest ecosystems globally. In this study, six species of boletes published from Mexico in 2023 are validated, as the corresponding protologues do not comply with the requirements outlined in Article F.5.1 and Article 40.7 of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. This validation ensures nomenclatural accuracy and contributes to the stability of fungal taxonomy.

A cyanobacterial strain isolated from Brazilian mangrove soil and classified as a member of the genus Phormidium was afterward affiliated to the genus Oxynema. To define the species of this Oxynema strain CENA135, we sequenced its whole genome and applied a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This strain, with all the morphological features recognized for the Oxynema genus, had its genome assembled in 11 scaffolds with a total size of 6,235,022 bp, a G + C content of 51.6%, 4,720 protein-coding genes, and five 16S rRNA genes. Genes related to ecological resistance were annotated, demonstrating the relevance of obtaining high-quality genome assemblies from underrepresented habitats. A phylogenomic tree inferred by GTDB-Tk based on the alignment of 120 conserved proteins clustered Oxynema sp. CENA135 together with the strain Oxynema aestuarii AP17 isolated from Indian mangrove soil, and digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between these two strains were 92.8 and 95.78%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the strain CENA135 in a separate and well-supported major clade (100% bootstrap) containing Oxynema species, and its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed identity ≤98.6% compared to the other species of the genus. Moreover, the strain CENA135 had a distinct 16S–23S ITS sequence and secondary structure polymorphisms in comparison to the other Oxynema species, supporting its recognition as a novel species. On the basis of evidence from this polyphasic study, strain CENA135 should be designated as representing a novel species of the genus Oxynema, for which the name Oxynema mangrovii sp. nov. is proposed under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.

Various naming motifs are used in the linguistic nomination of medicinal plants. A relatively large proportion of botanical names are value-laden. The attribution of specific values – positive or negative – to plants in their nominations is linked to the way people perceive them. The value connotations in botanical nomenclature can have a more or less rational justification. The evaluation conveyed in the names may be based on the physical properties of the plants, their usefulness, primarily in medicinal terms, but also their harmfulness to humans, their aesthetic qualities, etc. Attributing value judgments may also have an irrational basis, a cultural background, a religious background, attributed links to mythology. Legends and aythiological accounts serve to explain the origin of such names, particularly relating to the now disappearing dialect naming of plants. The topic is presented on the examples of binominal official names of medicinal plant species in Polish and their selected folk names, characterised by value judgements and evoking different associations in language users. The author also addresses the issue of positive values in Latin botanical nomenclature, which in many cases serves as a prototype for names created in national languages.

This study re-evaluated the taxonomic status of Pedicularis brevilabris and P. sima through a morphological comparison, type specimen examination, and literature review. The results revealed that all morphological characteristics of P. brevilabris, including the floral structure, corolla morphology, and calyx, fall within the range of phenotypic variation of P. sima. Additionally, the type localities of the two taxa are geographically adjacent, with overlapping habitats. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, P. brevilabris is herein treated as a synonym of P. sima. This research provides fundamental data for the taxonomic revision of the genus Pedicularis.

ABSTRACT During revision of the algal culture collection of the Institute of Botany (IBASU-A), Ukraine, some interesting strains of cyanobacteria were discovered, potentially representing new phylogenetic lineages at the genus rank. A polyphasic approach combining 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, percentage identity of 16S rRNA, 16S-23S ITS secondary structures, morphological and ultrastructural analyses was used to describe (according to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants) two new taxa: Carminoleptolyngbya arenaria gen. et sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyales, Leptolyngbyaceae) and Kondratevia charkoviensis gen. et sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales, Microcoleaceae). These cultures had been obtained from terrestrial habitats of Germany (Baltic sand dunes) and Ukraine (cretaceous outcrops of Kharkiv region) respectively. C. arenaria has a Leptolyngbya-like morphology: thin, tortuous, greyish-pinkish trichomes, constricted and granulated at the cross-walls, with elongated cells and delicate sheaths, forming a film of carmine (=crimson-red) colour on the agar surface. TEM showed parietal parallel thylakoids typical of Leptolyngbyales and Oculatellales. This strain forms a well-supported lineage within Leptolyngbyales together with several strains identified as Leptolyngbya and Pseudanabaena from freshwater and terrestrial habitats of Europe and Asia, that might represent other unknown species of Carminoleptolyngbya. Phylogenetic analysis placed this taxon within Leptolyngbyaceae with Stenomitos as closest relative. K. charkoviensis has a Microcoleus- or Phormidium-like morphology: trichomes straight, cylindrical, slightly constricted at the cross-walls, tapered and curved at the ends, sheath firm, hyaline or yellowish, with elongated, conical-rounded and bent terminal cells. This strain forms a well-supported lineage within Oscillatoriales, Microcoleaceae with Kamptonema, Tychonema, Microcoleus and Microcoleusiopsis as closest relatives. TEM showed waved parallel thylakoids located near cell walls and within the cell which is typical for Oscillatoriales. Our data confirm that many undiscovered cyanobacteria still exist not only in terrestrial habitats, but also in algal culture collections.

ABSTRACT Cyanobacteria are an ancient and diverse group of oxyphototrophic bacteria found across a wide range of environments. The taxonomic diversity of terrestrial cyanobacteria inhabiting rock surfaces remains poorly studied despite their key role as pioneering species in ecological succession. We isolated two phycoerythrin-rich strains resembling the genus Leptolyngbya in a survey of filamentous cyanobacteria from previously unstudied epilithic habitats on the Suomenlinna Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage site) in Finland. We employed a comprehensive polyphasic approach to characterize these isolates to account for the known polyphyletic nature of Leptolyngbya and the presence of cryptic taxa. Our analyses revealed that the two strains form a distinct and well-supported clade within the family Leptolyngbyaceae. Therefore, we propose a new monospecific genus, Sivoneniella, following the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. Secondary structures of conserved 16S–23S ITS regions (D1–D1’, box B and V3 helices), ITS per cent dissimilarity, multi-locus phylogenies (16S rRNA, rbcLX, rpoC1), and genome-based phylogenomic analyses all support the recognition of this novel cryptic genus. Genome mining and LC-MS analyses revealed the absence of known cyanotoxins in both strains (UHCC 1019T and UHCC 1020), and their cell extracts exhibited no inhibitory effects on the growth of relevant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. These findings advance our understanding of cyanobacterial diversity in terrestrial ecosystems, support the establishment of Sivoneniella as a new genus within the order Leptolyngbyales and explore the biotechnological potential of phycoerythrin-rich strains of S. epilithica.

Taxonomy sensu lato is lately regaining some of its previous prominence in many biodiversity information-related activities and projects, notably for the needed taxonomic backbone in the EU Research Intrastructure Distributed System of Scientific Collections (DiSSCo) (Woodburn et al. 2022), or in training programs such as Transforming European Taxonomy through Training, Research, and Innovations (Tettris). However, the increased visibility has yet to happen for α-taxonomy, which is focused on performing revisions and describing and naming new species. The so-called taxonomic impediment (Engel et al. 2021) remains acute, with fewer and fewer experts available for a wide range of taxa, and a progressive erosion of the specialized expertise needed to document biodiversity. When describing a new species or revising a taxon, respecting the naming conventions governed by the official nomenclatural Codes is essential. There are five Codes currently aknowledged, such as the ICN — International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plant, the ICZN — International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, ICNP — International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, ICNCP — International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants and ICTV Code — International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. However, the complexity of the Codes and the long learning curve can act as a barrier, discouraging early career scientists from engaging in α-taxonomy. Modernising or introducing changes to the existing Codes also involves very strict and relatively lengthy procedures, making it difficult to keep up with technological changes. To overcome these issues, and find common ground, Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) (with the support of the TDWG Partnerships and Fundraising Sub-Committee) and the ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The document is available on the TDWG website*1. The ultimate goal of this MoU is to incorporate correct terminology for zoological nomenclature into TDWG standards with appropriate controlled vocabularies and definitions. It also intends to explore how nomenclature, alongside taxonomy, can be incorporated into biodiversity informatics research projects to attract a new generation of α-taxonomists, and reconnect with the roots of TDWG. This will involve developing tools andapplications and channel the use of software and AI to support new species descriptions and revisions that comply with the Codes of nomenclature. It should also involve organising training sessions dedicated to nomenclatural concepts and encouraging the development of enriched taxonomic publications. Another priority is to strengthen mentoring networks so that early-career researchers can learn directly from experienced taxonomists, ensuring that knowledge of best practices is passed on. This expended to all nomenclatural codes beyond the zoological example discussed here. A coordinated effort between nomenclatural authorities and biodiversity informatics specialists is essential to safeguard and advance online taxonomy. By combining robust standards, innovative technologies, and targeted capacity-building, the community can ensure accurate and efficient species documentation. These actions will hopefully inspirenew generations to explore, describe, and protect world's diversity.

The complex taxonomic history of the moss genus Neckera, whose name was conserved at the Paris Congress in 1954, is reviewed. The issue of typifications of moss generic names by W. Ph. Schimper in 1860 is examined in detail and it is concluded that these typifications comply with the provisions of the "International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants". Schimper was the first to typify Neckera with N. pennata, so it is unnecessary to treat this as a conserved type. The unitary designations of moss species proposed by Jakob Friedrich Ehrhart in his exsiccata "Phytophylacium Ehrhartianum", published between 1780 and 1785, are reviewed. It is concluded that two of these designations, Diphyscium and Paludella, are currently in use, having been validly published in the early nineteenth century. The same applies to Rhystophyllum, another of Ehrhart's unitary designations, which was validated as a subsection of Neckera by C. Müller in 1850 and, subsequently, first elevated to the rank of section by Mitten in 1869, rather than Braithwaite in 1905 as listed in "Index muscorum". Finally, E. Britton raised this infrageneric taxon to the rank of genus in 1904. Rhystophyllum is here reinstated from obscurity, since it is homotypic with the generic name Exsertotheca that was recently introduced for a segregate of Neckera. Accordingly, three new combinations are proposed: Rhystophyllum crispum, Rh. intermedium and Rh. baeticum. Neckera subsect. Leiophyllum is regarded as a heterotypic synonym of Alleniella, another recent segregate of the formerly broadly circumscribed genus Neckera.

ABSTRACT According to Article 53.1 of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (Madrid Code) the name Cordyceps rostrata is illegitimate and hence a replacement name for this is proposed here.

Genetic profiling of cultivars is important for confirming the authenticity of a cultivar and monitoring cultivar purity, preventing counterfeiting and, consequently, for protecting breeding achievements and protecting the rights of breeders, which are regulated at the international and national levels. An important aspect of developing genetic passports for cultivars is the choice, documentation and long-term preservation of the specimens used for DNA extraction. A new approach to solving these issues for vegetatively propagated agricultural crops was proposed at VIR in 2020 as part of the Integrated strategy for cultivar gene pool registration in Genebanks. The objectives of this strategy are: (a) registration of nomenclature standards for cultivars in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP) and transfer them for storage to the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, their Wild Relatives and Weeds (WIR); (b) development of genetic passports, molecular profiling of nomenclature standards; (c) preservation of live specimens genetically identical to nomenclaturе standards in duplicate in vitro - and cryo-collections. The results of solving these three tasks for domestic potato cultivars are summarized and the prospects for their application are outlined. At the same time, VIR researchers, together with breeders from various regions of the Russian Federation, are carrying out large-scale work to create a collection of nomenclature standards for cultivars of various agricultural crops belonging to the families Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Grossulariaceae and Brassicaceae. This collection includes 308 nomenclature standards, designed in accordance with the requirements of ICNCP, which are stored in the VIR Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, their Wild Relatives and Weeds (WIR). Nomenclature standards are a priority for molecular profiling of cultivars of various crops.

Caragana and Calophaca are two closely related genera in the family Fabaceae. Recently, Calophaca was merged into Caragana, treating it as Caragana sect. Calophaca. This classification was further supported by molecular phylogenetic evidence. However, some of the resulting new combinations are considered illegitimate homonyms under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), due to overlap with pre-existing names within Caragana. Therefore, these taxa require renaming or replacement with available epithets. In this study, we review the new combinations within Caragana and propose five replacement names to resolve the nomenclatural conflicts, along with two new combinations.

The name Homalomena brachygyna J.Collantes, K.Z.Hein & R.Bustam. was proposed for a new species of Homalomena Schott (1832: 20) from Palawan, Philippines, and published in Phytotaxa on 3 September 2024 (Collantes et al. 2024). However, the name is invalid under Article 40.5 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al. 2025), as the protologue failed to specify a single institution where the holotype is conserved—a requirement for valid publication of names published after 1 January 1990. Instead, two institutions were cited: PNH for the sheet and CAHUP for the spirit material (Collantes et al. 2024). As all other requirements of the Madrid Code were fulfilled, Homalomena brachygyna is validated below by unambiguously designating the holotype, using the effective English diagnosis and description provided in Collantes et al. (2024).

Ganoderma P. Karst. is an important genus in the family Polyporaceae. Ryvarden in the year 2020 described a new species of Ganoderma, based on a collection from Seychelles (East Africa), and named it as Ganoderma insulare Ryvarden (Ryvarden 2020). However, Ryvarden (2020) unintentionally missed the earlier validly published name Ganoderma insulare Har. & Pat. (Har. & Pat.1903), resulting in a nom. illegit., according to the Art. 53.1 of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (Turland et al. 2018).

Tarasa is a genus endemic to the Americas that is represented in Peru by 14 species. In the context of the taxonomic treatment of this genus for the Peruvian flora, two names of species that need to be typified to stabilize their nomenclature were identified. For the nomenclatural treatment, the protologues are analyzed and the type material is studied in physical or through online images. Lectotypifying is carried out in accordance with the indications of the current International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. Lectotypes are designated for two names of Tarasa species endemic to Peru.