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Taiwania is an open acess and peer-reviewed journal issued quarterly with one volume per year. Taiwania publishes scientific papers on all aspects related to biodiversity, including taxonomy, phylogeny, morphology, genetics, ecology, floristics, and evolutionary biology, at all levels of organization from molecular, organismal, to ecosystems.

14/08/2025

Leptopus longipedicellatus, a new species of Leptopus (Phyllanthaceae) from Guangxi Province, China
Wen-Bin Xu, Shou-Jun Zhang, Hua-Fei Cen, Jun He, Gang Yao
Published on: 14 August 2025
Page: 599 - 605
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.599
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2115
Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.4: pp.599-605

Abstract
, a new species of from Province, , is described. Results from phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal intergeneric transcribed spacer ( ) and plastid marker showed that the new species has a close relationship with L. fangdingianus, L. malipoensis and L. pachyphyllus, and it might be the sister of L. pachyphyllus, another endemic species to Guangxi Province. Morphologically, the new species could be distinguished from all other species of Leptopus by its long pedicels of female flowers and fruits, which are 3.0‒4.5 cm in length. Additionally, the new species further differs from L. pachyphyllus by its narrower sepals of male flowers (1.2‒1.5 mm wide vs. 2.5‒3.0 mm wide) that are yellow-white to slightly green in color (vs. reddish), petals of male flowers subequal to the sepals in length (vs. about 1/2 to the sepals in length), filaments of stamens 3.0‒4.0 mm long (vs. ca. 1.6 mm long), smaller sepals of female flowers (3.0‒4.0 × 1.1‒1.6 mm vs. 5‒6 mm × ca. 4.0 mm), disc in female flowers shallowly bilobed for ca. 1/5 of length (vs. deeply bilobed for 1/3‒1/2 of length).

environment, , , , , Taxonomy

08/08/2025

Begonia jurgenneae (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new endemic species from Panay Island, Philippines
Harold O. Buenvenida, Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Lillian Jennifer V. Rodriguez
Published on: 08 August 2025
Page: 595 - 598
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.595
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2114

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.4: pp.595-598

Abstract
We describe and illustrate , a newly discovered species from Capiz and Iloilo Provinces, Island, . A complete taxonomic treatment is here provided including a comprehensive morphological description, diagnostic comparisons with allied taxa, a phenological data, a distribution map, color images, and a preliminary conservation assessment.

, , Biodiversity, endangered, species discovery, tropical forest, Western

07/08/2025

Begonia mabuhayensis (section Baryandra, Begoniaceae), a new species from Surigao del Sur,
Freddie A. Blasco, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Rosario R. Rubite
Published on: 07 August 2025
Page: 591 - 594
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.591
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2113

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.4: pp.591-594

Abstract
is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines from the multi-layered rocky floors of Mount , , Tandag, Surigao del Sur. B. mabuhayensis closely resembles B. amparoae in having thick rhizomatous stems, stipules with aristate apex, thick and fleshy lamina, curved petioles, 4-tepaled staminate and pistillate flowers, o***y with unequal wings and nodding capsules, but differs in having shorter rhizome, glabrous oblong stipule with longer arista (vs. puberulous, triangular with shorter arista), ovate leaf (vs. broadly ovate), and capsule with orbicular wings and cordate apex (vs. angular and truncate). Following the IUCN criteria, the authors recommend B. mabuhayensis as Data Deficient (DD).

, , , Island, provinces

06/08/2025

Myosotis persica (Boraginaceae), a new species from alpine wetlands of NW Iran
Mahmoud Bidarlord, Bahareh Akbarnejad, Mehrshid Riahi, Ehsan Hoseini, Farrokh Ghahremaninejad
Published on: 06 August 2025
Page: 585 - 590
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.585
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2112
Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.4: pp.585-590

Abstract
A new species, , is described and illustrated from the alpine wetlands of the Mountains in northwestern , a transitional zone between the -Turanian and -Siberian floristic regions. Morphological distinctiveness and phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal sequences support its recognition as a species new to science. Morphological comparisons indicate that M. persica is closely allied to M. koelzii, M. ramosissima, and M. diminuta but can be distinguished by its dwarf habit, branched filiform stems, patent to erect leaf hairs, deeply lobed calyx, and nutlet morphology. Phylogenetic reconstruction confirms its placement within Myosotis subgen. Myosotis, forming a supported clade with M. koelzii and M. ramosissima. With an estimated extent of occurrence less than 10 km² and a total population size under 1500 individuals, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under IUCN criteria. The findings underscore the importance of conserving alpine wetland habitats and provide new insights into species diversification within the genus Myosotis in south-western Asia.

wetland, , forget-me-nots, Irano-Turanian region, taxonomy, Talesh Mountains

04/08/2025

Taiwania 70(3) was carefully prepared and printed ahead of time to facilitate a smooth transition into the forthcoming special issue. The final version was completed and dispatched earlier today.

Cover Photo: Scurrula neoraindica L.J. Singh,, V. Ranjan, Anant Kumar & G. Krishna (Loranthaceae) is a new species from Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal, India. Photographed by Vinay Ranjan.

18/07/2025

Riparian floristic diversity and carbon stock assessment of an urban landscape: The case of Marjoya River in Batangas City, Philippines
Johndale Rein T. Bullong, Marvin P. Pocyoy, Thu Zar Kyaw, Julienne Maria Undine Paz H. Quimio, Evaristo Niño T. Cando Iii1, Jones T. Napaldet
Published on: 18 July 2025
Page: 540 - 559
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.540
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2111

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.540-559

Abstract
Urban riparian forests remain understudied in the despite their importance in ecosystem services for anthropogenic landscapes, such as hosting the city’s local biodiversity and contributing to carbon capture and storage. However, human activities constantly threaten these ecosystems and remain poorly studied. This study assessed the riparian floristic diversity and carbon stock of mangrove forests in the Marjoya River and the Batangas City Mangrove Conservation Ecopark to establish baseline information and inform conservation recommendations. Using multiscale random plot sampling across four stations (upstream, midstream, downstream, and a mangrove eco-park), researchers documented 59 plant species from 52 genera and 27 families, including 33 native species (8 endemic) and 26 exotic species, with 4 locally threatened species identified. Biodiversity metrics indicate moderate species diversity, likely influenced by proximity to human disturbance and fragmented forest patches. Carbon stock was estimated at 33.657 Mg C ha-1 (~123.521 Mg CO2) in total, averaging 7.791 Mg C ha-1 (~28.594 Mg CO2 ha-1), which is substantially lower than national averages (~170 Mg C ha-1 or 623.9 Mg CO2 ha-1) and other local studies, although soil carbon data were not included. These results highlight the vulnerability of urban riparian forests to anthropogenic pressures and underscore the need for enhanced protection, conservation, and land use planning to sustain their ecological functions and carbon storage capacity amid ongoing urban development. The study contributes critical knowledge on urban mangrove ecosystems in the Philippines, emphasizing their role in biodiversity support and climate mitigation within anthropogenic landscapes.

indices, , , ,

14/07/2025

The lichenicolous genus Polycoccum Saut. ex Körb. from India
Yogesh Joshi, Sunita Bisht, Pooja Bansal, Shimmi Meena
Published on: 14 July 2025
Page: 474 - 479
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.474
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2098

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.474-479

Abstract
Polycoccum rinodinae var. galligenum, the third taxon associated with the lichen genus Rinodina is described as a new variety to science from alpine regions of Uttarakhand, . The new variety is primarily characterised by small, gall-like deformations on the thallus of its host, 8-spored asci, with 1-septate, hyaline to brown, uniseriately or irregularly arranged verruculose ascospores. Additionally, three other Polycoccum species are reported for the first time in India, expanding their known geographical distributions. These are: Polycoccum nigrosporum colonizing thallus of Buellia aethalea, P. rubellianae colonising thallus of Neobrownliella cinnabarina and P. rinodinae var. rinodinae colonising thallus of saxicolous species of Rinodina.

, , new record, , var. ,

13/07/2025

A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the Gayo Plateau area, Northern Sumatra
Juli T.S. Rezeki, Zulfan Arico, Wendy A. Mustaqim, Deden Girmansyah, Wisnu H. Ardi, Mark Hughes
Published on: 13 July 2025
Page: 470 - 473
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.470
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2097

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.470-473

Abstract
A new species of Begonia section ( ) is described from the Plateau area, northern Sumatra, under the name Begonia antoi Rezeki, Mustaqim, Girm. & Ardi, based on a specimen collected from Samar Kilang, Bener Meriah, Aceh Province. A detailed morphological description, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, preliminary evaluation of its conservation status, diagnostic and taxonomic notes, and a photo plate are provided.

, , , herb, lowland, section Jackia, , taxonomy

10/07/2025

A new species of Scurrula L. (Scurrulinae: Loranthaceae) from India
Lal Ji Singh, Vinay Ranjan, Anant Kumar, Gopal Krishna
Published on: 10 July 2025
Page: 459 - 469
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.459
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2096

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.459-469

Abstract
Scurrula neoraindica L.J. Singh,, V. Ranjan, Anant Kumar & G. Krishna (Loranthaceae) is described and illustrated from Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal, as a new species along with an inventory of host species and conservation status. The new species closely resembles S. parasitica L. and S. paramjitii L.J. Singh of the sub-tribe of Loranthaceae. However, the new species is distinct in morphology of vegetative and reproductive characters from all previously known species. A detailed description, photographs, distribution, illustrations, comparative table of key characters and an identification key to Scurrula species of India are provided.

loranthstocks, , new species, Parasitization and haustorial system,

09/07/2025

Taxonomic studies on Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Yunnan I: Two new species from southeastern Yunnan, China
Wen-Guang Wang, Ren-Kun Li, Hou-Cheng Xi, Xing-Da Ma, Jian-Yong Shen
Published on: 09 July 2025
Page: 453 - 458
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.453
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2095

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.453-458

Abstract
The flora of is highly diverse with over 125 taxa currently recognized. From 2019 to the present, the authors have conducted special field surveys and taxonomic studies on Begonia in Yunnan. Begonia bazhaiensis and B. tianbaoensis, two new species from southeast Yunnan, China, are here described. Begonia bazhaiensis belongs to sect. Diploclinium and B. tamdaoensis belongs to sect. Platycantrum. The conservation statuses of the two new species are provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered, respectively, according to Guidelines for Using IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

, , , , flora, new species,

08/07/2025

Berberis myriovula (Berberidaceae), a remarkable new species with the highest recorded ovule counts
Bipankar Hajong, Julian Harber, Pankaj Bharali
Published on: 08 July 2025
Page: 449 - 452
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.449
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2094

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.449-452

Abstract
sp. nov., a remarkable new deciduous species is described here. The o***y of this new species contains 15–17 ovules, the highest count recorded so far in the genus Berberis. A detailed taxonomic description, diagnosis, colour photoplate and distribution map are provided.

Keyword: Arunachal Pradesh, , , new taxon, deciduous,

07/07/2025

A new species of Crawfurdia (Gentianaceae) from India
Rohan Maity, Manas Ranjan Debta, Sudhansu Sekhar Dash
Published on: 07 July 2025
Page: 445 - 448
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.445
https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2093

Taiwania 2025 vol.70 no.3: pp.445-448

Abstract
Crawfurdia minuticalyx, a new species of Crawfurdia ( ) is described here from Arunachal Pradesh, situated in Eastern part of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). This new species is unique in its very small calyx from its allied taxa. Morphologically, it shows close affinity towards C. speciosa Wall.; however, it can be differentiated by its much smaller leaves with entire margin; minute, non-splitted, calyx; relatively shorter corolla; stamens inserted below the middle of the corolla-tube, oblong anthers; short gynophore, and very short style. A detailed description and illustration are provided here along with comparative table of morphological characters, for easy identification.

Arunachal Pradesh, , , Indian Region (IHR), novel species

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