Wide range, narrow niche: the tree Ragala ucuquirana-branca (Sapotaceae) occupies only a small fraction of its Amazonian range because its distribution is strongly constrained by soil properties, especially soil pH, and atmospheric conditions. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Why are some terrestrial orchids rare? A study of Malaxis shows that re-terrestrialized orchids depend on coarse woody debris for germination. Because this substrate is scarce in forests, a restricted regeneration niche may drive orchid rarity and inform conservation. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Integrating phylogenetic, anatomical, and morphological evidence, this study shows that the Malagasy endemic grass Panicum ambositrense belongs in Trichanthecium (Poaceae). A new combination Trichanthecium ambositrense is proposed. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

This new study reveals how stem anatomy changed during the evolution of Passiflora, from woody forms to specialised tendril-climbing vines, highlighting reduction of lignified supporting tissues (wood and sclerenchyma) and delayed periderm onset. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

How many species are hidden within the Magnolia pacifica complex? Multilocus coalescent analyses reveal five evolutionary lineages, refining the taxonomy and conservation framework of Mexican magnolias. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

A remarkable discovery from Liberia: Emelianthe purpurea, a new endemic mistletoe species. The genus was previously known only from East Africa; this new species extends its range by nearly 5000 km, revealing a striking African disjunction. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Syagrus montana (Arecaceae), from Brazil’s campo rupestre, is recognized as a distinct dwarf palm based on morphological, anatomical, ecological, and geographic evidence. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

New research on Colombian mistletoes reveals a new species, Psittacanthus job-kuijtii (Loranthaceae), and four species newly recorded for Colombia. These discoveries raise the country's Psittacanthus diversity to 41 taxa. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

After nearly 50 years, Lysimachia peduncularis has been rediscovered in southern China. Using morphology, plastid genomes, and phylogenomics, its placement within subgenus Idiophyton is clarified. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

A new molecular phylogeny of Philippine Amorphophallus (Araceae) reveals that the group is polyphyletic, pointing to multiple colonization events into the archipelago. With 20 endemic species, the Philippines may harbour even more hidden diversity than previously thought. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Research on orchids in the Itremo Massif shows that 64% of species are endemic to Madagascar and 41% are threatened. Conservation should prioritise humid forests for unique species and rocky habitats for endemic richness, while addressing mining, fire, and land use change. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

How do plant traits shape insect communities? In Crambe tataria, plant height and inflorescence size influence insect abundance and composition, especially phytophagous species, highlighting the role of plant morphology in structuring ecological interactions. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Cinchona (Rubiaceae), the source of quinine, faces shrinking habitat in eastern DR Congo as climate stress intensifies. Modeling show high-suitability areas could drop from 4.13% today to near 1% by the 2050s, concentrating in highland refugia. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Specialized fly pollination in Apoballis mutata shows that high reproductive success does not require a trap system. Interactions with flies enable efficient pollen transfer, repeated visits, and fruit set >90%, offering new insight into pollination strategies in Araceae. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Two new dioecious species of Vanguerieae (Rubiaceae) from Madagascar are described using molecular and morphological data. One belongs to Peponidium, the other to Pyrostria. Both are limestone specialists with restricted ranges and conservation concern. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

A new species from northern Peru: Arcytophyllum leymebambense (Rubiaceae). This morphologically distinct, phylogenetically isolated lineage inhabits high-elevation Jalca grasslands and is known from three populations. Its discovery sheds light on Andean diversification. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

The species Oldenlandia bahiana (Rubiaceae), endemic to Brazil, is described using an integrative approach combining morphology, ecology, and micromorphology. Distinct from O. filicaulis, it highlights hidden diversity and the remarkable endemism of rupestrian grasslands. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

New work on Tradescantia subg. Campelia brings order to one of the most complex groups in the genus: a four-section classification and a revised T. sect. Rhoeo. This integrative study provides a foundation for clearer identification and future research. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

In Arisaema serratum from Japan, sex isn’t just about size. Light availability can override size-dependent sex expression, while genomic analyses reveal hybridization with sympatric species, highlighting the role of ecological flexibility in adaptation and range expansion. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Three new species of Cladoceras and Rutidea (Rubiaceae - Pavetteae) discovered in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea during work on the Flore du Gabon. Detailed taxonomy, field observations, and IUCN assessments highlight their distinct traits. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Insights into domestication of Amaranthus cruentus: by comparing cultivated plants with wild ancestors, key traits distinguish wild and domesticated forms. Variation across regions suggests Mexican populations show a higher level of domestication than those from Guatemala. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

Gustavia santanderiensis from Colombia’s Magdalena Valley is redescribed from herbarium and field data: its taxonomy clarified, striking flower colour variation revealed, distribution restricted, and ecological niche modelled, showing the species is an endangered endemic. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

In common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) the ability to compensate for leaf damage varies across geography. Populations from colder climates grow larger but recover less from damage, suggesting that climate-driven differences in phenology shape how plants tolerate herbivory. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

This study presents an integrative, worldwide infrageneric classification of Lejeunea, one of the most species-rich liverwort genera with ~375 species. Two subgenera and 15 sections are recovered by combining morphology with molecular phylogenetics. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

New genomic insights into the invasion of Ulex europaeus in the Northern Andes: high genetic diversity, restricted gene flow, and evidence for multiple introduction events shaping its spread across high-mountain ecosystems in Colombia. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

A botanical surprise in Belgium: a completely new Medicago species emerges after a flood. Medicago peregrina sp. nov. appears to be a stowaway from historical wool trade, showing how centuries-old human activities can still shape today’s flora. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

This study presents a comprehensive palynological study of Zornia (Fabaceae) and found that the genus is stenopalynous, with thickness of nexine as a synapomorphy. The stenopalynous nature is confirmed by the numerous homoplasies. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

New research on Zamia loddigesii reveals how vegetative and reproductive phenology varies across its wide range in Mexico. Reproduction is highly synchronized within populations but shifts geographically, driven by temperature. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

How does a plant species swarm coexist on an isolated mountain in northern Madagascar? Studying the Malagasy olive Noronhia on Montagne d’Ambre shows that environmental filtering and niche partitioning together shape community assembly across elevations. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...

The authors studied the pollination biology of Aristolochia sessilifolia and found that effective pollination depends on a match between floral dimensions and fly body size. Trap flowers, tiny flies, and a high fruit set reveal just how specific these interactions are. ➡️ doi.org/10.5091/plec...