A comprehensive study using integrated genomic approach resolves Hylodesmum's taxonomic uncertainties and EA-ENA disjunct distribution. The study confirms Verdesmum as nested within Hylodesmum and reveals a complex bidirectional dispersal pattern likely facilitated by mammal-mediated epizoochory.
A new study led by University of Arizona researchers suggests that global vertebrate biodiversity has been significantly underestimated, with on average two unrecognized species for every recognized one. This finding could have consequences for conservation efforts if these hidden species are not properly identified.
Bucknell researcher Chris Martine identified a new species of bush tomato, Solanum nectarifolium, with specialized organs that produce sweet liquid to attract ants. This is the first known Solanum species with visible extrafloral nectaries, marking a significant discovery in biodiversity science.
A newly discovered Philippine pitcher plant, Nepenthes megastoma, is already at risk of extinction due to severe weather conditions and human encroachment. The species has limited population and is threatened by poaching, deforestation, and droughts.
Researchers found that all Balanophora plants have an extremely reduced plastid genome, showing that even though they abandon photosynthesis, the plastid is still vital to their metabolism. Asexual reproduction likely evolved repeatedly in the group, with some species colonizing islands without fertilization.
Scientists have discovered a new plant species, Thismia malayana, in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. The plant acts as a parasite, stealing carbon resources from fungi on its roots to thrive in low-light conditions.
A new Japanese lily species, Lilium pacificum, has been identified after 110 years, revising the conventional classification into eight taxons. The plant has unique characteristics and is adapted to specific environments in Japan, offering clues for speciation studies.
The EU-funded BiCIKL project has developed a flagship outcome - the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub - a one-stop portal for understanding biodiversity research infrastructures. The consortium has also created 12 services dedicated to FAIR and linked ready-to-use biodiversity data.
Researchers have identified over 700 plant genera named for women, representing a significant increase in the number of genera linked to women. The dataset provides valuable information on the contributions of women to botany and can be used by other researchers to build upon this work.
The current emoji library underrepresents plant, fungus, and microorganism biodiversity while overrepresenting animals. This bias reflects known biases in biodiversity assessments and conservation analyses.
A research paper reveals a suburban backyard is home to 1,150 unique species of animals, plants, and fungi. The study's authors discovered unexpected diversity, including 436 moth and butterfly species, 56 spiders, and eight reptiles.
A research team from Hokkaido University has found an exceptionally preserved fossil forest of Wataria parvipora, which was predominantly accompanied by Byttneriophyllum leaves. The discovery helps reconstruct a whole Eurasian plant from the late Miocene epoch and sheds light on the taxonomic identity of plants.
The Biodiversity Knowledge Hub (BKH) is a one-stop portal providing access to FAIR biodiversity data and services. It enables researchers to navigate linked data, tools, and services across the entire biodiversity research cycle.
A new plant species, Carex quixotiana, has been discovered in the La Mancha region of Spain, specifically known for being the setting of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote. The species is a type of sedge with unique characteristics and limited distribution.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
Scientists from the Institute of Botany discovered a widespread phenomenon called alcobiosis, where algae live inside fungal tissue and engage heavily in photosynthesis. The coexistence is common among corticioid basidiomycetes and is distinct from lichens.
Scientists discover new Australian bush tomato species, Solanum scalarium, to promote equal and safe access to nature. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental injustices and increasing participation from diverse groups in outdoor activities.
A study reveals that porcini mushrooms have evolved in different ways across the globe, with local ecological factors playing a stronger role in maintaining genetic distinctiveness than genetic flow. The findings challenge traditional notions of species development and suggest multiple evolutionary strategies for this organism.
A study identified orphan genes in Wild sugarcane that may play a significant role in its stress resistance properties. The researchers believe these genes could be responsible for the species' exceptional resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
A new database has been created to support conservation efforts by filling the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world. The database presents a valuable tool for planning conservation actions at any spatial scale and preventing species extinctions globally.
Indigenous Borneans' traditional knowledge is proven correct by genetic analysis, confirming the existence of two distinct species: lumok and pingan. The study highlights the importance of engaging with Indigenous knowledge for a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity.
The rediscovery of Gasteranthus extinctus, a tropical wildflower thought to be extinct, brings hope for conservation efforts. The plant was found in the Centinela Ridge, where extensive deforestation has led to 'Centinelan extinction,' and is now being protected by Ecuadorian conservationists.
A new orchid species, Maxillaria anacatalina-portillae, has been discovered in Ecuador's cloud rainforest. The plant is considered critically endangered due to its limited population and threats from climate change and human activity.
A new study reveals the Maya had nearly 500 edible plants available to them, many of which are highly drought-resistant. This analysis debunks the assumption that drought led to the collapse of ancient Mayan civilization.
The newly discovered Begonia giganticaulis, a type of plant genus Begonia, has been found to be the tallest species in Asia, reaching heights of up to 3.6 meters. Its conservation status is currently listed as Endangered due to its fragmentary distribution in southern Tibet.
A global team of researchers has verified the checklist of vascular plants in New Guinea and surrounding islands, revealing a staggering 13,634 species. This finding confirms New Guinea as the world's richest island for plants, with 68% of its flora found only on the island.
Researchers propose a new 15-rank classification scheme to categorize coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 within the vast virosphere. The system groups RNA viruses and DNA viruses into distinct realms, enabling clear communication among virologists.
A new Hyb-Seq probe set has been validated for its effectiveness in reconstructing relationships among species within the diverse Asteraceae family. The study's findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting genes to sequence and optimizing data analysis pipelines to improve phylogenetic outcomes.
A comprehensive study of morning glories reveals that storage roots evolved independently in multiple species, including sweet potato. The research contributes to a better understanding of the genus Ipomoea, one of the largest groups of flowering plants.
The newly described Mcvaughia piauhiensis highlights the diversity of the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests biome in northeastern Brazil. The study sheds light on the unique characteristics of this recently recognized biome and its endemic plant species, crucial for conservation efforts.
A new plant species, Thismia kobensis, has been identified from a preserved specimen in a Japanese museum. The discovery suggests that this species may be extinct, as it was reported as extinct by Hyogo prefecture in 2010.
The journal features two rare species, Poa laegaardiana and Sindora stipitata, and an extensive taxonomic review of genus Ceratozamia. PhytoKeys has accelerated research in botany with its innovative publishing workflow and open access platform.
A new special issue in PhytoKeys features 17 new species from Southeast Asia, showcasing the region's remarkable botanical diversity. The discoveries emphasize the urgent need for conservation and understanding biodiversity in the face of climate change and economic growth.
Scientists used integrative taxonomy to recognize five well-defined species in the genus, including a newly described species from Colombia and Venezuela. The study highlights the importance of accurate species recognition for conservation priorities, with lianas contributing significantly to tropical forest diversity.
A new orchid species has been discovered in the Pacific slope of Oaxaca state, Mexico, exhibiting distinct features such as shape, size, and colors. The study led by Dr. Leopardi-Verde refutes a long-held hypothesis about hybridization that contributed to its taxonomic placement.
Taxonomists can accelerate their workflows by using DNA barcoding and diagnostic characters to describe new species. Dr. Gunnar Brehm's study revises the Neotropical looper moth genus Hagnagora efficiently, including the description of three new species.
A new species of leafminer on grapevine in the Western Cape has been identified as Holocacista capensis. The moth feeds on wild grapes and creates a tunnel inside the leaf, causing collateral damage to the vine.
HMMER enables researchers to infer protein function and evolutionary history by identifying hundreds of thousands of related sequences. The new web interface offers fast and interactive visualization tools, making it easier to interpret results.
A recent study published in PhytoKeys formally transfers Altingia and Semiliquidambar taxa to Liquidambar, a widely distributed tree family with various uses. The analysis includes 15 recognized species and highlights the taxonomic challenges faced by botanists.
Researchers found that floral morphologies are less reliable than other traits in determining the relationships of papilionoid species and genera. Other morphological characteristics may indicate relationships more reliably, according to the study published in the American Journal of Botany.
A new web-based resource, Taxonomic Name Resolution Service (TNRS), resolves up to 30% of incorrect plant names in major databases. The service uses exact matching, parsing, and fuzzy matching to resolve taxonomic names, providing a critical tool for plant scientists.
The open access journal PhytoKeys is pioneering electronic publication of new plant species, supported by strong practices from publishers and authors. The journal's completion will be archived on the 7th of January 2012 and share biological data with international databasing initiatives.
The International Botanical Congress approves new rules allowing electronic publication and English translations for plant species names, facilitating faster discovery and conservation. This change aims to accelerate the process of documenting biological diversity before it is lost due to environmental issues.
A new plant species, Spigelia genuflexa, with a rare characteristic of burying its seeds has been discovered in the Atlantic forest of Bahia, Brazil. The plant's 'geocarpy' adaptation ensures its propagation by depositing seeds on the ground and sometimes burying them, similar to peanuts.
A new species of the gentian family, Macrocarpaea apparata, has been discovered in Ecuador. The plant was found to have yellowish-white bell-shaped flowers that emerge only as darkness falls, mirroring the magical concept of apparition.