The Luticola ventricosa (Kützing) D.G.Mann has long been regarded as a morphologically variable and cosmopolitan species, yet its taxonomic concept has remained unstable due to the schematic original description. Recent revision of the type has provided a morphological framework, enabling critical reassessment of populations assigned to this species. During investigations focused on various populations originally treated as L. ventricosa , ten morphologically similar taxa were recognized within the complex. Four of these correspond to already described taxa ( L. ventricosa , L. dubia , L. levkovii , L. ventriconfusa ), while six taxa are described here as new to science: L. borealis sp. nov ., L. exilissima sp. nov ., L. jagodae sp. nov ., L. lacunicola sp. nov ., L. microventricosa sp. nov ., and L. speluncae sp. nov . Results demonstrate that the diversity within the L. ventricosa complex has been substantially underestimated and that many earlier records of this species likely represent misidentifications. This study highlights the importance of detailed morphological revision, of even well-known species, for resolving cryptic diversity and improving understanding of species distributions and ecological differentiation.

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulinaacutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, from the limestone karsts of Northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it resembles Pri.pingguoensis H.S.Ma & B.Pan and Pri.pseudoeburnea (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Mich. Möller & A. Weber in corolla shape and coloration, particularly in the presence of purple stripes extending from the throat to the lobes. However, it can be readily distinguished by a combination of characters, including the shape of the leaf blades, bracts, and calyx lobes, the length of the peduncle and pistil, and the height of the disc. Currently, only a single population is known from the type locality, comprising approximately 60–80 mature individuals. Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the species is provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN C2 b).

Our study examines the morphological and statistical differentiation within the Rhododendronpseudochrysanthum species complex through comparative analyses of macro- and micro-morphological characters. Using significance testing and cluster analysis, our results demonstrate that R.pseudochrysanthum Hayata ssp. morii (Hayata) Yamazaki var. taitunense Yamazaki is distinct from other members of the complex, namely R.morii Hayata, R.pseudochrysanthum Hayata, and R.hyperythrum Hayata. This taxon is characterized by glabrous mature leaves with revolute margins, larger flower buds with an elongated conical shape, larger pollen and seed sizes, and distinct pollen and seed morphology. Furthermore, R.pseudochrysanthum ssp. morii var. taitunense exhibits a restricted and localized distribution, occurring exclusively in low-elevation mountainous areas of Northern Taiwan. Overall, our results indicate that this taxon has undergone clear morphological differentiation from other taxa within the R.pseudochrysanthum species complex.

Pseudosasa nanunica, a bamboo endemic to Guangdong and Hunan provinces, China, has a complicated taxonomic history due to lack of information on its floral morphology. It was initially described as a member of Indocalamus, and later successively transferred to Pseudosasa, Arundinaria and Acidosasa by different researchers. With the newly collected reproductive materials, we confirmed that this species is characterized by having branch complement with 1-3 branches per node, branch base appressed to the culm, narrowly trullate culm bud, panicle-like unit of inflorescence of the synflorescence and each floret with three stamens and three stigmas, which match well with the diagnostic characters of Pseudosasa. After comparison with similar congeneric species, we concluded that it is a distinct species of Pseudosasa. A supplementary description on its floral morphology as well as two color plates and a diagram of its synflorescence is also provided.

Heteropolygonatum xishuiense (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae, Polygonateae), a new microendemic species from southwest China, is described and illustrated based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on the chloroplast genome indicate that this new species is sister to H. ogisui. Morphologically, H. xishuiense is similar to H. ginfushanicum and H. ogisui.

Catalpalutea J.H.Wang, W.J.Ma & Z.Y.Li, a new species of Bignoniaceae from north, central, and east China, is described and illustrated. By combining recent morphological comparisons with phylogenetic analyses of nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the chloroplast genome, we demonstrate that C.lutea is readily distinguishable from its congeners, including Catalpafargesii Bureau and other Chinese species of section Catalpa. A detailed morphological description, illustrations, and molecular data are provided. While conforming to sect. Catalpa in its typically ovate leaf blades, didynamous stamens, and five corolla lobes, C.lutea is unequivocally distinguished by its narrowly ovate crown, yellow heartwood, bright yellow anthers, filaments with purple dots, conspicuously thickened deep purple striations within the corolla tube, and floral spots exceeding 1 mm in diameter. Additional diagnostic characters include young foliage frequently flushed purple, mature leaves green with a purple tinge on occasion, and 3–4 nectaries at the leaf axils on the abaxial surface. The conservation status of this species is assessed as “Data Deficient” (DD) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Camelliashangshii, a new species discovered in the danxia landscape of Danxiashan Mountain, Guangdong Province, China, is formally described and illustrated here. Morphologically, C.shangshii is similar to C.grijsii but can be distinguished by its petals connate at the base, smaller leaves, and fewer bracteoles and sepals. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes indicated that C.shangshii is a sister species to C.grijsii. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the recognition of C.shangshii as a new species of C. sect. Paracamellia.

This study aims to characterize a hybrid of Arachniodes (Dryopteridaceae), A. × tohtomiensis, for which molecular evidence of its origin and detailed morphological descriptions are lacking. The genome composition of A. × tohtomiensis, clarified based on plastid DNA and MIG-seq analyses, indicates that it is a diploid hybrid of A. exilis and an undetected species. This origin was also supported by phylogenetic, STRUCTURE, principal component, and neighbor-net analyses. Based on these evidences, it is formally described as A. × tohtomiensis Shimura & Hori, hyb. nov. It is morphologically characterized by its yellowish-green laminae and erose-to-ciliate indusia.

During an extensive botanical survey in Ulugqat Township, Wuqia County, Xinjiang, China-a region along the country's western border that remains significantly understudied-Astragalus wuqiaensis, a new species in Astragalus sect. Cenantrum (Fabaceae) was discovered. This perennial herb is characterized by its free stipules, yellow flowers, lax racemes, a long-stipitate ovary, and membranous fruit valves, aligning with the diagnostic features of sect. Cenantrum and supporting its placement therein. It differs from other sect. Cenantrum members by its markedly smaller leaflets (2-8 mm × 2-5 mm). Phylogenetic analysis of nrITS sequences provides robust support for its sectional affiliation (BS = 94%, PP = 1). A detailed morphological description, diagnostic illustrations, and habitat information are provided to confirm its novelty.

A comprehensive analysis of published records of terrestrial vascular plants reported from the Comino archipelago (Maltese Islands) since the mid-1800s and of plants recorded by us between 2008 and 2025 was combined to synthesise the first annotated and comprehensive checklist of vascular plants of Comino. A total of 328 observations were made, of which 78 are new records for Comino and two are recorded for the first time in the Maltese Islands. The flora consists of 490 vascular plant species. This study identifies and examines ecologically sensitive species on the Comino archipelago, including 58 strictly and legally protected species, 21 endemics, and several other plants that are red-listed as threatened species or are very rare in the Maltese Islands (e.g., Euphorbia peplis, Hornungia procumbens, and Malva setigera). Alien species are also reviewed, and 12 out of the 61 recorded species are declared invasive for Malta, but only a few are effectively invasive on Comino (e.g., Acacia saligna, Ailanthus altissima, and Oxalis pes-caprae). In addition, this account offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Comino's geology, natural habitats, climate, and anthropogenic history. More critically, it identifies the principal threats and pressures affecting the island, which have contributed, at least in part, to the disappearance of approximately 160 species previously recorded but not observed for several decades. As highlighted in previous studies, the persistent issue of over-tourism on Comino over the past 15-20 years warrants urgent attention, as the most recent reports indicate that some 10,000 visitors flock to the small beaches of the Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay, which, as also demonstrated in this report, overwhelm and disturb this ecologically sensitive Natura 2000 archipelago.