A new species of Sarcostemma (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Asclepiadeae) from Yemen

Sarcostemma areysianum Bruyns is described from the southern mountains of Yemen. It appears to be most closely related to S. arabicum Bruyns & P. Forst. and S. socotranum Lavranos, differing from both by the taller gynostegium with narrow, mostly acute inner corona lobes. A key to the species from Arabia and Socotra is provided.     

A new species of Caralluma (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae–Ceropegieae) from the Yemen

In this paper a new species, Caralluma faucicola Bruyns, closely related to C. hexagona Lavranos, is described from near the border between the former North and South Yemen in Arabia.     

Pyrus cordifolia sp. nov. and two new records of Pyrus (Rosaceae) from Iran

A new species, namely Pyrus cordifolia (P. sect. Pashia) is described as new to science, and two new records including P. tamamschianiae (P. sect. Pyrus) and P. theodorovii var. latifolia (P. sect. Argyromalon) are reported for the flora of Iran. These taxa are compared with their closest relatives. Photographs and a distribution map of these taxa as well as an illustration of the new species are presented. An identification key to members of P. sect. Pashia in Iran is provided.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Matayba obovata</Emphasis>, a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Matayba</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Matayba</Emphasis> (Sapindaceae) from Brazil

The new species, Matayba obovata (Sapindaceae), from southern and southeastern Brazil is described, illustrated, and contrasted to its putatively closest relatives. Palynological characters are also described. The new species belongs to sect. Matayba. A key to identify M. obovata and related species in the Atlantic Forest is included.     

Primula persimilis sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from Sichuan,China

A new species of Primulaceae, Primula persimilis G. Hao, C.M. Hu & Y. Xu, from Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. In general morphology it is allied to the species of P. sect. Monocarpicae, characterized by the presence of multi‐cellular hairs, the distinctly petiolate leaves, a campanulate calyx, and a globose or cylindrical capsule with valvate dehiscence. The new species superficially resembles P. tsiangii W.W. Smith, but can be distinguished by its white flowers, longer calyx lobes, and cylindrical capsules.     

Primula vallicola sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from Sichuan,China

A new species of Primula, P. vallicola Y. Xu, G. Hao & C.M. Hu, is described and illustrated from Sichuan province, China. Based on general morphology the new species is assigned to Primula sect. Aleuritia subsect. Yunnanensis. It is closely allied to P. kialensis, but can be distinguished by its larger stature, leaf shape, and the well‐differentiated petiole. The leaf shape of the new species is ovate to ovate‐elliptic and usually sub‐rounded at base. The new species also resembles P. homogama, but differs in being glabrous rather than with appressed hairs, and with longer petiole.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lonchocarpus</Emphasis> (Leguminosae,Papilionoideae, Millettieae) from Brazil

Two new species of Lonchocarpus from Brazil, assigned to sect. Laxiflori Benth., are described and illustrated and their affinities, geographical distribution and conservation status are discussed. Lonchocarpus laticiferus from arboreal caatinga vegetation of Bahia State, and deciduous forest of Minas Gerais State is related to L. montanus A. M. G. Azevedo ex M. J. Silva & A. M. G. Azevedo. Lonchocarpus graciliflorus, known only from the rain forest of Paraná, is morphologically similar to L. longiunguiculatus M. J. Silva & A. M. G. Azevedo.     

Primula hunanensis sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from Hunan,south–central China

A new species of Primulaceae, Primula hunanensis G. Hao, C. M. Hu & X. L. Yu, from Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. Based on its general morphology it clearly belongs to P. sect. Carolinella, characterized by the calyptrate capsules, but can be distinguished by its adaxially glabrous leaves which are much longer than the petioles, blade base broadly cuneate to subrounded, umbellate inflorescence, and glabrous pedicels and calyx.     

Alchemilla schmakovii sp. nov. from eastern Europe

A morphological study of specimens collected by the author and a critical revision of the key herbarium collections revealed a new rather peculiar taxon of Alchemilla occurring in almost every region of the Middle Volga basin, Russia. This novelity is here described as A. schmakovii and images of the principal morphological features of this species are provided. The new species is compared with related species in A. sect. Alchemilla (e.g. A. micans) and sect. Plicatae (e.g. A. breviloba) based on morphological characteristics.     

Synopsis ofVerbesina sect.Ochractinia (Asteraceae)

A taxonomic revision ofVerbesina sect.Ochractinia is presented. 40 species plus 7 additional infraspecific taxa are recognized. A table of the distribution of the species, key to the species and synonymy are included. Relationships to other sections ofVerbesina and species relationships within sect.Ochractinia are discussed.     

The yellow-flowered species of Cuphea (Lythraceae), including three new taxa

Among the predominantly purple- and red-flowered species of the genusCuphea, only seven yellow floral tube and/or yellow-petaled members in three sections were known. We add here two new species and one new variety.Cuphea congesta from Venezuela andC. splendida var.viridiflava from Bolivia are new to sect.Melvilla.Cuphea xanthopetala from Brazil is described in sect.Euandra and expands the presence of this feature to a fourth section of the genus. A key is provided to allCuphea with yellow floral tubes and/or yellow petals to expedite determinations when these exceptional character states are present.     

Primula wawushanica sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from Sichuan,southwestern China

A new species of Primulaceae, Primula wawushanica G. Hao, C. M. Hu & Y. Xu, from Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. In general morphology it is clearly allied to P. sect. Petiolares subsect. Davidii, characterized by firmly papery or leathery leaves, with adaxially impressed veins which are often prominently raised and alveolate abaxially. However, from other species of this subsection, P. wawushanica is distinguished by its glabrous and sessile leaves, smaller flowers, and by the shorter scape at flowering time.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Scleria rubrostriata,</Emphasis> a new species of Cyperaceae from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

A new species is here described: Scleria rubrostriata A. C. Araújo & N. A. Brummitt, a herb from the Atlantic forest of Espírito Santo State, south-eastern Brazil. A key to the sections of Scleria and to the American species of Scleria sect. Schizolepis is provided, and an illustration of the new species and comparison to similar taxa are given.     

Vochysia palmirana (Vochysiaceae), a new species from Goiás and Tocantins,Brazil

Vochysia palmirana is described and illustrated as a new species. It is a member of sect.Vochysiella subsect.Decorticantes. It grows in sandy Cerrados of the Central Brazilian Plateau and is similar toV. sessilifolia. A key to the species ofVochysia sect.Vochysiella subsect.Decorticantes is provided.     

Cousinia brevicaulis sp. nov. (sect. Lasiandra) for the flora of Iran

Cousinia brevicaulis is described and illustrated as a new species from eastern Iran. This species belongs to the C. sect. Lasiandra Bunge as defined by hairy anther tube, yellow, pale yellow or rarely milky flowers, monocarpic growth form and corymbose branching of stem. It is easily distinguished from other species of the section by its very short‐stemmed habit. The new species is distributed in the same region as other species of C. sect. Lasiandra.     

Musa nagalandiana sp. nov. (Musaceae) from Nagaland,northeast India

Musa nagalandiana S. Dey & Gogoi, a new species of Musa sect. Musa, is described and illustrated from Zunheboto district, Nagaland, India based on morphological characteristics observed in the field. The new species is rare in the wild and found in tropical semi‐evergreen forest on the bank of the river Doyang, in Zunheboto district of Nagaland. A key to M. nagalandiana and related taxa is provided.     

Musa puspanjaliae sp. nov. (Musaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh,India

Musa puspanjaliae R. Gogoi & Häkkinen, a new species of Musa sect. Musa, is described and illustrated from west Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, India based on morphological characteristics observed in the field. The new species is common in Sessa, Zero Point to Ramda on Sepa road of west Kameng and Hazi Basti, Ziro of lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh. A key to M. puspanjaliae and related taxa is provided.