Research Paper

Pteris caudatipinna (Pteridaceae), a new species from Sabah, Borneo, with a taxonomic reassessment of P. flava and P. glaucovirens

Yi-Shan Chao, Maryani A. Mustapeng Andi, Yao-Moan Huang

Published on: 18 September 2026

Page: 701 - 708

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.701

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    Abstract

    Pteris caudatipinna Y.S.Chao is newly described from Sabah, Borneo, formerly misidentified as Pteris flava Goldm. This new species can be distinguished by its free and forked veins, whose veins show an incompletely triangular pattern while remaining free. Phylogenetic analyses based on plastid markers further support the separation of P. caudatipinna from P. flava. To clarify the application of two historically confused Philippine names, lectotypes are designated here for P. flava and P. glaucovirens Goldm. Examination of their original material further indicates that these two species are morphologically distinct. Morphologically, the new species is similar to the Philippine taxa with long-caudate pinnae, but can be readily distinguished by having only one pair of basiscopic secondary pinnae (vs. 2–3 pairs) and sterile pinnules with rounded apices (vs. acute or obtuse). The morphology and distribution of the new species are documented, and a comparative table is provided. These findings highlight the floristic affinity between the fern floras of Borneo and the Philippines.

    Keyword: Ferns, lectotypification, new species, phylogeny, Pteris, Sabah, taxonomy

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