Cranberries, often classified as Oxycoccus, represent a group within the genus Vaccinium (Ericaceae). They comprise one or two species distributed across the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and one species native to North America. Previous studies have discussed their species classification, polyploidization, and hybridization based on morphology, ploidy levels, and genetic variation. However, these studies have primarily focused on local populations, despite the widespread geographical distribution of the group. To enhance our understanding of the species classification and to identify potential interspecific hybridizations, the present study investigated the phylogenetic relationships among cranberries across their distributional range, utilizing nucleotide sequences of chloroplast DNA (trnL intron, trnL- trnF, psbA-trnH, and trnS-trnG) and nuclear ribosomal DNA (internal transcribed spacers; ITS). Among cranberries, four lineages were identified in the phylogenetic relationships based on chloroplast haplotypes and ITS-types. The ITS tree revealed that V. microcarpum is distinct from V. oxycoccos but more closely related to V. macrocarpon, and that V. oxycoccos is paraphyletic, comprising two geographically distinct lineages. Furthermore, interspecific hybridization and introgression (chloroplast capture) were detected between V. oxycoccos and other species, and occasionally between the different lineages within V. oxycoccos, suggesting secondary contact after speciation or lineage differentiation.

We discovered an unknown taxon of Cardamine (Brassicaceae) in Gifu Prefecture, located in the central part of Honshu Island, Japan. To elucidate the identity of this taxon, we constructed a highly resolved phylogeny of 19 species of Cardamine using multiplex inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the unknown taxon is closely related to C. schinziana O.E.Schulz and C. yezoensis Maxim., which are distributed to Hokkaido Island. This taxon is morphologically more similar to C. schinziana in being a small perennial with a glabrous plant body and in having 2–7 pairs of lateral leaflets with a shallow notch only on the lower margin. However, it is distinguishable from C. schinziana by its slender, terete stems up to 17 cm tall (vs. thicker, angular stems 20–50 cm tall), smaller leaves less than 6 cm long (vs. those reaching 10 cm or longer), leaflets with distinct petiolules up to 1–2 mm long (vs. those without distinct petiolules), and short rhizomes (vs. long, prostrating rhizomes). Based on this molecular evidence and morphological observations, we describe Cardamine neoensis Yahara, sp. nov.

Two new species of Scutellaria L., S. epunctata A.Takano & Yahara and S. kibiensis A.Takano & Yahara, are described. Both resemble S. iyoensis Nakai by having long corolla tubes. MIG-seq phylogeny confirmed both are distinctive monophyletic groups. Scutellaria epunctata shows limited distribution in Shikoku and is threatened.

The taxonomic treatment of Vincetoxicum macrophyllum Siebold & Zucc. and its closely related taxa (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) in Japan has been historically confused, along with their Japanese names. Here, we briefly reviewed the historical treatment of V. macrophyllum var. macrophyllum (“Tsukushi-gashiwa”) and var. nikoense Maxim. (“Tsuru-gashiwa”), as well as V. nakaianum K.Mochizuki & Ohi-Toma (“Tachi-gashiwa”). In addition, we designate lectotypes of V. macrophyllum var. nikoense, Cynanchum kiusianum Nakai, and C. lasiocarpum Koidz.

Pimpinella pulneyensis Gamble, a species of Apiaceae described from the Western Ghats, India, is now considered a synonym of P. leschenaultii DC. However, a detailed morphological study based on the fresh collections from the type locality has revealed its distinction from the latter. Pimpinella pulneyensis can be distinguished from P. leschenaultii by the shape of the middle and upper cauline leaves and indumentum of the leaves, pale yellow-coloured stylopodium, the number and shape of vittae, the nature of carpophore, ribs, and the surface of the mericarp. Consequently, P. pulneyensis is reinstated as a distinct species, and the taxonomy of both species is discussed here with a detailed description, photographs, and a comparison of distinguishing characters between P. candolleana Wight & Arn., P. leschenaultii, and P. pulneyensis.

Populations of Botrychium boreale and B. lanceolatum were discovered on Mt. Usu, Hokkaido, Japan. In Japan, B. boreale, which is recognized as an extinct species, has only been recorded by a single population on Mt. Usu; however, its habitat was destroyed by the 1977 eruption of the volcano. Almost half a century later, we rediscovered a B. boreale population. Botrychium lanceolatum, which is a critically endangered species in Japan, has only been recorded on Mt. Rishiri and Hamatonbetsu-cho in Hokkaido, in addition to the subalpine areas of central Honshu. This newly identified population is the third locality of B. lanceolatum in Hokkaido, more than 400 km away from the closest known locality. Both populations consisted of very few individuals (< 20 in B. boreale and < 50 in B. lanceolatum), and the next eruption of Mt. Usu may be imminent, suggesting that conservation activities are needed immediately.

Recent studies support revival and segregation of Anemonastrum from Anemone. In this report, Anemone imperialis Kadota and infraspecific taxa of Anemone flaccida F.Schmidt and Anemone narcissiflora L. are transferred to Anemonastrum.

Utricularia christopheri (Lentibulariaceae) is reported from Xizang, China. A description with notes on distribution, ecology, a revised key to Chinese species of section Phyllaria and color photographs are provided.

Schoenus apogon (Cyperaceae) has been reported from Taitung, Taiwan, in the Flora of Taiwan, 1st and 2nd editions. However, the citation of locality information from the voucher specimen (TAI025813) was found to be confused. The specimen was actually collected not from Taiwan, but in Japan. Therefore, S. apogon does not occur in Taiwan.

Studies for a comprehensive account of the subtribe Justiciinae (Acanthaceae) in India revealed a need to typify for the following two names viz., Dicliptera leonotis Dalzell ex C.B.Clarke and Justicia lanceolaria Roxb., which are designated herewith.

As part of the study on the nomenclature and taxonomy of the genus Ardisia Sw. lectotype of the name A. keenanii C.B.Clarke is designated.

Saxifraga stolonifera (Saxifragaceae), collected from the Ilam district in East Nepal, is reported as a new record for the flora of Nepal. A brief discussion of its distribution, ecology, and diagnostic characteristics is provided.

Metacalypogeia alternifolia is reported new to Myanmar. Descriptions, photographs and brief taxonomic notes based on the Myanmar materials are provided. This species is distinguished from its congener M. cordifolia by its robust underleaves.

Pilea japonica was newly confirmed at Asahikawa-shi, Pippu-cho and Urakawa-cho in Hokkaido, Japan. It is found in rock and gravel areas and on rock walls and is considered to be native to Hokkaido.