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The phylogenetic circumscription and taxonomic status of the genus Pohlia in the Mniaceae sensu lato was investigated based on chloroplast DNA sequences (rbcL, rps4, and trnL-F), with a focus on species occurring in Japan. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of sequences obtained from 34 species of Mniaceae s.l., including 13 Pohlia species, suggested that the genus Pohlia and the family Mielichhoferiaceae are not monophyletic in their present circumscription, but confirmed that the family Mniaceae is monophyletic in its traditional sense. These results are congruent with previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Three distinct clades were recognized in the Mielichhoferiaceae, almost corresponding to three sections of Pohlia (Pohlia, Cacodon and Apalodictyon). One of them branched off first within the Mniaceae s.l., and the other two were sister to the remainder of the Mniaceae s.l. The single included Schizymenium formed a monophyletic group with Pohlia sect. Pohlia and Epipterygium with Pohlia sect. Apalodictyon, confirming the results of previous studies. The results indicate that the taxonomic status of the genus Pohlia and family Mielichhoferiaceae are in need of revision. Phylogenetic analyses nested the accessions of P. camptotrachela within P. annotina and P. flexuosa clades, highlighting the need for taxonomic revision of Japanese propaguliferous Pohlia species.

Five new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae), S. honbaense, S. phamhoangii and S. yersinii from Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, S. phoukhaokhouayense from Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Vientiane Province, Laos, and S. scabrum from Bung Khla, Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, Buengkan Province, Thailand, are described and illustrated. Photographs, vernacular names and preliminary conservation assessments are provided for them.

Erythroxylum calyptratum, sp. nov. (Erythroxylaceae), from Mt. Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park, Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, is newly described. The new species is characterized by thinly chartaceous leaves with 2–3 mm long petiole, 1–3 flowered inflorescences, downward facing white flowers, well-developed petal appendages (1/3–1/2 length of petals) and entirely free 3 styles. A description, illustrations, DNA barcodes of rbcL and matK and a key to the species of Erythroxylum in Indochina are provided.