The lectotypification of Pyrola subaphylla, specifically the lectotype identity and collection locality, is reappraised. The identity of the lectotype was reassessed based on leaf morphology and it has been revealed that the lectotype designated previously was a mixed gathering that comprises three plants of P. subaphylla and one of P. japonica. For conformance with recent taxonomy of P. subaphylla, a second-step lectotypification is made by excluding aP. japonica plant. From a bibliographic survey, we inferred that the lectotype collection locality “Sigi-nope” cited by C. J. Maximowicz corresponds to “Shukunobe”, a former place name in Hokkaido, Japan. The lectotype specimens were likely collected at or near Shukunobe village, which was located within the current Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun, or in the vicinity of the Shukunobe-gawa River, which flows into Lake Onuma.

A new variety, Paspalum scrobiculatum subsp. scrobiculatum var. iriomotense Ibaragi, Yokota & Akai (Poaceae), is described from Iriomotejima Island, the Ryukyu Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. This new variety has apparently larger spikelets than the other varieties, and resembles P. thunbergii Kunth ex Steud. in having hairy leaf blades and sheaths. However, it differs in its habitat, and also by having two sub-conjugate racemes, being conspicuously rugose on the lemma of the lower floret, and by having fewer tufted culms. Although P. scrobiculatum var. commersonii (Lam.) Stapf is similar to this new variety, var. commersonii differs in some characteristics, e.g., the latter has two or more racemes with small spikelets about 2 mm long. Photo plates of this new taxon and a key to Japanese species of this genus are provided to facilitate its proper identification.

Three new species of the genus Ramalina, R. congesta Kashiw., K.H.Moon & J.E.Han, R. disciformis Kashiw., K.H.Moon & J.E.Han, and R. tumescens Kashiw., K.H.Moon & J.E.Han, are described. All of these species grow on rocks and their primary lichen substances consist of evernic acid, obtusatic acid, and usnic acid. The distinguishing characteristic of R. congesta, unlike other known Ramalina species with fistulose branches, is that its thallus loosely creeps and spreads over the substrate, forming a cushion-like structure. The branches are sparsely branched, producing granular soredia at their tips and on their surfaces. Ramalina disciformis has a unique disc-shaped thallus composed of densely clustered branches. The central branches in the thallus measure a few millimeters or less. In contrast, the peripheral branches extend up to approximately 1 cm. These branches are solid and form labriform soralia near the apices. Ramalina tumescens can be distinguished by its fistulose branches that are tapered and pointed, the absence of soredia, white pseudocyphellae, the presence of perpendicular short branchlets, and continuous medullary hyphae. Ramalina congesta is found in coastal and mountainous areas in Japan and Korea. Ramalina disciformis has so far been found only in Hokkaido, Japan. Ramalina tumescens is a coastal species in the Izu Peninsula and the Oki Islands in Japan. The topology of a Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) tree based on each ITS and three loci datasets (ITS, IGS, mtSSU) show the three strongly supported clades, corresponding to the differences of the new species and morphologically allied species.

Variations in the floral morphology, especially the corona lobes, of Heterostemma alatum are discussed based on the earlier descriptions and the consultation of the deposited specimens in different herbaria. In addition, we observed pubescent corona in H. alatum. A detail description and photo plates of the recent collected material are provided for easy identification of the species.

For the Asian erect herbaceous asclepiad species, known as ‘Asian white swallow-wort’, different scientific names under the genera Vincetoxicum Wolf or Cynanchum L. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), are used in floras of Japan, Korea and China. Based on a thorough survey of relevant literature and specimens, we propose a new combination V. acuminatifolium (Hemsl.) Ohi-Toma & K.Mochizuki based on a replacement name for V. acuminatum Decne. Additionally, we designate a neotype for the name V. acuminatum Decne.

Gastrodia bambu, a mycoheterotrophic orchid species is being reported for the first time in India from Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. Detailed descriptions along with photoplates, illustrations, distribution maps and notes on novel observed morphological characters are provided here. Artificial keys for all Indian species under the genus Gastrodia have also been provided for easy identification of this extremely rare species.

A naturalized plant, Bothriochloa ischaemum, found in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, is reported with a description and figures, and a discussion of its differences from other species of this genus found in Japan.