Showing papers in "Acta Botanica Brasilica in 2022"
TL;DR: In this article , a review of the Fe detoxification strategies used by plants, as well as the Fe excess effects on the plant body and its impact on the physiological, morphological and metabolic traits are presented.
Abstract: Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for plants, as a cofactor in multi-heme cytochromes and within iron–sulfur clusters. However, Fe can be toxic at high concentrations. Free Fe in cells can disrupt the cell redox balance toward a pro-oxidant state, generating oxidative stress. The focuses of this review were to elucidate the Fe detoxification strategies used by plants, as well as describe the Fe excess effects on the plant body and its impact on the physiological, morphological and metabolic traits. Therefore, we highlight the importance of evaluating Fe toxicity and provide a paper compilation on Fe detoxification strategies and morpho-physiological responses to excess Fe, directing further research in this segment.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the effects of environmental variables and overstory stand structure on the understory vegetation in old-growth Monotheca buxifolia dominated forests with considerable co-dominance of other broadleaved by using ecologically standardized data collection methods across Pakistan.
Abstract: The importance of understory vegetation cannot be denied as an integral component of forest ecosystems, but there is a dearth of studies to explore the effects of environmental variables and canopy species on its diversity and composition. Here we investigated the effects of environmental variables and overstory stand structure on the understory vegetation in old-growth Monotheca buxifolia dominated forests with considerable co-dominance of other broadleaved by using ecologically standardized data collection methods across Pakistan. Multivariate analyses were used to examine the vegetation composition and different species assemblages with multiple influencing variables. We found a total of 58 understory species belonging to 55 genera and 30 families mostly representing pluriregional (33.89 %) chorological affinities with therophytic (17 species) life-form dominance and microphyll (34.48 %) leaf-size spectrum. Likewise, significant differences were observed in species richness and diversity indices between different understory community types. Attributes such as elevation, aspect, soil properties, and tree canopy structure were most strongly correlated with the Redundancy Analysis (RDA-ordination), indicating that several factors exert the strongest influence and explained the spatial pattern of understory vegetation. The findings of this research can assist forestry resources managers, forest biologists and ecologists in restoration and conservation plans for understory vegetation in the region.
3 citations
TL;DR: Eremitis aemula as mentioned in this paper is a microendemic to the Alto Cariri State Park, located in the Baixo Jequitinhonha region, an area considered to be extremely important for conservation of the flora in the state of Minas Gerais.
Abstract: Eremitis is one of the three genera of the subtribe Parianinae (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Olyreae) and is restricted to the Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil. Eremitis aemula, herein described and illustrated, is microendemic to the Alto Cariri State Park, located in the Baixo Jequitinhonha region, an area considered to be extremely important for conservation of the flora in the state of Minas Gerais. This new species is morphologically similar to Eremitis jardimii and E. robusta. However, E. aemula is differentiated from both species mainly by its longer decumbent culms (47-50 cm long vs. 22-25 cm and (15-)25-28 cm, respectively) with shorter inflorescences (4.5-5 cm long vs. 5.5-6 cm and 6-6.5 cm, respectively), and by its leaf blades with rounded base (vs. attenuate in E. jardimii and E. robusta). The total number of bamboos in Minas Gerais thereby rises to 79 species with 16 endemic to the state, reinforcing the fact that the Baixo Jequitinhonha is of extreme importance to the conservation of the Minas Gerais flora.
2 citations
TL;DR: A number of different herbaria were consulted, and herborized leaves were diaphanized for 20 species of Hyptidendron and a set of unidentified material as discussed by the authors .
Abstract: Leaf venation has not been widely used in taxonomic integrative works, although some potential in delimiting taxa has been reported. Hyptidendron, a neotropical genus with 20 species, seemed to present some variation in leaf venation patterns, which we sought to further investigate. A number of different herbaria were consulted, and herborized leaves were diaphanized for 20 species of Hyptidendron and a set of unidentified material. The taxa were classified according to their venation patterns. Hyptidendron possesses pinnate semicraspedodromous venation with reticulate irregular tertiary, quaternary and quinternary veins. Freely Ending Veinlets show some variation between species but without clear taxonomic importance. Otherwise, perimarginal veins were greatly informative, being present only in the unidentified material. Together with differences from other species of the genus in leaf shape, margins shape, calyx indumentum and petiole size, we hypothesize the unidentified material as a new species: Hyptidendron cerradoense, described here. We provide a full description, illustration, a distribution map, a preliminary conservation assessment and comments on both the taxonomy and ecology of the new species. Our study supports the importance of leaf venation for taxonomic studies, even in smaller genera.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigate the circumscription of C. campestris through the examination of several herbarium specimens across its entire geographic range, and in its different habitats, and conduct macro-and micro-morphological studies as well as molecular analyses based on DNA sequences.
Abstract: Croton section Adenophylli is the largest section in the genus, with around 223 species distributed in the neotropical region. One of the main diagnostic characteristics of this section is the fruit columella, which has three prominent ascending terminal appendages. During a taxonomic review of this section in Brazil, we observed that C. campestris has a problematic taxonomic circumscription, thereby being confused with some other congeners. We investigate the circumscription of C. campestris through the examination of several herbarium specimens across its entire geographic range, and in its different habitats. We conducted macro- and micro-morphological studies as well as molecular analyses based on DNA sequences. Our results allow us to propose two new species (C. hatschbachii and C. stellatorotatus), update the nomenclature of C. campestris and C. subvillosus, and define the systematic positions, phylogenetic relationships, morphology and leaf anatomy of the above-mentioned taxa. The species are described, and their geographic distributions, morphological relationships, flowering and fruiting times, and conservation statuses are commented on. The two new species are also illustrated. Seventeen new synonyms, thirteen lectotypes and two neotypes are proposed. We also provide a key for the identification of 11 taxa belonging to the section Adenophylli, previously confused with C. campestris.
2 citations
TL;DR: Alpinia is considered the largest genus of Zingiberaceae with ca. 250 species occurring in tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands as mentioned in this paper and the phylogeny, divergence times and ancestral area reconstruction of Alpinia were performed by using the molecular data based on the comprehensive taxon sampling.
Abstract: Alpinia is considered the largest genus of Zingiberaceae with ca. 250 species occurring in tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands. The historical biogeography of Alpinia was conducted to explain where Alpinia originated and how it migrated to other regions. The phylogeny, divergence times and ancestral area reconstruction of Alpinia were performed by using the molecular data based on the comprehensive taxon sampling. Our results provide an objective approach to understand the historical biogeography of Alpinia. The genus originated in Asia during the Late Cretaceous ca. 69 Ma and started to diverge after the K-Pg boundary during the early Paleocene with the presence and development of the tropical rainforest and a warm, moist climate. Alpinia migrated to Malesia and then dispersed to Australasia. The molecular analyses supported the diversification of Alpinia in Asia and Malesia. Additionally, the Indian Alpinia has likely a common ancestor with Renealmia and Aframomum, and it is possible that after originating in Asia, Alpinia migrated from Asia to India then to Africa during the early period of collision between the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia to form the common ancestor of Indian Alpinia, Renealmia, and Aframomum. Our phylogeny provides a framework for studies in biogeography, comparative ecology, and evolution.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the ability of T. lactinea to discolor indigo carmine and its ability to detect laccase, lignin and manganese peroxidases was investigated.
Abstract: Dyes used in the textile industry contribute significantly to the increase of water pollution as they are disposed of, most of the time, without proper treatment. Indigo carmine is a synthetic dye widely used in the coloring of jeans and is considered difficult to remove, causing irreversible damage to the food chain in ecosystems. Mycomediation appears as an economical and sustainable way to treat textile effluents, and this work tested three strains of Trametes collected in Brazil against the ability to discolor the indigo carmine and also the activity of laccase, lignin and manganese peroxidases. The experiment was carried out in Kirk medium under static, non-sterile condition, at ± 28 °C for 120 h. Trametes lactinea (URM8350) discolored 81.40 % of the indigo carmine, T. lactinea (URM8350) 85.09 % and T. villosa (URM8022) 96.11 %. Laccase was detected in all specimens. Manganese peroxidase was detected in T. villosa and T. lactinea (URM8354), while lignin peroxidase was not detected in any of the isolates. The ability of T. lactinea to discolor dyes is reported for the first time. The discoloration rates demonstrate the ability of the strains to discolor carmine indigo and their promising use in the discoloration processes in wastewater from the textile segment.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the Small Auxin Upregulated RNA (SAUR) genes in Fragaria vesca L. were identified and a genome-wide analysis was conducted to identify 66 SAUR genes.
Abstract: Auxin is a plant hormone that is highly associated with various biological processes, especially plant growth, development and fruit ripening. The Small Auxin Upregulated RNA (SAUR) genes, whose family is the largest one of early auxin response genes, has received less attention from genome-wide analyzes compared to other gene families. In this study, we successfully conducted a genome-wide analysis of Fragaria vesca L. and identified 66 SAUR genes. In this paper, we provide important information on the identification of all SAUR genes in Fragaria vesca, including gene and protein sequences, chromosome mapping, and phylogeny analyzes. Gene expression data from the strawberry eFP Browser demonstrated that FvSAUR genes had diversified expression patterns in vegetative tissues. The RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that 10 selected SAUR genes based on eFP strawberry browser could be expressed with expression divergence at least in one of the strawberry organs/tissues tested. Our analysis provides some basic genomic information for the FvSAUR genes in strawberry and a foundation for further investigations for deciphering their function during plant development and fruit ripening.
1 citations
TL;DR: The need for grassland restoration in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, has become evident in the last two decades, when more than 1 million hectares were converted to other uses only in the Pampa region as discussed by the authors .
Abstract: The need for grassland restoration in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, has become evident in the last two decades, when more than 1 million hectares were converted to other uses only in the Pampa region. Since then, studies have started to verify the most suitable ways to restore subtropical grasslands. Around the world, species introduction is one of the principal restoration techniques. We investigated the availability of seedlings and seeds of native grassland species in the local market and the legal framework regarding the restoration of grassland vegetation in RS. We found, in total, only seven companies that sold seedlings or seeds of nine native species from grasslands, a very limited number given the great biodiversity of South Brazilian grasslands. In addition to that, we found no criteria and procedures for grassland conversion or obligatory replacement established in legal norms for grasslands to Pampa region, as there are for forest vegetation. Without legal requirement, a market for seeds and seedlings likely will not develop and, without a market, there will be no producers, and restoration will remain limited. Our results support the need to create initiates and legislation with basic guidelines for the grassland conversion and restoration in RS.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors built a referential data set for the vegetation cover using 48 pollen surface samples collected in the reservoirs of the Ceará state in Brazil. And they used satellite images for comparison with the pollen signatures and defined an alteration score to express the correlation between terrestrial pollen and anthropic cover.
Abstract: The vegetation cover is the result of many biological and abiotic interactions. To identify the different factors that cause changes is crucial when defining future sustainable development and protection of natural resources. In the Brazilian semiarid region, the vegetation cover has been subjected to drastic deforestation and land use at centennial-scale that has led to desertification. Pollen analysis is an efficient tool to reconstruct the different processes of degradation of the vegetation cover over time. We built a referential data set for the vegetation cover using 48 pollen surface samples collected in the reservoirs of the Ceará. We used satellite images for comparison with the pollen signatures and defined an alteration score to express the correlation between terrestrial pollen and anthropic cover. Our results showed our surface samples to be generally representative of the vegetation cover and of the general degradation of the landscape. Our study areas can be considered as degraded as the initial categories “preserved” or “intermediary” are not reflected in the pollen assemblages, in agreement with results of botanical surveys and the historical background. The on-going process of desertification is climate-independent and was initiated many decades or centuries ago by intensive land use for agriculture and grazing.
1 citations
TL;DR: This paper studied terricolous assemblages of bryophytes in the High-Altitude Fields of Itatiaia National Park (INP) by establishing three 20x1 m transects in five areas: three areas of a post-fire chronosequence (treatments 2017, 2007, and 2001) and two control areas.
Abstract: High-Altitude Fields are ecosystems with high bryophyte abundances and diversities. One of the principal threats to these ecosystems are wildfires, which mainly affect terricolous species. Chronosequence studies can aid in understanding post-fire effects on bryophytes. We studied terricolous assemblages of bryophytes in the High-Altitude Fields of Itatiaia National Park (INP) by establishing three 20x1 m transects in five areas: three areas of a post-fire chronosequence (treatments 2017, 2007, and 2001) and two control areas. We analyzed the species richness, floristic composition, life-forms, and floristic similarities of those transects, identifying 27 species of mosses (18 genera; 11 families) and 26 species of liverworts (20 genera; 16 families). Ditrichaceae was the principal moss family and Cephaloziellaceae the principal liverwort family. The life-forms encountered were turf (43 %), weft (38 %), thalloid (10 %), and mat (9 %). Turf predominated among mosses (85 %), and weft among liverworts (62 %). Species richness and floristic compositions varied among the post-fire gradients. The grouping dendrogram and ordination diagram evidenced greater similarity among transects within the same area. However, there was no evident gradient of floristic composition along the post-fire gradient, and further studies will be needed to quantify environmental gradients and their influences on bryophyte composition.
TL;DR: An updated checklist of the Orchidaceae from the state of Maranhão is provided in this paper , which includes 30 species that are not listed in the Flora do Brasil for the state, many of which have been recorded in previous publications.
Abstract: An updated checklist of the Orchidaceae from the state of Maranhão is provided. We confirmed 51 genera and 119 species, of which the most representative genera are Habenaria (17 spp.), Catasetum (14 spp.) and Epidendrum (10 spp.). Our checklist includes 30 species that are not listed in the Flora do Brasil for the state, many of which, however, have been recorded in previous publications. Thus, excluding these, six species are cited here for the first time to Maranhão, all of which are also new records for the Brazilian Northeast region. Comparing such data with previous lists, with 103 and 105 species, we detected a strong incongruity among the data. Of the former list, 25 species lack vouchers from the state and were not collected in our expeditions, thus these taxa are not confirmed, while of the latter we found 20 species that are also not confirmed for the same reasons. A list with the 34 excluded taxa is provided. Most of the collection effort in the state coincides with university campuses, and the northwestern region is the most species rich, but unfortunately it is also the most threatened area.
TL;DR: In this article , the reproductive phenology of Mauritiella armata, a key veredas species in southeastern Brazil, and aspects of its floral and fruit morphology and sexual system were examined.
Abstract: Our research focused on the reproductive phenology of Mauritiella armata , a key veredas species in southeastern Brazil, and aspects of its floral and fruit morphology and sexual system. We observed the reproductive phenological patterns of M. armata for 36 months, and examined the relationships between phenophases and environmental variables to describe its phenological patterns in relation to environmental filters, as well as its floral and fruit morphologies, sexual system (to evaluate dioecy), and the biometry of its reproductive parts. Flowering was observed in the dry season and at the beginning of the rainy season, with fruiting occurring during the rainy season. The reproductive phenophases responded to environmental seasonality, principally temperature in the period immediately preceding the expression of the phenophase, as well as to environmental variations that had occurred up to six months earlier. The dioecious sexual system of M. armata was confirmed, with flowering synchronization between the sexes. The population studied did not exhibit apomixis, having xenogamy as its reproductive system. The staminate inflorescences were larger than the pistillate inflorescences and had greater numbers of flowers, although the pistillate flowers were larger. Wind pollen dispersal was not observed, thereby indicating that this species requires biotic pollination for fruit production.
TL;DR: In this paper , the phylogeny of Arisaema was studied by using ML and BI methods and the divergence times of species were estimated by the uncorrelated lognormal Bayesian method.
Abstract: Explaining where plants originated and how plants migrated between eastern Asia and other Northern Hemisphere regions is still challenging. The genus Arisaema is considered a good example to illuminate this process, due to its wide distribution in both the tropical and temperate zones. Based on comprehensive taxon sampling, the historical biogeography of Arisaema was conducted using the molecular data from four chloroplast DNA regions. The phylogeny of Arisaema was studied by using ML and BI methods. Divergence times of Arisaema species were estimated by the uncorrelated lognormal Bayesian method. The ancestral area reconstruction of Arisaema was performed with BioGeoBEARS and Bayes-DIVA. Our results indicated that the crown group of Arisaema originated in Southeast Asia ca. 31.28 Ma. After the initial origin, Arisaema was inferred to have become widespread in Southeast Asia. Members in Himalayas, Africa and North China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula region (NJK region) were derived from migrants originating in Southeast Asia. American members were derived from migrants originating in the NJK region. Arisaema originated in Southeast Asia during the Oligocene with the development of tropical rainforest and a warm, moist climate. During the Oligocene to Miocene, Southeast Asia was the original center for the diversification of Arisaema in the NJK region.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors provided the most comprehensive tree species list to date for the Araucaria Mixed Forest and unveiled the conservation status of its tree flora, revealing that 5.3 % were classified as threatened and 72.8 % have not been assessed.
Abstract: Although the Araucaria Mixed Forest has long been recognized for their woods and ecosystem services, we still lack basic information on what tree species occur there. Habitat loss and overexploitation have led several tree species of this forest into an extinction process. Therefore, it is urgent to compile what are the tree species of this forest type, identify if these species are threatened and which were not assessed for their threat category. We aimed to answer: (1) How many tree species occur in the Araucaria Mixed Forest? 2) How many of these species are under a threat category? (3) Does the number of threatened species per state/province mirror the species richness of the state/province through the Araucaria Mixed Forest distribution? We found 1,213 tree species for the forest type. The states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro presented the highest species richness. The number of assessed species reflected the total number of species per state/province. Of the species listed, 5.3 % were classified as threatened and 72.8 % have not been assessed. We provided the most comprehensive tree species list to date for the Araucaria Mixed Forest and unveiled the conservation status of its tree flora.
TL;DR: Andreaea subulata is a moss species that occurs throughout the Southern Hemisphere and is restricted to high-altitude fields in the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Andreaea subulata is a moss species that occurs throughout the Southern Hemisphere. In Brazil, it is restricted to high-altitude fields in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The last recorded collection of this species in the country was made 95 years ago in the Itatiaia National Park (INP). It was never seen or collected again since then and it was, therefore, considered ‘probably extinct’ in Brazil. Here we report the rediscovery of this species in the INP and provide information on its ecology and conservation status in Brazil (Critically Endangered) as well as conservation recommendations. The newly found population is very small and grows on granitic rocks in humid areas. The principal threat to the species in Brazil is habitat loss.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors identified endophytic fungi isolated from Kelissa brasiliensis (Iridaceae), an endemic species of the Brazilian Pampa, and assessed their antibacterial activity.
Abstract: Studies involving endophytic fungi isolated from endemic plants and their antibacterial potential are largely unknown in the Pampa biome. In this study, we identified endophytic fungi isolated from Kelissa brasiliensis (Iridaceae), an endemic species of the Brazilian Pampa, and assessed their antibacterial activity. Endophytic fungi were first grouped based on macro-and micro-morphology, and one representative of each morphospecies was analyzed using sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region. We then tested the fungal extracts against laboratory isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for antibacterial activity. A total of 30 endophytes were isolated from the tissues of K. brasiliensis, with the majority from the leaves. Endophytes were then grouped into seven morphospecies based on their morphological features and one representative from each was selected for phylogenetic analysis. The inference from the ITS rDNA sequences identified the endophytes of the seven selected morphospecies as belonging to six taxonomic groups: Colletotrichum (two), Diaporthe (one), Epicoccum (one), Fusarium (one), and Pestalotiopsis (one). The endophyte extracts revealed better results against E. coli than S. aureus, although the extracts from Colletotrichum and Pestalotiopsis sp. were statistically similar to the control antibiotic. Our study is a basis for endophytic fungi studies in Pampa.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors study the bryophyte and lichen diversity and abiotic factors of Chiloé peatlands to distinguish habitat preferences and key sub-optimal factors to improve peatland management.
Abstract: Peatlands are ecosystems that play a special role in conserving biodiversity because they are refugia for unusual wetland-dependent species. Nevertheless, these ecosystems are threatened in southern South America by the overharvesting of Sphagnum moss, used in horticulture as substrate. Moreover, the biodiversity measurement as species richness has not been considered in management practices. Thus, our purpose was to study the bryophyte and lichen diversity and abiotic factors of Chiloé peatlands to distinguish habitat preferences and key abiotic factors to improve peatland management. The study was conducted in eight peatlands of Chiloé Island in Chile (42-43° S and 75-73° W). We found good predictors to overall species richness and each organism group. The observed patterns of cryptogamic species richness are well explained by microtopographic variables and moisture, increasing in tree base, and decreasing in saturated substrate and carpet. We highly recommend conserving “tree base” microtopographic areas as reservoirs of species richness in intervened areas by harvesting. Furthermore, we also suggest monitoring water chemistry variables such as pH or ionic ratio (IR), to provide information to predict impacts on the biodiversity of peatlands under Sphagnum harvesting. These recommendations give rise to sustainable management and to transforming moss into a renewable resource for farmers.
TL;DR: In this paper , a new taxon of Passiflora, subgenus Astrophea, was collected in cloud forest areas, and was named in honor of the Puri ethnic group that inhabited the mountain range where its population was located.
Abstract: During fieldwork in Serra Negra da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, a new taxon of Passiflora, subgenus Astrophea, was collected in cloud forest areas. Passiflora purii, the new species, is characterized by the conical trochlea and the totally vinaceous corona, and was named in honor of the Puri ethnic group that inhabited the mountain range where its population was located. Detailed data on the distribution, habitat, reproductive phenology, and conservation status of the new species, as well as a key to closely related taxa of subgenus Astrophea are provided.
TL;DR: Piper is a large genus in the Piperaceae family, with the subgenus Ottonia having about 30 species distributed in the Neotropics, most of which occur in Brazil (26 species) as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Piper is a large genus in the Piperaceae family, with the subgenus Ottonia having about 30 species distributed in the Neotropics, most of which occur in Brazil (26 species). Ottonia is characterized by the flower densely papillate, pedicellate or sessile, with four stigmas, four stamens and 4-ribbed fruits with persistent stigmas. The recent global studies of Piper propose that all the species of Ottonia should be considered a subgenus of Piper . Beacause Brazil doesn’t have a revisionary study with the subgenus or with Piper , most of the names of the Piper subgenus Ottonia , about 100 names, need to be re-evaluated. We presented 26 species of Piper subgenus Ottonia , which one three are new species from Brazil Piper brumadinense M. Carv.-Silva & E.F. Guim., Piper cariacicaense M. Carv.-Silva & E.F. Guim., and Piper moringanum E.F. Guim. & M. Carv.-Silva. A synopsis of the Piper L. subgenus Ottonia Spreng. (Piperaceae) is presented, including diagnostics aspects and comments on species, descriptions of the new species, synonyms, lectotypes, and a key to the species and illustrations.
TL;DR: Mikania is a pantropical genus of Asteraceae with ca. 450 species distributed mainly in South America as mentioned in this paper and significant richness is found in the mountaintop grasslands known as campos rupestres in Brazil.
Abstract: Mikania is a pantropical genus of Asteraceae with ca. 450 species distributed mainly in South America. Although most of its species occur in forested phytophysiognomies, significant richness is found in the mountaintop grasslands known as campos rupestres in Brazil. Recent botanical exploration of campos rupestres areas outside their core distribution, namely Serra do Padre Ângelo, Pico da Aliança, and Sete Salões State Park, all located in the eastern part of the state of Minas Gerais and within the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain, led to the description of several new plant species. After fieldwork and study of herbarium specimens, we recognize two new species of Mikania endemic to Pico da Aliança and Serra do Padre Ângelo. Mikania semirii is related to Mikania phaeoclados and differs by leaf indumentum, subinvolucral bract shape and size and position on the peduncle. Mikania funkiae is related to Mikania glauca and Mikania obtusata, and differs by the petiole length, leaf shape, texture, and margins. We provide full descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, composite color figures, preliminary conservation status assessments, and comments on the taxonomy and ecology of these two species. These findings highlight the continued importance of floristic and taxonomic work on the rich eastern Brazilian flora.
TL;DR: In this article , a taxonomic revision of Osmundaceae in Brazil is presented, which is represented by two genera (Osmundastrum and Osmunda) and three species.
Abstract: As part of floristic surveys in the Southern Cone of South America and the Flora do Brasil 2020 project, we present a revision of Osmundaceae in Brazil. Osmundaceae is represented by two genera (Osmundastrum and Osmunda) and three species. One of them, Osmunda piresii, is endemic to the savannas of Central Brazil, occurring in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Mato Grosso. Osmunda gracilis is synonymized under Osmunda spectabilis. We present a dichotomous key, descriptions, diagnostic illustrations, distributions, and notes on taxonomy and ecology.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors describe the diversity of conidial fungi that occur in the leaf litter of the riparian vegetation in a Brejo de Altitude in Pernambuco, Brazil.
Abstract: Brejos de Altitude are enclaves of higher altitude humid forests in the semiarid lowlands of the North-eastern of Brazil. They present unique characteristics in terms of soil and air humidity, temperature, vegetation cover, and biodiversity. Due to these conditions, many cattle ranchers and farmers develop activities that have caused habitat loss and fragmentation of biodiversity. In this study, we aimed to describe the diversity of conidial fungi that occur in the leaf litter of the riparian vegetation in a Brejo de Altitude in Pernambuco, Brazil. Decomposing leaf material was collected from the forest floor in the dry and rainy periods of 2019, incubated in moist chambers and observed daily for fungal structures, for up to 45 days, under dissecting microscope and light microscope. Eighty-four taxa of fungi were identified, totaling 335 occurrences. The air and soil temperature, and precipitation showed an influence on the fungal community. Species richness was greater in the dry period and abundance was greater in the rainy period. The multivariate analyses revealed differences in the conidial fungi community between the dry and rainy periods. A high richness of leaf litter conidial fungal was uncovered in this area of humid forest surrounded by the semiarid vegetation of Caatinga.
TL;DR: In this paper , a checklist of angiosperms with EFNs in a protected area of the Brazilian Atlantic forest was provided, bringing information about the richness, location of EFNs on the plant's organs, as well as plant's habit and conservation status.
Abstract: Although extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are reported as extremely important to understand ecological interactions, the diversity of EFN-bearing plants remains underappreciated. In Brazil, studies are concentrated in Cerrado and extremely poorly known in other phytogeographic domains, such as Atlantic forest. Thus, this study provides one of the first checklists of angiosperms with EFNs in a protected area of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, bringing information about the richness, location of EFNs on the plant’s organs, as well as plant’s habit and conservation status. A total of 93 EFN-bearing species belonging to 61 genera and 29 families is reported, which corresponds to 16.5 % of the local flora. The vast majority has not been evaluated for their conservation status, and twenty species are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Vines and trees are the predominant plant habits and EFNs are mostly found on leaves. More than half of the species (53.7 %) comprises new additions to the world list of EFN-bearing plants, including the first record in Dilleniaceae. Our findings show a large number of EFN-bearing plant species from a single and small protected area in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. It reinforces the lack of studies of this nature, where further investigations are strongly recommended.
TL;DR: Acisanthera saxatilis is a little collected species apparently endemic to rocky sandstone formations in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso state, Brazil as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Acisanthera saxatilis is described, illustrated, and compared with putative relatives. The first specimen of this new species was collected 119 years ago by Oskar Andersson Gustaf Malme during his "second expedition Regnelliana". Acisanthera saxatilis is a little collected species apparently endemic to rocky sandstone formations in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. It differs from similar species by its perennial habit, lignotubers, isomorphic to slightly subisomorphic androecium, stamens positioned in a circle around the style during anthesis, antesepalous stamens with short connectives, small inconspicuous staminal appendages, and purple anthers. Photos of living specimens, a distribution map, scanning electron photographs of seeds and leaves, a preliminary conservation status assessment, as well as comments on vascular plant endemism at the Chapada dos Guimarães are provided.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors describe the wood anatomy and hydraulic architecture of Bathysa cuspidata and B. nicholsonii in two remnants of the Atlantic Forest through a paired analysis of the hydraulic system related to taxonomic and environmental aspects.
Abstract: Tropical forests are the most diverse on the planet, and it is essential to understand how plant species adapt to the environmental differences inherent in this environment. This study describes the wood anatomy and hydraulic architecture of Bathysa cuspidata and Bathysa nicholsonii in two remnants of the Atlantic Forest through a paired analysis of the hydraulic system related to taxonomic and environmental aspects. Samples were collected non-destructively, processed following techniques of wood anatomy. Sympatric species differ taxonomically in Bathysa cuspidata showed vessels either solitary or radial multiples of 2 to 4 elements, septate fibre-tracheids with thick walls, and larger rays with sheath cells. At the same time, B. nicholsonii has a higher vessel frequency, septate fibre-tracheids with thin walls, narrower rays, vessels with smaller diameters. Although each species’ hydraulic system shows acclimatization variations to different sites of occurrence, the structural differences in wood ensure the segregation between the species in each site. Our results corroborate the relevance of the anatomical wood anatomy studies as a subsidy for a better definition of morphologically similar taxa and show structural aspects aimed at survival in the Atlantic Forest. This data combination has often been neglected in understanding biodiversity in the tropics.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the applicability of NDVI to obtain phenological metrics (e.g., start, peak, end, and length of growth season) and explored its relationship with tree-ring width of Tectona grandis (teak).
Abstract: Climate change is expected to increase the occurrence of severe droughts in the tropics, and little is known about its influence on tree dynamics. Tree-ring width and remote sensing tools can help understand the impacts of climate change on tree growth. We evaluated the applicability of NDVI to obtain phenological metrics (e.g., start, peak, end, and length of growth season) and explored its relationship with tree-ring width of Tectona grandis (teak). The phenological metrics and tree-ring width were correlated with each other, and with both local (temperature, precipitation, solar insolation, Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index - SPEI) and large-scale (El Niño) climatic variables. The length of season and tree-ring width of teak were positively correlated with precipitation and negatively correlated with temperature in the initial months of the growth period. Tree-ring width was negatively correlated with El Niño events. Climate variables and length of season from the prior period were correlated with the tree-ring width of the current growing period. This study demonstrated that rather than directly affecting productivity, climate might also affect the length of the growing season, which would affect tree growth in the next season.
TL;DR: Blechnum rivulorum sp. nov. as discussed by the authors described a new species of Blechnum from Mato Grosso, Brazil, which was discovered as a result of visits to the herbaria BM, K, P, PR, and S, as part of the Reflora Project.
Abstract: We describe a new species of Blechnum from Mato Grosso, Brazil: Blechnum rivulorum sp. nov. This new species was discovered as a result of visits to the herbaria BM, K, P, PR, and S, as part of the Reflora Project, by the first author. We also indicate its position in a new Blechnum phylogeny. Additionally, we confirm the occurrence of Blechnum meridense Klotzsch in Brazil and provide an updated key to all species of Blechnum in the country.
TL;DR: In this article , a palynological study of 30 species belonging to Galactia and related genera was performed, where pollen grains were acetolized using the standard methodology, subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis, and then quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated.
Abstract: Galactia is a pantropical genus, which is part of the Galactia clade, and together with the genera Betencourtia, Caetangil, Cerradicola, Collaea, Lackeya, Nanogalactia, and Rhodopis , it maintains a taxonomic relationship that has already been the focus of previous studies. However, the palynology of these groups has not been extensively studied, with gaps in pollen descriptions. Thus, a palynological study of 30 species belonging to Galactia and related genera was performed. For this purpose, pollen grains were acetolized using the standard methodology, subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis, and then quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Generally, pollen grains of this genera are medium or large size, isopolar or heteropolar, 3-colporate, and may have microreticulate or reticulate exine. Pollen data for Rhodopis and Nanogalactia agree with the most recently proposed circumscription of these genera. Other genera exhibited similar pollen characteristics; however, the diameter of the lumen, associated with other pollen characteristics, proved to be important for the differentiation of the genera. Thus, the pollen morphology provided information that contributes to the description of the genera, mainly Brazilian representatives of Galactia and related genera.
TL;DR: In this article , the morphology and distribution of glandular trichomes were studied in Cannabaceae and Ulmaceae species and compared with published data for Moraceae and Urticaceae.
Abstract: Glandular trichomes are epidermal structures that produce, store and release a variety of chemical compounds. Their high morphological diversity allows their taxonomic use at various levels. Therefore, their description and standardization of terminology become challenging. Cannabaceae is a well known family of Urticalean Rosids because of the presence of cannabinoid-secreting trichomes in Cannabis sativa. Other Urticalean Rosid families (Moraceae, Ulmaceae and Urticaceae) are neglected in this regard. Thus, the morphology and distribution of glandular trichomes were studied in Cannabaceae and Ulmaceae species and compared with published data for Moraceae and Urticaceae. Surface and anatomical analyses were performed on vegetative and floral organs. Urticalean Rosids show at least 15 types of glandular trichomes, 12 of them capitate and three filiform. In particular, Trema micrantha, a Cannabaceae species, has six different types. A trichome with biseriate stalk and pluricellular head, found in Trema micrantha and Pteroceltis tatarinowii, was not previously reported. Glandular trichomes are widely distributed in the plant body, which may be related to protection against herbivory. The greatest difficulty was the large quantity of terms and the lack of morphological details of the glandular trichomes in previous studies. A standardization of the terminology of glandular trichomes was therefore proposed.