Showing papers in "Nordic Journal of Botany in 1981"

Epidermal and seed surface characters of plants: systematic applicability and some evolutionary aspects

Abstract: Based on SEM examinations of about 5000 species of seed plants, this is a survey of their epidermal surface characters with an aim to application in taxonomy. Surface characters may be grouped into four categories: (1) Cellular arrangement or cellular pattern. (2) Shape of cells (the “primary sculpture” of a surface). (3) Relief of outer cell walls (the “secondary sculpture” superimposed on the primary sculpture), caused mainly by cuticular striations and superficially visible wall inclusions and wall thickenings. (4) Epicuticular secretions (the “tertiary sculpture” superimposed on the secondary sculpture), i.e. mainly waxes and related substances. The systematic applicability is discussed for each of these structural groups. Epidermal characters are only slightly influenced by environmental conditions. Their high structural diversity provides most valuable criteria for the classification between species and family level. There is also some evidence for their systematic applicability above the family level. The possible evolutionary–ecological significance of surface sculpturing is discussed briefly. There is evidence that these features may be seen primarily under the aspects of reduced ability of plants to contaminate and as temperature control mechanisms of the surfaces.

The families of bitunicate ascomycetes

Abstract: The morphology and nomenclature of ca. 195 families of bitunicate or alleged bitunicate ascomycetes are discussed. Available representatives of these families were studied especially with respect to the morphology of the asci and ascospores. The morphology of the ascomata, etc. was studied in the SEM in 73 species. The following morphological terms are introduced: hamathecium, pseudoprototunicate, pseudofis–situnicate, semifissitunicate, and umbilicus. The following taxa are described as new: Coccodiniaceae O. Erikss. fam. nov., Microtheliopsidaceae O. Erikss. fam. nov., Amarenomyces O. Erikss. gen. nov., and Euantennaria abietina O. Erikss. sp. nov. The name Lecanidiaceae is proposed to replace Patellariaceae Corda, and Cyanoder–mella to replace Cyanoderma Hohn. The Massariaceae are treated as Trypetheliaceae subfam. Massarioideae (Nits.) O. Erikss. The following new combinations are proposed: Amarenomyces ammophilae (Lasch) O. Erikss., Cyanodermella viridula (Berk. & Curt.) O. Erikss., C. Candida (Setch.) O. Erikss., Dictyotrichiella delicatula (Ves–tergr.) O. Erikss., Laurera sepulta (Mont.) O. Erikss., Splanchnonema superans (Mull. Arg.) O. Erikss. and Thelenella antarctica (M. Lamb) O. Erikss. The origin and evolution of the Ascomycetes are discussed, and the importance of paedomor–phosis in the transspeciation of the group is emphasized. The stratigraphic classification of the Ascomycetes is discussed. In a transitional classification of the Ascomycetes, 109 monophyletic entities (clades) are recognized. La morphologie et la nomenclature ?environ 195 families ?ascomycetes bituniques ou soit–disant bituniques sont etudiees, specialement en respectant la morphologie des asques et des ascospores. La morphologie des ascocarpes, etc. de 73 especes fut etudiee dans le SEM. Les termes morphologiques suivants sont introduits: hamathecium, pseudoprototunique, pseudofissitunique, semifissitunique et umbilicus. Ces nouveaux taxa sont decrits: Coccodiniaceae O. Erikss. fam. nov., Microtheliopsidaceae O. Erikss. fam. nov., Amarenomyces O. Erikss. gen. nov. et Euantennaria abietina O. Erikss. sp. nov. Le nom Lecanidiaceae est proposea la place de Patellariaceae Corda, Cyanodermella a la place de Cyanoderma Hohn. Les Massariaceae sont traitees comme Trypetheliaceae subfam. Massarioideae (Nits.) O. Erikss. Les nouvelles combinations suivantes sont proposees: Amarenomyces ammophilae (Lasch) O. Erikss., Cyanodermella viridula (Berk. & Curt.) O. Erikss., C. Candida (Setch.) O. Erikss., Dictyotrichiella delicatula (Vestergr.) O. Erikss., Laurera sepulta (Mont.) O. Erikss., Splanchnonema superans (Mull. Arg.) O. Erikss. et Thelenella antarctica (M. Lamb) O. Erikss. Ľorigine et ľevolution des ascomycetes sont discutees, et I'importance de la paedomorphose dans la transspeciation du groupe est mise en evidence. La classification stratigraphique des ascomycetes est discutee. Dans une classification de transition des ascomycetes, 109 entites monophyletiques sont reconnues.

Stigma characteristics and angiosperm taxonomy

Abstract: When a classification based upon certain morphological and physiological characters of the stigma was applied to ca. 1,000 species of some 900 genera of angiosperms, several taxonomic regularities emerged. Most families proved to be relatively homogeneous in stigma type, whilst others were strikingly diverse. Among the latter were certain supposedly primitive families such as the Liliaceae, a fact that may have some phylogenetical significance. Sometimes where a family proved to be homogeneous in respect to the more general characters of the stigma, fuller investigation revealed great variation in detail. An example is given by the Boraginaceae, a family in which stigma characters are of potential taxonomic importance. The stigma papillae in this family are often capitate, with heavily cutinised heads, and pollen has to be inserted forcibly between the papillae. There is a strong correlation between pollen size and stigma–papilla size, so that certain types of cross pollination are impossible. These specialisations can thus play a part as isolating mechanisms. The form of the stigma papillae is probably also important in genera of the Boraginaceae adapted to arid conditions, since the contiguous cutinised caps overarch the actual receptive surfaces and so. presumably, offer protection from desiccation. In both monocotyledons and dicotyledons, clear relationships exist between stigma type and physiology, and notably with the type of self–incompatibility system. It is already apparent that stigma characters can have predictive value in the investigation of breeding systems. The paper includes a comprehensive literature list, covering most ot the principal sources of structural, taxonomic and other data bearing upon angiosperm stigmas.

Sieve–element characters

Abstract: Of all the ultrastructural features recognized within sieve elements their specific plastids provide the most successful characters in seed plant systematics. Sieve–element plastids are classified into subtypes and forms according to their protein and starch contents. Presently 26 different forms grouped into six subtypes within the two basic types (S– and P–) may be discerned. Plastid forms containing protein crystals, protein filaments and starch grains are proposed to be primitive, forms missing any one of these contents held to be derived (a synoptical key is given to ease the identification of the different plastid forms). Based on the quantitative distribution of over 1500 investigated species and the suggested evolution of plastid forms a cladistic diagram is prepared to demonstrate interrelationships between forms of sieve–element plastids and the evolution of seed plant taxa. Correlations exist between subtype PII and Monocotyledons, subtype PHI and Centrospermae, subtype PIV and Fabales. Genuine plastid forms characterize Buxaceae (PVIc), Erythroxylaceae and Rhizophoraceae (both PVc) and Cyrillaceae (PVcf). The Magnoliiflorae are distinct by presence in its families of a great number of forms of subtype PI. Phylogenetic correlations for some of these taxa are discussed. – Crystalline P–protein of sieve–elements provides another character to be used for the delimitation of some families (e.g. Fabaceae), while presently ER–complexes or other organelles of sieve elements do not contribute to seed plant systematics.

Contributions to the orchid flora of Thailand IX

Abstract: The present paper contains further additions and corrections to earlier papers on the orchid flora of Thailand. Five new species are proposed, three species are new records for Thailand, and three earlier established taxa are reduced to synonyms.

The pollination ecology of Listera ovata (Orchidaceae)

Abstract: Interactions between Listera ovata (L.) R. Br. and anthophilous insects were observed on Oland and in Uppland, Sweden, during 1974–1980. The pollen vectors were mainly ichneumons (Hymenoptera Parasitica, Ichneumonidae), saw–flies (Hymenoptera Symphyta) and beetles (Coleoptera). These three groups transported on Oland 56, 28 and 10% and in Uppland 28, 54 and 15% of the pollinia. The most common visitors were Diptera. In the Ichneumonidae, males were on average over three times as frequent as females and carried 81% of the pollinia. Various data indicated anthecological specialization to about 8–12 mm long, relatively strong insects, which show abundance and diversity in the biotopes with L. ovata. They have medium–sized almost hairless heads with short and rather small mouth–parts. Perhaps optimal interaction takes place with ichneumon males. Since floral adaptation to the legitimate group obviously includes generalized chemical attractants and complete accessibility of nectar, the spectrum of visitors reaches that of an umbelliferous plant. The touch–sensitive rostellum has probably induced evolution of the long nectariferous furrow on the labellum surface. The floral fragrance is essentially a terpene–blend. Experiments indicated strict entomogamy.

Protein bodies in seeds

Abstract: Membrane bound protein bodies (aleurone grains) are thought to be the main subcellular location of protein and mineral storage in seeds. In addition to structurally homogeneous proteinaceous matrix, protein bodies may contain protein crystalloids, electron–dense globoid crystals, electron–transparent soft globoids, and crystals of calcium oxalate. Protein crystalloids vary in shape, size and number. For example, cotyledon mesophyll cell protein bodies in the Cucurbitaceae generally contain protein crystalloids whereas those of Compositae and Cruciferae do not. Globoid crystals, which are rich in phytin, vary greatly in size and number per protein body. Some species have numerous small globoid crystals per protein body whereas others have one or two large globoid crystals per protein body. Phosphorus and various cations (K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Ba, Mn) located in globoid crystals can be studied with an energy dispersive X–ray (EDX) analysis system mounted on a transmission electron microscope. In some cases, cations such as Ca, Mn and Fe are specifically localized in globoid crystals of certain tissues or embryo regions. Further investigations may allow elemental composition of globoid crystals to be used in studies of systematics. Biref–ringent crystals, sometimes in the form of single large crystals but frequently in the form of druses, are present in protein bodies of some species. At least some endosperm protein bodies of all Umbelliferous species examined contain druse crystals. While seed protein bodies of relatively few species have been studied with electron microscopy, there are indications that protein bodies could be a useful character for studies in plant systematics.

Pollen wall characters with emphasis upon applicability

Abstract: The message for exine pattern resides ultimately in the genome, yet the information for the initial form exists in the cytoplasm or with the plasma membrane and its glycocalyx. Subsequent wall development is likely to be the result of an interplay between the genome, the cytoplasm, and the intralocular environment. The exine consists of units derived from the plasma membrane glycocalyx and enveloped in the exinous polymer sporopollenin. Growth of the exine in accomodation to cell surface expansion is modeled as involving a doubling in diameter of the units, separation of components, and incorportation of new units within the nexine but not the tectum. If the tectum is thick and does not become disjunct, its restraint upon cellular expansion may result in the crushing of bacules. Both the final shape and ornamentation of the exine may be influenced by cytological processes like oncoid plugs that limit the effect of protoplast expansion to nonapertural regions or globules in the exine arcade that can cause distention of the tectum and rupturing of bacules. Subunits of exinous units can be seen in distinctive patterns at the outer surface of the exine, in the arcade of the exine, and prior to intine formation at the inner surface of the nexine.

The neotropical genera of Marantaceae. Circumscription and relationships

Abstract: The delimitation of the neotropical genera of the Marantaceae has been revised, using evidence mainly from the morphology of inflorescences and flowers. It is concluded that the generic concepts of Schumann in “Das Pflanzenreich”, often questioned by 20th century American authors, are essentially sound, but that his grouping of the genera into two tribes is quite artificial. Main deviations from the treatment of Schumann are the rearrangement of the genera, somewhat different stress on diagnostic characters and a much narrower concept of the genus Myrosma. A new genus, Koernickanthe is proposed for the long known species Maranta orbiculata (Koern.) Schum. The genera are arranged into informal groups and the groups and genera recognized are: Maranta group (Maranta L., Monophyllanthe Schum.), Myrosma group (Myrosma L. f., Saranthe (Regel et Koern.) Eichl., Hylaeanthe Jonker et Jonker, Ctenanthe Eichl., Stromanthe Sond.), Calathea group (Calathea G. F. W. Meyer, lschnosiphon Koern., Pleiostachya Schum.), Monotagma group (Monotagma Schum., Koernickanthe gen. nov.) and Thalia“group”(Thalia L.). It is suggested, that each group has its closest affinities with Old World genera and that this indicates that the diversification of the marantaceous stock was far–reaching already before the Old and the New World became effectively isolated. It is further suggested that the early diversification of the family took place in Africa, the flora of which, although poor in species, is morphologically very diverse. Two new combinations are made, viz. Stromanthe stromanthoides (Macbr.) Anderss. and Koernickanthe orbiculata (Koern.) Anderss.

Myrosin cells and dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum in the order Capparales

Abstract: Ultrastructural results for different types of protein–rich cells in five families generally accepted as Capparalean (Brassicaceae, Capparaceae, Resedaceae, Tovariaceae and Moringaceae) and two others (Gyrostemonaceae and Bataceae) considered by some workers to be Capparalean, support their alignment in the order Capparales. The term myrosin cell is used for those protein–rich cells which are typically idio–blastic and characterized by a homogenous, granular proteinaceous material in the vacuole and a cytoplasm which is filled with an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum. This idioblastic myrosin cell type is characteristic for the Brassicaceae, Capparaceae, Tovariaceae, Moringaceae and Gyrostemonaceae. The guard cells of stomata may appear as myrosin cells, in which case they are termed guard–cell myrosin cells; they are found in the Resedaceae, Tovariaceae and Bataceae. Other proteinaceous cells are those with protein–rich dilated cisternae (DC) of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). One type is the organelle–like DC, utricular or irregular dilations of the ER, filled with protein and ribosome–studded. Utricular DC are characteristic for the Brassicaceae and Capparaceae. Another type of DC is represented by protein–containing vacuoles derived from the ER, protein–rich ER–dependent vacuoles; these are found in the Brassicaceae, Capparaceae, Resedaceae, Tovariaceae and Gyrostemonaceae. The myrosin cells and cells with protein–rich dilated cisternae are here regarded as taxonomic criteria for the order Capparales.

Myxomycetes developed on litter of common Finnish trees in moist chamber cultures

Abstract: Fallen leaves were collected from the Finnish trees Alnus gtutinosa & A. incana, Betula pendula & B. pubescens, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Populus tremula, and used to establish 400 moist chamber cultures. From these emerged 132 specimens of Myxomycetes belonging to 14 species. One of them, Didymium dubium Rostaf. was also cultivated from spore to spore in artificial media. The three Arcyria species that emerged developed only on coniferous litter and the four Didymium species only on deciduous litter. Echinostelium minitum de Bary is the only myxomycete species that emerged on leaves of all the five trees. Alnus litter gave rise to the greatest number of myxomycete specimens. Betula leaves seemed to be the most unfavourable of the substrates. The common species of Myxomycetes that have appeared only on bark of living trees in the moist chambers set up by the author include Paradiacheopsis fimbriata (G. Lister & Cran) Hertel and P. solitaria (Nann.–Brem.) Nann.–Brem. Species occurring only on deciduous leaves or grains are Didymium difforme (Pers.) S. F. Gray, D. dubium Rost. and D. squamulosum (Alb. & Schw.) Fr.

Seasonal variations in the cambial anatomy of Tectona grandis (Verbenaceae)

Abstract: A study of seasonal activity of the cambium in Tectona grandis L. f. has shown that the activity initiates in the first week of June, reaches a peak in July and then slowly declines. The length of fusiform cambial initials undergo considerable variations during the activity and dormancy of the cambium. The initiation of cambial activity is closely associated with the opening of the dormant foliar buds in the first week of May. Cambium is more active with high numbers of immature xylem and phloem elements from July to September when the trees are with mature foliage and flowers and dormant from January to April when leaves dry and defoliation takes place. The differentiation of xylem and phloem starts simultaneously and the number of their immature elements reach the maximum in July.

Methods for absolute diatom frequency analysis and combined diatom and pollen analysis in sediments

Abstract: Earlier methods for absolute diatom frequency analysis were timeconsuming. In pollen analysis the use of indicator pollen and spores is well established. This method has been tested for absolute diatom analysis and proved to simplify the work. A detailed preparation procedure is given. A method for combined pollen and diatom analysis has been worked out to check the diatom production curves in sediments where the deposition rates can not be measured by 14C–dates or yearly laminated sediments. Diatom frequencies are here compared with synchronous terrestrial pollen frequencies. This gives an independent picture of changes in diatom productivity.

Cytogenetic and cladistic studies in Anacyclus (Compositae: Anthemideae)

Abstract: The details of a cytogenetic study on 8 taxa of the mediterranean genus Anacyclus are presented. The results include information of the gross morphology, pollen fertilities and meiotic pairing behaviour of F1 hybrids supplemented by data on the karyotype morphology and DNA contents of parenthal plants. The results indicate that evolution in the genus has been accompanied by chromosomal repatterning. There are three distinctive groups within the experimental taxa, a pair of closely related perennials and two groups of annuals. There is considerable genome homology within each group but major differences between them. The groups are discussed in terms of their systematic relationships with other members of the genus in an effort to provide an explicit evolutionary model for the origin of different taxa. The understanding of the relationships of the annual taxa is complicated by sympatry and the occurrence of natural hybrids.

A cladistic classification of green plants

Abstract: A cladistic classification comprises strictly monophyletic taxa only. Groups such as the green algae and the gymnosperms are not monophyletic and should not be recognized taxonomically. In this proposal the green plants are recognized as a sub–kingdom, Chlorobionta. One of the divisions is Slreptophyta with some green algae and the higher plants, the latter group being recognized as a subdivision, Em–bryophylina. The (extant) higher plants consist of eight classes, one of them being Pinatae, the seed plants. The angiosperms constitute one of the subclasses, viz Mag–noliidae.

Revision of Heliconia sect. Heliconia (Musaceae)

Abstract: The section Heliconia comprises stout musoid species with erect inflorescences, thick, deeply cymbiform spathes and greenish flowers on untwisted pedicels. Seven species are recognized viz.: (1) H. bihai (L.) L., (2) H. rodriguensis Aristeg., (3) H. caribaea Lam., (4) H. bourgaeana Peters., (5) H. stricta Huber, (6) H. wagneriana Peters, and (7) H. ortotricha Anderss. sp. nov. The circumscription of the section is discussed, and it appears that closest affinities are with H. latispalha Benth., H. spatho–circinata Aristeg. and allied species, and also with H. lourteigii Emygdio & Santos and H. tenebrosa Macbr. Two groups can be discerned in the section, one comprising species 1–3 and the other species 5–7, H. bourgaeana occupying a somewhat isolated and more or less intermediate position. A key to species is given and each species is described and illustrated. Particular attention is paid to variation in diagnostically important features.

Some new freshwater species of Paraphysomonas (Chrysophyceae)

Abstract: Examination of electron microscopical whole mounts prepared from freshly collected water samples from Danish ponds and lakes has revealed a number of hitherto undescribed Paraphysomonas species. Following the description of the new species (P. circumvallata, P. punctata, P. vacuolata, P. subrotacea, P. poteriophora, P. quad–rispina, P. coronata, P. eiffelii, P. sigillifera) the genus now contains 21 formally described species, which on account of scale morphology may be distributed within four groups. The nonperforated plate–scale (cf. P. circumvallata), which closely resembles scales of other chrysophycean genera (e.g. Lepidochromonas, Spiniferomo–nas), may represent a basic type of scale within the genus Paraphysomonas. Two major lines of evolution may have taken place: 1) removal of scale material through the appearance of scale apertures, and 2) an upheaval of central scale material to form a spine. Material from Greece is in some cases included, indicating at once the probable ubiquity of some of the new species. An emended description is given of P. takahashii (recently described on the basis of scale characteristics only) adding information on morphology and dimensions of whole cells. The presence of silicon in the scales has been demonstrated by X–ray analyses of two of the new species (P. circumvallata, P. subrotacea).

Cytological and morphological variation in Bellevalia

Abstract: Material from 45 populations representing 15 species of Bellevalia were analyzed as to chromosome numbers and morphology. For 3 species reports are new, viz. for B. clusiana (2x), B, tauri (2x, 4x), and B. nivalis (4x). In B. saviczii diploids, tetraploids and hexaploids were found. The basic Bellevalia karyotype prevails, but chromosome heteromorphism is rather common at the populational level. B–chromosomes were found in some populations of B. glauca s.l. and B. saviczii. Discussions on karyotype variation, polyploidy, morphologic variation and generic delimitation are presented.

Pre– and subalpine tall herb and fern vegetation in Røldal, W Norway

Abstract: Six tall herb and fern vegetation types in Roldal have been investigated. They are referred to the alliances Lactucion alpinae and Alno–Ulmion. Lactucion alpinae is divided into two suballiances, one oligotrophic to mesotrophic (Dryoptero–Calamagrostenion purpureae) to which are referred Athyrium distentifolium– Salix scrub, and Athyrium distentifolium meadow, and one eutrophic (Lactucenion alpinae) to which belongs Geranium sylvatkum meadow and Lactuca alpina meadow. Alnus incana forest, herb/fern and Matteuccia struthiopteris types belong to Alno–Ulmion. Lactucion alpinae is considered subalpine, whilst Alno Uimion is prealpine. The pre– and subalpine zones are considered oceanic sections of middle– and upper oroboreal vegetation zones.

Almbornia, a new lichen genus from South Africa

Abstract: The new lichen genus Almbornia, characterized by a densely agglutinated, proso–plectenchymatous medulla, is described from South Africa. It is tentatively assigned to the Parmeliaceae, allied perhaps to Neofuscelia.

Serological contributions to the systematics of Ulex (Genisteae – Fabaceae) and allied genera

Abstract: Seven Ulex species were compared serologically with 21 species of related genera. Seed proteins were employed to immunize rabbits; immune sera to 17 species were produced. The presence or absence of differential characters (spurs) was detected in immunodiffusion experiments and recorded in a square matrix for each antiserum. The interspecific correlation was then computed, and an ordination on principal components was obtained. The results suggested that: (1) Ulex L. should include sect. Pseudogenista (= genus Nepa Webb) and sect. Slauracanthus (= genus Stauracanthus Link); (2) sect. Stauracanihus is closer to sect. Ulex than to sect. Pseudogenista; (3) Ulex is markedly dissimilar from any other genus, its highest similarity being to Genista sect. Phyllobotrys and to Chamaespartium; (4) Ulex behaves like other derived genera and can be regarded as an extremely derived form within the Genista evolutionary line; (5) Echinospartum seems a primitive genus, it is not closely related to Ulex but rather to Cytisanthus and allied genera. There is a good agreement between these results and morphological, phytogeographical and caryological evidence. A general outline of evolutionary relationships within the Genisteae is presented.

Festuca vivipara (Poaceae) in the North Atlantic area

Abstract: Viviparous Festuca especially from the North Atlantic area have been examined. Based on especially the chromosome numbers they are divided into three subspecies and a number of hybrids: 1) F. vivipara (L.) Sm. ssp. vivipara, 2) F. vivipara ssp. hirsuta (Schol.) Frederiksen stat. nov., 3) F. vivipara ssp. glabra Frederiksen ssp. nov. Hybrids between F. vivipara on the one hand and F. rubra L. or F. ovina L. on the other were found to be common.

A revision of the genus Linum in southern Africa

Abstract: Fourteen native species of Linum are recognized in southern Africa, all of which belong to sect. Linopsis. Four are commonly accepted species; four were described more than a century ago but have not been recognized in recent treatments; six are newly described. Thirteen species are endemic; one ranges as far north as Angola and Tanzania. Among the new species two are heterostylous, the first described for the genus from this region. The section Linopsis ranges broadly from the Mediterranean region to southern Africa and to both North and South America. The occurrence in the Mediterranean region of species exhibiting such features as heterostyly and chromosome numbers of 2n = 18 or 20, the only diploids known in the section, seems to indicate that in that region are to be found the most primitive species of the section. The close similarity between species of southern Africa and a number of South American and North American species appears to place the southern African species in an intermediate evolutionary position with respect to the Old and New World species of the section.

Thread–like formations in the anthers of Strelitzia reginae

Abstract: In the dehiscent anthers of Strelitzia reginae Ait. thread–like formations occur among the pollen grains. The threads are derived from specialized epidermal cells in the stomium region. These cells are liberated from the normal epidermal cells and from each other along their radial walls. By remaining attached to each other along the transversal walls the cells form multicellular threads. Storage products occur in the thread–forming cells as starch grains and protein crystals in plastids. After their release the threads lose these products and are strongly vacuolated. Finally their cell content disintegrates.

Calliandra (Leguminosae) in continental Africa

Abstract: The mainly neotropical genus Calliandra Benth. (Leguminosae–Mimosoideae–Ingeae) is reported for the first time as native in continental Africa. There are two species known, C. gilbertii Thulin & Hunde sp. nov. in E Kenya and Somalia and C. redacta (J. H. Ross) Thulin & Hunde comb. nov. in South Africa near the Namibia border. On pollen morphological grounds they are supposed to be most related to certain neotropical species but the pollen does not agree entirely with any previously known group of the genus. The distribution of C gilbertii and C. redacta stresses the phytogeographical link between the arid zones of northern and southern Africa.

Floristic notes from the mountains of Northern Greece Materials for the Mountain Flora of Greece, 7

Abstract: The authors present an annotated list of rare or otherwise interesting vascular plants collected in the mountains of northern Greece by themselves in 1979 and by Strid and Georgiadou in 1977. The following are apparently new to Greece: Thesium linophyllon L. ssp. montanum (Ehrh. ex. Hoffm.) Celak., Moehringia pendulo (Waldst. & Kit.) Fenzl, Gypsophila glomerata Pallas ex. Bieb., Dianthus peiraeus Waldst. & Kit. ssp. noeanus (Boiss.) Tutin, Dianthus superbus L., Ranunculus fon–tanus C. Presl, Thlaspi arvense L., Potentilla apennina Ten. ssp. stoianovii Urum. & Jav., Trifolium badium Schreber, Rhamnus pumila Turra, Viola palustris L., Athamanta albanica Alston & Sandwith, Peucedanum oligophyllum ssp. aequiradium (Vandas) Tutin, Vaccinium gaultherioides Bigelow, Galeopsis speciosa Miller, G. bifida Boenn., Melampyrum sylvaticum L., Odontites lutea (L.) Clairv., Sambucus racemosa L., Symphyandra wanneri (Rochel) Heuffel, Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Achillea distans Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd., Centaurea grbavacensis (Rohlena) Stoj. & Acht., C. indurata Janka, Lactuca aurea (Schultz Bip. ex PanCic) Stebbins, Festuca gigantea (L.) Vill., F. pirinica Horvat ex Markgr.–Dannenb., Sparganium minimum (Hartm.) Fries, and Rhynchospora alba (L.) Vahl.

Scabropezia, a new genus of Pezizaceae (Pezizales)

Abstract: Scabropezia gen. nov., with globose spores, is described with two species, viz. the type species S. scabrosa (Cooke) comb, nov., and S. flavovirens (Fuck.) comb. nov. The relationship to the globose–spored genera Plicaria Fuck, emend. Boud. and Pachyphloeus Tul. and to the genus Peziza L. ex St.–Amans is discussed. A key for the treated taxa is provided.

The genus Anisotes (Acanthaceae), a taxonomic revision

Abstract: The genus Anisotes Nees is revised. A total of 24 taxa had previously been described. In the present revision 19 species, 3 subspecies and 1 variety are recognized. A new infrageneric classification of Anisotes is proposed. In the general part the morphology, with special emphasis on pollen morphology, and the diagnostic characters of the genus are outlined. Phytogeographical and ecological aspects are discussed in relation to the phytogeographical division of Africa.

Formation of spore ornamentation in two Sphaerophorus species

Abstract: Two different ways of achieving a spore ornamentation have been demonstrated in Sphaereophorus, belonging to the Caliciales. In S. globosus the ornamentation is formed within the ascus by an external secondary spore wall in an ontogenetic process with several unique features. In S. murrayi the ornamentation is formed at a late stage, when the spores have been released from the asci. Carbonaceous material formed among the asci and paraphyses is added to the surface of the primary wall, and a very irregular ornamentation is formed. The name Sphaerophorus murrayi Ohlsson is validated.

Studies in African Cyperaceae 18. Two new subgenera of Cyperus

Abstract: Two new subgenera are described and illustrated. Cyperus subgen. Protocyperus has an eucyperoid culm–anatomy and digitate clusters of spikelets. It contains about 100 species. Cyperus subgen. Fimbricyperus has a chlorocyperoid culm anatomy and many stalked spikes giving the habit of a slender Fimbristylis. It is based on a single species, viz. Cyperus subparadoxus Kukenthal.