Showing papers in "PhytoKeys in 2013"
TL;DR: A checklist of the Cucurbitaceae of India is presented that treats 400 relevant names and provides information on the collecting locations and herbaria for all types and probably underestimates the true diversity of Indian cucurbit diversity.
Abstract: The most recent critical checklists of the Cucurbitaceae of India are 30 years old. Since then, botanical exploration, online availability of specimen images and taxonomic literature, and molecular-phylogenetic studies have led to modified taxon boundaries and geographic ranges. We present a checklist of the Cucurbitaceae of India that treats 400 relevant names and provides information on the collecting locations and herbaria for all types. We accept 94 species (10 of them endemic) in 31 genera. For accepted species, we provide their geographic distribution inside and outside India, links to online images of herbarium or living specimens, and information on publicly available DNA sequences to highlight gaps in the current understanding of Indian cucurbit diversity. Of the 94 species, 79% have DNA sequences in GenBank, albeit rarely from Indian material. The most species-rich genera are Trichosanthes with 22 species, Cucumis with 11 (all but two wild), Momordica with 8, and Zehneria with 5. From an evolutionary point of view, India is of special interest because it harbors a wide range of lineages, many of them relatively old and phylogenetically isolated. Phytogeographically, the north eastern and peninsular regions are richest in species, while the Jammu Kashmir and Himachal regions have few Cucurbitaceae. Our checklist probably underestimates the true diversity of Indian Cucurbitaceae, but should help focus efforts towards the least known species and regions.
71 citations
TL;DR: The Dulcamaroid clade of Solanum contains 45 species of mostly vining or weakly scandent species, including the common circumboreal weed S. dulcamara L..
Abstract: The Dulcamaroid clade of Solanum contains 45 species of mostly vining or weakly scandent species, including the common circumboreal weed Solanum dulcamara L. The group comprises members of the previously recognised infrageneric groupings sect. Andropedas Rusby, sect. Californisolanum A. Child, sect. Dulcamara (Moench) Dumort., sect. Holophylla (G.Don) Walp., sect. Jasminosolanum (Bitter) Seithe, sect.Lysiphellos (Bitter) Seithe, subsect. Nitidum A.Child and sect. Subdulcamara Dunal. These infrageneric groups are not monophyletic as traditionally recognised, and the complex history of the classification of the dulcamaroid solanums is reviewed. Many of the species in the clade are quite variable morphologically; plants are shrubs, herbaceous vines or woody canopy lianas, and habits can vary between these states in a single locality. Variation in leaf shape and pubescence density and type is also extreme and has lead to the description of many minor morphological variants as distinct species. The flowers of members of the group are generally very showy, and several species (e.g., Solanum crispum Ruiz & Pav., Solanum laxum Spreng., Solanum seaforthianum Andrews) are popular ornamental plants that have occasionally escaped from cultivation and become naturalised. The clade is here divided into five morphologically and geographically delimited species groups to facilitate further study. One new species from southern Ecuador, Solanum agnoston S.Knapp sp. nov., is described here. Full descriptions and synonymies (including designations of lectotypes or neotypes), preliminary conservation assessments, illustrations, distribution maps, and an extensive list of localities are provided for all species.
55 citations
TL;DR: The Database of Vascular Plants of Canada or VASCAN is a comprehensive and curated checklist of all vascular plants reported in Canada, Greenland (Denmark), and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France).
Abstract: The Database of Vascular Plants of Canada or VASCAN (http://data.canadensys.net/vascan) is a comprehensive and curated checklist of all vascular plants reported in Canada, Greenland (Denmark), and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France). VASCAN was developed at the Universite de Montreal Biodiversity Centre and is maintained by a group of editors and contributors. For every core taxon in the checklist (species, subspecies, or variety), VASCAN provides the accepted scientific name, the accepted French and English vernacular names, and their synonyms/alternatives in Canada, as well as the distribution status (native, introduced, ephemeral, excluded, extirpated, doubtful or absent) of the plant for each province or territory, and the habit (tree, shrub, herb and/or vine) of the plant in Canada. For reported hybrids (nothotaxa or hybrid formulas) VASCAN also provides the hybrid parents, except if the parents of the hybrid do not occur in Canada. All taxa are linked to a classification. VASCAN refers to a source for all name, classification and distribution information.
All data have been released to the public domain under a CC0 waiver and are available through Canadensys and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). VASCAN is a service to the scientific community and the general public, including administrations, companies, and non-governmental organizations.
50 citations
TL;DR: Molecular and morphological data justify the re-instatement of a broadly circumscribed ecologically variable R. strangulata, of R. mittenii, and the description of five new species.
Abstract: Molecular data from three chloroplast markers resolve individuals attributable to Radula buccinifera in six lineages belonging to two subgenera, indicating the species is polyphyletic as currently circumscribed. All lineages are morphologically diagnosable, but one pair exhibits such morphological overlap that they can be considered cryptic. Molecular and morphological data justify the re-instatement of a broadly circumscribed ecologically variable R. strangulata, of R. mittenii, and the description of five new species. Two species Radula mittenii Steph. and R. notabilis sp. nov. are endemic to the Wet Tropics Bioregion of north-east Queensland, suggesting high diversity and high endemism might characterise the bryoflora of this relatively isolated wet-tropical region. Radula demissa sp. nov. is endemic to southern temperate Australasia, and like R. strangulata occurs on both sides of the Tasman Sea. Radula imposita sp. nov. is a twig and leaf epiphyte found in association with waterways in New South Wales and Queensland. Another species, R. pugioniformis sp. nov., has been confused with Radula buccinifera but was not included in the molecular phylogeny. Morphological data suggest it may belong to subg. Odontoradula. Radula buccinifera is endemic to Australia including Western Australia and Tasmania, and to date is known from south of the Clarence River on the north coast of New South Wales. Nested within R. buccinifera is a morphologically distinct plant from Norfolk Island described as R. anisotoma sp. nov. Radula australiana is resolved as monophyletic, sister to a species occurring in east coast Australian rainforests, and nesting among the R. buccinifera lineages with strong support. The molecular phylogeny suggests several long-distance dispersal events may have occurred. These include two east-west dispersal events from New Zealand to Tasmania and south-east Australia in R. strangulata, one east-west dispersal event from Tasmania to Western Australia in R. buccinifera, and at least one west-east dispersal from Australia to New Zealand in R. australiana. Another west-east dispersal event from Australia to Norfolk Island may have led to the budding speciation of R. anisotoma. In contrast, Radula demissa is phylogeographically subdivided into strongly supported clades either side of the Tasman Sea, suggesting long distance dispersal is infrequent in this species.
41 citations
TL;DR: An updated taxonomy for one monophyletic clade comprising 47 primarily North and Central American taxa usually included in Cheilanthes is formalized, and the genus Myriopteris is resurrected to accommodate these taxa.
Abstract: The fern genus Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae) has perplexed taxonomists for more than two centuries. Complex patterns of evolution involving rampant morphological convergence, polyploidy, hybridization, and apomixis have made the taxonomy of this group especially difficult. Fortunately, recent phylogenetic analyses have helped to clarify relationships among cheilanthoid taxa. Based on these findings, we here formalize an updated taxonomy for one monophyletic clade comprising 47 primarily North and Central American taxa usually included in Cheilanthes. Because the type species of Cheilanthes (Cheilanthes micropteris) is only distantly related to this clade, we resurrect the genus Myriopteris to accommodate these taxa, and present a revised circumscription for the group, including 36 new combinations.
35 citations
TL;DR: Results from species distribution modelling (SDM) analysis with climatic predictors identified further potential suitable habitat areas in northern and central Peru and discovered 17 new populations across the predicted distribution using the model-based sampling method, and five further collections were identified amongst herbarium loans.
Abstract: A new species of Solanum sect. Solanum from Peru is described here. Solanum pseudoamericanum Sarkinen, Gonzales & S.Knapp sp. nov. is a member of the Morelloid clade of Solanum, and is characterized by the combination of mostly forked inflorescences, flowers with small stamens 2.5 mm long including the filament, and strongly exerted styles with capitate stigmas. The species was first thought to be restricted to the seasonally dry tropical forests of southern Peru along the dry valleys of Rio Pampas and Rio Apurimac. Results from species distribution modelling (SDM) analysis with climatic predictors identified further potential suitable habitat areas in northern and central Peru. These areas were visited during field work in 2013. A total of 17 new populations across the predicted distribution were discovered using the model-based sampling method, and five further collections were identified amongst herbarium loans. Although still endemic to Peru, Solanum pseudoamericanum is now known from across northern, central and southern Peru. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of SDM for predicting new occurrences of rare plants, especially in the Andes where collection densities are still low in many areas and where many new species remain to be discovered.
28 citations
TL;DR: A checklist of the flora of Chad has been compiled by the authors, based on literature, on-line data-bases, herbarium collections and land surveys (1998-2011), which represents a considerable update on previous knowledge on the alien flora of Nigeria.
Abstract: A checklist of the flora of Chad has been compiled by the authors, based on literature, on-line data-bases, herbarium collections and land surveys (1998-2011). It counts 2,460 records, i.e. 2,288 species (including 128 autonyms), 83 subspecies, 81 varieties, 8 forms, while all the previous available information reported 1,600 species. They belong to 151 Families, with 48.7% of the taxa belonging to the 6 largest families, i.e. Poaceae (14.6%), Fabaceae (13.6%), Cyperaceae (7.0%), Asteraceae (6.2 %), Malvaceae (3.9%) and Rubiaceae (3.4%). A total number or 2,173 species (88.3%) are native to Chad, including 55 (2.2%) endemic species, while 274 (11.0%) are alien to Chad, and 13 (0.5%) are considered cryptogenic, i.e. of uncertain status. It represents a considerable update on previous knowledge on the alien flora of Chad that counted for 131 taxa (5.3%). There are 657 therophytes (26.7%), 546 phanerophytes (22.2%), 378 hemicryptophytes (15.4%), 256 chamaephytes (10.4%), 160 geophytes (6.5%), 107 helophytes (4.3%), 104 hydrophytes (4.2%). A total of 252 taxa (10.2) may have different life forms (e.g. terophytes or chamaephytes).
28 citations
TL;DR: All Altingia and Semiliquidambar species are now formally transferred to Liquidambar, which has the nomenclatural priority.
Abstract: A taxonomic synopsis of the Altingiaceae is presented, including the taxonomic enumeration and distribution of 15 recognized species based on studies of 1,500 specimens from 24 herbaria throughout the distributional range of the taxa. Previous phylogenetic analyses based on several molecular markers have shown that Altingia and Semiliquidambar are nested within Liquidambar. All Altingia and Semiliquidambar species are now formally transferred to Liquidambar, which has the nomenclatural priority. The following nine new combinations are herein made: Liquidambar cambodiana(Lecomte) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar caudata (H. T. Chang) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar chingii (Metcalf) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar gracilipes (Hemsl.) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar multinervis(Cheng) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar obovata (Merrill & Chun) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar poilanei (Tardieu) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar siamensis (Craib) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, and Liquidambar yunnanensis (Rehder & Wilson) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen.
26 citations
TL;DR: Two new monotypic genera, Bergbambos and Oldeania are described for African temperate bamboo species in the tribe Arundinarieae, after a comparison of their morphological characteristics with those of similar species from Asia.
Abstract: Two new monotypic genera, Bergbambos and Oldeania are described for African temperate bamboo species in the tribe Arundinarieae, after a comparison of their morphological characteristics with those of similar species from Asia. Morphological differences are supported by their isolated geographical distributions. Molecular evidence does not support the inclusion of these species in related Asian genera, recognising them instead as distinct lineages. New combinations Bergbambos tessellata and Oldeania alpina are made.
25 citations
TL;DR: The genus Phlegmariurus Holubis is recognised more widely than originally proposed and is circumscribed to include both Neotropic and Palaeotropic epiphytic and terrestrial species of Huperzioid Lycopodiaceae that have isotomous shoots, lack bulbils in their sporophyllous shoots and have spores with convex lateral margins and foveolate-fossulate sculpture restricted to their distal surfaces.
Abstract: The genus Phlegmariurus Holub is recognised more widely than originally proposed and is circumscribed to include both Neotropic and Palaeotropic epiphytic and terrestrial species of Huperzioid Lycopodiaceae that have isotomous shoots, lack bulbils in their sporophyllous shoots and have spores with convex lateral margins and foveolate-fossulate sculpture restricted to their distal surfaces. New combinations with Phlegmariurus are proposed for 81 species and existing combinations identified for 33 species originating from the Palaeotropics. This installs a generic circumscription that is consistent between the Neotropics and Palaeotropics. A lectotype is designated for the type species of the genus, Phlegmariurus phlegmaria (L.) T.Sen & U.Sen.
22 citations
TL;DR: The result and conclusion is that anatomical data is valuable in helping to verify molecular data and that splitting the acaulescent species of Syagrus is justified by the differences discovered in their field habit and anatomy.
Abstract: The current investigation was carried out to examine how palm anatomy may coincide with the current molecular analysis including the three recognized clades of Syagrus Mart. and to justify the splitting of acaulescent Syagrus species (e.g. Syagrus petraea (Mart.) Becc.) into several species. Free-hand cross-sections of leaflets were made and the comparison of these verifies the relationships suggested by the molecular data. Free-hand leaflet sections were also found to be useful in the identification of otherwise difficult-to-identify acaulescent Syagrus species. The result and conclusion is that anatomical data is valuable in helping to verify molecular data and that splitting the acaulescent species of Syagrus is justified by the differences discovered in their field habit and anatomy. These differences were used to produce an identification key that is based on the anatomy.
TL;DR: This paper proposes using QR codes on specimens in biological collections to facilitate linking vouchers’ electronic information with their associated collections to efficiently provide such links for connecting collections.
Abstract: The popularity of QR codes for encoding information such as URIs has increased exponentially in step with the technological advances and availability of smartphones, digital tablets, and other electronic devices. We propose using QR codes on specimens in biological collections to facilitate linking vouchers’ electronic information with their associated collections. QR codes can efficiently provide such links for connecting collections, photographs, maps, ecosystem notes, citations, and even GenBank sequences. QR codes have numerous advantages over barcodes, including their small size, superior security mechanisms, increased complexity and quantity of information, and low implementation cost. The scope of this paper is to initiate an academic discussion about using QR codes on specimens in biological collections.
TL;DR: Examination of records of marine macroalgae from around New Zealand collected over the past 164 years housed in WELT examined the records in terms of their spatial and temporal coverage as well as their uniqueness and abundance, to review the state of knowledge and identify where there are gaps in the current collections.
Abstract: Herbaria and natural history collections (NHC) are critical to the practice of taxonomy and have potential to serve as sources of data for biodiversity and conservation. They are the repositories of vital reference specimens, enabling species to be studied and their distribution in space and time to be documented and analysed, as well as enabling the development of hypotheses about species relationships. The herbarium of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (WELT) contains scientifically and historically significant marine macroalgal collections, including type specimens, primarily of New Zealand species, as well as valuable exsiccatae from New Zealand and Australia. The herbarium was initiated in 1865 with the establishment of the Colonial Museum and is the only herbarium in New Zealand where there has been consistent expert taxonomic attention to the macroalgae over the past 50 years. We examined 19,422 records of marine macroalgae from around New Zealand collected over the past 164 years housed in WELT, assessing the records in terms of their spatial and temporal coverage as well as their uniqueness and abundance. The data provided an opportunity to review the state of knowledge of the New Zealand macroalgal flora reflected in the collections at WELT, to examine how knowledge of the macroalgal flora has been built over time in terms of the number of collections and the number of species recognised, and identify where there are gaps in the current collections as far as numbers of specimens per taxon, as well as with respect to geographical and seasonal coverage.
TL;DR: Pyropia plicata is widespread and common, and it is readily distinguished from other species of bladed Bangiales in New Zealand by its distinctive morphology, with pleated blades attached by a central rhizoidal holdfast.
Abstract: A commonly found red alga of the upper intertidal zone of New Zealand rocky coasts is described for the first time as Pyropia plicata sp. nov. This species has been incorrectly known as Porphyra columbina Mont. (now Pyropia columbina (Mont.) W.A.Nelson) for many years. Pyropia plicata is widespread and common, and it is readily distinguished from other species of bladed Bangiales in New Zealand by its distinctive morphology, with pleated blades attached by a central rhizoidal holdfast.
TL;DR: A revision of the New Zealand endemic Lepidium oleraceum and allied species is presented, finding that 16 species are recognised, 10 of these are new and one species is endemic to the Kermadec Islands.
Abstract: A revision of the New Zealand endemic Lepidium oleraceum and allied species is presented. Sixteen species are recognised, 10 of these are new. The new species are segregated on the basis of morphological characters supported by molecular data obtained from three DNA markers (two rDNA and one cpDNA). One species, Lepidium castellanum sp. nov., is endemic to the Kermadec Islands where it is sympatric with Lepidium oleraceum. The North Island of New Zealand supports four species, with two of them, Lepidium amissum sp. nov. and Lepidium obtusatum, now extinct. The South Island supports six species, that, aside from Lepidium banksii, Lepidium flexicaule and Lepidium oleraceum, are all confined to the south-eastern half of the island (Lepidium aegrum sp. nov., Lepidium crassum sp. nov. and Lepidium juvencum sp. nov.). One of these, Lepidium juvencum sp. nov., extends to Stewart Island. The Chatham Islands support six species (Lepidium flexicaule, Lepidium oblitum sp. nov., Lepidium oleraceum, Lepidium oligodontum sp. nov., Lepidium panniforme sp. nov., and Lepidium rekohuense sp. nov.), one of which, Lepidium oligodontum sp. nov., extends to the Antipodes Islands group. The remote, subantarctic Bounty Islands group supports one endemic, Lepidium seditiosum sp. nov., which is the only vascular plant to be recorded from there. Lepidium limenophylax sp. nov. is known from islands off the south-western side of Stewart Island/Rakiura, The Snares and Auckland islands. Lepidium naufragorum, although not related to Lepidium oleraceum and its allies, is also treated because populations with entire leaves are now known. Typification is undertaken for Lepidium banksii, Lepidium oleraceum, Lepidium oleraceum var. acutidentatum, var. frondosum and var. serrulatum.
TL;DR: A new species, Goniothalamus palawanensis C.C.Tang & R.M.K.Saunders, sp.
Abstract: A new species, Goniothalamus palawanensis C.C.Tang & R.M.K.Saunders, sp. nov. (Annonaceae), is described from Palawan, Philippines. Goniothalamus palawanensis is most closely related to G. amuyon (Blanco) Merr., but differs in its shorter inner petals, hairy ovaries, and funnel-shaped stigmas. A new nomenclatural combination, G. angustifolius (A.C.Sm.) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders, comb. nov., is furthermore validated to reflect the phylogenetic affinities of a Fijian species previously assigned to Polyalthia.
TL;DR: A morphologically distinct element of the group of Dracaena species from Thailand and Burma with undifferentiated leaf sheaths, no leaf blade central costa, free tepals and free thickened filaments known as Chan nuu or Chan pha krai in Thai is shown to be a distinct species based on habit, leaf base and margin, inflorescence axis indumentum and floral characters.
Abstract: A morphologically distinct element of the group of Dracaena species from Thailand and Burma with undifferentiated leaf sheaths, no leaf blade central costa, free tepals and free thickened filaments known as Chan nuu or Chan pha krai in Thai is shown to be a distinct species, Dracaena kaweesakii Wilkin & Suksathan based on habit, leaf base and margin, inflorescence axis indumentum and floral characters. It is described and illustrated. Ecological and conservation status assessment information are provided.
TL;DR: A detailed description of the Blakeeae, a key to its two accepted genera, and a listing of 62 new combinations, including 3 new names, necessitated by the transfer of Topobea are presented.
Abstract: Systematic investigations and phylogenetic analyses of the Blakeeae (Melastomataceae) have indicated that Topobea should be synonymized under Blakea, and Huilaea under Chalybea. Presented here is a detailed description of the Blakeeae, a key to its two accepted genera, and a listing of 62 new combinations, including 3 new names, necessitated by the transfer of Topobea as follows: Blakea acuminata (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea adscendens (E.Cotton & Matezki) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea albertiae (Wurdack) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea amplifolia (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea arboricola (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea asplundii (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea barbata (Gleason) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea brenesii (Standl.) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea brevibractea (Gleason) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea bullata (E.Cotton & Matezki) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea calcarata (L.Uribe) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea calophylla (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea calycularis (Naudin) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea castanedae (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea clavata (Triana) Penneys & Judd, nom. nov., Blakea cordata (Gleason) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea cuprina Penneys & Judd, nom. nov., Blakea cutucuensis (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea dimorphophylla (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea discolor (Hochr.) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea dodsonorum (Wurdack) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea eplingii (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea ferruginea (Gleason) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea fragrantissima (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea gerardoana (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea glaberrima (Triana) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea henripittieri (Cogn.) Penneys & Almeda, comb. et nom. nov., Blakea hexandra (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea horologica Penneys & Judd, nom. nov., Blakea induta (Markgr.) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea inflata (Triana) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea insignis (Triana) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea intricata (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea killipii (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea lentii (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea longiloba (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea longisepala (Gleason) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea macbrydei (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea maguirei (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea maurofernandeziana (Cogn.) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea mcphersonii (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea modica (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea mortoniana (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea muricata (Lozano) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea pascoensis (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea pluvialis (Standl.) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea sessilifolia (Triana) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea setosa (Triana) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea standleyi (L.O.Williams) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea stephanochaeta (Naudin) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea steyermarkii (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea suaveolens (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea subbarbata (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea subscabrula (Triana) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea subsessiliflora (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea superba (Naudin) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea tetramera (Almeda) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov., Blakea tetroici (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea toachiensis (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea trianae (Cogn.) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea verrucosa (Wurdack) Penneys & Judd, comb. nov., Blakea watsonii (Cogn.) Penneys & Almeda, comb. nov.
TL;DR: This study assesses and discusses different proposals for classification of the Tillandsia capillaris complex, which presents morphotypes that co-occur in central and northern Argentina and suggests that the last classification seems more comprehensive.
Abstract: Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav., which belongs to the subgenus Diaphoranthema is distributed in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern and central Argentina, and Chile, and includes forms that are difficult to circumscribe, thus considered to form a complex. The entities of this complex are predominantly small-sized epiphytes, adapted to xeric environments. The most widely used classification defines 5 forms for this complex based on few morphological reproductive traits: Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav. f. capillaris, Tillandsia capillaris f. incana (Mez) L.B. Sm., Tillandsia capillaris f. cordobensis (Hieron.) L.B. Sm., Tillandsia capillaris f. hieronymi (Mez) L.B. Sm. and Tillandsia capillaris f. virescens (Ruiz & Pav.) L.B. Sm. In this study, 35 floral and vegetative characters were analyzed with a multivariate approach in order to assess and discuss different proposals for classification of the Tillandsia capillaris complex, which presents morphotypes that co-occur in central and northern Argentina. To accomplish this, data of quantitative and categorical morphological characters of flowers and leaves were collected from herbarium specimens and field collections and were analyzed with statistical multivariate techniques. The results suggest that the last classification for the complex seems more comprehensive and three taxa were delimited: Tillandsia capillaris (=Tillandsia capillaris f. incana-hieronymi), Tillandsia virescens s. str. (=Tillandsia capillaris f. cordobensis) and Tillandsia virescens s. l. (=Tillandsia capillaris f. virescens). While Tillandsia capillaris and Tillandsia virescens s. str. co-occur, Tillandsia virescens s. l. is restricted to altitudes above 2000 m in Argentina. Characters previously used for taxa delimitation showed continuous variation and therefore were not useful. New diagnostic characters are proposed and a key is provided for delimiting these three taxa within the complex.
TL;DR: Anthurium section Schizoplacium is here synonymized within section Dactylophyllium and type species are designated for both groups.
Abstract: A reappraisal is made of the Anthurium Schott species with palmately divided leaves with 3 or more segments free to the base (i.e. palmatisect leaves), previously recognized as section Dactylophyllium Schott (Engler), as well as those species with 5 or more segments united at the base (i.e. palmatifid leaves), formerly placed in section Schizoplacium Schott (Engler). New molecular data indicates that several species (Anthurium pedatum (Kunth) Schott, Anthurium pedatoradiatum Schott, and possibly, Anthurium podophyllum (Schltdl. & Cham.) Kunth) should be excluded from section Schizoplacium, and other species previously placed in that section cannot be separated from section Dactylophyllium. Thus, Anthurium section Schizoplacium is here synonymized within section Dactylophyllium and type species are designated for both groups. This paper also provides an updated description of section Dactylophyllium as here emended, listing the 24 accepted taxa now included (20 species and 4 varieties or subspecies), along with their geographic distributions.
TL;DR: SEM images support initial assumptions that the new species is cryptically dioecious via production of inaperturate pollen grains in morphologically hermaphrodite flowers, and suggest that this is an endemic of the sub-arid tropical zone of the Northern Territory.
Abstract: A new species of dioecious Solanum from the Australian “Dioicum Complex” of Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum is described. Solanum cowiei Martine sp. nov., is allied with other members of this problematic lineage, but differs in its slender leaves, limited armature and diminutive habit. The species was first segregated by botanists at the Northern Territory Herbarium as Solanum sp. Litchfield (I.D. Cowie 1428); and specimens representing this species have also been referred to by Symon as Solanum sp. Fitzmaurice River. Collections suggest that this is an endemic of the sub-arid tropical zone of the Northern Territory. SEM images support initial assumptions that the new species is cryptically dioecious via production of inaperturate pollen grains in morphologically hermaphrodite flowers.
TL;DR: A key to the species, geographic distributions, descriptions, including comments on the anatomy of leaves, stems, lemmatal micromorphology, a phylogram based on five molecular markers, and discussions of chromosome numbers are provided.
Abstract: Disakisperma Steud. is a genus of four predominantly perennial C4 (NAD-ME) species in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Its species previously were treated in Eleusine, Eragrostis, Coelachyrum, Cypholepis, Leptochloa, or Diplachne by nearly all authors.It includes the widespread North and South American amphitropical disjunct Disakisperma dubium (type of the genus), Disakisperma eleusine from southern Africa, Disakisperma obtusiflorum from central and northern Africa to southern Asia, and Disakisperma yemenicum, comb. nov. from eastern and southern Africa to Yemen. This paper provides a key to the species, geographic distributions, descriptions, including comments on the anatomy of leaves, stems, lemmatal micromorphology, a phylogram based on five molecular markers, and discussions of chromosome numbers. The species are rarely, if at all, known outside of their native ranges and are unlikely to become aggressively invasive. All species are considered Least Concern following IUCN guidelines. Lectotypes are designated for Diplachne dubia var. pringleana Kuntze, Disakisperma mexicana Steud., Eragrostis yemenica Schweinf., and Leptochloa appletonii Stapf.
TL;DR: The preliminary conservation status of Solanum rigidum is Least Concern, but needs to be reassessed in light of its endemic rather than introduced status.
Abstract: A Solanum species long considered an American introduction to the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa is identified as Solanum rigidum, a member of the Eggplant clade of Old World spiny solanums (Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum) and is probably endemic to the Cape Verde Islands. Collections of this species from the Caribbean are likely to have been introduced from the Cape Verde Islands on slave ships. We discuss the complex nomenclatural history of this plant and provide a detailed description, illustration and distribution map. The preliminary conservation status of S. rigidum is Least Concern, but needs to be reassessed in light of its endemic rather than introduced status.
TL;DR: A new species of Commelinaceae remarkable for its narrowly linear leaves, two fertile stamens, single seeded locule and scorbiculate seeds from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
Abstract: Murdannia saddlepeakensis (Commelinaceae), a new species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, is described and illustrated. The new species is remarkable for its narrowly linear leaves, two fertile stamens, single seeded locule and scorbiculate seeds.
TL;DR: A new species of Espeletiopsis was found in two small páramos of Norte de Santander, Colombia, which differs in having (1–)4–6(–7) capitula, with very short peduncles, and capitula arranged in a compact or densely glomerate cyme.
Abstract: A new species of Espeletiopsis was found in two small paramos of Norte de Santander, Colombia. The species is named Espeletiopsis diazii honoring the contributions of Santiago Diaz-Piedrahita in recognition of his vast knowledge of the Compositae in Colombia. This is a very distinctive species, markedly different from most of the Espeletiopsis present in Colombia. The new species is closely related to Espeletiopsis caldasii and Espeletiopsis santanderensis, but differs in having (1-)4-6(-7) capitula, with very short peduncles, and capitula arranged in a compact or densely glomerate cyme. With a total distribution area of less than 75 km(2), this species is probably critically endangered or imperiled.
TL;DR: Both taxa are lectotypified in order to stabilize the names and contribute towards a resolution of their confusing nomenclatural past.
Abstract: The nomenclatural confusion between the Indian gingers Hedychium villosum Wallich and its variety Hedychium villosum var. tenuiflorum (Wall. ex Voigt) Wall. ex Baker is discussed. Both taxa are lectotypified in order to stabilize the names and contribute towards a resolution of their confusing nomenclatural past. Both taxa are described in detail to aid identification.
TL;DR: It is shown that Carica papaya L.M. is sister to a Mexican/Guatemalan clade of two genera, Jarilla Rusby with three species and Horovitzia V. Badillo with one, which may be of interest for future genomics-enabled papaya breeding.
Abstract: Using molecular data, we recently showed that Carica papaya L. is sister to a Mexican/Guatemalan clade of two genera, Jarilla Rusby with three species and Horovitzia V.M. Badillo with one. These species are herbs or thin-stemmed trees and may be of interest for future genomicsenabled papaya breeding. Here we clarify the correct names of J. heterophylla (Cerv. ex La Llave) Rusby and J. caudata (Brandegee) Standl., which were confused in a recent systematic treatment of Jarilla (McVaugh 2001). We designate epitypes for both, provide weblinks to type specimens, a key to the species of Jarilla and Horovitzia, and notes on their habitats and distribution.
TL;DR: The results of the analysis support the recognition of a new species, here described as Lepidosperma monticola, from the mountains of south-western Tasmania, Australia, and the distribution, habitat and conservation status are discussed.
Abstract: The status of a putative new species of Lepidosperma from the mountains of south-western Tasmania, Australia, was investigated. Phenetic analysis (Flexible UPGMA Agglomerative Hierarchical Fusion and semi-strong hybrid multidimensional scaling) was conducted on a database derived from morphological and anatomical characters scored from herbarium material, culm anatomy slides and scanning electron micrographs of fruit. The results of the analysis support the recognition of a new species, here described as Lepidosperma monticola G.T.Plunkett & J.J.Bruhl. The distribution, habitat and conservation status are discussed.
TL;DR: A new liana species of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae), namely Bauhinia nakhonphanomensis, collected from the Phulangkha National Park, Nakhon Pranom Province, Thailand, is described and illustrated.
Abstract: A new liana species of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae), namely Bauhinia nakhonphanomensis, collected from the Phulangkha National Park, Nakhon Pranom Province, Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is easily recognized by the following combination of characters: tendrilled liana, entire leaves, acuminate or caudate leaf apices, oblong or elliptic floral bud, floral bud 25-35 mm long, raceme or panicle inflorescence, 10-13 mm long hypanthium, anther opening by longitudinal slits. Important comparative morphological characters with some closely related species are discussed.
TL;DR: This species, named Coespeletia palustris, is found in a few marshy areas of the páramo of Mérida (Venezuela) and is closely related to C. moritziana, but differs from it in a smaller number of florets in the capitula.
Abstract: A new species of Coespeletia from the paramos of Merida (Venezuela) is described here. This species, named Coespeletia palustris, is found in a few marshy areas of the paramo. It is closely related to C. moritziana, but differs from it in a smaller number of florets in the capitula, larger ray flowers with longer ligulae and longer linguiform appendages, smaller pollen grains, larger cypselae, ebracteate scapes, leaves and inflorescences with more whitish indumentum, larger leaf sheaths, and marshy habitat.