Showing papers in "Phytotaxa in 2011"

A linear sequence of extant families and genera of lycophytes and ferns

Abstract: Throughout the history of the classification of extant ferns (monilophytes) and lycophytes, familial and generic concepts have been in great flux. For the organisation of lycophytes and ferns in herbaria, books, checklists, indices and spore banks and on the internet, this poses a problem, and a standardized linear sequence of these plants is therefore in great need. We provide here a linear classification to the extant lycophytes and ferns based on current phylogenetic knowledge; this provides a standardized guide for organisation of fern collections into a more natural sequence. Two new families, Diplaziopsidaceae and Rhachidosoraceae, are here introduced.

A new classification and linear sequence of extant gymnosperms

Abstract: A new classification and linear sequence of the gymnosperms based on previous molecular and morphological phylogenetic and other studies is presented. Currently accepted genera are listed for each family and arranged according to their (probable) phylogenetic position. A full synonymy is provided, and types are listed for accepted genera. An index to genera assists in easy access to synonymy and family placement of genera.

One hundred new species of lichenized fungi : a signature of undiscovered global diversity

Abstract: The number of undescribed species of lichenized fungi has been estimated at roughly 10,000. Describing and cataloging these would take the existing number of taxonomists several decades; however, the support for taxonomy is in decline worldwide. In this paper we emphasize the dire need for taxonomic expertise in lichenology. We bring together 103 colleagues from institutions worldwide to describe a total of 100 new species of lichenized fungi, representing a wide taxonomic and geographic range. The newly described species are: Acarospora flavisparsa, A. janae, Aderkomyces thailandicus, Amandinea maritima, Ampliotrema cocosense, Anomomorpha lecanorina, A. tuberculata, Aspicilia mansourii, Bacidina sorediata, Badimia multiseptata, B. vezdana, Biatora epirotica, Buellia sulphurica, Bunodophoron pinnatum, Byssoloma spinulosum, Calopadia cinereopruinosa, C. editae, Caloplaca brownlieae, C. decipioides, C. digitaurea, C. magnussoniana, C. mereschkowskiana, C. yorkensis, Calvitimela uniseptata, Chapsa microspora, C. psoromica, C. rubropulveracea, C. thallotrema, Chiodecton pustuliferum, Cladonia mongkolsukii, Clypeopyrenis porinoides, Coccocarpia delicatula, Coenogonium flammeum, Cresponea ancistrosporelloides, Crocynia microphyllina, Dictyonema hernandezii, D. hirsutum, Diorygma microsporum, D. sticticum, Echinoplaca pernambucensis, E. schizidiifera, Eremithallus marusae, Everniastrum constictovexans, Fellhanera borbonica, Fibrillithecis sprucei, Fissurina astroisidiata, F. nigrolabiata, F. subcomparimuralis, Graphis caribica, G. cerradensis, G. itatiaiensis, G. marusa, Gyalideopsis chicaque, Gyrotrema papillatum, Harpidium gavilaniae, Hypogymnia amplexa, Hypotrachyna guatemalensis, H. indica, H. lueckingii, H. paracitrella, H. paraphyscioides, H. parasinuosa, Icmadophila eucalypti, Krogia microphylla, Lecanora mugambii, L. printzenii, L. xanthoplumosella, Lecidea lygommella, Lecidella greenii, Lempholemma corticola, Lepraria sekikaica, Lobariella sipmanii, Megalospora austropacifica, M. galapagoensis, Menegazzia endocrocea, Myriotrema endoflavescens, Ocellularia albobullata, O. vizcayensis, Ochrolechia insularis, Opegrapha viridipruinosa, Pannaria phyllidiata, Parmelia asiatica, Pertusaria conspersa, Phlyctis psoromica, Placopsis imshaugii, Platismatia wheeleri, Porina huainamdungensis, Ramalina hyrcana, R. stoffersii, Relicina colombiana, Rhizocarpon diploschistidina, Sticta venosa, Sagenidiopsis isidiata, Tapellaria albomarginata, Thelotrema fijiense, Tricharia nigriuncinata, Usnea galapagona, U. pallidocarpa, Verrucaria rhizicola, and Xanthomendoza rosmarieae. In addition, three new combinations are proposed: Fibrillithecis dehiscens, Lobariella botryoides, and Lobariella pallida.

APG III: Bibliographical Information and Synonymy of Magnoliidae

Abstract: An updated classification of the orders and families of flowering plants was published in 2009 by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group along with two companion papers, one a linear arrangement of the taxa, and a second treating the land plants above the rank of order. These papers are combined with full synonymy and bibliographic information along with an index to the names.

A new delineation for Oreocharis incorporating an additional ten genera of Chinese Gesneriaceae

Abstract: Based on molecular data and a morphological evaluation, evidence is provided that the species of eleven, mostly small-sized and monotypic genera of Chinese Gesneriaceae (Ancylostemon, Bournea, Briggsia s.str., Dayaoshania, Deinocheilos, Isometrum, Opithandra, Oreocharis, Paraisometrum, Thamnocharis, Tremacron) form a highly-supported group in which the species interrelationships run across traditional generic boundaries. The data confirm previous doubts on the naturalness of some of these genera and, after a detailed discussion of the particular genera, the conclusion is reached that the whole group is best regarded as a single genus, Oreocharis, which is thus expanded to comprise over 80 species. A list of the species is given and the necessary transfers are made. The new delimitation provides a framework for studying the species relationships and working out an infrageneric classification. Oreocharis provides an excellent example of a major monophyletic group that has experienced a rapid radiation early in its evolution and shows manifold convergences in floral characters (corolla form and coloration, fertility of stamens, anther shape and dehiscence mode), apparently reflecting different pollination strategies, but has little variation in vegetative habit and fruit structure.

A new definition of the genus Petrocodon (Gesneriaceae)

Abstract: Based on molecular studies, the small Chinese genus Petrocodon (two species and one variety) has been recently enlarged to include the monotypic genera Calcareoboea, Paralagarosolen and Tengia. It is shown here that the (6-7) species of Lagarosolen, the monotypic Dolicholoma, a few species of Didymocarpus, and a number of new species that have recently been published (but not formally described) under Petrocodon and Lagarosolen should be included in this genus. This raises the size of the genus from five to around 20 species. With respect to the floral diversity (corolla form, size, and coloration; with the exception of Tengia, the androecium is always diandrous) and inferred pollination syndromes (different forms of melittophily, ornithophily, psycho- and/or sphingophily), Petrocodon represents one of the most varied genera of Old World Gesneriaceae, comparable to some New World genera.

A revision of Geonoma (Arecaceae)

Abstract: A taxonomic revision and phylogeny of the neotropical palm genus Geonoma based on morphological data and morphometric methods was carried out 4990 herbarium specimens were scored for 44 qualitative variables and 27 quantitative variables Qualitative variables were divided into 30 characters and 14 traits Using the phylogenetic species concept, characters were used to recognize 68 species These are widely distributed from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Paraguay, and reach the Lesser Antilles and Hispaniola Analysis of each species for traits, geographic distribution, and quantitative variables led to recognition of 90 subspecies in 18 species, giving a total of 140 taxa Twelve new species (G bernalii, G concinnoidea, G deneversii, G dindoensis, G fosteri, G galeanoae, G gentryi, G operculata, G peruviana, G sanmartinensis, G schizocarpa, G venosa) and 33 new subspecies (G brongniartii subsp pascoensis, G concinna subsp simplex, G concinnoidea subsp coclensis, G concinnoidea subsp jefensis, G congesta subsp osensis, G cuneata subsp guanacastensis, G cuneata subsp indivisa, G cuneata subsp minor, G cuneata subsp rubra, G deversa subsp belizenesis, G deversa subsp peninsularis, G deversa subsp quadriflora, G ferruginea subsp nicaraguensis, G lehmannii subsp corrugata, G longivaginata subsp copensis, G longivaginata subsp sanblasensis, G longivaginata subsp vallensis, G maxima subsp dispersa, G maxima subsp multiramosa, G maxima subsp sigmoidea, G pohliana subsp linharenseis, G pohliana subsp rodriguesii, G pohliana subsp unaensis, G stricta subsp antioquiensis, G stricta subsp bracteata, G stricta subsp divaricata, G stricta subsp pendula, G stricta subsp pliniana, G stricta subsp quibdoensis, G stricta subsp submontana, G undata subsp tacarcunensis, G undata subsp tumucensis, G undata subsp venezuelana) are described Forty-one new combinations are made Several of the most variable species are considered to be species complexes and are divided into morphotypes-groups of similar specimens with no formal taxonomic status Nomenclature, descriptions and distribution maps are provided for each species and subspecies Images of the type specimens of all new taxa are also provided A phylogenetic analysis, using the same 30 characters used for the taxonomic revision was carried out using parsimony analysis A sample tree and consensus tree are shown and a discussion is given of the various clades

Description of five new species of the diatom genus Luticola (Bacillariophyta, Diadesmidaceae) found in lakes of James Ross Island (Maritime Antarctic Region)

Abstract: During a survey of the non-marine diatom flora from lakes on James Ross Island (Maritime Antarctic Region), five new Luticola species have been recorded: Luticola desmetii , L. doliiformis , L. evkae , L. permuticopsis and L. tomsui . Detailed morphology descriptions of these taxa are given based on both light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphological features of each taxon have been compared with similar taxa and notes on the ecology of the species have been added.

A revision of the Andean wax palms, Ceroxylon (Arecaceae)

Abstract: The genus Ceroxylon is revised and twelve species are recognized. A total of 228 specimens from 19 herbaria were studied and field work was carried out in four countries. A list of 113 characters was explored in the specimens and described for each species. Additionally, leaf anatomy and pollen morphology (via Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) were examined for twelve and eleven species, respectively. SEM images were used to describe the surfaces of the leaf and fruit epicarp. Information on habitat, natural history, local names, uses and conservation status are incorporated after the morphological description of each species. A key for the identification of the species is provided and illustrations and distribution maps are included for all species.

Fifteen new diatom (Bacillariophyta) species from Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

Abstract: During recent observations of the diatom flora of Lake Ohrid, fifteen new species were found, each possessing unique morphological features: Odontidium minutum, Staurosirella pulchella, Staurosirella lata, Fragilaria micra, Navicula subviridula, Prestauroneis tumida, Placoneis pseudabundans, Placoneis subelegans, Cymbopleura tumida, Gomphosphenia tenuis, Gomphonema mihoi, Gomphonema subaequale, Gomphonema perolivaceolacuum, Gomphonema linearoides and Gomphonema densistriatum. We provide detailed descriptions for all fifteen species based on light and electron microscopy observations. Noteworthy is the high diversity recorded in the Gomphonema olivaceum species complex, which comprises eight species in total, three of which are described as new. We also provide a key for identification of species in the G. olivaceum complex in Lake Ohrid and a compilation of published data detailing the infraspecific diversity of this complex.

Brazilian plants urgently needing conservation: the case of Vriesea minarum (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract: Difficulties in identifying Vriesea minarum as well as a conflict of interest among mining companies and local conservationists are pushing this species towards extinction. Vriesea minarum was categorised as data deficient in the Brazilian official plant red list despite earlier works indicating its vulnerability. This species is restricted to the Iron Quadrangle area, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where it grows over iron rock outcrops. Here we use V. minarum to illustrate the importance of taxonomic investigation as well as the presentation of accurate distributional data in order to establish conservation strategies. We emphasize the importance of well-conserved herbaria collections and adequate type material to avoid taxonomic issues that delay the understanding of species limits. This paper presents taxonomic notes and the redefining of V. minarum based on the survey of 22 herbaria collections and fieldwork. The additional material obtained and a morphometric approach allowed us to better delimit the related taxa. The species V. ouroensis is considered to be a new synonym of V. minarum . A map showing the occurrences of populations of V. minarum , pictures of living specimens in the field, as well as its updated conservation status are provided. Historic records housed in herbaria indicate that this species has been progressively losing its area of occurrence.

Inclusion of Metabriggsia into Hemiboea (Gesneriaceae)

Abstract: Based on molecular data and morphology, Metabriggsia is reduced to synonymy with Hemiboea and its two species transferred to that genus.

Four new centric diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) from the Western Ghats, South India

Abstract: Four new species, including two newly recorded genera of diatoms, are described from lentic habitats of Western Ghats, South India. The new species are Pleurosira indica, Spicaticribra kodaikanaliana, Urosolenia curvata and U. extensa. Pleurosira indica and Spicaticribra kodaikanaliana were collected from Kodaikanal Lake in Tamil Nadu and the two Urosolenia species are collected from Hirebhasker Dam in Karnataka, India. Pleurosira indica differs from other members of the genus by the irregularly arranged areolae and c-shaped depressions associated with the rimoportulae. Spicaticribra kodaikanaliana lacks the large central openings found in S. kingstonii, but is otherwise very similar to this North American taxon. The two new Urosolenia species, U. extensa and U. curvata, have distinct shapes to their valves, unlike other previously described species of the genus. All of these new species were observed with light and scanning electron microscopes, and we discuss their systematic positions.

Five new taxa in the genus Pinnularia sectio Distantes (Bacillariophyta) from Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands)

Abstract: The non-marine diatom flora of Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctic Region) is currently under revision. The taxonomy and morphology of all Pinnularia taxa belonging to the section Distantes present in the samples from Livingston Island have been studied. Eleven different Pinnularia taxa from this section have been recorded. In addition to the cosmopolitan Pinnularia borealis var. borealis, P. borealis var. scalaris and P. rabenhorstii and three already described (sub) Antarctic taxa (P. australorabenhorstii, P. obaesa and P. rabenhorstii var. subantarctica), five new taxa are noted here based on their unique morphological features. The new taxa are: Pinnularia australoborealis sp. nov., P. borealis var. pseudolanceolata var. nov., P. laterotundata sp. nov., P. perlanceolata sp. nov., and P. quesadae sp. nov. These results confirm the presence of a highly specific non-marine diatom flora in the Antarctic Region contradicting the view concerning diatom cosmopolitanism.

Dombeya sevathianii (Malvaceae): A new critically endangered species endemic to Mauritius (Indian Ocean)

Abstract: Dombeya sevathianii, a new endemic species from Mauritius, is described and illustrated. Based on its morphology, D. sevathianii belongs to the section Assonia as defined by Arenes and is closely related to D. populnea, endemic to La Reunion and Mauritius. These affinities are confirmed by a previous molecular study. The morphological diagnostic features for D. sevathianii are the cupuliform and entire epicalyx, and the absence of staminodes within the androecium. Given its known restricted distribution and small population, the species should be considered Critically Endangered (CR) as per the Red List Criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Species of Cyathea in America related to the western Pacific species C. decurrens

Abstract: The species allied to Cyathea platylepis are recognized as a distinct group among Neotropical Cyathea, and are regarded as closest relatives to the few Paleotropical members of the genus in the strict sense. All species have slender trunks that shed old petioles cleanly, inermous petioles with relatively few, ovate-lanceolate brown scales, relatively strongly dissected (to tripinnate-pinnatifid) laminae, and proximally positioned sori with hemitelioid indusia. Most of the remaining Neotropical species referred to as the C. multiflora-group fall into two distinct groups. The group of Cyathea vilhelmii differs from the C. platylepis group chiefly in having dense petiolar scurf, and bicolorous or concolorous white petiole scales. These species occur at high elevations in the Andes and Central America. The group of Cyathea multiflora is heterogeneous in habit and laminar dissection but is characterized by a medial to marginal position of the sori and a preference of lower montane and lowland forests. It includes the species allied to C. multiflora and C. andina, as well as some species formerly regarded as belonging to Sphaeropteris. All groups may have to include species that either have different types of indusia or lack them in order to represent natural taxa. Five names have been reinstated in the course of this study and replace commonly used names: Cyathea austroamericana (= C. multiflora pro parte), C. boryana (= C. andina pro parte), C. leucolepismata (= C. amazonica), C. lindigii (= C. multiflora pro parte), C. traillii (= C. reginae), and C. vilhelmii (= C. heliophila). Cyathea vaupensis is recognized at species level. A new name is chosen for Cyathea panamensis = Cyathea rojasiana. Keys to all species are included.

A revised infrageneric classification for Gagea Salisb (Tulipeae; Liliaceae): insights from DNA sequence and morphological data

Abstract: A revised subgeneric classification for Gagea sensu lato (including Lloydia) is presented. The status of Lloydia relative to Gagea sensu stricto is discussed, as are the existing infrageneric taxa of Gagea sensu stricto. The new classification is based on all available data and divides the genus into seven sections. The circumscription of some previously defined sections has been changed and some species are shifted from one section to another. Lloydia sect. Tricholloydia is transferred to Gagea sect. Tricholloydia.

A synopsis of the Neotropical species of Sticherus (Gleicheniaceae), with descriptions of nine new species

Abstract: Sticherus (Gleicheniaceae) is a pantropical genus of about 95 species, characterized by scaly buds, mostly 1-forked veinlets in the segments, (2–)3–5(–7) sporangia per sorus, pseudodichotomously branched blades with pinnatifid or pinnate ultimate branches, and monolete spores. In the Neotropics, we recognize 54 species and three named hybrids. We provide typifications, distributional data, and a key for all species. Nine species are described as new: S. albus , S. antillensis , S. chocoensis , S. fuscus , S. jacha , S. moyobambensis , S. nervatus , S. ovatus , and S. rufus . The following new combinations are proposed: S. boliviensis , S. cubensis , S. decurrens , S. farinosus , S. ferrugineus , S. interjectus , S. lanosus , S . × leonis , S. × pseudobifidus , S. squamosus , and S. × subremotus .

Towards a stable generic circumscription in Oxypetalinae (Apocynaceae)

Abstract: Based on phylogenetic studies and morphological evidence, we propose the synonymization of Morrenia and Schistogyne under Araujia and Oxypetalum respectively. As a result, eight new combinations are proposed in Araujia (A. brachystephana, A. hassleriana, A. herzogii, A. odorata, A. scalae, A. stuckertiana, A. stuckertiana subsp. grandiflora and A. variegata), and eight in Oxypetalum, including two new names (O. fiebrigii, O. heptalobum, O. karstenianum, O. longipedunculatum, O. pentaseta, O. pubescens, O. sylvestre and O. tucumanense). We provide new synonymies and designate lectotypes for Lagenia megapotamica, Morrenia hassleriana, M. herzogii, M. intermedia, Schistogyne boliviensis, S. longipedunculata and S. sylvestris. We also clarify the typification of Tweedia.

Additions to the Flora of China: seven new species of Elatostema (Urticaceae) from the karst landscapes of Guangxi and Yunnan

Abstract: Seven new species of Elatostema from southwestern China are described and illustrated. Affinities of the species are discussed and Global Species Conservation Assessments presented. The new species are: E. celingense (Critically Endangered) which most closely resembles E. backeri, E. hezhouense (Critically Endangered) which most closely resembles E. ichangense, E. lui (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles E. platyceras, Elatostema multicaule (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles E. asterocephalum, E. nianbense (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles E. filipes, E. retrorstrigulosum (Endangered) which most closely resembles E. balansae and E. yachense (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles E. xinningense. All of the new species are endemic to China.

Oreocharis × heterandra (Gesneriaceae): a natural hybrid from the Shengtangshan Mountains, Guangxi, China

Abstract: Macro- and micro-morphological characters, molecular nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast trn L-F intron-spacer data confirmed the hybrid status of Oreocharis × heterandra . Cytological studies showed that the parental species and the hybrid possess 2n =34 chromosomes, suggesting that chromosome translocations, not dysploid or ploidy level changes, are the cause of the high hybrid sterility. Recurrent reciprocal hybridisation between its parental species O. argyreia and O. magnidens in an area of secondary contact is apparently responsible for the persistent presence of the hybrids, though at low levels. As a consequence the name Oreocharis heterandra has to be changed to Oreocharis × heterandra .

New species and a new combination of Brazilian Bromeliaceae

Abstract: We here propose Aechmea subintegerrima as a new combination for Ronnbergia brasiliensis, a taxon belonging to the Aechmea lingulata complex. Additionally, we describe and illustrate 14 new Bromeliaceae species from the Brazilian states of Bahia, Espirito Santo, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro: Aechmea aiuruocensis, A. altocaririensis, A. limai, A. recurvipetala, Dyckia kranziana, Hohenbergia loredanoana, Neoregelia dactyloflammans, N. retrorsa, Orthophytum rafaelii, Vriesea minutiflora, V. nubicola, V. pulchra, V. santaleopoldinensis, and V. serranegrensis. The morphological affinities of the new taxa are also discussed.

Novel alpine algae from New Zealand: Cyanobacteria

Abstract: Five new species of cyanobacteria, Scytonematopsis maxima, Tolypothrix pseudorexia, Hormoscilla irregularis, Phormidium arthurensis, and Godleya alpina, the last belonging to a new genus, are described from cultured material isolated from the alpine zone of Mt Philistine, New Zealand. Tolypothrix pseudorexia resembles Rexia erecta in formation of upright trichomes on agar, but clearly lacks the ability to divide in two planes that is characteristic of the latter species. Godleya displays characteristics of the Scytonemataceae-isopolar hormogone development and binary branching-but groups with a species of Coleodesmium (Microchaetaceae) in analyses of 16S rDNA, despite its morphological differences, thus conflicting with the current classification system. We also show that material referable to the widely reported species Phormidium autumnale is found in the New Zealand alpine zone; molecular data indicate that this is likely the same organism reported recently from the Hutt River, Wellington, New Zealand, a quite different habitat. In this site, a lowland river, the species may form extensive mats. These have not been seen on Mt Philistine.

The first anniversary of Phytotaxa in the International Year of Biodiversity

Abstract: Mankind relies on the diversity of life to provide us with food, fuel, water, oxygen, medicine and other essentials, yet this biodiversity is being lost at a greatly accelerated rate because of careless human activity. This weakens the ability of living systems to resist growing threats such as climate change, creating greater poverty through degradation of many ecosystems, both terrestrial and marine. The United Nations declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, with the aim of increasing global awareness of the intricate link between people and biodiversity—an emotional and intellectual connection that the growing urban population may have lost in spite of being entirely dependent on it. This is even the case for plant taxonomists. Our studies typically involve discoveries of species new to science, evolutionary relationships not earlier comprehended or previously unappreciated interactions of plants with other living organisms. Despite the loss of the connection between biodiversity and urban populations, it is heartening to note that some new species do achieve high levels of public attention and press coverage. Each year, for example, the International Institute for Species Exploration announces the Top 10 New Species (of animals, plants and other organisms) for the preceding year (http://species.asu.edu/Top10), providing examples of exciting new discoveries. Two plants were included on the 2009 list: a new pitcher plant from the Philippines,

A catalogue of the Annonaceae of Borneo

Abstract: The species of Annonaceae native to Borneo are listed including synonyms and types. A brief overview of life form, habitat association, endemicity to Borneo and known distribution in Borneo are included for each accepted name. A total of 248 species from 35 genera are listed. Many species are lectotypified.

An amended description of Rafflesia leonardi and a revised key to Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae)

Abstract: The taxonomic identity of Rafflesia banaoana from Kalinga Province in northern Luzon (Philippines) and its affinity with R. leonardi of the adjacent Cagayan Province are discussed. Both taxa share a unique combination of morphological characters pertaining to the color and shape of the perigone lobes, their warts, the diaphragm aperture, the size and number of disk processes, and anther number. The only notable difference between R. banaoana and R. leonardi is flower size and characters correlated with size. Because Rafflesia species show large intraspecific variation in flower size, and because R. banaoana and R. leonardi share a number of other morphological features, we conclude that these two taxa are conspecific. The name R. banaoana should therefore be considered a synonym of the earlier name R. leonardi. Here, we present an amended description of R. leonardi. An updated key to all ten known species of Philippine Rafflesia is also provided.

Further taxonomic transfers in Oncidiinae (Orchidaceae)

Abstract: To bring species nomenclature for Oncidiinae in line with a comprehensive phylogentic study based on multiple DNA sequences and patterns of morphological variation, we present additional name transfers: (i) Ada, Brachtia, and Mesospinidium into Brassia and (ii) Pachyphyllum and Raycadenco into Fernandezia. These changes in circumscription are necessitated by the lack of monophyly of Ada and Fernanadezia/ Pachyphyllum as demonstrated in phylogentic studies of DNA sequence data, plus these two sets of enlarged genera each share some morphological characters that are putative synapomorphies. Raycadenco could be maintained, but it exhibits the synapomorphies of Fernandezia/Pachyphyllum and differs only in its pollination syndrome, so in the interests of simplicity it seems better to include it in Fernandezia.

A remarkable new Manihot (Euphorbiaceae) from the coastal sand plains of Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract: Manihot breviloba P.Carvalho & M.Martins is described and illustrated. This species is distinguished from other Manihot species by its vine-like habit, petioles clasping and leaves with extremely reduced lateral lobes.

Corrections to Phytotaxa 19: Linear sequence of lycophytes and ferns

Abstract: In the New Combinations section on page 22, we attempted to provide new combinations for the genus Platyzoma R.Br., which is embedded in Pteris L. (Schuettpelz & Pryer 2007, Lehtonen 2011). When doing so, we made the unfortunate choice to follow the treatment of Platyzoma by Desvaux (1827), which included several additional species of Gleichenia, instead of the modern treatment of Platyzoma in which only the species Platyzoma microphyllum Brown (1810: 160) is included. Only that name needed to be transferred. This resulted in the creation of a number of unnecessary new names and combinations of Australasian Gleichenia, for which we apologise. We erroneously provided names in Pteris for Gleichenia dicarpa R.Br., G. alpina R.Br. and G. rupestris R.Br., which are all correctly placed in Gleichenia and not in Pteris. Therefore these new names are to be treated as synonyms. Gleichenia speluncae R.Br. and its combination in Pteris are synonyms of G. rupestris. To complicate matters, the combination 'Pteris microphylla' is already published earlier [by Cavanilles (in Swartz 1806: 324, nomen), by Cunningham (1836: 366), and by Colla (1836)] and is therefore not available for this taxon. We chose Platyzoma recurvum Desv. to make the combination for this taxon, an unfortunate choice, because that name is synonymous to Gleichenia microphyllum R.Br., not Platyzoma microphyllum R.Br. Unfortunately type specimens of Platyzoma ferruginea and P. latum could not be located, but based on their descriptions they appear both to be synonymous to Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underwood (1907: 250). Of this species several varieties are known to occur in Australia and it is likely that these two names apply to different varieties, although it may not be certain to which one, due to the absence of original material to verify. Below we provide an overview of the taxa that we incorrectly applied, and we formally synonymise our superfluous new names in Pteris that are underlined for convenience.

A revision of Leopoldinia (Arecaceae)

Abstract: A taxonomic revision of the Neotropical palm genus Leopoldinia based on morphological data and morphometric methods was carried out. One hundred and sixteen herbarium specimens were scored for seven qualitative and 24 quantitative variables. Qualitative variables were divided into six characters and one trait. Using the Phylogenetic Species Concept, the six characters were used to recognize three species. These are widely distributed in the central Amazon region of Brazil and adjacent Venezuela and Colombia. Nomenclature, descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for each taxon.