Showing papers in "Plant Ecology and Evolution in 2018"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported a further discovery in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species d
Abstract: rnrnBackground and aims This paper reports a further discovery in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species d
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive survey of the phytosociological literature associated with carob trees is presented, showing that plant communities associated with the carob tree are well differentiated between the Western and Eastern basins, and a wider range of floristic differentiation is revealed in the Western basin where the vegetation reaches its maximal heterogeneity.
Abstract: Background and aims: The thermophilous woodlands of the Mediterranean region constitute reservoirs of genetic resources for several fruit trees Among them, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a key component of traditional Mediterranean agroecosystems but its ecology was never assessed at the scale of its whole distribution area Fortunately, phytosociological literature shelters invaluable resources for several issues in conservation, among them the possibility to analyse plant biodiversity at regional or continental scale Here, we present the results of a comprehensive survey of the phytosociological literature associated to carob tree Methods : We collected 1542 floristic releves performed in 18 geographical areas distributed around the Mediterranean in which the presence of C siliqua was recorded Species composition of the plant communities was analysed by multivariate ordination and hierarchical classification, and species diversity was evaluated by rarefaction and prediction analyses of Hill numbers Key results : Multivariate analyses revealed that plant communities associated with the carob tree are well differentiated between the Western and Eastern basins A wider range of floristic differentiation is revealed in the Western basin where the vegetation reaches its maximal heterogeneity By comparison, in the Eastern basin the plant assemblages associated with the carob tree are more homogeneous and with a lower species richness but a higher Simpson diversity Conclusions : The large ecological range of the Mediterranean carob trees is potentially an important evolutionary legacy for the conservation of genetic resources and seed sourcing for new uses such as restoration ecology
17 citations
TL;DR: The intensive botanical prospections carried out in Gabon since the publication of the national checklist in 2006 have resulted in c. 34 "300 new specimens (amounting to
Abstract: rnrnBackground and aims The intensive botanical prospections carried out in Gabon since the publication of the national checklist in 2006 have resulted in c. 34 300 new specimens (amounting
15 citations
TL;DR: Synarthonia forms a monophyletic but somewhat heterogeneous lineage closely related to Coniocarpon and Reichlingia, which belongs to a complex of closely related species whose biology and circumscription are still in need of further studies.
Abstract: Background and aims – The Arthoniaceae form a species-rich family of lichenized, lichenicolous and saprophytic fungi in the order Arthoniales. As part of taxonomic revisions of the African Arthoniaceae, a number of species assignable to the genus Synarthonia were collected and sequenced. The present study aims at placing the genus in a phylogeny for the first time and at clarifying its circumscription. Methods – Nuclear (RPB2) and mitochondrial (mtSSU) DNA sequences from freshly collected specimens were obtained and analysed with phylogenetic Bayesian and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Key results – Synarthonia is closely related to the genera Reichlingia and Coniocarpon in the Arthoniaceae. Six Synarthonia species are described as new to science and ten new combinations into this genus are made. A worldwide identification key to the genus Synarthonia is provided. Lectotypes are chosen for Arthonia elegans, A. inconspicua, A. lopingensis, A. ochracea, A. subcaesia and A. translucens. Arthonia thamnocarpa is synonymized with Sclerophyton elegans, and Arthonia elegans with Coniocarpon fallax. Synarthonia ochracea is shown to be a misunderstood species in the past and recent literature, since it was erroneously synonymized with Coniocarpon elegans. Synarthonia ochracea appears to start its life cycle as a non-lichenized lichenicolous fungus on Graphis before developing a lichenized thallus or it might be a facultatively lichenicolous fungus. It belongs to a complex of closely related species whose biology and circumscription are still in need of further studies.Conclusions – Synarthonia forms a monophyletic but somewhat heterogeneous lineage closely related to Coniocarpon and Reichlingia. As delimited here, Synarthonia includes corticolous lichens with a trentepohlioid photobiont as well as non-lichenized lichenicolous fungi. The core group is characterized by white pruinose ascomata, but species producing orange pruinose or non-pruinose ascomata are also included. Ascospores are transversely septate with an enlarged apical cell or are muriform. Future molecular and morphological studies are needed for a better circumscription and definition of the genus.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study of conidial fungi associated with plant debris was conducted in three Atlantic Forest enclaves in the Caatinga biome: Serra da Jibia-BA (SJ), Serra Da Jibia BA (SBA), and Serras da Jibri-BA.
Abstract: Background and aims A study of richness and diversity of conidial fungi associated with plant debris was conducted in three Atlantic Forest enclaves in the Caatinga biome: Serra da Jibia-BA (SJ), Ser
10 citations
TL;DR: The dispersal spectra of 302 species in five Afro-Arabian habitats from the hyper-arid hot desert of United Arabian Emirates are close to those recorded in other arid environments but with particularities due to the presence of African floristic elements.
Abstract: Background and aims This study describes the dispersal traits of 302 species in five Afro-Arabian habitats from the hyper-arid hot desert of United Arabian Emirates (UAE).rnrnMethods Diaspore size (
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two new species of the sect. Thismia subsect, Thismia cornuta HroneAi, Sochor & DanA¾ik, from Malaysian Borneo are described.
Abstract: Background Two new species of the sect. Thismia subsect. Odoardoa, Thismia cornuta HroneAi, Sochor & DanAik and Thismia pallida HroneAi, DanAik & RejA¾ek, from Malaysian Borneo are described and il
10 citations
TL;DR: The genus Vitex is revised for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in order to prepare the treatment of the genus for the Flore d’Afrique Centrale, and nine new synonyms are proposed.
Abstract: rnrnBackground and aims The genus Vitex is revised for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R. Congo), in order to prepare the treatment of the genus for the Flore d’Afrique Centrale.rnM
8 citations
TL;DR: The reproduction systems of relict plants are studied for the preservation of their gene pools and for reintroduction or cultivation of Medicinally valuable plants, which are of particular interest in the southern portion of the Russian Far East.
Abstract: Background and aims Aristolochia contorta is a valuable medicinal plant, a relict of the Tertiary flora. Little is known about the germination biology of Aristolochia. The specific objectives of the
8 citations
TL;DR: Habitat conditions and population characteristics are highly related to the germination success of L. sibirica populations, and the soil humidity, nitrogen availability, temperature, and lighting are the ecological factors influencing the morphological features of the populations.
Abstract: Background and aims Ligularia sibirica is a glacial relict plant species in Europe. Its populations are rare and endangered in most of the European localities. Studies on glacial relics are insuffici
8 citations
TL;DR: The genus Hebelomina was established in 1935 by Maire to accommodate the new species Hebeloma domardiana, a white-spored mushroom resembling a pale Hbeloma in all aspects other as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Background and aims The genus Hebelomina was established in 1935 by Maire to accommodate the new species Hebelomina domardiana, a white-spored mushroom resembling a pale Hebeloma in all aspects other
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TL;DR: In spite of the cosmopolitan distribution of myxomycetes, relatively few studies have been conducted in subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Northern Vietnam, w
Abstract: Background and aims In spite of the cosmopolitan distributions of myxomycetes, relatively few studies have been conducted in subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Northern Vietnam, w
TL;DR: No support for genetic differentiation and local adaptation was found among studied populations within invasive range, raising two main questions: first, what is the role of selection on functional and life-history traits; and second, is the elapsed time since first introduction sufficient to allow evolution and localadaptation.
Abstract: Background – The role of evolution in biological invasion studies is often overlooked. In order to evaluate the evolutionary mechanisms behind invasiveness, both quantitative and population genetics studies are underway on Robinia pseudoacacia L., one of the worst invasive tree species in Europe. Methods – A controlled experiment was set up using 2000 seeds from ten populations in Southern France and ten populations in Belgium. Seedlings were cultivated in two climatic chambers set at 18°C and 22°C. Early development life history traits (e.g.seedling phenology) and functional traits (e.g.growth rates) were monitored. Genotyping using SNP markers was used to evaluate the genetic differentiation among the populations and a QST – FST comparison was done in order to test for the role of selection. Results – Populations exhibited a strong plasticity to temperature for all measured traits, the warmer environment being generally more suitable, irrespective of their origin. No significant departure from neutral evolution was evidenced by the QST – FST comparisons, although we found a slightly significant differentiation at the molecular level. Conclusion – Plasticity for the functional and life history traits was evidenced but no genetic interaction suggesting no possible evolution of plasticity at those traits. Moreover, no support for genetic differentiation and local adaptation was found among studied populations within invasive range, raising two main questions: first, what is the role of selection on functional and life-history traits; and second, is the elapsed time since first introduction sufficient to allow evolution and local adaptation?
TL;DR: A new species of Paepalanthus decumbens is described, restricted to a small area in the campos rupestres of Serra de São José (Minas Gerais, Brazil), and therefore should be considered as critically endangered.
Abstract: Background and aims Paepalanthus is the largest genus of Neotropical Eriocaulaceae and the largest genus of Brazilian monocots. Much of its taxonomic and morphological diversity remains unknown. A ne
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The restricted distribution of most species may be explained by variations in mean annual temperature and annual rainfall along the latitudinal gradient, and the abrupt variation in annual rainfall may explain the high floristic dissimilarity detected in the north of the gradient.
Abstract: Background and aims Latitudinal gradients have an important influence on species distribution reflecting the effects of environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, soil, and geographical dis
TL;DR: The Pinus caribaea Morelet comprises three varieties of tropical pines distributed in the Caribbean Basin: P. caribea var. hondurensis, var. bahamensis, and var.
Abstract: Background Pinus caribaea Morelet comprises three varieties of tropical pines distributed in the Caribbean Basin: P. caribaea var. hondurensis, var. caribaea, and var. bahamensis. The insular and cont
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the most serious threats to the conservation of biodiversity on the planet, especially on islands, given the fragility of the fragile nature of the islands.
Abstract: Background and aims Invasive alien (exotic) species are one of the most serious threats to the conservation of biodiversity on the planet. This is especially true on islands, given the fragility of t
TL;DR: The species of Psychotria subgen.
Abstract: The species of Psychotria subgen. Heteropsychotria have recently been transferred to Palicourea, following the results of molecular studies showing that they form a monophyletic group with the latter. This paper presents a conspectus of Palicourea sect. Potaroenses (formerly Psychotria subgen. Heteropsychotria sect. Potaroenses), discusses the characters of the section, and provides a key to the species. A new species recently collected in French Guiana is described and illustrated, and one new combination is included. Methods – This paper is based on direct study of herbarium material from BR, CAY, F, K, L, NY, U and US, and additional type specimens from F, K, MO, P, RB, and VEN were consulted online. Two of the species, including the new one, have also been studied in the field. Common practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. Results – Palicourea sect. Potaroenses is characterized by the capitate inflorescences surrounded by an involucre of 4–20 elliptic, yellow to red bracts, the leaves with lateral veins strongly ascending and almost reaching the margin, the long tubular calyx, the unusually long corolla tube for the genus, and the peculiar stipules, consisting of an internal sheath and two interpetiolar pieces connate to the sheath by their central part. The section includes eight species: Palicourea aetantha (Sandwith) Delprete & J.H.Kirkbr., P. fanshawei (Standl.) Delprete & J.H.Kirkbr., P. formosissima (Steyerm.) Delprete & O.Lachenaud, P. phaneroneura (Standl.) Borhidi, P. potaroensis (Sandwith) Delprete & J.H.Kirkbr., P. psittacina (Steyerm.) Delprete & J.H.Kirkbr., P. spectabilis (Steyerm.) Borhidi, and the new species P. aurantiosplendens O.Lachenaud & Delprete. The latter is most similar to P. psittacina, from which it can be separated by the dense patent indumentum of the stems, calyx lobes, and inner side of the bracts, and the smaller size of the latter; it also resembles P. spectabilis and P. formosissima, but differs in having the stipules with four lobes on each side (vs. two), the bracts nearly glabrous outside (vs. densely hirsute on both sides) and the calyx lobes much more pubescent than the tube (vs. the calyx uniformly hairy). It is only known from a small area on the upper Sinnamary River, north-central French Guiana, and is evaluated as Endangered (EN D1) according to IUCN criteria.
TL;DR: Rapid evolution of several morphological and phenological traits, including smaller plant size and shorter time to flowering, following introduction is found, confirming that evolution can rapidly occur during the early stages of colonization.
Abstract: Background and aims – Introduced populations can potentially experience strong selection and rapid evolution. While some retrospective studies have shown rapid evolution in introduced populations in the past, few have directly tested for and characterized evolution as it occurs. Here we use an experimental introduction to directly observe and quantify evolution of multiple traits in a plant population introduced to a novel environment. Methods – We experimentally introduced seeds of the annual plant Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae) from a location in southern California into multiple replicated plots in New York. We allowed the populations to naturally evolve for 3 years. Following the resurrection approach, we compared ancestors and descendants planted in common garden conditions in New York in multiple phenotypic traits. Key results – Within only three generations, there was significant evolution of several morphological, phenological, and fitness traits, as well as substantial variation among traits. Despite selection for larger size during the three years following introduction, there was evolution of smaller size, earlier flowering time, and shorter duration of flowering. Although there were rapid evolutionary changes in traits, descendants did not have greater fitness than ancestors in New York, indicating a lack of evidence for adaptive evolution, at least over the timeframe of the study. Conclusions – This study found rapid evolution of several morphological and phenological traits, including smaller plant size and shorter time to flowering, following introduction, confirming that evolution can rapidly occur during the early stages of colonization. Many traits evolved in the opposite direction predicted from phenotypic selection analysis, which suggests that the resurrection approach can reveal unanticipated evolutionary changes and can be very useful for studying contemporary evolution.
TL;DR: In this article, historical events often leave an indelible mark on levels of genetic diversity of plant populations, and one may indirectly infer their evolutionary history with the help of historical events.
Abstract: Background and aims Since historical events often leave an indelible mark on levels of genetic diversity of plant populations, one may indirectly infer their evolutionary history with the help of cur
TL;DR: The results demonstrate the intimate relationship of the ancestral biota of Galianthe with the fragments of Neotropical seasonally dry forests, suggesting that they could serve as refugia during unfavourable geological periods and, therefore, actively influence the current distribution of their species.
Abstract: Fil: Florentin, Javier Elias. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste; Argentina
TL;DR: The distribution of stromata on trees in different habitats showed high levels of variation linked to both habitat and the presence of gall mites, which may reveal why Po.
Abstract: Background and aims Polystigma rubrum forms orange-red stromata on the surface of living leaves of Prunus spinosa and P. domestica. Records suggests that this fungus now has a much more limited distr
TL;DR: Eleven species are recognised including two new species: Crotonogyne micrantha from Cameroon and C. neglecta from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni).
Abstract: Background and aims – The African genus Crotonogyne is revised for the first time since 1912. Identification of new material collected since proved to be very difficult. The revision serves also as a basis for the treatment of the genus in the Flore du Gabon. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the relevant herbarium material available, mainly from BM, BR, BRLU, HBG, K, MA, P, and WAG. The relevant collecting data are stored in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Section Botany. MAPMAKER was used to produce the distribution maps. Key results – Eleven species are recognised including two new species: Crotonogyne micrantha from Cameroon and C. neglecta from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni). Crotonogyne manniana subsp. congolensis is raised to specific rank. All species, except for C. congolensis with one collection from Angola, are confined tot the Guineo-Congolian region. A full taxonomic treatment with key to the species is given. Male and female flowers of most species are depicted. The distributions of the species are mapped. The flowers are unisexual, but it is not clear whether the species are monoecious or dioecious. Crotonogyne poggei and C. impedita are neotypified and C. angustifolia, C. gabunensis, C. lasiocarpa, C. ledermanniana, C. manniana, C. preussii, C. strigosa, and C. zenkeri are lectotypified.
TL;DR: In the most recent revision of the genus in continental Africa, 37 Ixora species were recognized and two further taxa were mentioned as possibly new: Ixoridinae sp.
Abstract: rnrnBackground The rain forest genus Ixora currently comprises 37 species in Continental Africa. Within the framework of a treatment of the genus for the Flore d’Afrique centrale, a new spe
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TL;DR: In this article, the consistency of selection in the early stages of colonisation of a novel environment was studied, and little was known about the consistent nature of selection, particularly in the earliest stages of the colonisation process.
Abstract: Background and aims Despite the importance of selection in driving evolution, little is known about the consistency of selection, particularly in the early stages of colonization of novel environment
TL;DR: Results of a study of the occurrence and pattern of inheritance of the recently discovered trait of ‘resistance-by-ducking’ in the goldenrod Solidago gigantea suggest that ducking may be costlier in S. altissima, while S. Gigantea may face different ecological pressures, or has somehow overcome some of the costs of ducking.
Abstract: Background and aims – For a more complete understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of plant-herbivore interactions, it is important to know the genetic mechanisms that control defence traits, as well as the levels of genetic variation for these traits in plant populations. Here, I present results of a study of the occurrence and pattern of inheritance of the recently discovered trait of ‘resistance-by-ducking’ in the goldenrod Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae).Methods – I grew maternal families of seedlings from fruits collected in a large field population of S. gigantea in southwestern Virginia, USA. I determined stem phenotype (ducking or erect) for 704 plants across 36 maternal families.Key results – Of the 704 plants, 72% had ducking stems and 28% had erect stems. Employing bootstrapping with Hardy-Weinberg principles, I found that the pattern of inheritance was consistent with stem phenotype being controlled by a major gene, with the ducking morph being recessive to the erect morph. The allele frequencies for stem phenotype in the source population were estimated to be 0.85 ducking and 0.15 erect alleles.Conclusions – These findings not only help inform ecological studies of ducking in S. gigantea, but they lay the groundwork for comparative studies of similar goldenrod species whose populations have differing proportions of ducking stems. For example, in all previous studies on populations of S. altissima, ducking stems have been the minority morph, occurring at a frequency of less than 20%. These results suggest that ducking may be costlier in S. altissima, while S. gigantea may face different ecological pressures, or has somehow overcome some of the costs of ducking.
TL;DR: Two new Davilla species, D. coriacea and D. undulata, are found in remnants of the Atlantic forest in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, Brazil and are to be assessed as Endangered (EN) and Near Threatened (NT) respectively.
Abstract: rnrnBackground Davilla Vand. is a monophyletic genus and member, with other genera endemic to the Neotropics, of the Doliocarpoid clade, a natural lineage of the subfamily Doliocarpoideae J.W