Showing papers in "Plant Ecology and Evolution in 2021"

An update of the Verbenaceae genera and species numbers

Abstract: 1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Museu Nacional, Departamento de Botânica, Quinta da Boa Vista, CEP 20940-040, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 2Instituto de Botánica Darwinion (ANCEFN-CONICET), Labardén 200, CC 22, B1642HYD, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina 3Department of Biology and Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA 4Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Botânica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil *Corresponding author: veronicathode@hotmail.com RESEARCH ARTICLE

An escape from the Espinhaço Range: a new species of Paepalanthus subg. Xeractis (Eriocaulaceae) from the campos rupestres of Serra do Padre Ângelo, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract: 1Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Boaventura da Silva, 955, Nazaré, Belém, Pará, Brazil 2Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Coordenação Botânica, Belém, Pará, Brazil 3Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Campus Sete Lagoas, Rodovia MG 424, km 47, Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, 35701-970, Brazil 4Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica, Av. José Ruschi, 4, Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, 29650-000, Brazil *Corresponding author: coliveiraandrino@gmail.com RESEARCH ARTICLE

Novelties in Lepidaploinae (Asteraceae, Vernonieae) from the easternmost campos rupestres of Minas Gerais, Brazil: two new species and a range expansion

Abstract: 1Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 277, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, 295 E. Lee Blvd., P.O. Box GY, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA 3Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Campus Sete Lagoas, Rodovia MG 424, km 47, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil 4Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Ceará s.n., Uberlândia, 34400-902, Brazil 5Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, R. Prof. Nelson Chaves, s/n, CDU, 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil *Corresponding author: guilherme.antar@gmail.com RESEARCH ARTICLE

Moss-inhabiting diatom communities from Ile Amsterdam (TAAF, southern Indian Ocean)

Abstract: 1Department of Botany & Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic 2Université de Rennes, CNRS, EcoBio (Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution) UMR 6553, F-35000 Rennes, France 3Meise Botanic Garden, Research Department, Nieuwelaan 38, B-1860 Meise, Belgium 4University of Antwerp, Department of Biology, ECOBE, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium *Corresponding author: barbora.chattova@gmail.com RESEARCH ARTICLE

Shrubland biomass and root-shoot allocation along a climate gradient in China

Abstract: Background – Shrublands are receiving increasing attention because of climate change. However, knowledge about biomass allocation of shrublands at the community level and how this is regulated by climate is of limited availability but critical for accurately estimating carbon stocks and predicting global carbon cycles. Methods – We sampled 50 typical shrublands along a climate gradient in China and investigated the biomass allocation of shrubland at the community level and the effect of climate on biomass allocation. Shrub biomass was estimated using species-specific allometric relationships and the biomass of understory herbs was collected by excavating the whole plant. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between the biomass and the climate factors. RMA were conducted to establish the allometric relationships between the root and the shoot biomass at the community level. Key results – Shoot, root, and total biomass of shrub communities across different sites were estimated with median values of 206.5, 145.8, and 344.5 g/m2, respectively. Shoot, root, and total biomass of herb communities were estimated at 68.2, 58.9, and 117.2 g/m2, respectively. The median value of the R/S ratio of shrub communities was 0.58 and that of herb communities was 0.84. The R/S ratio of the shrub community showed a negative relationship with mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation and a positive relationship with total annual sunshine and the aridity index. The R/S ratio of the herb community however showed a weak relationship with climate factors. Shoot biomass of the shrub community was nearly proportional to root biomass with a scaling exponent of 1.17, whereas shoot biomass of the herb community was disproportional to root biomass with a scaling exponent of 2.1. Conclusions – In shrublands, root biomass was more affected than shoot biomass by climate factors and this is related to water availability as a result of biomass allocation change of the shrub community. The understory herb community was less affected by climate due to the modification of the overstory–understory interaction to the climate-induced biomass allocation pattern. Shoot biomass of shrubs scales isometrically with root biomass at the community level, which supports the isometric theory of above-ground and belowground biomass partitioning.

Mollinedia ruschii (Monimiaceae, Mollinedioideae), a new Critically Endangered species microendemic to the Atlantic rainforest, eastern Brazil

Abstract: 1Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão 277, Edifício Sobre-as-ondas (Herbário) 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Conservation Science Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK 3Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Pacheco Leão, 915, Jardim Botânico, 22460-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil *Corresponding author: lirioeltonj@gmail.com RESEARCH ARTICLE

The phytogeography of moist forests across Eastern Zimbabwe

Abstract: Background and aims – During the 1970s, a comprehensive survey of moist forest areas across Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands was carried out, from Nyanga in the north to Chirinda Forest in the south. All tree stems 8 cm diameter or greater in both canopy and sub-canopy layers were measured in 176 quarter-hectare plots, and plots were then classified into 12 altitude-related forest types. The aim of the present study is to categorise the woody species recorded in these plots in terms of their chorological status. The findings are compared to similar analyses from moist forests across Malawi.Material and methods – All tree species recorded during the initial survey were listed and placed into 12 described chorological (phytogeographical) categories based on their continental distribution. Their occurrence across the 12 previously described forest types is given. Key results and conclusions – A total of 211 tree species was recorded from 176 plots. Most species (86, or 40.8%) are Afromontane endemics or near-endemics, while 48 species (22.7%) are Guineo-Congolian linking, 31 (14.7%) are Eastern endemic or near-endemics, and 16 (7.6%) are sub-Afromontane endemics or near-endemics. The remainder comprise African linking and Zambezian species. This shows that species of the moist forests of eastern Zimbabwe form a complex phytogeographical mix. While Afromontane species dominate at high altitudes, Guineo-Congolian and Eastern species become more common at lower altitudes. In terms of proportions of chorological categories, results were found to be similar to those from forest studies in Malawi.

Mating system and female reproductive success of the endemic and endangered epiphyte Rhynchostele cervantesii (Orchidaceae) in a cloud forest in Michoacan, Mexico

Abstract: Background and aims – The Orchidaceae family is vulnerable, because of the destruction of their habitat, as well as the extraction of individuals from natural populations. This is the case of the genus Rhynchostele Rchb.f.; among the actions considered important for appropriate conservation strategies for this genus is the generation of fundamental knowledge, such as on its reproductive biology. The objective of this work is to understand the mating system and reproductive success of Rhynchostele cervantesii, an endangered epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico. Material and methods – Manual and open-pollination treatments were conducted during 2014 and 2015 in a cloud forest in Michoacan, Mexico. In each period, 30 to 40 randomly selected inflorescences were subjected to the following treatments: a) spontaneous-self-pollination, b) emasculation, c) self-pollination, d) cross-pollination, and e) open-pollination. The developed fruits were counted and harvested, the viability of the seeds was determined, through the observation and evaluation of embryos using microscopy. Key results – Significant differences were recorded between the treatments in both 2014 and 2015, with higher fruit production in cross-pollination than in self-pollination and natural-pollination. There were significant differences in seed viability, with higher values for seeds from open-pollination and crosspollination and lower values for seeds from self-pollination. Conclusions – Rhynchostele cervantesii is a species that requires pollinators for sexual reproduction because there is no fruit production with spontaneous-self-pollination. Under pollen limitation, the fruit set of natural pollination was a lot lower than in cross-pollination although fruits were the same quality. R. cervantesii had a mixed mating system with a tendency to exogamy, presenting high values of female reproductive success compared to other tropical epiphytic orchid species reported in the literature.

Shared pollinators and sequential flowering phenologies in two sympatric cactus species

Abstract: 1Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, México 2Laboratorio de Ecología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, 04390, México, D.F. 3Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Camino a la presa San José No. 2055, Colonia Lomas 4a. Sección, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., C.P. 78216 México *Corresponding author: ceci_jsierra@hotmail.com RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assemblages of myxomycetes associated with three different substrates affected by forest wildfires

Abstract: 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA 2Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan-Oachghat-Kumarhatti Highway, Bajol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India 3Department of Biosystems Engineering and Engineering Research Institute, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca 11501, Costa Rica *Corresponding author: carlos.rojasalvarado@ucr.ac.cr RESEARCH ARTICLE

Poor fruit set due to lack of pollinators in Aristolochia manshuriensis (Aristolochiaceae)

Abstract: Background and aims – Interactions of insects with trap flowers of Aristolochia manshuriensis, a relic woody liana with fragmented natural populations from south-eastern Russia, were studied. Pollination experiments were conducted to identify the causes of the poor fruit set in this plant. Material and methods – The study was carried out at two ex situ sites within the natural range of A. manshuriensis in the suburban zone of the city of Vladivostok (Russia). The floral morphology was examined to verify how it may affect the process of pollination in this species. To test for a probability of self-pollination, randomly selected flowers at the female phase of anthesis (day 1 of limb opening) were hand-pollinated with pollen from the same plant. The daily insect visitation was studied. The pollen limitation coefficient and the number of visitors to the flowers were determined. To identify insects that lay eggs on the flowers, the insects were reared from eggs collected from fallen flowers. Both caught and reared insects were identified. Key results – The floral morphology and the colour pattern of A. manshuriensis are adapted to temporarily trap insects of a certain size. The hand-pollination experiment showed that flowers of this plant are capable of self-pollination by geitonogamy and require a pollinator for successful pollination. The positive value (2.64) for the pollen limitation coefficient indicates a higher fruit set after hand-pollination compared to the control without pollination. The number of visitors to the flowers was low (0.17 visitors per flower per day). Insects from three orders were observed on the flowers: Diptera (up to 90.9%), Coleoptera (8.3%), and Hymenoptera (0.8%). Four species of flies (Scaptomyza pallida, Drosophila transversa (Drosophilidae), Botanophila fugax, and Botanophila sp. 1 (Anthomyiidae)) are capable of transferring up to 2500–4000 pollen grains on their bodies and can be considered as pollinators of A. manshuriensis. Data of the rearing experiment indicate that flies of the families Drosophilidae (S. pallida, D. transversa), Chloropidae (Elachiptera tuberculifera, E. sibirica, and Conioscinella divitis), and Anthomyiidae (B. fugax, B. sp. 1) use A. manshuriensis flowers to lay eggs. Beetles were also collected from the flowers, but they were probably not involved in pollination, because no pollen grains were observed on them during our study. Conclusions – Pollinators of A. manshuriensis include mainly Diptera that lay eggs on the flowers. The poor fruit set (2%) in A. manshuriensis is associated with pollen limitation due to the lack of pollinators, as the number of visitors to flowers was extremely low. This may be due to the fact that the flowers of this species are highly specialized on insects of a certain size for pollination.

Analysis of the type material of Gomphosphenia tackei (Bacillariophyceae) and comparison to epizoic diatom populations on freshwater snails

Abstract: Background and aims – Hustedt (1942) originally described Gomphosphenia tackei from Germany under the name Gomphonema tackei. Because of the small cell size and the lack of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images from the type material, it is often confused with other species from this genus, especially with G. stoermeri. The aim of this paper was to present detailed morphological characteristics of G. tackei based on the analysis of the type material and of several epizoic populations from Central Europe. Material and methods – The material in this study was collected from the shells of the freshwater snails Lymnaea stagnalis, Planorbarius corneus, and Planorbis planorbis. Additionally, for an unambiguous species identification, the type material for Gomphosphenia tackei was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopes.Key results – The presence of Gomphosphenia tackei was confirmed in the studied material. The largest population (up to 19%) was recorded on the shell surfaces of living snails, whereas on empty shells, the diatom did not seem to be present or only in very low numbers. Valves are typically clavate with rounded apices. Valves are frequently observed in girdle view, often joint together in pairs. The valves in the studied populations had a valve length of 7–29 µm, a valve width of 3–4 µm, and a stria density of 25–29 striae in 10 µm. In the type population, valve length ranged from 7.5 to 27 µm with a valve width of 3.0–4.0 µm and a stria density of 23–29 striae per 10 µm. Striae were composed of 2–4 elongated to rounded areolae per stria. At the apices, the striae were composed of one single areola. The cells were attached to the substratum by their footpole.Conclusion – Published illustrations of Gomphosphenia tackei do not always correctly represent this species. Individual cells are attached to the substratum by secreted mucilage, probably via their areolae or girdle band pores located on the footpole.

Molecular phylogeny of Atractocarpus (Rubiaceae): taxonomic implications for several New Caledonian Gardenieae species

Abstract: Background and aims – New Caledonia is a hotspot of biodiversity in the world. Among the most diverse New Caledonian plant families is Rubiaceae, which consist of 30 genera containing 220 species, with a level of endemism of 93%. The tribe Gardenieae is represented by four genera, Gardenia (8 species), Aidia (2 species), Randia (7 species), and Atractocarpus (10 species). As Randia has now been restricted to the Neotropics, the New Caledonian Randia species remain unplaced within the tribe. Atractocarpus is a Pacific genus, easily characterized by long imbricated stipules, a feature also present in the Randia species and in several Gardenia species in New Caledonia. The aims of the present study are to test the monophyly of Atractocarpus and to assess the phylogenetic placement of the Randia and Gardenia species with long imbricated stipules within Gardenieae and specifically their relationships with taxa of the Porterandia group to which Atractocarpus belongs.Material and methods – We investigated 63 species of Pacific Gardenieae, with a focus on the Porterandia group, in a Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction (cpDNA: trnTF and rpl32, and nrDNA: ITS).Key results – Our study provides a mostly supported consensus tree topology of the Porterandia group. Five Gardenia and seven Randia species fall within a clade that comprises the New Caledonian Atractocarpus species, rendering both Atractocarpus and Gardenia polyphyletic.Conclusion – We enlarge the delimitation of Atractocarpus to include 12 New Caledonian Randia and Gardenia species. New Caledonia is consequently confirmed as the centre of diversity for Atractocarpus with 31 species. According to our study, three genera of Gardenieae occur in the archipelago: Aidia, Gardenia, and Atractocarpus.

Synoptic revision of Kolobopetalum and Rhigiocarya (Menispermaceae) with the description of a new Kolobopetalum species from Gabon, and a new specific combination in Rhigiocarya from West Africa

Abstract: Background and aims – In the framework of the Menispermaceae treatment for the Flore du Gabon, the closely related genera Kolobopetalum and Rhigiocarya are synoptically revised.Material and methods – Standard practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the relevant herbarium material from B, BM, BR, BRLU, HBG, K, L, P, U, and WAG. The relevant collecting data are stored in the Botany Section of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.Key results – The distinction between the genera Kolobopetalum and Rhigiocarya is further investigated and improved. As a result, Kolobopetalum leonense is transferred to Rhigiocarya. The Gabonese collections of Kolobopetalum contained a new species named K. synsepalum, which is described and illustrated. Rhigiocarya nervosa is resurrected as a distinct species. The distribution of all species is mapped. Illustrations are provided to facilitate the use of the key for the two genera and their species.

Anemopaegma kawense (Bignoniaceae), a new species from the Kaw Mountain (French Guiana), with notes on related species and a key to the genus in the Guianas

Abstract: Background and aims – The genus Anemopaegma (Bignoniaceae) includes around 47 species and has its centre of diversity in Brazil. Here, we describe and illustrate a new species from French Guiana, Anemopaegma kawense, and compare it to the two most similar species, A. foetidum and A. granvillei. We further assess the conservation status of all three species.Material and methods – Morphological descriptions are based on herbarium specimens deposited at BM, BR, CAY, INPA, K, MO, P, SPF, and U, and, in the case of the newly described species, also on field observations. The conservation status assessments follow the IUCN Red List criteria.Key results – Anemopaegma kawense differs from both A. foetidum and A. granvillei by its densely villose twigs, longitudinally plicate leaflets with secondary veins not or hardly prominent below, and tertiary veins impressed below. It is further separated from A. foetidum by the leaflets that are villose below and the calyx that is entirely pubescent outside. On the other hand, A. kawense differs from A. granvillei by the densely lepidote outer surface of the corolla, shorter petiolules, leaflets with midrib impressed above, shorter bracts and bracteoles, inflorescence peduncle exceeding the rachis, and pedicels densely puberulous, not lepidote or only sparsely so at the apex. This species is endemic to the Kaw Mountain in north-eastern French Guiana, where it grows in low stunted forest on laterite; it is assessed as Endangered according to the IUCN criteria. New descriptions are provided for A. granvillei, which is newly reported from Suriname, and for A. foetidum, which is newly reported from French Guiana; these two species are assessed as Endangered and Least Concern, respectively. Lectotypes are designated for A. maguirei, which is here synonymised with A. foetidum, and for A. umbellatum, another synonym of that species. A key to the 12 species of Anemopaegma occurring in the Guianas is presented.

Orophea sichaikhanii (Annonaceae), a new species from southern Thailand, with a key to the species of Orophea in Thailand and notes on some species

Abstract: Background and aims – Recent botanical expeditions in Ranong Province, southern Thailand yielded unidentifiable collections of Orophea subgenus Sphaerocarpon (Annonaceae). To elucidate the taxonomic status of these collections, detailed morphological examinations and comparisons with morphologically similar species are made.Material and methods – This study followed standard practices of herbarium taxonomy. Specimens of Orophea spp. in BKF, CMUB, L, and QBG herbaria were studied. Digitised type specimens deposited in BM, E, G, K, and L herbaria were accessed. A stereo microscope was used for morphological observations and measurements. Key results – A new species Orophea sichaikhanii is described and illustrated. The Peninsular Malaysian O. hastata and O. kingiana are the species most similar to the new species. Orophea sichaikhanii is different from O. hastata in several traits: indumentum on ovaries and young twigs; length of pedicels, inner petals, and inner petal claw; and inner petal colour and tip. The new species differs from O. kingiana by having dissimilar colour and tip of inner petals; lower number of stamens and carpels per flower; and glabrous ovaries. Additionally, a key to the species of Orophea in Thailand and notes on certain species are provided.

Tarennella, a new Pavetteae (Rubiaceae) genus from eastern Madagascar

Abstract: 1Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, BE-1860 Meise, Belgium 2Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre, Lot II J 131 Ambodivoanjo, Ivandry, Antananarivo, Madagascar 3Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, Antananarivo-101, Madagascar 4Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany, Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden 5Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK *Corresponding author: petra.deblock@meisebotanicgarden.be RESEARCH ARTICLE

Identity of the subalpine-subarctic corticioid fungus Megalocystidium leucoxanthum (Russulales, Basidiomycota) and six related species

Abstract: Background and aims – To date, Megalocystidium leucoxanthum, a corticioid fungus originally described from the Italian Alps, was considered as a widely distributed species inhabiting numerous angiosperm hosts in the northern hemisphere. Its specimens collected in different geographic areas and from various host species revealed a high morphological variability and thus obfuscated differences from the closely related M. luridum. The objective of this study was to re-establish M. leucoxanthum based on newly collected and sequenced specimens and clarify the identity of morphologically deviating collections previously ascribed to this species.Material and methods – In total, 87 specimens of Megalocystidium spp. (including two historical types) were studied by morphological methods. Their phylogenetic relations were investigated based on DNA sequences (nrITS, nrLSU, and tef1) of 29 specimens.Key results – Based on morphological, ecological and DNA data, we showed M. leucoxanthum sensu typi is a rare species restricted to Alnus alnobetula in subalpine and subarctic zones. Consequently, records from other hosts (mostly representatives of Salicaceae) belong to three other species, M. olens, M. perticatum, and M. salicis, described as new to science. The fourth newly introduced species, M. pellitum, occurs on the same host tree as M. leucoxanthum but it can be separated from the latter due to distinctive morphological traits and DNA sequences. Additionally, Aleurodiscus diffissus is combined in Megalocystidium and the identity of M. luridum is clarified.

Five new species of Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae) from Katanga, D.R. Congo

Abstract: Background and aims – Five new species of Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae) are described from D.R. Congo in connection with preparing the family treatment for the Flore d’Afrique centrale.Methods – Standard herbarium practices were applied.Key results – Streptocarpus malachiticola sp. nov. is related to S. compressus and S. goetzei while S. bampsii sp. nov., S. malaissei sp. nov., S. salesianorum sp. nov., and S. schaijesii sp. nov. are related to S. michelmorei and S. solenanthus. The differences with these species are discussed and distribution maps for the new taxa are presented. An identification key for all known acaulescent species from D.R. Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi is provided. The conservation status of new species is preliminarily assessed. All taxa are range-restricted in Upper Katanga and the assessments are as follows: S. malachiticola: EN B1+2ab(iii), S. bampsii: CR B2ab(iii), S. malaissei: EN B1+2ab(iii), S. salesianorum: CR B2ab(iii), and S. schaijesii: EN B2ab(iii). Streptocarpus malachiticola is found on metalliferous rocks while the remaining species are either epiphytes in gallery forests (S. bampsii) or occur on humid rocks in gallery forests.

Reproductive and pollination biology of the Critically Endangered endemic Campanula vardariana in Western Anatolia (Turkey)

Abstract: Background and aims – Campanula vardariana (Campanulaceae) is a critically endangered endemic chasmophyte with a single population situated in the west of Turkey. Very little is known about the reproductive biology of C. vardariana and more information is needed to develop a sound conservation strategy for this endemic species.Material and methods – Floral traits such as flower morphology, nectar, and sugar concentration, as well as pollen viability and stigma receptivity were measured in different floral phases. We observed insect visitations to the flowers and identified pollinators. Additionally, we investigated the effect of cross and self-pollination on fruit and seed production.Key results – The flowers of C. vardariana are protandrous. The length of the styles, which were 8.74 mm during the pollen loading phase, reached 11.35 mm during the pollen presentation phase. The visitor observations made on the C. vardariana flowers revealed 11 visitor species from 5 families: 5 Halictidae, 3 Apidae, and one species each from Megachilidae, Colletidae, and Bombyliidae. Lasioglossum spp. touched the anthers and stigma using several parts of their bodies and were significant pollinators of C. vardariana. Under natural conditions, the mean number of seeds per fruit was around 60 after cross pollination, while no fruits were formed when pollinators were excluded.Conclusion – Campanula vardariana is entirely dependent on pollinators for its reproductive success, and bees, especially Halictidae and to a lesser extent Apidae, play an important role. Campanula vardariana is restricted to cracks in calcareous rocks and its population is threatened by goat overgrazing and mining activities (quarry formation). Since seed production is abundant in this population, anthropogenic activities currently form the biggest threat to its existence.

Nocturnal and diurnal pollination in Copaifera coriacea, a dominant species in sand dunes of the Middle São Francisco River Basin, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract: Background and aims – Copaifera coriacea, a species in the resin-producing clade Detarioideae (Leguminosae), is an endemic and abundant species found in sand dunes in Brazilian Caatinga domain vegetation – a Quaternary paleodesert. We investigated floral traits and aspects of pollination biology, focusing on the pollination system of C. coriacea. Material and methods – Anthesis duration, stigma receptivity, pollen viability, nectar concentration, and the presence of osmophores and pigments reflecting UV light were assessed. Floral visitors were classified as potential pollinators, occasional pollinators or thieves, based on the time and foraging behaviour and resource collected. Pollination effectiveness were assessed for potential pollinators by the detection of pollen tubes on the stigma or stylar canal by epifluorescence microscopy.Key results – The species has white and small flowers, with anthesis beginning in the dark (ca 00:30) and the flowers are completely opened approximately 3 h later, when a sweet odour is perceptible. The onset of stigma receptivity and pollen grain viability occurs only after the completion of flower opening, and a concentrated nectar is available during the day. The presence of pollen tubes confirmed the efficiency of the main insects in the transfer of pollen. Conclusion – Our result demonstrates that C. coriacea has a generalist pollination system mediated mainly by two distinct guilds of insect pollinators: moths (nocturnal, searching for nectar) and bees (diurnal, pollen collectors). This finding can provide more information about diversification in the genus Copaifera.