Showing papers in "Systematic Botany in 2013"
TL;DR: The molecular phylogeny supports a New World origin for Passiflora, with two independent radiations to the Old World, and a pattern of remarkable evolutionary lability in several notable characters.
Abstract: Phylogenetic relationships of Passiflora subgenus Decaloba were examined using 148 taxa and four molecular markers: nuclear nrITS, ncpGS, cp trnL-F, and ndhF. Relationships of subgenus Decaloba to the other four Passiflora subgenera (Astrophea, Deidamioides, Tetrapathea, and Passiflora) are investigated, as are relationships among the eight supersections within subgenus Decaloba. Results indicate that subgenus Deidamioides is not monophyletic. Subgenus Astrophea + subgenus Deidamioides (section Tryphostemmatoides) together form the most basally branching lineage in the genus, followed by a clade comprised of subgenus Passiflora + subgenus Deidamioides (sections Tetrastylis, Polyanthea, and Deidamioides). Passiflora obovata (subgenus Deidamioides section Mayapathanthus) is resolved as part of subgenus Decaloba. The Old World subgenus Tetrapathea is supported as sister to subgenus Decaloba. Subgenus Decaloba is monophyletic and contains seven major lineages that generally correspond to currently re...
68 citations
TL;DR: The phylogeny of the genus was constructed by sampling 95 accessions representing 33 species of Dendropanax and 43 closely related taxa using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and six plastid regions.
Abstract: Dendropanax (Araliaceae) is a genus of about 80 species disjunctly distributed in tropical to subtropical Asia and the Neotropics, showing an amphi-Pacific tropical disjunction. The phylogeny of the genus was constructed by sampling 95 accessions representing 33 species of Dendropanax and 43 closely related taxa using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and six plastid regions (the ndhF gene, the trnL-trnF region, the rps16 intron, the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer, the rpl16 intron, and the psbA-trnH intergenic spacer). Phylogenetic analyses of the combined plastid and ITS data suggested that the monophyly of Dendropanax was not supported because the Asian D. lancifolius - D. hainanensis clade did not group with the main Dendropanax clade. Nevertheless, the maximally parsimonious trees (MPTs) from the analysis constraining Dendropanax as a monophyletic group were only one step longer than the unconstrained MPTs. The New and Old World Dendropanax species except D. lancifolius and D. hainanensis each formed a robustly supported clade, and the two clades were sister to each other. Based on the biogeographic analyses and fossil-calibrated Bayesian dating, Dendropanax was hypothesized to have originated in the Old World and migrated into the New World via the North Atlantic land bridges in the early Tertiary. The amphi-Pacific intercontinental disjunction of Dendropanax was dated to be 41.83 mya with a 95% high posterior density [HPD] interval of 28.46–56.15 mya.
41 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that Anthurium is a strongly supported monophyletic genus and that at least 18 major supported clades are recognizable within it, most of them easily characterized morphologically and/or geographically.
Abstract: Anthurium is a strictly Neotropical genus of Araceae ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, including approximately 900 accepted species names. Despite its immense diversity, its ecological importance in Neotropical forests, and a long history of botanical collection, cultivation, and taxonomical research, Anthurium has been only cursorily sampled in previous molecular phytogenies. This study aims to test the monophyly of Anthurium, to understand the evolutionary history of the genus, and to elucidate relationships among its species using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses on a combined chloroplast (trnG intron, tmH-psbA and tmC-ycf6 intergenic spacers) and nuclear (CHS first intron and partial flanking coding regions) DNA sequence dataset for 102 Anthurium species and closely related outgroups. Despite some limitations (ca. 11% species richness coverage, and lack of nuclear sequences for outgroups), results indicate that Anthurium is a strongly supported mon...
41 citations
TL;DR: The first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the derived liverwort genus Cololejeunea and its close relatives is presented, providing evidence for ancient vicariance events where major clades and continents are associated.
Abstract: Rampant homoplasy can be a major challenge in the classification of land plants that have limited morphological differences and/or ecological diversity, such as liverworts and mosses. Here we present the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the derived liverwort genus Cololejeunea and its close relatives. We used three markers (trnL—F, rbcL, and nrITS) and 116 accessions representing the geographic range as well as the morphological diversity of this predominantly epiphyllous genus. The molecular data support three major lineages: Colura, Myriocoleopsis, and Cololejeunea. Myriocoleopsis species were resolved in a clade with Cololejeunea minutissima. Aphanolejeunea and Chondriolejeunea were both resolved as putative monophyletic groups, and nested in the Cololejeunea clade. Cololejeunea angustiflora was found to be sister to the clade comprising the remaining Cololejeunea species. Currently accepted subgenera of Cololejeunea were paraphyletic or polyphyletic. Six out of 30 species with multi...
35 citations
TL;DR: P phylogenetic analyses of Boechereae indicate that Boechera, as currently circumscribed, is polyphyletic, comprising three main clades.
Abstract: Boechera (Brassicaceae) is a diverse genus of ±70 sexual diploid species and numerous apomictic hybrids concentrated in western North America. It is the largest genus in tribe Boechereae, which also includes seven other small genera. Boechera is closely related to Arabidopsis and is becoming a model genus for diverse studies, focusing particularly on apomixis and hybrid speciation. As part of an ongoing effort to clarify the taxonomy of the group, we present phylogenetic analyses of Boechereae, including all genera of the tribe and most of the sexual diploid species of Boechera. Ten loci are used, including two plastid loci, nrDNA ITS, and seven low-copy nuclear loci. These analyses indicate that Boechera, as currently circumscribed, is polyphyletic, comprising three main clades. Eastern North American species previously assigned to Boechera form a distinct clade with the Asian taxon Borodinia macrophylla and are herein transferred to the genus Borodinia, resulting in seven new combinations (Boro...
35 citations
TL;DR: The combined results of cytology and the phylogenetic trees suggested that the sexual diploid P. kidoi had played a central role in the diversification of polyploid species in the P. cretica group.
Abstract: Polyploidy, hybridization, and agamospory have been considered important mechanisms in fern speciation. By integrating the methods of cytology, molecular phylogeny, and morphology, we examined the origins of polyploid species in the Pteris cretica group, which comprises five agamosporous taxa and six sexual species. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using both cpDNA (rbcL and trnV-trnM) and a low-copy nuclear gene (gapCp). The combined results of cytology and the phylogenetic trees suggested that the sexual diploid P. kidoi had played a central role in the diversification of polyploid species in the P. cretica group. Some triploid clones of agamosporous P. cretica var. cretica originated through hybridization between the diploid cytotype of P. cretica var. cretica and the sexual diploid P. kidoi. The sexual polyploid species, P. henryi, P. multifida, P. ryukyuensis, and P. yamatensis, and the hexaploid race of P. deltodon have arisen through allopolyploidization between their respective ancestr...
32 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA ITS and ETS sequences, cpDNA sequences, and morphological data, supplemented by observations of fruit anatomy and micromorphology, provide new insights into the phylogeny and classification of the Angelica group.
Abstract: Classification of Angelica and its allies is complex and controversial, with previous phylogenetic studies restricted to examina- tion of small numbers of taxa using only nrDNA ITS sequences In this study, phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA ITS and ETS sequences, cpDNA sequences (rps16 intron, rps16-trnK, rpl32-trnL, and trnL-trnT), and morphological data, supplemented by observations of fruit anatomy and micromorphology, were used to ascertain evolutionary relationships and confirm generic boundaries within Angelica sl (including Angelica, Archangelica, Coelopleurum, Czernaevia, and Ostericum), with emphasis on its East Asian members Most species of Angelica sl fall into two major, disparate clades, the Ostericum clade and the Angelica group, with the latter comprising five major lineages that are distinguished both molecularly and morphologically: Angelica ss (including Czernaevia), Archangelica, Coelopleurum, Glehnia, and a newly identified Littoral Angelica clade A North American Angelica clade was also distinguished in the ITS trees Taxonomic realignments will be required, as many species of Angelica fall outside of Angelica ss and four species of Angelica occur outside of the Angelica group (A hirsutiflora, A oncosepala, A paeoniifolia, and A sinensis) The Angelica ss clade contains predominantly East Asian species and comprises five major lineages, two of which represent plants exclusively from the eastern Himalayas; each of these five lineages can also be defined morphologi- cally The results obtained are significantly different from traditional treatments of Angelica sl and provide new insights into the phylogeny and classification of the group
31 citations
TL;DR: This work assembles a three-locus plastid dataset (matK, rbcL, trnG-R) that includes most recognized species in the Cystopteridaceae and multiple accessions of widespread taxa from across their geographic ranges, and yields the first species-level phylogeny of the family and the first molecular phylogenetic evidence for species boundaries.
Abstract: Among the novel results of recent molecular phylogenetic analyses are the unexpectedly close evolutionary relationships of the genera Acystopteris, Cystopteris, and Gymnocarpium, and the phylogenetic isolation of these genera from Woodsia As a consequence, these three genera have been removed from Woodsiaceae and placed into their own family, the Cystopteridaceae Despite the ubiquity of this family in rocky habitats across the northern hemisphere, and its cosmopolitan distribution (occurring on every continent except Antarctica), sampling of the Cystopteridaceae in phylogenetic studies to date has been sparse Here we assemble a three-locus plastid dataset (matK, rbcL, trnG-R) that includes most recognized species in the family and multiple accessions of widespread taxa from across their geographic ranges All three sampled genera are robustly supported as monophyletic, Cystopteris is strongly supported as sister to Acystopteris, and those two genera together are sister to Gymnocarpium The Gym
30 citations
TL;DR: This study supports removal of the Neotropical species from Homalomena, redefines the morphological boundaries of HomAlomena sensu stricto (i.e. the Asian species), and supports and refines the grouping of Asian species into supergroups.
Abstract: A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Homalomena (Araceae: Homalomeneae) based on the nITS region is presented. Eighty-nine taxa are included; representing all Asian supergroups, several Neotropical species currently assigned to Homalomena, and selected species of Philodendron. Asian Homalomena is well supported as monophyletic and excludes Neotropical Homalomena. The Cyrtocladon supergroup is monophyletic after transferring the Insignis complex and Havilandii complex into the Punctulata supergroup. The Homalomena and Chamaecladon supergroups are well supported. A reduced phylogeny of 20 accessions representing 15 taxa was used for subsequent morphological and chemical marker optimization. A constricted spathe and four stamens per staminate flower are plesiomorphic for Homalomena. Staminodes among the pistillate zone are lost three times independently in Homalomena supergroup, Punctulata supergroup, and H. vivens. Chemical markers identified from liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy profiling provided an independent set of markers that further support the separation of Neotropical species of Homalomena from the Asian taxon. Three chemical markers at Rt 2.55 min, 2.69 min, and 2.90 min are shared among the majority of taxa sampled for Asian Homalomena, and Neotropical species currently assigned to Homalomena show two unique peaks at Rt 3.25 min and 3.54 min. Five chemical markers support the Cyrtocladon supergroup with the exception of Homalomena vivens. A chemical marker at Rt 3.60 min is plesiomorphic for the Chamaecladon, Homalomena and Punctulata supergroups. A chemical marker at Rt 2.80 min is apomorphic for the Chamaecladon supergroup, with a separate gain in H. punctulata. This study supports removal of the Neotropical species from Homalomena, redefines the morphological boundaries of Homalomena sensu stricto (i.e. the Asian species), and supports and refines the grouping of Asian species into supergroups.
30 citations
TL;DR: Bayesian analyses of individual regions analyzed separately and averaged over multiple trees with *BEAST software provided a phylogeny at variance with the concatenated approach, most notably in firmly imbedding Turgenia latifolia within Daucus.
Abstract: We studied the phylogeny of 22 accessions of Daucus and seven accessions in related genera, with DNA sequences from eight nuclear orthologs and one plastid (psbA/trnH) region. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of the concatenated data matrix of 7,212 aligned nucleotides provided excellent bootstrap support for many clades. Concordant with prior molecular results Pseudorlaya pumila was firmly imbedded within Daucus, as was Margottia gummifera, a new finding. All accessions of D. capillifolius, D. carota, and D. sahariensis formed a 2n = 18 clade with all other species within the Daucus clade with chromosome numbers of = 20, 22, and 44 (D. glochidiatus). Sister to the D. carota clade was a clade containing Margottia gummifera and Pseudorlaya pumila, sister to these species was D. crinitus, sister to all the above was D. muricatus, and sister to all of the above was a clade containing the remaining Daucus species. Bayesian analyses of individual regions analyzed separately and averag...
28 citations
TL;DR: Phylogenetic analyses recover a monophyletic Harrisia that can be divided into two subgenera, four sections, and two series and likely originated in the Andes and later dispersed into Brazil before further speciation in the Gran Chaco or the Caribbean.
Abstract: The genus Harrisia (Cactaceae) comprises 20 species native to South America and the Caribbean. To investigate relationships within the genus, plastid and nuclear markers were sequenced from Harrisia and related genera. Phylogenetic analyses recover a monophy- letic Harrisia that can be divided into two subgenera, four sections, and two series. Harrisia likely originated in the Andes and later dispersed into Brazil before further speciation in the Gran Chaco or the Caribbean. A key is given for the taxonomic classifications proposed for Harrisia. New combinations are H. subg. Eriocereus and H. sect. Roseocereus. New taxonomic names are H. sect. Adscendens and H. ser. Earlei.
TL;DR: This work investigated the putative multiple origins of sepal crests in Iris and relationships among crested species via comprehensive sampling ofcrested species in Iris using five plastid markers and employed maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference in reconstructing relationships.
Abstract: About one hundred years ago, Dykes noticed an innovative feature in Iris, a raised central ridge along the midvein of the sepal, that he called a crest. Molecular phylogenetic and ancestral state reconstruction studies suggested that the sepal crest is a homoplastic character, even though the majority of the crested species form a monophyletic group. We investigated the putative multiple origins of sepal crests in Iris and relationships among crested species via comprehensive sampling of crested species in Iris using five plastid markers. We employed maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference in reconstructing relationships. Our data analyses resolved a large core-crested clade along with four other independent lineages that also have crested species. Within the core-crested clade, four highly supported major clades were identified comprising species from subgen. Nepalensis and Scorpiris and some species from subgenus Limniris section Lophiris sensu Mathew. However, relationshi...
TL;DR: A new monotypic genus Cambajuva is presented, as well as a new combination, to accommodate A. ulei in the subtribe Arthrostylidiinae.
Abstract: Arthrostylidiinae are one of the three subtribes of Neotropical woody bamboos and comprise 13 genera and over 160 described species. Recent phylogenetic analyses have demonstrated both the non-monophyly of Aulonemia Goudot and the sister relationship of Aulonemia ulei (Hack.) McClure to the monotypic Glaziophyton Franch., with which it forms a clade sister to the reminder of the subtribe. Based on these data and on morphological and anatomical characters, we present herein the new monotypic genus Cambajuva, as well as a new combination, to accommodate A. ulei. Morphological and anatomical descriptions are also provided, as well as a comparison with putatively related genera of the subtribe.
TL;DR: The molecular phylogenetic trees based on combined data sets of rbcL and matK suggest that Mankyua might be the earliest-diverging lineage of Ophioglossaceae.
Abstract: The chromosome number and phylogenetic position of the monotypic eusporangiate genus Mankyua (Ophioglossaceae), which shares peculiar morphological characteristics with Ophioglossum s.l. and Helminthostachys, were determined. Meiotic and mitotic chromosome observations of Mankyua show n = 130 and 2n = ca. 260, suggesting that the base number of this genus is x = 130, which is a new finding and the highest base number reported so far for Ophioglossaceae. The molecular phylogenetic trees derived from nucleotide sequence variation of rbcL and matK genes differ in terms of the phylogenetic position of Mankyua. The molecular phylogenetic trees based on combined data sets of rbcL and matK suggest that Mankyua might be the earliest-diverging lineage of Ophioglossaceae.
TL;DR: Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the monophyly of the Daturae clade with two genera, Datura with herbaceous species and Brugmansia with woody species.
Abstract: Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on four plastid DNA sequences to determine if the Daturae and Datura are monophyletic and to understand their relationships and classification. Species of Datura have been divided into three sections based upon the position and type of the fruit: Ceratocaulis, Datura, and Dutra. Our analyses confirmed the monophyly of the Daturae clade with two genera, Datura with herbaceous species and Brugmansia with woody species. The Datura clade consists of two distinct lineages, that of D. ceratocaula, corresponding to the monospecific section Ceratocaulis, and one that gives rise to the remaining species of the genus. The large clade readily divides into two groups but they do not correspond to the conventional classification of the genus. Species with regularly dehiscent capsular fruits are present in both groups while species with irregularly dehiscent capsules are found in only one group. Because section Dutra is polyphyletic, realignment of species within two traditional sections is necessary as follows: Datura containing D. arenicola, D. discolor, D. ferox, D. quercifolia, D. kymatocarpa, D. leichhardtii, and D. stramonium; Dutra containing D. inoxia, D. lanosa, D. metel, D. reburra, and D. wrightii. The seed margin clearly distinguishes these sections, rather than the combination of fruit position and dehiscence which has been used previously.
TL;DR: Solanum section Gonatotrichum is closely related to section Brevantherum, from which it differs by the presence of explosive fruit dehiscence and simple hairs in all taxa except S. lignescens, which has stellate pubescence.
Abstract: Solanum section Gonatotrichum (Solanaceae) includes eight species native to North, Central, and South America. Plants of this section are herbs to woody shrubs that lack spines, are pubescent with simple or stellate hairs, and have berries that swell due to increased turgor pressure and explosively dehisce to disperse the seeds. Section Gonatotrichum is closely related to section Brevantherum, from which it differs by the presence of explosive fruit dehiscence and simple hairs in all taxa except S. lignescens, which has stellate pubescence. The morphology, taxonomic history, nomenclature, ecology, distribution, and reproductive biology of Solanum section Gonatotrichum are reviewed. A dichotomous key is provided for the species of the section.
TL;DR: The morphologies proposed here as the primary mechanisms adaptive for rheophytism in Bornean Schismatoglottideae are: root/shoot disarticulation; a free ligular sheath; and marcescent senescence of the ligule.
Abstract: The Schismatoglottid Alliance (tribes Schismatoglottideae, Cryptocoryneae and Philonotieae: Araceae) has been shown to be monophyletic in a previous study based on two cpDNA regions (matK and trnL-F). Here, ten additional taxa of Schismatoglottideae were sequenced, including two extra-Bornean Piptospatha species, and the type species of Hottarum, unavailable at the time of the previous analyses. Phylogenetic analyses were performed by using parsimony, likelihood (RAxML and likelihood ratchet PAUP*), and Bayesian inference to determine the placement of these additional taxa within Schismatoglottideae. The resulting tree topology supports, 1) a mono- phyletic West Sarawak clade comprising three genera: Aridarum, Bakoa, and Piptospatha; and 2) a supra-Lupar Line (the boundary between two of the known Bornean biochores) clade comprising the 'Schismatoglottis' josefii complex. Nineteen morphological, ecological, and geo- graphical characters were coded and mapped using parsimony (unordered model) onto the Bayesian tree to investigate incidents of homoplasy or apomorphic status of morphologies presumed significant in the evolution of rheophytism. The morphologies proposed here as the primary mechanisms adaptive for rheophytism in Bornean Schismatoglottideae are: root/shoot disarticulation; a free ligular sheath; and marcescent senescence of the ligule. Two morphologies formerly used as generic definers, and previously treated as homologous: presence of a micropylar appendage, and thecae horns, are shown to be homoplastic. Keywords—Araceae, Borneo, character mapping, phylogeny, rheophytic, Schismatoglottideae.
TL;DR: It is found that there is no evidence for allopolyploidy, let alone intergeneric allopoly Plastid and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences from all H. megalanthus individuals sampled are either identical, or form a monophyletic clade despite considerable intraindividual polymorphism (ITS).
Abstract: Allopolyploidy is common in angiosperms, but only rarely involves different genera. One hypothesized case of intergeneric allopolyploidy is Hylocereus megalanthus, a member of Cactaceae tribe Hylocereeae, a group of vine cactus species, some of which are known for their edible fruits (“pitahaya” or “dragon fruit”). This polyploid species has been interpreted as morphologically intermediate between Hylocereus and Selenicereus. Plastid and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences from all H. megalanthus individuals sampled are either identical (plastid), or form a monophyletic clade despite considerable intraindividual polymorphism (ITS). Plastid and ITS phylogenies both show H. megalanthus nested within a well-supported Hylocereus, which in turn is nested within a paraphyletic Selenicereus. The absence of more than one lineage of ITS in H. megalanthus is consistent with autopolyploidy, but could be due to inter-homoeologue concerted evolution. Numerous low-copy nuclear genes were tested for utility in ...
TL;DR: The hypothesis that Pickeringia is geographically isolated in the flora of western North America is substantiated, an old and phylogenetically distinct lineage of an early diverging group of papilionoid legumes that were much more widely distributed throughout temperate North America and Asia during the Tertiary but whose modern relatives are restricted to southern North America, Central America, and eastern Asia.
Abstract: Pickeringia, a monotypic genus of the Leguminosae endemic to the xerophytic sclerophyllous chaparral vegetation of the California Floristic Province, has been considered a “relict” of legume diversity in the North American flora and an example of the classic “paleoendemics” in the flora of California. Evidence is presented for the phylogenetic relationships of this genus, inferred from nucleotide sequence variation in the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the plastid matK gene. Phylogenies derived from maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses both strongly support a close relationship of Pickeringia to the temperate to subtropical, deciduous genera Cladrastis and Styphnolobium of tribe Sophoreae consistent with morphological and cytogenetic evidence rather than to members of tribe Thermopsideae where the genus has been treated taxonomically. Cladrastis is resolved as paraphyletic while Styphnolobium is strongly supported as a monophyletic group. These results, plus an estim...
TL;DR: The pattern of morphological variation of the taxa included in both subsections through the study of 1353 vouchers from 27 herbaria was analyzed and found that one species of subsect.
Abstract: A comprehensive taxonomic revision of Stipa subsects. Stipa and Tirsae is presented. We analyzed the pattern of morphological variation of the taxa included in both subsections through the study of 1353 vouchers from 27 herbaria. Variation in floral and leaf morphology was further explored to revaluate taxon limits in 165 specimens using univariate analyses (Anova, Tukey test and, c 2 test), and multivariate tests (principal components analysis and discriminant analysis). We found that one species of subsect. Tirsae plus three species and five subspecies of subsect. Stipa can be distinguished based on morphological characters. For each taxon, we present a dichotomous key, a list of synonyms, detailed morphometric descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps. In addition, neotypes are proposed for S. pulcherrima var. mollis (subsection Stipa) and S. aperta (subsection Stipa), and a lectotype is proposed for S. cerariorum (subsection Tirsae). Likewise, two new combinations are proposed: Stipa subsection Tirsae (Martinovsky ´ ) R. Gonzalo, and Stipa turkestanica subspecies macroglossa (P.A Smirn.) R. Gonzalo.
TL;DR: The new species has consistent morphological features that support its inclusion in the Vanilla planifolia group and the lectotipification of V. trigonocarpa and V. duckei is proposed.
Abstract: Vanilla labellopapillata, here described and illustrated, is a new species from the floodplain forest of Caxiuana National Forest, situated in the northeastern Brazilian Amazon. The new species has consistent morphological features that support its inclusion in the Vanilla planifolia group. Vanilla labellopapillata is morphologically similar to V. insignis and V. odorata and diagnostic characters for separating it from the two species are given. A key to the Vanilla planifolia group is provided. Another species, V. cribbiana, recently described from Mexico and Central America is recorded for the first time in Brazil. Based on the examination of type material of Vanilla, we also propose the lectotipification of V. trigonocarpa and V. duckei.
TL;DR: The moss genus Brachytheciaastrum (Brachytheciaceae) is taxonomically revised for the Mediterranean area and two new combinations are proposed: Brachy theciastrum umbilicatum and B. salicinum.
Abstract: The moss genus Brachytheciastrum (Brachytheciaceae) is taxonomically revised for the Mediterranean area. Seven species are recognized. Two new combinations are proposed: Brachytheciastrum umbilicatum and B. salicinum. Brachytheciastrum bellicum is newly synonymized with B. salicinum. Lectotypes for Brachythecium umbilicatum and Hypnum collinum are designated. A key to the species of the Mediterranean region, as well as descriptions, illustrations, and distribution data, are provided. New records for countries within the study area are reported.
TL;DR: Cuscuta tinctoria clade, the second largest infrageneric group of subgenus Grammica, includes 14 species that are centered in Mexico and adjacent regions, but also two species that is found in Australia, presumably as a result of long-distance dispersal.
Abstract: Cuscuta tinctoria clade, the second largest infrageneric group of subgenus Grammica, includes 14 species that are centered in Mexico and adjacent regions, but also two species that are found in Australia, presumably as a result of long-distance dispersal. Flowers, pollen, and stigmas are among the largest in Cuscuta, with plants being xenogamous or facultatively xenogamous. In this clade, the convergent evolution of morphological traits, especially those associated with the calyx and gynoecium/ capsule, has obscured the identity of some species and has hindered previous efforts to determine their limits. Basic morphology, scanning electron microscopy and sequence data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the plastid trnL-F region were used to reconstruct the phylogeny, gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history, and determine species boundaries. Overall, species were grouped in five subclades, Based on their morphological and molecular similarity, C. tinctoria, C. a...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated Physarieae, a tribe of mustards with multi-parterurate pollen, for the first time using comprehensive sampling and plastid molecular data.
Abstract: Physarieae, a tribe of mustards with multiaperturate pollen, was investigated phylogenetically for the first time using comprehensive sampling and plastid molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses were employed to test the monophyly of the tribe, to investigate relationships of its seven genera, and to study the evolution of selected morphological traits. Character evolution was inferred using parsimony approaches for nine continuous and three discrete traits related to trichomes, fruits, seeds, and pollen. Two monophyletic clades were recovered within Physarieae: the DDNLS clade, which included five genera (Dithyrea, Dimorphocarpa, Nerisyrenia, Lyrocarpa, and Synthlipsis), and the PP clade, which comprised two genera (Paysonia and Physaria). Under this new phylogenetic context, multiaperturate pollen appeared to be a potential synapomorphy of the tribe. In addition, five continuous fruit and seed traits were identified as new potential synapomorphies for Physarieae. Our analyses also indicated that ...
TL;DR: Phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA strongly indicate monophyly of Carex viridistellata and its sister species relationship with the North Carolina narrow endemic Carex lutea, highlighting the broad importance of cryptic taxa, with implications for fields ranging from population genetics to conservation and restoration.
Abstract: Divergence between evolutionary lineages is not always marked by the development of obvious species-specific characters, whether morphological, physiological, or ecological. Consequentially, extant biodiversity can easily be overlooked. These cryptic species are often not recognized until genetic data are in hand, as is the case for the novel taxon we describe here. Carex viridistellata in Carex section Ceratocystis is an endemic species restricted to calcareous wetlands of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, where it has previously been collected as Carex cryptolepis. Crosses between Carex viridistellata and Carex cryptolepis produce sterile F1 hybrids, and the two species are differentiated by a number of subtle morphological characters, as well as aspects of their respective ecologies. Phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA strongly indicate monophyly of Carex viridistellata and its sister species relationship with the North Carolina narrow endemic Carex lutea. Both species constitute a distinct lineage within a generally poorly resolved section Ceratocystis. This work highlights the broad importance of cryptic taxa, with implications for fields ranging from population genetics to conservation and restoration.
TL;DR: The new species Borreria krapocarmeniana (Rubiaceae) is described and illustrated and a table featuring diagnostic characters to distinguish between species is provided.
Abstract: The new species Borreria krapocarmeniana (Rubiaceae) is described and illustrated. The taxonomic identity of Borreria linoides and Borreria scabiosoides are discussed. Borreria organensis and Borreria rubricaulis are proposed as new synonyms of B. scabiosoides. Seed micromorphology and pollen grains of the three species are analyzed and a map with the distribution of these species is presented. Additionally, a table featuring diagnostic characters to distinguish between species is provided.
TL;DR: The three new species of Mimosa, from the campos rupestres of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, are described and illustrated and are critically endangered according to the IUCN criteria.
Abstract: Three new species of Mimosa (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae), from the campos rupestres of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, are described and illustrated. The species are from section Batocaulon DC. ( Mimosa mitzi and Mimosa rubra ) and section Calothamnos Barneby ( Mimosa longistipula). Mimosa longistipula is similar to M. flocculosa but mainly differs from it by the stellate trichomes found throughout its corolla. Mimosa mitzi is morphologically similar to Mimosa hexandra and Mimosa exalbescens. However, it can be distinguished from M. hexandra by its free stamens and the presence of paraphyllidia, and from M. exalbescens by the larger leaves and smaller number of leaflets. Mimosa rubra is morphologically similar to M. minarum, but is easily recognized by the reddish color of its stems and leaves. The three species described here are restricted to the state of Minas Gerais and are critically endangered according to the IUCN criteria. A discussion on the distribution, habitat, phenology, conservatio...
TL;DR: For the first time, it is shown that the sculpture of Selaginella megaspores has sufficient diversity to distinguish closely related species while maintaining a high level of uniformity within a species.
Abstract: We present the first taxonomic revision of Selaginella subg Ericetorum on the basis of an investigation of all known species, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy Selaginella subg Ericetorum is distinguished from other Selaginella subgenera by the presence of the combination of monomorphic and decussately arranged leaves Previous studies distinguished three species, namely, S gracillima and S uliginosa from Australia, and S pygmaea from Australia and South Africa; our investigation revealed five species Because of morphological differences and geographical separation, we proposed segregation of S aboriginalis (of Australia) from S pygmaea (of South Africa) The fifth species, S royenii from Papua New Guinea, was described in 1956 but remained unnoticed Although there are only five species, these are frequently misidentified in herbarium collections because of a lack of a monographic treatment Therefore, in this study, we present two identification keys using diff
TL;DR: The present taxonomic revision of Ficus subsection Urostigma recognizes 27 species, of which three are new: F. chiangraiensis, F. middletonii and F. pseudoconcinna, and two new varieties are distinguished within F.Urostigma.
Abstract: The present taxonomic revision of Ficus subsection Urostigma recognizes 27 species, of which three are new: F. chiangraiensis, F. middletonii, F. pseudoconcinna. Two new varieties are distinguished within F. virens, var. dispersa and var. matthewii. Ficus lecardii and L. salicifolia, formerly subspecies of F. cordata, are again reinstated to the species level. Typical characters for the subsection are monoecy, monostaminate flowers, red(-brown) colored ovaries and cystoliths on only the abaxial leaf surface. Ficus amplissima and F. rumphii (section Leucogyne) were formerly part of subsection Urostigma, and they have been added here to the key and descriptions because of their morphological resemblance with the species in F. subsection Urostigma. Molecular based phylogenetic analyses showed that at least F. rumphii is unrelated to subsection Urostigma. The two species only differ from subsect. Urostigma in their whitish ovaries and cystoliths at both sides of the leaf blade and they are pollinated...
TL;DR: The origin of the Bouteloua curtipendula complex seems to be recent with low divergence between taxa, and all of the morphological characters used to circumscribe species were found to be homoplasious.
Abstract: The Bouteloua curtipendula complex (Poaceae: Chloridoideae) has been treated as a group of 12 species distributed from Canada to Argentina. Due to considerable morphological variation, putative hybridization, polyploidy (including aneuploidy), and apomixis, circumscription of and relationships among taxa have been uncertain. To infer the phylogeny of this complex, two non-coding regions, the internal transcribed spacer (nrDNA) and trnT-L-F (cpDNA), were sequenced and analyzed by maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. Character-state reconstruction was carried out to test the utility of morphological characters used for species circumscription. Nuclear and plastid data revealed similar phylogenetic patterns, albeit with a lower level of resolution from the trnT-L-F sequences. Results support monophyly of the Bouteloua curtipendula complex, but not the species monophyly, except for B. triaena, which forms a strongly supported clade in both phylogenies. The origin of the Bouteloua curtipendula complex seems to be recent with low divergence between taxa. All of the morphological characters used to circumscribe species were found to be homoplasious.