Search

Background and aims: The Funga of the Patagonian Nothofagus forests is being studied since the late 19th century, but despite many efforts is still far from being completely known. The aim of this paper is to present detailed descriptions and data on geographical distribution of some genera and species of mitosporic ascomycetes that constitute new records for Argentina and for the Neotropical Region. M&M: Bark and woody debris from native Nothofagaceae were collected and studied. Reproductive structures were hand-sectioned and examined following traditional mycological techniques. Results: Six species of mitosporic ascomycetes were identified: Avettaea salvadorae, Bactrodesmium atrum, Dwiroopa ramya, Gilmaniella multiporosa, Monodictys paradoxa and Pycnopeziza quisquiliaris. Full descriptions, comments on identification and data on distribution and habitat of each species are provided, along with photographs illustrating diagnostic features. Conclusions: Two genera, Dwiroopa and Pycnopeziza, and one species, M. paradoxa, are registered for the first time in the Neotropical Region, two other species are first recorded in South America (B. atrum and G. multiporosa). This constitutes the second record of A. salvadorae in the continent, thus expanding its area of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Bonamia Thoaurs (Convolvulaceae) comprises about 70 species with a tropical and subtropical distribution. Morphological and molecular studies in Bonamia were carried out to clarify relationships in and out of the genus and throughout this work it was detected the need for re-limit the circumscription of some taxa. This paper contributes to the circumscription and lectotypification of Bonamia sericea (Griseb.) Hallier f., an endemic species from northern Argentina. M&M: Morphological analysis of Bonamia sericea, were made based on a study of specimens of herbaria, including the type-material, digital type images and other herbaria website. Results: A new synonym for B. sericea is proposed. The lectotype of B. sericea is here designated and a complete description and illustrations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we examine the leaf-blade anatomy of: Commelina erecta L. var. erecta f. erecta, Tradescantia fluminensis Vell., Tripogandra diuretica (Mart.) Handlos, and T. glandulosa (Seub.) Rohweder. These species grow in the coastal region of the Río de la Plata (Argentina) where they are used as ophthalmic, diuretic, antirheumatic, sudorific, and digestive. The aim of this study was to establish diagnostic features in order to deepen knowledge of these medicinal species and thus, get a valuable tool to establish their botanical identity. The leaves were prepared according to usual methods for light and scanning electron microscopes. Histochemical techniques to identify starch, lipophilic substances, mucilage, tannins, and oxalate salts were performed. The ions analysis of oxalate salts using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer was performed. The main differential traits found were: stomata hexaperiginous in C. erecta var. erecta f. erecta, and tetraperigenous in T. fluminensis and Tripogandra species; leaf blade margins with parenchyma in C. erecta var. erecta f. erecta and T. fluminensis, and with fibers in Tripogandra species; presence of druses in palisade parenchyma of the blade in T. fluminensis, and the hairy index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]