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The Cañón de Iturbide comprises folded mountains of sedimentary origin located in the Sierra Madre Oriental physiographic province in southeastern Nuevo León, and northeastern Mexico, in the Iturbide, Galeana, and Linares municipalities. This well preserved forest area has been considered by Arriaga-Cabrera et al. (2000) as the Priority Terrestrial Region 82. A floristic survey was conducted to provide a vouchered vascular plant list along with vegetation types of this important conservation area. In 30 sampling points, we recorded 113 families, 410 genera, and 768 taxa, (698 species and 70 infraspecific taxa). From this total, 128 species belong to the family Asteraceae, 99 to Fabaceae, and 55 to Poaceae. The phytogeography of the area corresponds mainly to neotropical, nearctic, and autochthonous species from arid lands, based on Rzedowski's (1962, 1978) classification. According to a cluster analysis and dendrogram, based on presence-absence of species, five main groups of plant associations are recognized: xeric scrublands, oak-pine forest (with different plant associations), piedmont scrub, Tamaulipan thorn scrub and agricultural lands (Miranda & Hernández 1963; Rzedowski 1978). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of flora of the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (CMNP) was carried out; the area is located in the Sierra Madre Oriental physiographic province. The CMNP's flora is found in arid, temperate, and warm areas. The total flora comprises 137 families, 600 genera, and 1,300 species of vascular plants. The families with the highest number of genera and species respectively are Asteraceae (94-204), Fabaceae (50-120), Poaceae (42-93), Lamiaceae (17-52), Malvaceae (14-25), Brassicaceae (13-26), Rosaceae (12-25), Solanaceae (12-26), and Euphorbiaceae (11-43). The genera with the highest number of species are Quercus (24), Euphorbia (22), Salvia (18), Ageratina (12), Verbesina (11), Senecio (11), and Verbena (9). From the total species recorded, 34 (2.5%) are endemic to Nuevo Leon, with most belonging to Asteraceae (9 species) followed by the Fabacaeae (5 species). More than 90% of the CMNP flora is autochthonous. The phytogeography of CMNP corresponds mainly to three origins: warm area elements, mainly found in piedmont scrub, dominated by neotropical species; temperate area elements, distributed mainly in mixed forest (oak-pine), dominated by species from cool or cold areas; as well as endemic elements from Mexican arid lands such as Cactaceae and Agavaceae occurring mainly in xerophyllous scrublands in the Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three new populations of Dalea reverchonii (Comanche Peak Prairie Clover) are reported from five additional counties in north central Texas: Bosque, Erath, Johnson, Somervell, and Tarrant counties. This expands the distribution of this Texas endemic from three counties to eight at a total of 69 sites. Habitat requirements, associated species, and threats are included and discussed. Dalea reverchonii is considered to be globally and state imperiled. The discovery of these additional populations and new county records may warrant modification of its conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key to and distribution of the species of the genus Galium in Louisiana are presented. Three species are reported new to the Louisiana flora: Galium anglicum Huds., G. asprellum Michx., and G. divaricatum Pourr. ex Lam while three other species (G. obtusum Bigelow, G. trifidum L., and G. orizabense Hemsl.) are excluded. The current number of species includes three introduced annuals, two native annuals, and seven native perennials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buddleja davidii Franch. (Scrophulariaceae), orange-eye butterfly bush, an introduced ornamental shrub from China, is reported with documentation as unequivocally naturalized in Kentucky for the first time. It was first documented outside of horticultural cultivation with voucher specimens from Pike County (1960 and 1982), Calloway County (2003), Greenup County (2010), Powell County (2011), and Laurel County (2012). A discussion of Buddleja davidii in Kentucky concludes with a diagnostic description from recent Laurel County specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the arid and semiarid region of Mexico, data on three native grasses growing in diverse ecological environments--Muhlenbergia peruviana (P. Beauv.) Steud., in temperate forests; Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths, in grasslands; Muhlenbergia porteri Scribn. ex Beal, in xeric regions; and one introduced nonnative species, Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka (Zizka rose Natal grass)--were used in our essay analyzing their potential distribution, based on climatic factors. We took presence-only data applied to the Bioclim algorithm included in the Diva-GIS program. Using database bioclimatic WorldClim-Global Climate Data allowed us to make predictions of the distribution, and to determine the climatic characteristics that each species needs to grow. It generated a potential distribution of the four species under study, concluding that this method can be applied to other grass species from this geographic area in order to improve: a) knowledge of the actual distribution of species in their natural environment, b) knowledge related to biodiversity, and c) to create an indicator to support decisions related to conservation and management of grasses in Mexico. We concluded that possibly climatic requirements prevent the expansion of the introduced species (Zizka rose, Natal grass). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuing studies in the genus Ceropegia in Nilgiri phytogeographical region of southern Western Ghats resulted in the discovery of a new species, Ceropegia manoharii Sujanapal, Salim, Anil & Sasidh., sp. nov. Description, illustration and photographs are provided for Ceropegia manoharii. Additional study has shed light on the details of three edible Ceropegia species, as hitherto undescribed host plants of a butterfly, Danaus genutia, and the conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional morphological, phenological, and molecular data were obtained for Arceuthobium gillii and A. nigrum from throughout their geographic distributions in northern Mexico and southern Arizona. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant function analysis demonstrated that A. gillii and A. nigrum are distinguishable morphologically. Discriminant function analysis also indicated that the dimensions of the third internode (length and width) and basal diameter of female and male plants contributed most to the classification and predication of species. Significant differences in plant height (female and male) as well as flower and fruit dimensions were also evident between these dwarf mistletoes, A. nigrum having larger dimensions for each of these characters. Although A. nigrum purportedly flowers twice annually (spring and fall), our observations indicated that the period of anthesis for this mistletoe occurs only once annually--fall to early winter. In contrast, A. gillii flowers in the spring; thereby, suggesting that these taxa likely are reproductively isolated. Phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region delineated both taxa, resolving A. gillii to a monophyletic clade strongly supported by bootstrap and Bayesian credibility values. Collectively, A. gillii and A. nigrum are well-defined morphologically and distinguishable molecularly, supporting the classification of these taxa at the specific rank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Coreopsis occurring on the North American coastal plain continue to present identification challenges. Here we provide a revised key, identification notes, habitats, and range maps for nine species. Coreopsis aristulata LeBlond, Sorrie & Weakley is newly described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladistic analyses based on morphology were conducted to test for monophyly, estimate the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Chaetolepis, and generate the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus. Prior to this study the genus had included species from Andean South America, the Guayana Highlands, Costa Rica, Cuba, and tropical West Africa. As traditionally delimited, Chaetolepis is not monophyletic because the Cuban species, C. cubensis, is more closely related to outgroup species in the genus Tibouchina. Based on discordant morphological characters such as foliar trichome details and seed morphology, C. cubensis is here treated as a Tibouchina, the genus to which it had been transferred by M. Gómez in 1894. Chaetolepis is treated as a monophyletic genus of 11 species distinguished by 4-merous flowers, isomorphic stamens that lack prominent pedoconnectives and appendages, apically setose 4-locular ovary, capsular fruits, and cochleate seeds. Chaetolepis alpina var. latifolia is relegated to synonymy of C. alpina because it lacks consistent distinguishing characters, and C. thymifolia is synonymized under C. anisandra. The West African monotypic genus, Nerophila gentianoides, is tentatively shown to be congeneric with the Central and South American species of Chaetolepis based on morphology. If molecular data confirms this disposition of N. gentianoides by Jacques-Félix, it will become the only genus of Melastomataceae with a trans-Atlantic distribution. A biogeographical analysis based on the phylogenetic results suggests that Chaetolepis originated in the Colombian Andes and possibly the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with independent dispersal events to Costa Rica, Venezuela, and tropical West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synopsis of the genus Allomarkgrafia in Colombia (Apocynaceae: Apocynoideae) is presented. Five species are recognized, including the description of a new species, A. antioquiana. A key for the taxa, taxonomical data, selected examined specimens, and distribution maps for every species are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex cyrtostachya is described as a narrow endemic from the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada of California. Details about its taxonomy, distribution, and ecology are included. Carex cyrtostachya is distinguished from Carex mendocinensis by its more flexuous distal lateral spikes with more widely spaced perigynia, longer and paler pistillate scales, and longer staminate scale awns. A key and illustrations are provided. Lectotypes are designated for Carex cinnamomea and Carex mendocinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This inventory expands the floristic coverage of the Medicine Bow Mountains (Medicine Bow National Forest proper) located in southeastern Wyoming. The Forest, covering 2,150 sq km (830 sq mi) and ranging in elevation from 2,400-3,650 m (7,900-12,013 ft), was surveyed for all species of vascular plants. Most of the lands inventoried are in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest but small parcels are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management or the State of Wyoming. These parcels are within three miles of the Forest boundary. Over three summers, 9,837 numbered specimens were collected at 168 sites. Two unnamed putative hybrids were documented. A summary of taxa follows (numbers in parentheses are taxa documented by other workers): 88 families, 376 genera, 835 (201) species, 910 (212) unique taxa for a combined total of 1,122 unique or terminal taxa. Alchemilla filicaulis ssp. filicaulis and Carex arcta are species new to Wyoming. Also documented were 51 (18) exotics as well as seven noxious weeds. Twenty-two species of conservation concern were also found at 51 locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Range extensions to Butler County for Bellis perennis and Hibiscus moscheutos, Crawford County for Lamium maculatum, and both Butler and Crawford counties for Robinia hispida are reported. All populations are well established. The importance of the range extension for Bellis perennis rests in the fact that the species can be weedy or invasive. Use of Hibiscus moscheutos as a landscape accent in part contributes to its spread. However, its proclivity to set seed as well as to displace other native shoreline species is indicative of the potential for being invasive. The range extension for Lamium maculatum potentially represents a very recent introduction to a county that has been botanized since the early 1800s. The importance of the range extension of Robinia hispida rests in the fact that the species has been identified as one which invades natural areas in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 125 Isoëtes butleri populations are reported from 11 additional counties in north central Texas. These collections bridge the 450 km disjunction between Oklahoma and central Texas records. SEM examination of megaspore ornamentation and size confirm the determination. Descriptions of sites, population sizes, associated plants, soils, and species characteristics are included and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. deliciosa (A. Chev.) A. Chev. (green kiwifruit) is here reported as new to the flora of Arkansas and the United States. Establishment of A. chinensis var. deliciosa at the Saline County site potentially occurred through the transport and subsequent introduction of one or more seeds to the site via a sewer pump station. Photographs of Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa, along with a key to the three species of Actinidia currently known to occur outside of cultivation in the United States, are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographic and host distributions of Arceuthobium hondurense and A. nigrum (Viscaceae) in southern Mexico and Central America have remained unclear due to difficulties in their identification. This study was conducted to clarify the morphology, phenology, distribution, and host affinities of these dwarf mistletoes. Morphological measurements were made for these species across their geographic distributions and nr ITS sequences were generated and compared from selected populations in Mexico. Although subtle, interspecific differences in plant morphology were found, A. hondurense and A. nigrum can be differentiated by the dimensions of their staminate spikes, staminate flowers, and fruits. Our data also indicated that A. hondurense and A. nigrum were not sympatric. Arceuthobium hondurense is distributed from northern Nicaragua to northern Oaxaca, Mexico and A. nigrum is distributed from Veracruz to northern Durango. Although A. hondurense and A. nigrum flowered in the fall, A. hondurense consistently peaked in September and A. nigrum peaked in October, extending into January in central Mexico. A spring flowering period reported previously for A. nigrum was not observed. Additional information on the host distribution and molecular differences of these dwarf mistletoes is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study revises the taxonomy of Varronia P. Br. (Cordiaceae) species endemic to the Galapagos Islands and presents a key that can more reliably distinguish the species using vegetative characters alone. We conclude that there are four endemic species of Galápagos Varronia distributed across ten islands: V. canescens Andersson (syn = V. anderssonii, nom. illeg,), V. leucophlyctis (Hook. f.) Andersson, V. scouleri (Hook. f.) Andersson, and V. revoluta (Hook. f.) Andersson. Although most species share island distributions, species are not found in close proximity together and no obviously intermediate or putatively hybrid individuals were observed. The endemic species appear to be distylous, and preliminary data suggest these species may be obligate outcrossers. The findings of our study will assist efforts by park managers and other researchers to determine the conservation status of each species and to develop appropriate conservation measures in line with the life-history of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eritrichum Schrad. was not validly published. Eritrichium Schrad. ex Gaudin is valid and the correct name for the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution, description, and a key to the species of the genus Stylisma (Convolvulaceae) in Louisiana are presented. The current number of species includes three native perennial vines: S. aquatica (Walt.) Raf., S. humistrata (Walt.) Chapm., and S. pickeringii (Torr. ex M.A. Curtis) A. Gray. Two species, Stylisma patens (Desr.) Myint and S. villosa (Nash) House, are excluded from the Louisiana flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrolepis sinuata is reported new for the flora of Louisiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]