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Eleven angiosperm plant species are added to the flora of New Mexico that were revealed through herbarium curation associated with a project to digitize and unify the two herbaria of New Mexico State University (NMC & NMCR) and through ongoing field work. One, Dimorphocarpa candicans, is restored to the state's flora, after it was earlier placed into synonymy with D. wislizeni, a close but morphologically distinct relative. The current IUCN Redlist conservation status of endangered (EN) for Gossypium thurberi should be revisited given its newly discovered range extension into southwestern New Mexico. New county-level distribution records are provided for a total of 16 taxa. Crepis tectorum, one of the species added to the flora of New Mexico, is likewise documented for Colorado, where it occurs in three counties. All of the plants added to the floras pertain to species that are either native or introduced with the potential to spread and become naturalized in the landscape. A putative introgressive population is also reported for New Mexico between Quercus turbinella and Q. laceyi, the latter otherwise unknown in the state. For all new records, full citations of specimen vouchers are provided to document the extended distributional ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Saxifragales is a morphologically and ecologically diverse clade of flowering plants with a cosmopolitan distribution. Although families and genera within the order exhibit classic biogeographical disjunctions, no studies to date have rigorously examined and described its historical biogeography. Here, we analyze the historical biogeography of Saxifragales by first generating a new chronogram for the order using a supermatrix approach, based on 61 loci from 251 representative members of Saxifragales. Our results suggest that Saxifragales originated in the early Albian approximately 107 Ma and diversified rapidly in the next 15 Ma, with all stem lineages of extant families present by the Campanian at approximately 75 Ma. The ancestral geographic range of the order is unclear, but ancestral range reconstructions point to an East Asian origin as the most tenable hypothesis. Ancestral ranges of the Haloragaceae/Crassulaceae clade suggest a strong signal for an Australasia origin for all families, and Saxifragaceae shows strong signal for bidirectional movement across the Asian-Alaskan land bridge during the Upper Cretaceous. Disjunct distributions are best explained by long-distance dispersal rather than vicariance, but we demonstrate that timing and directionality within particular disjunctions are similar within Saxifragales and consistent with results from distantly related angiosperm clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The timing of reproduction is a major determinant of the geographical distribution of plant species and resulting patterns of community assembly, yet few studies have assessed how the reproductive phenology of plant assemblages varies across large geographical and environmental gradients. In addition, it remains poorly known to what extent phenological trends and their drivers differ between flowering and fruiting phases or among different growth forms. To address these knowledge gaps, we examined the reproductive phenology and potential climatic drivers in herbaceous and woody species in ecosystems across China that varied in climate (temperate to tropical) seasonality and elevation. Location: China. Methods: We used data from the Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae to estimate angiosperm flowering (n = 16,717 species) and fruiting (n = 11,605) phenology for 100 x 100 km grid cells (n = 943) throughout China. We assessed large‐scale geographical trends in mean flowering and fruiting date and the time needed for fruit development. The relationships of these phenological variables with seven climate variables were examined using both ordinary and spatial linear regression. Results: Higher latitudes and elevations had considerably reduced length of the reproductive season, with later flowering and earlier fruiting than lower latitudes and elevations. Woody plant assemblages flowered markedly earlier and needed three times longer for fruit development, and tended to show steeper geographical trends in reproductive phenology than herbaceous assemblages. Herbs and woody species differed strongly in their climatic triggers of flowering but largely shared the same cues for fruiting. Main conclusions: Woody species compensate for longer seed development times by an earlier onset of flowering, yet reproduction in both life‐forms has stronger climatic constraints. Distinct climatic drivers suggest that herbaceous and woody species assemblages will respond differently to climate change. Overall, our findings underpin the role of reproductive phenology as a key biological mechanism through which climate shapes large‐scale geographical trends in species richness, phylogenetic diversity and community assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To understand how functional traits and evolutionary history shape the geographic distribution of plant life on Earth, we need to integrate high‐quality and global‐scale distribution data with functional and phylogenetic information. Large‐scale distribution data for plants are, however, often restricted to either certain taxonomic groups or geographic regions. Range maps only exist for a small subset of all plant species and digitally available point‐occurrence information is biased both geographically and taxonomically. Floras and checklists represent an alternative, yet rarely used potential source of information. They contain highly curated information about the species composition of a clearly defined area, and together virtually cover the entire global land surface. Here, we report on our recent efforts to mobilize this information for macroecological and biogeographical analyses in the GIFT database, the Global Inventory of Floras and Traits. Location: Global. Taxon: Land plants (Embryophyta). Methods: GIFT integrates plant distributions from regional Floras and checklists with functional traits, phylogenetic information, and region‐level geographic, environmental and socio‐economic data. It contains information about the floristic status (native, endemic, alien and naturalized) and takes advantage of the wealth of trait information in the regional Floras, complemented by data from global trait databases. Results: GIFT 1.0 holds species lists for 2,893 regions across the whole globe including ~315,000 taxonomically standardized species names (i.e. c. 80% of all known land plant species) and ~3 million species‐by‐region occurrences. Based on a hierarchical and taxonomical derivation scheme, GIFT contains information for 83 functional traits and more than 2.3 million trait‐by‐species combinations and achieves unprecedented coverage in categorical traits such as woodiness (~233,000 spp.) or growth form (~213,000 spp.). Main conclusions: Here, we present the structure, content and automated workflows of GIFT and a corresponding web‐interface (http://gift.uni-goettingen.de) as proof of concept for the feasibility and potential of mobilizing aggregated biodiversity data for global macroecological and biogeographical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytogeographic and floristic connections of the "Montes de Maria" (MM: north of Colombia) were analyzed through Geographic Information Systems, at worldwide, Neotropical and in Colombia scales in order to determine its geographical origin and floristic affinities. We estimated that genera are mostly of the Neotropical (74%) and Nearctic (26%) origin. At the Neotropical level, MM is located at the Pacific dominion and shares species with the Mesoamerican dominion. In addition, shares species with the Chaqueña, Antilles subregions, and the South American and Mexican transition zones. At the regional level, the MM is located between Guajira and Magdalena provinces, although is floristically more similar to Guajira province. MM shape a floristic unit together with other fragments of dry forest in the Colombian Caribbean, which is highly related to dry forests of the inter-Andean valleys. In addition, the floristic origin of MM is associated to dry flora of Mesoamerica, nonetheless it was also influenced by the Amazonian and the Sabana province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Herbaceous plants studied in climate-controlled growing conditions. • The interspecies variations control n -alkane distributions. • δ2H alk increased ca. 10–30‰ during warming (of up to 4 °C). • δ2H alk during P (precipitation) treatments close to that caused by a warming response. • Higher interspecies variability in δ2H alk (ca. 30–50‰). The distributions of long chain n -alkanes and their hydrogen isotope values (δ2H alk) can be used to investigate paleoclimatic changes, but, as yet, the degree to which plant types, temperature and/or hydrology may drive such variations, cannot be discriminated. Seven co-occurring herbaceous plants (angiosperms) were studied in climate-controlled growing conditions in an open-top chamber located in Naqu, Tibet, in 2015 and 2017, using generalized n -alkane parameters, viz. n- alkane concentrations (Conc alk), the carbon preference index (CPI) and the average chain length (ACL), and δ2H alk values. These plants were subjected to warming (W, spanning a < 4 °C mean annual temperature (MAT) gradient) and the amount of water that plants received (100% precipitation differences) conditions in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Growth experiments showed that: (1) No significant relationships were found between n -alkane parameters (Conc alk , ACL and CPI) and temperature (a 4 °C difference) or precipitation (100% precipitation differences); (2) The δ2H alk increased ca. 10–30‰ during W 4 °C conditions, with differences in the sensitivity of responses to W between different species. During P treatments, the variability in δ2H alk values was close to that caused by a W 4 °C response; and 3) the interspecies variability in n -alkane distributions and δ2H alk (ca. 30–50‰) was higher than that caused by these P and W responses. These results highlight the importance of the potential impact of any changes in the floral assemblage when interpreting sedimentary n -alkane distributions and δ2H alk records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mexico is a megadiverse country. Presently, 22 126 species of angiosperms have been registered within its territory and 11 001 are considered to be endemic. However, their geographical distributions are far from homogeneous. In addition, Mexico is the center of diversification of several groups. Our analysis focused on such groups. The aims were to identify areas of species richness and endemism. A data matrix with 766 species and 25 579 geographical records was analyzed. It included Calochortus (Liliaceae); Bletia (Orchidaceae); Tigridieae (Iridaceae); Amaryllidaceae; Poliantheae, Echeandia (Asparagaceae); Crassulaceae; Hylocereus (Cactaceae); Solanum, Lycianthes and Physalinae (Solanaceae); Salvia section Membranaceae (Lamiaceae); and Cosmos and Dahlia (Asteraceae). Using Geographic Information Systems, we determined richness and distribution based on: (i) Mexican political divisions, (ii) biogeographical regions and provinces, (iii) a grid of 0.5 × 0.5° cells, and (iv) elevation. The areas of endemism were estimated using the endemicity analysis. The highest number of taxa and endemic plants were concentrated within the Transmexican Volcanic Belt in the Mexican Transition Zone. This mountain range has been recognized as a province on the basis of geologic, tectonic, geomorphologic, physiographic and biogeographic criteria. It is a 1000 km long volcanic arc that extends east to west through Central Mexico and is variably from 80 to 230 km wide, between 17°30′ to 20°25′N and 96°20′ to 105°20′W. Our results represent a local deviation from the global richness latitudinal gradient of angiosperm species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta información acerca del Balanophoraceae, un tipo de planta floreciendo, incluyendo Helosis cayennensis; sus características físicas y su distribución geográfica.

Abstract: Aim: Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) events occur rarely but play a fundamental role in shaping species biogeography. Lying at the heart of island biogeography theory, LDD relies on unusual events to facilitate colonization of new habitats and range expansion. Despite the importance of LDD, it is inherently difficult to quantify due to the rarity of such events. We estimate the probability of LDD of the seagrass Heterozostera nigricaulis, a common Australian species, across the Pacific Ocean to colonize South America. Location: Coastal Chile, Australia and the Pacific Ocean. Methods: Genetic analyses of H. nigricaulis collected from Chile and Australia were used to assess the relationship between the populations and levels of clonality. Ocean surface current models were used to predict the probability of propagules dispersing from south‐east Australia to central Chile and shipping data used to determine the likelihood of anthropogenic dispersal. Results: Our study infers that the seagrass H. nigricaulis dispersed from Australia across the entire width of the Pacific (c. 14,000 km) to colonize South America on two occasions. Genetic analyses reveal that these events led to two large isolated clones, one of which covers a combined area of 3.47 km2. Oceanographic models estimate the arrival probability of a dispersal propagule within 3 years to be at most 0.00264%. Early shipping provides a potential alternative dispersal vector, yet few ships sailed from SE Australia to Chile prior to the first recording of H. nigricaulis and the lack of more recent and ongoing introductions demonstrate the rarity of such dispersal. Main conclusions: These findings demonstrate LDD does occur over extreme distances despite very low probabilities. The large number of propagules (100s of millions) produced over 100s of years suggests that the arrival of propagules in Chile was inevitable and confirms the importance of LDD for species distributions and community ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta información acerca de la familia Aristolochiaceae, un grupo de plantas florecidas, incluyendo su distribución geográfica y sus varias especies, como A. brevipes, A. elegans y A. foetida.

Plant interactions with flower visitors are essential to understand the reproductive biology, evolution and distribution of flowering plants. Morphological convergences of flower traits have allowed flowers to maximize their attraction to pollinator agents leading to the concept of pollination syndromes. Due to habitat heterogeneity, low water retention and resource availability in the soil, as well as broad altitudinal range of the system, plants often show restricted distributions in rupestrian grasslands. The present study aimed to describe the floral biology and reproductive aspects of Collaea cipoensis , a shrub restricted to small patches alongside watercourses in rupestrian grasslands of Serra do Cipó, Brazil. Specifically, we examined the dependence on pollinators to set fruits and the functional role of floral visitors (i.e. pollinators, nectar-robbers, nectar-thieves, and florivores). Collaea cipoensis is a strictly xenogamous species and two hummingbirds ( Colibri serrirostris and Eupetomena macroura ) are its potential pollinators. Although C. serrirostris also behaves as illegitimate visitor, it represents 90% of legitimate visits, thus being the most important pollinator. However, the most common flower visitors are two important nectar-robbers, the bee Trigona spinipes and the syrphid Toxomerus musicus. The species is self-incompatible and pollen-limited, as hand-pollination increased fruit production more than 50%. Still, hand-pollination set only 20% of fruits and 48% of seeds. Overall, the dependence on cross-pollination, the stressful environmental conditions and the high floral visitation rates by illegitimate visitors may limit reproduction of this species, leading to a fitness reduction. Our results reinforce the idea that rupestrian grasslands conform a complex scenario that restricts the species distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta información acerca de varias especies de plantas de Montiaceae, un tipo de planta floreciendo, así como su distribución geográfica.

Abstract: Seagrasses are marine flowering plants distributed worldwide. They are however threatened, mostly due to the increase of human activities. Seagrasses have the capacity to adapt their morphological, physiological, and mechanical traits to their local conditions. Mechanical traits have been identified as a good tool to investigate a plant‐species capacity to withstand physical forces or disturbances but are still sparsely studied in seagrasses. With this study, we aimed to assess how the mechanical traits of a broadly spread seagrass species vary along a latitudinal gradient in relation to its morphometric plasticity and nutrient status. We found that seagrasses acclimate their mechanical traits in relation to their physiological or morphological traits, both over the growing season and across a latitudinal range: leaves were weaker and thinner in northern areas, particularly at the end of the growing season. Besides the influence of the latitudinal gradient, leaf mechanical strength and stiffness were both strongly affected by their morphometric plasticity. Moreover, we showed that leaves mechanical traits change depending on their nutrient status: leaves were stronger and stiffer in oligotrophic conditions as compared to more eutrophic conditions. Thus, our results imply that, under eutrophication, leaves become weaker and thus more vulnerable to physical forces. This vulnerability is higher in the north at the end of the growing season. The latter is consistent with the more ephemeral character of northern seagrass meadows, in contrast to the more evergreen southern meadows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of perennial Sesuvium species in Africa has been poorly investigated until now. Previously five perennial species of Sesuvium were recognised in Africa (S. congense, S. crithmoides, S. mesembryanthemoides, S. portulacastrum, and S. sesuvioides). Based on the differing number of stamens, S. ayresii is accepted here as being distinct from S. portulacastrum. Field observations in Angola also led the authors to conclude that S. crystallinum and S. mesembryanthemoides are conspecific with S. crithmoides. A new subspecies, Sesuvium portulacastrum subsp. persoonii, is described from West Africa (Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal). The molecular phylogeny indicates the position of S. portulacastrum subsp. persoonii within the "American lineage" as a part of the Sesuvium portulacastrum complex which needs further studies. A diagnostic key and taxonomic notes are provided for the six perennial species of Sesuvium found in Africa and recognised by the authors (S. ayresii, S. congense, S. crithmoides, S. portulacastrum subsp. portulacastrum, S. portulacastrum subsp. persoonii, S. verrucosum and the facultatively short-lived S. sesuvioides). The distribution of S. crithmoides, previously considered to be endemic to Angola, is now confirmed for the seashores of Republic of Congo and DR Congo. The American species S. verrucosum is reported for the first time for Africa (the Macaronesian islands: Cape Verde and the Canaries). It is locally naturalised in Gran Canaria, being a potentially invasive species. These findings as well as new records of S. verrucosum from Asia and the Pacific Islands confirm its proneness to transcontinental introduction. Lectotypes of S. brevifolium, S. crithmoides, S. crystallinum and S. mesembryanthemoides are selected. The seed micromorphology and anatomy of the perennial African species is studied. Compared to the seeds of some annual African Sesuvium investigated earlier, those of perennial species are smooth or slightly alveolate. The aril is one-layered and parenchymatous in all species and usually tightly covers the seed. The aril detachments from the seed coat that form a white stripe near the cotyledon area easily distinguish S. verrucosum from other species under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pachyptera DC. is a small genus of neotropical lianas included in tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae). The genus has a complicated taxonomic history but currently includes species distributed from Belize to Southern Amazon. Pachyptera is characterised by four main synapomorphies, namely, a papery peeling bark, prophylls of the axillary buds organised in a series of three, patelliform glands arranged in lines in the upper portions of the calyx and corolla tube. Furthermore, members of the genus also have stems with four phloem wedges in cross-section and conspicuous extrafloral nectaries between the interpetiolar region and at the petiole apex, although these characters are also shared with other genera of tribe Bignonieae. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of Pachyptera, which includes a complete list of synonyms, detailed morphological descriptions of species and an identification key, as well as information on the habitat, distribution and phenology, nomenclatural notes, taxonomic comments and illustrations of all the species. In addition, we designate three lectotypes, propose one new combination, raise one variety to species status and describe a new species. After these adjustments, a Pachyptera with five well-defined species is recognised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schismatoglottis saafiei Kartini, P. C. Boyce & S. Y. Wong and Schismatoglottis zainuddinii Kartini, P. C. Boyce & S. Y. Wong are described and illustrated as new species from Tawau Hills N.P., Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Schismatoglottis zainuddinii is the first record of the Schismatoglottis Asperata clade for Sabah. Schismatoglottis saafiei belongs to a complex of species centred on S. trifasciata Hallier.f. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The historical biogeography of the species-rich flowering plant genus Goniothalamus ( c. 130 species) and the wider Annonaceae tribe Annoneae is investigated to evaluate hypotheses regarding the processes underlying tropical intercontinental disjunctions ('long-distance dispersal [ LDD]' versus 'boreotropics') and floristic exchange between biodiversity hotspots in tropical Asia. Location Tropics, tropical Asia. Methods Divergence time estimation was based on plastid DNA sequence data ( c. 10 kb; 164 Annonaceae accessions, including 65 Goniothalamus species) using an uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock model and two fossil calibrations. Likelihood ancestral range estimation was performed using dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis models with and without time-stratified dispersal constraints. Results The boreotropics model incorporating high chances for intercontinental dispersal during 68-34 Ma fitted the data significantly better than LDD models enforcing low intercontinental dispersal rates. Multiple vicariance events were identified in Annoneae including at the Annoneae crown node (57-49 Ma, Africa/S+N America), and the Disepalum- Asimina split (27-24 Ma, Asia/N America). A wide ancestral range in continental SE Asia, W and E Malesia was inferred at the Goniothalamus crown node (24-21 Ma). Several dispersal events from continental SE Asia/W Malesia were identified in the Miocene: two north-eastwards to the Philippines, one eastwards to the Sahul Shelf and two westwards to India. Main conclusions The boreotropics hypothesis provides a well-supported, plausible explanation for the disjunctions and dispersal-vicariance patterns in tribe Annoneae. The wide distribution inferred at the Goniothalamus crown node indicates that its ancestors already bridged the marine gap between the Sunda and Sahul Shelves by LDD or rafting on tectonic plate microfragments. Dispersal across long-standing water bodies in Malesia occurred multiple times from the early Miocene as marine gaps decreased following tectonic plate convergence and land emergence. Substantially older crown group divergence estimates compared with previous studies indicate that hypotheses of rapid recent radiation in Goniothalamus must be rejected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly assumed that the geographical distributions of plants are governed mainly by abiotic variables. However, interactions with other organisms, such as pollinators, also have the potential to influence plant distributions. To investigate this, we developed niche models for 32 plant taxa that have specialized pollination systems and which are native to a biodiversity hotspot (South Africa). We found that the distributions of these taxa are best explained by a combination of biotic (pollinators) and abiotic factors, rather than by abiotic factors alone. For approximately 66% of these plant taxa, pollinator distributions were the factor that provided the best predictor of their niches. Furthermore, co-occurrence of these plants and their pollinators was generally not explained solely by shared abiotic niches, and thus probably reflects broad-scale positive ecological interactions. These results are consistent with the proposal that pollinator distributions may constrain plant distributions and highlight the general potential for species distributions to be shaped by positive interactions with other species. This has important consequences for predicting howdistributions of species might change in the face of loss of their key mutualists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta información acerca de varias especies de plantas de Sterculiaceae, un tipo de planta floreciendo, así como su distribución geográfica.

A new species, Vanilla norashikiniana R. Go et A. Raffi, from Peninsular Malaysia is described and other aspects of interest discussed. It is so far known from a population in lower dipterocarp forests in Hutan Lipur Chemerong, Hulu Dungun, Terengganu and Hutan Simpan Semangkok, Selangor. A field key to the Peninsular Malaysian taxa (including Vanilla shenzhenica) is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision of Barleria L. comprising of four sections and nine species in Yemen, namely Barleria acanthoides Vahl, B. aculeata Balf. f., B. orbicularis T. Anderson, B. parviflora R. Br. ex T. Anders., B. ventricosa Nees, B. proxima Lindau, B. prionitis L., B. tetracantha Balf. f. and B. bispinosa (Forssk.) Vahl is given with key to sections and species. Included herein are taxonomic discussions, description of general taxonomic characters, distribution and other notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A botanical inventory was conducted in the primary upper hill dipterocarp and hill dipterocarp forest at Tranum Forest Reserve, Pahang. A total of 466 species from 269 genera and 102 families was recorded. Angiosperms represented by 101 families while gymnosperm by a single family, Gnetaceae. Dicotyledons represented by 85 families while monocotyledons represented by 16 families. Rubiaceae was the most speciose family with 37 species (7.94 %) followed by Annonaceae and Lauraceae, each with 27 species (5.79 %). The largest genus was Syzygium with 14 species (3.00 %) followed by Diospyros with 10 species (2.15 %). A total 32 taxa were endemic to Peninsular Malaysia whilst another 23 taxa were categorized as new records for Pahang state. A total of 235 taxa was also listed as the new additional list for Fraser's Hill flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of leaf anatomy was conducted on some Ficus taxa namely as F. binnendykii var. coriacea, F. beccarii, F. kerkhovenii, F. sinuata, F. crassiramea and F. parietalis. The objective of this study is to determine the taxonomic value of leaf anatomical characteristics in selected Ficus taxa. Methods employed include transverse section of leaf lamina and margin using sliding microtome. The presence of continuous sclerenchyma cells surrounding vascular bundles in the leaf lamina, cystolith cells and swollen tracheids in leaf venation are common characteristics shared by all taxa studied. Taxa studied can be distinguished by the shape of marginal outline, presence and types of trichomes, types of lamina venation, presence of secretory cells, solitary crystal, druses, hypodermis and the layers of palisade cells underneath the adaxial epidermis and also in the present of cuticle. Some characters, such as the presence of collenchyma cells underneath the adaxial epidermis and above the palisade cells of primary vascular bundles in the leaf lamina in F. sinuata, complex veinlets of leaf venation in F. kerkhovenii, cystolith trichomes in F. beccarii and presence of short-stalked capitate (bicellular terminal) trichomes in F. parietalis are unique to certain species and are therefore useful as diagnostic characters. This study showed that anatomical characteristics of leaf lamina have taxonomic significance that can be used in differentiation and identification in Ficus taxa studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colobanthus quitensis is the only native dicotyledoneae in the Antarctic; therefore, it is the object of ample research regarding tolerance mechanisms to its extreme habitat. This species also represents a wide geographical distribution, from 68°S to 17°N and from 0 m a.s.l. in the south to 4200 m a.s.l. in the north of its distribution area. As the described habitats for different populations coincide in their extreme abiotic characteristics, there has been increasing interest in studying different populations in recent years, as well as the existence of phenotypic or genetic variability among them. In contrast, very little is known about its genome; knowledge of genome size and ploidy levels allows the development of strategies to generate information in population studies related to structure, gene flow and genetic diversity in order to describe phenotypic characteristics. Several studies have related genome size to the ecological requirements of the species distributed through an ample environmental gradient. For several years now, flow cytometry has become a simple method to determine genome size in a wide variety of species. In this paper, we determine genome size for three C. quitensis populations. The populations of Arctowski and La Marisma (Punta Arenas) have 2 C = 1.95 pg, while the Conguillio population reported 2 C = 0.84 pg, approximately half as much. This may evidence different ploidy levels between the populations, creating new questions with regard to the number of chromosomes and the possible existence of endopoliploidy. This would be related to the distribution and the adaptive mechanisms of this species throughout its wide distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischaemum sreenarayanii, a new species of Ischaemum L. is described and illustrated with detailed notes on distribution, conservation status and phenology. The new species is similar to I. santapaui and I. nairii but differs in number of attributes having up to 1.3 cm long filiform tip of the leaf apex, villous pseudopetiole of upper leaves and 4-6 conspicuous annular transverse ridges and winged margins of the sessile spikelet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Petrosaviaceae is represented by two species in Vietnam, viz. Petrosavia sakuraii restricted to the northern part of the country and P. stellaris distributed in its southern part. The latter species is shown to possess a wide range of distribution in Vietnam, though it was previously believed to be an exclusively Malesian species. The inclusion of P. sinii in P. sakuraii is confirmed. Details on distribution, illustrations and an identification key for these species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a great number of literatures, we established the database about the Chinese endemic seed plants and analyzed the compositions, growth form, distribution and angiosperm original families of them within three big natural areas and seven natural regions. The results indicate that the above characters of Chinese endemic plants take on relative rule at the different geographical scales. Among the three big natural areas, Eastern Monsoon area has the highest endemic plants richness, whereas Northwest Dryness area is the lowest. For life forms, herbs dominate. In contrast, the proportion of herbs of Eastern Monsoon area is remarkable under other two areas. Correspondingly the proportions of trees and shrubs are substantially higher than other two. For angiosperm original families, the number is the highest in Eastern Monsoon area, and lowest in Northwest Dryness area. On the other hand, among the seven natural regions, the humid and subtropical zone in Central and Southern China has the highest endemic plants richness, whereas the humid, hemi-humid region and temperate zone in Northeast China has the lowest. For life forms, the proportion of herbs tends to decrease from humid, hemi-humid region and temperate zone in Northeast China to humid and tropical zone in Southern China. Comparably, trees, shrubs and vines or lianas increase with the same directions. This fully represents these characters of Chinese endemic plants vary with latitudinal gradients. Furthermore, as to the number of endemic plants belonging to angiosperm original families, the number is the most in humid and subtropical zone in Center and Southern China, and tropical zone in Southern China in the next place. In contrast, the endemic plant of these two regions relatively is richer than that of The Qinghai-Tibet alpine and cold region. All above results sufficiently reflect that the Chinese endemic plants mainly distribute in Eastern Monsoon area, especially humid and subtropical zone in Center and Southern China and tropical zone in Southern China. Furthermore, the flora of Eastern Monsoon area, in particular humid and subtropical zone in Center and Southern China and tropical zone in Southern China, is more ancient and original than that of Northwest Dryness area and Qinghai-Tibet alpine and cold area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A drawing has been determined as lectotype for Gundelia tournefortii, the corresponding historic specimen has been chosen as epitype. Some uncertainties remain: e.g. the colour of the flowers. The analyses of photos from the internet and the comparison with recently collected material allows to describe the characters of Gundelia tournefortii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of Gundelia glabra Miller is clarified, a neotype is chosen, the characters and the distribution of the species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gundelia rosea is stated as well defined species different from G. tournefortii. It is first time reported from Iran, the characters are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gundelia tehranica is described from Iran, the characters are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of a revision of the New World Ebenaceae for "Flora Neotropica" and some regional floras, specimens from ca. 100 herbaria have been studied. The South American Diospyros sericea A.DC. (synonyms: D. vestita Benoist, and D. praetermissa Sandwith), and D. pseudoxylopia Mildbr. are here described in detail. Lectotypes for these four taxa are selected. Figures, distribution maps, vernacular names, information on habitat and ecology, lists of specimens, and an identification key are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pimelea Banks &Sol. ex Gaertn. is a genus of flowering plants comprising an estimated 90 species in Australia and ~35 species in New Zealand. The genus is economically important, with the inflorescences of some species having floricultural applications, and the presence of toxic compounds in several species proving poisonous to livestock. Pimelea grows in a variety of habitats ranging from arid to alpine, suggesting a complicated biogeographic history. The relationships within Pimelea remain largely uncertain, despite previous attempts at clarification using molecular phylogenetics. However, it is clear that Pimelea is closely related to Thecanthes Wikstr., with the two genera comprising the subtribe Pimeleinae. We used Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses of four plastid markers (matK, rbcL, rps16, trnL-F) and one nuclear ribosomal marker (ITS) to examine the evolutionary relationships within Pimeleinae. We found strong support for the monophyly of Pimeleinae but, similar to previous studies, Pimelea was paraphyletic with respect to Thecanthes. Our results also indicated that P. longiflora R.Br. subsp. longiflora and P. longiflora subsp. eyrei (F.Muell.) Rye are best considered as distinct species. Therefore, we reduce Thecanthes to synonymy with Pimelea, making the necessary new combination Pimelea filifolia (Rye) C.S.P.Foster et M.J.Henwood (previously Thecanthes filifolia Rye), and also reinstate Pimelea eyrei F.Muell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The systematic analysis of a large number of comparable plant trait data can support investigations into phylogenetics and ecological adaptation, with broad applications in evolutionary biology, agriculture, conservation, and the functioning of ecosystems. Floras, i.e., books collecting the information on all known plant species found within a region, are a potentially rich source of such plant trait data. Floras describe plant traits with a focus on morphology and other traits relevant for species identification in addition to other characteristics of plant species, such as ecological affinities, distribution, economic value, health applications, traditional uses, and so on. However, a key limitation in systematically analyzing information in Floras is the lack of a standardized vocabulary for the described traits as well as the difficulties in extracting structured information from free text. Results: We have developed the Flora Phenotype Ontology (FLOPO), an ontology for describing traits of plant species found in Floras. We used the Plant Ontology (PO) and the Phenotype And Trait Ontology (PATO) to extract entity-quality relationships from digitized taxon descriptions in Floras, and used a formal ontological approach based on phenotype description patterns and automated reasoning to generate the FLOPO. The resulting ontology consists of 25,407 classes and is based on the PO and PATO. The classified ontology closely follows the structure of Plant Ontology in that the primary axis of classification is the observed plant anatomical structure, and more specific traits are then classified based on parthood and subclass relations between anatomical structures as well as subclass relations between phenotypic qualities. Conclusions: The FLOPO is primarily intended as a framework based on which plant traits can be integrated computationally across all species and higher taxa of flowering plants. Importantly, it is not intended to replace established vocabularies or ontologies, but rather serve as an overarching framework based on which different application- and domain-specific ontologies, thesauri and vocabularies of phenotypes observed in flowering plants can be integrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Donella Pierre ex Baill. is here reinstated and Austrogambeya Aubrév. is, for the first time, placed in synonymy based on the findings of recent combined molecular and morphological studies. Seventeen species are recognised, two of which, Donella ranirisonii L.Gaut. & Mackinder and D. humbertii Capuron ex Mackinder & L.Gaut., from Madagascar, are described here for the first time. The flowers of Donella ambrensis and D. delphinensis are described here for the first time, as are the fruits of D. guereliana. Two keys, to the species of Madagascar and tropical Africa, respectively, are presented. Ten species are endemic to Madagascar, six species are endemic to tropical Africa and one, Donella lanceolata, occurs from Madagascar to the Solomon Islands. For each species, the accepted name with synonymy is given, followed by a morphological description. Geographical range and details of habitat are provided, with taxonomic and/or nomenclatural notes as appropriate. Distribution maps are presented for all species, and preliminary conservation assessments are made. Five species qualify for a category of Threat, and three further species are assessed as Near Threatened. An index to species and a list of exsiccatae are included. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Premise of research. Gynodioecy, a dimorphic sexual system where individual plants are either female or hermaphroditic, has been documented in≪1% of plant species. This rarity suggests that gynodioecy can evolve and persist only under a restrictive set of conditions. One approach to determining these conditions is to identify the phenotypic traits and ecological factors that are associated with gynodioecy, as such traits or factors may facilitate the evolution and persistence of the sexual system. Methodology. We assembled an angiosperm-wide database of gynodioecious species and used this database to test whether gynodioecy was associated with two phenotypic traits/ecological factors: an herbaceous growth form and a temperate geographic distribution. Species-level analyses were used to confirm that gynodioecious species are predominately herbaceous and temperate. Family-level analyses were then used to test whether the presence of herbaceous and temperate species in a lineage was associated with the presence of gynodioecious species. Pivotal results. An herbaceous growth form and a temperate geographic distribution were significantly overrepresented in gynodioecious species relative to their frequency in all plant species. Families that contained species with an herbaceous growth form and a temperate geographic distribution were significantly more likely to also contain gynodioecious species. Conclusions. Gynodioecy was associated with an herbaceous growth form and a temperate distribution, suggesting that herbaceousness and temperateness can facilitate the evolution and/or persistence of gynodioecy. In addition, our results suggest that gynodioecy is associated with different phenotypic traits/ecological factors than dioecy, a closely related sexual system. Consequently, whether gynodioecy is a transitional state in the evolution of dioecy may depend on the growth form and geographic distribution of the lineage in which it evolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this study was created a list of parasitic flowering plants of Turkey in light of recent researches. Therefore, we compiled various studies about parasitic flowering plants and flora in Turkey. Additionally, biogeographic characterization and IUCN categories of these plants were determined using literature. As a result, 146 species, subspecies and varieties belonging to 5 families and 30 genera were determined. Considering life types, while 91 taxa are hemi-parasitic, the others are holo-parasitic plants. The number of endemic taxa was 19 and this number constitutes 13.19% of the total parasitic flowering plants. The biogeographic distribution of the species are: Irano - Turanian 23 (15.49%), Euro - Siberian 38 (25.35%), Mediterranean 18 (12.68%) and unknown region 63 (46.48%). The distribution of the endemic and rare taxa according to IUCN categories are: 2 taxa in critically (CR), 2 taxa in endangered (EN), 13 taxa in vulnerable (VU), 4 taxa in near threatened (LR-nt), 17 taxa in least concern (LR-lc) and 1 taxa in conservation dependent (LR-cd) and 4 taxa in data deficient (DD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of modern terrestrial life is indissociable from angiosperm evolution. While available molecular clock estimates of angiosperm age range from the Paleozoic to the Late Cretaceous, the fossil record is consistent with angiosperm diversification in the Early Cretaceous., The time-frame of angiosperm evolution is here estimated using a sample representing 87% of families and sequences of five plastid and nuclear markers, implementing penalized likelihood and Bayesian relaxed clocks. A literature-based review of the palaeontological record yielded calibrations for 137 phylogenetic nodes. The angiosperm crown age was bound within a confidence interval calculated with a method that considers the fossil record of the group., An Early Cretaceous crown angiosperm age was estimated with high confidence. Magnoliidae, Monocotyledoneae and Eudicotyledoneae diversified synchronously 135-130 million yr ago (Ma); Pentapetalae is 126-121 Ma; and Rosidae (123-115 Ma) preceded Asteridae (119-110 Ma). Family stem ages are continuously distributed between c. 140 and 20 Ma., This time-frame documents an early phylogenetic proliferation that led to the establishment of major angiosperm lineages, and the origin of over half of extant families, in the Cretaceous. While substantial amounts of angiosperm morphological and functional diversity have deep evolutionary roots, extant species richness was probably acquired later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primulina (Gesneriaceae) is an enigmatic group of lithophytic plants, which encompass over 160 species mainly distributed in the limestone region of southern China and nothern Vietnam. A majority of species of the genus have very narrow distribution, which have been found in only one or a few proximate localities. It seems that this genus could even possess much more diversity than presently known as lots of new species have recently been and are being discribed, particularly from its distributional center. In the presnt study, a new species of Gesneriaceae, P. bobaiensis from Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. We intuitively judged the higher taxonomic unit, i.e. genus , that the assumed new species should belong to; compared the morphologies of this assumed new species with all other recognized species previously discribed in the genus and deduced possible close relatives of the new species based on morphological similarity. Then we tested its affinities to other sampled species from the same large region and the divergence of DNA sequences between the assumed new species and its closest relatives. Morphologically, this new species is assumed to belong to the genus Primulina and can be easily distinguished from all other Gesneriaceae species by its special floral appearance, e.g. lower lip is much longer than upper lip and it has spotted marks on the inside of the upper lip (the majority of other species have striped marks on the inside(s) of the lower and/or upper lips). Subsequently, the taxonomic treatment of being attibuted to Primulina and the monophyly of the recircumscribed genus Primulina s.l. are also corroborated by the molecular evidence based on the plastid matK gene. Within the genus the new species is suggested to be the sister of a lineage comprising P. swinglei and P. laxiflora. Further examination of the matK sequences indicated 5 and 11 base differences of P. bobaiensis separating from P. swinglei and P. laxiflora, respectively, implying potential long period of isolation from these species or high substitution rate of the matK gene in these taxa. Moreover, the new species is restricted on Danxia rocks while its closest relatives as well as most of its congeners are confined on limestone rocks, suggesting possible specific edaphic adaptation and isolation of the new species. Further, the high endemism with low abundance and usually morphological and molecular distinctiveness of this and many other species of Primulina would also superimpose the importance of conservation of these rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most flowering plants are hermaphroditic with both stamens and carpels in the same flower. Other sexual systems are derived from ancestral hermaphroditism through one of the following pathways namely via monoecy, directly from hermaprhoditism, via gynodioecy, via distyly or via androdioecy. Sexual system in the genus Garcinia is highly diverse and includes dioecious, gynodioecious, androdioecious, polygamodioecious, monoecious and andromonoecious species. Garcinia indica Choisy (kokum tree) is reported to be polygamodioecious or gynodioecious. In the present study, sexual variation was estimated in seven populations of Garcinia indica of Western Ghats to determine the extent of variation among the populations and 14 floral traits were studied to assess the sexual dimorphism in floral traits. Four basic kinds of flowers namely, male flowers, male flowers with pistillode, female flowers with staminodes and bisexual flowers, were found in G. indica. These basic kinds of flowers occurred individually on a particular tree, producing unisexual individuals, or in combination of two, forming cosexual individuals. Thus, this species is trioecious, although the percentage of cosexual trees varied in different geographical locations. All the populations included cosexuals except one whereas pure hermaphroditic trees were present only in one. Significant differences were observed in 11 out of the 14 floral traits studied in the seven populations resulting in the diversity of sex forms. Male flowers had larger petal and female flowers were in general smaller than the other kinds. Interestingly, bisexual flowers were not always intermediate in size between male and female flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glochidion kingii M. V. Ramana, Sanjappa, Venu & Alok Chorghe, a new species from the scrub forests of North Andaman Islands, is described and illustrated. Its morphological similarities/dissimilarities in relation to G. rubrum Blume from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra is discussed and information about the distribution and conservation status for the new species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series Crocus comprises ten autumn-flowering species, including the cultivated Crocus sativus, Saffron-Crocus. Interspecific genetic variation was examined in all species of the series, except for C. naqabensis. Intraspecific genetic and morphological variation was considered in the three Greek endemics, C. cartwrightianus, C. hadriaticus and C. oreocreticus. Genetic variation was evaluated based on amplified fragment length polymorphism and simple sequence repeats analyses, including 94 and 233 specimens, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance demonstrated significant genetic variation within populations, compared with low genetic variation between populations suggesting substantial gene flow between populations. In Neighbour-Net analysis, C. hadriaticus samples from mainland Greece were separated from Peloponnesian samples; C. cartwrightianus, C. hadriaticus and C. oreocreticus generally were grouped with C. sativus samples. Pollination and maintenance of genetic variation are discussed. The large intraspecific variation found within the three specifically studied species reflects dynamic population structures with potential to meet future ecological fluctuations. It emphasises a large gene pool which should be considered by including a larger number of accessions in genetic diversity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status of members of the genus Lepidium in the Intermountain West has been in flux for years. Species concepts and classification of these endemic species from the western United States center on the highly variable L. montanum complex. Until recently, classification treatments that use morphological features in this group have been adequate, but as new species are discovered and more locations reported, the limited number of morphological features available for classification and defining species concepts has led to more uncertainty about taxonomic rankings. As part of a molecular and morphological-based treatment of the group, flow cytometry was used to evaluate 58 collections of Lepidium from the Intermountain West. The ploidy level for 14 species and 11 varieties of Lepidium was surveyed to assess whether ploidy levels affected the interpretation of taxonomic rankings. Of the Lepidium taxa surveyed, 90% were tetraploid, and several were diploid and hexaploid. Tetraploid occurrences crossed all major species and varieties. No geographic distribution or habitat patterns were associated with ploidy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo discurre sobre la familia de plantas florecidas Ochnaceae. Los autores describen algunas de las características de esta familia, incluyendo los estambres, las semillas y los sépalos. También se analizan varios tipos de Ochnaceae, incluyendo Ouratea curvata, Ouratea gigantophylla, y Ouratea lucens, incluyendo su distribución geográfica y su periodo de floración.

El artículo discurre sobre la familia de plantas florecidas Asteraceae tribu mutisieae. Los autores describen algunas de las características de esta familia, incluyendo la inflorescencia, las hojas y los sépalos. También se analizan varios tipos de Asteraceae , incluyendo Acourtia carpholepis, Acourtia dugesii y Acourtia hidalgoana, incluyendo su distribución geográfica y su periodo de floración.

El artículo discurre sobre la familia de plantas florecidas Commelinaceae. Los autores describen algunas de las características de esta familia, incluyendo las raíces fibrosas, las hojas y los sépalos. También se analizan varios tipos de Commelinaceae, incluyendo Callisia fragrans, Callisia monandra y Callisia multiflora, incluyendo su distribución geográfica y su periodo de floración.

Aim The biogeographical congruence hypothesis, that similar spatiotemporal patterns of geographical distribution exist across lineages, is revisited in this study, and biogeographical processes in presumed Madrean-Tethyan plants are investigated by employing phylogenetic analyses. Location Mediterranean and Californian floristic regions. Methods The snapdragons (tribe Antirrhineae, Plantaginaceae) are one of the plant groups that best illustrate disjunctions between the New World (14 genera) and the Old World (15 genera). A time-calibrated phylogeny ( ndhF sequences) and ancestral-area reconstructions were used to test the hypothesis of biogeographical congruence. We estimated support for sister-group relationships together with the probability of temporal congruence of snapdragons and five additional angiosperm groups using a biogeographical approach based on Bayesian inference, parsimony and maximum-likelihood methods. Results Synchronous divergences of four phylogenetically independent Mediterranean/Californian lineages within Antirrhineae were inferred for the Miocene. This result constitutes the first example of high biogeographical congruence within the same plant group. Analyses of five additional angiosperm groups previously considered exemplars of Madrean-Tethyan disjunctions revealed a total of 10 Mediterranean/Californian sister-group lineages, mostly with Miocene divergence times. In particular, our contrasting biogeographical analysis favoured a prevalent colonization process post-dating the separation of America and Eurasia (Eocene) for at least eight angiosperm lineages. Main conclusions Explicit testing of the Madrean-Tethyan hypothesis did not support predominant vicariance for Mediterranean/Californian sister groups as previously proposed. Instead, eight Mediterranean/Californian sister-group lineages displayed a Miocene divergence, including considerable biogeographical congruence within Antirrhineae (four independent lineages) and Cistaceae (two lineages). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Clonal growth is a common feature in flowering plants. As clone size increases, the selfing rate in self-compatible species is likely to increase due to more frequent geitono-pollination events (i.e. pollination among flowers within the same genet). This study investigated the breeding system of the marsh cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) and assessed spatial distribution of clones, clone size and architecture, and their effects on realized outcrossing rates. In addition, pollen dispersal was investigated in two patchy populations. Methods The species' breeding system was investigated under controlled conditions through hand pollinations (self- vs. cross-pollination). Using microsatellite markers, an assessment was made of the realized outcrossing rates and the genetic diversity in four natural populations, the clonal structure in two populations within five 15 × 15 m sampling plots following 0·5 × 0·5 m grids, and the pollen dispersal through paternity assignment tests in those two populations. Key Results Comarum palustre is a self-compatible species but only presents a low rate of spontaneous self-pollination. The occurrence of inbreeding depression was not detected at the seed set stage (δSS = 0·04). Clones were spatially clumped (AC = 0·60–0·80), with intermediate to no intermingling of the ramets (DC = 0·40–1·00). Genet size ranged from one to 171 ramets. Patchy populations had low outcrossing rates (tm = 0·33–0·46). Large clones showed lower outcrossing rates than small clones. Pollen dispersal mainly occurred within patches as only 1–7 % of the pollination events occurred between patches of >25 m separation. Seedling recruitment events were detected. Conclusions Genet size together with distances between patches, through increasing geitono-pollination events, appeared to be important factors influencing realized outcrossing rates. The study also revealed seed flow allowing seedling recruitment, which may contribute to increasing the number of new patches, and potentially further enhance gene flow within populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]