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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: Acrostichum danaeifolium is a widely distributed species in the Neotropics, growing in freshwater or saltwater habitats. In Argentina and Paraguay are scarce records cited by previous papers. The objective of this work is to study A. danaeifolium for Argentina and Paraguay, emphasizing the review of its distribution and the history of the botanical collections of the species. M&M: Specimens deposited in national and international herbaria and collected during monitoring tasks in the Río Pilcomayo National Park (Formosa, Argentina) were studied. Also, records were consulted in the GBIF and iNaturalist databases. The analysis of the diagnostic characters was carried out under a stereoscopic magnifying glass. Results and conclusions: The diagnostic characters of A. danaeifolium are illustrated, and a map of the species distribution in Argentina and Paraguay is provided. We corroborate that the A. danaeifolium populations registered to date for both countries are scarce and are restricted to the Chaco Oriental district, where they grow associated with floodplains such as river banks and freshwater lagoons. The specimens found in the Río Pilcomayo National Park represent the first record of the species in a protected area, the first record in Formosa province, the most boreal record of Argentina and the first collection in the country in 70 years. Due to the intense deforestation recorded in the Chaco Oriental district in recent decades, the RPNP takes on special relevance for the conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the present times, natural dyes become important for their safety, durability and environmental conservation. They give regional identity to any project of an artisanal nature where plants are used for dyeing. This paper studies the dyeing potential on merino wool fiber of native plants of the Patagonian steppe. M&M: The dyeing plant material collection area was limited to the southeast zone of Chubut, corresponding to the Floristic District of the Gulf San Jorge. The mother recipe was applied to obtain the dye and three types of procedures were developed: premordant, direct mordant and post-mordant, depending on the moment of application of the alum. Sodium bicarbonate and iron sulfate colour modifiers were used. Using the universal table of the Munsell (Color, 2009) system, the tone, lightness and saturation were studied. Results: 50 native species of the Patagonian Region were studied. In its totality the following proportion was obtained: brown 37%, yellow 35%, olive 14%, gray 10%, pink 2% and green 2%. 9 species of higher chromatic saturation stand out. The most saturated colours are obtained during the pre-mordent process. The best represented families are Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Conclusions: From the analysis of the literature on plants used for natural dyes in Argentina, it appears that numerous species studied in the present research have no antecedents and turn out to be promising, providing intense colours with high saturations. We can consider them true discoveries and suggest them with high dye potential for merino wool fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis and allergies, are increasing worldwide, in association with a greater presence of different etiological triggers in the air, from which pollen is one of the most important. These evidences show the importance of monitoring airborne pollen concentrations for preventive or possible control purposes. This paper reports the incidence and prevalence of airborne pollen content as well as the allergenic pollen types present in the air of Sunchales city (Santa Fe, Argentina) during two study periods (August - November 2012, August - December 2013) aiming to present a preliminary pollen monitoring for the city. M&M: The samples were collected with a Burkard trap located 1.3 m above the ground with a suction volume of 0.6 m3 h-1. The entire slide was analyzed with an optical microscope at 400x final magnification. The daily concentration (gr m-3) was determined for the recognized pollen types. Pollen recognition and their allergenicity were determined with specialized literature. Results & Conclusions: Compared to other cities in the country, species richness is high, although the daily concentration for the period analyzed is low. The majority of the captured pollen (about 70%) corresponds to only four pollen types (Cupressaceae, Moraceae, Poaceae and Urticaceae) reported in the literature as allergens. [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]

Background and aims: Since the 1990s in Argentina, a process of visibility and reemergence of aboriginal groups that were believed extinct by official history has been developing. This is the case of Comechingon people in Córdoba province. Furthermore, it is known that gathering of wild food plants is an ancient practice that contributes to the subsistence of many indigenous communities of the country. Within the framework of Food Sovereignty and Ethnobiology, the aim of this paper was to carry out a first inquiry into the use of wild edible plants by residents self-identified as members of Comechingon people of San Marcos Sierras (Córdoba). M&M: Semi-structured interviews and free listings were conducted to a representative from each of three Comechingon communities from this town. They were accompanied with the discussion of a photographic guide of species. Results: Thirty-four wild ethnotaxa were recognized. They correspond to thirty-two botanical taxa. 85% was native species and the rest was exotic. "Algarrobo trees" (Prosopis spp.) presented the greatest number of parts used and ways of consumption mentioned. Fruits were the most used vegetable parts, followed by flowers, leaves, cladodes, underground organs and resins. The last two, just like trees' leaves, had not been previously reported for the region. Likewise, different ways of gathering, conservation and culinary products were mentioned. Conclusions: Comechingon communities know and consume a wide variety of edible ethnotaxa of plants. We hope to contribute to the visibility of Comechingon culture and the consolidation of sovereign food systems. [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]

This paper records for the first time the presence in the Argentine flora of the small tree Cynophalla polyantha (Triana & Planch.) Cornejo & Iltis (Capparaceae), which was recently found in the north of the province of Salta, close to the Bolivian border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tillandsia mollis H. Hrom. & W. Till is a rare species from the mountains of southern Bolivia. This paper reports T. mollis var. reptans, an entity that inhabits the high level of the Sierras of Calilegua (Jujuy, Argentina). The new variety differs from the typical for its smaller size, creeping habit and brown-reddish flowers. A detailed description of the novelty, a key to differentiate the two varieties, drawings, photographs and a map, are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]