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Capsicum L. (tribe Capsiceae, Solanaceae) is an American genus distributed ranging from the southern United States of America to central Argentina and Brazil. The genus includes chili peppers, bell peppers, ajíes, habaneros, jalapeños, ulupicas and pimientos, well known for their economic importance around the globe. Within the Solanaceae, the genus can be recognised by its shrubby habit, actinomorphic flowers, distinctive truncate calyx with or without appendages, anthers opening by longitudinal slits, nectaries at the base of the ovary and the variously coloured and usually pungent fruits. The highest diversity of this genus is located along the northern and central Andes. Although Capsicum has been extensively studied and great advances have been made in the understanding of its taxonomy and the relationships amongst species, there is no monographic treatment of the genus as a whole. Based on morphological and molecular evidence studied from field and herbarium specimens, we present here a comprehensive taxonomic treatment for the genus, including updated information about morphology, anatomy, karyology, phylogeny and distribution. We recognise 43 species and five varieties, including C. mirum Barboza, sp. nov. from São Paulo State, Brazil and a new combination C. muticum (Sendtn.) Barboza, comb. nov.; five of these taxa are cultivated worldwide (C. annuum L. var. annuum, C. baccatum L. var. pendulum (Willd.) Eshbaugh, C. baccatum L. var. umbilicatum (Vell.) Hunz. & Barboza, C. chinense Jacq. and C. frutescens L.). Nomenclatural revision of the 265 names attributed to chili peppers resulted in 89 new lectotypifications and five new neotypifications. Identification keys and detailed descriptions, maps and illustrations for all taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum regale Barboza & Bohs, sp. nov., a new species from the tropical wet forests of the eastern Andean slopes (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to the Andean clade (all species 2n = 26) of Capsicum and is similar to C. longifolium Barboza & S.Leiva in its glabrescence, calyx morphology, and corolla and seed color but differs in its membranous and elliptic leaves, fleshy calyces, deeper stellate corollas, longer filaments, longer and purple fruiting pedicels, purple berries, and larger seeds. Its chromosome number was counted (2n = 26), a preliminary assessment of conservation status is given and discussed, and an updated identification key to the species of the Andean clade is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Morelloid Clade, also known as the black nightshades or "Maurella" (Morella), is one of the 10 major clades within the mega-diverse genus Solanum L. The clade is most species rich in the central to southern Andes, but species occur around the tropics and subtropics, some extending well into the temperate zone. Plants of the group are herbaceous or short-lived perennials, with small white or purplish white flowers, and small juicy berries. Due to the complex morphological variation and weedy nature of these plants, coupled with the large number of published synonyms (especially for European taxa), our understanding of species limits and diversity in the Morelloid Clade has lagged behind that of other major groups in Solanum. Here we provide the second in a three-part series of revisions of the morelloid solanums treating the species occurring in North and Central America and the Caribbean (for the Old World see "PhytoKeys 106", the third part will treat species of South America). Synonymy, morphological descriptions, distribution maps, and common names and uses are provided for all 18 species occurring in this region. We treat 10 of these species as native, and eight as putatively naturalised, introduced and/or invasive in the region. We provide complete descriptions with nomenclatural details, including lecto-and neotypifications, for all species. Keys to all species occurring in the whole region and for each area within it (i.e., North America, Central America and Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean), illustrations to aid identification both in herbaria and in the field, and distribution maps are provided. Preliminary conservation assessments are provided for all species. Details of all specimens examined are provided in three Supplementary materials sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the Study: The evolution of novel fruit morphologies has been integral to the success of angiosperms. The inflated fruiting calyx, in which the balloon‐like calyx swells to completely surround the fruit, has evolved repeatedly across angiosperms and is postulated to aid in protection and dispersal. We investigated the evolution of this trait in the tomatillos and their allies (Physalideae, Solanaceae). Methods: The Physalideae phylogeny was estimated using four regions (ITS,LEAFY, trnL‐F, waxy) with maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference. Under the best‐fitting ML model of trait evolution, we estimated ancestral states along with the numbers of gains and losses of fruiting calyx accrescence and inflation with Bayesian stochastic mapping. Also, phylogenetic signal in calyx morphology was examined with two metrics (parsimony score and Fritz and Purvis's D). Key Results: Based on our well‐resolved and densely sampled phylogeny, we infer that calyx evolution has proceeded in a stepwise and directional fashion, from non‐accrescent to accrescent to inflated. In total, we inferred 24 gains of accrescence, 24 subsequent transitions to a fully inflated calyx, and only two reversals. Despite this lability, fruiting calyx accrescence and inflation showed strong phylogenetic signal. Conclusions: Our phylogeny greatly improves the resolution of Physalideae and highlights the need for taxonomic work. The comparative analyses reveal that the inflated fruiting calyx has evolved many times and that the trajectory toward this phenotype is generally stepwise and irreversible. These results provide a strong foundation for studying the genetic and developmental mechanisms responsible for the repeated origins of this charismatic fruit trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Capsicum (Capsiceae, Solanaceae) from Andean tropical forests in South America are described. Capsicum benoistii Hunz. ex Barboza sp. nov. (incertae sedis) is endemic to a restricted area in south-central Ecuador and is most similar to the more widespread C. geminifolium (Dammer) Hunz. (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). Capsicum piuranum Barboza & S. Leiva sp. nov. (Andean clade) is found in northern Peru (Department Piura) and is morphologically most similar to C. caballeroi M. Nee of the Bolivian yungas (Departments Santa Cruz and Cochabamba) but closely related to C. geminifolium and C. lycianthoides Bitter. Capsicum longifolium Barboza & S. Leiva sp. nov. (Andean clade) occurs from northern Peru (Departments Amazonas, Cajamarca, and Piura) to southern Ecuador (Province Zamora-Chinchipe), and is morphologically most similar to C. dimorphum (Miers) Kuntze (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). Capsicum neei Barboza & X. Reyes sp. nov. (Bolivian clade) is endemic to southeastern Bolivia (Departments Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz) in the Boliviano-Tucumano Forest, is morphologically most similar to another Bolivian endemic species C. minutiflorum Rusby (Hunz.), and is closely related to C. caballeroi. Complete descriptions, illustrations, distributions and conservation assessments of all new species are given. Chromosome numbers for C. piuranum and C. longifolium are also provided. Three of the new species were included in a new phylogenetic analysis for Capsicum; their positions were strongly resolved within clades previously recognized in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprea sapalachense (Solanaceae), a new species from northern Peru, is described and illustrated in detail. Deprea sapalachense S. Leiva & Barboza is found in Chorro Blanco, Sapalache-El Carmen de la Frontera road km 6, 5°07'29.9" S 79°22'53.0" W, 2740 m of elevation. It can be recognized because it has 2 (-3) flowers per node, corolla tube developed and glabrous internally, staminal filaments homodynamous, berry conical, orange when mature, 10-11 mm long and 11-12 mm of diameter, fructiferous calyx appressed wrapping tightly the berry in all its lenght, (31-) 50-67 seeds per berry, 20-22 sclerosomes per berry, shrubs 1-1.40 m tall. We include data of its relation with other similar species, geographic distribution, ecology, phenology, current status, common name and uses of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confluence of ethnomedical experiences and use of medicinal plants of practitioners native to Translasierra Valley (San Javier Department), Córdoba, Argentina. The valley named as Valle de Traslasierra extends over the western mountainside of the Sierras de Los Comechingones hills. Its characteristic distance from large cities changed qualitatively due to major migration flows. This study aims at characterizing the ethnomedicine and natural pharmacopoeia in the region. We followed qualitative and quantitative methods representative of the ethnobotanical approach. We evidenced a vast and varied therapeutics exerted by native practitioners with a total of 676 medicinal uses corresponding to 231 taxa and 84 botanical families. An analysis of frequency of uses and taxa was also carried out through descriptive statistics. The families with higher number of cited taxa and medicinal use are Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Verbenaceae. The most commonly found applications were those related to gastrointestinal disorders, followed by those related to pneumology and cardiology. From the taxa with the largest number of applications, 60% comprise introduced species and 40% consist of wild native species. Finally, the narratives show that native practitioners, while keeping alive practices based on popular medical knowledge, they have incorporated various therapeutic practices and representations, especially from alternative medicine, thus forming a vast natural pharmacopoeia with multiple meanings, typical of multicultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Morelloid clade, also known as the black nightshades or "Maurella" (Morella), is one of the 10 major clades within the mega-diverse genus Solanum L. The clade is most diverse in the central to southern Andes, but species occur around the tropics and subtropics, some extending well into the temperate zone. Plants of the group vary from herbs to short-lived perennials to perennial shrubs that are distinctly woody at the base, they have small mostly white or purplish white flowers and small juicy berries. Due to the complex morphological variation and weedy nature of these plants, coupled with the large number of published synonyms (especially for European taxa), our understanding of species limits and diversity in the Morelloid clade has lagged behind that of other clades in Solanum. Here we provide the last in a three-part series of monographic treatments of the morelloid solanums (see PhytoKeys Vols. 106, 125), treating the 62 species occurring in South America. This region is by far the most diverse in the clade, both in terms of species number and morphological diversity. We provide complete synonymy, nomenclatural details, including lecto- and neotypifications where needed, common names and uses, morphological descriptions, illustrations to aid identification both in herbaria and in the field, and distribution maps for all native, non-cultivated species. We include a key to all species, a synoptic character list for the species treated here and links to synoptic online keys for all species of the Morelloid clade. Preliminary conservation assessments following IUCN guidelines are also provided for all native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprea micrantha (Solanaceae), a new species from Ecuador, is described and illustrated in detail. Deprea micrantha Barboza & S. Leiva is found in San Francisco Biological Reserve, km 274½ between El Tambo and Sabanilla (Zamora-Loja route), province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, between 1874-1922 m of elevation. We include data concerning its relation with other similar species, geographic distribution, ecology, phenology, current status, common name and uses of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the occasion of preparing the Flora of Cordoba, new records for the Argentinean flora have been registered as a result of intensive field trips and the revision of the main herbaria collections of the country. In this paper, three new records for the native flora and 17 for the introduced flora (casual aliens and naturalized species) of Argentina are presented. Descriptions, illustrations and a lectotypification are done. Furthermore, the presence of 10 introduced species is formally documented for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprea auccana S. Leiva, Barboza & Deanna and D. physalidicalyx Leiva, Barboza & Deanna (Solanaceae) are described and illustrated. Deprea auccana inhabits Abra Patricia Private Reserve (ECOAN, Pomacochas-Nueva Cajamarca road, District Yambrasbamba, Prov. Bongará, Dept. Amazonas, Peru). This species is distinguished by the shape and size of its leaves, number of flowers per node, length of calyx lobes, homodynamous stamens, and its erect fruits with a fruiting accrescent calyx bipartite when mature. Deprea physalidicalyx S. Leiva, Barboza & Deanna inhabits in the Aguashiyacu waterfall (Tarapoto-Juanjuí road, Prov. Tarapoto, Dept. San Martín, Peru) and it is characterized by the corolla lobes deep purple on the middle and cream on the margins internally, homodynamous stamens, and the creamy berry when mature loosely enveloped by a fruiting calyx very accrescent and inflated, 3.5-4 cm long, 2.3-2.7 cm diameter. Data about geographic distribution, ecology, phenology, conservation assessment and differences with related species are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of an integral study of fruits belonging to native argentinean species of Lamiaceae, we conducted a research of Lepechinia Willd. native species (Lamiaceae-Nepetoideae-Mentheae). The aim of the present investigation was to perform a detailed morphohistological fruit characterization of L. floribunda, L. meyenii and L. vesiculosa and evaluate the possible taxonomic value of these characters. We worked with fresh and herbarium material. The observations were made with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Shape, color and presence of the abscission scar waxes were the exomorphological diagnostic characters while abscission scar shape and position, and the surface SEM view of nutlets did not show differences for all three species. In terms of histology, L. floribunda and L. meyenii have similar pericarp structure, differing only by the thickness of the layers. In contrast, L. vesiculosa shows differences at the mesocarp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiation of Argentinean Clinopodium (Lamiaceae: Nepetoideae) species through morphological and anatomical fruits characters. An integral study of fruits belonging to native Argentinean species of Clinopodium (Lamiaceae: Nepetoideae: Mentheae: Menthinae) has been made with the following aims: a) to characterize its exomorphology and anatomy; b) to correlate the pericarp structure with the phenomenon of the myxocarpy; c) to assess the incidence of the carpological characters to differentiate the species. Observations have been carried out using light and scanning electron microscope. Shape, size, surface ornamentation, indumentum and shape of abscission scar were the most diagnostic value features. Myxocarpy was proved in the genus but this phenomenon is not consistent in all the studied species. The pericarp structure revealed two anatomical patterns, each one associated with the production of mucilage, whereas the outer region of the mesocarp varies according to the species. Some taxonomical considerations have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which described new species of Capsicum (C.) from the Caatinga Biome, Brazil. It notes that the species are similar to C. parvifolium. It also mentions that Capsicum is a genus that can be recognized by the unlobed calyx bearing appendices or teeth. Particular focus is given to the lectotypification for C. parvifolium and the analysis of karyotype for the species.

Considerable confusion exists within Capsicum (Solanaceae) regarding the status and typification of several names, in part due to misidentifications. Some types were destroyed in Berlin during the Second World War, some have not been found by modern systematics, while others exhibit uncertain locality data or contain material from more than one species. Fourteen lectotypes, synonyms, and a new name, Capsicum eshbaughii Barboza nom. nov., are proposed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which determined the identity of Witheringia (W. ) sellowiana, a narrow endemic species from São Paulo, Brazil. A review of the related literature on the studies of the family Solanaceae is offered. The typification of W. sellowiana and its transfer to Aureliana is described. Also listed are the distinctive taxonomical key to the species of Aureliana.

Thirty-seven South American species representing seven sections of Solanum subgen. Leptostemonum were analyzed. Andromonoecious as well as hermaphrodite species were considered. The length and width of their fruits was measured, and the number of seeds per fruit was counted. Medial cross sections of fresh, ripe fruits were observed with a stereoscopic microscope and illustrated. Six placentation patterns and three types of seeds were described. A relationship among seed number, fruit size, fruit color and sexual system was detected by means of statistical analysis. These results suggest that andromonoecy affects fruit size and placentation patterns, in order to contain a higher number of seeds per fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum delicatulum, a species only known to southern Brazil, is reported for the first time for Argentina and Paraguay. The species is described and illustrated, and a discussion about its synonymy is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes and illustrates three species of Capsicum from eastern coastal Brazil. Capsicum pereirae from Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais is related to C. flexuosum and C. schottiamon. Capsicum friburgense, endemic to a restricted area in Nova Friburgo is similar to species from Sao Paulo. A key to differentiate the wild Capsicum species from Brazil is provided.

A comparative study of the leaf anatomy of 10 species of Plantago L. (Plantaginaceae) from Central Argentina was carried out. The analysis included the study of the foliar epidermis, cuticle, stomata and trichomes; a classification of eglandular and glandular trichomes was stablished and original data of the mesophyll structure in 8 species were given as well. Besides, a key based exclusively on leaf features was provided. The results were discussed and evaluated from a taxonomical point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycianthes (Dunal) Hassler is accepted as a genus more closely related to Capsicum L. and Witheringia L'Heritier, rather than to Solanum L.; the evidences are based on the structure and the inervation of the calyx. With a tropical and subtropical range, the genus is represented in the northern part of the Argentinian territory by the following 5 species: L. asarifolia (Kunth et Bouché) Bitter, L. australe (Morton) A. T. Hunz. et Barboza nov. comb., L. lycioides (L.) Hassler, L. rantonnei (Carrière) Bitter and L. saltensis Bitter. The key to facilitate the identification of these species includes androecium characters hitherto not mentioned in the literature, vgr.: heterodynamous versus homodynamous stamens, filaments with or without a basal hump in its free portion, etc. These characters, together with the remaining ones that are useful for the specific delimitation, are thoroughly discussed in the text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic survey of Aureliana Sendtner, a small neotropical genus of 5 species: A. fasciculata (Vellozo) Sendt. [with 3 varieties: var. fasciculata, var. tomentella (Sendt.) Barboza et A. T. Hunz. nov. comb., and var. longifolia (Sendt.) A. T. Hunz. et Barboza nov. comb.], A. brasillana (A. T. Hunz.) Barboza et A. T. Hunz. nov. comb., A. tomentosa Sendt., A. velutina Sendt. and A. wettsteiniana (Witas.) A. T. Hunz. et Barboza nov. comb. The 7 taxa grow in Brazil, but 3 of them deserve a special mention: A. fasciculata var. tomentella reaches southeastern Paraguay and Argentina (eastern Misiones); instead A. fasciculata var. longifolia and A. fasciculata var. fasciculata show a rather peculiar distribution because aside of their eastern area, both have been collected in Bolivia (Santa Cruz and Pando). After a discussion on the complicated taxonomical history of the genus, the authors point out its relationships with 6 allied genera of the Solaneae, above all with Capsicum L.; a key to identify these 7 genera is included as well. Each taxon is described together with remarks about their geographical distribution and affinities. Five plates and a map are included in the text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fossil discoveries can transform our understanding of plant diversification over time and space. Recently described fossils in many plant families have pushed their known records farther back in time, pointing to alternative scenarios for their origin and spread.Here, we describe two new Eocene fossil berries of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) from the Esmeraldas Formation in Colombia and the Green River Formation in Colorado (USA). The placement of the fossils was assessed using clustering and parsimony analyses based on 10 discrete and five continuous characters, which were also scored in 291 extant taxa.The Colombian fossil grouped with members of the tomatillo subtribe, and the Coloradan fossil aligned with the chili pepper tribe. Along with two previously reported early Eocene fossils from the tomatillo genus, these findings indicate that Solanaceae were distributed at least from southern South America to northwestern North America by the early Eocene.Together with two other recently discovered Eocene berries, these fossils demonstrate that the diverse berry clade and, in turn, the entire nightshade family, is much older and was much more widespread in the past than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Morelloid clade, also known as the black nightshades or "Maurella" (Morella), is one of the 10 major clades within Solanum L. The pantropical clade consists of 75 currently recognised non-spiny herbaceous and suffrutescent species with simple or branched hairs with or without glandular tips, with a centre of distribution in the tropical Andes. A secondary centre of diversity is found in Africa, where a set of mainly polyploid taxa occur. A yet smaller set of species is found in Australasia and Europe, including Solanum nigrum L., the type of the genus Solanum. Due to the large number of published synonyms, combined with complex morphological variation, our understanding of species limits and diversity in the Morelloid clade has remained poor despite detailed morphological studies carried out in conjunction with breeding experiments. Here we provide the first taxonomic overview since the 19th century of the entire group in the Old World, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and islands of the Pacific. Complete synonymy, morphological descriptions, distribution maps and common names and uses are provided for all 19 species occurring outside the Americas (i.e. Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and islands of the Pacific). We treat 12 species native to the Old World, as well as 7 taxa that are putatively introduced and/or invasive in the region. The current knowledge of the origin of the polyploid species is summarised. A key to all of the species occurring in the Old World is provided, together with line drawings and colour figures to aid identification both in herbaria and in the field. Preliminary conservation assessments are provided for all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persicaria capitata (Polygonaceae, Polygonoideae, Persicarieae), a species native from Nepal, and the genus Persicaria, are newly recorded for the introduced flora of Argentina. This species occurs in different habitats at the Natural Reserve La Cumbrecita (province of Córdoba). A detailed species description and a discussion about its status in the naturalization process are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salpichroa weigendii (Solanaceae), a new species from Huanuco Region, Peru, is described and illustrated in detail. S. weigendii S. Leiva, Jara & Barboza is characterized by having glabrous corolla externally and internally, corolla limb reflex, androecium included, staminal filaments flattened, glabrous, anthers whitish, nectariferous disc red, berries intense purple or black when mature, seeds black, 16-20 per berry, fructiferous calyx covers almost the quarter basal of the berry, style 9-9.5 mm long, shrub 2-2.5 m of length. In addition to the description, we present the respective illustration, we discuss its relations with an allied species and we include data about ethnobotany, geographic distribution, ecology, phenology, current status and uses of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salpichroa salpoensis (Solanaceae), a new species from La Libertad and Cajamarca region, Peru, is described and illustrated in detail. Salpichroa salpoensis S. Leiva is characterized by having calyx and corolla densely pubescent outside with simple and bifurcate non-glandular trichomes, corolla tube glabrous within, androecium and gynoecium included, staminal filaments slightly broadened at the apex, style and ovary with short trichomes, and berries intensely purple or black when mature. In addition to the description, we present the respective illustration, we discuss its relationships with allied species and we include data about geographic distribution, ecology, phenology, current status and uses of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprea sawyeriana subsp. valladolidana Deanna, Barboza & S. Leiva is described on the basis of its morphological variations and its disjunt Ecuadorian distribution. Description and conservation assessment of Deprea sawyeriana are updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very few Solanaceae species are able to grow in saline soils; one of them is Lycium humile. This species is endemic to the Altiplano-Puna region (Central Andes, South America) where there are multiple extreme environmental conditions such as hypersaline soils. Here we present an updated description and distribution of L. humile including its new record for Bolivia at the edges of "Salar de Uyuni", the largest salt flat in the world; we discuss its ecological role in saline environments by analyzing soil salinity and coverabundance values of the studied sites. According to IUCN criteria, we recommend a category of Least Concern for L. humile, but the growing development of lithium mining in saline environments of the Altiplano-Puna region may potentially threaten exclusive communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the publication of the Solanaceae treatment in "Flora Argentina" in 2013 exploration in the country and resolution of outstanding nomenclatural and circumscription issues has resulted in a number of changes to the species of the Morelloid clade of Solanum L. (Solanaceae) for Argentina. Here we describe three new species: Solanum hunzikeri Chiarini & Cantero, sp. nov., from wet high elevation areas in Argentina (Catamarca, Salta and Tucumán) and Bolivia (Chuquisaca and Tarija), S. marmoratum Barboza & S.Knapp, sp. nov., from central Argentina in Catamarca, La Pampa, La Rioja, San Juan and San Luis, and S. tiinae Barboza & S.Knapp, sp. nov., from the mountains of Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta and Tucumán. We provide descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps for all new taxa. A table of nomenclatural changes and additional taxa now known to occur in Argentina summarizes additions and changes since the "Flora Argentina". We also provide an updated key, including all new taxa for the country, to facilitate identification and further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To fill critical knowledge gaps with regard to the distributions and conservation status of the wild relatives of chile peppers (Capsicum L.). Location: The study covered the potential native ranges of currently recognized wild Capsicum taxa, throughout the Americas. Methods: We modelled the potential distributions of 37 wild taxa in the genus, characterized their ecogeographic niches, assessed their ex situ and in situ conservation status, and performed preliminary threat assessments. Results: We categorize 18 of the taxa as "high priority" for further conservation action as a consequence of a combination of their ex situ and in situ assessments, 17 as "medium priority," and two as "low priority." Priorities for resolving gaps in ex situ conservation were determined to be high for 94.6%, and medium or high with regard to increased habitat protection for 64.9% of the taxa. The preliminary threat assessment indicated that six taxa may be critically endangered, three endangered, ten vulnerable, six near threatened and 12 least concern. Main conclusions: Taxonomic richness hot spots, especially along the Atlantic coast of Brazil, in Bolivia and Paraguay, and in the highlands of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, represent particularly high priority regions for further collecting for ex situ conservation as well as for enhanced habitat conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides information on the diversity and distribution patterns of Salpichroa species along the Andes. We analyzed a database of 855 georeferenced herbarium collections, of a total of 1205 studied specimens, of which 99% came from Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina. Twenty two species are recognized, of which 19 are found in Peru, the country with the greatest diversity of Salpichroa, compared to Bolivia (8), Ecuador (5), Argentina (4), Chile (3), Colombia (2), Venezuela (2), Uruguay (1), Paraguay (1), and Brazil (1). In general, Salpichroa is distributed between 30° N and 37° S, with the highest species richness between 7° S and 17° S in Peru. Within Peru, the highest concentration of species is found in the department of Cusco. The greatest species diversity is found between 3000-4000 m elevation on both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes. The high diversity of the genus in the Peruvian Andes is likely due to the high environmental heterogeneity and habitat diversity present in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogenity of the vegetation of basaltic environments in central Argentina. The flora and the vegetation of basaltic outcrops of Los Cóndores Mountains, central Argentina, are described. Plant communities were sampled following the Braun-Blanquet methods. The 98 relevés × 272 species matrix was classified through the ISOPAM method. The classification discriminated three main communities occurring in the three different substrates explored in this landscape: Rocky Islands (inselbergs), a Natural Matrix surrounding the Islands and an Agricultural Matrix, surrounding the whole basaltic area. The three communities differed in composition and physiognomy: the Islands were the less disturbed sites, reporting the highest plant species richness and diversity as well as the higher number of endemics, and the lowest number of exotic species. In the other extreme of the disturbance gradient, the Agricultural Matrix showed the opposite patterns and is dominated by annual and perennial herbs, mainly weeds. While the number of aliens is low in the Islands and in the Natural Matrix, almost 50% of the species are exotic in the Agricultural Matrix. The results of this study reveal that the basaltic inselbergs are relevant sites for the conservation of the natural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Capsicum (Solanaceae), native to the tropical and temperate Americas, comprises the well-known sweet and hot chili peppers and several wild species. So far, only partial taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses have been done for the genus. Here, the phylogenetic relationships between nearly all taxa of Capsicum were explored to test the monophyly of the genus and to obtain a better knowledge of species relationships, diversification and expansion. Methods Thirty-four of approximately 35 Capsicum species were sampled. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses were performed using two plastid markers (matK and psbA-trnH) and one single-copy nuclear gene (waxy). The evolutionary changes of nine key features were reconstructed following the parsimony ancestral states method. Ancestral areas were reconstructed through a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis. Key Results Capsicum forms a monophyletic clade, with Lycianthes as a sister group, following both phylogenetic approaches. Eleven well-supported clades (four of them monotypic) can be recognized within Capsicum, although some interspecific relationships need further analysis. A few features are useful to characterize different clades (e.g. fruit anatomy, chromosome base number), whereas some others are highly homoplastic (e.g. seed colour). The origin of Capsicum is postulated in an area along the Andes of western to north-western South America. The expansion of the genus has followed a clockwise direction around the Amazon basin, towards central and south-eastern Brazil, then back to western South America, and finally northwards to Central America. Conclusions New insights are provided regarding interspecific relationships, character evolution, and geographical origin and expansion of Capsicum. A clearly distinct early-diverging clade can be distinguished, centred in western-north-western South America. Subsequent rapid speciation has led to the origin of the remaining clades. The diversification of Capsicum has culminated in the origin of the main cultivated species in several regions of South to Central America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystichum Roth is one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging fern genera. South American species have a rich and complex nomenclatural history; many of the early names are inadequately typified. Based on extensive examination of original type material, we designate eleven lectotypes (including Aspidium mohrioides, A. montevidense f. imbricata, A. montevidense f. squamulosa, A. plicatum, A. pycnolepis, Dicksonia andina, Polystichum elegans, P. mohrioides f. latifolia, P. multifidum var. autranii, P. platyphyllum var. kurtziana, and Polypodium polystichoides), and one neotype (P. brongniartianum) for Polystichum taxa. Furthermore, three new synonyms are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flora and the vegetation of basaltic outcrops were studied in central Argentina. Coverabundance scores were recorded for 303 plant species in 48 relevés distributed in four outcrop locations ranging between 400 to 900 m asl. The association between the floristic composition and climatic variables were explored through an ordination analysis, and the vegetation of the outcrops was classified into four major types through a classification technique. The floristic composition of the outcrops was significantly associated to climate at the regional scale and the four sites differed in species richness, diversity and dominance. We conclude that well conserved basaltic outcrops from central Argentina are relevant habitats for the conservation of endemic species and over exploited taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new records of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) for the Argentine Flora. In this paper, two new records for the Argentina fern-flora are reported: P. subintegerrimum (Hook. & Arn.) R. Rodr. found in the Patagonian Forests and P. platylepis Fée collected in Misiones; both have been considered endemic for Chile and Brazil, respectively. The species are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation of carbonate outcrops in mountains of central Argentina. In mountains of Central Argentina, which have severe fragmentation and replacement of natural vegetation, rocky outcrops are important habitats for biodiversity conservation, as refuges for endemic and rare species. In this paper, we explore the local compositional variation of vegetation in calcium and dolomitic outcrops of Sierras de Córdoba and compare associations between different geochemical types and floristic composition along a local altitudinal gradient. Four adjacent outcrops of different geochemical types located in different positions in a local elevation gradient from 1000 to 1800 m.a.s.l. were selected and cover-abundance of all vascular plants at 216 rélevés, was estimated. Significative differences of compositional vegetation attributes occurred between the different lithologies and altitudinal strata. At the local scale, the floristic composition appeared related to the geochemical typology of outcrops and this pattern is overlapped with altitude. It was possible to establish relationships between the presence of different vascular plants and different types of calcitic and dolomitic rocks, independently of their position in the altitudinal gradient. The importance of these variables in structuring the habitat and filtering of species is confirmed, and its importance in looking for priorities in conservation of these singular habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]