Search

Fluorochrome chromosome banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization were used to cytogenetically characterize the striking tropical Andean clade species of Capsicum. An adapted dendrogram of the Capsicum phylogeny is presented, showing taxonomic relationships between karyotypes of the Andean clade species, C. baccatum var. pendulum, C. flexuosum, and the sister group Lycianthes. To date, the Andean clade includes nine species: C. dimorphum, C. geminifolium, C. hookerianum, C. lanceolatum, C. longifolium, C. lycianthoides, C. piuranum, C. regale and C. rhomboideum, all displaying 2n = 26. This group is characterized by conspicuous cytogenetic characters that are very useful in the identification of their species and allow them to be distinguished from the other group of species with x = 13 from the Atlantic forest, and definitely from the clades with x = 12. The species of the Andean clade possess relatively short genomes, with one NOR per haploid complement. The distribution of the heterochromatin is mainly subterminal. A single locus of the 35S and 5S rDNA was found per haploid complement. The discovery of three pairs of 5S rDNA sites in C. regale was surprising. The chromosomal features of these highland clade species could be considered adaptive characters to their geographical distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Plant domestication genetics has been of interest not only for evolutionary biologists but also for anthropologists and breeders, because of its past and present role in human cultural evolution. Capsicum baccatum, which grows in the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests of South America (SDTF), was domesticated by native peoples and used as a spice. The centre of domestication has been discussed, and vast territories of Peru and Bolivia have been proposed. The aims of this research were to elucidate the geographical origin of cultivated C. baccatum and to infer geological and climate events that have influenced the distribution of its genetic variability. Samples were collected from 25 localities across the entire range of wild C. baccatum and analysed using DNA sequences and phylogeographical approaches; they were then compared with 20 samples of cultivated forms obtained from different South American markets. We found a main centre of C. baccatum domestication spanning Bolivian Amazonia and the inter-Andean valleys. We also inferred an ancient cultivation site between Bolivia and Argentina. Finally, we found two lineages of wild populations distributed in nuclei of SDTFs which have been fragmented during glacial periods, when aridity increased and expansion of Chaco vegetation fragmented the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprea is the genus with the second highest species richness in tribe Physalideae (Solanaceae) and comprises 50 species that are mainly distributed in the Andes of South America. The taxonomy of Deprea has been unstable after controversial hypotheses about its position and circumscription. Additionally, biogeographical inferences are only based on observations of the restricted area of distribution of some species and no ancestral area estimation have been performed. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis and an ancestral area reconstruction of Deprea in order to establish its circumscription, resolve its position within Physalideae, and reconstruct its biogeographical history. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Forty-three Deprea species and 26 related taxa were sampled for three DNA markers ( psbA-trnH , ITS, and waxy ). A Bayesian binary MCMC model was applied in order to infer ancestral areas. Deprea is resolved as a strongly supported monophyletic group according to its current circumscription and is placed within subtribe Withaninae of Physalideae. The phylogenetic relationships enabled us to solve taxonomic problems including the rejection and acceptance of previous synonyms. The most probable ancestral area for Deprea is the Northern Andes of South America and the Amotape-Huancabamba zone. Our phylogeny provides increased resolution and support for the current position and circumscription of Deprea . Better resolution of interspecific relationships was also obtained, although some affinities remain unclear. The phylogenetic and ancestral area reconstructions provide a framework for addressing taxonomic problems and investigating new evolutionary questions. [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]

• Austral South American Polystichum is a monophyletic group. • Its species diverged from an Austral common ancestor in the late Miocene. • Orogenic and climatic changes in the Pliocene-Pleistocene are congruent with its diversification. • Austral South American and Australasian species constitute a polyploid lineage. • Polystichum diversity in South America results from three to four separate lineages. A group of seven endemic Polystichum species inhabit Patagonia , the southern region of South America. To date, evolutionary relationships of these Austral South American Polystichum remain unknown. The biota of the Southern Andes appears to be more closely related to the temperate Australasian species than to northern South American ones. Differences in morphological characters suggested that Austral South American Polystichum follows that biogeographical pattern, not being closely related to their congeners in the Northern and Central Andes. We sought to reveal the evolutionary relationships, estimate the divergence times and reconstruct both ancestral areas and ancestral ploidy levels of Austral South America Polystichum. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. The seven Austral South American species plus 31 Polystichum species spanning all other major biogeographic regions were sampled for three DNA markers. Divergence times were estimated in BEAST and Bayesian binary Markov chain Monte Carlo reconstruction was applied in order to infer ancestral areas. The evolution of ploidy was reconstructed on the maximum clade credibility tree, using stochastic character mapping. Austral South American Polystichum was recovered as monophyletic. The earliest divergence reconstructed within the Austral South American Clade was that of Polystichum andinum ; subsequently two other lineages diverged comprising the remaining Austral South American species. The Austral South American lineage is not closely allied to North and Central Andes congeners. Long-distance dispersal of an ancestral tetraploid from Australasia during the late Miocene is the most likely explanation for the origin of Patagonian Polystichum. Then, Pliocene and Pleistocene orogenic and climatic changes may have shaped its diversification in Patagonia. [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]

Three new species of Deprea, found in Ecuador and Peru, are described and illustrated. Deprea pauciflora has close morphological affinities with D. sachapapa, from which it is readily distinguished by the hirsute leaves, heterodynamous stamens, and invaginatepyriform fruiting calyx always loosely enveloping the berry. Deprea pecaensis shows similarities to D. maculatifolia, D. dilloniana, and D. pumila, although it is characterized by a combination of 1-3 flowers per node, narrowly elliptic leaves without any white macules, corolla lobes-tube length ratio 1.5: 1.75, homodynamous stamens, non-mucronate anthers, exserted style, and membranous leaves. Lastly, D. zakii is similar to D. hawkesii and D. purpureocarpa, but it can be distinguished by a combination of a glabrous to glabrescent vegetative indumentum, a campanulate corolla with revolute lobes which are equal to or shorter than the corolla tube, short calyx lobes, and staminal filaments broadening gradually in width basipetally. Discussions on taxonomy, geographic distribution, and conservation status are provided, as well as an identification key to the 50 species of Deprea. [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]

Knowledge about Solanaceae species naturally adapted to salinity is scarce, despite the fact that a considerable number of Solanaceae has been reported growing in saline environments. Lycium humile Phil. inhabits extreme saline soils in the Altiplano-Puna region (Central Andes, South America) and represents a promising experimental model to study salt tolerance in Solanaceae plants. Seeds, leaves and roots were collected from a saline environment (Salar del Diablo, Argentina). Seeds were scarified and 30 days after germination salt treatments were applied by adding NaCl salt pulses (up to 750 or 1000 mM). Different growth parameters were evaluated, and leaf spectral reflectance, endogenous phytohormone levels, antioxidant capacity, proline and elemental content, and morpho-anatomical characteristics in L. humile under salinity were analyzed both in controlled and natural conditions. The multiple salt tolerance mechanisms found in this species are mainly the accumulation of the phytohormone abscisic acid, the increase of the antioxidant capacity and proline content, together with the development of a large leaf water-storage parenchyma that allows Na+ accumulation and an efficient osmotic adjustment. Lycium humile is probably one of the most salt-tolerant Solanaceae species in the world, and, in controlled conditions, can effectively grow at high NaCl concentrations (at least, up to 750 mM NaCl) but also, in the absence of salts in the medium. Therefore, we propose that natural distribution of L. humile is more related to water availability, as a limiting factor of growth in Altiplano-Puna saline habitats, than to high salt concentrations in the soils. [Display omitted] • Lycium humile probably is one of the most salt-tolerant Solanaceae species. • Lycium humile can grow at high salt concentrations (at least, up to 750 mM NaCl). • Antioxidant capacity, abscisic acid and proline convey salt tolerance. • Large leaf water-storage parenchyma allows Na+ accumulation and osmotic adjustment. [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]

Nectouxia (Solanaceae) is a monospecific genus endemic to Mexico and southern United States of America. Morphological and phylogenetic evidence supports a close relationship between Nectouxia and the Andean genus Salpichroa, but the phylogenetic analyses completed to date have included very few Salpichroa species. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis including Nectouxia and all Salpichroa species was carried out to shed light on the relationship between the two genera. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses were done using sequences from three markers (ITS, psbA- trnH, and ndhF- rpL32). The results of both analyses are congruent regarding the strongly supported clades while incongruences are observed in weakly supported clades that can be explained by rapid species radiation. Salpichroa species are divided in two main clades with strong support, while Nectouxia is resolved within one of them. Our results indicate that the two genera should be combined into a single genus or Salpichroa will be paraphyletic as currently circumscribed. The name Nectouxia has priority but the conservation of Salpichroa has been proposed. At the suprageneric level, the Nectouxia + Salpichroa clade is not closely related to Jaborosa, which is further evidence that the previously recognized tribe Jaboroseae is not monophyletic. [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]

Nine withanolides were isolated from the aerial parts of Deprea bitteriana , D eprea cuyacensis , and D eprea zamorae . D . bitteriana yielded two withaphysalins, D. cuyacensis gave two 13,14-seco withaphysalins, while D. zamorae yielded five physangulidines. The compounds were fully characterized by a combination of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR and MS). All compounds isolated from D . bitteriana and D. cuyacensis were obtained as epimeric mixtures at C-18. The structure of physangulidine D was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The skeletons found in this research support the chemotaxonomical position of the genus Deprea in the tribe Physalideae. [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]

A backbone phylogeny that fully resolves all subfamily and deeper nodes of Asteraceae was constructed using 14 chloroplast DNA loci. The recently named genus Famatinanthus was found to be sister to the Mutisioideae–Asteroideae clade that represents more than 99% of Asteraceae and was found to have the two chloroplast inversions present in all Asteraceae except the nine genera of Barnadesioideae. A monotypic subfamily Famatinanthoideae and tribe Famatinantheae are named herein as new. Relationships among the basal lineages of the family were resolved with strong support in the Bayesian analysis as (Barnadesioideae (Famatinanthoideae (Mutisioideae (Stifftioideae (Wunderlichioideae–Asteroideae))))). Ancestral state reconstruction of ten morphological characters at the root node of the Asteraceae showed that the ancestral sunflower would have had a woody habit, alternate leaves, solitary capitulescences, epaleate receptacles, smooth styles, smooth to microechinate pollen surface sculpturing, white to yellow corollas, and insect-mediated pollination. Herbaceous habit, echinate pollen surface, pubescent styles, and cymose capitulescences were reconstructed for backbone nodes of the phylogeny corresponding to clades that evolved shortly after Asteraceae dispersed out of South America. No support was found for discoid capitula, multiseriate involucres or bird pollination as the ancestral character condition for any node. Using this more resolved phylogenetic tree, the recently described Raiguenrayun cura + Mutisiapollis telleriae fossil should be associated to a more derived node than previously suggested when time calibrating phylogenies of Asteraceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five Exodeconus species were phytochemically analyzed. • This research allowed the isolation of three new and five known withanolides. • The compounds of Exodeconus are not chemotaxonomic markers at the generic level. • The chemical content of Exodeconus , Nicandra and Salpichroa genera are very similar. Five Exodeconus species were phytochemically analyzed. From the aerial parts of E. pusillus, the 7α,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-22 R -witha-2,5,24-trienolide and three other previously unreported normal-type withanolides were isolated. All the studied species had normal type and/or ring-D aromatic withanolides, and some had already been isolated from other Solanaceae genera, and therefore, these compounds are not chemotaxonomic markers at the generic level. The chemical composition of an undescribed Exodeconus species analyzed here supports the designation of this taxon as a new entity. The integral chemical profile of Exodeconus can be evaluated for its taxonomic implication when a more robust phylogeny of Solanaceae is available that allows the phylogenetic relationships with its closest genera to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]