Search

Myoporum semotum is described as a new species from the Chatham Islands, New Zealand, where it is known from Pitt Island, and the neighbouring South East, Rabbit, Mangere and Little Mangere islands. Notably, it is absent from Chatham Island where only Myoporum laetum occurs. Myoporum semotum is a coastal species occurring mostly in forest habitats but also in wind-shorn coastal shrubland. This new species is distinguished from M. laetum by its smoother bark, usually wider leaves, the leaf secretory cavities being obscure, smaller and dense, the midrib, petioles and branchlets being smooth and lacking prominent protruding tubercules, and in having slightly larger flowers. The conservation status of M. semotum is assessed as Nationally Vulnerable as it is currently known from between 1000 and 5000 mature plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the conditions of climate change, when some plant species are completely disappearing, and others are forced to adapt quickly, it becomes extremely important to find the main architectural characteristics that allow plants to spread to new territories. This study demonstrated the modifications of the architecture of Thymus marschallianus and its relationship with the environmental conditions of Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) and North Asia (Russia). For the first time, we tried to combine architectural and eco-morphological approaches to studying plants, which allowed us to obtain the most complete information about the morphological mechanisms of plant adaptation. The diversity of shoots and categories of axes (monopodial system of shoots and sympodial axis) were identified. The variability of monopodial system of shoots and sympodial axis modify the architecture of T. marschallianus. We characterized three modifications of this architecture and established their relationship with specific habitats. We found out that the basitonic branching of the monopodial system of shoots determines life form (dwarf subshrub), and the growth direction of the sympodial axes determines growth form (prostate or erect). The differences in architecture, growth forms and quantitative characteristics of sympodial axes are related to environmental conditions, particularly the cover of herbaceous plants, dead grass, and stones, as well as topography. We propose that the morphological variability of T. marschallianus allowed this species to spread widely in the plains and mountains of Central and North Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary One of the foremost technical issues addressed in reintroduction and restoration projects is the feasibility of establishing living plants. To advance the recovery process, the germination requirements of 201 threatened Western Australian seed-bearing taxa representing a range of life forms, families and ecophysiological characteristics were studied. Procedures used to stimulate germination in otherwise dormant seed involved pretreatment using thermal shock, scarification, seed coat removal, soaking in an aqueous smoke solution and/or additions of the growth hormone gibberellic acid (GA3 ). Sixty-one taxa germinated under the basic trial conditions of light (12- h photoperiod), temperature (constant 15°C) and moisture, without additional pretreatments. These taxa were generally those with canopy-stored seeds in the families Proteaceae and Casuarinaceae, and small-seeded taxa in Myrtaceae. Taxa with soil-stored seeds required single or multiple cues to stimulate germination. Seeds in the families Fabaceae and Mimosaceae were dependent on cracking of the seed coat, mechanically through nicking of the testa or through thermal shock, as were several non-leguminous species of the Sterculiaceae and Liliaceae. Complete or partial removal of seed coats, in conjunction with GA3 enhanced germination percentage in some taxa of the Myoporaceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. Application of GA3 also enhanced germination percentage in members of the Epacridaceae. Several taxa previously stimulated by aqueous smoke solutions were equally responsive to additions of GA3 after complete seed coat removal. In general, species with seed weights greater than 10 mg germinated better under a range of conditions than those with lighter seeds. There was no difference in germinability between resprouter and seeder species, and no obvious relationship between seed weight and germination rate. In the light of previous studies these results... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biologica Nyssana is the property of University of Nis, Department of Biology & Ecology, Faculty of Sciences & Mathematics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Green roofs as one of the components of water-sensitive urban design have become widely used in recent years. This paper describes performance monitoring of four prototype-scale experimental green roofs in a northern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, undertaken over a 1-year period. Four species of indigenous Australian ground cover and grass species comprising Carpobrotus rossii, Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika,’ Dianella caerula ‘Breeze’ and Myoporum parvifolium were planted in extensive and intensive green roof configurations using two different growing media. The first medium consisted of crushed brick, scoria, coir fibre and composted organics while the second comprised scoria, composted pine bark and hydro-cell flakes. Plant growth indices including vertical and horizontal growth rate, leaf succulence, shoot and root biomasses, water use efficiency and irrigation regimes were studied during a 12-month period. The results showed that the succulent species, C. rossii, can best tolerate the hot, dry summer conditions of South Australia, and this species showed a 100% survival rate and had the maximum horizontal growth rate, leaf succulence, shoot biomass and water use efficiency. All of the plants in the intensive green roofs with the crushed brick mix media survived during the term of this study. It was shown that stormwater can be used as a source of irrigation water for green roofs during 8months of the year in Adelaide. However, supplementary irrigation is required for some of the plants over a full annual cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High standards in managing the seed-supply chain, emphasizing sourcing and seed storage, are crucial to maintaining seed viability and ultimately to meeting restoration goals. The germination of 40 plant species was investigated in response to difficulties experienced by restoration practitioners in propagating them from seed in nurseries and in direct seeding. The species were from a biodiversity hotspot in inland eastern Australia and spanned a range of life-forms. The initial constraint identified was poor seed viability, which varied widely within and between species but was < 50% in at least one seedlot of 36 species. Low seed viability was indicated by poor seed storage and processing practices, manifest in excessive storage time, herbivory, fungal infection, and inadequate seed collection and processing (e.g. collection of immature seed and overcleaning). The main reason for low germination of viable species was seed dormancy. Dormancy was identified in 16 species: pre-sowing treatments in these species were effective in relieving dormancy or increasing germination percentage by two to three-fold. The most frequent pre-sowing treatment required was scarification. Stratification, de-husking and leaching also increased germination in some species. Temperature conditions for high germination were also investigated. Seasonal temperature treatments affected germination in 22 species. The results emphasize the necessity for (1) testing seed before use; (2) identifying temperature ranges to achieve maximum germination; (3) identifying species with germination constraints, and (4) using suitable pre-sowing treatments for plant propagation in nurseries and potentially in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flavone, chrysoeriol is synthetized in several plant species. It comes from several natural sources, especially medicinal plants. The identification and isolation of this compound has been carried out and verified by several research teams using different spectral methods. It seems that the concentration of this molecule is variable and fluctuating depending on the source, the part extracted, the region, and the methods of extraction and characterization. The aim of this paper is to highlight the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of chrysoeriol and to provide insight into its pharmacokinetics. Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-osteoporosis, anti-insecticide, and neuroprotective actions have been shown in a number of studies on this chemical. Different mechanisms in theses pharmacological effects include subcellular, cellular, and molecular targets. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis has proved the good stability of this molecule, showing its promising potential to prevent or treat diseases including cancer, diabetes, inflammation, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents data on some invasive and conservation-significant species in two protected areas of the Strandzha Nature Park - Protected Area "Marina Reka" and Protected Area "Silistar". There were monitored the protected species Pancratium maritimum, Calluna vulgaris, Daphne pontica, Ilex colchica, Rhododendron ponticum, Mespilus germanica, and Taxus baccata, as well as an invasive species - Amorpha fruticosa, whose population borders that of Pancratium maritimum. The projective coverage of species in the sample areas and the total projective coverage of the vegetation have been studied also measures for their protection have been indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower colour has played a decisive role as an evolutionary force in many groups of plants by driving speciation. A well-known example of colour polymorphism is found across the Mediterranean populations of Lysimachia arvensis and L. monelli , in which blue- and red-flowered plants can be found. Previous studies recognized two lineages within L. arvensis differing in flower colour, but this variation has not yet been considered in a phylogenetic context. We have reconstructed the ancestral states of flower colour across Mediterranean Lysimachia spp. aiming at understanding its phylogenetic signal using the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and three plastid markers. All blue- and red-flowered specimens were nested in different clades in the ITS tree, thus supporting that L. arvensis and L. monelli are polyphyletic, whereas low phylogenetic resolution was found in plastid markers. Monophyly was reconstructed for blue-flowered L. arvensis and L. monelli samples, and similarly for red-flowered individuals of each species: (1) blue-flowered L. arvensis was reconstructed as sister to the strictly blue-flowered L. talaverae in a monophyletic clade sister to remaining Lysimachia ; (2) red-flowered L. arvensis was resolved as sister to red-flowered L. monelli in a monophyletic clade; and (3) clade 2 was sister to blue-flowered L. monelli and the strictly blue-flowered L. foemina. Our results suggest that colour lineages in L. arvensis and L. monelli constitute different species, but flower colour did not promote the separation of these lineages. We propose a new name for blue-flowered L. arvensis (L. loeflingii) and a new combination for red-flowered L. monelli (L. collina), maintaining L. arvensis for red-flowered plants and L. monelli for blue-flowered plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aconophora compressa Walker (Hemiptera: Membracidae) was released in 1995 against the weed lantana in Australia, and is now found on multiple host plant species. The intensity and regularity at which A. compressa uses different host species was quantified in its introduced Australian range and also its native Mexican range. In Australia, host plants fell into three statistically defined categories, as indicated by the relative rates and intensities at which they were used in the field. Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum L.: Verbenaceae) was used much more regularly and at higher densities than any other host sampled, and alone made up the first group. The second group, lantana (Lantana camara L.: Verbenaceae; pink variety) and geisha girl (Duranta erecta L.: Verbenaceae), were used less regularly and at much lower densities than fiddlewood. The third group, Sheena’s gold (another variety of D. erecta), jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don: Bignoniaceae) and myoporum (Myoporum acuminatum R. Br.: Myoporaceae), were used infrequently and at even lower densities. In Mexico, the insect was found at relatively low densities on all hosts relative to those in Australia. Densities were highest on L. urticifolia, D. erecta and Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth (Bignoniaceae), which were used at similar rates to one another. It was found also on a few other verbenaceous and non-verbenaceous host species but at even lower densities. The relative rate at which Citharexylum spp. and L. urticifolia were used could not be assessed in Mexico because A. compressa was found on only one plant of each species in areas where these host species co-occurred. The low rate at which A. compressa occurred on fiddlewood in Mexico is likely to be an artefact of the short-term nature of the surveys or differences in the suites of Citharexylum and Lantana species available there. These results provide further incentive to insist on structured and quantified surveys of non-target host use in the native range of potential biological control agents prior to host testing studies in quarantine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the catalogues of the zoological (1994) and botanical and landscape (1999) drawings of Ferdinand Bauer in the Natural History Museum, London were published, it has been possible to refine the attributions of the "finished" watercolours held there through examination of more of the original field drawings held at the Archiv, Naturhistorisches Museum Wien. As a result, locality and chronology information for many zoological and botanical drawings held in London are updated here. Such precision has bearing on phenology of the germane plant species in light of climate-change and distributions now reduced through European land-use practices. In an appendix there is discussion of the drawings attributed to Bauer and now held in the Linnean Society of London; some are possibly the work of Franz Bauer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eremophila R.Br. (Scrophulariaceae) is a diverse genus of plants with species distributed across semi-arid and arid Australia. It is an ecologically important genus that also holds cultural significance for many Indigenous Australians who traditionally use several species as sources of medicines. Structurally unusual diterpenoids, particularly serrulatane and viscidane-types, feature prominently in the chemical profile of many species and recent studies indicate that these compounds are responsible for much of the reported bioactivity. We have investigated the biosynthesis of diterpenoids in three species: Eremophila lucida, Eremophila drummondii and Eremophila denticulata subsp. trisulcata. Results: In all studied species diterpenoids were localised to the leaf surface and associated with the occurrence of glandular trichomes. Trichome-enriched transcriptome databases were generated and mined for candidate terpene synthases (TPS). Four TPSs with diterpene biosynthesis activity were identified: ElTPS31 and ElTPS3 from E. lucida were found to produce (3Z,7Z,11Z)-cembratrien-15-ol and 5-hydroxyviscidane, respectively, and EdTPS22 and EdtTPS4, from E. drummondii and E. denticulata subsp. trisulcata, respectively, were found to produce 8,9-dihydroserrulat-14-ene which readily aromatized to serrulat-14-ene. In all cases, the identified TPSs used the cisoid substrate, nerylneryl diphosphate (NNPP), to form the observed products. Subsequently, cis-prenyl transferases (CPTs) capable of making NNPP were identified in each species. Conclusions: We have elucidated two biosynthetic steps towards three of the major diterpene backbones found in this genus. Serrulatane and viscidane-type diterpenoids are promising candidates for new drug leads. The identification of an enzymatic route to their synthesis opens up the possibility of biotechnological production, making accessible a ready source of scaffolds for further modification and bioactivity testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most threatening holoparasitic plant species is Orobanche cumana Wallr. (sunflower broomrape), mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region and Western Asia where it exclusively parasitizes sunflowers. Sunflower broomrape (BR) is a very destructive parasitic weed causing significant yield losses under high infestations that can easily spread and is vulnerable to mutations. Broomrape is highly variable, controlled by vertical single dominant resistance genes leading to the rapid and frequent breakdown of resistance. This subsequently leads to the continuing need for new unique genes from multiple sources for controlling new emerging virulent races. The USDA-ARS, National Plant Germplasm System crop wild relatives (CWR) collection contains 2,519 accessions of 53 species with 14 annual species (1641 accessions) and 39 perennial species (878 accessions). This CWR collection provides a vast genetic resource for new BR resistance genes, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Sunflower CWR evaluations for new resistance genes for BR races have demonstrated that they are a substantial reservoir for existing and new emerging virulent races. Resistance to sunflower broomrape, including immunity, has been reported in seven annual and 32 perennial species. These sources discovered in the sunflower CWR confer resistance to new virulent broomrape races F, G, and H, and others that have not been assigned a race designation. Since several of the resistant CWR sources are annual and have the same chromosome number as cultivated sunflower, broomrape resistance genes can be incorporated into hybrid sunflower through interspecific hybridization. The diverse sources of resistance from the CWR provide breeders with the prospect for durable broomrape control through exploiting genetic resistance for existing and newly emerging races. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of first‐generation hybrids determines to a large extent the long‐term outcome of hybridization in natural populations. F1 hybrids can facilitate further gene flow between the two parental species, especially in animal‐pollinated flowering plants. We studied the performance of reciprocal F1 hybrids between Rhinanthus minor and R. major, two hemiparasitic, annual, self‐compatible plant species, from seed germination to seed production under controlled conditions and in the field. We sowed seeds with known ancestry outdoors before winter and followed the complete life cycle until plant death in July the following season. Germination under laboratory conditions was much lower for the F1 hybrid formed on R. major compared with the reciprocal hybrid formed on R. minor, and this confirmed previous results from similar experiments. However, this difference was not found under field conditions, which seems to indicate that the experimental conditions used for germination in the laboratory are not representative for the germination behaviour of the hybrids under more natural conditions. The earlier interpretation that F1 hybrid seeds formed on R. major face intrinsic genetic incompatibilities therefore appears to be incorrect. Both F1 hybrids performed at least as well as and sometimes better than R. minor, which had a higher fitness than R. major in one of the two years in the greenhouse and in the field transplant experiment. The high fitness of the F1 hybrids confirms findings from naturally mixed populations, where F1 hybrids appear in the first year after the two species meet, which leads to extensive advanced‐hybrid formation and introgression in subsequent generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new species of eriophyoid mite, Notallus phlomicosae Lotfollahi & Bahirai sp. nov., associated with Phlomis fruticosa L. (Lamiaceae) is described and illustrated from Lorestan province of Iran. It is the first record of a Notallus species on plants of Lamiaceae. In addition, a key to the known Notallus mite species worldwide, table of morphological comparison among them and figures of their prodorsal shield patterns are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploids often have divergent geographical ranges compared to their diploid progenitors, but the causes of such differentiation are poorly understood. The geographical ranges of cytotypes within polyploid complexes may be caused by multiple factors, including historical events, interactions among cytotypes and divergent environmental tolerances, but the fine-scale geographical arrangement of cytotypes is rarely known for most mixed-ploidy species. In this study, we assessed cytotype diversity and distribution patterns in the Jasione montana polyploid complex and examined whether environmental factors can explain the occurrence of tetraploids. Specifically, we reviewed all chromosome counts available in the literature, examined cytotype distributions in a large-scale population survey using flow cytometry (N = 278 populations, N = 3396 plants), and used niche modelling to compare cytotype environmental associations. Two cytotypes were detected: diploids, which are widespread across Europe, and tetraploids, restricted to the north-west quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. The two cytotypes were distributed in a mosaic with areas dominated by diploids intermixed with those dominated by tetraploids, rarely forming mixed-ploidy populations (1.4%). Although having low geographical overlap, the tetraploid niche is fully nested within the diploid niche breadth and occupies only a subset of the environmental envelope of the diploid progenitor, suggesting that polyploidization has not caused niche expansion due to novel environmental preferences. The mosaic diploid-tetraploid contact zones and the lack of mixed-ploidy populations suggest that frequency-dependent selection may play a role in excluding minority cytotypes. Under this scenario, tetraploids would have to disperse to places unoccupied by diploids to successfully establish. The aggregation of tetraploid populations in areas suitable for diploids suggests that tetraploids may also outcompete diploids in certain areas. Collectively, our results indicate that environmental sorting has played a role, at least on a broader scale, in the successful establishment of polyploids in J. montana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bird's-eye primrose (Primula farinosa L.) is an endangered species in Poland. The sole remaining, and critically endangered, population of approximately 300 flowering plants is located in the Beskid Sądecki Mountains (Jaworki, Poland). The genetic investigation was performed using highly variable microsatellite markers on a total of four populations: the Polish population and its three nearest known Slovak counterparts. We hypothesize that the Polish population is a relic of the previously much wider Central European mountain/lowland range and is thus genetically distinct from the rest of the Slovak stock. Clarification of this issue is needed before active protection interventions such as artificial supplementation can be carried out. Our results, particularly those from STRUCTURE Bayesian clustering, showed clear population structure within the dataset: all three Slovak populations were dominated by one genetic group, while the Polish population comprised mostly individuals dominated by the second genetic group. Only limited gene flow was observed between the Polish and Slovak populations. This demonstrates the distinct genetic makeup of the Jaworki population, which is probably the result of prolonged isolation from the rest of the P. farinosa range and admixture of genes from various lineages. Their origin could be determined by including plant material from the rest of the P. farinosa range, i.e., Scandinavian, Baltic, and Alpine/Carpathian locations, in a future study. The immediate practical application of our results is the recommendation that all supplementation interventions to the Jaworki population must be limited to plants produced from locally collected seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a quantitative and general description of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden herbarium (RB) dataset. Created over a century ago, the RB currently comprises ca. 750,000 mounted specimens, with a strong representation of Brazilian flora, mainly from the Atlantic and Amazon forests. Nearly 100% of these specimens have been entered into the database and imaged and, at present, about 17% have been geo-referenced. This data paper is focused exclusively on RB's exsiccatae collection of land plants and algae, which is currently increasing by about twenty to thirty thousand specimens per year thanks to fieldwork, exchange and donations. Since 2005, many national and international projects have been implemented, improving the quality and accessibility of the collection. The most important facilitating factor in this process was the creation of the institutional system for plants collection and management, named JABOT. Since the RB is continuously growing, the dataset is updated weekly on SiBBr and GBIF portals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable variation occurs in post-maturity timing of dehiscence in fruits of Brassicaceae species, and several studies have shown that the pericarp plays an important role in seed germination and retention of viability in species with indehiscent fruits. However, little is known about the significance to seed biology of delay in pericarp dehiscence for <1 year in the field. Thus, we determined the role of the pericarps of Leptaleum filifolium and Neotorularia korolkovii, which open in <1 year after fruit maturity and dispersal, in seed germination and retention of seed viability. We compared dormancy-break via after-ripening in the laboratory and germination phenology and retention of seed viability in intact siliques and isolated seeds buried in an experimental garden. Seeds of both species have Type 6 non-deep physiological dormancy, which is enhanced by the pericarp. Seeds of both species after-ripened during summer 2013, and some of them germinated in autumn and some in the following spring in watered and non-watered soil. Germination percentages of seeds in siliques increased in soil in spring 2014, after the pericarps had opened. Most isolated seeds of L. filifolium and N. korolkovii had germinated or were dead by spring 2014 and summer 2015, respectively, whereas 60% of the seeds of both species in the (opened) pericarps were viable after 24 months. Thus, although the pericarp opened 9-10 months after burial, its presence had a significant effect on seed dormancy, germination phenology and retention of viability of seeds of L. filifolium and N. korolkovii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree of Chinese vascular plants (Tracheophyta) using sequences of the chloroplast genes atpB, matK, ndhF, and rbcL and mitochondrial matR. We produced a matrix comprising 6098 species and including 13 695 DNA sequences, of which 1803 were newly generated. Our taxonomic sampling spanned 3114 genera representing 323 families of Chinese vascular plants, covering more than 93% of all genera known from China. The comprehensive large phylogeny supports most relationships among and within families recognized by recent molecular phylogenetic studies for lycophytes, ferns (monilophytes), gymnosperms, and angiosperms. For angiosperms, most families in Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV are supported as monophyletic, except for a paraphyletic Dipterocarpaceae and Santalaceae. The infrafamilial relationships of several large families and monophyly of some large genera are well supported by our dense taxonomic sampling. Our results showed that two species of Eberhardtia are sister to a clade formed by all other taxa of Sapotaceae, except Sarcosperma. We have made our phylogeny of Chinese vascular plants publically available for the creation of subtrees via SoTree (), an automated phylogeny assembly tool for ecologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of information regarding the ecology of threatened species may compromise conservation efforts. Mala, a small macropod that historically inhabited a vast area of arid Australia, became extinct in the wild in 1991. Although dietary studies were completed before their disappearance from the Tanami Desert, no such work was conducted in the southern Northern Territory before mala became extinct in this part of its former range. The reintroduction of mala to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park provided an opportunity for dietary analysis of faecal pellets. Results show that mala foraged a wide variety of plant species, although grasses and supplementary food comprised the bulk of the diet. Neither the average percentage of Poaceae, Triodia in particular, nor supplementary food found in pellet samples was correlated with rainfall. Niche breadth analysis showed a narrow dietary range for both the Tanami and Uluru studies. Mala at both locations selected similar types of plants, plant parts, and several of the same species. Results suggest that food species Aristida holathera and Eragrostis eriopoda should be monitored to assist in determining the carrying capacity of the Uluru enclosure. A botanically diverse reintroduction site supporting Eragrostis, Aristida and Triodia appears to be most suitable for mala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A global revision of Convolvulus L. is presented, Calystegia R.Br. being excluded on pragmatic grounds. One hundred and ninety species are recognised with the greatest diversity in the Irano-Turanian region. All recognised species are described and the majority are illustrated. Distribution details, keys to species identification and taxonomic notes are provided. Four new species, Convolvulus austroafricanus J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, sp. nov., Convolvulus iranicus J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, sp. nov., Convolvulus peninsularis J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, sp. nov. and Convolvulus xanthopotamicus J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, sp. nov., one new subspecies Convolvulus chinensis subsp. triangularis J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, subsp. nov., and two new varieties Convolvulus equitans var. lindheimeri J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, var. nov., Convolvulus glomeratus var. sachalitarum J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, var. nov. are described. Convolvulus incisodentatus J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, nom. nov., is provided as a replacement name for the illegitimate Convolvulus incisus Choisy. Several species treated as synonyms of other species in recent publications are reinstated including C. chinensis Ker-Gawl., C. spinifer M.Popov., C. randii Rendle and C. aschersonii Engl. Ten taxa are given new status and recognised at new ranks: Convolvulus namaquensis (Schltr. ex. A.Meeuse) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus hermanniae subsp. erosus (Desr.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus crenatifolius subsp. montevidensis (Spreng.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus fruticulosus subsp. glandulosus (Webb) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus capituliferus subsp. foliaceus (Verdc.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus hystrix subsp. ruspolii (Dammer ex Hallier f.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus hystrix subsp. inermis (Chiov.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus rottlerianus subsp. stocksii (Boiss.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, comb. et stat. nov., Convolvulus calvertii subsp. ruprechtii (Boiss.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov., Convolvulus cephalopodus subsp. bushiricus (Bornm.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, stat. nov. The status of various infraspecific taxa is clarified and numerous taxa are lectotypified. This account represents a new initiative in terms of taxonomic monography, being an attempt to bring together the global approach of the traditional monograph with the more pragmatic and identification-focussed approach of most current floras while at the same time being informed by insights from molecular systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective conservation management should target appropriate conservation units, but evolutionarily and genetically divergent lineages within nominal taxa are often unrecognized. The south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot may harbour many cryptic taxa, as it contains many plant species with naturally fragmented population distributions. Using microsatellite markers, we tested the hypothesis that disjunct population groups in the rare species Eremophila microtheca and E. rostrata ( Scrophulariaceae: Myoporeae) are highly genetically divergent and represent separate evolutionarily significant units ( ESUs). Chromosome counts indicated that all individuals assessed were diploid (2 n = 36). Genetic differentiation among disjunct population groups was highly significant ( P < 0.001) for both E. microtheca ( FST = 0.301-0.383; Dest = 0.756-0.774) and E. rostrata ( FST = 0.325-0.346; Dest = 0.628-0.660), and was similar to their differentiation from allied species. These results, including high incidences of private alleles, suggest historical divergence among cryptic taxa within E. microtheca and E. rostrata. Population groups in E. rostrata have recently been taxonomically recognized as two subspecies. Our study suggests that E. microtheca should also be reassessed as two taxa or considered as two ESUs, and the southern occurrence should be listed as Critically Endangered. We suggest a precautionary approach for flora in this and similar landscapes, whereby historically wide geographical disjunctions are assumed to indicate separate units for conservation. © 2014 State of Western Australia. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, 2015, 177, 96-111. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Croatica is the property of Natura Croatica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Economic Botany is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Interspecific hybridization is an important evolutionary force promoting plant speciation. In the genus Onosma, one of three main evolutionary lineages presumably evolved by hybrid speciation. The assumed hybrid lineage (Heterotricha) consists of two species complexes with bimodal karyotypes containing different numbers of large ( L) and small ( S) chromosomes, the tetraploid Onosma pseudoarenaria (2 n = 12 L + 14S) and the triploid Onosma arenaria (2 n = 12 L + 8S). The latter represents a rare case of hemisexual, asymmetrically compensating allopolyploids. Representatives of the other two lineages of the genus, Haplotricha (2 n = 12 L) and Asterotricha (2 n = 14S), have been considered to be the ancestral taxa of O. pseudoarenaria and O. arenaria, although this has yet to be investigated critically. In the present study, we examined genetic [amplified fragment length polymorphism ( AFLP), internal transcribed spacer ( ITS) , and chloroplast (cp) DNA)], reproductive (pollen viability and seed production) and cytogenetic (chromosome counts, genome size assessment) patterns to resolve the hypothesized allopolyploid formations in the Heterotricha group, single or polytopic allopolyploid origins, as well as ongoing interspecific gene flow as one piece of evidence for understanding past hybrid speciation events in the genus. Discordant patterns in maternally inherited cp DNA ( Heterotricha accessions bearing the haplotypes related to asterotrichous species) and the nuclear ITS and AFLP markers ( Heterotricha clustering with haplotrichous Onosma fastigiata), as well as karyological features, support the hybrid origin of the stabilized Heterotricha lineage. Genetic variation that is both large and geographically correlated indicates multiple origins of Heterotricha allopolyploids or, less likely, a single origin with recurring introgression from the progenitor species. The nuclear markers and cytogenetic features also provide evidence for the ongoing hybridization between O. arenaria and Onosma echioides (2 n = 14S), which gives rise to sterile triploids of 2 n = 6 L + 15S. We contrast the two cases of triploids with LLS (hemisexual O. arenaria from the stabilized Heterotricha lineage) and LSS (recent sterile hybrids) karyotypes, which could help to understand the mechanisms ensuring the establishment and reproductive fitness of the odd allopolyploids in Onosma. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 112, 89-107. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lappula Moench includes ca. 70 species and exhibits a wide range of nutlet variation. Currently, the evolutionary relationships among species of Lappula have not been examined; therefore, to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and morphological evolution within Lappula and related genera, we conducted phylogenetic analyses with matrices that include 48 species as well as four DNA regions (ITS, trnL- trnF, rpS16 and psbA- trnH) and 18 morphological characters. These matrices were analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. Analyses of the combined molecular and morphological data result in a phylogeny that is better resolved than that based solely on molecular sequence data. Phylogenetic results suggest that the current infrageneric classification of Lappula, at least at the subsectional and series level, is artificial. The evolutionary patterns of 18 morphological characters are investigated in a phylogenetic context. In Lappula, nutlet homomorphism and small corollas are resolved as ancestral, while nutlet heteromorphism and larger corollas are derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cat's claw creeper, Dolichandra unguis-cati ( L.) L. G. Lohman (syn: Macfadyena unguis-cati ( L.) A. H. Gentry) ( Bignoniaceae), a major environmental weed in Queensland and New South Wales, is a Weed of National Significance and an approved target for biological control. A leaf-mining jewel beetle, Hylaeogena jureceki Obenberger ( Coleoptera: Buprestidae), first collected in 2002 from D. unguis-cati in Brazil and Argentina, was imported from South Africa into a quarantine facility in Brisbane in 2009 for host-specificity testing. H. jureceki adults chew holes in leaves and lay eggs on leaf margins and the emerging larvae mine within the leaves of D. unguis-cati. The generation time (egg to adult) of H. jureceki under quarantine conditions was 55.4 ± 0.2 days. Host-specificity trials conducted in Australia on 38 plant species from 11 families supplement and support South African studies which indicated that H. jureceki is highly host-specific and does not pose a risk to any non-target plant species in Australia. In no-choice tests, adults survived significantly longer (>32 weeks) on D. unguis-cati than on non-target test plant species (<3 weeks). Oviposition occurred on D. unguis-cati and one non-target test plant species, Citharexylum spinosum ( Verbenaceae), but no larval development occurred on the latter species. In choice tests involving D. unguis-cati, C. spinosum and Avicennia marina ( Avicenniaceae), feeding and oviposition were evident only on D. unguis-cati. The insect was approved for field release in Australia in May 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucophyllum is one of the most remarkable endemic genera of North American deserts, with its simultaneous bloom of showy purple flowers. With Eremogeton and probably Capraria it forms part of tribe Leucophylleae. Leucophyllum has 16 species distributed mostly throughout the Chihuahuan and Tehuacán deserts. The three genera were sampled to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among them and to test the monophyly of Leucophyllum, based on plastid DNA ( trnL- F, rps16) and nuclear ribosomal (nr) DNA ( internal transcribed spacer) sequences. Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analyses confirmed that tribe Leucophylleae is monophyletic and formed by the three Neotropical genera. Separate (plastid DNA and nr DNA) and combined analyses retrieved Leucophyllum as paraphyletic, with L. mojinense as the sister species to the rest of the species in the tribe and Capraria spp. nested in one of two clades of Leucophyllum. Further monographic work is needed to identify the defining characters and limits of the genera, but we suggest that L. mojinense, with its different vegetative architecture, distinctive flowers and dissimilar distribution could be placed in its own genus. Each of the two clades in Leucophyllum could be considered a genus in its own right, and Capraria and Eremogeton can be recognized as independent genera, as they are at present. Leucophyllum ambiguum, the type species of the genus, belongs to one of the clades so the species of the other could be considered members of a new genus. The only diagnostic character detected at present is a ventricose corolla tube in one of the clades in Leucophyllum and a pressed corolla tube in the other. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an update of vascular plants at the Western Australian Herbarium's census database in Perth, Western Australia. It says that 74 plant taxa were registered, in which 11 were added and 10 were naturalised in the Threatened and Priority Flora List for the State. It lists several species of vascular plants included in the update, including Cosmos bipinnatus Cav., Eremophila fallax Chinnock, and Aristida personata Henrard.

Context: This study is a continuation of our previous work in which a bioassay screening of 346 methanol extracts from 281 Egyptian plant species was carried out for in vitro schistosomicidal activity. Objective: Another 309 methanol extracts from 278 plant species were subjected to the bioassay screening using the same technique on viable Schistosoma mansoni Sambon (Schistosomatidae) mature worms in specialized culture medium (Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium 1640) in a trial to discover a source for a schistosomiasis drug from Egyptian flora. Material and methods: The methanol plant extracts were tested in vitro against viable S. mansoni mature worms in culture medium. Viability of worms was examined after exposure to 100 μg/ml of the extract in the medium for 24 h. Negative (dimethyl sulfoxide) and positive (praziquantel) controls were simultaneously used. Extracts showing schistosomicidal activity were further subjected to determination of their (Lethal concentration) LC50 and LC90 values. Results: Confirmed in vitro antischistosomal activity was found in 42 extracts. Of these, 14 plant species possessed considerably high antischistosomal activity (LC50 ≤ 15 µg/ml), viz. Callistemon viminalis (Soland. Ex Gaertn) Cheel, C. rigidus R.Br., C. speciosus (Sims.) DC , C. citrinus Stapf , Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, E. rostrata Dehnh., Eugenia edulis Vell , E. javanica Lam syn. Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merril , Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) L. , M. stypheloides Sm. (all belong to Myrtaceae) , Cryptostegia grandiflora R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) , Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl (Cruciferae), Ficus trijuja L. (Moraceae) and Fagonia mollis Delile (Zygophylacae). Discussion and conclusion: These species may represent additional natural sources of bioactive material that deserve further investigation for drug discovery against schistosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ording to a survey conducted from 1995 to 2004 in the eight regions with salinized soils, China contains 587 halophytes representing 242 genera and 71 families: apart from three species of ferns, all are angiosperms. Physiologically, Chinese halophytes include salt-secreting halophytes, euhalophytes, and pseudohalophytes. Ecologically, Chinese halophytes include zerohalophytes, mesohalophytes, and hydrohalophytes. Chinese halophytes represent a salt-tolerant gene pool that might be used to increase the salt tolerance of conventional crops through breeding, but also have considerable potential as salt-tolerant economic crops providing food, forage, medicine, and industrial material in salinized soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

•Stem mechanical properties are critically linked to foliage deployment and growth strategy, yet variation in stem mechanics across species and habitats is poorly understood. •Here, we compared 32 plant species growing across four sites of contrasting rainfall and soil nutrient availability in Australia. •The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were tightly correlated with dry sapwood density within sites, but species from low-rainfall environments had higher wood density for a given MOE and MOR compared with species growing in high-rainfall environments. The ratio of MOE to MOR was slightly lower for species at low-rainfall sites, suggesting that wood was stronger for a given elasticity. Most species had thick bark, but the mechanical contribution of bark to stem MOE was small. •Our results suggest that arid-adapted species would need to deploy more dry mass to support stems. Our results also highlight the importance of understanding how the biomechanics–wood density relationship evolves under different environmental conditions to better understand plant growth across diverse habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size of fleshy fruits spans several orders of magnitude. However, the evolution of fruit size diversity is poorly understood. Fruit size diversity is hypothesised to result from several potential processes. The frugivore hypothesis postulates that different-sized animal fruit consumers select for different-sized fruits. The correlated selection hypothesis postulates that fruit size is allometrically related to other plant traits (e.g. leaf size, plant height); therefore differences in fruit size result from correlated evolution with other plant traits. We tested the frugivore and correlated selection hypotheses as potential explanations for fruit size diversity in two New Zealand study sites. We observed birds foraging for fruits over two fruiting seasons at each site and measured fruit size, leaf size and plant height in a total of 32 plant species. Relationships between average fruit size, leaf size, plant size and the average size of birds consuming each fruit species were then evaluated using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Similar results were obtained in both study sites. Fruit size was correlated with the size of avian fruit consumers, but was unrelated to leaf size or plant height. Therefore, results falsified the correlated selection hypothesis but failed to falsify the frugivore hypothesis. Although results suggest that frugivores may have influenced the evolution of fruit size in New Zealand, further study is needed to generate a mechanistic understanding of how frugivores may have selected for interspecific variation in fruit size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quadrat based study of the flora and plant communities of the banded ironstone range of Cashmere Downs, found 144 taxa, with 142 native and two weeds. Two priority taxa and five taxa with significant range extensions (>100km) were found. Fifty one quadrats were established to cover the major geographical, geomorphological and floristic variation across the range. Data from 49 of these quadrats were used to define five community types, with two subtypes in two communities. Differences in communities were strongly correlated with underlying geology and soil fertility. None of the plant communities found on the banded ironstone ranges on Cashmere Downs are represented in secure conservation reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive shrubs are having important effects on forests in the United States. Over 100 species were found that have actual or potential effects on forest structure and function. The number of invasive shrub species in each state is correlated with both latitude and state population. The majority of these shrubs have attractive fruits that are widely distributed by birds and other animals. Their reproduction is also helped by evergreen or extended-deciduous leaf habits and by the ability to reproduce vegetatively in a majority of these invasive species. In addition to suppressing native tree reproduction, invasive shrubs have many other effects on forest function; however, information is not yet available in either of these categories for a substantial number of invasive shrubs. Because most of these species can resprout, physical control is of limited effectiveness, while herbicides are much more successful. Only limited research has been conducted on both fire and biological control. Despite these negative effects on forests, more than three quarters of these shrubs are still distributed in the United States, and many are unrecognized as invasive in many states. Substantial legislative, regulatory, and research efforts are therefore needed to limit the deleterious effects of invasive shrubs on U.S. forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the flora and plant communities of Koolanooka and Perenjori Hills, east of Morawa, recorded 238 taxa, with 217 native and 21 weeds. Nine priority taxa were found and five new species were identified and are considered endemic to the hills. Fifty quadrats were established to cover the major geographical, geomorphologic and floristic variation across the hills. Data from 48 of these quadrats were used to define five community types, with two subtypes in one community. Differences in communities were strongly correlated with landform and soil fertility. Patterns of high plant endemicity and restricted communities are similar to those found on other ranges within the Yilgarn Craton. None of the plant communities found on the Koolanooka and Perenjori Hills is reserved in the conservation estate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of native habitats to pasture and other working lands, unbuilt lands modified by humans for production, is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. While some human-dominated landscapes on continents support relatively high native biodiversity, this capacity is little studied in oceanic island systems characterized by high endemism and vulnerability to invasion. Using Hawaii as a case study, we assessed the conservation value of working landscapes on an oceanic island by surveying native and non-native plant diversity in mature native forest and in the three dominant land covers/uses to which it has been converted: native, Acacia koa timber plantations, wooded pasture,and open pasture. As expected, native plant diversity (richness and abundance) was significantly higher and non-native abundance significantly lower in mature native forests than any other site type. A. koa plantations and wooded pasture supported four and three times greater, respectively, species richness of native understory plants than open pasture. Also, A. koa plantations and wooded pasture supported similar species communities with about 75% species in common. Conservation and restoration of mature native forest in Hawaii is essential for the protection of native, rare species and limiting the spread of nonnative species. A. koa plantations and wooded pasture, however, may help harmonize production and conservation by supporting livelihoods, more biodiversity than open pasture, and some connectivity between native forest remnants important for sustaining landscape-level conservation value into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the floristic features of extra-tropical Western Australia and its classification. The extensive use of statistical data is required for the correct interpretation of interesting floristic features of south-western Australia. The Emeraean Province and the Southwest Province are the two distinct regions of the extra-tropical Western Australia. The Pan-Australian elements of the Southwest Province are defined as those species which commonly occur in at least the extra-tropical area of the country. The article also presents the floristic relationships of extra-tropical Western Australia with other regions.

The African Plant Checklist and Database Project (APCD) provides botanists with the first angiosperm checklist and database for Sub-Saharan Africa. This was achieved by merging the existing datasets for Southern and Tropical Africa. The checklist is published as a one-off hardcopy publication. The database, with all attached additional information, is freely accessible via the internet and will be regularly updated. The APCD, for the first time, gives accurate statistics for the angiosperm flora of Sub-Saharan Africa. There are 50,136 current taxa (representing approximately 44,830 species) in the database, plus an additional 393 taxa where there are discrepancies in genus concept between the two original datasets. Taxa are classified into 274 families and 3,802 current genera. Several other important statistics can also be drawn from the database. Furthermore, by pointing out problems and discrepancies in taxonomic opinion, the APCD highlights taxa where further research is necessary. The APCD will be an invaluable tool to botanists working on the African flora. It also has an important role to play in greater projects such as the Global Plant Checklist Project and has already emerged as a nomenclatural standard for the African Plants Initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the current knowledge of the vertebrate fauna and vascular flora of Legendre Island off the Pilbara coast of Western Australia. It reports on a biological survey performed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC; formerly the Department of Conservation and Land Management, CALM) in July 2000 and collates historical biological data from the island. The survey added 21 new species of vascular flora to the island's species list. One-hundred and seventy plant species, including six weed species, are now known from the island. None of the native taxa are declared rare flora or priority species. The survey added one new species of vertebrate (the python, Liasis stimsoni) to the island's records. The confirmed terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Legendre Island consists of one species of mammal (Rattus tunneyi), 20 species of reptiles and 50 species of birds. We suggest that differences between the species identified in 2000 and in previous surveys are the result of seasonality and patchiness of distribution. We believe that more plant and animal species remain unrecorded from the island and recommend a survey program that allows for sampling seasonal variation and variation between wet and dry summers. Such a strategy may also detect those fauna not recently recorded. We argue that because Legendre Island is the only large limestone island in the Dampier Archipelago and is an important breeding location for three species of marine turtle, it should be included in the conservation estate as part of the proposed Dampier Archipelago National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and Aims Various alien species have been introduced to the Ogasawara Islands (Japan). A survey was made investigating whether the native pollination systems fit an ‘island syndrome’ (biasing the flora to dioecy, with subdued, inconspicuous flowers) and whether alien species have disrupted the native pollination network.• Methods Flower visitors and floral traits were determined in the field (12 islands) and from the literature. Associations among floral traits such as sexual expression, flower colour and flower shape were tested.• Key Results Among the 269 native flowering plants, 74·7 % are hermaphroditic, 13·0 % are dioecious and 7·1 % are monoecious. Classification by flower colour revealed that 36·0 % were white, 21·6 % green and 13·8 % yellow. Woody species (trees and shrubs) comprised 36·5 % of the flora and were associated with dioecy and white flowers. Solitary, endemic small bees were the dominant flower visitors and visited 66·7 % of the observed species on satellite islands where the native pollination networks are preserved. In contrast to the situation on the satellite islands, introduced honeybees were the most dominant pollinator (visiting 60·1 % of observed species) on the two main islands, Chichi-jima and Haha-jima, and had spread to satellite islands near Chichi-jima Island.• Conclusions The island syndrome for pollination systems in the Ogasawara Islands was evident in a high percentage of dioecious species, the subdued colour of the native flora and solitary flower visitors on satellite islands. The shape and colour adaptations of several flowers suggested native pollination niches for long-proboscis moths and carpenter bees. However, the domination and expansion of introduced honeybees have the potential for disruption of the native pollination network in the two main, and several satellite, islands of the Ogasawara Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS) is one of the largest floristic projects in the world. The final product, 80 volumes in 126 parts, represents work by four generations of Chinese plant taxonomists during 45 years (1959-2004) and treats 31,180 species (300 families, 3,434 genera) on over 40,000 pages. More than half of the species (54%) are endemic to China. This monumental flora has not yet been thoroughly reviewed. The history of the project is described with comments on outline, statistics, largest families and genera, names of authors and editors, quality, species concept, new taxa, specimens, and proofing and indexing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the interdependence of avian frugivore- and fruited plant-species richness at the scale of major river basins across Europe, taking into account several environmental factors along different spatial gradients. Continental Europe and the British Isles. We focused on wintering birds and autumn/winter fruiting plants, and used major river basins as geographical units and Structural Equation Modelling as the principal analytical tool. The statistical influence of disperser species richness on fleshy-fruited plant species richness is roughly double that of the reverse. Broad-scale variation in frugivore richness is more dependent on environmental factors than on fruited plant richness. However, the influence of disperser richness on plant richness is four times higher than the influence of environmental factors. Environmental influences on both birds and plants are greater than purely spatial influences. Our results are interpreted as indicating that biotic dispersal of fruits strongly affects broad-scale geographical trends of fleshy-fruited plant species richness, whereas richness of fruited plants moderately affects frugivore richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chromosome numbers of 10 species of Angiosperms from Israel are reported. The numbers of Helichrysum sanguineum var. sanguineum (Asteraceae; 2n = 28), Ranunculus damascenus (Ranunculaceae; 2n = 32), and Stachys palaestina (Lamiaceae; 2n = 34) are recorded for the first time; the numbers of five other species are given for the first time for plants from Israel. Karyotypes are presented for several species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 129 species from the subtribe Flueggeinae of the tribe Phyllantheae (Euphorbiaceae, Phyllanthoideae) were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, and 10 species using transmission electron microscopy, in order to evaluate the relationships between the eight constituent genera: Breynia , Flueggea , Glochidion , Margaritaria , Phyllanthus , Reverchonia , Richeriella , and Sauropus . Of these genera, Flueggea , Margaritaria and Richeriella share pollen with a prolate spheroidal meridional outline and a 3-colporate aperture system. Pollen of Reverchonia is also 3-colporate, but differs from that of the Flueggea alliance by its clearly prolate shape, tilioid ornamentation and absence of costae endopori. Breynia and Sauropus have 4-12 and 3-16-colporate pollen, respectively, with diploporate colpi. Two pollen types are recognised in Breynia , and four in Sauropus , one of which supports the recognition of Sect. Hemisauropus . Glochidion pollen is 3-6-colporate, and similar to that of Breynia in having reticulate sculpture with Y-shaped sexine structures, but it has monoporate colpi. Of the genus Phyllanthus , only species with pollen with diploporate colpi have been studied. Seven types are described. Diploporate Phyllanthus pollen can be distinguished from that of Breynia and Sauropus by its distinct colpus margins consisting of parallel muri. Colpal irregularities and endoaperture configurations in the subtribe are discussed, and pollen morphological trends are hypothesised. Placed in the successiform aperture series, the Flueggea alliance and Reverchonia form a basal group. Glochidion is considered intermediate, giving rise to the Breynia-Sauropus group. The relationship with Phyllanthus remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]