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The genus Entada (Leguminosae subfam. Mimosoideae) in Taiwan is revised. Two species, Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr. and E. rheedei Spreng. are recognized, of which the former is divided into subsp. phaseoloides and subsp. tonkinensis (Gagnep.) H. Ohashi (new combination). Entada phaseoloides subsp. phaseoloides corresponds to E. koshunensis Hayata & Kaneh. and E. parvifolia Merr. previously recognized in Taiwan, while E. phaseoloides subsp. tonkinensis is identical with E. phaseoloides as recorded from northern and central Taiwan. Entada formosana Kaneh. is referable to E. rheedei Spreng., which is the correct name for E. pursaetha DC. adopted in previous works in Taiwan. Entada koshunensis Hayata & Kaneh. is typified. Entada pursaetha var. formosana (Kanehira) F. C. Ho is an illegitimate name. more...

There are 167 taxa listed in the Flora of Taiwan, 2nd edition, with epithets of [formosa] and its derivatives, and [formosensis] in the different taxonomic ranks which literaturaly designate the island of Taiwan. Namely these are 2 formosae, 103 formosana, 42 formosanum, 11 formosanus, 1 formosense and 8 formosensis. In order to avoid confusion in using the epithets of formosae, formosana, formosanum, formosanus, formosense and formosensis for Formosan (Taiwan) plants under the same genus, we propose to amend Art. 53.3 Ex. 9 with addition of a phrase [formosae, formosana, formosanum, formosanus, formosense and formosensis for native and endemic plants on Taiwan only] to the end of the sentence of Article 53.3 Ex. 9 of International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN, Vienna Code, 2006). more...

Pollen records from two sediment cores taken from Ilan Plain, northeastern Taiwan provide new insights into the environmental and cultural history of the last 4200 years. The record indicates a relatively warm climate at around 4200 cal b.p. The environmental conditions would have been suitable for people whose settlements and activities were mainly in the littoral zone during this period. However, at ca. 3800 cal b.p., elements tolerant of brackish water dominated the vegetation, indicating that the environment was influenced by marine incursion. The remarkable increase in wetland flora suggests the presence of widespread marshlands thereafter. It is quite conceivable that settlement movement from the fluvial plain to hills between 3800 and 2400 cal b.p. can be correlated with the environmental changes in lowlands. A conspicuous gap in the archaeological sequence between 2400 and 1300 cal b.p. corresponds chronologically with a period of heavy rainfall or frequent typhoons as indicated by the aggradational episode in the Lanyang drainage basin as well as the flourishing of Alnus forests. The persistence of frequent landslides and climate deterioration would have had a dramatic impact on ancient humans and led to abandonment of the settlements. By 1300 cal b.p. a lowland flora is widespread indicating a shift from a marsh to a terrestrial environment in response to a well-developed fluvial plain. Decrease of landslides and the amelioration in climate could have advantages to human activities again. However, both the pollen and archaeological records indicate that intensive colonisation had a profound effect upon the vegetation within the Ilan region about 400 years ago. more...

Collection and identification of pollen is becoming important in forensic applications. Many criminal cases have been reported to link suspects to the crime scene by analysis of pollen. Several methods have been used in the pollen collection and analysis, but they are expensive and tedious. Therefore, it is important to develop a simple method to collect pollen grains from clothes. We tried to recover pollen from clothing surface by using the sticky tapes method. The tape adhesive method has been widely used for sample collection for various purposes, but the efficiency of recovery of invisible pollen from clothes has rarely been reported. Therefore, to test the efficiency of the tape adhesive method in recovering pollen from clothes is important. The first author wore clothes that were made from textile S made by the mixture of cotton 60% and polyester fiber 40% to collect pollen from 26 different areas mostly in the northern part of Taiwan and then used cellophane tape D (Sirchie Finger Print Lab., Inc-No. 131LT4) to recover them from different body parts. Twenty-six pollen taxa were detected in different parts of clothes depending upon what kind of plant the first author stayed near. From the results, we concluded that the tape adhesive method is suitable in recovering pollen from clothes. We have suggested that the tape adhesive method could be part of methods for collecting pollen from clothes of suspects. It is simpler, faster and less expensive than other methods. more...

Aims To unravel isolation and differentiation of the genetic structure of the Euphrasia transmorrisonensis complex, a showy herb, among alpine regions of mountain peaks in subtropical Taiwan and to infer its evolutionary history. Location Alpine ecosystems of high-montane regions of Taiwan. Methods Phylogenetic analyses of the trnL intron and the trnL–trnF intergenic spacer of chloroplast (cp) DNA, and the intertranscribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal (nr) DNA between 18S and 26S were carried out on 18 populations of the E. transmorrisonensis complex in Taiwan. Results In total, 10 haplotypes for cpDNA and 14 haplotypes for nrDNA were detected. Three population groups located in the northern, north-eastern, and south-central regions of the Central Mountain Range (CMR) were revealed according to the frequencies of haplotypes and haplotype lineages of nrDNA. Balancing selection might have played a role in the evolution of Euphrasia in Taiwan. Main conclusions By integrating the spatial-genetic patterns of cpDNA and nrDNA, two possible evolutionary histories of Euphrasia in Taiwan were inferred. The favourable hypotheses for interpreting the data suggest at least three origins of the E. transmorrisonensis complex in Taiwan, corresponding to each nuclear lineage in the northern (II), northern/north-eastern (I), and central/southern regions (III) with subsequent hybridization between lineages I and II and lineages II and III. These lineage boundaries are strengthened by the finding that haplotypes of C derived from cpDNA were found in the geographical region of lineage II of nrDNA, while haplotypes of A derived from cpDNA were found in the region of lineage III of nrDNA. Thus, the origin of chloroplasts exclusive to lineages II and III supports their long-term isolation from one another. more...

Species delineation in Euphrasia has long been a challenge for taxonomists. In this paper, DNA sequences are used to evaluate the morphological taxa of Taiwanese Euphrasia as well as to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship among them. ITS sequences of 147 samples of Euphrasia, one Aeginetia, and one Pedicularis from Taiwan along with nine samples of Euphrasia from abroad were studied. Six non-native species of Section Euphrasia were used as outgroups and 14 haplotypes from four taxa of Taiwanese Euphrasia, E. tarokoana Ohwi, E. nankotaizanensis Yamam., E. transmorrisonensis Hayata, and E. transmorrisonensis var. durietziana (Ohwi) T. C. Huang & M. J. Wu, served as the ingroup to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree according to the criterion of maximum parsimony. Based on the phylogenetic tree, three monophyletic haplotype lineages of the ingroup were obtained, closely correlating with geographical distributions (with some overlap in adjacent regions). However, plants of different taxa are found in the same lineage. Lineage I includes all four Taiwanese taxa, whereas lineage II includes two taxa, E. transmorrisonensis, and E. transmorrisonensis var. durietziana. Lineage III includes three taxa: E. nankotaizanensis, E. transmorrisonensis, and E. transmorrisonensis var. durietziana. Different taxa share a common haplotype. Euphrasia nankotaizanensis, E. transmorrisonensis, and E. transmorrisonensis var. durietziana share haplotype E; E. nankotaizanensis and E. transmorrisonensis share haplotype D; and E. transmorrisonensis and E. transmorrisonensis var. durietziana share haplotypes G and N. The shared haplotypes may reflect retained ancestral polymorphisms at a neutral locus (ITS) through a series of recent speciation events (lineage sorting). The nucleotide additivities are found frequently among taxa. For example, the A+B additivity pattern of E. tarokoana and E. transmorrisonensis var. durietziana could reflect hybridization. Nucleotide additivity also provided insight into reticulate relationships among populations within and between taxa. Lineage sorting and hybridization might be mechanisms driving speciation in Taiwanese Euphrasia, resulting in retention of morphology and adaptation to distinct habitats. According to ITS evidence, we reconfirm four taxa of Euphrasia in Taiwan. more...

This paper is intended for elucidation the anther and pollen wall development of Dumasia miaoliensis Liu and Lu (Fabaceae). The undifferentiated anther is ovoid-shaped and tetrasporangiated. The anther wall development is basic type, which is composed of an epidermal layer, an endothecial layer, two middle layers and tapetum. Anther-tapetum is glandular type and its’ cells are uniseriate and uninucleate. Pollen grains are 6-porate and 2-celled at the time of shedding. Before protectum development, a glycocalyx layer is deposited on the invaginated plasma membrane, exclusive of the future apertures. Subsequently, the probacules, arising basally from the plasma membrane, elongate under the protectum. The foot layer and endexine formation are concomitant with the callosic wall dissolution. The foot layer is thin and interrupted, but the endexine is thick and continuous. The intine is initiated in the vacuolated stage. more...

The diurnal variation of airborne pollen and spores in Taipei City, Taiwan, was investigated during a two-year survey from 1993 to 1994. The pollen and spores were sampled using a Burkard seven-day volumetric pollen trap. The diurnal trends of the total amount of pollen and spores in 1993 and in 1994 were similar to each other, and peaked at 3 to 10 o’clock. The diurnal patterns of airborne pollen and spores of Broussonetia, Fraxinus, Cyathea and Gramineae in 1993 were similar to those in 1994. High concentrations of Broussonetia and Fraxinus were obtained from midnight to the next morning. Cyathea spores peaked from morning till noon, and Gramineae peaked in the afternoon. The diurnal patterns of airborne pollen of Bischofia, Juniperus, Mallotus, Morus, Trema and Urticaceae in 1993 were different to those in 1994. Regular diurnal patterns also associated with the taxa, which produce large pollen or spores, such as Gramineae and Cyathea. In contrast, Bischofia, Juniperus, Mallotus, Morus, Trema and Urticaceae produce relatively small pollen and the diurnal patterns of their airborne pollen were found irregular. The source plants Broussonetia and Fraxinus were close to the collection site so the diurnal patterns of their airborne pollen were regular, suggesting that the diurnal fluctuations of the pollen or spores in air might be affected by the source of plants and the sizes of pollen or spores. The transportation of the smaller pollen or spores in air is probably more easily affected by instability of air currents; they are therefore more likely to exhibit irregular diurnal patterns. more...

A comparative study of corolla types, pollen features, nutlet coat ornamentation and chromosome numbers of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) species in Taiwan has been conducted. The result reveals that we have a new species so that Scutellaria taipeiensis T. C. Huang, A. Hsiao et M. J. Wu sp. nov. is here proposed. A key to the species, species description and illustrations, and other relevant information are provided. more...

This paper describes a natural hybrid, derived from the putative parent of D. miaoliensis and D. villosa subsp. bicolor. This hybrid is not only morphologically intermediate between its putative parents but also at three loci (Aat-1, Aat-2, Mdh-3) from isozymes data, and twenty-four RAPD bands represent a combination nature in its putative parental species. The nearly complete lack of novel alleles suggest that it is of recent origin and that insufficient time has elapsed for the accumulation of mutation at isozyme loci, but it has little mutations at the DNA level. more...

Plants intermediate in appearance between Dumasia miaoliensis and D. villosa subsp. bicolor are assumed to be the result of hybridization. Dumasia miaoliensis has the leaf base truncate, leaves glabrous or pubescent, style and gynophore long and glabrous, pods falcate, black and glabrous and seeds yellowish brown. Dumasia villosa subsp. bicolor has the leaf base acute, leaves soft hairy, style and gynophore short and villose, pods terete, yellowish brown and villose and seeds blue. The putative hybrid is more similar to D. miaoliensis, but has terete pods and short gynophore similar to D. villosa subsp. bicolor. Pollen stainability for D. miaoliensis, the putative hybrid and D. villosa subsp. bicolor is 92.5%, 55.3% and 87.4%, respectively. Dumasia villosa subsp. bicolor occurs in the mountains at 500-2500 m. Dumasia miaoliensis occurs only at Chingchieng and Erpenshong between 1100 and 1500 m. The putative hybrid was found intermixed with or growing near the D. villosa subsp. bicolor and D. miaoliensis. more...

The present paper is a part of a series of palynological studies for better understanding the relationship between the genera and subfamilies of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) in Taiwan. There are 4 genera and 12 species found as native plants of the tribe Millettieae in Taiwan. The pollen grains of these 12 native taxa were studied, using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to examine and photomicrograph their pollen morphology. The pollen morphology of the tribe Millettieae in Taiwan is characterized by similar exine stratification, its columellate interstitium, the discontinuous foot layer, and the differentiated exine ornamentation. The pollen type for this study is based on the features of exine ornamentation and stratification. The genus Pongamia is represented by a single type, the genus Derris by two subtypes, and the genera Millettia and Tephrosia by three subtypes respectively but they can be grouped into 4 main types. Except for the genus Pongamia, the palynological characteristics alone are not sufficient for identification of the genera among the tribe Millettieae in Taiwan. more...

A new name, Schismatoglottis kotoensis (Hayata) T. C. Huang, A. Hsiao et H. Y. Yeh,. (Araceae) is proposed for the Flora of Taiwan. Photos of its habitat in nature and detailed line drawings of the floral parts are provided in addition to the description. more...

This paper intends to elucidate the anther wall development, pollen wall development and exine substructure of Uraria crinita (L.) Desv. ex DC. (Fabaceae). The undifferentiated anther is ovoid-shaped and tetrasporangiated. The anther wall development is basic type, which is comprised of an epidermis, an endothecium layer, two middle layers and a tapetum. Anther-tapetum is glandular type and the cells are uniseriate and uninucleate. Pollen grains are tricolporate and 2-celled at the time of shedding. Before protectum development begins, a glycocalyx layer is inserted against the callose, and the plasma membrane is invaginated, exclusive of the future apertures. Subsequently, the probacula are elongate under the protectum and arise basally from the plasma membrane. The foot layer and endexine formation are concomitant with the callosic wall dissolution. The foot layer is thin and interrupted, but the endexine is thick and continuous. The intine is initially in the vacuoled stage. The substructure in the tec... more...

The pollen of 15 species of Indigofera from Taiwan was studied by means of light microscopy, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The pollen of these species is classified into five types on the basis of exine structure, perforations, shape of tectum channels, granular or columellate interstitium, and prominent or reduced foot layer. Subdivisions of each type are based on the ornamentation of the tectate surface on the apocolpia and the mesocolpia. It is suggested that Type I is the most primitive and that Type II has evolved from it. Type II has undergone a multiplication of granules, an elaboration of the tectum and a reduction of foot layer to form the most complex Type III. Type II has also evolved towards a modification of the columellae to form the lamellate interstitium of Type IV. Through a reduction of the lamellate granular layer of Type IV the single granular layer of Type V has formed. It is also possible that Type 1.3 has undergone a reduction of the columellae to ... more...

A new name, Elaeagnus ohashii T.-C.Huang, nom. nov. is proposed to replace the later homonym of E. formosensis Hatusima in this paper.

Isoetes contains approximately 150 species (Tryon & Tryon, 1982). Plants are diverse in habitat, ranging from evergreen hydrophytes to deciduous xerophytes (Pfeiffer, 1922). In Taiwan, I. taiwanensis DeVol grows submersed, but becomes emergent during short dry seasons. There are accounts of Isoetes plants being eaten by fish, birds, pigs, ducks, muskrats, cattle and humans (Pfeiffer, 1922), but in Taiwan, only ducks or other migratory birds are known to eat Isoetes (Chang & Hsu, 1977). In 1971, K. S. Hsu and H. C. Chang collected I. taiwanensis in Dream Lake, in the vicinity of Taipei's Yang Ming Shan National Park, at an altitude of 700m. Eight papers concerning this discovery have been published since 1972 (DeVol, 1972a, b, 1975; Chang & Hsu, 1977; T. C. Huang, 1981; S. E Huang, 1982; Huang & Chen, 1988). As part of a study on I. taiwanensis, spores were examined using a scanning electron microscope. Spores of three geographically proximate Isoetes species were also studied for comparison. A strategraphic pollen analysis was also made in Dream Lake sediments to determine the time of appearance of I. taiwanensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS more...

Ten genera and seventeen species of Apocynaceae from Taiwan were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. Five types of exine stratification are recognized based on ultrastructural features and apparent chemical characteristics. In type I, the nexine corresponds to a foot layer plus the endexine; in type II, the nexine corresponds directly to the foot layer only; in type III, the nexine corresponds directly to the endexine only; in type IV, the nexine is absent and the infratectal stratum is a granular layer and in type V, the nexine is also absent, but the infratectal stratum is a reticular layer at upper and lower portions underlain by a granular layer in the middle with granules of varying size and shape. Except for the species of Trachelospermum, the rest of the infrageneric taxa can be keyed out by palynological characters. Possible evolutionary trends in exine stratification are proposed. more...

The results of daily collection of atmospheric pollen grains and spores in Taipei, Taiwan during June 1974 and May 1975 are presented. A total of 26307 grains belonging to more than 62 taxa were obtained. Most were of short distance dispersion. The results show that 56% were tree pollen grains with over 38 taxa, 22.7% grass pollen grains, 10.2% fern spores with over 13 taxa, 9.1 % weed pollen grains with over 10 taxa, and 2% unidentified taxa. Of the annual count, 20.7% were collected in the summer and were dominated by fern spores. In the autumn 26.3 % were collected and were dominated by grasses. In the winter, 4.4% was collected and in the spring, 48.6% with trees dominating. The relationships between pollen occurrence and meteorological factors is also discussed. more...