bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genera Galerìna and Phaeogalera (Basidiomycetes, Agaricales) on the Faroe Islands
Authors: Gulden Gro , Vesterholt Jan
Published: March 2008

The diversity of the genera Galerìna and Phaeogalera on the Faroe Islands is recorded. Eighteen species are recognised, twelve of which are here reported for the first time on the archipelago. A key to the species is provided. A certain affinity is shown to the arctic‐alpine Galerìna flora, especially by species occurring at higher altitudes on the Faroes. All the Faroese species grow on the North American continent as well, and many probably have a circumglobal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Some occur also on the Southern Hemisphere, some as far south as in Subantarctic‐Antarctic regions. Naucoria macrospora J. E. Lange var. borealis F. H. Møller is synonymized with G. pseudotundrae Kühner.
A new species of Chroomonas (Cryptophyceae) living inside the submarine ikaite columns in the Ikkafjord, Southwest Greenland, with remarks on its ultrastructure and ecology
Authors: Kristiansen Jørgen , Kristiansen Aase
Published: March 2008

A species ofChroomonasthat forms blue‐green patches in the ikaite columns in the Ikkafjord, SW‐Greenland near Iviituut, has been investigated by means of electron microscopy. It has a conspicuous eyespot, two distinct adjacent refractile bodies and a large pyrenoid. The flagellar branch of the gullet is provided with a ligula. A comparison with previously investigated species shows that this combination of characters is unique, and accordingly theChroomonasis described as a new species,C. ikaitensis. Further details of its ultrastructure and of its ecology are discussed.
Crepidomanes malabaricum, a new filmy fern species (Hymenophyllaceae‐Pteridophyta) from Southern India
Authors: Hameed C. Abdul , Madbusoodanan P. V.
Published: March 2008

Crepidomanes malabaricum, a new species of filmy fern from South India is described and illustrated. The new species is allied to C. intramarginale and C. christii.
Reproductive biology of Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. vulgaris (Fabaceae) in northwestern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Navarro Luis
Published: March 2008

In spite of being widely distributed throughout Europe, populations of Anthyllis vulneraria are very isolated genetically. As a consequence of processes of independent evolution, some isolated populations have developed characteristics that separate them from the rest. The scope of this study was to investigate whether or not this isolation has affected the reproductive biology. The reproductive biology of an isolated population of A. vulneraria subsp. vulgaris (Koch) Willk. in northwest Spain was studied, and compared with French populations. In the studied population, insect pollination was necessary for fruit production. Autogamy was precluded by protandry, although geitonogamous pollen transfer might occur. Supplementary pollination did not lead to any increase in fruit‐set level, seed‐pod weight or seed weight. Mean pollen/ovule ratio (3080) was within the normal range for xenogamous taxa. The first open flowers in capitula lived more than twice as long as later flowers did. During the floral life‐span, corolla colour gradually changed from white to partially pink to pink and the nectar production rate appeared to differ between colour stages. Fruit set level in the studied population differed between the four years of study. The breeding system found in this Spanish population differs from French populations. I suggest that classification of this taxon in northwest Iberian Peninsula should be reconsidered, taking into account its breeding system.
Local differentiation and gene dispersal distances in a Danish population of Armaria maritima
Authors: Philipp Marianne , Siegismund Hans R. , Weidema Inger R.
Published: March 2008

In a continuously distributed population of the self‐incompatible species Armeria maritima, nine artificially delimited subpopulations were sampled in a transect with a length of 1300 m. Genetic variation was quantified with enzyme electrophoresis, which revealed five polymorphic loci. The genotypic distribution within subpopulations accorded to Hardy‐Weinberg proportions, but revealed a Wahlund effect at one of the loci when the total population was considered. The Wahlund effect was supported by significant differences in allele frequencies among the nine subpopulations. The differentiation was low with a FST value of 0.028, which is much smaller than the previously reported value of 0.18 for 17 geographically separated Danish populations of this species. The low differentiation of the subpopulations was also revealed by an assignment test. In this test, the multilocus genotype of an individual is used to assign it to the subpopulation it has the highest likelihood to appear in. With this test, a lower percentage of individuals were assigned to the subpopulation of origin (24) than was seen with assignment of individuals to populations in Denmark (34). No abrupt changes in allele frequencies were observed. A spatial autocorrelation analysis suggested a breeding patch size of 500–700 m in diameter along the transect.
A new species of Hornstedtia (Zingiberaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, N. E. India
Authors: Tripathi Sunil , Prakash Ved
Published: March 2008

A new species, Hornstedtia arunachalensis from N. E. India is described and illustrated.
A new species of Cyphostemma (Vitaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Cyphostemma cornus‐africani, sp. nov., from rocky limestone slopes in north‐eastern Somalia, is described and illustrated.
Bee size and pollen transfer in Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Erneberg Marianne , Holm Birgitte
Published: March 2008

In Denmark Cypripedium calceolus is found in only two small and isolated populations, and its fruit set is suspected to be pollinator‐limited. Collection and observations of flower visitors were carried out between 1995 and 1997, and fruit set were estimated. Forty‐four visitors were collected. The majority belonged to the genera Halictus, Lasioglossum and Andrena. The latter is known as pollinator of C. calceolus in other parts of Europe, but in this study Andrena spp. were both not regular visitors and too large to function as efficient pollinators. Medium‐sized halictine species, especially females of Halictus tumulorum and Lasioglossum calceatum, were the most regular and frequent pollen vectors. Andrena jacobi and Lasioglossum rufitarse are recorded for the first time in Denmark.
Karyological studies in Hyoscyamus species of Iran
Authors: Sheidai Masoud , Mosallanejad Maryam , Khatamsaz Mahboobeh
Published: March 2008

Karyological studies were performed on Hyoscyamus species of Iran. The species studied showed variation with regard to chromosome number and details of karyotype. Two different basic chromosome numbers of x=14 and 17 were recorded for the genus corresponding to the two subgenera of Hyoscyamus. Chromosome numbers of six species are reported for the first time.
Biosystematic studies of Sorbus meinichii (Rosaceae) at Moster, S. Norway
Authors: Bolstad Ane Merete , Salvesen Per Harald
Published: March 2008

Morphometric and cytological data were used to test the variation within the apomictic hybrid Sorbus meinichii from its type locality, in the Moster area, Bømlo in Sunnhordland, Norway. A lectotype is selected for the name. A total of 36 morphological characters were measured on leaves, stomata, flowers, pollen, fruits and seeds, from randomly selected S. meinichii individuals. In the field the material was classified into two groups, one including individuals of generally larger dimensions of leaves and fruits than the other. The preliminary classification was subsequently tested by a multivariate analysis of several characters, substantiating the existence of two morphs in the population at the type locality of S. meinichii, one corresponding to the selected lectotype. Assessment of the nature and taxonomic rank of these two morphs must await further studies. Cytological studies showed both forms of S. meinichii to be triploid, with 2n=51 chromosomes. The taxonomic separation of S. teodorii from S. meinichii on the basis of ploidy level is therefore not corroborated. Sorbus meinichii s. lat. was shown to be intermediate between its supposed parents, S. aucuparia and S. hybrida, in several leaf characters. All of the variation within the S. aucuparia×S. hybrida‐complex in Fennoscandia is better included in one aggregate species Sorbus meinichii according to the present state of knowledge.
Helianthemum scopulicolum (Cistaceae), a new species from Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)
Authors: Sáez Llorenç , Rosselló Josep A. , Alomar Guillem
Published: March 2008

Rupicolous plants coming from a single Balearic locality are described as a new species, Helianthemum scopulicolum. The plant is diploid (2n=20) and belongs to Helianthemum subgenus Helianthemum sect. Helianthemum. On morphological grounds, Helianthemum scopulicolum is related to some members of the H. apenninum aggregate, notably H. apenninum s.l., H. asperum and H. violaceum. However, the new species can be distinguished on the basis of leaves green, shining, glabrescent on the adaxial surface, deciduous short bracts, glabrescent inner sepals lacking long setae and pink‐purple flowers.
Echium anchusoides (Boraginaceae), a new species from Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Bacchetta Gianluigi , Brullo Salvatore , Selvi Federico
Published: March 2008

The new species Echium anchusoides, endemic to the main siliceous massifs of Sardinia, is described and illustrated. It was formerly confused with E. pustulatum, a Mediterranean form of E. vulgare, but differs in characters regarding habit, leaves, inflorescence, corolla, stamens and mericarps. Contrary to the taxa of the E. vulgare group, E. anchusoides is also characterized by a higher ecological specificity, being linked to natural habitats with siliceous growth substratum. Micromorphological analyses provide additional information on the indumentum and reproductive structures, such as pollen, stigmatic papillae, nectar ducts and mericarp coat surface.
The fern genus Dennstaedtia (Dennstaedtiaceae) in Ecuador,‐new characters, new species and a new combination
Authors: Navarrete Hugo , Øllgaard Benjamin
Published: March 2008

We studied the species of Dennstaedtia in Ecuador in herbaria and in the field, especially characters that are poorly represented in herbarium collections, such as growth habit, habitat, rhizome morphology, petiole morphology, and development of buds on petioles and laminae. We found that variation in these characters correlates with certain, sometimes subtle, features of lamina dissection, and sorus position, shape and size, and thus adds more significance to these than was recognized earlier. In earlier revisions some of the variability in lamina dissection was commonly considered to represent intraspecific variation, response to growth conditions, or different stages of development. As a result five species groups including a total of 18 species are now recognized in Ecuador, in contrast to eight species in earlier revisions. The groups and species are described and keyed out. Dennstaedtia auriculata, D. macrosora, D. paucirrhiza, and D. tryoniana are described as new to science, D. werckleana, based on Costaricia werckleana is a new nomenclaturel combination. Dennstaedtia arcuata, D, cornuta, D. matthewsii, and D. producta, formerly reduced to synonymy, are recognized as distinct species. Four species formerly known from other countries were recorded for the first time in Ecuador during this study.
Infraspecific variation in Cerastium alpinum s. lat. (Caryophyllaceae) in Central Norway
Authors: Grundt Hanne Hegre , Borgen Liv , Elven Reidar
Published: March 2008

WithinCerastium alpinums. lat., several taxa have been circumscribed. Three infraspecific taxa are currently recognized in Nordic literature, but the opinions have varied about their taxonomic levels and relations to each other. Populations of these three taxa —alpinum, glabratumandlanatum— were investigated in Central Norway to elucidate taxonomic relationships on a regional scale. Morphometric analyses (PCA ordination) based on two data sets; one with 61 characters, and one without the 35 indumentum characters, gave different results. The former partly support the use of a higher rank forglabratum, but this analysis may put too much weight on indumentum characters. The reduced data set gave a more continuous transition between the three taxa, with no special status forglabratum.Crossing experiments between the taxa indicated full cross compatibility as far as relative seed set was concerned. Finally, vegetation analysis (DCA ordination) indicated that the three taxa have somewhat different ecological demands. This suggests that they, in spite of hybridization abilities, normally are maintained as separate entities due to habitat differences. A delimitation of three infraspecific taxa at the same level withinC. alpinums. lat. is thus supported by this study. Whether these taxa should be treated as subspecies or varieties strongly depends upon the definitions of these categories. Viewed in a wide geographical context, however, the arguments for subspecific rank are strengthened.
Intraspecific variability in Peniophora aurantiaca (Basidiomycetes)
Authors: Küffer Nicolas , Hallenberg Nils
Published: March 2008

Intraspecific, genetic variation was studied in Peniophora aurantiaca using the internal transcribed spacer regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA region (ITS). Specimens originating from Canada, Greenland and Switzerland were compared. The ITS sequence data were similar with only 11 phylogenetically informative characters, but an allopatric differentiation was obvious. Overall variability is high within the North American specimens compared with the Swiss specimens which had almost no variable characters.
A revised generic classification of the tribe Sileneae (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Oxelman B. , Lidén M. , Rabeler R. K. , Popp M.
Published: March 2008

A reclassification of the tribe Sileneae compatible with molecular data is presented. The genus Eudianthe (E. laeta and E. coeli‐rosa) is restored. Viscaria, Ixoca (=Heliosperma), and Atocion together form a well supported monophyletic group distinct from Silene and Lychnis, and are recognized at generic level. With Agrostemma and Petrocoptis, the number of genera in the tribe sums up to eight. The new combinations Silene samojedora, Silene ajanensis, Lychnis abyssinica, Atocion asterias, Atocion compacta, Atocion lerchenfeldiana, and Atocion rupestris are made.
Six new species of Melastomataceae from Ecuador
Authors: Cotton Elvira
Published: March 2008

Six new species of Melastomataceae from Ecuador are described: Miconia renneri from the montane forests in north‐western Ecuador; Clidemia longipedunculata from the lowland rainforest in eastern Ecuador, and Miconia oellgaardii, Brachyotum johannes‐julii, B. russatum, and B. incrassatum from the upper montane forests and plramos in southern Ecuador.
The species of Hemigrapha (lichenicolous Ascomycetes, Dothideales) on Peltigerales
Authors: Diederich Paul , Wedin Mats
Published: March 2008

The species of Hemigrapha (lichenicolous Ascomycetes, Dothideales) growing on Peltigerales are revised. H. atlantica sp. nov., on the cyanobacterial morph of Sticta canariensis from the Azores and the British Isles, H. nephromatis sp. nov., on Nephroma australe from Tasmania and New Zealand, and H. pseudocyphellariae sp. nov., on Pseudocyphellaria from Papua New Guinea are described and compared with the type species, H. asteriscus, which grows on species of Peltigera in the southern hemisphere and in Europe. Hemigrapha is shown to belong to the Microthyriaceae (Dothideales). Pycnothyrial anamorphs, morphologically identical to the thyriothecia, with hyaline, non‐septate microconidia andor macroconidia, and conidiogenous cells arising from the upper conidiomatal wall, are known in H. asteriscus, H. atlantica and H. pseudocyphellariae. A key is given for the species of Hemigrapha on Peltigerales.
Basidiospore dispersal in the old‐growth forest fungus Phlebia centrifuga (Basidiomycetes)
Authors: Nordén Bjorn , Larsson Karl‐Henrik
Published: March 2008

Dispersal of the old‐growth forest hngus Phlebia centrifuga was studied under natural conditions in an old‐growth forest stand in south Sweden using spore trapping with single spore mycelia as bait. Sampling was done not only in the forest but also 500 and 1000 m outside it. Within 100 m of the basidomata source, spore dispersal was very efficient, and it was estimated that 385 spores settled per m2 during 24 h. The minimum total number of spores calculated to have fallen within the 100 m circle was 1.21 × 707. The spore fall decreased significantly with distance from the basidiomata. Almost all of the mycelia were dikaryotised at lm distance, compared with less than half at 10 and 100 m. Dikaryotisation was observed in a small but significant number of mycelia at 500 and 1000 m. Mating success between different single spore mycelia differed significantly and we speculate that effective population size may be affected by mating choice in this species. What factors restrict this species to old‐growth forests? In the light of the dikaryotisation observed at 1000 m from the source, it seems unlikely that this fungus is restricted by spore dispersal distance, which implies good prospects for its successful establishment in restored habitats, i.e. first‐generation forests with much coarse woody debris.
Preliminary investigations on the distribution of scaled chrysophytes in Vermont and New Hampshire (USA) lakes and their utility to infer lake water chemistry
Authors: Siver Peter A. , Lott Anne Marie
Published: March 2008

A total of 38 taxa of scaled chrysophytes, representing seven genera, were observed in the surface sediments of eleven lakes in Vermont and New Hampshire, USA. The number of taxa found per lake ranged from 10 to 23, with greater diversity and abundances of scales in the New Hampshire localities. The flora was similar to those described from other temperate regions of North America and Europe. The flora described from the New Hampshire waterbodies was typical of those observed in slightly acidic, dilute lakes situated in primarily forested watersheds. The flora observed in the Vermont lakes was more typical of ones previously described from regions rich in waterbodies with both high pH and concentrations of dissolved salts. The occurrences of several rarely reported species in North America, including Mallomonas alata, M. parvulu, M. retrorsu. and Synura lapponica, are documented. It was also determined that paleolimnological inference models developed in Connecticut for pH, specific conductivity and trophic score worked well using the scale remains from the study lakes.
Net primary production, carbon storage and climate change in Chinese biomes
Authors: Ni Jian
Published: March 2008

Net primary production (NPP) and leaf area index (LAI) of Chinese biomes were simulated by BIOME3 under the present climate, and their responses to climate change and doubled CO2under a future climatic scenario using output from Hadley Center coupled ocean‐atmosphere general circulation model with CO2modelled at 340 and 500 ppmv. The model estimated annual mean NPP of the biomes in China to be between 0 and 1270.7 gC m‐2yr‐1at present. The highest productivity was found in tropical seasonal and rain forests while temperate forests had an intermediate NPP, which is higher than a lower NPP of temperate savannas, grasslands and steppes. The lowest NPP occurred in desert, alpine tundra and ice/polar desert in cold or arid regions, especially on the Tibetan Plateau. The lowest monthly NPP of each biome occurred generally in February and the highest monthly NPP occurred during the summer (June to August). The annual mean NPP and LAI of most of biomes at changed climate with CO2at 340 and 500 ppmv (direct effects on physiology) would be greater than present. The direct effects of carbon dioxide on plant physiology result in significant increase of LAI and NPP. The carbon storage of Chinese biomes at present and changed climates was calculated by the carbon density and vegetation area method. The present estimates of carbon storage are totally 175.83 × 1012gC (57.57 × 1012gC in vegetation and 118.28 × 1012gC in soils). Changed climate without and with the CO2direct physiological effects will result in an increase of carbon storage of 5.1 and 16.33 × 1012, gC compared to present, respectively. The interaction between elevated CO2and climate change plays an important role in the overall responses of NPP and carbon to climate change.
A revised generic classification of the tribe Sileneae (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Lidén Magnus , Popp Magnus , Oxelman Bengt
Published: March 2008

A reclassification of the tribe Sileneae compatible with molecular data is presented. The genus Eudianthe (E. laeta and E. coeli‐ma) is restored. Viscaria, Heliosperma, and Atocion together form a well supported monophyletic group distinct from Silene and Lychnis, and are recognized at generic level. With Agrostemma and Petrocoptis, the number of genera in the tribe sums up to eight. The new combinations Silene samojedorum, Silene ajanensis, Lychnis abyssinica, Atocion asterias, Atocion compactum, Atocion lerchenfeldiana, and Atocion rupestre are made.
Exacum (Gentianaceae) on the Arabian peninsula and Socotra
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Three species of Exacum are recognized on the Arabian peninsula and Socotra, E. arabicum sp. nov. in Yemen and Oman, E. affine on Socotra and in Oman, and E. caeruleum on Socotra. E. gracilipes and E. socotranum are reduced to synonyms of E. affine.
Two new species in Memecylon (Melastomataceae) from India
Authors: Viswanathan M. B.
Published: March 2008

Two new species in Memecylon, M. kollimalayana and M. bremeri, of Melastomataceae are described here with illustrations from the Kollihills of Salem District in Tamil Nadu, India.
A new species, Memecylon mundanthuraianum, of Melastomataceae from India
Authors: Viswanathan M. B. , Manikandan U.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Melastomataceae, Memecylon mundanthuraianum, is described here with illustrations from the Kalakkad‐Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, India.
Viscum malurianum (Viscaceae), a new species from India
Authors: Sanjai V. N. , Balakrishnan N. P.
Published: March 2008

A new species, Viscum malurianum (Viscaceae) is described with illustrations from Karnataka State in India.
Intermittent mass blooming, midnight anthesis and rockbee pollination in Pterocarpus santalinus (Fabaceae)
Authors: Rao S. Purnachandra , Atluri J. B. , Reddi C. Subba
Published: March 2008

Pterocarpus santalinus blooms massively in the dry season. Flowering is not continuous during the season and mass bloom recurs only on certain days with 2–5 days interval or sometimes there may be little flowering in between two days of massive bloom. A tree may have five such occasions of mass bloom. At the inflorescence level such intermittent flowering occurs also. The flowers open at the mid of night and are bright yellow in colour. They are typically papilionaceous flag blossoms and thus zygomorphic. They are homogamous and are visited by the rockbee Apis dorsata at moonlit nights or otherwise at dawn and up to 0730 h. The flowers permit several effective visits by the rockbee and as long as the pressure of the bee continues the stamens and stigma project from the keel and permit sternotribic pollination. Controlled pollinations show fruit formation after autogamy (25%), geitonogamy (60%) and xenogamy (85%). Staggered anther dehiscence minimises pollen discounting. Flower bud, flower and fruit abortions occur on a large scale. Natural fruiting is very low compared to the mass bloom. Compatibility to geitonogamy and autogamy may function as a reproductive assurance mechanism. The natural habitat of P. santalinus has a hot dry climate, and the nocturnal flowering and foraging of the rockbee at that time during moonlit nights appear to be an adaptation to avoid the adverse effects of daytime high temperatures.
Pollen limitation of reproduction in a subarctic‐alpine population of Diapensia lapponica (Diapensiaceae)
Authors: Elberling Heidi
Published: March 2008

Determinants of reproductive success (measured as capsule mass) inDiapensia lapponica, an early‐flowering pollen‐risker dependent on insects for pollination, were evaluated in an exposed subarctic‐alpine population in northern Sweden. The species was protogynous and self‐compatible, but self‐deposition of pollen was inefficient. Hand‐pollination increased capsule mass significantly, indicating that reproductive success was severely pollen limited. An experiment designed to test the relative importance of insect pollination in comparison to water availability (precipitation) and shelter (temperature and wind), revealed that exclosure of insects decreased capsule mass significantly, as did watering, whereas shelter tended to increase capsule mass. Pollination was the most important determinant of reproductive success, and the study suggests that pollen limitation may be particularly severe for early‐flowering species, i.e. pollen‐riskers, in exposed locations.
Heterogeneity in semi‐natural grasslands: the importance of the elevational gradient
Authors: Austrheim Gunnar
Published: March 2008

Heterogeneity patterns in semi‐natural grasslands were studied within 20 sites at 4 different elevational levels ranging from 530 m a.s.1. at level 1 (southern boreal region) to 1230 m a.s.1. at level 4 (low alpine region) in Vang, southern Norway. Vegetational heterogeneity decreased with elevation for vascular plants. Cryptogam species increased in heterogeneity at mid‐elevational levels (750 and 915 m a.s.1.), but heterogeneity decreased again at level 4. Mean values of soil nutrients and other soil variables (e.g. loss on ignition), and their heterogeneity increased with elevation, while pH showed a decrease for both parameters. The general increase in environmental heterogeneity in the soil was not reflected in vascular plant heterogeneity because soil variables explained 40 % variation at both level 1 and 4. However, the relative differences among levels suggest that vascular plant species patterns were more sensitive to soil heterogeneity at lower elevational levels. Soil variables were also relatively more important in structuring cryptogam species at higher elevations (level 3 and 4) compared to vascular plant species. The discrepancy between vascular plants and cryptogams are also shown in the relationship between heterogeneity and diversity. Gamma diversity decreased with decreasing heterogeneity of vascular plants, while the highest value of large scale cryptogam diversity corresponded with the lowest heterogeneity value at level 4. Alfa‐diversity peaked at an intermediate level of heterogeneity for vascular plants while alfa‐diversity of cryptogams decreased with increasing values of heterogeneity.
Gymnopilus turficola (Agaricales), a new species from sub‐arctic palsa mires and its phylogentic relationship based on ITS sequences
Authors: Moser Meinhard M. , Ladurner Heidi , Peintner Ursula , Kirchmair Martin
Published: March 2008

Gymnopilus turficola sp. nov. is described. This species is characterized by its habitat in palsa mires growing on peat in subarctic areas, by greenish lamellae in young state and the development of an iodoform odour when kept closed for some hours. Psilocin, psilocybin or related compounds could not be detected. G. turficola seems closely related to G. odini. According to the analysis of ITS sequences this species falls into a well supported clade of closely related taxa with G. odini, G. decipiens and G. penetrans.
Seed size and seedling emergence in 16 temperate forest herbs and one dwarf‐shrub
Authors: Fröborg Heléne
Published: March 2008

The impact of seed size (seed mass) on seedling emergence beneath a leaf litter layer and post‐dispersal seed predation was investigated in two field experiments including 16 forest herbs and one dwarf‐shrub in southeastern Sweden. In the first experiment, I studied the relationship between seed mass of eight forest herbs (0.3–16.7 mg) and seedling emergence after removal of litter and reduction of seed predation (rodents and insects). Removal of litter and reduction of seed predation did not affect seedling emergence. However, regardless of treatment, species with large seeds (> 3 mg) had a higher seedling emergence than those with small seeds (< 1 mg). In the second experiment, I investigated the relationship between seed mass of 12 species (0.007–18.4 mg) and seedling emergence after removal of litter, reduction of seed predation (insects) and seedling herbivory (molluscs). Total emergence over three years was significantly higher in species with large seeds (> 3 mg) than in those with small seeds (< 2 mg). Removal of litter increased total seedling emergence, while application of insecticide and molluscicide had no effect. Similar results were obtained from both a deciduous and a mixed coniferous forest, but seedling emergence was in general higher in the mixed coniferous forest. Seedling emergence in temperate forest herbs and dwarf‐shrubs seems to be higher in species with large than in those with small seeds, and it is often enhanced by disturbance.
Sex change in tree species: long‐term monitoring of sex expression in Acer rufinerve
Authors: Ushimaru Atushi , Matsui Kiyoshi
Published: March 2008

We monitored sex expression in Acer rufinerve from 1986 to 1999, in order to study branch‐autonomous sex changes in tree species. During this observation period, 70 of 338 stems (20.7 %) changed sexual expression. Fifty of these sex‐changed stems exhibited monoecism (having both female and male branches) in the course of the sex change, while the remaining stems changed directly from male to female or vice versa. A sex change resulting in monoecism was called a partial sex change and a total male/female change was referred to as a complete sex change. The mean diameter at breast height of stems that partially changed sex was significantly greater than that of stems that changed sex completely. Thus, it was primarily large stems with many branches that underwent partial sex changes. These findings suggest that sex change is a branch autonomous event in A. rufinerve and underline the importance of taking branching structure into account when studying sex change in trees.
Review
Authors: Nielsen Ivan
Published: March 2008

Oyen, L. P. A & Nguyen Xuan Dung

van der Vossen, H. A. M. & Umali, B. E.
Chromosome numbers of AlchemUla series Vulgares from NE Anatolia (Turkey)—a preliminary report
Authors: Hayirlioglu‐Ayaz Sema , Beyazoglu Osman
Published: March 2008

This paper presents the chromosome numbers of nine species from the section AlchemUla, subsection Heliodrosium, series Vulgares. The studies were carried out on plants from the Northeast Anatolia (Turkey). The following chromosome numbers have been detected; A. valdehirsuta 2n= 96–106, A. monticola 2n= 101–110, A. stevenii 2n= 98–106, A. crinita 2n= 102–108, A. compactilis 2n= 98, A. heterophylla 2n= 100–105, A. minusculiflora 2n= 87–97, A. pseudocartalinica 2n= 98–108, A. straminea 2n= 80–91. The species of genus AlchemUla studied from Northeast Anatolia are proven to be polyploids like the majority of species from the section AlchemUla investigated from various geographic areas.
Three new Mallomonas species (Synurophyceae) from a mountain area in North‐Hungary
Authors: Barreto Sára
Published: March 2008

Three new species of silica‐scaled chrysophytes were found in a mountain area in North‐Hungary. The water samples were collected from acidic bog‐ponds, surrounded by forest. Mallomonas formosa sp. nov. shows a close relation with M. maculata, therefore it is placed within the same section and series (Sectio Quadratae, Series Maculatae). Mallomonas cucullata sp. nov. is not similar to any known species so far, this involved the description of a new section (Sectio Cucullatae). Mallomonas tubulosa sp. nov. in some ways resembles M. pillula, therefore it is placed in Sectio Annulatae. Whole cells and bristles attached to the scales were unfortunately not found, which would allow a more complete description of the new taxa.
A new species, Acantholimon birandii (Plumbaginaceae), from the Central Anatolian Steppe in Turkey
Authors: Dogan Musa , Akaydin Galip
Published: March 2008

A new species, Acantholimon birandii, is described and illustrated from Karaman, Turkey.
Exine and tapetum development in Nymphaea capensis (Nymphaeaceae): a comparative study
Authors: Gabarayeva Nina , Walles Björn , El‐Ghazaly Gamal , Rowley John R.
Published: March 2008

The developmental events in microspore envelope and cytoplasm and in tapetum from premeiosis until late tetrad stage were studied in Nymphaea capensis. The exceptional feature of microspore development in this species is that post‐meiosis cytokinesis is retarded until the late tetrad stage. Thus, the entire development of the exine becomes completed during the tetrad stage. As a consequence of the retarded cytokinesis, the proximal portion of the forming exine lags behind the distal one during the major part of the tetrad period, but eventually the proximal part of the exine overtakes the distal part in development. The significance of this retardation is discussed. This sequence of events differs sharply from corresponding sporoderm development in other Nymphaea species. Another important topic is the microspore surface activities during exine development. The surface coatings‐glycocalyx‐are very similar in microspores and in tapetum cells, but their functions are completely different; the roots for this difference are discussed. A noteworthy feature of the developing microspores is the presence of gigantic, deeply cup‐like mitochondria; this property is also characteristic of the microspore cytoplasm of N colorata and N. mexicana. A functional significance of these organelles and their adaptive role is discussed.
Curcuma prakasha sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from North‐eastern India
Authors: Tripathi Sunil
Published: March 2008

A new species, Cucuma prakasha from North‐eastern India is described and illustrated.
Two new Myristicaceae from Ecuador
Authors: Jaramillo Tatiana S. , Balslev Henrik
Published: March 2008

Compsoneura lapidißora is described as a new species. It differs from other species of Compsoneura in having dendritic hairs with articulated, flat branches, and many more (19–22 vs. up to 14) secondary veins in the leaves; it also has bracteoles which are otherwise not known in the genus and hairs on the inner surface of the perianth that surround the base of the androecium, a character unknown in other Neotropical Myristicaceae. Otoba cyclobasis is also described as a new species. It is related to Otoba acuminata with which it shares the apparently derived feature of having a swollen ring that surrounds the filament column, but O. acuminata differs from O. cyclobasis in having fewer secondary veins (5–9 vs. 14–17), and a bottleshaped (not slender) filament column.
Polycarpaea majumdariana (Caryophyllaceae)—a new species from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Venu P. , Muthukumar S. A. , Daniel P.
Published: March 2008

Polycarpaea majumdariana, a new species allied to P. aurea (Wight) Dunn from the Tamil Nadu plains, is described and illustrated.
Inter‐population variability of secondary metabolites in Hypericum spp. (Hypericaceae) of the Northern Apennines, Italy
Authors: Maffi L. , Benvenuti S. , Fornasiero R. Baroni , Bianchi A. , Melegari M.
Published: March 2008

Hypericum spp. flowers were collected from different sites of Northern Apennines in Italy and were analysed by HPTLC technique to determine their contents in flavonoids (rutin, hyperosid, quercitrin, isoquercitrin and quercetin) and hypericins (pseudohypericin and hypericin). The H. perforatum and H. richeri composition was evaluated in order to investigate the influence of ecological conditions on secondary metabolites production. The species studied showed some differences in the amounts of investigated metabolites and high variability was observed in populations gathered in different places. No significant effects of environmental factors on active compound production were observed, except for the rutin content which is in positive correlation with the altitude of the growing site. Interesting informations are also given about the morphology of secretory structures found in Hypericum richeri.
A revision of the genus Annesorhiza (Apiaceae)
Authors: Tilney Patricia M. , van Wyk Ben‐Erik
Published: March 2008

The genusAnnesorhizais revised and twelve species are recognized, of which two are newly described:A. altiscapa, A. burttii, A. flbrosa, A. flagellifolia, A. grandiflora, A. lateriflora, A. latifolia, A. macrocarpa, A. nuda, A. schlechteri, A. thunbergii and A. wilmsii. A. marlothiiis reduced to synonymy underA. lateriflora, a species hitherto poorly known asPeucedanum lateriflorum. A. thunbergiiis only known from the type specimen.A. elata, A. hirsutaandA. villosaare sunk underA. grandiflora. A. fúicaulishas recently been excluded fromAnnesorhizaon the basis of fruit structure. A key to the species is provided, an update on the nomenclature, typification of names and distribution maps are provided for all the species.
Two new species of Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) from the Philippines
Authors: Mood John , Theilade Ida
Published: March 2008

Zingiber banahaoense and Z. matutumense from the Philippines are described and illustrated.
Molecular phylogeny of the Barnadesioideae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Gustafsson Mats H. G. , Pepper Anita S. R. , Albert Victor A. , Källersjö Mari
Published: March 2008

The small but morphologically diverse subfamily Barnadesioideae of the sunflower family, Asteraceae, is of special interest as it constitutes the sister‐group to the rest of the family. Therefore it is of critical importance for elucidating the origin and early evolution of Asteraceae. Cladistic analyses of DNA sequence variation in the trnL intron and nuclear ribosomal ITS regions strongly support five major clades in the subfamily: Schlechtendalia, Chuquiraga‐Doniophyton, Barnadesia‐Huarpea, Dasyphyllum subgenus Dasyphyllutn and a clade comprising Dasyphyllum subgenus Archidasyphyllum, Arnaldoa and Fulcaldea. Within Dasyphyllum subgenus Dasyphyllum, D. hystrix has a basal position, and sect. Macrocephala is supported as monophyletic, while sect. Microcephala lacks jackknife support. Within Barnadesia, B. parviflora has a very divergent ITS sequence and a basal position in the genus. The phylogenetic trees make some sense of the great morphological variation within the subfamily, although some clades identified here lack obvious defining morphological characteristics. Optimisation of geographical distributions onto the molecular phylogenies shows that the Barnadesioideae most likely originated in southern South America.
Two new species of Askidiosperma (Restionaceae) from South Africa
Authors: Linder H. P.
Published: March 2008

Askidiosperma delicatulum, sp. nov., from the arid margins of the Cold Bokkeveld mountains in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, is described and illustrated. A. chartaceum ssp. alticolum is raised to specific level. A new key to the species in the genus Askidiosperma is provided.
Indigofera platyspira (Leguminosae), a new species from Kenya with Medicago‐like fruits
Authors: Thulin Mats , Gilbert Michael
Published: March 2008

The new species Indigofera platyspira, from silty or sandy soils in the Wajir and Isiolo Districts in Kenya, is described and illustrated. I. platyspira is probably a member of I. sect. Alternifoliolae, but differs from all previously known species in this section in its flat and spirally coiled pods that much resemble the fruits of certain species of Medicago.
Life history evolution in Lodoicea maldivica (Arecaceae)
Authors: Edwards Peter J. , Kollmann Johannes , Fleischmann Karl
Published: March 2008

Lodoicea maldivica, a palm endemic to two small islands in the Seychelles group, has the largest seed in the plant kingdom. We present here an interpretation of the ecological and evolutionary significance of this seed in terms of the island environment where the species grows. We begin by reviewing the available information about the biology and ecology of Lodoicea and present some original data on the growth and development of Lodoicea in its native habitat. A remarkable feature of young plants is the enormous size of their leaves and the great length of their petioles, these being especially elongated when growing beneath the canopy. As a result, juvenile plants can reach a height of 15 m and hold their foliage in the forest canopy. This capacity to produce such an enormous juvenile plant is related in part to the large food reserves in the seed. We suggest that Lodoicea evolved from a more typical borassoid palm (perhaps a plant like Borassus aethiopum which is widespread in the savannas of Africa) and propose two hypotheses to explain why this occurred. According to the ‘shade hypothesis’, increasingly humid conditions on the Seychelles led to strong selection for plants with the tallest seedlings, since these would be the most likely to establish successfully under the low light conditions prevailing on the forest floor of closed forest. The ‘sibling competition hypothesis’ postulates that the island populations of the ancestral palm lost any means for seed dispersal, and their seeds simply fell to the foot of the parent tree. This resulted in a strong selection pressure for reduced fecundity. The two hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, and together they may help us to understand many of the unusual features of this remarkable species.
Lack of reproductive plasticity in alpine Saxifraga rhomboidea (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Bechtold Heather A. , Forbis Tara A. , Bowman William D. , Diggle Pamela K.
Published: March 2008

Phenotypic plasticity is predicted to be highly advantageous to alpine plants because of the extreme spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the alpine environment. Alpine plants are constrained in their vegetative plasticity by developmental preformation, however, they have the potential for reproductive plasticity via abortion of reproductive structures. Saxifraga rhomboidea Greene (Saxifragaceae) is a perennial of alpine dry meadows. It lacks a mechanism for vegetative reproduction, therefore, seed production is particularly important in maintaining populations of this species. Using long‐term fertilized plots at the Niwot Ridge Long‐Term Ecological Research Site, we ask if fertilization has changed the abundance of S. rhomboidea, and if S. rhomboidea has shown a plastic reproductive response to nutrient additions. Despite a pronounced increase in community biomass, we found that abundance of S. rhomboidea was not affected by fertilization. Moreover, S. rhomboidea showed no plastic response in seed to ovule ratio or other reproductive measures. Other arctic and alpine species have shown the potential for plasticity of maternal investment; S. rhomboidea appears to lack this reproductive plasticity. We suggest that morphological constraints may limit plasticity in this species.
Silica‐scaled chrysophytes of the šumava National Park and the Tfeboñsko UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Southern Bohemia, Czech Republic)
Authors: Nëmcová Yvonne , Neustupa Jiri , Nováková Sylvie , Kalina Tomáš
Published: March 2008

Thirty‐five taxa of silica‐scaled Synurophyceae and Chrysophyceae have been identified by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) from eight localities in the šumava National Park and the Trebon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Mallomonas alveolata, M. areolata, M. costata. M. doignonii var. doignonii. M. intermedia var. intermedia. M. punctifera, M. teilingii, M. transsylvanica. Synura leptorrhabda and Paraphysomonas takahashii are new records for the Czech Republic. Autecology and distribution of selected species are discussed.
Notes on Withania (Solanaceae) in Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The identity of Withania reichenbachii is established, the name is neotypified, and the species is described and illustrated. The new combination W. grisea (Hepper & Boulos) Thulin is made. The typification of W. somnifera is discussed, and it is concluded that the present typification can stand. A key to and a synopsis of the four species of Withania now recognised in Somalia are given.
Three new species of Caulokaempferia (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand with a discussion of the generic diversity
Authors: Larsen Kai
Published: March 2008

Three new species of Caulokaempferia from Thailand, C. appendiculata, C. bracteata, and C. violacea, are described and illustrated. The diversity of genus is discussed. A key to the species known from Thailand is provided.
Two new species of Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Jatropha miskatensis, from limestone slopes of the Cal Miskaat Range in north‐eastern Somalia, and J. marmorata, from bushland on shallow soil over limestone just south of the Nugaal valley in north‐eastern Somalia, are described. An illustration is provided for J. miskatensis.
Ecology and survival of Nigritella nigra, a threatened orchid species in Scandinavia
Authors: Moen Asbjørn , Øien Dag‐Inge
Published: March 2008

Nigritella nigra ssp. nigra (Orchidaceae) is the only taxon of the genus in Scandinavia, where it occurs as an endemic with a disjunct distribution, mostly in upland areas of central Norway and Sweden. Nigritella nigra is a boreal‐alpine, basiophilous species of open grasslands and dry fens. Both the number of localities and the number of individuals in a majority of the localities, including the study area at Sølendet, Røros, central Norway, have declined in recent decades. The most important threat is the change in agricultural practices followed by overgrowing of land earlier harvested for hay or intensively grazed. The total population of N. nigra at Sølendet is estimated to be about 3000 individuals, the largest known. Flowering individuals have been counted annually and all 225 individuals in nine permanent plots have been recorded for twenty years. The population has a large proportion of long‐lived individuals with a half‐life of up to 8 years in particular cohorts. Flowering behaviour varies greatly and flowering rarely occurs several years in succession. Together with the reduced size of individuals after flowering, this indicates a high cost of flowering. Correlation analyses indicate that high precipitation in autumn and winter negatively affects flowering (in July) on dry grasslands. On damp grasslands, warmth in autumn and in May of the flowering year correlates positively with flowering density. Many individuals are killed in years with heavy microtine rodent grazing. Experimental mowing as a management measure, and apparently also cattle grazing, have positive effects on the population. Some small, shallow valleys with a good supply of base‐rich water on its flat, sandy floor is the main N. nigra biotopes at Sølendet.