bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and anatomy in annual taxa of Beta vulgaris s.l. (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: Krumbiegel Anselm
Published: March 2008

Beta vulgaris s.l. is a morphologically variable taxon, that has transitional growth types between strictly orthotropous and plagiotropous growth. The development of a “secondary branching system” at the end of the growing season in taxa that are summer annual (under the climatic conditions of Central Germany) leads to perennial taxa that form slender storage roots and overwinter as rosettes. The shoots of the four morphologically different annual taxa are very similar anatomically. Collenchymatous ridges, that are conspicuous macroscopically as stem ridges, are typical. The secondary growth is anomalous and often irregular. Six more or less complete rings of connective and vascular tissue are formed in the roots by successively arising cambia, which have an unlimited ability to divide. However, the diameter of the roots does not only enlarge by divisions within the cambia but also by primary growth within the connective tissue.
Variation within some Nordic Saxifraga species (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Øvstedal D. O.
Published: March 2008

By means of chemometric and morphometric analyses, the North and South Norwegian populations of Saxifraga paniculata are shown to be different from each other. No difference could be found between one North Norwegian and Icelandic populations of S. paniculata; the name var. neogaea should not be used for the Icelandic plants. The enigmatic S. ×blyttii from Western Norway is most probably an aberrant form of S. paniculata. S. hyperborea and S. rivularis were compared by means of morphometric analyses and a study of pollen size. Presence/ absence of stolons and pollen size are apparently sufficient as differential characters. No Icelandic material could be determined as S. hyperborea. By means of morphometric analyses, S×opdalensis was compared to its putative parents, S. cernua and S. rivularis, and shown to be well separated from them.
A new species of Erythrocephalum (Asteraceae‐Mutisieae) from Tanzania
Authors: Ortiz Santiago , Rodriguez‐Oubiña Juan
Published: March 2008

A new species, Erythrocephalum jeffreyanum, belonging to the tribe Mutisieae (Asteraceae), is described and illustrated. Differences between the new species and E. zambesianum, the most similar species, are listed.
On the systematic position of the genus Coris (Primulaceae)
Authors: Anderberg Arne A. , Trift Ida , Källersjö Mari
Published: March 2008

The systematic position of the aberrant primulaceous genus Coris was investigated by means of cladistic analysis of nucleotide sequence data from the chloroplast gene rbcL. One new sequence (Coris) was added to a data matrix composed of a set of previously published sequences. The notion that Coris is most closely related to the Lythraceae is rejected, and very strong support for its position within the Primulaceae was found. The clariñcation of this issue is important for future analyses of phylogenetic interrelationships in the Primulales.
Wood‐inhabiting fungi on fallen logs of Norway spruce: relations to forest management and substrate quality
Authors: Lindblad Irene
Published: March 2008

A survey of the patterns of wood decaying fungi as to occurrence of sporocarps on naturally fallen logs of Norway spruce (Picea abies) was undertaken in two nearby forest stands with different histories of management. One stand was an old‐growth forest with few signs of logging, and the other stand was selectively logged 60–80 years ago. Altogether 118 species were found. Forest management had a negative impact on the species diversity. Newly fallen and weakly decayed logs in a natural forest had a higher species richness, more red‐listed species, as well as more indicator species compared to similar logs in a managed forest. The importance of dead wood for species diversity of wood inhabiting fungi was clearly demonstrated. Presence of logs in later stages of decomposition increased the total species number in a natural forest stand with 42 (63 %), compared to a survey of only newly fallen and weakly decayed logs. Presence of logs in later stages of decomposition also increased the diversity of the species pool colonising newly fallen and weakly decayed logs. The highest number of fruiting species was found on intermediately decayed logs and on logs lying in contact with the ground. The fungal gradient as revealed in a DCA ordination was primarily related to decay. A successional pathway based on the primary decayer Fomitopsis pinicola was not detected.
Size and reproduction of Thelypteris limbosperma and Athyrium distentifolium along environmental gradients in Western Norway
Authors: Odland Arvid
Published: March 2008

The performance of the ferns Thelypteris limbospgrma and Athyrium distentifolium, as expressed by number of son on pinnules and frond size, has been related to environmental gradients. Data have been collected from homogenous fern‐dominated stands from different geographical areas in Western Norway. Number of sori produced, which was assumed to indicate fern fertility, was highly variable. There were significant correlations between frond size and fertility, but only 35–46 % of the variation in fertility could be explained by differences in frond size. The highest number of sori was found on plants of medium size, and for A. distentifolium there was a statistically significant reduction in sori number on fronds taller than 125 cm. For the linear relationships between fertility and size, it is suggested that the small X‐intercept and slope defines the high competitive ability of A. distentifolium in sites with a long‐lasting snow cover. The ferns may dominate in large stands even though their fertility is low or zero, which indicates that they under certain ecological conditions mainly reproduce vegetatively. Both ferns show decreased fertility both toward their altitudinal and lowland distribution limits, but their fertility optima were different. The performances of the two fern species showed highly different responses to geographical and climatical variables. The fertility of T. limbosperma could be predicted by mean July‐ and January temperatures, humidity and canopy cover, while the fertility of A. distentifolium could not be predicted by any of the site environmental variables investigated.
Polymorphism in the Aegean “five‐loculed” species of the genus Campanula, Section Quinqueloculares (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Eddie W. M. M. , Ingrouille M. J.
Published: March 2008

Population variation in species ofCampanulaSectionQuinquelocularesand related taxa has been studied. 19 species and 48 populations from the Aegean region have been sampled. There are few distinct character states available for analysis so that metric variables have been scored. 11 leaf variables and 19 flower variables have been measured in up to 683 plants. Regressions of variables with overall size have been calculated and where significant allometric variation has been detected residual scores have been used as variables. Hierarchical analysis of variance has indicated that a large part of the total variation is found between populations within species rather than within populations. Between the 10 most closely related species there is a considerable overlap in population means of variables. Multivariate analysis also fails to identify distinct species clusters. In particular principal components analysis provides additional evidence of overlap between species. It is suggested that a detailed study of genetic variation within and between species is required in order to establish the presence of any distinct phylogenetic lineages.
Drimia sudanica, nom. nov. (Hyacinthaceae), a rare species of the Sudanian grasslands
Authors: Friis I. , Vollesen K.
Published: March 2008

The new name Drimia sudanica Friis & Vollesen, nom. nov., is proposed here for the rare species previously known as Urginea pauciflora Baker (1898), non Urginea pauciflora Baker (1901), nom. illeg., nec Drimia pauciflora Baker (1892). Due to observations made by the authors from the Imatong Mountains the range of this species is extended from West Africa (Sierra Leone and Guineé) to South Sudan. Throughout its range, the species is found in frequently burnt grasslands and wooded grasslands on the slopes of crystalline hills in the Sudanian region or in the transition zone to the Guineo‐Congolian region. An improved description of this rarely collected species has been prepared on the basis of all material now available.
Growth forms of biennial and pluriennial vascular plants in central Europe
Authors: Krumbiegel Anselm
Published: March 2008

The growth forms of bi‐ and pluriennial central European plant species were analyzed and summarized systematically by means of a dichotomous key. Ten growth forms are distinguished according to vegetative morphological characters of the plants: holoparasitic erosulate, (simple) erosulate, floating semirosette, succulent semirosette, tufted semirosette, (simple) semirosette, storage root semirosette, tuber semirosette, storage root rosette, and (simple) rosette bi‐ or pluriennial plants. Only very few species are strictly biennial or pluriennial. Each individual plant can be assigned to only one growth form system according to the life span (the system of bi‐and pluriennials in the present case). However, several species include individuals that behave as annuals as well as biennials/pluriennials and/or periennials. The term “hapaxanthic” is discussed concerning to its reference level in relation to the plant organism. Three types of hapaxanthy can be distinguished in this context: Genet hapaxanthy with and without vegetative reproduction and ramet hapaxanthy.
Variation in fruit set within and among natural populations of the self‐incompatible herb Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae)
Authors: Ehlers Bodil K.
Published: March 2008

Various factors known to affect fruit set in self‐incompatible plants were studied in 11 populations of Centaurea scabiosa. The importance of genetic variation was estimated using isozymes. A low overall genetic differentiation among populations suggested high levels of either current or historical gene flow. Large variation in fruit set was found among populations, among plants within populations, and among flower heads within plants. Most of this variation was explained by differences among flower heads within plants. Within the range in population size studied, there was no indication that plants growing in the smaller populations had lower fruit set than plants in larger ones. A significant positive correlation between genetic variation and population reproductive success was found. Pollinator visitation rate was very high and dominated by bumblebees. It was rendered unlikely that reproduction was limited by pollinator availability. It was even suggested that a very high visitation rate might have negative effects on fruit set in some populations due to an increased proportion of geitonogamous pollination resulting in stigma clogging with non‐compatible pollen. The number of flower heads produced by individual plants did not affect fruit set in individual flower heads.
Comparison of reproductive success in two orchids: the nectarless Dactylorhiza majalis s.s. and the nectar‐producing Gymnadenia conopsea s.l.
Authors: Hansen Inge , Olesen Jens M.
Published: March 2008

Differences in reproductive biology between two orchid species were examined: Eight Danish populations of the nectarless Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. majalis and six Swedish populations of the nectar‐producing Gymnadenia conopsea ssp. densiflora. Population size varied from 24 to 1700 flowering individuals in D. majalis and from 100 to 1200 in G. conopsea. Dactylorhiza majalis had only half as many flowers per spike as G. conopsea. Fruit‐set of D. majalis ranged from 16 to 39%, much lower than the fruit‐set of G. conopsea (78–91%). Thus in the species with a few flowers and no nectar a lower fruit‐set was observed than in the species with many flowers and presence of nectar. The low fruit‐set of D. majalis was pollen‐limited and fruit‐set was positively correlated with pollinia removal and the latter was negatively correlated with population size. In both species, fruit‐set and population size were uncorrelated.
A revision of the Paeonia suffruticosa complex (Paeoniaceae)
Authors: Hong De‐yuan , Pan Kai‐yu
Published: March 2008

The taxonomical concept of the Paeonia suffruticosa complex i.e. Sect. Moutan Subsect. Vaginatae, has changed greatly since 1990. Six species and four subspecies have been described as new and two subspecies raised to specific level. Five species and two subspecies are recognized in the present revision, viz. P. suffruticosa subsp. suffruticosa and subsp. yinpingmudan, P. jishanensis, P. qiui, P. ostii, P. rockii subsp. rockii and subsp. taibaishanica. P. yananensis, P. ridleyi, P. spontanea, P. moutan subsp. atava, P. suffruticosa subsp. atava, P. rockii subsp. linyanshanii and P. ostii var. lishizhenii are treated as synonyms. P. papaveracea and P. baokangensis are proposed to be interspecific hybrids. A key to the recognized species and subspecies is provided. Biological features of the species are described and their distributions are mapped. The relationships between species are inferred and the origins of commonly cultivated tree peonies (P. suffruticosa and P. ostii) are discussed.
A new species of Hibiscus (Malvaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Hibiscus ceratophorus, sp. nov. in H. sect. Furcaria, from coastal and subcoastal dunes in southern Somalia, is described and illustrated.
Species diversity and distribution of aquatic macrophytes in the Northern Quark, Baltic Sea
Authors: Bergström Lena , Bergström Ulf
Published: March 2008

The occurrence of aquatic macrophytes was studied in a northern transition area of the Baltic Sea; the Northern Quark, Gulf of Bothnia. In the area there is a gradual, marked change in environmental conditions, the most prominent of which is a decrease in salinity from 5.0% in the Bothnian Sea to 3.5% in the Bothnian Bay. In all, 40 species of macrophytes were observed; 10 fucophyceans, 10 bangiophyceans, 8 chlorophyceans, 3 charophyceans, 1 tribophycean, 1 nostocophycean, 6 phanerogams and 1 water moss. 26 of the observed species were of marine and 14 of lacustrine origin. There was a clear change in species composition and community structure from south to north over the area. The vegetation at the southernmost localities had a marine character, with belt‐forming Fucus vesiculosus and a comparatively diverse flora of macroalgae. Further north, an ephemeral, lacustrine vegetation dominated by benthic diatoms and Cladophora aegagropila prevailed. The ratio marine: lacustrine species decreased from 4.2 to 1 when comparing a southern and a northern sub‐area of the Northern Quark. The species observed include 57 % of the marine macrophytes noted in the Aland and Archipelago Seas (N Baltic Proper) during the past two decades. Two marine species, Aglaothamnion roseum and Ahnfeltia plicata, are reported for the first time from the Northern Quark. This comprises a northern extension of their distribution limit with approximately 300 km.
Pericarp structure and myxocarpy in selected genera of Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Duletiæ‐Lauševiæ Sonja , Marin Petar D.
Published: March 2008

The pericarp structure has been analyzed in 37 species representing 13 genera from four tribes of Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae). 11 species are endemics of Balkan Peninsula or other Mediterranean regions. Basically, the pericarp was similar to other Nepetoideae by having exocarp, mesocarp s. str., vertically arranged bone cells and thin innermost cell layer. The ratio between pericarp thickness and nutlet size was the highest in Mentha spp. According to this parameter Micromeria species belonging to different sections could be distinguished. Acinos spp. were characterized by the thickest sclerenchyma in ratio to pericarp thickness. Crystals were present within sclerenchyma region in genera Mentha, Melissa, Nepeta and Prunella. The mucilage production has also been tested. Most of the studied species produced mucilage when becoming wet. The strongest mucilage reaction showed Acinos and Prunella. Pericarp characters studied are of taxonomical interest. They were mainly correlated with the generic or infrageneric classification of some genera.
Aspects of reproduction in Cerastium alpinum on calcic and ultramafic soils in Central Norway
Authors: Grundt Hanne Hegre , Borgen Liv , Elven Reidar
Published: March 2008

Cerastium alpinumis one of several species of Caryophyllaceae able to grow on soils of deviating chemical composition, including ultramafic soils. To compare mating systems between plants growing on calcic and ultramafic soils, pollination experiments were performed in one ultramafic and four calcic sites in Central Norway. Two populations on calcic soils were classified as ssp.lanatumand two as ssp.alpinum. The results suggest thatC. alpinumis a highly self compatible mixed mater with a large proportion of facilitated selfing. Plants on different soils showed no significant difference in mating system. However, relative seed set and number of initial ovules differed. The population on ultramafic soil produced a significantly lower number of initial ovules than those on calcic soils. Relative seed set was also lower on ultramafic soil. The difference in number of initiated ovules, along with known differences in various morphological traits, i.e. plants on ultramafic soils display a more dwarfed stature, suggest that plants on ultramafic soils allocate more resources to survival than to reproduction and growth compared to plants on calcic soils. In addition, on calcic soils a higher relative seed set was found in ssp.lanatumthan in ssp.alpinum, probably caused by habitat differences between the investigated populations rather than by genetic differences between the two taxa. The obvious success ofC. alpinumon ultramafic soils may partly be ascribed to easy establishment in this scarcely vegetated habitat.
Flower morphology and biology of Myrsine laetevirens, structural and evolutionary implications of anemophily in Myrsinaceae
Authors: Otegui Marisa , Cocucci Andrea
Published: March 2008

This study deals with the phenology, pollination biology and floral morphology of Myrsine laetevirens, a neotropical dioecious tree. In Punta Lara (Argentina), its flowering period occurs during January‐February. Both pistillate and staminate flowers are small, with a yellowish‐green perianth and produce neither nectar nor odour. Staminate flowers have five stamens and a vestigial gynoecium while pistillate flowers, have non‐functional anthers and a conspicuous stigma. The floral characteristics of staminate and pistillate plants are related to the syndrome of anemophily. Fruit set in inflorescences covered with mesh bags and observations prove that animals are not involved in the pollination process. A provisional cladistic analysis of Myrsinaceae shows that dioecy evolved as one of the most recent apomorphies of Myrsine and is part of the anemophilous syndrome.
Pyrene and pollen observations in the pantropical genus Geophila (Rubiaceae‐Psychotrieae)
Authors: Piesschaert F. , Robbrecht E. , Poulsen A. D. , Smets E.
Published: March 2008

Pyrene and pollen morphology of several neo‐ and paleotropical Geophila species is documented and discussed. Pyrenes show distinct morphological variation. They have one central or several adaxial ribs and are straight or twisted. Neotropical species only have twisted pyrenes, whereas Madagascan species have straight ones. Both pyrene types occur on the tropical African mainland and in tropical Asia. The genus is eurypalynous, including inaperturate, colpate and pantoporate pollen. The paper includes the first record of operculate pollen in the Rubiaceae, viz. in Geophila repens var. repens. Pyrenes as well as pollen morphology indicate that the varieties of the pantropical species G. repens need recognition at the specific level.
A revision of the Peruvian species of Nasa ser. Alatae (Loasaceae)
Authors: Weigend Maximilian
Published: March 2008

The Nasa series Alatae is revised for Peru. Species limits in this group are re‐investigated on the basis of modern collections, all types and extensive field studies. A total of 12 species are recognized, seven of them‐N. dillonii, N. driesslet, N. nubicolorum, N. pascoensis, N. sagasteguii, N, anderssonii and N. urentivelutina‐are described as new to science. All new, and two of the previously recognized species are illustrated by line drawings. The species of this group are from Andean habitats, mostly cloud forests, and nearly all of them are narrow endemics.
Four new Globba (Zingiberaceae) species from Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Takano Atsuko , Okada Hiroshi
Published: March 2008

Four new Sumatran Globba species, G. fecunda, G. talangensis, G. flavibracteata and G. acehensis are described, and illustrated. Their relationships with allied species are discussed.
Ultrastructure of snail grazing damage to calcicolous lichens
Authors: Baur Bruno , Fröberg Lars , Baur Anette , Guggenheim Richard , Haase Martin
Published: March 2008

The identification of damaged lichens is often difficult due to changes in the morphology of regenerating specimens. We examined the Ultrastructure of grazing damages to four species of calcicolous lichens (Aspicilia calcarea, Physcia adscendens, Tephromela atra and Xanthoria parietina) and free‐living cyanobacteria (family Chroococcaceae) caused by individuals of four species of land snails (Chondrina clienta, Balea perversa, Clausilia bidentata and Helicigona lapicida). We also investigated the radular structure of the four lichen‐feeding snails to examine whether differences in radular morphology result in species‐specific grazing damages. Individuals of all four snail species removed the cyanobacteria layer covering the limestone or lichen surfaces. The four lichen species were grazed to a different extent by the different snail species. SEM‐images showed that B. perversa left distinct depressions on the thalli of A. calcarea, whereas H. lapicida grazed off the thalli of this lichen rather evenly. Both snail species left visible radular traces on the lichen surface. In contrast, Ch. clienta left shallow depressions without radular traces on the thalli of A. calcarea. In Tephromela atra, grazing damages were observed on both thallus and ascocarp. Ascocarps of T. atra were partly grazed by B. perversa. Helicigona lapicida grazing on T. atra removed more or less evenly the entire lichen tissue including the ascocarps. In foliose lichens, grazing by Ch. clienta, B. perversa and Cl. bidentata resulted in depressions of different depths, while H. lapicida removed entire pieces of the thalli. In general, radular traces were less distinct in foliose lichens than in crustose lichens.
Three new species of the genus Cousinia (Asteraceae, Sect. Cynaroideae) from Iran
Authors: Attar Farideh , Ghahreman Ahmad , Assadi Mostafa
Published: March 2008

Three new species of the genus Cousinia are described: C. sarzehensis, C. nana and C. sabalanica. Illustrations are given for each species.
Sex expression and fruit set in Silene littorea (Caryophyllaceae): variation among populations
Authors: Guitiæn Pablo , Medrano Mœnica
Published: March 2008

The flowers of Silene littorea may be female or hermaphrodite, and an individual may show any of three sexual phenotypes: female‐flowers‐only, hermaphroditeflowers‐only, or mixed‐type. We estimated the relative frequencies and fruit sets of each flower type and each sexual phenotype in eleven S. littorea populations in northwest Spain. For all plants and sites combined, 18% of flowers were female and 82% hermaphrodite. Individuals either had only female flowers (6%), only hermaphrodite flowers (43%), or had both flower types (51%). The relative frequencies of female and hermaphrodite flowers, and of sexual phenotypes, vaned among populations. There was no significant effect of flower sex on its probability of setting fruit. Differences among individual plants within populations had the most prominent role in explaining variation among flowers in probability of setting fruit, while population and its interaction with flower sex had a negligible and nonsignificant influence. Mean fruit set per plant did not differ significantly between sexual phenotypes. Neither population nor its interaction with sexual phenotype accounted for significant amounts of between‐plant variance in fruit set.
Temporal and spatial distribution of planktic cyanobacteria in Lake Kastoria, Greece, a shallow, urban lake
Authors: Vardaka E. , Moustaka‐Gouni M. , Lanaras T.
Published: March 2008

The temporal and spatial distribution of planktic cyanobacteria and some environmental parameters were studied in the shallow, urban Lake Kastoria, Greece from June 1996 to June 1997. Water temperature varied from 6–27 °C, pH from 7.5–8.9 and dissolved O2 concentration from 0.7–12 mg m‐3 10‐3. The mean annual Chl a concentration was 83 mg Chl a m‐3 indicative of the eutrophic‐hypertrophic state of the lake. Cyanobacterial biomass ranged from 11–238 g FW m‐3, constituting about 90% of the total phytoplankton biomass throughout the year. Cyanobacterial biomass was non‐uniformly distributed both vertically and horizontally from August to November 1996 and resulted mainly from the distribution of Microcystis. Seven cyanobacterial taxa were reported for the first time in Lake Kastoria. Six taxa were dominant: Microcystis aeruginosa, M. flos‐aquae, M. novacekii. Limnothrix redekei, Anabaena sp. and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. The dominant cyanobacterial taxa can be grouped on the basis of their distribution patterns (1) Microcystis species: maximum biomass occurring at pH > 8, temperature 12–17 °C, depth < 0.2 m; (2) Anabaena sp. and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii: maximum biomass at temperatures 23–26 °C; (3) Limnothrix redekei: maximum biomass at temperatures 6–27 °C. Usually, non‐uniform, vertical distributions of cyanobacterial biomass were associated with the formation of temperature, pH and O2 gradients. L. redekei was considered to be a key lake organism since it contributed up to 59% of the cyanobacterial biomass. Interestingly, three of the dominant cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena sp. and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii belong to genera that include toxin‐producing species.
Melobesia subplana Rosenvinge (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) is conspecific with Pneophyllum fragile Kützing
Authors: Wegeberg Susse
Published: March 2008

The epiphytic species Melobesia subplana erected by Rosenvinge in 1917, has for years been without a verified genus affiliation, because the holotype material did not possess crucial generic information, namely spore germination disc patterns. The species was based on Danish material and collection of new material at the type locality was carried out. Accordance of the holotype and the new material allowed an epitype to be established. Examination of the epitype showed an eight‐celled spore germination disc, which verified an ealier suggestion of the species belonging to the genus Pneophyllym. The material, upon which Rosenvinge based M. subplana, was already identified by Foslie as Melobesia lejolisii Rosanoff. However, Rosenvinge found the Danish material to differ so much from M. lejolisii, that he chose to erect the new species. M. lejolisii is now considered homospecific with Pneophyllum fragile Kützing. Comparative studies of the anatomy and reproductive structures of M. subplana and P. fragile revealed concordancy between the two species, and M. subplana is thus considered conspecific with P. fragile.
Snowbeds trapping seed rain—a comparison of methods
Authors: Larsson Eva‐Lena , Molau Ulf
Published: March 2008

The possibility of assessing seed rain by deposits in snowbeds was investigated in the Abisko area in northernmost Swedish Lapland. In late summer the “grey blanket” on the snowbed surface was skimmed off, melted and sieved through a filter paper. The debris contained on average 741 seeds m2, making up 6.5% of the total debris dry mass. A total of 11,909 seeds, representing 69 species, were encountered in the study. Phyllodoce coerulea, Carex bigelowii and Juncus trifldus were the most abundant. The efficiency of the snowbeds as diaspore traps was compared with a set of artificial traps. Data from two years were compared. The snowbed proved to be more efficient than artificial seed traps, in particular for trapping seeds of graminoids and herbs. Both methods revealed considerable among‐year variation in seed output as a possible result of differences in summer climate. The results also suggest that snowbed can be used for assessing aeolian inorganic deposition, in the present study on average 9.0 g m2.
Astracantha dolinicola (Fabaceae): a new species from Crete
Authors: Brullo Salvatore , del Galdo Gianpietro Giusso
Published: March 2008

A new species, Astracantha dolinicola (Fabaceae), occurring in the dolines of Psiloritis (Crete), is described and illustrated. Its distribution, ecology and relationships with A. cretica, the most allied species, are given.
A new spiny Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) species from northeast Somalia
Authors: Carter Susan
Published: March 2008

A small succulent, spiny Euphorbia is described as a new species, E. patentispina, endemic to Somalia, with a limited distribution in the northeast region of Bari. Its relationship to other species of the same group—those producing subsessile capsules and a single spine from each spine shield—occurring in northern Somalia is discussed.
A new species of Veronica (Scrophulariaceae) from Iran
Authors: Saeidi‐Mehrvarz Shahryar , Ghahreman Ahamad , Assadi Mostafa
Published: March 2008

Veronica daranica, a perennial herb growing in alpine regions of central Iran, is described and illustrated. The systematic position of this species and its closet relatives are discussed.
Hawkmooth pollination and hybridization in Delphinium leroyi (Ranunculaceae) on the Nyika Plateau, Malawi
Authors: Johnson S. D.
Published: March 2008

The large circumboreal genus Delphinium is characterized by short‐spurred blue‐purple flowers pollinated primarily by bees. Two interesting exceptions to this pattern are the long‐spurred red flowers of two western North American species known to be hummingbird‐pollinated, and the long‐spurred evening‐scented white flowers of an east African species, Delphinium leroyi. Observations on the Nyika Plateau, Malawi, showed that flowers of D. leroyi were frequently visited by hawkmoths during a 30 minute period after dusk. The most common visitor, Hippotion celerio, has a mean tongue length of 37 mm, corresponding almost exactly to the floral spur of D. leroyi; consequently, there is effective placement of pollen on the underside of the moths. The flowers were also visited occasionally by the very long tongued hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli, but this moth does not make effective contact with anthers and appears to act only as a nectar robber. Delphinium leroyi occurs in open grasslands on the Nyika Plateau, while a related species D. dasycaulon which has short‐spurred blue flowers that are visited by bees, occurs in shrubby vegetation associated with old termitaria and forest margins. Although the two species are parapatric, occasional hybrids occur at sites where populations of the two species occur in close proximity. The status of hybrids was established by a morphometric analysis of the hybrids and their parent populations.
Morphological variation, photobiont association and ITS phylogeny of Chaenotheca phaeocephala and C. subroscida (Coniocybaceae, lichenized ascomycetes)
Authors: Tibell Leif , Beck Andreas
Published: March 2008

Chaenotheca phaeocephala and C. subroscida have been characterized by differences in their morphology and ecology. They are, however, morphologically plastic and sometimes seem to intergrade. It has been suspected that the differences in morphology between these two taxa could possibly be phenotypic and caused by their occurrence in different habitats and/or by the association with different photobionts. To test if there is a genetic difference between the species ITS1–5.8S‐ITS2 rDNA sequences of six specimens of the mycobiont of C. phaeocephala and five of C. subroscida were compared. Further the ITS1–5.8S‐ITS2 rDNA sequences of the photobiont of one specimens of C. phaeocephala and six of C. subroscida were compared to each other and to other species of Trebouxia. The mycobiont sequences of both C. phaeocephala and C. subroscida were monophyletic, substantially different and the groups had strong supports. They also proved to be associated with different Trebouxia species, C. phaeocephala with T. arboricola and Chaenotheca subroscida with T. jamesii. The morphologically based concepts of C. phaeocephala and C. subroscida thus not merely represent phenotypic variation but also are associated with considerable genetic differences in the extremes of the ITS1–5.8S‐ITS2 rDNA region.
A new species of Anisopappus (Asteraceae, Inuleae) and its phylogenetic relationships within the genus
Authors: Ortiz S. , Paiva J. A. R. , Pulgar I.
Published: March 2008

A new species of the genus Anisopappus (Asteraceae, Inuleae) from Angola, A. fruticosus, is described. The principal differences with respect to A. chinensis are discussed, and phylogenetic relationships with the other species of the genus are investigated by means of a cladistic analysis using morphological characters.
Four new species of Orchidantha (Lowiaceae) from Sabah
Authors: Pedersen Louise B.
Published: March 2008

Four new species ofOrchidantha(Lowiaceae) are described from Sabah, Malaysia:Orchidantha suratii, O. sabahensis, O. quadricolor, andO. grandiflora.
Kaempfería grandifolia sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) a new species from Thailand
Authors: Saensouk Surapon , Jenjittikul Thaya
Published: March 2008

Kaempfería grandifolia is described and illustrated from the Phu Phan National Park in NE Thailand. The somatic chromosome number is established to 2n = 22. Its affinities are discussed.
Notes on the genus Ardisia (Myrsinaceae) from Thailand
Authors: Larsen Kai , Ming Hu Chi
Published: March 2008

Ardisia dawnaea is for the first time reported from Thailand; a new combination: Ardisia sanguinolenta var. paralleloneura is made; two names: Ardisia dawnensis and Ardisia undulatodentata are reduced to synonymy, and some confused or misidentified species of Ardisia are clarified.
Age determination of individuals of Corydalis species and other perennial herbs
Authors: Olesen Jens M. , Ehlers Bodil K.
Published: March 2008

In only a few perennial herbs is age determination of individual plants possible. The life cycle of Corydalis intermedia and C. solida is described. Plants have an age in years identical to the number of dead sheaths outside their underground tuber. Various ways to determine age in other species are reviewed: No. of dead layers around corm: Corydalis cava; no. of dead layers around tuber: Corydalis pumila, Drosera erythrorhiza, D. bulbosa; no. of dead remains of leaves/inflorescence stalks to the side of the corm: Philydrella pygmaea; no. of collaterals in corm: Liatris aspera; no. of nodes on rootstock: Trillium erectum; and no. of bands of high and low density of leaf scars on stems: Aeonium species.
Iypification of Pinus pallasiana, P. salzmannii and P. pityusa (Pinaceae)
Authors: Orlova Larisa V. , Christensen Knud lb
Published: March 2008

In connection with systematic studies of Eurasian species of Pinus (Pinaceae) lectotypes are designated for Pinus pallasiana and P. salzmannii. A lectotype and an epitype are selected for Pinus pityusa.
Trichodesma mudgalii (Boraginaceae)—a new species from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Anand , Khanna K. K.
Published: March 2008

Trichodesma mudgalii (Boraginaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Madhya Pradesh (Betul district), India. The species is closely allied to T. indicum var. indicum and T. stocksii but differs from the former in having epidermis (on stem) peeling off in flakes with age, leaves crowded, 2–6 mm broad, strongly revolute and covered on abaxial surface with simple, short, thin hairs intermixed with long, bulbous‐based hairs and from the latter in having apices of connectives strongly spirally twisted, ovoid nutlets and emarginate.
Patterns of allozyme and morphological differentiation in the Carex flava complex (Cyperaceae) in Fennoscandiaxs
Authors: Hedrén Mikael
Published: March 2008

Allozyme and morphological differentiation patterns within the Carex flava complex in Fennoscandia were described by means of multivariate analyses. As a result of these studies, and considering also data on ecology, distribution and hybridization, the following taxa were recognized: C. flava with no infraspecific taxa, C. lepidocarpa with two subspecies, ssp. lepidocarpa and ssp. jemtlandica, C. demissa with no infraspecific taxa, and C. oederi with three varieties, var. oederi, var. bergrothii, and var. pulchella. Carex lepidocarpa ssp. jemtlandica was allozymically divergent from ssp. lepidocarpa, indicating a long period of isolation of the two subspecies. A poor morphological separation in some localities is apparently due to secondary contacts in connection with recolonization of Fennoscandia after the last ice age, resulting in the formation of fertile hybrids and back‐crosses. The subdivision of C. oederi into three varieties is supported by ecological data and it is suggested that they have originated by parallel ecotype formation under similar selective regimes in different areas. However, the varietal limits are not supported by differentiation in neutral (allozyme) characters. A phylogenetic hypothesis was constructed by means of neighbour‐joining based allozyme data and it was indicated that C. demissa may be more closely related to C. lepidocarpa than to C. oederi. Previous treatments that have reduced the C. flava complex to one or two species may have been based on inappropriate species concepts, too coarse methods of analysis of morphological data, ignorance of patterns of co‐occurrence and hybridization, or a combination of these factors.
Structure and ontogeny of Swartzia langsdorffii (Leguminosae) pericarp
Authors: Colpas Flávia Tavares , Oliveira Denise Maria Trombert
Published: March 2008

In order to elucidate the position of the Swartzieae in Leguminosae, Swartzia langsdorffii was chosen as a representative of this tribe type genus and subjected to structural studies of immature ovaries (in the floral bud and flowers) and developing and mature fruits. The external epidermis of the ovary is characterized by one layer of thin‐walled polyhedral cells with a thin cuticle. Parenchyma cells have a large quantity of tannin‐containing idioblasts located inside a procambial ring. The one‐layered inner epidermis consists of flattened cells. In fruits the one‐layered exocarp is covered by a thick cuticle. The mesocarp consists of three distinct regions, the middle region being a sclerenchymatous layer. The one‐layered endo‐carp shows cells with little cohesion. The occurrence of canals consisting of a net of resinous cells was also observed in the mesocarp. Secretion was of an elaborate composition. Differentiation of the secretory structures begin in the floral bud ovary, where they appear as idioblasts containing tannin. The taxonomic position of this tribe, as well as the function of the mesocarp secreting canals, are discussed.
Caesalpinia elliptifolia (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae): a new species from China
Authors: Li Shijin , Chen Zhongyi , Zhang Dianxiang
Published: March 2008

A new species, Caesalpinia elliptifolia, is described from Guangdong, China. The species is related to C. magnifoliolata and C. crista, but can be easily distinguished by its subsymmetrical pod with a wide cuneate base, brown hairs on the lower surfaces of leaflets, pedicels of flowers and fruits, and axis of inflorescences.
Variation in morphology of the pistillate flowers of Astrocaryum urostachys (Palmae) in Amazonian Ecuador
Authors: Kahn Francis , Gluchy Delphine
Published: March 2008

The variability of pistillate flower qualitative morphology and size in the palm species Astrocaryum urostachys in the Ecuadorean Amazon is analysed. In total 4393 flowers were sampled from 145 inflorescences born on 135 individual palms. Sampling was performed in 4 regions, north, western centre, southwestern centre and south. The results show that (i) qualitative morphology and relative proportions of flower parts are weakly variable, (ii) size of pistillate flowers is very variable within the total sample, within a region, within an individual palm and even within one inflorescence, (iii) no significant difference exists in flower size between the northern, western central and southwestern central regions, and (iv) there is a significant tendency to produce smaller pistillate flowers in the southern region. The low variation in qualitative morphology and in the relative proportions of pistillate flower parts within Astrocaryum urostachys provides new arguments in favour of the relevance of these characters in the taxonomy of Astrocaryum section Ayri.
New species and combinations in Kleinia (Asteraceae) from the Horn of Africa
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Kleinia tuberculata, from open deciduous bushland on gypsum hills and gypseous limestone in northern and north‐eastern Somalia, K. curvata, from evergreen bushland on limestone in northern Somalia, K. sabulosa, from deciduous bushland on sand in central Somalia, K. ogadensis, from deciduous bushland in eastern Ethiopia, K. gracilis, from dwarf bushland on limestone in north‐eastern Somalia, and K. tortuosa, from alkaline plains in northern Somalia, are described, and for some of them illustrations are provided. The new combinations K. nogalensis and K. lunulata are made, and the recently described K. isabellae from eastern Ethiopia is placed in synonymy of K. lunulata.
A new species of Asparagus (Asparagaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Asparagus brachiatus, a new unarmed species from limestone rocks in north‐eastern Somalia, is described, illustrated, and compared with A. leptocladodius and A. africanus.
Two new species of Scaphochlamys (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand
Authors: Jenjittikul Thaya , Larsen Kai
Published: March 2008

Scaphochlamys minutiflora and S. rubescens are described and illustrated. A key to the species of Scaphochlamys occurring in Thailand is provided.
Lectotypification of Linnaean names for Flora Nordica (Brassicaceae ‐ Apiaceae)
Authors: Jonsell Bengt , Jarvis C. E.
Published: March 2008

Linnaean names appearing in Flora Nordica in the families Brassicaceae ‐ Apiaceae (in the conventional family sequence of the Flora) are typified. The main sources for types are the Linnaean Herbarium (LINN), the Clifford Herbarium (BM), the Burser Herbarium (UPS) and the Iter lapponicum herbarium in Paris (LAPP), and cited illustrations. The study forms part of the “Linnaean Plant Name Typification Project” based at The Natural History Museum, London (BM). ‐ Flora Nordica notes No. 31.
Two new species of Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) from the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Siver Peter A.
Published: March 2008

Two new species of Mallomonas, M. ocalensis and M. caerula, are described from a clearwater, acidic and oligotrophic waterbody in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A. Mallomonas ocalensis, in the Series Doignonianae of the Section Torquatae, consists of relatively small cells with scales that have a series of parallel shield ribs with alternating thicknesses, collar scales with very short bristles and posterior scales with small protruding spines. Mallomonas ocalensis is most similar to Mallomonas dickii, but is distinguished from the latter species based on the highly variable thicknesses of the shield ribs and significantly larger scales. Mallomonas caerula, in the Series Mallomonas of the Section Mallomonas, consists of relatively large cells that bear large domed and dorneless scales, and long, robust and ribbed bristles. Bristles with and without helmets can be found. The shield, especially the distal portion, and the posterior flange of scales consists of series of more or less parallel ribs. Mallomonas caerula appears to be most closely related to Mallomonas acaroides var. acaroides and Mallomonas acaroides var. muskokana, but can be distinguished from the latter taxa on the basis of scale type, scale structure and bristle morphology. Both new species were found in the plankton and surface sediments of Blue Sink Pond.
Dactylorhiza majalis s.l. (Orchidaceae) in acid habitats: variation patterns, taxonomy, and evolution
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund
Published: March 2008

Morphometric and allozyme data were collected from 11 populations of Dactylorhiza majalis s.l. in the Ardennes (Belgium, France) and North Jutland (Denmark). All study populations were growing in obviously acid habitats. Genetic distances were calculated and illustrated by UPGMA dendrograms, while principal components analyses (PCAs) were used to summarize morphological variation patterns. Based on the PCAs, the probability of each character to distinguish correctly between the main groups of populations was estimated. The study populations from the Ardennes and from the Danish island of Læsø seem to agree with populations from Sweden previously studied by Hedrén—and to belong to D. majalis subsp. sphagnicola (comb. nov.). It should be noted that allozyme data suggest a polytopic origin of this taxon. The study populations from the Danish region of Thy differ morphologically from the others and exhibit much less genetic variation. They are described as a new subspecies, D. majalis subsp. calciñigiens. The evolution and biogeography of the two taxa are discussed, and brief taxonomic accounts are provided.
New species, a new combination and synonyms in Compositae from NE Africa
Authors: Tadesse Mesfin
Published: March 2008

Two species of Compositae from Ethiopia are described as new, viz. Senecio leptopterus and Vernonia friisii. Comparisons were also made with morphologically similar species found in other parts of Africa. The new combination Sphaeranthus ramosus is made and a detailed description of the species is provided. Arctotis pygmaea and Anthemis semiensis are placed as synonyms of Haplocarpha rueppellii and Anthemis tigrensis, respectively.
Juncus uruguensis—a member of the section Juncotypus (Juncaceae, Juncus subg. Agathryon)
Authors: Drábková Lenka , Kirschner Jan
Published: March 2008

Anatomy and morphology of Juncus uruguensis were studied in order to determine the sectional position of the species. Leaf anatomy, a decisive criterion for sectional classification in the subg. Agathryon, shows that the species should be placed in the sect. Juncotypus, not in the sect. Steirochloa.
Three new Ecuadorian species of Axinaea (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Cotton Elvira , Bussmann Rainer W. , Lozano Pablo
Published: March 2008

Three new Ecuadorian species of Axinaea (Melastomataceae) are described: Axinaea flava, A. glauca, and A.lawessonii. All three species are endemic to southern Ecuador. Axinaea flava and A.glauca grow in the transition zone between montane forest and pbramo. They share characters such as shrubby habit, dense to moderate pubescence and coriaceous, rigid, erect leaves, which may be related to their high altitude habitat. Axinaea flava is the only species of the genus with a yellow corolla. Axinaea glauca, a shrub less than 1 m high, is the smallest Axinaea species known. Field observations show that these two species have a restricted habitat and their known populations are small, probably less than 100 individuals. The third species, A.lawessonii, grows in wet montane forests. It can grow as a shrub or a slender tree and its leaves are glabrous and less rigid than those of A.flava and A.glauca, characters which are probably a consequence of the more humid and benign habitat. Axinaea lawessonii is the only species of the genus in which the leaf margins have uncinate teeth. The species is rather frequent in southern Ecuador and has been collected in a dozen localities, most of which are within the Podocarpus National Park.