bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three new species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) from Borneo
Authors: Poulsen Axel Dalberg , Mood John , Ibrahim Halijah
Published: March 2008

Three new species from northern Borneo are described: Etlingera rubromarginata from Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah; E. belalongensis presently only known from the Temburong District of Brunei; and E. corrugata presently only known from Danum Valley, Sabah.
Sex ratio variation in dioecious plant species: A comparative ecological study of six species of Lindera (Lauraceae)
Authors: Dupont Y. L. , Kato M.
Published: March 2008

Sex ratio variation was investigated in natural populations of six dioecious shrub species of Lindera in Japan. Interspecific differences in sex ratio were examined in relation to patterns of population structure, floral dimorphism, fruit production and intersexual differences in herbivory. Sex ratios tended towards equality or bias in favour of males, except for populations of L. glauca, in which no male plants were found. Sex switching in individual plants was not observed. Although male flowers were generally larger in size than flowers of conspecific females, costs of flowering did not appear to influence sex ratio. However, a relation was found between high allocation to fruit production and increasing male fraction of populations. In addition, girths of flowering plants tended to be larger in females, which may indicate delay in age of the first reproduction compared to males. No intersexual difference was found in degree of leaf damage due to herbivory. Results of this study are discussed in the light of other studies on sex ratio variation in dioecious plant species.
Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the pearl gland in Piper regnellii (Piperaceae)
Authors: da Silva Elaine Maria J. , Machado Silvia Rodrigues
Published: March 2008

Pearl glands are scattered throughout the lamina of developing leaves and rarely found on adult leaves of Piper regnellii (Piperaceae). The pearl gland is a bicellular secretory trichome composed of a short broad basal cell and a spatula‐like, semiglobular apical cell. Four different stages of the pearl gland were determined during its ontogenesis: origin, pre‐secretory, secretory and post‐secretory. During the pre‐secretory stage, mitochondria, ribosomes, dictyosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and plastids with electron dense inclusions were present in the cytoplasm of the apical cell. During the secretory stage, the most remarkable characteristics of the apical cell are the proliferation of dictyosomes and their vesicles, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and modified plastids. At this stage, electron‐dense oil drops occur in the plastids as well as scattered within the cytoplasm, proteins and polysaccharides are seen in the plastids, vesicles, and vacuoles. Only polysaccharides are present in the periplasmic space, wall cavities, and on the surface of the apical cell. The polysaccharides are one of the main components of the mucilagenous exudate that covers the developing leaf structures. The apical cell of the senescing trichomes undergoes a progressive degeneration of its cellular components, the plastids being the first organelles to undergo lysis.
Vegetation ‐ environment relationships of old hay meadows at Sverveli, Telemark, S Norway
Authors: Bratli H. , Myhre A.
Published: March 2008

The vegetation of traditionally managed species‐rich hay meadows at Sverveli, Telemark, S Norway was studied applying an indirect gradient approach. The vegetation in 93 randomly placed sample plots was analysed in order to detect the main vegetational gradients. Ecological measurements were recorded from each plot. The relationships between vegetation and environment were studied by DCA and LNMDS ordinations and non‐parametric correlation analysis. Both ordinations revealed the same two ecologically interpretable vegetation gradients. Soil moisture was identified as the most important environmental factor in determining the species composition, followed by soil nutrient content. The contents of P, K. and Mg in the soil were more strongly correlated with the main vegetational gradients than was soil N. Differences in management history may explain some of the observed variation in species composition that was not accounted for by the recorded environmental variables.
Thamnosma (Rutaceae) in Africa
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The African members of the remarkably disjunct Afro‐American genus Thamnosma are revised. Six species are recognized, T africana, T. rhodesica and T. crenata in southern Africa, and T. somalensis, T. socotrana and T. hirschii in the Horn of Africa region, including the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra. T. somalensis, sp. nov., is described from north‐eastern Somalia. T. crenata, comb, nov., is based on T. africana var. crenata. A key to the species is given and two lectotypes and one neotype are selected.
Allium archeotrichon (Alliaceae), a new species from Rhodos (Dodekannìsos, Greece)
Authors: Brullo Salvatore , Pavone Pietro , Salmeri Cristina
Published: March 2008

Allium archeotrichon, an autumnal geophyte occurring in rocky places on the island of Rhodos, is described as new to science and illustrated. Its karyology, ecology, leaf anatomy and taxonomic relationships are discussed.
Allium runemarkii (Liliaceae), a new species from the island of Ewia (W Aegean, Greece)
Authors: Trigas Panayiotis , Tzanoudakis Dimitris
Published: March 2008

Allium runemarkii, from the island of Ewia (W Aegean area, Greece), is illustrated and described as a species new to science. This species belongs to Allium sect. Scorodon and is related to the Greek species A. thessalicum and A. erythraeum in the A. obtusiflorum group. It is diploid with 2n=2x=16. Details of its karyotype are given.
Phylogeny of Gardenieae (Rubiaceae) based on chloroplast DNA sequences from the rps16 intron and trnL(UAA)‐F(GAA) intergenic spacer
Authors: Persson Claes
Published: March 2008

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences of the rps16 intron and the trnL (UAA)‐F(GAA) intergenic spacer were obtained from 59 species, to evaluate phylogenetic relationships among members of the Gardenieae, Rubiaceae. The results indicate that Gardenieae is polyphyletic and that genera included in the subtribe Diplosporinae should be transferred to the Coffeeae and Octotropideae. The Octotropideae tribe may also be polyphyletic. It is also demonstrated that the tribe Pavetteae is polyphyletic. In addition, the present data support a basal position for the disputed genus Bertiera within the Coffeeae clade. Of the informal groups proposed by Robbrecht & Puff within the Gardenieae, the Alibertia group is strongly supported, and is estimated to also include Ibetralia, Genipa aff. williamsii, and one undescribed taxon. However, Genipa americana was not part of this clade suggesting that Genipa is polyphyletic. The Tetrad group is not supported, and character optimisations suggest that pollen released in tetrads may have arisen three times. Most of these genera appear in the same clade as the three neotropical genera Sphinctanthus, Rosenbergiodendron, and Tocoyena, all of which bear pollen in monads. Atractogyne, Mitriostigma, and Oxyanthus form the second group with pollen in tetrads, whereas Gardenia is embedded in a third group. Massularia, with polyads, occurs either singly on a large polytomy or at the base of the Atractocarpus‐Porterandia‐Trukia clade.
Revision of the genus Haniffia (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Larsen Kai , Mood John
Published: March 2008

The genus Haniffia is revised, in comprises two species of which one is described as new: H. albiflora from Thailand. Both species are illustrated.
Astragalus moussavii (Fabaceae), a new species of Astragalus sect. Xiphidium from Iran, with supplementary notes on the section
Authors: Maassoumi A. A. , Ghahremani‐nejad F. , Ghahreman A.
Published: March 2008

The new species Astragalus moussavii, endemic to Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to A. sect. Xiphidium and is related to A. ruscifolius and A. sanctus.
Chromosome number variation in the polyploid Cerastium alpinum‐C. arcticum complex (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Brysting A. K.
Published: March 2008

Chromosome numbers of Cerastium alpinum, C. arcticum, and C. nigrescens were studied from the main part of their distribution area. No chromosome number variation was found within C. alpinum, which seems to be octoploid throughout its range. Dodecaploid chromosome numbers (2n = 108) were found in both C. arcticum and C. nigrescens. A higher, possibly aneuploid, chromosome number was reported for plants from Southwest Greenland, and the intermediate chromosome number of 2n = 90 was found in potential hybrids between C. alpinum and C. nigrescens. Despite sporadic reports of deviating chromosome numbers, the chromosome number variation within the C. alpinum‐C. arcticum complex seems to be restricted mainly to the octo‐ and dodecaploid levels.
A revision of the genus Phaeonychium (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Al‐Shehbaz Ihsan A.
Published: March 2008

Phaeonychium consists of six species distributed in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kashmir, Nepal, and Tajikistan. The new combinations P. villosum and P. kashgaricum are proposed. Phaeonychium jafrii is described as new. The limits and relationships of Phaeonychium are discussed.
Phylogeny of epiphytic Huperzia (Lycopodiaceae): paleotropical and neotropical clades corroborated by rbcL sequences
Authors: Wikström Niklas , Kenrick Paul
Published: March 2008

The phylogenetic relationships of Lycopodiaceae, and specifically the relationships among epiphytic Huperzia, were investigated by means of a cladistic analysis using plastid rbcL gene sequences. Huperzia species are partitioned into neotropical and paleotropical clades, a result that is incongruent with traditional morphology based taxonomy. The rbcL data corroborate an earlier study based on tmL intron and tmL‐trnF spacer sequences. Together, these two molecular studies provide strong evidence that the diversification of epiphytic Huperzia is a comparatively recent phenomenon (Late Cretaceous‐Tertiary), and that there has been widespread morphological convergence in epiphytes throughout the tropics.
A floristic and biogeographic survey of the Synurophyceae from Southeastern Australia
Authors: Furlotte Alane E. , Ferguson John A. , Wee James L.
Published: March 2008

The Synurophyceae are freshwater, golden‐brown flagellates characterized by a cell covering of overlapping siliceous scales. Species‐level identification usually requires electron microscopy of the scales, and numerous studies have demonstrated that most species of Synurophyceae have a worldwide distribution. Although algal endemism is suggested as relatively common in Australia, floristic investigations of the Synurophyceae in Australia are few in number, and southeastern Australia, in particular, is poorly represented in these studies. This study examines the Synurophyceae in south central Victoria, northeastern New South Wales, and southern, coastal Queensland in Australia. The sampled habitats include mountainous and boggy areas, temperate and subtropical rainforests, as well as pools, small ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Biogeographic and taxonomic information is emphasized. Eighty‐six phytoplankton collections were made during June and July of 1996. Of these, 43 collections contain Synurophyceae. 18 Mallomonas taxa, 7 Synura taxa, Chrysodidymus synumideus, Tessellaria volvocina, and 3 unknown scale types were observed. Five taxa are reported for the first time in Australia and one is reported for the first time since its initial description in western Australia.
A new species of Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae) from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Khanna K. K. , Mudgal V. , Kumar A.
Published: March 2008

Eriocaulon raipurense (Eriocaulaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Madhya Pradesh, India. The species is closely allied to E. hamiltonianum but differs in the size and apex of involucral bancts, white‐pilose nature of floral bracts and colour of female petals.
Selection of Etlingera corneri J. Mood & H. Ibrahim (Zingiberaceae) as a future correct name
Authors: Larsen Kai
Published: March 2008

The name Etlingera corneri J. Mood & H. lbrahim is here chosen as the future correct name.
Estimation of plant species richness from systematically placed plots in a managed forest ecosystem
Authors: Skov Flemming , Lawesson Jonas E.
Published: March 2008

A Danish managed forest of 325 hectares was sampled for plant species richness in a regular 100 × 100 m grid using four nested quadrates of 2, 4, 25, and 200 m2, respectively, at each sample point. The survey resulted in total counts of 161, 171, 224, and 289 species depending on size of quadrates. A list of more than 370 species, however, was accumulated for the forest based on the present study, the literature, and additional personal observations. It was shown that species richness estimators and especially the log‐log estimator resulted in improved estimates of species richness. It was also shown that a search strategy in which plots with high habitat diversity in the immediate neighbourhood or plots close to forest roads were chosen first was more effective than a random search strategy. The random strategy, on the other hand, was more efficient than emphasising core areas of major habitat types in the beginning of the search. The study has clearly demonstrated that a managed forest ecosystem with its mixture of open areas and different stands can harbour a very high plant species diversity (in this case ca. 25% of the total Danish flora in only 325 hectare). It is also shown, however, how difficult and time consuming it is to count all species in a heterogeneous ecosystem.
Integrated analysis of conditions accounting for intersite distribution of grassland plants
Authors: Tyler Germund
Published: March 2008

The objectives are to relate species distributions among 110 non‐fertilized grassland (‘dry meadow’) sites in soutoheastern Sweden to soil chemical, physical, exposure and management variables using correlation, stepwise regression and factor (PCA) analysis based on quantitative data. It was suggested that soil acidity variables (pH, base saturation, exchangeable Ca, Al, Mn, and Fe), P, K, Mg, and N conditions, water‐retaining properties, soil texture and contents of organic matter, as well as degree of grazing, total cover of the vegetation and exposure (inclination and orientation) of the sites, to a variable extent are able to account for the intersite distribution of vascular plant species. Frequent enough to consider separately were 64 species. A majority of them displayed significant relationships, either positive or negative, to soil acidity. At least 10 species were related to both soil acidity and grazing and/or exposure, and another 10 species mainly (always positively) to grazing and/or exposure. The distribution of 8–10 species was closely positively related to the phosphorus status of the soils, mainly plants which are even more abundant in fertilized pastures or abandoned fields. Magnesium appeared important to the distribution of at least 6 species and K to a few. Many variables tested, including those related to water‐retaining properties and soil texture, as well as density (total cover) of the vegetation, were only significant in few cases. Nitrogen mineralization rate, as determined by standard incubation technique, was not related to the distribution of any species. Species richness was positively correlated with total cover of the vegetation, negatively with soil acidity and phosphorus status.
Lectotypification of the Linnaean names Thalictrum angustifolium and T. lucidum (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Hand Ralf
Published: March 2008

Two further Linnaean names of Thalictrum are lectotypified. Thalictrum lucidum has priority over angustifolium.— Flora Nordica Notes no. 30.
Patterns and relationships between and within the sections Alchemilla and Ultravulgares of the genus Alchemilla (Rosaceae) in Estonia
Authors: Sepp Silvia , Paal Jaanus
Published: March 2008

Nine Estonian Alchemilla species belonging to the sections Ultravulgares and Alchemilla, or considered being close to them, were analysed. When the analysed specimens were divided into sections, the latter were statistically distinct and formed separable groups in the character space. When the specimens were grouped on a species level, A. cymatophylla, A. subcrenala and A. heptagona were insignificantly distinct, but, in the character space, specimens of A. heptagona were visually well distinguished from the other two. Specimens of A. acutiloba, A. micans, and A. xanthochlora formed confidently distinct (p < 0.01) species‐clusters, but at the same time they formed a joint cloud in the character space, indicating the compactness of section Alchemilla. Specimens of A. semilunaris were close to A. lindbergiana, and not, as has previously been supposed, to the section Ultravulgares. A. semilunaris should possibly be kept in a separate section Decumbentes. Specimens of A. lindbergiana were on one hand close to A. semilunaris. on the other hand close to the species of section Alchemilla; including it in the latter section is still doubtful. A. subglobosa was indistinct from A. subcrenata but could generally be separated from sections Alchemilla and Ultmvulgares. Of the 41 tested characters, 35 were useful for species discrimination; counts, nominal and ratio characters were better than metric ones. According to the cluster analysis, specimens of A. acutiloba and A. micans formed one big cluster, all other specimens belonged to another.
Restoration of an abandoned species‐rich fen‐meadow in Denmark changes in species richness and dynamics of plant groups during 12 years
Authors: Vinther Erik , Hald Anna Bodil
Published: March 2008

A period without management had transformed the vegetation of a species‐rich fenmeadow, with no external change in the hydrological regime, into three communities: alder thicket (unmanaged 15 years), tall herb and sedge dominated communities (unmanaged 11 years). Following reintroduction of management (felling of alder thicket, mowing and grazing) the vegetation development was monitored and species cover was measured along a permanent transect before and during 12 years of restoration succession. Management increased the density of fen‐ meadow species and made the three communities more similar. The appearance of new fen species and the increase in species density followed immediately after the introduction of management. Thereafter, only a few new species appeared and the turnover index stabilised. Management by mowing and grazing both increased species density of herbs and promoted establishment of biennials and hemicryptophytes. Other plant groups responded differently to management: mowing increased total cover, the cover of grasses, and promoted phanerophytes and chamaephytes; grazing reduced the influence of these groups and promoted ‘sedge & rush’ and geophytes. Restoration was particularly successful in the felled alder thicket, but the success was caused by spreading of species from the pool of species within the site and establishment of species having persistent seed bank, i.e. inherent good potential for restoration. The results are discussed in relation to use of functional plant groups and Ellenberg N‐ and L‐indices as response indicators for monitoring restoration progress.
Morphometry diversity and geographic differentiation in six dogrose taxa (Rosa Sect. Caninae, Rosaceae) from the Nordic countries
Authors: Olsson Åsa , Prentice Honor C.
Published: March 2008

The dogroses (Rosa Sect. Caninae) are characterized by a unique meiosis‐the canina meiosis‐that results in restricted recombination. In the present study, we investigate population differentiation and morphometric diversity within six taxa of Nordic dogroses, with the help of automated image analysis of leaflet shape and manually‐measured reproductive characters. The total morphometric diversity in each character type was partitioned into its hierarchical components. The within‐taxon structure of diversity in leaflet shape is similar (in both rank and magnitude) to the within‐taxon structure of reproductive character diversity in all the taxa, with the between‐population component of diversity accounting for the majority of the total diversity. The within‐taxon structuring of diversity in the dogroses is comparable to that found in selfers and in species characterized by restricted recombination (such as permanent translocation heterozygotes). The relatively high within‐and between‐family components of diversity in R. dumalis subsp. dumalis may be a reflection of a heterogeneous genome and/or of a higher degree of outcrossing than in the other dogrose taxa. Rosa rubiginosa is characterized by low overall levels of intraspecific variation. There is weak geographic differentiation between populations of R. dumalis subsp. dumalis (in leaflet shape) and R. rubiginosa (in reproductive characters). The study provides no support for the division of R. dumalis into subsp. dumalis and subsp. coriifolia but, in contrast, shows a clear separation between varieties umbelliflora and venusta within R. sherardii.
Pentzia (Asteraceae‐Anthemideae) in the Horn of Africa region
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The two new species Pentzia somalensis, from areas of gypseous soil in northern Somalia, and P. arabica from the limestone plateau of Hadramaut in southern Yemen, are described and illustrated. P. somalensis is the only member of Anthemideae known from Somalia, and the occurrence of Pentzia on both sides of the Gulf of Aden in the Horn of Africa region represents a major extension of the distribution of the genus that is otherwise restricted to southern Africa except for two species in Morocco, Algeria and Tchad.
A new species of Acanthophyllum (Caryophyllaceae) from Central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Aytaç Zekí
Published: March 2008

A new species is described and illustrated from Central Anatolia: Acanthophyllum oppositiflorum Aytaç.
Biodiversity and vegetation dynamics in the coastal heathlands of western Norway
Authors: Øvstedal Dag Olav , Heegaard Einar
Published: March 2008

The heaths of Lygra, western Norway, were investigated, and 19 communities at the association level were distinguished. Distinct ecotypes of Ranunculus acris and Poa humilis and microspecies of Euphrasia were restricted to the grass heaths. No distinct ecotypes were found in the Calluna‐dominated vegetation. It is suggested that the regular burning, which has been part of the management of the area, has activated the seed bank of the ericaceous heath, and thus maintained genetic diversity and slowed down ecotype differentiation. The grass heaths, with no combustible material, have been unaffected in this way. Permanent plots in the two dominant heath types, dry heath (Vaccinio‐Callunetum) and wet heath (Ericetum tetralicis) were followed over six years and the data analysed using a modification of Jaccard's index, allowing for species abundances.
A morphometric analysis of Prunus spinosa, P. domestica ssp. insititia, and their putative hybrids in Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Janne , Olrik Ditte C.
Published: March 2008

The taxonomy of Prunus subgenus Prunus is notoriously problematic and reliable discriminating characters for species and subspecies identification are missing. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on different morphological data sets and useful diagnostic characters for Prunus spinosa and P. domestica ssp. insititia were found. Many traditionally used morphological characters were found unreliable. The hypothesis of widespread hybridization between Prunus spinosa and P. domestica ssp. insititia in Denmark were examined using PCA and HYWIN. It was found that hybrids between the two taxa are rare in Denmark.
Pollen viability and limitation of seed production in a population of the circumpolar cushion plant, Silene acaulis (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Alatalo Juha M. , Molau Ulf
Published: March 2008

Pollen viability among genders and limitation of female seed production in a natural trioecious population of the circumpolar cushion plant Silene acaulis was examined. Pollen viability was estimated by an in vitro pollen germination experiment. Both male and hermaphrodite flowers displayed large variation in pollen viability (0–53% in hermaphrodite and 0–54% in male flowers). There was a significant difference between genders in pollen viability: male plants had on average higher pollen viability than hermaphrodite plants. Resource and pollen limitation of seed production was studied by an experiment consisting of three treatments; (I) hand‐pollination and removal of all other flowers on the cushion, (II) hand‐pollination without removal of other flowers, and (III) open pollination without removal of flowers. Hand‐pollination increased seed production, whereas removal of flowers had no effect on seed production. Abortion of pollinated ovules during seed development and seed mass did not differ among treatments. To control for effect of fruit number on seed production, data from naturally pollinated individuals was used. There was a positive correlation between both total number of seeds and fruit number, mean seed number per fruit and fruit number, respectively. These results indicate that seed production of 5. acaulis is mainly limited by pollen availability whereas resource competition between fruits is not important as a limiting factor. The possible role of male quality differences between genders and pollen limitation of seed production for maintenance of trioecious reproductive systems is discussed.
Two new species of Polygala (Polygalaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Polygala praetermissa, a dwarf perennial herb growing in stony places on limestone, and P. dasanensis, a shrublet apparently confined to gypsum, are described. Both species occur in the Cal Miskaat Range in north‐eastern Somalia, but P. praetermissa has a wider distribution in northern Somalia.
Size and sex of floral displays affect insect visitation rates in the dioecious Australian alpine herb, Aciphylla glacialis
Authors: Pickering Catherine Marina
Published: March 2008

Differences in floral display size between male and female plants in dioecious species are often considered to be the result of competition within and between male and female plants to attract insects, although this hypothesis is rarely tested. In a field study of the alpine dioecious herb Aciphylla glacialis, insect visitation rates were found to increase with increasing floral display, as predicted. Dipterans were the most common visitors to male and female inflorescences, both in terms of individuals visits (2083 out of 2581 total visits by insects), and species number (20 morphospecies, potentially 22 species). Larger male inflorescences attracted 1.7 times as many insects in total, and 3.1 times more visits by the most common flower visitor, Musca vetustissima than did female inflorescences, but equal number of visits by the next most common flying visitors, Poecilohetaerus aquilius and Tephritis poenia. There was no difference in the amount of time M. vetustissima individuals spent on male and female inflorescences, even though male inflorescences have more flowers. Larger displays (four and eight inflorescences) of either sex attracted more visits than smaller ones (one inflorescence), although the rate of increase in visitation rate with increasing floral display declined. The response of insects to increasing floral display does not support the predicted escalating or proportionate increasing rate of visitation of some models for the evolution of dimorphism in floral displays in dioecious plants.
A new species of Lygodium (Lygodiaceae) from North Andamans, India
Authors: Dixit R. D. , Bhadari J. B. , Mukhopadhyay R.
Published: March 2008

A new species of the fern genus Lygodium has been described in detail with photographs and illustrations from Saddle Peak in the North Andamans, India.
Long‐distance spore dispersal in wood‐inhabiting Basidiomycetes
Authors: Hallenberg Nils , Kúffer Nicolas
Published: March 2008

Eight species of wood‐inhabiting basidiomycetes (Laurilia sulcata, Peniophora aurantiaca, Resinicium bicolor, Scytinostroma galactinum, Terana caerulea, Trichaptum abietinum, T. biforme and T. fuscoviolaceum) were used in a spore‐trapping test to evaluate their individual ability for long‐distance spore dispersal. Petri dishes with single spore mycelia were used as baits. In the experiment, carried out at the Botanical Institute in Göteborg, spores from the air were regularly captured. Surprisingly, spores were captured from species whose nearest known natural occurrence was located quite far from Göteborg. The closest population of Peniophora aurantiaca is about 1000 km south of Göteborg. The results from this experiment support the hypothesis that fungal spores are widely and efficiently dispersed. Such a broad and extensive dispersal ability is of vital importance, especially for wood‐inhabiting species which are highly dependent on a substrate which is onlv temporarily available.
Two new unifoliolate species of Fagonia (Zygophyllaceae) from the Horn of Africa region, and the resurrection of F. subinermis from Iran
Authors: Beier Björn‐Axel
Published: March 2008

The new species Fagonia mahrana, from eastern Yemen and adjacent parts of Oman, and F gypsophila, from north‐eastern Somalia, are described and illustrated. F subinermis, from Iran, is resurrected as a species. The three species all have unifoliolate leaves and minute stipules.
Variation in morphological characters and habitat requirements in Carex capitata and Carex arctogena (Cyperaceae) in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Reinhammar Lars Gunnar , Bele Bolette
Published: March 2008

Norwegian and Swedish populations of Carex capitata s. lat. were studied for variation in morphological characters. Canonical variates analysis (CVA) arranges populations in two discrete groups, corresponding to C. capitata s. str. and C. arctogena, respectively. In principal components analysis (PCA) of the total material a small overlap could be seen. However, separate PCA: s for the two regions in Scandinavia where the two taxa are sympatric show perfect separation. Student's t‐test revealed significant differences in all morphological characters studied. Studies of companion plants, analysed with detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), indicate that the taxa have rather similar habitat demands in Oppland, Central Norway, although C. capitata s. str. seems to prefer wetter, and C. arctogena drier sites, respectively. Since the two taxa are distinct in morphology, they are best treated as separate species. The name Carex capitata is lectotypified.
Ultrasculpture of achene surface in Polygonum section Polygonum (Polygonaceae) in Russia
Authors: Yurtseva O. V.
Published: March 2008

Based on SEM examination of 47 specimens and 33 species from Russia and Europe, this is a survey of achene surface ultrasculpture in 6 subsections of annual species of Polygonum. Early and late achenes detected in most species possess sound distinctions in achene shape, size, color and exocarp structure. Late achenes with early and fast seed germination preserve exocarp structure typical for premature achenes of both types: thin colorless walls and vast cavities, thin cuticle and insignificant wax deposits. Early achenes destined for long‐term preservation in soil are thickwalled and covered with thick and smooth cuticles and wax layers. The structure of achene surfaces changes substantially during maturing, especially in early achenes: coarse or foveo‐rugulate background becomes minutely rough, foveosmooth or minutely reticulate. Verrucae are not obligatory ornaments. Depending on their location and arrangement of exocarp cells the surface is evenly verrucate (subsect. Paatula Tzvel.), linear‐verrucate (subsect. Salsuginea Tzvel.) or striate‐verrucate (subsect. Humifusa Tzvel., most species in subsect. Polygonum). Smooth and glossy achenes are more common in permanently wet environments (subsect. Maritima Tzvel., Arenaria Tzvel., P. arenastrum and P. calcatum from subsect. Polygonum). In places with fluctuating availability of water the achenes have heavier sculpturing and thicker cutin and wax coverings. A broad range of surface sculptures in some species and their similarity across taxonomically distant taxa decrease the value of the characters for taxa identification.
Phylogenetic and evolutionary insights into the Saxifraga pentadactylis complex (Saxifragaceae): variation in nrITS sequences
Authors: Vargas Pablo
Published: March 2008

Variation in nrlTS sequences among seven members of a seemingly natural group of Saxifraga (the S. pentadactylis complex; series Pentadactyles) is phylogenetically analyzed. The two most parsimonious trees indicate that the S. pentadactylis complex is not a monophyletic group, because 5. intricata is excluded and is most closely related to S. exarata (series Cespitosae). A well‐defined lineage includes, however, six of the seven members of the S. pentadactylis complex. The tree topology suggests that this remaining group of six taxa may have diverged in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Two sublineages can be identified from the ITS phylogenetic reconstruction: S. losae‐S.moncayensis and the three subspecies of S. pentadactylis (subspp. pentadactylis, willkommiana, and almanzorii). The relationships between S. losae and S. moncayensis provide an example of north‐south speciation along the Sistema Ibérico mountain range. The three subspecies of S. pentadactylis form a monophyletic group resolved into one clade containing subspp. willkommiana and almanzorii, sister to subsp. pentadactylis. The molecular evidence agrees with chorological, cytotaxonomical, chemosystematic, and reproductive data indicating two differentiation patterns within S. pentadactylis. Transition to predominant autogamy in subsp. almanzorii probably resulted in rapid reproductive isolation from the outcrossing subsp. willkommiana in part of the Sistema Central mountain range, as suggested by their two distinct floral types but similar ITS sequences. Allopatric separation of populations of subsp. willkommiana from subsp. pentadactylis (the Pyrenees) has resulted in molecular divergence and some morphological differentiation.
Cytology and morphometry study of Alhagi (Leguminosae) species in Iran
Authors: Sheidai M. , Yazdanbakhsh Z. , Assadi M. , Moussavi M.
Published: March 2008

Karyotypic and morphometric studies were performed on Alhagi species and populations. Morphometric analyses revealed the occurrence of two species in Iran. Both species possessed 2n = 16 chromosome number. Inter‐population and inter‐specific variation was observed in karyotypic features indicating that such data are not useful in taxonomy of the Alhagi species.
Kaisupeea: a new genus of Gesneriaceae centred in Thailand
Authors: Burtt B. L.
Published: March 2008

The genus Kaisupeea is established for Boea herbacea, a species long recognised as being out of place in Boea, and two new species closely allied to it. These plants produce annual flowering stems whose basal leaves may be represented by broad foliaceous cataphylls. Kaisupeea herbacea and K. cyanea have spirally twisted fruit‐valves, but those of K. orthocarpa are straight. Kaisupeea ranges from Moulmein in Burma [Mawlamyne in Myanmnar] eastwards across Thailand to Bassac on the Mekong river in lower Laos and south to the neighbourhood of Satun on the south coast of Thailand just north of the Malaysian border.
Laosanthus, a new genus of Zingiberaceae from Laos
Authors: Larsen Kai , Jenjittikul Thaya
Published: March 2008

Laosanthus gen. nov. is described and illustrated. Its taxonomic position is discussed.
Taxonomic and biogeographical notes on Malagassy desmids (Chlorophyta, Desmidiaceae)
Authors: Coesel Peter F. M.
Published: March 2008

At least 40 % of the desmid taxa encountered during a short stay in Madagascar appeared to be characterized by a non‐cosmopolitan distribution. The majority of those taxa have only been reported from Africa or from both Africa and tropical Asia, suggesting dispersal biogeography as underlying model of present day composition of the Malagassy desmid flora. A number of species are taxonomically and biogeographically discussed. Two species are described as new to science: Cosmarium madagascariense sp. nov., and Micrasterias madagascariensis sp. nov.
Review
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund
Published: March 2008

Schuiteman, A. & de Vogel, E. F. 2001–2002. Orchids of New Guinea Vol. I: Illustrated checklist and genera; Vol. II: Dendrobium and allied genera.—ETI/National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Leiden. ISBN 90–75000–20–0 (vol. I), 90–75000–43‐X (vol. II). Price: 59.00 EUR per volume.
Lid formation in the fruitlets of the genus Potamogeton
Authors: Toma Cezary
Published: March 2008

The examination of lid development in drupes which represent four sections of the genus Potamogeton is presented. Lids are present in all the studied fruitlets. The lid is an atypical structure for drupes. There are interspecific differences in the shape of the mature dehiscence layers of the lids. The dehiscence layers develop centrifugally in the Potamogeton pericarps. The Potamogeton fruitlets open by the pressure developed from the germinating embryo. The splitting of the pericarp takes place through two regions of mechanically weak layers with small pectin rich walled cells. The fruitlet opening mechanisms in the different Potamogeton sections are similar.
Soil seed bank dynamics of fire‐prone wooded grassland, woodland and dry forest ecosystems in Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Menassie , Michelsen A. , Jensen M. , Friis I.
Published: March 2008

In order to reveal the role of soil seed banks in vegetation recovery after fire in savanna, the spatial distribution and temporal changes in the soil seed banks of regularly burning savanna in Gambella, western Ethiopia, was studied. The seedling emergence technique was employed to determine the species composition and density of the soil seed bank of six sites ranging in fire severity from wooded grassland with frequent fires over woodland with intermediate fire frequency to forest with absence of fires. Species composition and density of seeds in the soil were compared between seasons, depths and sites with different types of standing vegetation. Fourteen plant species were recorded in the soil seed bank from the grassland and woodland sites and 6 from the dry forests; 60 % of the taxa in the soil seed bank were annuals and 40 % were perennials. The soil seed banks were largely dominated by graminoids and 48–97 % of the soil seed bank in the grasslands and woodlands was of a single grass species, Hyparrhenia confinis, which was absent from the dry forests. The soil seed pools ranged from less than 100 to 4700 seeds per m2 depending upon the season. The soil seed bank of graminoids was nearly empty after the onset of the rainy season whereas seeds of broadleaved herbs and woody species able to germinate were still found after this time. Floristic composition, representation of life forms and density of seeds in soil did not correspond closely with that of the standing vegetation, but within graminoids there was a strong similarity between the soil seed bank and the standing vegetation. The current fire regime of Ethiopian savanna woodlands appears to maintain the dominance of graminoids over broadleaved herbs and woody plants both as seeds in the soil and in the standing vegetation.
A new species of Darwinia (Myrtaceae) from Western Australia
Authors: Keighery Greg , Marchant Neville
Published: March 2008

A new species of Darwinia, D. divisa is described. The species is unique in the genus in having divided prominent calyx lobes and densely hairy floral tube. The species has not been re‐collected since the type and only collection in 1965.
A new species of Conostephium (Epacridaceae) from gypsum dunes in Western Australia
Authors: Keighery G. J.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Conostephium, C. pungens, is described and illustrated. The new species is confined to gypsum dunes found on primary saline sites in southern Western Australia.
Two new taxa in the Section Papillosae of the genus Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) from the Ocala National Forest, Florida, USA
Authors: Siver Peter A.
Published: March 2008

Two new species of Mallomonas, M. binocularis and M. delanciana, are described from small, acidic, poorly buffered waterbodies in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A. Both taxa are in the Section Papillosae, consist of relatively small cells covered with domed scales each bearing a single bristle, and have small tripartite scales with a small symmetrically placed dome. Scales of Mallomonas binocularis have shields that are covered with evenly‐spaced papillae, two distinctive pores at the base of the V‐rib and unornamented flanges. Mallomonas binocularis is most similar to Mallomonas paxillata, M. papillosa, M. rasilis and M. calceolus, but can be distinguished from the latter taxa on the basis of scale structure and bristle morphology. Scales of Mallomonas delanciana have shields with widely spaced papillae, a series of parallel ribs on the anterior flanges that usually continue around the dome, unornamented posterior flanges and lack rimmed pores in the posterior region of the shield. The density of the papillae on the shield, features of the dome and anterior flange, and the structure of bristles, clearly serve to separate M. delanciana from closely related species including M. papillosa, M. calceolus and Mallomonas conspersa.
Dissolution of Cynanchum sect. Macbridea (Apocynaceae‐Asclepiadoideae)
Authors: Liede Sigrid , Meve Ulrich
Published: March 2008

As a consequence of the recently established polyphyly of American Cynanchum (Apocynaceae—Asclepiadoideae), the former section Macbridea is analyzed in detail using molecular, karyological and morphological data. Three of the five species, C. angustifolium, C. peninsulare and C. utahense, are transferred to Funastrum: F. angustifolium, F peninsulare and F utahense. The remaining two species, C. grisebachii and C wrightianum are known from the type only and it is suggested to cite them as “Cynanchum” grisebachii and “C.”wrightianum until analyzable material becomes available.
Eriocaulon balakrishnanii (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Punekar Sachin A. , Lakshminarasimhan P. , Rao M. K. Vasudeva
Published: March 2008

A new species, Eriocaulon balakrishnanii (Eriocaulaceae) from the Western Ghats of Karnataka State in India is described and illustrated. This species is allied to E. robusto‐brownianum and E. lanceolatum but differs in a number of characters from both.
A new species of Acantholimon Boiss. sect Staticopsis (Plumbaginaceae) from North Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Akaydin Galip
Published: March 2008

A new species, Acantholimon yildizelicum (Plumbaginaceae) is described and illustrated. The species is found in Astragalus sp. and Festuca sp. steppe in Çamlibel Mountain around Yidizeli (B6 Sivas) in North Anatolia, Turkey. Diagnostic morphological characteristics from the closely related species are discussed and conservation statuses of the species is given. A revised key to Acantholimon species with scapes lacking or inflorescence borne at level of leaves and bracts pubescent is also given for the species found in Turkey.
Fatty acid and tocochromanol patterns of some Turkish Boraginaceae—a chemotaxonomic approach
Authors: Bagci Eyup , Bruehl Ludger , Aitzetmuller Kurt , Altan Yasin
Published: March 2008

The plant family Boraginaceae is known to produce a set of unusual fatty acids in the seed oils. In this study, the fatty acid, tocopherol, tocotrienol and plasto‐chromanol‐8 contents of some Onosma species (Onosma sericeum, O. armeniacum and O. polioxanthum) all belonging to sect. Onosma, Anchusa leptophylla subsp. leptophylla, Alkanna froedini and Paracaryum stenophyllum were determined. Some of the studied species are endemic for Turkey. While oleic, linoleic and alpha linolenic acid are the highest as usual fatty acids, gamma linolenic and stearidonic acids are more variable unusual fatty acids in studied genera patterns and the relative concentrations some of these fatty acids and partly also the tocochromanols in Boraginaceae seed oils are suggested to have chemotaxonomic value in this family. In particular, the presence or absence of chain elongation to erucic acid (22:1) and the presence or absence of Δ6‐methylene‐interrupted polyenoic acids such as γ‐linolenic and stearidonic acid are determined and marked as indicators of taxonomic relationship.
Resource allocation patterns in a forb and a sedge in two arctic environments—short‐term response to herbivory
Authors: Tolvanen Anne , Alatalo Juha M. , Henry Gregory H. R.
Published: March 2008

The present work investigates C and N allocation patterns in two forage plants: a forb, Oxyria digyna, and a sedge, Eriophorum angustifolium, in subarctic Sweden and high arctic Canada. Short‐term changes in concentrations after simulated or natural herbivory (caused by Gynaephora groenlandica on Oxyria in the high arctic habitat) were also investigated. There were no clear differences in concentrations of C and N between the high arctic and subarctic sites in either species. In Oxyria of the subarctic habitat, the minimum N concentrations occurred at earlier phenological stages compared with plants in the high arctic habitat. Simulated herbivory increased the concentration of C in belowground tissues relative to those in control plants in Oxyria at the subarctic site, which may indicate increased allocation of non‐C compounds to the growing shoots or daughter ramets. Herbivory by Gynaephora groenlandica caterpillars increased the N concentrations of Oxyria both in aboveground and belowground tissues, possible indicating increased uptake of N in the high arctic habitat. Eriophorum did not show clear trends in concentrations relating to habitat, phenology or simulated herbivory. The difference between Oxyria and Eriophorum in their response to herbivory apparently resulted from contrasting growth habits between the species. Tiller death after reproduction and long leaf life span may be the main reasons for the lack of clear patterns in concentrations in Eriophorum. Compensation after herbivory may be attained by the early production of daughter tillers in Eriophorum instead of the regrowth of the damaged ramets, as in Oxyria. Monitoring the responses for only one season is apparently a too short time period in these long‐lived plants.
Predicting the distribution of Carpinus betulus in Denmark with Ellenberg's Climate Quotient
Authors: Jensen Louise U. , Lawesson Jonas E. , Balslev Henrik , Forchhammer Mads C.
Published: March 2008

In this paper we investigate whether Ellenberg's Climate Quotient (EQ, defined as the mean temperature of the warmest month divided by annual precipitation, multiplied by IOOO), can be used to predict the distribution of Carpinus betulus in Denmark. It has been suggested that the competitive relationship between the two tree species Fagus sylvatica and C.betulus is related to EQ in central Europe. Areas with low EQ have dominance of E. sylvatica, whereas higher EQs are associated with dryer and warmer climates that favour C.betulus. To determine if this holds true, also in northern Europe, we investigate the present distribution of C.betulus in Denmark, based on a comprehensive dataset with presence‐absence information of the species. We relate the distribution of C.betulus to 12 climate parameters and indices (including EQ), analyse it in a geographical information system and compare the ecology of C.betulus and E sylvatica in four Danish forests, located in different climatic and floristic regions. The highest density of C.betulus was found in eastern Denmark where EQ is high, i.e. summer temperature is relatively high and precipitation low. In the western and south‐western parts of the country, where the climate is slightly more wet and more oceanic, there are fewer populations of C.betulus. Based on present climatic data it seems that the climate of Denmark does not limit the occurrence of C.betulus, except perhaps for a small area in western Jutland. We believe that climate changes in the late Holocene cannot alone account for the changes in the distribution of C.befulus in Denmark. And future climate change is likely to affect the distribution of C.betulus with generally better conditions.