bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vkgetation analysis along a successional gradient from heath to oak forest
Authors: Serensen Mads Meilandt , Tybirk Knud
Published: March 2008

At Hjelm Hede in Denmark where an oak shrub is invading into a heathland the successional process has been studied on poor sandy outwashed plain. The study used a transect through a successional gradient from open heath to oak shrub where vegetation, major topsoil parameters and tree characteristics were analysed. The study enables us with spatial variation of key parameters to combine numerous detailed studies from the same site into an overall picture of changing vegetation and soil parameters reflecting the succession, which has been documented previously. The data were analysed by the use of Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Along the gradient from heath to forest the thick mor layer of the heathland soil decomposed, the CM ratio decreased from 25 to 15, pH increased and ammonium became available for the plants during a time span of approximately 120 years. The vegetation on the open heath was typical Danish inland heath vegetation dominated by Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum and Deschampsiaflexuosa. Under the young oak shrub the vegetation was dominated by Deschampsia Jexuosa, Trientalis europaea, and Maianthemum bijiolium. In the oldest and most forest like parts of the shrub a vegetation dominated by Holcus mollis, Anemone nemomsa and Stellaria holostea was found. Woody chamaephytes were replaced first by hemicryptophytes and later by geophytes. The vegetation's Ellenberg values indicated an increase in nitrogen availability and a decrease in acidity and light availability through secondary succession.
A new species of Pearsonia (Fabaceae) from dolomites in Northern Province, South Africa
Authors: Campbell‐Young G. J. , Balkwill K.
Published: March 2008

The Wolkberg Centre of endemism (northeastern Drakensberg escarpment) has a high proportion of species endemic to dolomite‐ and quartzite‐derived soils. The Legalameetse Nature Reserve falls largely within the Chuniespoort Formation, which constitutes the dolomite component of the Wolkberg Centre. A number of species that occur within Legalameetse do not match existing material. Among the new taxa discovered is a species of Pearsonia Dümmer, which also occurs on the Wolkberg and in the Ribbokkop area. Pearsonia callistoma is most closely related to P. uniflora. In this paper, the new species is described and its geographical distribution, habitat, flowering time and conservation status are discussed. We also present a revised key for the genus Pearsonia.
The stigma of Cephalanthera (Orchidaceae) provides a link between primitive and derived Epidendroideae
Authors: Prutsch Joachim , Schill Rainer
Published: March 2008

Micromorphological, anatomical and ultrastructural observations of the stigma of several Neottieae (Cephalanthera damasonium, Epipactis palustris, Neottia nidusavis, Listera ovata) and a derived epidendroid orchid (Phaius tankervilliae) were made. Among these taxa Cephalanthera is the only neottioid orchid possessing a WDc stigma type being typical for the derived Epidendroideae. Further features are a concave, non papillate stigma covered by a specialised cuticle, the arrangement of the anatomical zones, detached cells with conspicuous wall thickenings and the location of lipidic droplets and electron dense material in the stigmatic mucilage. It is suggested that Cephalanthera is more closely related to the derived Epidendroideae than any other neottioid orchid and thereby is a sister group to the derived Epidendroideae.
The genus Dermatocarpon (Verrucariales, lichenized Ascomycotina) in the Nordic countries
Authors: Heiömarsson Starri
Published: March 2008

Dermatocarpon (Verrucariales, lichenized Ascomycotina) in the Nordic countries is revised. The following 10 species occur: D. bachmannii, D. deminuens, D. leptophyllodes, D. leptophyllum, D. linkolae, D. luridum, D. meiophyllizum, D. miniatum, D. polyphyllizum, and D. rivulorum. Three varieties of D. miniatum, viz. var. miniatum, var. cirsodes, and var. complicatum, are also discussed. A key to the species is given, and distribution maps for all species are supplied. Useful characters for the recognition of different species are discussed.
Pollen morphology and its systematic and ecological significance in Rheum (Polygonaceae) from China
Authors: Yang Meihua , Zhang Darning , Zheng Junhua , Liu Jianquan
Published: March 2008

Pollen morphology of 40 species of Rheum, belonging to eight sections, was investigated under LM and SEM. Four new exine patterns were found in the species: a) microechinate‐foveolate, b) rugulate, c) verrucate‐perforate, and d) verrucate‐rugulate ornamentation. In addition, two patterns, the Rheum‐type pollens with microechinate‐perforate and fine‐reticulate, as previously described, were also confirmed in the present study. Based on above study the evolution trends of pollen morphology in the taxa involved were discussed phylogenetically as below. As microechinate‐perforate exine pattern existed commonly, the pattern is, therefore, regarded as the most primitive among all the six types. The fine‐reticulate type was thought as a derivative type, deriving from the basic microechinate‐foveolate‐perforate pattern, and followed by the rugulate and verrucate‐perforate ornamentation. The verrucate‐rugulate ornamentation should be the most advanced. More than one pollen type often exist in most of the sections in Rheum. The pollen morphology of Rheum was strongly correlated with its geographical and ecological distribution. Three medicinally important species R. officinale, R. palmatum and R. tanguticum can be palynologically distinguished by their ornamentations.
Highly variable flowering time in Orchis ustulata (Orchidaceae): consequences for population dynamics
Authors: Tali Kadri , Kull Tiiu
Published: March 2008

Two subspecies of Orchis ustulata differ considerably in their flowering time, but in only a few morphometric parameters; this makes the rank of these taxa problematic. The flowering time was not affected by replanting individuals to another habitat, including to the habitat of the other subspecies. In this study, populations from both subspecies were studied, measuring 464 marked genets during 5–6 years. Populations with different flowering times exhibited notable differences in their local distribution areas and the mean height of specimens. In the late‐flowering populations the proportion of dormant plants is higher and the proportion of vegetatively propagated shoots lower than in the early‐flowering ones. Going to (or staying) dormant is the biggest possibility in all stage groups. Flowering is more likely to be followed by dormancy than vegetative stage, but setting fruit does not affect the possibility. Vegetative propagation may play an important role in keeping the populations viable. Vegetative growth is more pronounced on stony soils.
The breeding system of Fumana ericifolia: first evidence of autogamy in woody Cistaceae
Authors: Güemes Jaime , Boscaiu Monica
Published: March 2008

Fumana ericifolia belongs to the family Cistaceae, in which all perennial species previously studied have been reported to be self‐incompatible and xenogamous. Here we show that F. ericifolia is self‐compatible and autogamous. Its flowers last only four to eight hours and produce a small amount of pollen and ovules. Self‐pollination depends on changes in the relative position of the stigma and the anthers, triggered by the abscission of the petals; this in turn causes closing of the sepals, which push the anthers onto the stigma. Pollen remains highly viable and germinable, and the stigma keeps its receptivity several hours after the loss of the petals. Hand pollination treatments revealed that fruits are produced both in selfed and crossed flowers. The germination of pollen grains on the stigma, the rate of pollen tube growth along the style, and the penetration into the ovules were similar in self‐and cross‐pollinations; also, there were no significant differences in fruit set, seed set and weight of seeds. Thus, we report the first evidence of autogamy in a woody Cistaceae and suggest that selfing may ensure reproductive success when pollinators are limited.
New and little‐known Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) taxa from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Nicholls K. H.
Published: March 2008

Mallomonas tonsurata var. coroniferoides var. nov. is described on the basis of material from four sites in Ontario Canada. It differs from M. tonsurata var. tonsurata by having posterior scales possessing a tubular outgrowth with a toothed, crownlike margin. Preliminary descriptions are provided for three other apparently undescribed Mallomonas species. However, complete description and formal naming of these three new species cannot be done at this time owing to omission of certain detailed structural information presently not available in the existing material. New information on the distribution and morphology of the peculiar M. retrorsa is also reported, and two other species, M. vannigera and M. clavus are reported for the first time from the Western Hemisphere; however, there is an unpublished report of M. vannigera from Nova Scotia. Because M. vannigera is common in the Baltic, it is possible that its discovery in North America indicates relatively recent trans‐Atlantic transport in ship ballast water as has been demonstrated recently for many other “exotic” protistan species.
Taxonomic status and composition of stem bark oil of a variant of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Lauraceae) from Northeast India
Authors: Baruah Akhil , Nath Subhan C.
Published: March 2008

Cinnamomum bejolghota var. jarainum, var. nov., is illustrated and described as new. The essential oil composition of stem bark oil of the taxon is also analyzed and reported.
Determinants of species richness in patches of grassland and heathland in Himmerland (Denmark)
Authors: Bruun Hans Henrik
Published: March 2008

Island biogeographical theory predict species richness to increase with habitat area and to decrease with isolation from colonisation sources. This theory has been applied to habitat fragments, and the predictions tested and found valid in empirical studies on fragments of deciduous woodland in northern Europe. However, previous results on fragments of grassland have been ambiguous. In the present study the species richness of vascular plants was investigated in 63 patches of grassland and heathland scattered in an agricultural and forested landscape using multiple linear regression. The relationship between species richness and patch area, isolation and local habitat conditions including heterogeneity were examined. Area was an important determinant of species richness, both in the full data set and in a subset of small habitat patches. In contrast, spatial isolation and habitat heterogeneity were not important factors determining species richness. Differences in soil acidity were accounting for a large proportion of the variance in species richness. This result is probably due to differences in the size of the regional species pools of grasslands with different levels of soil pH.
Succession of terrestrial macrofungi along a deglaciation gradient at Glacier Blåisen, South Norway
Authors: Alfredsen Gry , Høiland Klaus
Published: March 2008

A survey of terrestrial macrofungi along a deglaciation gradient from the glacier forefront to the established vegetation has been performed. The study was accomplished along a transect from Lake Finsevann to Glacier Blåisen, South Norway. Fortysix 6 m × 6 m plots divided into 9 subplots were positioned along this transect. The frequency of fruit bodies of each species in each plot was given on a 0–9 scale reflecting their occurrence in the subplots. Biotic and abiotic environmental variables for the plots were also recorded. The numerical methods used include principal component analysis (PCA), detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Totally 99 species of macrofungi were recorded; 80.8 % of the species belonged to the Basidiomycota and 19.2 % to the Ascomycota. About one third of the species was only found once. In general, the species richness was highest on the glacier forefront, lowest in the most established vegetation. The proportion of species of Ascomycota was highest close to the glacier front. The main gradient in the data set was shown related to the primary ecological succession following the retreat of glaciers. The second gradient was possibly related to fine scale variation due to local moisture, microtopography, and secondary distribution. Of the variation in composition of species, 3 % can be ascribed to abiotic variance, 10 % to vascular plant variance, and 16 % to the combination of the abiotic and vascular plant component of variation. The results are discussed in the light of the time since deglaciation and the influence of certain biotic and abiotic environmental factors.
Histogenesis of the transmitting tract in Strelitzia reginae
Authors: Kronestedt‐Robards E. C. , Walles B. , Johansson M.
Published: March 2008

Organisation and development of the stigmatic, stylar and ovarian parts of the transmitting tract in Strelitzia reginae were evaluated. They were characterised by 1) cell shape, 2) appearance of distal cell wall, 3) type of plastid, 4) and vacuolar system. The long stigmatic trichomes have a secondary irregular wall layer separated from the primary wall. Cell structures include pleomorphic plastids with vesiculated thylakoids and frequently a crystal or a lipidic globule. In early stages of bud development the extensive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is smooth, whereas it is mainly rough in older buds. Coated vesicles are frequent, as are dictyosomes. Prominent invaginations along the plasma membrane contain floccular deposits in the older flower buds. These deposits are similar in structural appearance to material in the large vacuoles. The basal part of the stigma has wedge‐shaped cells with wall ingrowths. Three stages of stigmatic secretion during the development were characterised. The stylar canal is initially narrow but widens subsequently. The cuticle is detached and the apical cell walls show a fringed surface; from this wall inbuddings develop shortly before anthesis. At this stage sheets of rough ER are evident in the cell cortex. The plastids have a few vesiculated thylakoids, proteinaceous crystals and starch grains. The epithelial cells of young buds have numerous vacuoles, the volume of which decreases in more mature cells. The stylar canal is filled with a secretion at all stages of bud development. The face of the ovarian transmitting tract, lining the placenta, is smooth in young buds but lobed in older ones due to the division pattern of the epithelial cells. These cells are large, elongated and culumnar as young but narrow and wedge‐shaped when more mature. Cell wall inbuddings are formed late during bud development.
Lectotypifícation of Lithophyllum arcticum (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) and a study of its relationships within the Melobesioideae
Authors: Athanasiadis A.
Published: March 2008

Three separate collections of the type material of Kjellman's Lithophyllum arcticum are re‐examined and a lectotype is selected. It is confirmed that the thallus is unattached, at least 4.5 cm in diameter, composed of up to eight superimposed more or less discoidal lamellae, provided with concentric striations on the surface. Individual lamellae are usually 100 to 200 μm thick (reaching 1 mm), developing dorsally from the main thallus and expanding centrifugally. The internal organization is dorsiventral with a polystromatic hypothallium, giving rise to an ascending perithallium with small subepithallial initials and rectangular (in TS) epithallial cells. It is found that patches of coaxial‐like growth occur sporadically in the hypothallium and the perithallium, and that ventral lamellae may grow back‐to‐back. Somatic cells exhibit both large and narrow cell fusions. Pore plates of the raised multiporate conceptacles are slightly sunken to flattened and perforated by 16 to 31 pores. Pore canals are conical (narrowing towards the top) and are bordered by filaments composed of both undifferentiated and slender‐elongate cells. Old conceptacles are overgrown by vegetative filaments and empty chambers are embedded in the perithallium. Collectively these features indicate that L. arcticum belongs to the subfamily Melobesioideae. The development of an unattached‐superimposed thallus, patches of coaxial growth, short subepithallial initials and specialized pore cells suggest a position either in Mesophyllum, or in an amended Leptophytum to include even species with coaxial patches and unattached‐superimposed habit (characters presently segregating Leptophytum from Synarthrophytorn). The holotype of Lithophyllum zonatum from East‐Finnmark, previously considered to be related to L. arcticum, is re‐examined and shown to belong to a different species. A previous Arctic record of Mesophyllum lichenoides from Spitsbergen is abolished, and thus the disjunct distribution of I. arcticum in relation to Mesophyllum suggests a position in the Synarthrophyton‐Leptophytum complex which shows a bipolar to temperate distribution.
A new species of Hoya (Asclepiadaceac) from Thailand
Authors: Thaithong Obchant
Published: March 2008

A new species, Hoya thailandica from Thailand is proposed and illustrated.
A new variety of Globba atrosanguinea (Zingiberaceae) from Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Takano Atsuko , Okada Hiroshi
Published: March 2008

A new variety of Globba atrosanguinea, var. sumatrana is described and illustrated. The difference from var. atrosanguinea is discussed. A key to varieties of G. atrosanguinea is provided.
Chromosome numbers of Thai Rubiaceae
Authors: Puangsomlee Preeya , Puff Christian
Published: March 2008

Chromosome numbers for 14 taxa of indigenous Thai Rubiaceae are presented. They include first counts for 3 genera: Aphaenandra (A. uniflora), Prismatomeris (P. tetrandra subsp. malayana) and Tarennoidea (T. wallichii); all show diploidy on x=11. The remaining counts are first counts for species: Argostemma diversifolium, A. neurocalyx and A. pictum, Coptosapelta flavenscens, Gardenia saxtilis, Ixora sp., Morinda sp., Mussaenda sanderiana, Oxyceros horridus, Rothmannia wittii (first count for an Asiatic species of the genus) (all diploid on x=11), and Canthium sp. (tetraploid on x=11). The poor state of karyological knowledge of indigenous Thai Rubiaceae is discussed, and a table including all relevant known chromosome counts is presented. Chromosome data are only known for 38 genera (ca. 41% of all Rubiaceae genera occurring in Thailand); chromosome numbers are often only available for one or few taxa of each genus [in sum, for only about 50 (or for roughly 10% of all) taxa]. Of only 14 genera (ca. 15%), chromosomes were counted from Thai material (for the others, counts originate from elsewhere, i.e. refer to more widely distributed taxa also extending into Thailand).
Late‐flowering dune populations of Dactylorhiza incarnata (Orchidaceae): variation patterns and taxonomic inferences
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund
Published: March 2008

Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to summarize variation in 23 morphological characters scored from nine late‐flowering dune populations ofDactylorhiza incarnata(Orchidaceae) in Wales, The Netherlands, and Denmark. The Dutch and Danish groups of populations were vaguely separated in a PCA conducted on populations, and a very broad overlap between them was found in a PCA conducted on individual specimens. On the other hand, a clear morphological distinction between the Welsh and continental groups of populations appeared from both PCAs. The probability of each character to distinguish correctly between the main groups of populations was estimated. Three characters were found to distinguish reliably (success ≥ 90 %) between the Welsh and continental groups of populations, while no character was found to distinguish reliably between the Dutch and Danish groups of populations. It is concluded that the Welsh and Dutch/Danish populations represent two distinct taxa distributed in the British Isles and in continental Northwestern Europe, respectively. The British taxon is recognized asD. incarnatasubsp.coccineaand the continental one asD. incarnatasubsp.lobelii(stat. nov.). Brief taxonomic accounts are provided.
Mallomonas nieringii sp. nov., a new species of Synurophyceae from a suite of ponds on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Authors: Siver Peter A.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Mallomonas, M. nieringii sp. nov., is described from a small, poorly buffered, acidic locality on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Cells are covered with uniquely sculptured scales, each scale of which may possess a single bristle. Cell, scale and bristle morphology all indicate that this new species should be placed within the series Punctiferae of the section Punctiferae, which now has four recognized species and one variety. Scales of the apical ring are highly asymmetric in design, each with a forward projecting triangular shaped spine. Collectively, the triangular shaped extensions of the apical ring of scales surround a single emergent flagellum. Body scales resemble those of Mallomonas punctifera and M. transsylvanica in shape and general morphology, but differ in lacking distinct secondary ribbing on the shield. Mallomonas nieringii was found in six waterbodies all situated within a small geographic area on the outer tip of the Cape Cod peninsula.
Oospore dimensions and wall ornamentation patterns in Swedish charophytes
Authors: Ray Samit , Pekkari Svante , Snoeijs Pauli
Published: March 2008

The ultrastructural features of oospore wall ornamentation patterns revealed by scanning electron microscopy are important taxonomic characters of the Charales. The present study shows inter‐and intrapecific variations in 19 species of the genera Chara, Lamprohamnium, Nitella and Tolypella. This is the first time that the oospore wall ornamentation of Swedish Charales has been documented in detail. In the studied Chara species the ornamentation within species was variable, and partly overlapping between species, but only between closely related species. In contrast, the Nitella species showed distinct differences in ornamentation patterns between species, although the same patterns can be found in different species. This study presents for the first time SEM images of the species Chara rudis (pustular ornamentation), Nitella opaca (pitted ornamentation) and Nitella wahlbergiana (anastomosing network ornamentation). The ornamentation pattern in the Nordic species TV. wahlbergiana, supports its separation from Nitella mucronata which has a reticulate ornamentation. The relationship between length and width of the oospores is also of taxonomic significance. Nitella and Tolypella oospores are roundish, whereas those of Chara and Lamprothamnium are elongate. The extent to which environmental and genetic factors can affect oospore size and shape within a species are still unknown, but in the present study both ornamentation pattern and size provided evidence for the distinction between Chara globularis and Chara aspera. Some further taxonomic problems in the Charales are discussed in the light of the results of this study.
Notes on the Ceropegiae (Asclepiadaceae) of Ethiopia
Authors: Gilbert M. G.
Published: March 2008

The following 4 species and 1 subspecies are described as new: Ceropegia recurvata, C. microgaster, C. erergotana, C.burgeri and Huernia macrocarpa subsp. harerghensis; one variety of Ceropegia stenoloba is elevated to a full species: C. moyalensis and 2 species transferred from Angolluma to Pachycymbium: P. gilbertii and P. semitubißora.
Cleome socotrana (Capparaceae) and allied species in the Horn of Africa region
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Four species of Cleome with small flowers, 6 stamens, petals without appendages, spreading to erect capsules, and hairy seeds, are recognized in the Horn of Africa region: C. socotrana in the Socotra archipelago (Yemen), C. hadramautica, sp. nov., in southern Yemen, C. omanensis, comb, nov., in the Mahrah Region of Yemen and in Oman, and C. albescens in northern Somalia. C. socotrana is lectotypified and a key to the species treated is provided.
Ranunculus kastamonuensis sp. nov. (Ranunculaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Dönmez Ali A.
Published: March 2008

A new species, Ranunculus kastamonuensis sp. nov. is described from Turkey. Diagnostic characters, description, illustration, taxonomic and a short biogeographic comment on the species are presented. Its relationships with R. peltata, R. rionii and R. trichophyllus are discussed. A map including the distribution of the species and other related species in Turkey is given. IUCN threatened category is proposed and discussed for the new species.
Allozyme variation at a PGI locus in differently aged populations of Moehringia trinervia (Caryophyllaceae) in a successional area
Authors: Grandin Ulf , Lönn Mikael , Rydin Håkan
Published: March 2008

We studied genetic effects of the colonisation process during primary succession by analysing allozyme variation at a PGI locus in differently aged populations of Moehringia trinervia, which is a selfing annual with low dispersal ability. The populations studied come from islands and shores created in the 1880s by a drop in the water table of a Swedish lake and from old parts of a large island and of the mainland. The population age is known from five vegetation analyses over a century. We have also analysed the genetic composition of M. trinervia derived from seeds in the soil. Mainland populations had a higher genetic diversity than island populations that were little differentiated and differed genetically from the mainland populations. There was no temporal trend in the distribution of genetic variation on the new islands. The presence of alleles in the extant populations was associated with the proportion of that allele in the seed bank, indicating a main recruitment from the seed bank and not by repeated immigrations. We suggest that some of the new islands were colonised by a few early founders from the mainland. Later colonisation has occurred between adjacent islands, which preserves the founder effect and could explain the uniform, low genetic variation in the island populations.
Alchemilla boluensis (Rosaceae), a new species from the west Black Sea region (Bolu, Turkey)
Authors: Menemen Yusuf , Hamzaoglu Ergin
Published: March 2008

Alchemilla boluensis from the west Black Sea region of Turkey is described as a species new to science and illustrated. It belongs to the section Alchemilla, subsection Calycanthum and series Elatae, and is closely related to A. amoena, from which it mainly differs in its stem and leaf features.
Fuirena simpsonii (Cyperaceae)—a new species of sedge from Kerala, India
Authors: Ravi N. , Mohanan N. , Shaju T.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Fuirena, F. simpsonii is described from Kerala, India. The new species is allied to F. umbellata Rottb.
A new species of Scorzonera (Asteraceae) from Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Duran Ahmet , Sagiroglu Mehmet
Published: March 2008

Scorzonera aytatchii sp. nov. is described from the Aydos Mountain (C4: Konya) in Turkey. It is related to S. rigida, from which it mainly differs in its hairy achene.
Selaginella camusii, a new species of Selaginellaceae from India
Authors: Antony Raju , Kumar E. S. Santhosh , KhanS A. E. Shanavas
Published: March 2008

A new species of Selaginella, S. camusii is described and illustrated.
Taxonomic synopsis of Hippophae (Elaeagnaceae)
Authors: Swenson Ulf , Bartish Igor V.
Published: March 2008

The small genus Hippophae (Elaeagnaceae) was thoroughly revised by Rousi in 1971. Several systematic treatments have since then confused the concept. Recent reports from China have added new subspecies, taxa with possible hybrid origin, and invalidly published names. Phylogenetic work on morphology and molecular markers agrees to Rousi's view of terminal taxa and seven species are currently recognised. Hippophae rhamnoides is a highly variable species and circumscribes eight subspecies. Recent work also confirms hybrid origins of two Chinese taxa. The purpose of this paper is to present a taxonomic synopsis of the genus with all currently accepted taxa and known types, especially in a situation of growing economic interest in Hippophae. We also provide a key and a map of the generic distribution.
Sirindhomia, a new orchid genus from Southeast Asia
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund , Suksathan Piyakaset , Indhamusika Surangraj
Published: March 2008

The new orchid genus Sirindhomia, named after H. R. H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, is established to accommodate three species from Thailand (Chiang Mai and Tak provinces), Myanmar (Shan State), and China (Yunnan province). Two new species are described and a new combination, based on Habenaria monophylla Collett & Hemsl., is made; all of the three species are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. Sirindhomia belongs to subtribe Orchidinae and has an overall similarity with Ponerorchis, Hemipilia, and Amitostigma. However, it significantly differs in its column morphology which is more reminiscent of that found in the vegetatively distinct genus Orchis. The new species, Sirindhomia pulchella and S. mirabilis, seem to be local endemics, as they are only known from the Thai mountains Doi Chiang Dao and Khao Hua Mot, respectively. Sirindhomia monophylla, on the other hand, is known from a very large part of the range of the genus. All Sirindhomia species known are restricted to limestone mountains at 800–2200 m alt., mainly growing in rock crevices and among scrub as well as on grassy slopes. They flower from April to June.
Biosystematic study of the genus Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) in the Aegean area, Greece. EO. Limonium on the islands Kithira and Antikithira and the surrounding islets
Authors: Artelari Rea , Georgiou Ourania
Published: March 2008

The genus Limonium is represented on Kithira, Antikithira and the surrounding islets by the following nine species: L. aphroditae and L. cythereum, recently described from Kithira; L. runemarkii and L. ocymifolium, endemic to Greece; L. graecum and L. sieberi, distributed in E Mediterranean; L. virgatum, L. sinuatum and L. echioides, having a wider Mediterranean distribution. For L. runemarkii, considered so far as endemic to SE Ewia, a new extended distribution range is given from Ewia to NW Kriti, through Peloponnisos and Kithira, showing the phytogeographic relationship of these areas. Moreover, the treatment of L. pigadiense as synonym of L. ocymifolium is proposed. Key and diagnostic characters for the species studied are given, while their affinities to related Aegean and Mediterranean Limonium taxa are discussed. Data on the cytology and breeding system are given. The following chromosome numbers were found: 2n=3x=27 for L. aphroditae and L. virgatum, 2n=6x=52 for L. cythereum, 2n=6x=51 for L. sieberi (firstly reported), 2n=5x=43 for L. runemarkii (firstly reported), L. ocymifolium and L. graecum, 2n=2x=16 for L. sinuatum and 2n=2x=18 for L. echoides. Concerning pollen‐stigma combination, L. aphroditae, L. ocymifolium and L. virgatum are monomorphic with the self‐incompatible combination B, while L. cythereum and L. runemarkii are also monomorphic with the self‐incompatible combination A. According to these data the above species can be considered as apomictic. The facultative apomictic L. graecum was found monomorphic with the combination A, while L. sieberi, has the combination A or B within different populations. The autogamous species L. echioides has the self‐compatible combination C, while the allogamous L. sinuatum is dimorphic having both combinations A and B in each population.
A new species of Astragalus (Sect. Proselius) (Leguminosae) from Central Anatolia‐Turkey
Authors: Aytaç Z. , Ekici M.
Published: March 2008

Astragalus yildirimlii is described and illustrated from Central Anatolia‐Turkey. Pollen and seed morphology and chromosome number is given as well. The relationships of the new species are discussed.
The lichen genus Erioderma (Pannariaceae) in Ecuador and neighbouring countries
Authors: Jørgensen Per M. , Arvidsson Lars
Published: March 2008

The lichen genus Erioderma is shown to be particularly species‐rich in Ecuador, especially in the upper cloud forest (3000–3400m). Altogether seventeen species are recorded of which the following are new: E. barbellatum, E. cyathophorum, E. divisum, E. gloriosum, E. papyraceum, E. pycnidiferum, E. sinuatum, most of which also occur in the neighbouring countries. Two further taxa from these are described as new: E. latilobatum from Bolivia and E. peruvianum from Peru and Bolivia.
Contributions to the orchid flora of Thailand XIV
Authors: Seidenfaden Gunnar , Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund
Published: March 2008

When Gunnar Seidenfaden died on 9 February 2001 he left all his orchid‐related materials to the Botanical Museum and Library, University of Copenhagen. These materials included an unfinished manuscript for the present paper which was subsequently completed by the junior author. Thus, the present paper constitutes the final part in the series “Contributions to the Orchid Flora of Thailand” that was initiated in 1969. Like the preceding parts, no. XIV provides scattered information to update the taxonomy, nomenclature, and distribution knowledge of the Thai orchid flora. The following taxa are dealt with: Pecteilis hawkesiana (comb, nov.), Epipactis flava, Zeuxine longilabris, Dendrobium lamyaiae, Epigeneium chapaense, Glomera sp., Calanthe odora, Pelatantheria ctenoglossa, Macropodanthus alatus, Armodorum siamensis, Echioglossum simondii, and Acampe joiceyana (comb. nov.).
A comparison of the vegetation in semi‐natural grasslands under different agricultural practices in Finnish and Russian Karelia
Authors: Jantunen Juha , Saarinen Kimmo
Published: March 2008

The vegetation of semi‐natural grasslands under modern, cereal/forage cropping in Finnish Karelia (n = 11) and old fashioned animal husbandry in adjacent Russian Karelia (n = 11) was compared in terms of their species composition. Each grassland site was paired with one in the other country which was as similar as possible in respect to its natural conditions. The species composition indicated differences in management between the two countries. The mean number of species was 4S.S in the Finnish sites and 52.6 in the Russian sites. A total of 12 species exhibited a statistical difference in their indicator values between the two countries. Traditional grassland species (e.g.Leontodon hispidus, Dianthus deltoides), indicating grazing, hay making and old settlement, occurred more oñen in Russian sites, while species related to nutrient enrichment and cultivation (e.g.Urtica dioica, Elymus repens) were more characteristic of Finnish sites.
Notes on Pluchea (Asteraceae) in Somalia and Ethiopia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Pluchea littoralis from limestone rocks and slopes facing the sea along the coast of north‐eastern Somalia and P. lucens from rocky slopes on gypseous ground at 1500–1550 m altitude in northern Somalia, are described and illustrated. The new combinations P. kelleri (=Blurnea kelleri) and P. somaliensis (=Blumea somaliensis) are made and a description is provided for P. kelleri. P. sarcophylla is resurrected and typified, and the circumscription of P. heterophylla is changed and an illustration of the species is provided. P. pinnatifida and Conyza stenodonta are treated as synonyms of P. arabica, and P. serra is placed in synonymy of Iphionopsis rotundifolia.
An Alchemilla of the series Splendentes (Rosaceae) discovered in Norway
Authors: Ericsson Stefan
Published: March 2008

The new species Alchemilla semidivisa (Rosaceae) is described from Møre og Romsdal in west‐central Norway. A. semidivisa belongs to the series Splendentes, until now only known from the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Faeroes and Iceland, and is probably closely related to A. faeroënsis. It has been found in 11 localities within a very small area. Large populations have been found at four sites, of which three are near waterfalls. Flora Nordica notes 32.
Andrographis chendurunii, a new species of Acanthaceae from India
Authors: Kumar E. S. Santhosh , Khan A. E. Shanavas , Gopal Seema G.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Andrographis, A. chendurunii is described and illustrated from Kerala, India.
A taxonomic revision of Socotran Indigofereae (Leguminosae—Papilionoideae) with insights into the phytogeographical links of the Socotran Archipelago
Authors: Cortés‐Burns H. , Schrire B. D. , Pennington R. T. , Miller A. G.
Published: March 2008

This revision of Socotran Indigofereae (Leguminosae) treats two genera, Microcharis and Indigofera, and 16 species, one with two varieties. Indigofera coerulea var. coerulea and I. nugalensis are new records for the archipelago. Indigofera nephrocarpoides, I. marmorata (lectotypified here) and I. socotrana are endemic, whilst Microcharis disjuncta vat. fallax and Indigofera nugalensis are near‐endemic to the Socotran islands. This study indicates that the closest relatives of the Socotran Indigofereae are to be found in African lineages. The strongest affinities are between Socotra and extreme NE Somalia (Indigofera pseudointricata, I. nugalensis) and, to a lesser extent, with SW Oman (Microcharis disjuncta var. fallax), SW Pakistan (I. nephrocarpa) and Southern Yemen. Socotran Indigofereae are mainly derived from Tertiary African palaeotropical and drought‐adapted lineages. We also suggest that following the separation of the islands from mainland Africa some Indigofereae would have reached the archipelago as a result of recent, long‐distance dispersal events.
Taxonomic study of Astragalus sect Erioceras (Fabaceae) in Iran Additional notes and key to the species
Authors: Ranjbar M. , Karamian R.
Published: March 2008

A key to and new findings on the Astragalus sect. Erioceras, are given for the 10 species of this section, which occur within the area covered by the flora of Iran. One species, Astragalus neo‐sytinii, is described as a new species. A. sympileicarpus is reported as a new record for the flora of Iran. A. viridis is transferred from A. sect. Erioceras to sect. Xiphidium Sect. Acantherioceras is reduced to the level of subsection. The differences between that section and closely related sections are discussed.
Pollination ecology and breeding system of the very narrow coastal endemic Seseli farrenyi (Apiaceae). Effects of population fragmentation
Authors: Rovira A. ML , Bosch M. , Molero J. , Blanché C.
Published: March 2008

The reproductive biology of Seseli farrenyi (Apiaceae), a very narrow endemic to Cape Creus (Catalonia, Spain), including flowering timing patterns, quantity and quality of pollination services (type and frequency of pollinators, pollen carryover, pollen deposition on stigmas and reproductive success measured as fruit set), and breeding system was studied. Given the decline of population size detected in the last twenty years, we also analyzed the effects of fragmentation on pollination mechanisms. Protandry along with strong synchrony of floral development within umbels and sequential inflorescence emission within individual stalks, produces sexual phase alternation that promotes a strong outcrossing despite its non‐specific pollination system and its (at least partial) self‐compatibility. This pronounced xenogamy is supported by results of the insect exclusion test, hand‐pollination experiments, and high P/O ratio. S. farrenyi flowers received visits from at least 28 species of insects, including wasps, small bees, ants, flies, syrphid flies, beetles and stink bugs, with different pollen carry‐overs. Heterospecific pollen on stigmas decreased notably during the season (50% to 2.5%), averaging 12%. In the small population the stigmatic pollen loads and seed set decreased, but there was no effect of pollinator visitation rates. It was more affected by the composition of pollinators and their efficiency. The wind had a considerable effect on the plant. Some conservation measures are proposed.
Finescale species associations in alvar limestone grasslands
Authors: Diekmann Martin , Dupre Cecilia , van der Maarel Eddy
Published: March 2008

To examine the importance of positive or negative interactions of plant species on a micro‐scale, species associations were studied in 38 1 m2 ‐plots in alvar limestone grasslands on Öland, Sweden. Each plot was assumed to be homogeneous as to its environmental conditions and spatial distribution of dominant species, and was divided into 25 sub‐plots of 100 cm2 size arranged in a regular grid. Presence‐absence data of rooted vascular plants were recorded for each sub‐plot. Significant positive or negative associations were observed in all plots. The number of significant interactions was positively related to the within‐plot variation in soil depth. In seven and nine cases, respectively, there were more positive or negative associations than expected on the basis of a random distribution of species over the sub‐plots. The ratio of the number of positive associations to the potential number of positive associations increased with increasing species richness. There was a significant spatial autocorrelation in species composition in most plots, but the coefficients of determination were on average very low, indicating a minor importance of spatial dependence in the data set. Correspondingly, the ratio of observed to potential species associations was unrelated to the extent of spatial autocorrelation. About 2/3 of all species encountered were at least once involved in a significant interaction. We found differences in the proportion of positive to negative associations between species with different habitat requirements and attributes. In general, species with predominantly negative associations were mostly relatively tall and competitive, long‐lived hemicryptophytes characteristic of Festuco‐Brometea and more mesotrophic grasslands, for example Filipendula vulgaris and Achillea millefolium. In contrast, species with largely positive associations were mostly smaller and shortlived stress‐tolerators and stress‐tolerant ruderals, preferring more shallow and exposed soils, such as Cerastium semidecandrum and Trifolium arvense. While the negative associations prevailing among the dominant species in the alvar grasslands are likely to be the outcome of interspecific competition for space and resources, the positive associations may be the result of facilitative relations between the dominant and sub‐ordinate species.
Sexual dimorphism and sex ratios of two Australian dioecious species of alpine pineapple grass, Astelia alpina var. novaehollandiae and Astelia psychrocharis (Asteliaceae)
Authors: Pickering Catherine Marina , Jordan Mark , Hill Wendy
Published: March 2008

Sexual dimorphism and male biased sex ratios have been predicted for dioecious plants experiencing the limited conditions for growth and reproduction found in many alpine environments. To test these predictions, the reproductive ecology of two congeneric, co‐occurring, dioecious, clonal, species was examined in the subalpine and alpine zones of Kosciuszko National Park, southeastern Australia. Specifically, plant size (vegetative cover of plants in quadrats), floral display (number of flowers per inflorescence, number of inflorescences per quadrat) and sex ratios (proportion of females in quadrats with flowers) were examined in ten populations of Astelia psychrocharis (Asteliaceae) and nine populations of Astelia alpina var. novae‐hollandiae (Asteliaceae). Sexual dimorphism did occur, with males having more flowers per inflorescence (106% more flowers for A.alpina males and 12% more for A.psychrocharis males compared to females) and more inflorescences per quadrat than females (78% more inflorescences for A.alpina males and 46% more inflorescences for A.psychrocharis males compared to females). Plant size did not differ between male and female quadrats of either species, nor were there male biased sex ratios. However, plant size was related to flowering status in A.psychrocharis with the 65 quadrats that did not flower having lower vegetative cover than the 175 flowering quadrats indicating that there may be a minimum size/ cover required prior to flowering in this species. For A.alpina, all but two of the 185 quadrats randomly sampled flowered. There was no effect of altitude on plant size and very little effect of altitude on floral display for either species, apart from a slight increase in the number of inflorescences per quadrat with increasing altitude for A.psychrocharis, and slight decrease in number of flowers per inflorescence with increasing altitude for A.alpina females.
Growth responses of Matteuccia struthiopteris plants from northern and southern Norway exposed to different temperature and photoperiod treatments
Authors: Odland Add , Junttila Olavi , Nilsen Jade
Published: March 2008

Plants of the fern Matteuccia struthiopteris from northern and southern populations in Norway were studied in a phytotron. Relative growth rate (RGR), growth period, and sporophyll production were measured under different photoperiod (12–24 h) day‐length and temperature (9–21 °C) treatments. For the southern plants, there were no significant differences between the different light treatments, but for the northern plants there was a significant (p<0.01) linear increase in the mean maximum RGR with increasing day‐length. Small, but statistically significant (p<0.01) differences were found between northern and southern plants when the mean maximum RGR‐values were compared. When plants from different origin were exposed to different treatment, there were major differences between the populations in the production of sporophylls (p<0.0001). Southern plants produced in average three times more sporophylls than the northern plants, and they had also higher proportions of fertile plants. Diurnal alternating temperature treatments gave no significant (p>0.05) effect on the mean maximum RGR compared with constant temperatures, but they gave significantly higher production of sporophylls. In general, the northern plants had a higher temperature threshold (approximately 12 °C) for sporophyll production than the southern plants (approximately 9 °C). Plants exposed to 24 h with natural light were generally more often fertile than plants exposed to a shorter photoperiod. The mean maximum RGR‐values and time needed to develop the fronds at the 9 °C treatment were fairly equal to those found under natural conditions close to the altitudinal distribution limit of M.struthiopteris in W Norway. In general, the investigation showed that the applied temperature and light treatments affected sporophyll production more than vegetative growth.
Mallomonas weei (Synurophyceae), a new species from North Carolina, U.S.A.
Authors: Wujek Daniel E. , Wright Evan M. , Williams Geoffrey L.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Mallomonas, M.weei, is described from North Carolina, U.S.A. Fine structure of scales and bristles has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The new species is placed in the section Mallomonas, series Intermediae.
A new species of Otostegia (Lamiaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Ryding Olof
Published: March 2008

A new species from gypsum plains in northern Somalia, Otostegia ericoidea Ryding is described and illustrated.
Two new species of Euphorbia subsp. Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from east and northeast Somalia
Authors: Carter Susan
Published: March 2008

Two small species of succulent, spiny Euphorbia are described as new, both with limited distributions, E. ammophila from the coastal plain of eastern Somalia, and E. densispina from the mountain ranges of the northeast.
A new species of Neurocalyx (Rubiaceae) from Peninsular India
Authors: Viswanathan M. B. , Manikandan U. , Tangavelou A. C.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Rubiaceae from the Kalakkad‐Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, India, Neumcalyx bremeri, is described and illustrated. Conservation status assigned as Critically Endangered by applying IUCN Red List Category criteria is provided.