Morphological variation, an expanded description and ethnobotanical evaluation of Cycas seemannii A.Braun (Cycadaceae)

Cycas seemannii (Cycadaceae) is a widespread and highly variable species. This study investigates morphological variability and ethnobotanical uses throughout the entire range (Torres Strait Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga) of the species. The morphological characters studied are highly variable among populations and unrelated to genetic differences. Characters are also more variable than previously assumed and because of this we provide an updated, detailed taxonomic description of Cycas seemannii based on extensive morphometric data, fieldwork and herbarium specimens. The plant is of great cultural importance in Vanuatu, its seeds are utilised as a source of starch and it is a widely cultivated ornamental. Possible consequences of the plant's decreasing cultural importance are discussed.

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Taxonomic revision of Carex chungii (Cyperaceae; sect. Mitratae) and allied species

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.317.1.3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 317 (1) ◽

pp. 29

Author(s):

XIAO-FENG JIN

Keyword(s):

Principal Component Analysis ◽

Entire Range ◽

Principal Component ◽

Taxonomic Revision ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Literature Survey ◽

The Other ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Herbarium Specimens ◽

Specific Rank

In this paper, Carex chungii and other five names at species rank, plus one variety and one form, all from of C. sect. Mitratae, were revised. They constitute a group of morphologically very similar taxa, difficult to tell apart. Our study was based on literature survey, fieldwork, herbarium specimens, statistical analysis of morphological characters and SEM observations of achenes and perigynia. Analysis of morphological data of 94 individuals from eleven populations using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed five clusters, which we consequently considered to correspond to five species. The achenes of Carex genkaiensis were strikingly different from all the other species regarding achene apex contracted into a 0.2–0.5 mm long neck-like appendage (vs. into a discoid-annulate style-base), as well as its perigynium indumentum (pubescent vs. sparsely pubescent). Carex anhuiensis, C. xuanchengensis and C. truncatirostris f. erostris are all synonymized to C. truncatirostris. The previously recognized Carex kamagariensis from Japan is synonymized to C. chungii. Carex chungii var. rigida is recognized as specific rank and the new name C. nanpingensis is proposed. Our study is the first effort to address the taxonomy of this complicate group as a whole in its entire range.

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Taxonomic status of Pelargonium reniforme Curt.

Bothalia ◽

10.4102/abc.v44i1.173 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Janine E. Victor ◽

Mmamphe Aphane

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Leaf Shape ◽

Flower Colour ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Herbarium Specimens ◽

Current Investigation ◽

Petiole Length ◽

Pelargonium Sidoides ◽

Variable Species

Background: Pelargonium reniforme Curt. is a morphologically variable species that many authors have attempted to split or combine. Confusion relating to the differences between the two subspecies currently included under P. reniforme has impeded attempts to assess their conservation status. Pelargonium reniforme is closely related to Pelargonium sidoides; the two species are indistinguishable when not flowering and their distributions overlap in some areas.Objectives: With this study, we aimed to clarify the taxonomic status of the two subspecies of P. reniforme, which has relevance in terms of their conservation status.Method: Leaf shape, petiole length, internode length and flower colour were assessed by studying herbarium specimens of the two subspecies of P. reniforme and specimens of P. sidoides. Living specimens of the two subspecies were also examined in their natural habitat.Results: The current investigation showed that the morphological characters used to distinguish the two subspecies of P. reniforme are too variable to separate them. Variation in some morphological characters may be related to environmental conditions.Conclusion: The recognition of the two subspecies of P. reniforme as distinct taxa is no longer justified.

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Disentangling the Taxonomic Variations within the High-Andean Complex Gomphrena meyeniana (Gomphrenoideae, Amaranthaceae)

Systematic Botany ◽

10.1600/036364420x15862837791195 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 294-305

Author(s):

Maria Julia Bena ◽

Teresa Ortuño ◽

Juan Manuel Acosta

Keyword(s):

Large Range ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Plant Morphology ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Phylogenetic Position ◽

Partitioning Around Medoids ◽

Dichotomous Key ◽

Variable Species ◽

Molecular Information ◽

Andean Highlands

Abstract—Gomphrena meyeniana is an extremely variable species from the Andean highlands, which has attracted the attention of many botanists because it is the world’s highest-elevation C4 eudicot and because of its wide morphological variability. It has the typical high-Andean plant morphology, with small leaves tightly clustered on a thick rootstock. The large range of morphological variation within this species coupled with the varying opinions on the existence of several species or infra-specific taxa and the lack of molecular information has made the clarification of the G. meyeniana complex a challenge. Our approach was to perform broad molecular sampling to identify the phylogenetic position of G. meyeniana within Gomphrena and to perform a multivariate analysis to objectively differentiate taxa based on morphological characters. The ITS and trnL-F regions were analyzed individually and in combination using Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony methods. To analyze the morphological characters we performed a clustering method (partitioning around medoids with the Gower’s dissimilarity algorithm). The molecular analyses supported the monophyly of the G. meyeniana complex, but did not support segregation into varieties. The morphological analyses supported recognition of three varieties that can be easily distinguished by three simple characters: the presence of leaves on the flowering shoot, the habit of the flowering shoot, and the pilosity of the sepals. The varieties of G. meyeniana accepted here are G. meyeniana var. meyeniana, G. meyeniana var. caulescens, and G. meyeniana var. flaccida. A dichotomous key to identify the infra-specific taxa is here presented and illustrated. Gomphrena meyeniana var. tucumanensis and G. meyeniana var. conwayi are synonymized with G. meyeniana var. caulescens and G. meyeniana var. meyeniana, respectively.

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Intraspecific variation in the Cambrian: new observations on the morphology of the Chengjiang euarthropod Sinoburius lunaris

BMC Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.1186/s12862-021-01854-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michel Schmidt ◽

Yu Liu ◽

Xianguang Hou ◽

Joachim T. Haug ◽

Carolin Haug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intraspecific Variation ◽

Southwest China ◽

3D Models ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Open Questions ◽

New Findings ◽

Unique Shape ◽

Variable Species ◽

Chengjiang Biota ◽

3D Software

Abstract Background The Chengjiang biota from southwest China (518-million-years old, early Cambrian) has yielded nearly 300 species, of which more than 80 species represent early chelicerates, crustaceans and relatives. The application of µCT-techniques combined with 3D software (e.g., Drishti), has been shown to be a powerful tool in revealing and analyzing 3D features of the Chengjiang euarthropods. In order to address several open questions that remained from previous studies on the morphology of the xandarellid euarthropod Sinoburius lunaris, we reinvestigated the µCT data with Amira to obtain a different approach of visualization and to generate new volume-rendered models. Furthermore, we used Blender to design 3D models showing aspects of intraspecific variation. Results New findings are: (1) antennulae consist of additional proximal articles that have not been detected before; (2) compared to other appendages, the second post-antennular appendage has a unique shape, and its endopod is comprised of only five articles (instead of seven); (3) the pygidium bears four pairs of appendages which are observed in all specimens. On the other hand, differences between specimens also have been detected. These include the presence/absence of diplotergites resulting in different numbers of post-antennular appendages and tergites and different distances between the tip of the hypostome and the anterior margin of the head shield. Conclusions Those new observations reveal intraspecific variation among Chengjiang euarthropods not observed before and encourage considerations about possible sexual dimorphic pairs or ontogenetic stages. Sinoburius lunaris is a variable species with respect to its morphological characters, cautioning that taxon-specific variabilities need to be considered when exploring new species.

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ARAUCARIA GOROENSIS (ARAUCARIACEAE), A NEW MONKEY PUZZLE FROM NEW CALEDONIA, AND NOMENCLATURAL NOTES ON ARAUCARIA MUELLERI

Edinburgh Journal of Botany ◽

10.1017/s0960428617000014 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 74 (2) ◽

pp. 123-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

R. R. Mill ◽

M. Ruhsam ◽

P. I. Thomas ◽

M. F. Gardner ◽

P. M. Hollingsworth

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

New Caledonia ◽

Limited Area ◽

Herbarium Specimens ◽

Female Cone ◽

International Union ◽

Nickel Mining

Araucaria goroensis R.R.Mill & Ruhsam sp. nov., a new monkey puzzle species from New Caledonia, is described and illustrated with photographs from the field and from herbarium specimens. Previously confused with Araucaria muelleri, it is more similar to A. rulei. It is distinguished from the latter species by its larger leaves, microsporophylls without a shouldered base, and shorter female cone bracts. It occurs in a very limited area of south-east New Caledonia, where its existence is threatened by nickel mining. Using the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, we propose an assessment of Endangered for the new species and reassess Araucaria muelleri also as Endangered. A key to the seven species in the ‘large-leaved clade’ of New Caledonian species of Araucaria is given. The name Eutassa latifolia de Laub. is synonymised with Araucaria muelleri, and the recent typification of the latter name by Vieillard 1276 is rejected. Detailed reasoning is given for these nomenclatural acts.

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Revised circumscription of Nothofagus and recognition of the segregate genera Fuscospora, Lophozonia, and Trisyngyne (Nothofagaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.146.1.1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 146 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 63

Author(s):

PETER B. HEENAN ◽

ROB D. SMISSEN

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

South America ◽

Papua New Guinea ◽

New Genus ◽

New Caledonia ◽

Sequence Data ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

New Combinations ◽

Southern South America ◽

Dna Sequence Data

The generic taxonomy of the Nothofagaceae is revised. We present a new phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters and map these characters onto a recently published phylogenetic tree obtained from DNA sequence data. Results of these and previous analyses strongly support the monophyly of four clades of Nothofagaceae that are currently treated as subgenera of Nothofagus. The four clades of Nothofagaceae are robust and well-supported, with deep stem divergences, have evolutionary equivalence with other genera of Fagales, and can be circumscribed with morphological characters. We argue that these morphological and molecular differences are sufficient for the four clades of Nothofagaceae to be recognised at the primary rank of genus, and that this classification will be more informative and efficient than the currently circumscribed Nothofagus with four subgenera. Nothofagus is recircumscribed to include five species from southern South America, Lophozonia and Trisyngyne are reinstated, and the new genus Fuscospora is described. Fuscospora and Lophozonia, with six and seven species respectively, occur in New Zealand, southern South America and Australia. Trisyngyne comprises 25 species from New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. New combinations are provided where necessary in each of these genera.

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Genetic diversity and morphological variability in Polygonum aviculare s.l. (Polygonaceae) of Iran

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.233.2.4 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 233 (2) ◽

pp. 166 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Samaneh Mosaferi ◽

Masoud Sheidai ◽

Maryam Keshavarzi ◽

Zahra Noormohammdai

Keyword(s):

Morphological Variability ◽

Genetic Data ◽

Mantel Test ◽

Gene Exchange ◽

Consensus Tree ◽

Polygonum Aviculare ◽

Molecular Investigation ◽

Variable Species ◽

Issr Molecular Markers ◽

Positive Significant Correlation

A molecular investigation was carried out on the variable species Polygonum aviculare using 109 plants from 12 Iranian populations. ISSR molecular markers were used for genetic study. AMOVA and Gst analyses revealed a high genetic variability both within and among populations. Mantel test showed positive significant correlation between genetic and geographical distance of populations. Structure and K-Means clustering revealed stratification ingenetic characteristics of accessions. Networking and reticulation analyses showed some degree of gene exchange among populations. Consensus tree based on morphological and genetic data separated some of these populations from the others suggesting the existence of new taxa within this species.

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Thalictrum kangdingense (Ranunculaceae), a new synonym of T. megalostigma from China

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.498.2.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 498 (2) ◽

pp. 87-103

Author(s):

YOU-PAI ZENG ◽

QIONG YUAN ◽

QIN-ER YANG

Keyword(s):

Morphological Characters ◽

Sichuan Province ◽

Type Locality ◽

Type Material ◽

Herbarium Specimens ◽

Western Sichuan ◽

New Synonym ◽

Morphological Distinction ◽

In The Wild

Based on critical observations on herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants in the wild from its type locality, we demonstrate that Thalictrum kangdingense, recently described from Kangding county in western Sichuan province, China, is readily distinguishable from T. xinningense by an array of morphological characters but is actually conspecific with T. megalostigma, a species with its type locality also in Kangding. We therefore reduce T. kangdingense to the synonymy of T. megalostigma herein. The morphological distinction between T. baicalense and T. megalostigma is also clarified.

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Novitates neocaledonicae. XIII. Taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Xyris (Xyridaceae, Poales) in New Caledonia, with description of a new species

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.502.3.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 502 (3) ◽

pp. 219-229

Author(s):

JÉRÉMIE MOREL ◽

JÉRÔME MUNZINGER

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

New Caledonia ◽

Distinct Species ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Remarkable Feature ◽

Anatomical Features ◽

Line Drawings ◽

Vegetative Characters ◽

Reproductive Characters ◽

A New Species

Three endemic species of Xyris (Xyridaceae, Poales) are currently recognized in New Caledonia. A recent multivariate analysis of 18 morphological characters based on 129 specimens of Xyris from New Caledonia, supported by 10 anatomical and micromorphological observations, suggested that three species should be recognized in the New Caledonian archipelago. However, the three published names did not correspond to the three entities identified via the multivariate analyses. The results showed that Xyris neocaledonia Rendle was morphologically distinct but requires lectotypification, Xyris guillauminii Conert was indistinct from X. pancheri Rendle, and that a new morphologically distinct species required description. We therefore propose to clarify the taxonomy of the genus for New Caledonia, by designating a lectotype, making this synonymy and describing the new species. The new species, Xyris desquamatus J.R.Morel & Munzinger, sp. nov., has the remarkable feature of leaves that are shed as the plant senesces, and is reflected in the specific epithet for this new species. Line drawings are provided for the new species, along with colour photos for the three New Caledonian Xyris species and a distribution map. Three identification keys are provided, the first based on vegetative characters, the second on reproductive characters and the third on anatomical features of the leaf. Xyris desquamatus is preliminarily assigned an IUCN risk of extinction assessment of vulnerable.

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Amaioua longipedicellata (Rubiaceae, Gardenieae), a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic coast

Plant Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.5091/plecevo.2019.1529 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 152 (1) ◽

pp. 84-92

Author(s):

Piero G. Delprete ◽

Jomar G. Jardim

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Atlantic Forest ◽

Atlantic Coast ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Herbarium Specimens ◽

Similar Species ◽

Field Observations ◽

Undescribed Species ◽

Semideciduous Forest ◽

A New Species

Background – Ongoing studies of Brazilian Rubiaceae revealed an undescribed species of Amaioua endemic to Atlantic Forest (Restinga and Semideciduous forest) of the state of Bahia, which is here described and illustrated, and its morphological characters are discussed and compared with those of similar species. Methods – This study is based on examinations of herbarium specimens, samples preserved in 60% ethanol, field observations, and digital images. Herbarium specimens of the CAY, CEPEC, HBR, IBGE, K, MBM, NY, RB, U, UB, UFG, and US herbaria were directly studied. Additional images of herbarium specimens were studied online. Results – Amaioua longipedicellata Delprete & J.G.Jardim is here described, illustrated and compared with the two most similar species, i.e., A. glomerulata (Lam. ex Poir.) Delprete & C.H.Perss. and A. intermedia Mart. A table comparing the morphological characters of these three species, and an appendix with selected specimens studied of A. glomerulata and A. intermedia are included.

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