Origin of Symphyotrichum anticostense (Asteraceae: Astereae), an endemic, high polyploid species of the Gulf of St. Lawrence region, based on morphological and nrDNA evidence

Symphyotrichum anticostense (Fernald) G.L.Nesom (Asteraceae: Astereae), a rare endemic of the Gulf of St. Lawrence region is a high allopolyploid (2n=10x=80). It has been hypothesized to be derived from the hybrid between tetraploid (2n=4x=32) individuals of S. boreale (Torr. & A.Gray) Löve & Löve and the hexaploid (2n=6x=48) S. novi-belgii (L.) G.L.Nesom. We investigated this hypothesis using morphological and molecular ITS-sequence data, and we tried to determine the potentially geographic origins of the taxon. Univariate morphological analyses show that 67.5% of the S. anticostense characters are parent-like, 43.5% from S. novi-belgii and 13% from S. boreale, the remainder not differing statistically from either parent; 23.5% are intermediate; and 9% transgressive. Multivariate analyses show that S. anticostense is intermediate between its putative parents. The molecular results support the morphological data, but due to the insufficient resolution among ribotypes on the tree, a more rapidly evolving marker will be needed to ascertain more reliably the origin of S. anticostense. Besides the hypothesis of genetic drift and allele fixation following long-distance dispersals, at least three independent geographic origins may be suggested for S. anticostense; Anticosti Island, Lake St. John, and Gaspé Peninsula-New Brunswick-Maine.

Taxonomic identity and ecological status of two rare orchids from southern western ghats, india

An assessment has been made to identify the rare, endemic and threatened species in the Velliangiri hills of Southern Western Ghats, India. During field explorations, two rare species of terrestrial saprophytic orchids were collected. On critical appraisal and authentication of herbarium specimens, they were identified as Aphyllorchis montana Rchb. f. and Epipogium roseum (D. Don) Lindl. The present paper deals with their correct taxonomic identity, distribution and ecological status.

Current State of Coenopopulations of Some Rare Endemic Species in Navoi Region, Uzbekistan

The problem of preserving the biological diversity of the Earth is attracting increasing attention of the world scientific community. Rare plant species, as the most vulnerable part of the flora, are under the greatest threat of extinction. In the study of this group of plants, population methods are increasingly being used. Revealing the number, structure, efficiency of self-renewal and resistance of populations of rare plants in relation to anthropogenic influences creates the basis for developing effective measures for their protection. The aim of the study was to assess the current state of coenopopulations of some rare endemic species – Acantholimon nuratavicum Zakirov ex Lincz. (Plumbaginaceae), Cousinia pseudolanata Popov ex Tscherneva (Asteraceae), Lepidolopha nuratavica Krasch. (Asteraceae) included in the Red Book of Uzbekistan. The results showed that in the ecological–coenotic conditions of the Navoi region, the studied coenopopulations are normal and incomplete. Ontogenetic spectra of coenopopulations are centred and left sided, with a peak for middle-aged and young generative individuals, which is associated with the ecological conditions of habitation and anthropogenic pressure.

The genus Tristachya (Poaceae: Panicoideae) in Madagascar

SummaryWe present a revision of the three species of Tristachya in Madagascar. The tussock-forming T. betsileensis is a rare endemic of the quartz outcrops in the Itremo Protected Area. The rhizomatous T. isalensis and T. humbertii are common components of the sandstone outcrop vegetation in the Isalo National Park. A new combination is made. Descriptions, conservation assessments, illustrations, and a distribution map are presented.

Slate-red tarantula (Poecilotheria rufilata) in the Western Ghats, India

The Slate-red tree spider (or tarantula), Poecilotheria rufilata Pocock, 1899 is an extremely rare, endemic, little known tarantula described based on a female specimen from Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, India. This arboreal tree spider is mostly found in dead red pine, jack fruit, and white pine trees and recorded from Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Peppara Dam, Kallar, and Ponmudi areas between 900–1200 m elevations in Kerala. It is morphologically similar to P. ornata Pocock, 1899, which is distributed in Sri Lanka.

THE SYNTAXONOMIC AND SPECIES DIVERSITY OF THE CLASS FESTUCO-BROMETEA BR.-BL. EX KLIKA & HADAČ 1944 IN THE AREA OF PREČKO POLJE

UDK: 581.55(497.6) The ecosystems of the class Festuco-Brometea in Bosnia and Herzegovina play an important role in the overall biological diversity. They are distinguished by a large number of vegetation units, as well as by significant number of rare, endemic or relict plant species. The study area, Prečko polje, covers 1.27 at 1100 m a.s.l., and takes place in the heart of mountain complex Treskavica-Visočica-Bjelašnica. We analised thermophylous meadows of Prečko polje after method of phytocoenological relevé. The class Festuco-Brometea in study area is being differentiated into the alliances Xerobromion erecti (with suballiance Fumano-Scabiosenion leucophyllae) and Mesobromion erecti (with suballiance Eu-Mesobromenion). In general, thermophylous meadows are characterized by high degree of species diversity. Moreover, within thermophylous meadows of Prečko polje we have identified nine species which are considered to have certain conservation status, according to the national and/or international legislation. Our study has shown that investigated area should be considered as potential Natura 2000 site for it is inhabited by a significant number of rare and/or endangered orchid species.