Comparative leaf morphology and anatomy on ten taxa of Calycanthaceae Lindl. (Laurales)

The comparative leaf morphology and anatomy of ten species of family Calycanthaceae have been studied. Leaf anatomy is very comparable to each other in cell shape and their arrangement. Collected leaves were preserved in FAA and alcohol series were applied for LM and SEM. The layer of epidermis is two in Idiospermum and one in rest of other genera. The structure of vascular bundle is V-shape in Sinocalycanthus and Calycanthus whereas U-shape in Idiospermum and Chimonanthus. The density of trichome is higher in Calycanthus than other genera. The presence of trichome, stomata, epidermal layer, density of trichome and stomata, and leaf surface are represented the distinction among the genera. The adaxial surface of Idiospermum and Sinocalycanthus are smooth whereas of Calycanthus and Chimonanthus are rough. The crystals are present in Calycanthus, Sinocalycanthus and Chimonanthus whereas absent in Idiospermum. The shape of the vascular bundle, density of trichome, epidermal layer, and crystals play important role in the phylogenetic relationship of Calycanthaceae.

Tillandsia mantiqueirae (Bromeliaceae), a New Species from Minas Gerais State, Brazil

A new species of rupicolous Tillandsia from the Mantiqueira mountain range in Southern Minas Gerais State is described based on morphology and leaf anatomy. This new taxon is close to T. nuptialis. The known distribution and conservation status of this new species are discussed.

Allium negianum (Amaryllidaceae): a new species under subg. Rhizirideum from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

A new species, Allium negianum (Amaryllidaceae), belongs to the genus Allium subg. Rhizirideum, sect. Eduardia is described here from the Uttarakhand Himalayan region of India. This taxon grows in Malari region of Niti valley in Chamoli district and Dharma valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India. It is a narrowly distributed species and morphologically more closer to A. przewalskianum Regel but differentiated by its tunic color of bulb, umbel with lax flowers, peduncle length, perigone colour, size and shape and leaf anatomy. Taxonomic delineation and relationship analysis based on nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) region indicated that A. negianum is distinct and related to A. przewalskianum. This study provided a comprehensive description and comparison with A. przewalskianum, an identification key and notes on the distribution of the species.

A New Species of Adesmia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Dalbergieae) from Southern Brazil, with Notes on Leaf Anatomy

A revisional taxonomic study of Adesmia subg. Adesmia ser. Bicolores has unveiled a new species from southern Brazil. Adesmia miottoae is described and illustrated here. Its geographic distribution, phenology, conservation status and morphological similarities with its closest relatives, Adesmia punctata and A. incana, are presented. The species is distinguished by glandular trichomes covering all the aerial parts of the plant, except the corolla. These trichomes are shorter than those of Adesmia punctata. Additionally, a detailed anatomical description of the leaflet blade is provided.