Distribution of the genus Cocconeis (Bacillariophyceae) along the Seogwipo coast of Jeju Island, South Korea

Cocconeis Ehrenberg species (Bacillariophyceae) are documented from benthic samples collected along the Seogwipo coast of Jeju Island, the southernmost region of Korea. The 25 taxa were identified from seaweeds, sand, and sediments, their morphological features are described, and the distributions of the taxa are summarized. Three groups of Cocconeis e.g., Cocconeis dirupta var. flexella, C. pseudomarginata var. intermedia, Cocconeis scutellum, and their similar taxa were dominant in this area. Many other Cocconeis that grows mainly along the coasts of warmer oceans were also identified. The floristic study reveals the existence of rare or retrieved species that were not well known until recently, and expands some of their geographical distributions; Cocconeis cf. callosa, C. conspicua, C. cyclophora var. decora, C. cyclophora var. meisteri, C. delicata, C. schmidtii, C. shikinensis, C. suzukii, C. voigtii. In this floristic study, 14 Cocconeis taxa are new records in South Korea.

Floristic Diversity and Ethnobotanical Studies of Nandha Gopalasamy Hill Temple Sacred Grove of Western Ghats, Pollachi Taluk, Coimbatore

Background: The sacred groves are considered to be ecologically most important area as they are rich in plant diversity. It is considered to be repository of many important medicinal plantspecies including endangered and endemic and many valuable plant species. An ethanobotanical survey was carried out to assess the floristic diversity and it medicinal properties used by the indigenous peoples and local people. The floristic study conducted to understand the status of vegetation an it is important step towards conservation. Methods: The study was carried out for about one yearby frequent field visit and inperson interview with indigenous peoples to know the medicinal properties of the species. Result: The study showed presence of 54 medicinal plants out of which 22 are herbs, 12 shrubs, 2 climbers and 17 are tree habits. All the plants are found to be highly medicinal in treating many diseases. The survey reveals the conservation importance of the sacred grove to safe guard the ecosystem for sustainable development.

First floristic study on epiphyllous bryophytes of the state Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

A floristic exploration was carried out of the epiphyllous bryophytes in Mount Tebu Forest Reserve, in the state of Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Epiphyllous liverworts are reported for the first time from Terengganu. A total of 54 species from 18 genera and seven families of epiphyllous bryophytes were discovered, and of these, 43 liverworts are newly reported from Terengganu. The largest family is represented by Lejeuneaceae, with 44 species (81%) from 12 genera, and the largest genus is Cololejeunea, with 15 species (28%). Most of the species (43 spp., 69%) have an Indo-Pacific distribution.

The first floristic study of freshwater dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae) in Colombia

The first comprehensive study of dinoflagellate flora and their related environmental variables in reservoirs, swamps, and an insular lake of Colombia is presented. Fourteen Colombian water bodies were assessed. In each, water temperature, electric conductivity, oxygen saturation, turbidity, and apparent color were the physical and chemical variables measured. Twelve dinoflagellate taxa were recorded, indicating a considerable richness compared to similar surveys. Ensembles recovered showed a spatial structuration mediated by the type of the water bodies (reservoirs and swamps); environmental variables and species richness explained equally the differences among the water bodies. The dinoflagellate flora showed altitudinal segregation, with intermediate altitude systems displaying the highest richness values. A brief discussion about the geographical distribution of the species collected is offered. The study contributes to the knowledge of the ecological aspects of dinoflagellate flora and outlines preliminary biodiversity tendencies of ensembles in tropical water systems.

The floristic diversity of the landscape protected area nature reserve “Ridges of Luchshevo village” (Kemerovo region, Kuzbass)

The results of a floristic study of the “Ridges of Luchshevo village” reserve (Kemerovo region -Kuz-bass) are presented. On the area of 960.7 hectares, 456 species of vascular plants belonging to 69 families werefound. This territory is home to 8 species listed in the Red Data Book of the Kemerovo Region: Adonis villosa, Alliumvodop-janovae, Cypripedium calceolus, C. macranthon, Erythronium sibiricum, Stipa pennata, S. zalesskii,Polystichum brau-nii.