Poa secunda J. Presl (Poaceae): a modern summary of infraspecific taxonomy, chromosome numbers, related species and infrageneric placement based on DNA

Poasecunda J. Presl. s.l. is a morphologically highly variable bunchgrass that is a valuable forage species in western North America. There has been much controversy as to whether multiple taxa should be recognised and at what rank in this taxonomically challenging apomictic complex. Here we propose an infraspecific classification for Poasecunda of six varieties within two subspecies, juncifolia and secunda. New combinations are P.secunda vars. ampla, gracillima, juncifolia, nevadensis and scabrella. Conflicting plastid and nrDNA phylogenies show that P.sect.Secundae is of ancient hybrid origin. Based on this and its distinct morphology, the section is raised to the rank of subgenus. A key is presented for P.secunda infraspecies and closely related non-arctic species. Suppl. materials are provided of chromosome counts for Secundae taxa and D.D. Keck specimen annotations of taxa here included in P.secunda.

Nomenclatural notes and morphological observations on Malva subovata s.l. (Malvaceae)

Nomenclatural notes and morphological observations on Malva subovata sensu lato (Malvaceae) are discussed. The names Axolpha wigandii, L. africana by Cavanilles, L. africana by Miller, L. maritima, L. maritima var. purpurea, L. maritima var. trilobata, L. rupestris, and Lavatera subovata are lectotypified upon specimens preserved in the Herbaria BM, COI, G-DC, LY, MPU, and upon illustrations by Cavanilles and Gouan, while L. gallica, L. rotundifolia, and Olbia canescens are illegitimate names. Cavanilles’ L. africana, L. maritima, and A. wigandii are confirmed to be synonyms of L. subovata. Miller’s L. africana, a prevoiusly published homonym of Cavanilles’ L. africana, refers to another species. L. gallica, L. maritima var. purpurea, L. maritima var. trilobata, L. rotundifolia, and Olbia canescens are to be considered synonyms of L. subovata s.s. On the basis of morphological features and distribution areas, the current infraspecific classification of M. subovata s.l. (three subspecies) cannot be retained, and the better choice is the recognition of only two infraspecific taxa (subsp. subovata and subsp. bicolor), while the subsp. rupestris is to be treated as a synonym of the autonymic subspecies.

Infraspecific classification and geographical distribution of Monvillea phatnosperma (Cactaceae).

Infraspecific classification and geographical distribution of Monvillea phatnosperma (Cactaceae). Some aspects of morphology, taxonomy and nomenclature about Monvillea phatnosperma (K. Schum.) Britton & Rose (Cactaceae), a species native from the north of the ‘Great Chaco’ and adjacent areas, are considered. M. phatnosperma var. arenasii var. nov. is described and ilustrated in replacement of Monvillea kroenleinii R. Kiesling –nom. inval