A new species and taxonomic notes on Lycianthes series Glanduliferae (Solanaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon

During our analyses of Lycianthes exsiccates, as part of the taxonomic treatment for the Brazilian flora, a new species was discovered and is described and illustrated here. The species is compared and contextualized within the infra-generic classification of Lycianthes. Analyses of indument and trichomes were performed by stereomicroscopy (SM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The new species, Lycianthes amazonica, is recognized as an endemic species to the Brazilian Amazon, which has its habitat described as secondary formations (capoeira) of terra-firme forests. It is closely related to L. sprucei, with which shares the scandent or vine habit, flexuous branches and ferrugineous indument of glandular trichomes. However, they are distinguished by several morphological features, including trichomes morphology, a sessile inflorescence and calyx appendages of equal length; both species belong to Lycianthes. subg. Polymeris sect. Eulycianthes ser. Glanduliferae. The description of this species expands the total number of Lycianthes species to the Brazilian Amazon to six, as well as thirteen to Brazil. The affinities of Lycianthes amazonica with its related species, distribution, ecology, and conservation status are discussed. Additionally, a lectotypification of Lycianthes sprucei, a species closely related to L. amazonica, is proposed.

Preliminary placement and new records of an overlooked Amazonian tree, Christiana mennegae (Malvaceae)

Christiana mennegae is a phylogenetically enigmatic taxon and represents a case in point of a species whose presence escaped the radar of the Amazon lists and the Brazilian Flora project. Here we expand its distribution by adding new records from Peru and overlooked ones from Brazil. To investigate its phylogenetic placement in the Brownlowioideae, part of the rbcL gene of the plastid and the intergenic ITS2 region were sequenced. Macro- and micro-morphological investigation of features of C. mennegae using SEM of foliar, flower, fruit and seed structures are presented. A lectotype for the name is designated here. The morphology of trichomes revealed five types of trichomes ranging from glandular to branched and unbranched and we also report stomata on the seed surface for the first time in Brownlowioideae. Christiana mennegae and C. africana were recovered as sister species in the phylogenetic analysis, albeit with low to moderate support, and more species of this and closely related genera must be sampled and analyzed in order to obtain a clearer picture of the group’s affinities and relationships. We provide an update of its conservation status from Vulnerable to Least Concern. We also highlight the need for investment in the digitization of biological collections, botanical capacity building at the local level and the importance of the availability of online literature to speed the study of Amazonian plant diversity.

The flora of south-eastern Mato Grosso State (Brazil): a review of herbarium collections

The diversity and richness of the Brazilian flora are documented in herbarium collections. When areas are deforested, but not documented, we lose both flora and the opportunity to know which species occupied those areas. The south-eastern mesoregion of Mato Grosso State, comprising 22 municipalities, has undergone the loss of native vegetation cover, accelerated by the substantial expansion of agribusiness. For an in-depth look at the consequences and the current state of the flora in that mesoregion, we consulted both speciesLink and JABOT databases. More specifically, we carried out a comprehensive study of herbarium collections by municipality and compiled data including scientific name, collection date, collection locality, collector name and observations made during collection. We obtained 5,861 records of angiosperms, ferns and lycophytes of 160 families, 770 genera and 1,792 species. The specimens are deposited in 80 herbaria of which the Herbarium of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT) hosts the largest collection. Rondonópolis was the most sampled municipality, whereas 50% of the municipalities were poorly sampled and one showed no collection records at all. Amongst the species occurring only in Mato Grosso, eleven were collected only in that mesoregion and twenty species were under some degree of threat. Our study recommends increasing collection and identification efforts to enable effective conservation actions and improve richness estimates for the State of Mato Grosso and the Cerrado, in general, before more of the flora is lost to deforestation.

Hourglass Effect: The Late Seventeenth Encyclopaedic Dictionary and the Dissemination of Knowledge

The publication of the Dictionnaire universel of Furetière in 1690 ushered in the age of the encyclopaedic dictionary. This was a relatively short-lived phenomenon of little more than a hundred years, but one which pathed the way to modern encyclopaedias. Furetière having died in 1688, his successor was Basnage de Beauval, a protestant exile based in the United Provinces of the Netherlands. It was Basnage who in the new 1701 edition transformed the dictionary by enlarging it considerably to a more genuine encyclopaedic coverage and calling on specialists to rewrite key sections, notably on the natural sciences. The simile of the hourglass is a means to show how the dictionary mediated knowledge from a vast array of sources and made the data available to contemporary and current day users. This paper demonstrates the hourglass effect through the lexicographical and learned sources that Basnage and his major compiler of scientific data, Regis of Amsterdam, brought into service. It looks at how Regis used numerous botanical sources in writing entries on Brazilian flora. Finally, we examine the influence of the work on the phenomenon of the universal dictionary and the development of the encyclopaedia.

Pleopeltis (Polypodiaceae) in Brazil

Polypodiaceae is notable for being one of the richest, most diverse, and abundant groups of ferns in tropical and subtropical forests. Currently, 65 genera and approximately 1652 species are recognized in the family. Pleopeltis is a monophyletic genus and comprises approximately 90 species, most of which are exclusive to the Neotropics. The aim of this scientific contribution is a taxonomic treatment of the Pleopeltis species occurring in Brazil. It has been based on the morphological data of specimens from Brazilian and foreign herbaria, as well as on observations and collections made in the field. Eighteen species are recognized in Brazil and occur in all Brazilian biomes, notably the Atlantic Forest (16 spp.). At least one species occurs in all Brazilian states, and the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais (southeastern Brazil) are the richest (11 spp. each). According to the Brazilian Flora Red List, three species are officially threatened, P. alborufula and P. monoides are endangered, and P. trindadensis is critically endangered; however, we suggest including two more species in the official list: P. aturensis and P. stolzei. The taxonomic treatment includes a genus description, identification key to the species, synonyms, species description, distribution maps, illustrations, list of specimens studied, taxonomic comments, and information on habitat and distribution.

Review on the therapeutic activities of the genus Trichilia

The genus Trichilia (Meliaceae family) has been attracting interest among Brazilian Flora, due to the biological activities of its secondary metabolites. This genus has species distributed throughout tropical America, recognized for its significant economic importance and high commercial value. Its composition consists mainly of terpenoids (triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, limonoids and steroids) and polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins). In folk medicine this genus is used in preparations such as antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiviral and antioxidant. Studies carried out with several species of the genus Trichilia show that these plants have antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial activities against pathogens of great clinical importance, neuroprotective, anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory. In addition, analgesic, antineoplasic, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities have also been investigated and proven in the literature. Based on the great biotechnological potential of the genus Trichilia, from the few studies on its applications in human health and in view of the importance of searching for natural substances that have effective therapeutic activities, this review highlights the main therapeutic applications of species of this genus found in the literature, and stimulate further studies on the use of these plants in the treatment of various diseases. For this, a survey on the topic was carried out in the main sources of scientific research in the period from 2005 to 2020, leading us to conclude that this genus can be a potent ally in the search for new phytotherapic drugs.

Diversidade Florística dos Afloramentos Rochosos da Reserva Biológica de Pedra Talhada, Quebrangulo, Alagoas

Os afloramentos rochosos ocorrem principalmente em regiões de climas áridos e são reconhecidos por apresentarem uma flora altamente especializada, com altos níveis de diversidade e endemismo. O objetivo do estudo foi realizar um levantamento florístico em ambientes de afloramentos rochosos visando registrar a diversidade local e contribuir para a ampliação do conhecimento da flora brasileira. O estudo foi desenvolvido nos afloramentos rochosos conhecidos popularmente como Pedra Talhada, Três Lagoas e dos Bois, todos localizados na Reserva Biológica de Pedra Talhada no município de Quebrangulo, Alagoas. Coletas mensais foram realizadas durante dois anos (2013 - 2014). Para a identificação dos táxons foram consultadas bibliografias especializadas, guias e sítios de imagens, além de especialistas. Na Rebio de Pedra Talhada foram identificadas 160 espécies de angiospermas pertencentes a 132 gêneros e 60 famílias. Nas três áreas estudadas predomina o estrato herbáceo-arbustivo (77,3%), no entanto, diferem quanto a riqueza e composição florística. As famílias com maior representatividade foram Orchidaceae (13 spp.), Rubiaceae (12 spp.) e Asteraceae (11 spp.). São indicadas 15 novas ocorrências para Alagoas; cinco para o domínio Mata Atlântica e um novo registro para a região Nordeste do Brasil. Floristic Diversity of the Rocky Outcrops in the Pedra Talhada Biological Reserve, Quebrangulo, Alagoas ABSTRACTThe rocky outcrops occur mainly in regions with arid climates and are recognized for having a highly specialized flora, with high levels of diversity and endemism. The aim of the study was to carry out a floristic survey in rocky outcrop environments in order to register the local diversity and contribute to the expansion of knowledge of Brazilian flora. The study was carried out on rocky outcrops popularly known as Pedra Talhada, Três Lagoas and dos Bois, all located in the Pedra Talhada Biological Reserve in the municipality of Quebrangulo, Alagoas. Monthly collections were carried out for two years (2013 - 2014). For the taxa identification, specialized bibliographies, guides and image sites were consulted, in addition to specialists. In Rebio de Pedra Talhada, 160 species of angiosperms belonging to 132 genera and 60 families were identified. In the three areas studied, the herbaceous-shrub stratum predominates (77.3%), however, they differ in terms of richness and floristic composition. The most representative families were Orchidaceae (13 spp.), Rubiaceae (12 spp.) and Asteraceae (11 spp.). 15 new occurrences are indicated for Alagoas; five for the Atlantic Forest domain and a new record for the Northeast region of Brazil.Keywords: Angiosperms, Atlantic Forest, new occurrences, Northeast of Brazil.