Notes on some new records and new species of cetrarioid lichens from India

Additional occurrences of cetrarioid lichens in India are documented. Tuckneraria sikkimensis Divakar & Upreti sp. nov. is described as a new species. Tuckneraria ahtii Randlane & Saag, T. togashii (Asahina) Randlane & A. Thell and Cetrelia sinensis W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb. are reported as new records.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 150 , 249–251.     

Two new species of Lessingianthus (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from the Brazilian highlands

Two additional species of Lessingianthus , L. bakerianus and L. lanuginosus , from the campo cerrado vegetation of central Brazil, are described and illustrated. The first species is characterized by the presence of capitula arranged in groups, nine to 12 florets per head, leaves sessile, oblong to ovate leaf blades with the lower surface densely lanate, sparsely villous on the main veins. It has certain resemblance to L. syncephalus (Sch. Bip. ex Baker) H. Rob. and L. brevipetiolatus (Sch. Bip. ex Baker) H. Rob., which present petiolate leaves and leaf blades lanceolate, cuneate or attenuate at the base. L. lanuginosus is superficially similar to L. buddleiifolius (Mart. ex DC.) H. Rob., but differs in having smooth stems, woolly indumentum, smaller heads and the largest leaves disposed at the middle of the stem.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 150 , 487–493.     

Calcareous sponges of the genera Clathrina and Guancha (Calcinea, Calcarea, Porifera) of Norway (north-east Atlantic) with the description of five new species

The taxonomy and distribution of 11 species of calcareous sponges of the subclass Calcinea from the Norwegian coast are reviewed. The Norwegian Calcinea represents a mixture of southern boreal/boreal and boreoarctic species, and the calcinean sponge fauna of northern Norway has strong similarities to the Greenlandic and the White Sea/Barents Sea sponge faunas. Most Norwegian Calcinea have their main distribution between 20 and 100 m depth, although some species are found only in the shallow sublittoral or from sublittoral to abyssal depths. Six species were previously reported in the area: Clathrina coriacea (Montagu, 1818), Clathrina cribrata Rapp et al ., 2001, Clathrina nanseni (Breitfuss, 1896), Clathrina septentrionalis Rapp et al ., 2001, Guancha blanca Miklucho-Maclay, 1868 and Guancha lacunosa (Johnston, 1842). Five species are new to science: Clathrina corallicola , Clathrina jorunnae , Guancha arnesenae , Guancha camura , and Guancha pellucida spp. nov. A key to the known Norwegian Calcinea is provided.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 147 , 331–365.     

The Deschampsia cespitosa complex (Poaceae: Aveneae) with special reference to Russia

The Deschampsia cespitosa complex in Russia is revised. Related taxa common to Russia and adjacent regions (i.e. northern Europe, Arctic America and Japan) are also considered. Deschampsia cespitosa s.l. is characterized by open to less commonly rather contracted panicles, spikelets (1) 2 (3)-flowered, 4-toothed lemmas with the lateral teeth larger, and awns straight or bent, inserted from the base to the top of the lemmas. Due to extensive overlapping in diagnostic characters, it is not possible to accept the specific status for D. borealis (Traut.) Roshev., D. brevifolia R.Br., D. macrothyrsa Tatew. et Ohwi and D. obensis Roshev; instead, they are treated as subspecies of D. cespitosa (L.) Beauv. Morphological differences are insufficient for a clear differentiation among subspecies, and geographical distributions also need to be considered. A total of 14 subspecies is accepted. Observations on ecology, problems of specific and subspecific delimitation, a distribution map, and considerations of evolution of the complex are provided. One new combination is made, Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. sukatschewii (Popl.) Chiapella & Prob.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 142 , 213–228.     

On the monophyly of Dactylorhiza Necker ex Nevski (Orchidaceae): is Coeloglossum viride (L.) Hartman a Dactylorhiza?

Previous phylogenetic analyses of Orchidaceae subtribe Orchidinae resulted in the proposal to classify Coeloglossum viride (L.) Hartman within the genus Dactylorhiza in order to maintain its monophyly. In this paper, we report some results that contradict previous studies regarding the monophyly of the traditional Dactylorhiza and its phylogenetic relationship with Coeloglossum. Our results, which combine sequences of the internal and external transcribed spacers of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, support the monophyly of Dactylorhiza , with Coeloglossum being a sister clade. The position of C. viride in the phylogenetic tree, and the considerable morphological differences with respect to Dactylorhiza , incline us to retain both lineages as distinct genera.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 152 , 261–269.     

The molecular systematics of Leiopotherapon unicolor (Günther, 1859): testing for cryptic speciation in Australia's most widespread freshwater fish

Leiopotherapon unicolor is the most widespread freshwater fish species in Australia. A comprehensive allozyme and mitochondrial DNA 16S rRNA data set was assembled from 141 specimens of L. unicolor collected Australia-wide in order to test for cryptic speciation in this far-ranging species. Surprisingly, little genetic diversity was observed within L. unicolor and provided no evidence for the existence of cryptic species within this lineage. In contrast, a small sample set of L. aheneus used as the outgroup showed two highly divergent haplotypes strongly suggestive of cryptic speciation. L. unicolor has a number of ecological and life history attributes that may explain the lack of significant genetic divergence over substantial geographical distances. The occurrence of other widespread fish and crustacean species that also display only limited genetic diversity indicate that climate conditions more favourable to dispersal across central and northern Australia than is suggested by the extent of present-day aridity have occurred in the relatively recent geological past.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 87 , 537–552.     

Phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA sequences reveal three cryptic lineages in the widespread neotropical frog Leptodactylus fuscus (Schneider, 1799) (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Leptodactylus fuscus is a neotropical frog ranging from Panamá to Argentina, to the east of the Andes mountains, and also inhabiting Margarita, Trinidad, and the Tobago islands. We performed phylogenetic analyses of 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, tRNA-Leu, and ND1 mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences from specimens collected across the geographic distribution of L. fuscus to examine two alternative hypotheses: (i) L. fuscus is a single, widely distributed species, or (ii) L. fuscus is a species complex. We tested statistically for geographic association and partitioning of genetic variation among mtDNA clades. The mtDNA data supported the hypothesis of several cryptic species within L. fuscus. Unlinked mtDNA and nuclear markers supported independently the distinctness of a 'northern' phylogenetic unit. In addition, the mtDNA data divided the southern populations into two clades that showed no sister relationship to each other, consistent with high differentiation and lack of gene flow among southern populations as suggested by allozyme data. Concordance between mtDNA and allozyme patterns suggests that cryptic speciation has occurred in L. fuscus without morphological or call differentiation. This study illustrates a case in which lineage splitting during the speciation process took place without divergence in reproductive isolation mechanisms (e.g. advertisement call in frogs), contrary to expectations predicted using a biological species framework.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 87 , 325–341. No claim to original US government works.     

Cytology, palynology, and taxonomy of Asteropyrum and four other genera of Ranunculaceae

A karyomorphological study of two species in Asteropyrum (Ranunculaceae) and five in presumably related genera (one each in Caltha , Coptis , and Dichocarpum and two in Thalictrum ) reveals close similarities between Asteropyrum and Caltha , but obvious differences between Asteropyrum and Coptis , Dichocarpum , and Thalictrum , in some karyological features, such as the structure of the interphase nuclei, chromosome size, basic chromosome number, and condensation behaviour of chromosomes during the mitotic prophase. The chromosomes of Asteropyrum are categorized as being of the R-type and the basic chromosome number is confirmed as x  = 8, indicating a possible close affinity of Asteropyrum to members in the subfamily Helleboroideae, in particular to Caltha and its allies. Asteropyrum peltatum and Asteropyrum cavaleriei are shown to be more or less differentiated from each other in gross morphology and palynology, and somewhat independent in geographical distribution, albeit with intermediate forms occurring where their distribution zones overlap. It seems justifiable to treat them as two subspecies of A. peltatum .  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 152 , 15–26.     

Chromosome numbers in Brazilian species of Crotalaria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) and their taxonomic significance

Chromosome numbers were counted for 23 species of Crotalaria native to Brazil. Among these data there were new counts for 15 taxa, and some confirmed previous reports or represented numbers that were different from those cited previously. The chromosome numbers most frequently found were 2 n  = 16 and 2 n  = 32. Only C. incana L. had 2 n  = 14 and C. tweediana Benth. had 2 n  = 54. The counts 2 n  = 32 and 54 were found in species of section Calycinae and 2 n  = 16 and 14 in species of section Chrysocalycinae . The data revealed the importance of chromosomal parameters in the characterization of sections Calycinae and Chrysocalycinae in Brazil. We discuss the systematic significance and evolutionary aspects for the genus, comparing the results with the two sections that are native in Brazil.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 271–277.     

Karyological notes on eight species of Achillea L. (Asteraceae, Santolinoideae) from Turkey

The chromosome number and morphology of eight species belonging to the section Santolinoideae of the genus Achillea L. (Asteraceae) were investigated using karyological techniques. The species studied were Achillea cucullata (Hausskn.) Bornm., A. vermicularis Trin., A. monocephala Boiss. & Bal., A. boissieri (Hausskn.) Bornm., A. santolina L., A. gypsicola Hub.-Mor., A. goniocephala Boiss. & Bal., and A. spinulifolia Fenzl ex Boiss. In these species, the chromosome numbers were 2 n  = 18 in A. vermicularis , A. monocephala , and A. boissieri , 2 n  = 18A + 1B in A. spinulifolia , 2 n  = 36 in A. cucullata and A. santolina , and 2 n  = 54 in A. gypsicola and A. goniocephala . All of the chromosomes had median point (M), median region (m), or submedian (sm) centromeres. An increase in asymmetry was not observed in the karyotypes of the species.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 573–580.     

Karyotypes in Leucadendron (Proteaceae): evidence of the primitiveness of the genus

Karyotypes of 27 species in Leucadendron are analysed for the first time. New chromosome counts are reported for 15 species, with 2 n  = 26 occurring in all of them. Karyotype analysis indicated that chromosomes of Leucadendron taxa are small in size and have predominantly median to submedian centromeres. The mean sizes of somatic metaphase chromosomes ranged from 1.05 to 2.65 µm. Based on Stebbins' karyotype classification, 1A type was found in L. galpinii , L. muirii , L. orientale , L. platyspermum , L. rubrum , and L. salignum ; 2A type in L. conicum , L. flexuosum , L. laureolum , L. meridianum , L. salicifolium , L. stelligerum , and L. teretifolium ; and 2B type in L. argenteum , L. chamelaea , L. discolor , L. elimense , L. eucalyptifolium , L. floridum , L. gandogeri , L. linifolium , L. loeriense , L. macowanii , L. procerum , L. spissifolium , L. strobilinum , and L. tinctum . These types are the three most symmetrical karyotypes and are considered to be primitive.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 387–394.     

High photobiont diversity associated with the euryoecious lichen-forming ascomycete Lecanora rupicola (Lecanoraceae, Ascomycota)

The diversity and phylogenetic position of photobionts in the widespread saxicolous, crustose lichen-forming ascomycete Lecanora rupicola s.l. is presented. The algal partners of this lichen species complex belong to diverse and unrelated lineages in the genus Trebouxia . Specimens were sampled from different habitats and geographical origins. Either whole thallus DNA extractions or minute fragments of the algal layer of the lichen thallus were subjected to polymerase chain reaction, using primers that specifically amplify internal transcribed spacer rDNA of the photobionts. No correlations between different chemical races of L. rupicola with particular lineages of Trebouxia spp. were found. Irrespective of the different algal partners, all lichen thalli abundantly developed ascomata. L. rupicola apparently maintains full fecundity with a low degree of selectivity for photobionts, which promotes the occurrence of this lichen-forming species in ample ecological situations.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 88 , 283–293.     

To which genus of Asteraceae does Liabum oblanceolatum belong? Vegetative characters have the answer

The West Indian species Liabum oblanceolatum Urb. & Ekman was established on the basis of sterile young specimens represented by acaulescent herbs with rosulate leaves. However, these specimens have important traits that do not correspond to Liabum Adans. More than 90 genera of Asteraceae occur in Hispaniola (= Santo Domingo), but only 14 of them include species represented by acaulescent herbs with rosulate or grouped leaves at the base of the stem. From these genera, Chaptalia Vent. and Liabum are the most similar to the types of L. oblanceolatum . Habit, leaf arrangement, lamina shape, leaf margin, leaf surface, leaf margin intrasection, leaf venation, leaf pubescence, leaf trichomes, stomata and upper surface leaf cuticle were analysed in the type specimens of L. oblanceolatum and in species of Chaptalia and Liabum of Hispaniola. The vegetative trichomes are described in detail. The analysis reveals that the type specimens of L. oblanceolatum fit with all the vegetative traits of Chaptalia angustata Urb. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 150 , 479–486.     

Chromosomal polymorphism in the Atlantic dog-whelk, Nucella lapillus (Gastropoda: Muricidae): nomenclature, variation and biogeography

Nucella lapillus appears to be unique within the Muricidae, and indeed the Mollusca, in exhibiting a Robertsonian chromosomal polymorphism. The recorded diploid values range from 2 n  = 26 to 2 n  = 36, putatively brought about by fusion of smaller chromosomes to form five pairs of large metacentrics in the 2 n  = 26 form. In this study, the karyotypes of the numerically extreme forms (2 n  = 26 and 2 n  = 36) have been illustrated and described in detail, and a new scheme of nomenclature is proposed for the chromosomal rearrangements observed in N. lapillus . Chromosome numbers and karyotypes were recorded and analysed from 70 sites throughout its wide geographical range, mainly from around the UK coasts but also from sites in Norway, France, Spain, Portugal and the USA, showing remarkable variation in both diploid number and karyotypic configuration. The results provide new evidence that seven chromosomes in the 2 n  = 26 form can be involved in the Robertsonian rearrangements, but the maximum recorded diploid number remains 2 n  = 36. Inversions were confirmed in three chromosomes and one population was found to exhibit aneuploidy. Possible explanations for the geographical trends in karyotypic variation are discussed, but despite the advances in the karyology of N. lapillus , a simple solution to this enigmatic phenomenon remains elusive.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 87 , 195–210.     

Loss of traditional mucous glands and presence of a novel mucus-producing granular gland in the plethodontid salamander Ensatina eschscholtzii

All amphibians are thought to possess two distinct types of dermal gland: mucous and granular. Mucous glands typically produce an acidic, flocculent and carbohydrate positive secretion that keeps skin moist and helps maintain homeostasis. In this study, we use a battery of histochemical tests to identify these traditional mucous glands in the dermis of the plethodontid salamander Ensatina eschscholtzii . The periodic acid-Schiff, alcian blue, toluidine blue and carmine reactions reveal the absence of both acidic glycosaminoglycans and traditional mucous glands. Instead, E. eschscholtzii produces neutral mucus in specialized granular glands, which we name mucus-producing granular glands (MPGGs). The loss of traditional mucous glands is a derived trait for Ensatina .  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 87 , 469–477.     

A new dwarf Coffea (Rubiaceae) from southern Cameroon

A distinctive new species of dwarf monocaulous Coffea (Rubiaceae) from Cameroon is described and illustrated. Coffea mapiana is the second dwarf monocaulous known from Cameroon. Its diagnostic characters are elucidated and its taxonomic affinities are discussed; a conservation assessment is provided.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 425–430.     

A new Mantalania species (Rubiaceae) from Madagascar

Mantalania longipedunculata De Block & A.P. Davis, a new species of Rubiaceae (Gardenieae) from Île Sainte Marie, Madagascar, is described, illustrated, and compared with the three other species in the genus. An extinction risk assessment is given, using the categories and criteria of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 421–424.     

New or rarely reported chromosome numbers in taxa of subtribe Artemisiinae (Anthemideae, Asteraceae) from Mongolia

This study encompasses 25 chromosome counts of 18 species in the subtribe Artemisiinae (tribe Anthemideae) of the family Asteraceae, from Mongolia. Most (15 species) belong to Artemisia , the largest genus of the subtribe, whereas the others come from two genera very closely related to it: Ajania (two species) and Neopallasia (one species). Eleven counts are new reports, three are not consistent with previous reports and the remainder confirm scanty earlier information. The majority of the species have x  = 9 as their basic chromosome number, but there are some taxa with x  = 8. Ploidy levels range from 2 x to 6 x . The presence of B-chromosomes was detected in Ajania fruticulosa .  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 150 , 203–210.