Calligonum taklimakanense sp. nov. (Polygonaceae) from Xinjiang,China

Calligonum taklimakanense B. R. Pan & G. M. Shen, a new species of Polygonaceae from Taklimakan Desert, Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to C. ebinuricum Ivanova ex Soskov in having similar fruit shape and achenes with two rows of bristles, but differs in straight old branches and slightly coiled achenes without a long beak. Calligonum ebinuricum has tortuous old branches, very coiled achenes, and a 2–4 mm long beak.     

Carex sinosupina sp. nov. (sect. Lamprochlaenae,Cyperaceae) from Gansu,north central China

Carex sinosupina, a new species from Gansu, China is described and illustrated. This species is similar to C. aridula and C. ivanoviae, but differs by having broader leaves, 2.0–3.5 mm wide, perigynia 3–5‐veined abaxially and achenes concave at the middle of one lateral surface. Based on a field survey and SEM (scanning electron microscope) observation of the micromorphology of perigynia and achenes, the morphology and micromorphology of the new species, C. aridula and C. ivanoviae is compared.     

Comparative capitular morphology and anatomy of Coreopsis L. and bidens L. (compositae), including a review of generic boundaries

The capitular and floral morphology and anatomy ofBidens L. andCoreopsis L. were studied. All the North American species ofCoreopsis were studied. Selected species ofBidens from North and South America andCoreopsis from South America were included. The results were compared with previous observations on African species ofBidens (incl.Coreopsis). Emphasis was given to character states of the ray florets, paleae, stylearm apices, outer phyllaries, achenes, and pollen grains. Some of the character states are unique features ofCoreopsis, e.g., globular and elongately conical receptacles, deltoid outer phyllaries, truncate and indistinctly 3–5-dentate, 3–4-lobed ray florets, narrowly spathulate paleae, subulate paleae with linear-filiform upper half, hairy and apically 3-cleft paleae, truncate, convex or shallowly conical stylearm apices with the sweeping hairs limited to the area above the stigmatic surfaces and the orbicular to circular achenes. The cylindric setaceous pappus bristles so commonly encountered inBidens are unknown inCoreopsis. The pappus bristles inCoreopsis are paleaceous but similar, though thicker ones are also found in African species ofBidens (incl.Coreopsis) with winged achenes. Twin-celled hairs (setulae) with differing degrees of wall thickness are found on the achenes ofCoreopsis sect.Pseudoagarista (Mexico and South America),Coreopsis sect.Pugiopappus (California), AfricanBidens with winged achenes (e.g.,B. prestinaria, B. macroptera) and some North AmericanBidens (e.g.,B. aristosa). Similar sclerotic parenchyma make up the achenial wings of species in both genera. These may be interpreted as homologous structures, indicating the underlying similarity of these taxa and their derivation from a common ancestral stock.     

Carex yandangshanica sp. nov. (Cyperaceae; C. sect. Rhomboidales) from Zhejiang,China

Carex yandangshanica C. Z. Zheng & X. F. Jin, a new species of Carex sect. Rhomboidales Kükenth. from Zhejiang, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to C. thibetica Franch. and C. brevicuspis C. B. Clarke, but differs from the former by having trabeculate leaves, pistillate spikes with 6–10 staminate flowers or without staminate flower at the apex, and achenes at apex contracted into a slightly curved beak, and from the latter by having lateral culms, trabeculate leaves, and elliptic, rubiginous and awned pistillate scales. SEM microphotographs of perigynia and achenes are provided for the new species and related taxa.     

Scorzonera ahmet‐duranii sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from southwest Anatolia,and its phylogenetic position

Scorzonera ahmet‐duranii S. Makbul & Coskuncelebi sp. nov. (Asteraceae) is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to Turkey. It is morphologically similar to S. semicana DC., but differs by its rootstock, deeply undulating basal leaves and glabrous achenes. Additionally, the size and micro‐morphological properties of achenes and some anatomical traits of the leaf and stem are helpful in distinguishing these closely related taxa. A phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA ITS sequence data showed that S. semicana is the sister species of the new taxon presented in this study.     

Germination,reproduction and interference in the amphicarpic annual Emex spinosa (L.) Campd

Summary A comparison was made of the dimorphic subterranean and aerial achenes of the annual Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. Subterranean achenes were less dormant, had a higher percentage of viability, germinated at a faster rate, were less temperature-dependent in germination and produced larger seedlings than aerial achenes. Subterranean achenes germinated, equally well in light or dark but aerial achenes had a strong light requirement. There was a linear relationship between numbers of weight of aerial achenes and plant size in the field. More resources were allocated to reproduction in plants restricted in size because of environmental conditions. Subterranean achene production was less affected than aerial by density, nitrogen levels, varying field conditions and interference between plants grown, from subterranean and aerial achenes. In mixtures of such plants, those from subterranean achenes had larger leaf area and stems and more aerial achenes. These differences were not apparent in monocultures by the time of harvest. Seed dimorphism is more likely in short-lived fugitive species and the different roles associated with dimorphism (persistence in situ versus dispersal in E. spinosa) are seen as an ecological advantage in such species.     

Morphological variability of Tragopogon pterodes Pančić ex Petrović achenes: taxonomic evaluation of heterocarpy

This study presents the carpological heterogeneity of Tragopogon pterodes, an endemic plant species from Balkan Peninsula. The goal of this paper was to determine the variability of morphological characters of achenes and assess the degree of their morphological differentiation relative to the position they occupy in the receptacle. Analysis included four different populations of T. pterodes and examination of 18 (8 qualitative and 10 quantitative) characters of achenes in total. Data analysis employed basic statistic, univariate (ANOVA, Tukey HSD) and multivariate (CDA, CA) analyses to check the level of heterocarpy in this species. The results indicate possible morphological differentiation of three groups of achenes (outer, median and inner achenes), depending of their position on the receptacle. The members of all three types were described, illustrated and compared. The variability of investigated carpological characters in this species is providing important information prior to their further taxonomic treatment.     

Significance of achene characteristics and within-achene resource allocation in the germination strategy of tetraploid Aster pilosus var. pilosus (Asteraceae)

The interrelationships among achene weight, allocation to embryo and pericarp, and germination time were determined for 500 stratified achenes of tetraploid Aster pilosus Willd. var. pilosus. Only 52.6% of the achenes germinated. Germinated achenes were significantly heavier than ungerminated achenes. Germination time was independent of achene weight and embryo weight, but varied inversely with pericarp weight. Variable achene weight is evolutionarily advantageous. Heavy achenes are at an advantage in that their proportionately larger embryos and thinner pericarps facilitate germination, promoting competitive establishment of seedlings. Lighter achenes are also at an advantage through increased dispersibility, and their relatively thick pericarp provides a persistent seed bank. Evolutionary pressures presumably maintain the variability in achene weight of var. pilosus. These results are discussed in the context of the early midsuccessional ecology of var. pilosus.     

Ajania semnanensis sp. nov. (Asteraceae–Anthemideae), from northeast Iran: insights from karyological and micromorphological data

Ajania semnanensis (Compositae: Anthemideae), a new species of Ajania from northeast of Iran, Semnan province, is described and illustrated. Ajania semnanensis is a suffruticose perennial growing on rocky and stony slopes of mountains at altitudes of 1500–2800 m a.s.l. Karyological and micromorphological data of the pollen and achenes, as well as a distribution map for the species are provided. The cytotype of the species was found to be diploid (2n = 2x = 18) based on x = 9. The karyotype formula is 2n = 2x = 4M + 6m + 6sm + 2st. Pollen grains of A. semnanensis are prolate‐spheroidal (P/E = 1.1), 3‐zonocolporate and echinate (Anthemis type). The achenes of A. semnanensis are obovate, 1.0–1.5 × 0.5–0.6 mm, light brown, with 4–6 fine and inconspicuous ribs, glabrous, without pappus and with a subbasal carpopodium. The IUCN status of the new species is suggested to be ‘Least Concern’ (LC).     

Germination Response Patterns during Dormancy Loss in Achenes of Six Perennial Asteraceae from Texas, USA

Abstract When subjected to simulated habitat temperatures, achenes of six perennial Asteraceae from southcentral Texas came out of dormancy during summer. In the early stages of dormancy loss, achenes of Erigeron modestus, Gaillardia suavis and Hymenoxys scaposa germinated (to ≥ 10%) in light at 12/12 hr daily thermoperiods of 15/6, 20/10 and 25/15°C and those of Pinaropappus roseus at 15/6 and 20/10°C. After additional dormancy loss, achenes of these four species also germinated at 30/15 and 35/20°C. Achenes of these four species had a Type 1 germination response pattern, which heretofore has not been reported in perennial Asteraceae. Achenes of Chaptalia nutans first germinated (to ≥ 10%) at 20/10 and 25/15°C and those of Hymenopappus scabiosaeus at 20/10°C, but with further loss of dormancy achenes of both species also germinated at 15/6, 30/15 and 35/20°C. Thus, achenes of these two species had a Type 3 pattern. This is the first report of perennials in any family with a Type 3 response pattern whose seeds come out of dormancy during summer. Presence of annual and perennial Asteraceae with Type 2 in temperate eastern North America and annual and perennial Asteraceae with Type 1 in southcentral Texas causes us to conclude that climate is more important than the type of life cycle in determining the type of germination response pattern.     

Salinity as a constraint on growth of oligohaline marsh macrophytes. I. Species variation in stress tolerance

The effects of increased salinity on plant growth were examined in a greenhouse experiment with four species common to oligohaline marshes of the northern Gulf of Mexico: Eleocharis palustris, Panicum hemitomon, Sagittaria lancifolia, and Scirpus americanus. Effects of final salinity reached (6 or 12 g/L), salinity influx rate (3 d or 3 wk), and duration of exposure (1, 2, or 3 mo) were investigated. Sagittaria lancifolia was the first species to show visible signs of stress, with browning and curling of older leaf edges. The salt effect was delayed for 6-8 wk in P. hemitomon, but this species had the highest aboveground tissue mortality rate at 12 g/L as exposure continued. Final salt concentration affected all species to a greater degree than did salinity influx rate. No aboveground mortality occurred at 6 g/L, but growth suppression was apparent and varied with species. The magnitude of growth suppression in response to salinity increased for all species as the duration of exposure increased. Overall, we ranked the species as follows, in order from least to most salt tolerant: Panicum hemitomon < Sagittaria lancifolia < Eleocharis palustris < Scirpus americanus. This ranking reflects the field occurrence of these species along a gradient of increasing salinity in northern Gulf of Mexico coastal habitats from freshwater wetlands through oligohaline areas to mesohaline wetlands.     

Saussurea pseudograminea sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau,China

Morphological characteristics, as well as ultrastructure of pollen grains, chromosome numbers and karyotype analysis have been used to establish a new species of Saussurea from the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau. The new species, Saussurea pseudograminea Y. F. Wang, G. Z. Du et Y. S. Lian is easily distinguished from the similar S. graminea Dunn by having 2–3 capitula, involucre 0.7–1.2 cm in diameter, smaller pollen grains, pollen surface with larger and denser spines, achenes 4.0–5.5 mm long, 32 chromosomes, and a karyotype formula 2n = 2x = 32 = 18m + 10sm + 4st, whereas S. graminea has solitary capitula, involucre 1.2–2.0 cm in diameter, larger pollen grains, pollen surface with smaller and sparser spines, achenes 3–4 mm long, 28 chromosomes and a karyotype formula 2n = 2x = 28 = 6m + 20sm + 2st. The new species is distributed in Dianzhangou, Awanchang, and Gamaliang mountain regions of Maqu county in Gansu province.     

Potentilla jiaozishanensis sp. nov. (sect. Leptostylae,Rosaceae) from southwest China

Potentilla jiaozishanensis, a distinct new species of Rosaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is closely related to P. stenophylla var. stenophylla but clearly differs from the latter by its bidentate leaflets, lanceolate epicalyx‐segments that are longer than the sepals, villose ovaries and achenes. Moreover, the pollen grains of P. jiaozishanensis are markedly different from those of P. stenophylla var. stenophylla in size and shape. The newly described species is endemic to the Jiaozishan Mountains, southwest China.     

Carex dapanshanica sp. nov. (C. sect. Mitratae,Cyperaceae) from Zhejiang,China

Carex dapanshanica X. F. Jin, Y. J. Zhao & Z. L. Chen, a new species of Cyperaceae from Mount Dapan, Zhejiang Province, eastern China is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to C. chungii C. P. Wang, but differs in having 2 or 3spikes, pistillate scales with brown margins and short‐awned at apex, and glabrous perigynia. Micromorphological photographs of the achenes of C. dapanshanica and C. chungii under SEM (scanning electron microscope) are provided as well.     

Galatella anatolica sp. nov. (Asteraceae: Astereae) from Osmaniye,Turkey

Galatella anatolica Hamzao?lu & Budak sp. nov. (Asteraceae), collected from Osmaniye (Turkey) is here described as a new species. It is similar to G. angustissima (Tausch) Novopokr. in general habit. Both have stems with few branches and 1‐veined middle leaves, but are distinguished by involucral features, series of phyllaries, and lengths of disc florets, achenes and pappus.     

Carex zhejiangensis sp. nov. (Cyperaceae) from Zhejiang,eastern China

Carex zhejiangensis X. F. Jin, Y. J. Zhao, C. Z. Zheng & H. W. Zhang, a new species of Carex sect. Rhomboidales sensu Kükenthal (Cyperaceae) from Zhejiang, eastern China, is described with illustrations. This new species is morphologically similar to C. filipes and C. macroglossa. Compared to C. filipes, C. zhejiangensis has elongated rhizomes, scattered culms, rather densely flowered pistillate spikes, achenes shortly stipitate at the base, and styles erect at the base. In contrast, C. filipes has short rhizomes, caespitose culms, sparsely flowered pistillate spikes, achenes obscurely stipitate at the base, and styles curved at the base. C. zhejiangensis differs from C. macroglossa by having elongated rhizomes and scattered culms, pistillate scales awned at apex, and perigynia contracted to a narrowly infundibuliform beak at apex. Diagnostic morphological characters, which are based upon population sampling, were analyzed in Carex zhejiangensis sp. nov., C. filipes and C. macroglossa.     

Scorzonera aksekiensis sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from south Anatolia,Turkey

Scorzonera aksekiensis A. Duran & M. Öztürk sp. nov. from the Akseki district (C3 Antalya province) in Turkey is described and illustrated. The diagnostic morphological characters of similar taxa are discussed. Scorzonera aksekiensis is related to S. semicana DC. from which it mainly differs in its habitus, indumentum, leaves, capitula and achenes. The ecology, biogeography and conservation status of the new species are also presented. The geographical distribution of S. aksekiensis and related species is mapped.     

Patterns of vegetation surrounding springs in Goshen Bay,Utah County,Utah U.S.A.

Saline meadows in Goshen Bay, Utah County, Utah, USA, occur interspersed among large areas of salt playa. Springs irrigate these meadows which show concentric vegetational zones surrounding each spring. Each vegetational zone demonstrates its own unique dominant vascular plant species. The central zone is dominated primarily by Scirpus americanus, the middle zone by Eleocharis palustris and the outer zone by Juncus balticus, Distichlis spicata and Muhlenbergia asperifolia. As distance increases from the springs, pH and soluble salt concentration increase, while percent organic matter, percent moisture and phosphorus decrease. With the increase in salt levels and decrease in water levels, halophytic plant species generally increase with distance from the springs.