The orchids of Timor: checklist and conservation status

A checklist of the Orchidaceae of Timor is presented, with emphasis on the eastern half of the island (East Timor), based on historical herbarium collections and recent botanical explorations. This list comprises 38 genera with 66 species, including 15 new genera and 32 new species records for this island. Moreover, four new species are described: Bulbophyllum sundaicum , Habenaria ankylocentron , Habenaria cauda‐porcelli , and Pterostylis timorensis . Of these, we consider the finding of a new species of Pterostylis to be especially noteworthy, because this species seems to be more closely related to certain Australian members of the genus than to the Malesian ones, suggesting earlier contacts of Timor with Australia. Four new synonyms are proposed: Calanthe veratrifolia var. timorensis J.J.Sm. (C. triplicata), Habenaria cornuta Span. (H. giriensis), H. grandis Benth. ex Ridl. (Peristylus goodyeroides), and H. mutica Span. (H. elongata). The best represented genus is Habenaria, with 13 species, followed by Dendrobium with four, and Bulbophyllum with three. Because of insufficient or sterile material, it was not possible to identify, or describe as new, 20 different taxa. The conservation status of the ten endemic species, plus six possible new undescribed species and two non‐endemic, but threatened, species, was assessed using the World Conservation Union (IUCN) criteria, and categories of threat were proposed. Seven endemic species are considered to be Critically Endangered and two Endangered. One of the nonendemic species is considered to be Critically Endangered, and the other Endangered. The survival of some of these species might be less insecure if an effective application of Regulation project N.2000/19 on protected areas (UNTAET/REG/2000/19) was implemented and maintained, because most of these species were collected in areas considered for protection under this Regulation. Further studies are required, however, in order to complete our knowledge of the diversity and population dynamics of this interesting part of Timor's biodiversity. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157 , 197–215.     

Reassessing the Odontites purpureus group (Orobanchaceae) from south‐east Spain and north‐west Africa

We describe a species of Odontites, O. bolligeri E.Rico, L.Delgado & Herrero, endemic to the south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula and north Africa, from Morocco to Tunisia. This species belongs to the O. purpureus group and corresponds to the taxon that the monographer Markus Bolliger called O. squarrosus subsp. squarrosus. However, according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), this is an invalid name, and hence we propose a new name for these plants here. Drawings of the new species are also supplied. In addition, we compare and discuss the other species of the O. purpureus group, propose a key for them and include a karyological study of the two Iberian species of the group. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 701–708.     

A new species of Allium (Alliaceae) from Dalmatia,Croatia

Allium croaticum , a new species from the island of Vis in Central Dalmatia (Croatia) is described and illustrated. Its relationships with allied species belonging to the A. stamineum group (Allium section Codonoprasum) are discussed. It is a diploid species (2n = 16), colonizing calcareous screes and flowering in early summer. Its morphology, leaf anatomy, karyology, palynology, ecology and taxonomic position are examined. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 106–114.     

A new species of Halocnemum M.Bieb. (Amaranthaceae) from southern Turkey

Halocnemum yurdakulolii Yaprak is described as the second species of the previously monotypic genus Halocnemum. The species is endemic to the Göksu Delta in southern Turkey. The main morphological characteristics that separate H. yurdakulolii from H. strobilaceum (Pall.) M.Bieb. are growth form and spike morphology. Apart from these morphological differences, the species show a clear genetic differentiation. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 716–721.     

A new species of Paraboea (Gesneriaceae) from a karst cave in Guangxi,China, and observations on variations in flower and inflorescence architecture

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Paraboea trisepala W.H.Chen & Y.M.Shui, from a karst cave in Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. The new species differs from other species of Paraboea by its three‐lobed calyx. Variation in flower and inflorescence architecture was observed under cultivation. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 681–688.     

A revision of Elatostema section Weddelia series Salvinioida (Urticaceae)

Based on examinations of specimens of Elatostema and Pellionia housed at K, KUN, L, P, PE, and YUNU, Elatostema section Weddelia series Salvinioida is taxonomically revised. Two species are recognized, described, and illustrated, and a key to the species is provided. Elatostema salvinioides var. robustum W.T.Wang is treated as a synonym of E. salvinioides W.T.Wang. Pellionia imbricata Gagnepain is transferred to Elatostema and a lectotype is designated herein. A new name, Elatostema simplicissimum Q. Lin, is provided because Elatostema imbricans was previously occupied. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 62–66.     

A new species of Astragalus L. (section Onobrychoidei DC.: Fabaceae) from Turkey

A new species of Astragalus L., A. trabzonicus (section Onobrychoidei DC.), is described and illustrated from north‐east Anatolia in Turkey. The diagnostic, pollen morphological, and chromosomal characteristics are discussed. A distribution map and conservation status are given. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157 , 741–747.     

A new species of Cycas (Cycadaceae) from Karnataka,India

Cycas swamyi Singh & Radha, sp. nov. (Cycadaceae) is described and illustrated from Karnataka, India. This new species has been confused with Cycas circinalis L., which is found in the Western Ghats. However, on the basis of its habit, characteristic isotomous‐type dichotomous branching, pinnae anatomy, mega‐ and microsporophyll morphology and seed anatomy, it has been segregated from C. circinalis and is described here as a new species. The distribution and conservation status are also discussed. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 430–435     

Checklist and one new species of Bromeliaceae from Pico do Itambé, Minas Gerais,Brazil

A checklist of the 11 genera and 16 species of Bromeliaceae from the Parque Estadual do Pico do Itambé in Santo Antônio do Itambé and Serra Azul de Minas, Minas Gerais, south‐eastern Brazil, is presented. Bromelioideae is the most diverse subfamily and is concentrated in forested areas. Tillandsioideae and Pitcairnioideae are most abundant in elevated areas of campo rupestre vegetation. Vriesea medusa Versieux, a new night‐blooming species belonging to section Xiphion (E.Morren) E.Morren ex Mez, was found in the area and is described and illustrated. It appears to be an endemic species distinguished from Vriesea nanuzae Leme by a combination of the usually larger dimensions in the rosette, the curved inflorescence which has lateral peduncles bearing up to five sterile bracts, the larger number of flowers, floral bracts and sepals that become dark purplish‐brown towards the apex and the coloration of the leaves. Dyckia glandulosa L.B.Sm. & Reitz and Vriesea densiflora Mez, previously poorly known, were rediscovered and are depicted in their habitat for the first time. Vriesea procera var. tenuis L.B.Sm. is a new record for the state. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 709–715.     

Introducing a new species of the fern genus Doryopteris (Pteridaceae,Polypodiopsida) from the Neotropics

Doryopteris adornata is described as a new species from west‐central South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina). The dense indument of scales on the abaxial surface of the lamina is the most prominent diagnostic feature of this new species. Illustrations of the diagnostic characters are provided, as well as a table comparing the morphological characters of D. adornata with those of the two most similar species. The ecology and distribution are described. The conservation status for the new species using World Conservation Union (IUCN) guidelines/criteria is recommended. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 73–77.     

Tripleurospermum ziganaense (Asteraceae,Anthemideae), a new species from north‐east Anatolia,Turkey

A new species of Tripleurospermum Sch.Bip., Tripleurospermum ziganaense Inceer & Hay?rl?oglu‐Ayaz (Asteraceae, Anthemideae), is described and illustrated. The species grows in open places, on rocky slopes and on roadsides in north‐east Anatolia, Turkey. The diagnostic morphological characters that distinguish it from closely related taxa are discussed, and its conservation status is indicated. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 696–700.     

Two new species of Linaria section Linaria (Scrophulariaceae‐Antirrhineae) from Iran

Linaria azerbaijanensis and Linaria shahroudensis are described as new species from the Azerbaijan and Semnan provinces of Iran, respectively, belong to section Linaria.The new species are compared to their closest relative Linaria lineolata. Linaria azerbaijanensis differs from L. lineolata in having shorter bracts, a shorter corolla, shorter spur and smaller capsules and a different microsculpturing pattern of the testa cells. Linaria shahroudensis differs from L. lineolata in having shorter stems, shorter calyx‐lobes, a longer spur, a smaller capsule and a different microsculpturing pattern of the testa cells. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 734–742.     

A new species of Maytenus section Gymnosporia (Celastraceae) from Hainan Island,China

Maytenus dongfangensis , a new species of Maytenus section Gymnosporia from Hainan Island, China, is described and illustrated. It is most similar to M. longlinensis, from which it differs in its glabrous rachis, deltoid sepals, 2 stigmas, and obconical capsules. A key to the species of Maytenus section Gymnosporia in China is provided. No claim to original Chinese Government works. Journal compilation © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 534–538.     

A new species of Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) from Mount Erciyes,central Anatolia,Turkey

Dianthus aytachii C.Vural from Mount Erciyes, central Anatolia (Turkey) is described and illustrated. It is considered to be endemic to Mount Erciyes. The morphological differences from the closely related species Dianthus zederbaueri Vierh. are discussed. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) threat category and observations on the ecology of the populations are noted. The pollen and seed morphology of D. aytachii and D. zederbaueri were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The geographical distribution of the new species is mapped. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 55–61.     

Two new species and a new series of Elatostema (Urticaceae) from China

The new series Elatostema section Elatostema series Albopilosoides Q.Lin & L.D.Duan (Urticaceae) is described, and two new species of Elatostema, namely Elatostema albopilosoides Q.Lin & L.D.Duan and Elatostema purpureum Q.Lin & L.D.Duan. from south Guizhou province, south‐west China are described and illustrated. Both species were found growing only at the base of a large limestone chamber at an altitude of c. 800 m. Elatostema albopilosoides is morphologically similar to E. albopilosum W.T.Wang, but differs by having female inflorescences with peduncles 10–60 mm long (0–1.5 mm long in E. albopilosum) and receptacles 7–27 mm long, 7–24 mm wide (E. albopilosum: 1–4 mm long and 1–3 mm wide). Elatostema purpureum is also morphologically similar to E. albopilosum, but has stipules 5–6 mm long, 0.8–1.5 mm wide (4–7 mm long, 1.5–2.8 mm wide in E. albopilosum) and leaf blades obliquely elliptical to obliquely oblong‐obovate, 3.5–7.5 mm long and 1.5–2.5 mm wide (obliquely narrowly oblanceolate‐oblong, 12–17 cm long, 3–5 cm wide in E. purpureum:). © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 674–680.     

Genetic differentiation of island populations: geographical barrier or a host switch?

In the Sonoran desert, there exists a diverse community of cactophilic drosophilids that exploit toxic, rotting cactus tissue as a food resource. The chemistry of the necrotic cactus tissue varies among species, and several drosphilid species have evolved specialized detoxification mechanisms and a preference for certain cactus types. In the present study, we compared the genetic structure of two columnar cactus species, Drosophila mettleri and Drosophila mojavensis, and two prickly pear species, Drosophila mainlandi and Drosophila hamatofila, which have all recently colonized Catalina Island off the coast of southern California. Because there are no columnar cactus species on Catalina Island, the two columnar specialists underwent a host switch to prickly pear cactus, the only cactus present on the island. Previous genetic studies of D. mettleri and D. mojavensis showed significant genetic differentiation between mainland and island populations, which could result from restricted gene flow as a result of the San Pedro Channel, or because of a host switch to prickly pear. To distinguish between these possibilities, we analyzed the genetic structure of the prickly pear species aiming to isolate the effects of geography versus host switching. The results obtained show little to no genetic differentiation for the prickly pear species, supporting the hypothesis that the genetic differentiation of the two columnar species is a result of a host switch from columnar cacti to prickly pear. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ?? , ??–??.     

A new species of Lathyrus L. (section Cicercula; Fabaceae) from Turkey

A new species, Lathyrus egirdiricus H.Genc & A.Sahin (section Cicercula; Fabaceae), is described from Turkey, with illustrations and taxonomic comments. Characteristics of the species are compared with those of the related species Lathyrus hirsutus L., L. stenophyllus Boiss. & Heldr., L. sativus L., L. cassius Boiss. and L. gorgoni Parl., from which it differs mainly in the shape, length, width and venation of leaflets, length and width of the stipule, flower colour, legume and style length. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 301–305.     

New Streptocarpus species (Gesneriaceae) from South Africa

Two new rosulate species of Streptocarpus are described from the eastern seaboard of South Africa. The first is endemic to Mpumalanga Province. This species has almost actinomorphic corollas with small cylindrical tubes and was previously included within Streptocarpus parviflorus. However, molecular and morphological data and habitat preference do not support this classification. The second species is from the Msikaba River Gorge in the Eastern Cape Province. It adds to the already impressive list of endemic plant species from this region and is allied to other rosulate species of the Eastern Cape. It approaches Streptocarpus rexii in flower size but differs in its much shorter corolla tubes, which lack purple nectar guides. In addition, the corolla floors are marked with yellow bars reminiscent of Streptocarpus cyaneus and also seen in sympatric populations of the small‐flowered Streptocarpus modestus. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 743–748.