Plagiochila britannica,a new species in the British Isles

Abstract

Plagiochila britannica is described as a new species. It differs from P. porelloides and P. asplenioides in many characters, especially its often more narrowly oval leaves with a more variable, often truncate to bilobed apex and larger cells, its wider antical stem cells and its diploid chromosome number. Differences from P. arctica var intermedia include its more variable leaf apex, generally more dentate leaves often with longer teeth, the greater maximum size of its leaf cells and its wider antical stem cells. Male and female inflorescences and sporophytes are known in P. britannica, which favours base-rich substrata and has been found in Wales, N. England, Scotland and N. Ireland. A key to the nine species of Plagiochila in the British Isles is included.     

Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars XIX. New species of Palicourea (Psychotrieae) from Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela

Eight new South American species ofPalicourea are described and illustrated:P. crystallina from north-central Peru differs fromP. loxensis from Ecuador, also described herein, by its longer calyx limbs, 1.2–2.5 mm long, with the lobes often unequal in length;P. cutucuana from southern Ecuador differs fromP. angustifolia in its broader leaves and inflorescences and larger corollas;P. gelsemiiflora of northern Peru is distinguished by its pedicels 11–20 mm long, calyx limbs 7–11 mm long, relatively large yellow corollas with tubes 32–33 mm long, relatively large fruits 12–13 mm long, and pyrenes with an unusual spongy wall;P. gemmiflora of southern Ecuador and northern Peru differs fromP. subtomentosa by its longer corollas with horn-like projections on the abaxial surfaces of the lobes;P. lemoniana of southwestern Venezuela differs fromP. nitidella by its corolla tubes 17–18 mm long with the lobes pubescent abaxially and fromP. grandiflora by its secondary leaf veins only 7–10 pairs and corollas externally with lanose trichomes to 0.5 mm long;P. loxensis of southern Ecuador differs fromP. garciae by its densely reticulated secondary and tertiary leaf venation, membranaceous stipules, and sessile rather than pedicellate flowers;P. otongaensis of north-central Ecuador differs fromP. holmgrenii by its longer corollas with well developed horn-like appendages borne on the abaxial surfaces of the lobes; andP. smithiana of central Peru differs fromP. lobbii by its laminar stipules with obtuse to rounded lobes only 0.5–1 mm long, yellow corollas, and pyrenes that are ridged dorsally.     

Polytrichum commune Hedw. and Polytrichadelphus magellanicus (Hedw.) Mitt. used as decorative material on New Zealand Maori cloaks

Abstract

Confirmation of the occurrence of the moss Ptychomnion densifolium on the main islands of New Zealand is provided and the features which separate it from the more common P. aciculare are outlined. A brief account of the history of P. densifolium in New Zealand is given and its morphology there is discussed. A key to the two species in New Zealand is provided and habitat differences between them outlined. New Zealand material differs from type locality (Tristan d' Acunha) material in having longer and more twisted acumens, and in this respect is similar to New Zealand material of P. aciculare. New Zealand populations of P. densifolium are recognisable in having stem leaves reflexed from an oblong sheathing base, and well developed basal leaf plications. It is a relatively widespread species in New Zealand, occurring in mostly upper elevation, open sites.     

Ephemerum hibernicum sp. nov. (Bryopsida: Ephemeraceae) from Ireland

Abstract

Ephemerum hibernicum sp. nov. is described from inundation zones of two lakes and a river in north-central Ireland and a river in western Ireland. It is most similar to E. crassinervium and E. sessile, but differs from both of these in several characters of the leaves. In particular, papillae on the upper lamina are much lower than in most E. crassinervium, while the leaves are longer and wider than in E. sessile, with a wider lamina towards the leaf apex, less well-defined costa and sometimes with large spinose marginal teeth. Ephemerum hibernicum is a rare species and its specialized habitat merits conservation.     

Bryobartramia schelpei T.A.Hedderson,a new species to accommodate the South African populations of the genus

Abstract

South African populations of Bryobartramia have been treated as B. novae-valesiae, a species otherwise restricted to Australia. However, material from the two regions differs in a number of traits, and the African populations are here described as a new species, B. schelpei. The Cape species differs most obviously from B. novae-valesiae in the markedly prorate-papillose, narrow, thick-walled cells of the calyptra. Nested analysis of variance reveals further morphometric differences, including the relatively narrower, more cylindrical, calyptra with a longer rostrum, and the smaller leaf cells and spores. Bryobartramia schelpii is known only from arid portions of the winter rainfall region in the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.     

Transgenic plants of ramie (Boehmeria nivea Gaud.) obtained by Agrobacterium mediated transformation

A regeneration and transformation protocol for ramie (Boehmeria nivea Gaud.) is presented. Regeneration was obtained from leaf discs placed on solid B-5 medium (Gamborg et al. 1968) containing adequate concentrations of auxin and cytokinin. Co-cultivation of leaf discs with Agrobacterium tumefaciens and subsequent regeneration resulted in transgenic plants as shown by Southern blot and analysis of expression of the GUS-marker gene.     

A Bryophyte flora of Cornwall. II. Sphagna

Abstract

The taxonomy of Anomobryum julaceum and allied species with axillary bulbils in Europe and Asia is reviewed. A. concinnatum is regarded as a distinct species, occurring in W. and C. Europe, SW., N. and C. Asia and N. America. A. bavaricum has often been confused with A. concinnatum, but differs in its more numerous, small, reddish bulbils and in leaf shape; it is known only from the European Alps. The Asian A. nitidum also has numerous small reddish bulbils but it differs from A. bavaricum in leaf shape and bulbil form. A lectotype is designated for A. nitidum, of which A. gemmigerum and other nominal taxa are regarded as synonyms. Information is presented on geographical ranges and habitats of the four valid species.     

A new species of Eremogone (Caryophyllaceae) from northern Utah and southeastern Idaho, U.S.A.

A name (Eremogone loisiae) is provided for those plants from northern Utah and southeastern Idaho that have gone under the misapplied name Eremogone kingii subsp. uintahensis. Eremogone loisiae, named in honor of Lois A. Arnow, is distinguished from E. kingii by its longer and narrower, flexuous leaves and its longer sepals, petals, styles, capsules, and seeds.     

Regeneration from the Leaf of Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv.

Abstract

Regeneration of new plants from the leaves of Atrichum undulatum will take place after 6 weeks if they are placed with the abaxial surface in contact with damp filter-paper in a saturated atmosphere.

The new plants arise from the surface cells of the midrib area of the leaf where there is a discontinuity of the photosynthetic filaments. This occurs mainly in the distal third of the leaf.

As the leaf ages it loses it capacity for regeneration. There are two regeneration processes, one which occurs when the leaf is separated from the stem and the only wound is at the point of attachment to the stem, and the second when other wounds are inflicted on the leaf. Regeneration due to wounding is greatest in the distal half of the leaf, mutilations near the base of the leaf having less effect on the percentage of regenerated plants.

There seems to be a potential for regeneration (both normal and as a result of wounding) which is greatest in the distal third of the leaf and decreases towards the base of the leaf of A. undulatum. This is compared with the leaf of Physcomitrium turbinatum, and the greater complexity of the process in the former is considered to be the result of greater differentiation of the leaf.     

Drought effects on canopy properties and productivity in thinned and unthinned Turkey oak stands

ABSTRACT

Drought responses, leaf area index (LAI), leaf characteristics and light extinction coefficient (k) were analysed in thinned and unthinned Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) stands at two sites: Valsavignone, in the Apennines, with a mild climate, and Caselli, near the Tyrrhenian coast, with a longer and more accentuated dry period in the summer. Turkey oak showed a good adaptability to drought due to a series of modifications in leaf characteristics, canopy properties and biomass allocation such as leaf area reduction, increased leaf thickness, smaller number of leaves and, at stand level, lower LAI, leaf biomass and LWR values and higher light extinction coefficients. In spite of the better environmental conditions and the higher LAI values, productivity was lower in the wet site. The differences in Turkey oak canopy properties, light extinction coefficients, LAI and their relations with drought and productivity are discussed.     

Riccia rhenana Lorb. ex. K.Mill. in Britain

Abstract

A single, small moss leaf has been found among very small amounts of contents extracted from the Tyrolean Iceman's colon. It belongs to the species Neckera complanata Hedw., a woodland moss of low to moderate altitudes. The leaf was accidently ingested and not consumed as food.     

Aulonemia bogotensis (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), a new species from the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia

A new species of Aulonemia from the páramos of the Cordillera Oriental, Cundinamarca, Colombia, is described and illustrated. Aulonemia bogotensis is distinguished by its diminutive size, abaxially tomentose foliage leaf blades, and spikelets with muticous lemmas. Two similar Colombian endemics, A. pumila and A. trianae, are compared and contrasted with the new species.     

Changes in plant taxonomic and functional diversity patterns following treeline advances in the South Urals

Background: Treeline ecotones represent environmental boundaries that fluctuate in space and time and thus induce changes in plant taxonomic and functional diversity.

Aims: To study changes through time in taxonomic and functional plant diversity patterns along the treeline ecotone.

Methods: In 2002, vegetation was sampled along a gradient from upper montane forest to the treeline–alpine transition in the South Ural Mountains, Russia. In 2014, vegetation was resampled and plant functional traits were collected. We studied spatial and temporal changes in plant species composition, functional composition and functional diversity.

Results: Species composition and diversity changed along the elevational gradient. The functional composition in height, leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content decreased with elevation, whereas functional composition of leaf carbon content increased. We found a temporal shift towards shorter plants with smaller leaves in treeline sites. Functional richness varied in several traits along the elevational gradient, while functional dispersion showed a trend towards increased functional dispersion in height, specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen in the treeline–tundra transition.

Conclusions: Tree encroachment across the treeline ecotone has resulted in a shift in plant species relative abundances and functional diversity, possibly affecting plant community assembly patterns.     

Leptodontium paradoxum,a new moss from Australia

Abstract

A new species, Leptodontiumparadoxum, is described from southern Australia. It differs from L. viticulosoides, a widespread species which occurs in southern Queensland, in the entire leaf margin and in the smaller and less conspicuous patch of inner basal cells.     

Jacquinia pauciflora (Theophrastaceae), a new species from Puerto Rico

A new species,Jacquinia pauciflora, is described from subtropical moist forest on karst hills (mogotes) in northwestern Puerto Rico.Jacquinia pauciflora is similar toJ. stenophylla Urban, from which it differs in several floral and leaf characters, but is possibly most closely related toJ. umbellata A. DC. A key to the species ofJacquinia occurring in Puerto Rico is provided.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stephanopodium</Emphasis> (Dichapetalaceae) from eastern Brazil

A new species of Stephanopodium (Dichapetalaceae) from tabuleiro forests in southern Bahia is here described and illustrated. This species, named Stephanopodium gracile because of its slender habit, is compared to S. blanchetianum and S. organense. From these two species, S. gracile can be distinguished by the inflorescences on the apical portion of the leaf petiole, young branches with sparse short appressed trichomes, and glabrous leaves; from S. blanchetianum it differs also by leaf blades with an acuminate (vs. usually obtuse or rounded, and sometimes acute) apex.     

Control of storage rot of cassava tuber caused by Rhizopus oryzae using some plant extracts

Abstract

The potency of Piper nigrum seed and leaf, Aframomum meleguata seed and Ageratum conyzoides leaf extracts in the control of cassava tuber rot caused by Rhizopus oryzae was investigated. Water, ethanol and petroleum ether were used as extracting solvents. These extracts were fungitoxic both in vitro and in vivo against the test pathogen. P. nigrum seed extracts were the best followed by those of A. meleguata seed, A. conyzoides leaf and then P. nigrum leaf. The extracts were more effective in controlling rot development in unwounded than wounded tubers especially when they were applied before inoculation with the test pathogen. Ethanol extracts gave the highest growth inhibition in vivo followed by water and the petroleum ether extract whereas water extracts showed marked superiority over the extracting solvents in checking rot development in cassava tuber. Water and ethanol extracts of P. nigrum seed and leaf, A. meleguata seed and A. conyzoides leaf could be used as pesticide of plant origin in the control of R. oryzae causing cassava tuber rot in storage.     

Male Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus choose early-leafing tree species during spring dawn chorus

Capsule Blue Tits sang their dawn song in trees that provided greater concealment.

Aims To determine if dawn singing Blue Tits select trees that increase their concealment.

Methods We compared the timing of leaf growth initiation in Blue Tit song-post trees to the average timing of leaf growth initiation for other tree species within 25 m of the song-post.

Results Most Blue Tits (96%, n = 23) sang from tree species that begin leaf growth earlier than the average tree available within 25 m. If males singing in Hawthorns Crataegus monogyna were excluded, 92% (n = 13) sang from earlier leafing trees.

Conclusion Dawn singing Blue Tits select perches that offer greater concealment.     

Novelties in Adenia (Passifloraceae): Four new species, a new combination, a vegetative key, and diagnostic characters for known Madagascan species

Four new species and one new combination ofAdenia are presented, along with a vegetative key and diagnostic characters of the Madagascan species. Additional notes are provided about unusual specimens and field observations.Adenia kigogoensis from Tanzania is shown to be distinct fromA. stenodactyla (its putative closest relative) andA. digitata based on anther connation and other floral traits. The remaining new taxa are from Madagascar.Adenia litoralis has been observed from one coastal locality in northern Madagascar. It is distinctive in fruit size and leaf form.Adenia metamorpha is the only Madagascan taxon with a narrow cylindrical trunk and large napiform tuber; it is also known from only one locality in Madagascar in the Ankarana Reserve.Adenia mcdadiana is a robust liana with highly reduced glands and leaves that appear to be neotenic compared to its closest putative relative,A. sphaerocarpa. Finally, the position ofA. stylosa has been clarified. This species was once treated asA. firingalavensis var.stylosa, and prior to that asA. epigea var.stylosa, but molecular and morphological data suggest it is separate from these species.