A New Species and a New Variety of Porella (Porellaceae,Marchantiophyta) from China

A new species, Porella recurve loba Y. Jia & Qiang He, and a new variety, Porella campylophylla (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Trev. var. integra Y. Jia & Qiang He, are described and illustrated. Both taxa are from China, found in Gansu and Yunnan Provinces respectively.     

Support from DNA data for a narrow species concept in Schistidium (Grimmiaceae,Musci)

Abstract

A study of ITS1 of 28 specimens of eight species of Schistidium from well-separated populations in Russia and northwest Europe revealed that there are very big differences between species (up to 16 substitutions and 256 indels), whereas within the species differences in DNA there are very few (none to four substitutions and none to six indels). These results strongly support the narrow species concept in Schistidium. Schistidium papillosum is represented by two quite distinct genotypes and probably needs further splitting.     

New synonymy and typification in African Schlotheimia (Bryopsida: Orthotrichaceae)

Abstract

Schlotheimia grevilleana Mitt., Schlotheimia rigescens Broth., Schlotheimia laetevirens Broth., Schlotheimia bequaertii Thér. & Naveau and Schlotheimia brachypodia Thér. & Naveau are placed in synonymy with Schlotheimia ferruginea (Bruch ex Hook. & Grev.) Brid. The typification of Schlotheimia percuspidata Müll.Hal. is discussed and a neotype is proposed.     

Notes on sporophytic details of Aneura crateriformis (Aneuraceae,Marchantiophyta)

Abstract

Pohlia nutans subsp. schimperi is recognized as a distinct taxon, differing from ssp. nutans by the pink to purple coloration of its leaves and a dioicous or polyoicous, rather than paroicous, sexual condition. We review the contrasting reports about the sexuality of these plants, as well as their nomenclatural history, and demonstrate their synonymy with P. nutans subsp. purpurascens Latzel. The subspecies shows a mainly arctic–subarctic distribution, with relict Central European occurrences in the Eastern Alps, the Sudetes and the western Carpathians, probably reflecting migratory events during the Pleistocene. The ecology and phytosociological affinities of the taxon in Central Europe are discussed in detail.     

A morphological revision of the genus Herbertus S.Gray (Herbertaceae,Marchantiophyta) in Africa,including the East African islands

Abstract

The genus Herbertus S.Gray in Africa and the East African islands is revised. The division of the genus into two broad species complexes centred on H. dicranus (Tayl.ex Gottsche et al.) Trev. and H. juniperoideus (Sw.) Grolle is confirmed. H. capensis (Steph.) Sim, H. capillaris (Steph.) H. doggeltianus (Steph.) Demaret, H. lobatus (Steph.) Demaret, H. mascarenicus (Steph.) S.Arn., H. mollis (Steph.) Dusén, H. stuhlmannii (Steph.) Demaret and Schisma kilimandjarense Steph. are synonymous with H. dicranus. H. grossevittatus (Steph.) S.Arn. ex Grolle is synonymous with H. juniperoideus. Three new species are described: H. spicatus N.G.Hodgetts sp. nov., which is related to H. juniperoideus and appears close to the neotropical H. pensilis, with long, narrow leaf lobe apices and a sheathing leaf base; H. mauritianus N.G.Hodgetts sp. nov., also related to H. juniperoideus, has fewer basal slime papillae and the vitta bifurcating lower down; and H. pocsii N.G.Hodgetts sp. nov., which is related to H. dicranus but has setaceous leaf lobe apices composed of long, narrow cells. The relationships of the taxa and patterns of distribution, taking account of recent molecular work, are discussed.     

Vandiemenia ratkowskiana Hewson (Marchantiophyta): a revised description and reassessment of its taxonomic status

Abstract

The endemic Tasmanian hepatic Vandiemenia ratkowskiana Hewson, originally referred to the family Vandiemeniaceae (Marchantiophyta), is restudied taxonomically. The rhizoids, female plants, calyptrae and sporophytes are described for the first time. These features are closest to those of Metzgeria (Metzgeriaceae) and support the placement of Vandiemenia within the Metzgeriaceae.     

Riccia fruticulosa O.F.Müll., 1782 and blue Metzgeria (Marchantiophyta) in Europe

Riccia fruticulosa O.F.Müll., 1782 from Norway is a valid name, referring to Riccardia palmata (Hedw.) Carruth. In 1785 Dickson misidentified British plants of a blue Metzgeria as R. fruticulosa . The European blue species of Metzgeria is conspecific with M. violacea (Ach.) Dumort., which replaces M. fruticulosa auct. The true origin of the type of Jungermannia violacea Ach., 1805 is probably Tierra del Fuego (rather than Dusky Bay, New Zealand), where the species is widespread. Reports from Australasia, Asia and Africa are all erroneous. The blue colour of Jungermanniales is found only in living plants and is derived from the oil-bodies. In contrast, that of Metzgeria appears only after death; its biological function is unknown.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 142 , 229−235.     

Lobatiriccardia yunnanensis,sp. nov. (Metzgeriales,Aneuraceae) from Yunnan,China

Abstract

The genus Lobatiriccardia Furuki is reported as new to China, from the Dulong River valley, Gaoligong Shan range, Yunnan Province and this material is described as a new species endemic to China, Lobatiriccardia yunnanensis Furuki & D.G. Long, the fifth known species in the genus. The differences between the new species and the other members of the genus are enumerated, along with a key to all known species of Lobatiriccardia.     

中华光萼苔的化学成分研究

首次对中华光萼苔(Porella chinensis(Steph.)Hat.)的化学成分进行了研究,从中分离得到四种倍半萜类化合物.通过波谱学数据并与已知化合物的数据比较,它们分别鉴定为环色烯酮(cycloeolorenone,1)、辛辣木醇(drimenol,2)、辛辣木素(drimenin,3)及α-古巴烯(α-copacne,4).通过NOESY确定了化合物1的相对构型.化合物2和4首次从该植物的配子体中分离得到.     

Taxonomic assessment of Ptychomitrium lepidomitrium and P. tortula (Bryopsida,Ptychomitriaceae)

Abstract

Ptychomitrium tortula (Harv.) A.Jaeger, P. lepidomitrium (C.Muell.) Schimp., P. rhacomitrioides Dixon and P. lindigii (Hampe) Jaeg. are similar in morphology by having scabrous calyptrae, sinuous basal leaf cells and crisped and contorted dry leaves. Studies of the type specimens of these species indicated that P. rhacomitrioides and P. lindigii are synonymous with P. tortula and P. lepidomitrium, respectively. Comparisons of the morphological features and distribution in detail showed that P. tortula and P. lepidomitrium are two distinctive species with geographical disjunction between Asia and Central and South America.     

The genus Gottschelia Grolle (Jungermanniopsida,Lophoziaceae) in China,with a description of G. grollei,sp. nov.

Abstract

The genus Gottschelia Grolle is reported as new to mainland China, from Yunnan Province. Previously G. schizopleura (Spruce) Grolle was the only known Chinese species, reported from Taiwan. However, two further species have recently been found in the Gaoligong Shan range, Yunnan Province, G. patoniae Grolle, Schill & D.G. Long, previously known from the East Himalaya of Nepal and India (Sikkim) and G. grollei D.G. Long & Váňa, described here as a new species endemic to China, the fourth known species in the genus. The differences between the three Chinese species are enumerated with notes on distribution and ecology.     

Bryophytes of St Helena,South Atlantic Ocean. 4. Kurzia nemoides (Hook.f. et Taylor) Grolle and Lepidozia africana Steph. (Jungermanniales,Lepidoziaceae) described from the island

Abstract

The little known species Kurzia nemoides (Hook.f. et Taylor) Grolle and Lepidozia africana Steph. (Lepidoziaceae) are described and illustrated from St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean. Details are given of their distributions on the island, and the differences between related species are discussed. This is the first report of the genus Lepidozia from St Helena.     

Two new species of Lejeunea Lib. (Hepaticae: Lejeuneaceae) from Sikkim,India

Abstract

Two new species of Lejeunea Lib., L. kashyapii sp. nov. and L. mehrana sp. nov. are described from Sikkim, India. The former is characterized by sub-orbicular leaves; first tooth of leaf lobule, 1–3 cells long 1–2 cells wide at base; reniform underleaves slightly wider than long; monoicous sexuality; 2–3-paired male bracts; obcordate perianth with 4–5 smooth keels (2 lateral, auriculate; 2 ventral; 0–1 dorsal, indistinct). Whereas, the latter is characterized by oblong – ovate leaves; lobule 1/6–1/5 as long as lobe; distant – contiguous underleaves with 1–3 teeth on each lobe; dioicous (?) sexuality; 2–4-paired male bracts and 1–2 male bracteoles present near the base of androecia. A key to the Indian species of the genus are provided.     

Molecular variation and speciation in Antitrichia curtipendula s.l. (Leucodontaceae, Bryophyta)

Molecular variation in Antitrichia curtipendula (Hedw.) Brid. s.l. was studied based on the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the chloroplast markers trn L- trn F and rpl 16, and analysed by neighbour joining (for ITS; recombination present), maximum parsimony (chloroplast markers) and TCS (haplotype network). Old World plus E North American populations belong to a different lineage than those of W North America. These are molecularly well differentiated and are treated as A. curtipendula and A. gigantea (Sull. & Lesq.) Kindb. Two distinct groups of Old World haplotypes are separated by one 'missing' haplotype and are interpreted as cryptic species. Tropical African populations share one ITS deletion and form a lineage within one of the cryptic species. Molecular variation within A. gigantea , within each of the two cryptic Old World plus E North American (except tropical African) haplotype groups, and among tropical African populations are of similar magnitude, suggesting that analogous mechanisms and similar time spans explain the found variation. Events related to Pleistocene climatic oscillations are suggested as having caused this differentiation within each group, whereas the African lineage was probably split off before this. Identical tRNA-Gly sequences were found in 33 specimens; new primers were designed for rpl 16 and ITS 1+2.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 156 , 341–354.     

Molecular and cytological examination of Calopogon (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae): circumscription, phylogeny, polyploidy, and possible hybrid speciation

The orchid genus Calopogon R.Br. (Orchidaceae), native to eastern North America and the northern Caribbean, currently contains five species and up to three varieties. Using nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences, amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), chloroplast DNA restriction fragments, and chromosome counts, we present a phylogenetic and taxonomic study of the genus. Calopogon multiflorus and C. pallidus are consistently sister species, but the relationships of C. barbatus, C. oklahomensis, and C. tuberosus are not as clear. In the ITS analysis C. oklahomensis is sister to C. barbatus, whereas it is sister to C. tuberosus in the plastid restriction fragment analysis. Furthermore, all species were found to have chromosome numbers of 2n = 38 and 40, with the exception of the putatively hybrid-derived C. oklahomensis with 2n = 114 and 120. The hexaploidy of the latter, plus the discrepancy in its position between the ITS and plastid restriction fragment trees, could suggest that it is of hybrid origin. However, the presence of unique morphological and molecular characters might indicate that it is either an ancient hybrid or not of hybrid derivation at all. Finally, using these molecular methods all taxa appear to generally be discrete groups, with the exception of C. tuberosus vars. latifolius and tuberosus, the former of which is best combined with the latter.     

A comparison of Dichodontium flavescens (Dicks.) Lindb. and D. pellucidum (Hedw.) Lindb. (Bryopsida)

Abstract

Fifty-three herbarium samples of the genus Dichodontium, originating from 15 countries in Europe and North America, were examined to critically assess new distinguishing characters between D. flavescens and D. pellucidum. The examination, including SEM, revealed some new characteristics in the gametophyte, notably leaf shape, leaf length: width ratio, and width of the nerve, permitting accurate determinations even on sterile material. D. flavescens is recognized here as a distinct species.     

'Sloppy' sperm mixing and intraspecific variation in sperm precedence (P2) patterns

Sperm precedence patterns are typically highly variable within (and between) species. Intraspecific variation in sperm precedence (measured as P2, the proportion of progeny fathered by the last male to mate' is frequently seen as a candidate for adaptive interpretation through either male effects (e.g. body size), female effects (e.g. cryptic female choice) or an interaction between the two. Here we show, using computer simulation, that if ejaculates divide into a number of 'packets' and packets from two males mix randomly, then a variety of patterns of sperm precedence may result. We term this process 'sloppy' mixing. If ejaculates break into a small number of packets, bimodal P2 distributions are predicted. As the number of packets is increased, then a complex series of changes through multimodal and flat to unimodal distributions results. Sloppy mixing can thus result in many of the observed P2 distributions. Sloppy mixing is unlikely to change the predictions of adaptive models of sperm competition.     

Inter- and intraspecific genetic variation inHippophae (Elaeagnaceae) investigated by RAPD markers

Genetic diversity has been investigated by the application of molecular markers in, for the first time, all the taxa recognised in recent treatises of the genusHippophae. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) analyses were conducted with 9 decamer primers, which together yielded 219 polymorphic markers. We found 16 fixed RAPD markers, i.e. markers that either occurred in all plants of a population or were absent from all plants. Several of these markers were useful for analysis of interspecific relationships, whereas others can be considered as taxon-specific markers. Clustering of taxa and populations in our neighbour-joining based dendrogram was in good agreement with some recently suggested taxonomic treatises ofHippophae. Amount and distribution of genetic variability varied considerably between species. Partitioning of molecular variance withinH. rhamnoides supported earlier findings that a considerable part of the total variance resides among subspecies (59.6%) Within-population variability also differed considerably. Percentage polymorphic RAPD loci and Lynch and Milligan within-population gene diversity estimates showed relatively high values for some species close to the geographic centre of origin in Central Asia, e.g.H. tibetana and the putatively hybridogenousH. goniocarpa. Spatial autocorrelation analyses performed on 12 populations ofH. rhamnoides revealed positive autocorrelation of allele frequencies when geographic distances ranged from 0 to 700 km, and no or negative autocorrelation at higher distances. At distances between 700 and 1900 km, we observed deviations from the expected values with strongly negative autocorrelation of allele frequencies. A corresponding relationship between geographic and genetic distances could not be found when the analysis instead was based on one population from each of 8 species.