A new species of Valantia (Rubiaceae) from Spain

A new species of Valantia , V. lainzii Devesa & Ortega-Olivencia, endemic to the coastal zone of Granada (southern Spain) is described. The species recalls V. muralis L. in its general aspect, and V. deltoidea Brullo in the type of fructiferous body.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 143 , 331–335.     

Taxonomic revision of the genus Succisella (Dipsacaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula

A revision of the three endemic Iberian species of Succisella G. Beck ( S. carvalhoana , S. microcephala and S. andreae-molinae ), based on herbarium studies, SEM photographs and field observations, is presented utilizing morphological, palynological, karyological, biogeographical and ecological characters. The distribution of the species in the Iberian Peninsula is shown in a grid map. Full synonymy is given for all taxa.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 144 , 351–364.     

Historical biogeography of Hexabathynella , a cosmopolitan genus of groundwater Syncarida (Crustacea, Bathynellacea, Parabathynellidae)

Hexabathynella is the only cosmopolitan genus of the order Bathynellacea (Crustacea). The known species number 18, found in Europe (9), Africa (1), South America (2), North America (3) and Australia and New Zealand (3). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the least derived species are those from South America and the most derived those from the Iberian Peninsula, North America and Australia. The five species with the most plesiomorphic characters occur in salt or brackish water, which supports a marine origin for the genus. Phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses suggest that the distribution of the genus can be explained by dispersion and a double vicariant biogeographical model based on plate tectonics and the evolution of the Tethys during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London . Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 78 , 457–466.     

The genus Mantisalca (Asteraceae) in southwest Europe

The diversity of the genus Mantisalca in southwest Europe is the subject of much controversy. The present taxonomic revision of the genus on the Iberian Peninsula allows four species to be recognized, whose morphological variability is described and various synonyms are typified. A new species is described, M. cabezudoi Ruiz de Clavijo and Devesa, endemic to southeast Spain. The name Microlonchus spinulosus Rouy is reinstated for a species endemic to the central and east Iberian Peninsula, for which a new combination is made: Mantisalca spinulosa (Rouy) Ruiz de Clavijo and Devesa. A diagnostic key to the taxa is given.     

Effects of habitat heterogeneity and local adaptation on the body condition of a forest passerine at the edge of its distributional range

We studied fluctuating asymmetry and feather growth rates as indicators of fitness of blackcaps ( Sylvia atricapilla ) breeding at the border of their distribution range in the Iberian Peninsula. Iberian blackcaps increase their abundance with increasing rainfall and ground cover of brambles. In border habitats, they are sedentary and morphologically different from migrants, suggesting that they could be adapted to peripheral conditions. We tested whether juvenile body condition depends on (1) distance from the centre of the range, (2) mean precipitation or (3) bramble cover. Controlling for environmental variation, we tested for differences between migratory and sedentary populations. Body condition varied across the Iberian gradient in parallel with changes in precipitation. Controlling for this effect, sedentary populations were in better body condition than migratory populations. Our results support the idea that environmental heterogeneity causes fitness to fluctuate across species' ranges, and also that local adaptation may mean that peripheral populations are more than a 'tail end' of the species.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London . Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 78 , 479–488.     

Karyological and taxonomic notes on Ophrys (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Karyological information on Iberian Ophrys species is very limited. This paper provides the haploid and diploid chromosome numbers of 11 taxa of sect. Pseudophrys and sect. Ophrys , both of which are well represented in the Iberian Peninsula, and two taxa from Tunisia. The first data on chromosome numbers for O. vasconica (2 n  = 72, 74), O. ficalhoana (2 n  = 36), O. picta (2 n  = 36), O. sphegifera ( n  = 18, 2 n  = 36, 38) and O. passionis (2 n  = 36) are also presented, confirming the stability of the chromosome number in Ophrys . In addition, populations of the group O. omegaifera ( O. dyris and O. vasconica ), together with tetraploidy, pentaploidy and the existence of aneuploid phenomena, are reported for the first time in Iberia. The basic diploid number is always 2 n  = 36. The karyotypes of several species were analysed. Evolutionary trends in Ophrys chromosomes are discussed. Taxonomic and phytogeographical details are provided on several species or groups of species from Iberia.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003 , 142 , 395−406.     

Spatio-temporal genetic variation in sympatric and allopatric Mediterranean Cicada species (Hemiptera, Cicadidae)

Cicada barbara (Stål) and Cicada orni L. are two Mediterranean cicadas, very similar in morphology, that produce distinct acoustic mating signals and that have partially overlapping distribution ranges in the Iberian Peninsula, occurring in sympatry in several locations. In the present study, six microsatellite loci were analysed in C. barbara , four of which were also analysed in C. orni . Geographical and temporal genetic variation in these species was studied. No evidence of hybridization was found, enabling us to infer that the isolating barriers between these species are efficient. Partitioning of geographic variation in each species, revealed the following patterns: Iberian Peninsula and Northwestern African populations of C. barbara showed higher differentiation between than within each region, supporting C. barbara subspecific taxonomy ( C. barbara lusitanica in the Iberian Peninsula and C. barbara barbara in Northwestern Africa) and highlighting isolation coincident with the presence of physical barriers to gene-flow; differentiation between populations of C. orni from both sides of the Pyrenees was very low, and this mountain range may not constitute a significant barrier for the dispersal of this species; Greek populations of C. orni were found to be highly differentiated from Western European populations; and no pattern of isolation-by-distance was found in either species within the Iberian Peninsula.  © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2009, 96 , 249–265.     

Rapid radiation of the Mediterranean Luciobarbus species (Cyprinidae) after the Messinian salinity crisis of the Mediterranean Sea, inferred from mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis

Phylogenetic relationships of 64 freshwater Barbus s.s. species distributed in basins around the Mediterranean Sea were assessed using cytochrome b sequences. Our results are in concordance with previous morphological and genetic studies, which proposed that these species belong to two major lineages (or subgenera): Barbus and Luciobarbus . We were particularly interested in phylogenetic relationships among species of the Luciobarbus lineage that are primarily found in the southern Mediterranean region from the Iberian Peninsula to the Middle East. In the Luciobarbus lineage, species that were previously attributed to the Capoeta genus were clustered. In this study, we observed short internodes between monophyletic groups having a geographical agreement around the Mediterranean. However, groups from the opposite sides of the Mediterranean Sea (Iberian Peninsula– Capoeta , north-western Africa–Middle East) seem to be phylogenetically close. We therefore infer that rapid radiation of Luciobarbus species in the Late Miocene better fits our data rather than gradual founder events in the southern Mediterranean. We propose that the biogeographical event along an east–west route, responsible for the present distribution of Luciobarbus species, was the 'Lago Mare' phase of the Mediterranean Sea that provided a rapid dispersal route over extensive distances. This provides new insights into the speciation pattern of this group, and may be of general use in the study of freshwater species in these regions.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 80 , 207–222.     

Variation patterns in the Phlomis × composita (Lamiaceae) hybrid complex in the Iberian Peninsula

Hybridization seems to be common in the genus Phlomis (Lamiaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula, especially in the P.  ×  composita complex. In order to detect patterns of morphological variation linked to eco- and geographical variation, ecological (cluster and canonical correspondence) and morphometric (principal component and discriminant function) analyses were performed. Character count procedure was applied to discern between divergence and reticulate events for the origin of the morphologically intermediate plants. Following these analyses clear patterns were detected suggesting the existence of four independent morphological groups also supported by the ecogeographical data. These are P. crinita ssp. crinita (Levante, eastern Spain), P. crinita ssp. malacitana (Andalusia, southern Spain) and P. lychnitis (widespread) being the extremes of the morphological variation, and P.  ×  composita including all the morphologically intermediate individual plants. Furthermore, at the population level significant differences in hybrid plant frequencies between areas were also found.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 145 , 97–108.     

Phylogeography and conservation genetics of endangered European Margaritiferidae (Bivalvia: Unionoidea)

Margaritifera margaritifera and M. auricularia are among the most endangered freshwater mussels in the world, and the only species of the genus found in Europe. Our genetic study explores allozymic variability (27 loci) and differentiation at the mitochondrial sequence level (partial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences). The Spanish M. auricularia population showed genetic parameters of variation that were of the same order as those of other freshwater molluscs (though at the lower end of the range), probably permitting its potential recovery. The difference between this species and M. margaritifera was clearly established (ten diagnostic allozymic loci, Nei = 0.462, and mean nucleotide divergence around 9.4%). The M. margaritifera populations analysed showed a certain degree of population genetic structure (according to allozyme data) that was not, however, related to a geographical cline. Nevertheless, two mitochondrial lineages (albeit very closely related) were identified: a northern lineage extending from Ireland to the Kola Peninsula including the western Atlantic coast, and a second cluster distributed from Ireland to the Iberian Peninsula. The phylogenetic relationships between these two species and other related taxa were established. The putative M. m. durrovensis could be considered an 'ecophenotype'. Palaeobiogeographical scenarios are presented and indicate unexpected 'recent' gene flow between M. margaritifera populations that were theoretically isolated in the early Tertiary.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 2003, 78, 235–252.     

A synopsis of Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia, with a description of a new species

The species of Goniothalamus (Annonaceae) occurring in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore are revised, updating the previous taxonomic treatment by James Sinclair, published in 1955. A total of 18 species is recognized, including a new species, G. tomentosus . Collections referrable to G. tomentosus were previously determined as ' G. marcanii '; examination of the types of G. marcanii reveals that the two taxa are not conspecific, however, and a new name is accordingly validated here. Goniothalamus tomentosus has closest affinities with the Javan/Sumatran species G. costulatus . Other important nomenclatural changes include the reduction of G. umbrosus to synonymy with G. tapis .  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 142 , 321−339.     

A new spineless species of Vella (Brassicaceae) from the high mountains of south-eastern Spain

Vella castrilensis sp. nov. is described from the high mountains of Granada and Jaén provinces (south-eastern Iberian Peninsula), where it grows on calcareous soils. It is a hexaploid (2 n  = 68) spineless dwarf shrub, woody at the base, with oblong-lanceolate, entire to shallowly dentate leaves and fruit with an acute tongue-shaped stylar segment and strongly reticulate-nerved valves. The characteristic unique combination of vegetative, karyological and reproductive features of V. castrilensis is not present in any described taxon of the genus, and warrants recognition at the species rank. Affinities and differences with other related taxa are discussed. Phylogenetic, biogeographical, bioclimatic, ecological data and conservation proposals are also reported.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 149 , 121–128.     

A morphometric study of three closely related taxa in the European Isoetes velata complex

Isoetes velata A. Braun is an amphibious plant with Mediterranean and Ibero-Atlantic distribution, showing marked morphological variability. Within the same geographical area, closely related restricted-range taxa are also present, including I. velata ssp. asturicense (restricted to mountainous areas of the north-west Iberian Peninsula) and I. boryana (restricted to the southern French Atlantic coast). These related taxa have unclear taxonomy and are both threatened. We performed a morphometric study of specimens of the three taxa. Our results suggest that I. velata ssp. asturicense is better considered as a distinct species, I. asturicense Laínz (Laínz), distinguishable from the other two taxa by mean megaspore length ( N  ≥ 30) < 360 µm. In contrast, our results do not support consideration of I. boryana as a separate species, and we here propose that this taxon be considered as a variety, I. velata A. Braun var. boryana M.I. Romero & C. Real stat. nov.   © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 148 , 459–464.     

Chromosome numbers in Hieracium and Pilosella species (Asteraceae) from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

Mitotic chromosome numbers are reported from 16 Hieracium and two Pilosella species from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands that are little known cytogenetically. The chromosome numbers of Hieracium aragonense Scheele (2 n  = 27, 36), H. compositum Lapeyr. (2 n  = 27), H. murcandidum G. Mateo (2 n  = 27), H. spathulatum Scheele (2 n  = 27), H. segurae Mateo (2 n  = 27), H. teruelanum Mateo (2 n  = 27), H. valentinum Pau (2 n  = 27), Pilosella pseudovahlii (De Retz) Mateo (2 n  = 18), and P. tardans (Peter) Sójak (2 n  = 36) were determined for the first time. New cytotypes were detected in H. cordifolium Lapeyr. (2 n  = 27) and H. loscosianum Scheele (2 n  = 36). The karyotype of the studied species was similar in overall morphology and comprised metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes; secondary constrictions (up to two) were detected in the chromosome complements of some species.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 311–320.     

Reproductive ecology of Rhododendron ponticum (Ericaceae) in relict Mediterranean populations

In the southern Iberian Peninsula, Rhododendron ponticum occurs in restricted and vulnerable populations as a Tertiary relict. Population structure and the main phases of the reproductive process were examined in order to shed light on recruitment patterns and limitations. Rhododendron ponticum flowers are self-compatible and attract a diverse array of insects, which are responsible for a considerable number of seeds set in the populations. Nevertheless, only adults form populations, whilst seedlings are scarce and saplings virtually absent (only two juveniles out of 2489 adults sampled). Non-specialized vegetative multiplication by layering was observed. Recruitment failure seems to depend on the scarcity of safe microsites, which are free from drought, for seedling establishment. The observations contrast with R. ponticum 's reputation as an aggressive invader in temperate Atlantic areas. It is proposed that the species shows a variable balance between sexual reproduction and vegetative multiplication depending on environmental conditions. At present, only the latter seems to be prevailing in relict populations in the Iberian Peninsula. This flexible reproductive strategy is also discussed as a mechanism allowing persistence during geological climatic oscillations.  © The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 140 , 297–311.     

Infraspecific variation and phylogeography of the high-polyploid Iberian endemic Anthoxanthum amarum Brot. (Poaceae; Pooideae) assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA markers (RAPDs) and morphology

High morphological and ecological diversity has been observed in the north-west Iberian Peninsula endemic Anthoxanthum amarum Brot., for which two different morphotypes (northern and southern) have been described on the basis of qualitative traits and geographical origin. In the present study, a combined molecular and morphological method was applied to ten populations of this species with the following aims: (1) to assess whether the variation observed was taxonomically meaningful; (2) to assess the influence of the environment on the variation in the morphological characters; and (3) to track the potential phylogeographical information deduced from our random amplified polymorphic DNA marker (RAPD) data in order to draw inferences about the past history of this species in the north-west Iberian Peninsula. To achieve these aims, 26 macromorphological characters were recorded in 279 specimens, and 77 RAPD phenotypes were identified in the 79 plants studied. The association analyses performed using the morphological and molecular data showed that no clear separation existed between the morphs, and a strong correlation between qualitative characters and the environment was detected. Moreover, both the multivariate analyses and the assignment test based on RAPD data revealed that the genetic variation was hierarchically structured, and three genetically distinct groups could be identified. Two of these clusters might correspond to different expansion routes proposed in the literature for different plant species in the north-west Iberian Peninsula.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 179–192.     

Chromosome counts in the genus Festuca section Eskia (Poaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Chromosome numbers of taxa of Festuca L. section Eskia Willk. in the Iberian Peninsula are given. The levels of ploidy for five taxa are confirmed. Idiograms and karyotypic formulae of the five taxa are presented for the first time. Two levels of ploidy occur in this section: diploid and tetraploid. One taxon, Festuca elegans ssp. merinoi is tetraploid and two other taxa have diploid and tetraploid populations. The remaining two taxa are solely diploid.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 146 , 331–337.     

Taxonomy and breeding system in a new species of Scrophularia L. (Scrophulariaceae) from Morocco

A new species of the genus Scrophularia, S. fontqueri Ortega-Olivencia & Devesa, is described for the Western Rif mountains in Morocco. Similarities and differences with the most closely related species (S. auriculata Loefl. ex L. and S. viciosoi Ortega-Olivencia & Devesa) are indicated, and ecological and distribution data are provided. The new species displays a high degree of polyploidy (2n = 56), and has palynological characteristics similar to those of other species in this genus. The new species shows protogynous dichogamy and produces considerable amounts of nectar in both sexual phases. Nectar secretion was maximum during the early hours of the morning. Mean longevity of the flowers was 2.66 days. Both nectar secretion and floral longevity correlated strongly with mean daytime air temperature. Pollination experiments showed that interaction with pollinators is necessary for reproduction, and gametophytic homomorphic self-incompatibility was documented. This feature was confirmed by observation of pollen tubes after hand self-pollination. The seed/ovule ratio was very low.