A taxonomic revision of the Antennaria media (Asteraceae: Inuleae) polyploid species complex in western North America

TheAntennaria media polyploid species complex has been evaluated, at least in part, on numerous occasions without consensus on either the taxa that should be included within the complex or the rank at which these taxa should be recognized. The primary purpose of this quantitative, multivariate, phenetic study is to propose a taxonomy for the polyploid species complex that not only is independent of a knowledge of either chromosome number or reproductive biology but that concurrently minimally reflects morphological variation associated with each. The use of canonical discriminant analysis facilitates this purpose. In an attempt to maintain consistency with other recent revisions of polyploid complexes within the genus, the rank of subspecies (A. media subsp.media, A. media subsp.ciliata, A. media subsp.compacta, A. media subsp.fusca, andA. media subsp.pulchella) is selected as the infraspecific rank that satisfies the purpose of the phenetic study and is supported by the analyses. These subspecies differ to varying degrees with respect to reproductive characters (corolla length, pappus length), vegetative-reproductive characters (involucre length, peduncle length, cauline leaf length, cauline leaf width), and vegetative characters (basal leaf length and basal leaf width).Antennaria media subsp.pulchella is a sexually reproducing, diploid subspecies, whereas the remaining four subspecies are essentially agamospermous polyploids.     

A conspectus of Mexican and Central American Picramnia (Simaroubaceae)

A complete checklist with synonymy and notes is provided for the Mexican and Central American species ofPicramnia. A key to all taxa of the region is included. Four new taxa (Picramnia guerrerensis, P. hirsuta, P. deflexa, andP. antidesma subsp.nicaraguensis) are described and illustrated, and a new combination (Picramnia antidesma subsp.fessonia) is made.     

New taxa of Consolea Lemaire (Cactaceae: Opuntioideae) from Cuba

The ranges ofConsolea nashii andC. moniliformis were found to extend from the Bahamas and Hispaniola, respectively, into Cuba. Two new subspecies are now recognized on the basis of morphological and geographical discontinuities of populations:Consolea nashii subsp.gibarensis from the coastal thickets between Manatí and Maisí, northeastern Cuba, andC. moniliformis subsp.guantanamana from the cacti thorn-woodlands and thickets of Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba Provinces, on the southern coast and adjacent dry plains of eastern Cuba. A key to the Cuban species ofConsolea is provided.     

New names,combinations, and lectotypifications in Heterotheca (Compositae: Astereae)

The following new names and combinations are proposed:Heterotheca barbata (Rydb.) Semple,H. horrida subsp.cinerascens (S. F. Blake) Semple,H. fulcrata vararizonica Semple,H. fulcrata var.senilis (Wooton & Standley) Semple,H. oregona var.compacta (Keck) Semple,H. oregona var.rudis (Greene) Semple,H. oregona var.scaberrima (A. Gray) Semple,H. pumila (Greene) Semple,H. villosa var.pedunculata (Greene) V. Harms ex Semple, andH. zionensis Semple. The following chromosome numbers are reported for the first time:H. fulcrata var.arizonica, 2n=9 _II ;H. horrida subsp.cinerascens, 2n=18 _II ;H. pumila, 2n=9 _II ,2n=18 _II ;H. zionensis, 2n=9 _II .     

A new subspecies and new combinations in Comarostaphylis (Ericaceae)

Comarostaphylis spinulosa subsp.glandulifera is described from the mountains of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico. Four new combinations inComarostaphylis are also made:C. arbutoides subsp.costaricensis, C. discolor subsp.rupestris, C. polifolia subsp.minor, andC. spinulosa.Arctostaphylos glabrata, A. rupestris, andA. spinulosa are lectotypified and the status ofC. polifolia is discussed.     

New species and combinations in neotropical Lecythidaceae

Lecythis barnebyi Mori andCorythophora amapaensis Pires ex Mori & Prance are described and the following new combinations are coined:Lecythis brancoensis (R. Knuth) Mori,L. schwackei (R. Knuth) Mori,L. alutacea (A. C. Smith) Mori,L. lurida (Miers)Mori, L. holcogyne (Sandwith)Mori, L. corrugata Poiteau subsp.rosea (Spruce ex Berg) Mori, andCorythophora labriculata (Eyma) Mori & Prance.     

New taxa and combinations in Malvastrum A. Gray (Malvaceae: Malveae)

The genusMalvastrum A. Gray is interpreted to include 22 taxa in 14 species. Seven taxa are here described as new, namely:M. americanum var.stellatum,M. tomentosum subsp.pautense,M. bicuspidatum subsp.campanulatum,M. bicuspidatum subsp.oaxacanum, M. bicuspidatum subsp.tumidum var.tumidum, M. bicuspidatum subsp.tumidum var.glabrum, andM. coromandelianum subsp.fryxellii. In addition, two new combinations are proposed, namely:M. tomentosum andM. coromandelianum subsp.capitato-spicatum.     

Taxonomic considerations of piptocarpha (Compositae: Vernonieae) and new taxa in Brazil

The distribution, affinities and delimiting characters and prospects for a new classification ofPiptocarpha are discussed. Two new species and one subspecies from Brazil are described and figured:Piptocarpha densifolia, P. ramboi andP. rotundifolia (Less.) Baker subsp.hatschbachii.     

Chusquea sect. Swallenochloa (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) and allies in Brazil

The 13 high altitude/latitude, dwarf species ofChusquea in Brazil are described, illustrated, and mapped, and their morphology, habitats, distributions, and taxonomic affinities are discussed. Two keys to species are provided, one based solely on vegetative characters, and the other on vegetative and flowering characters.Chusquea erecta, C. nutans, C. riosaltensis,C. windischii, C. caparaoensis, andC. nudiramea are described as new, andC. microphylla is elevated to specific status. Two subspecies are recognized within the variableC. mimosa: C. mimosa subsp.australis and subsp.mimosa. Seven species are formally classified withinChusquea sect.Swallenochloa; the remaining six species are classified into two informal categories, theNudiramea andHeterophylla groups. A list of all the species currently included withinChusquea sect.Swallenochloa is provided.     

Raritebe,an overlooked genus of the rubiaceae

Raritebe contains one species with two subspecies, the latter differing significantly in floral biology.Raritebe palicoureoides subsp.palicoureoides is heterostylous and is known from the Cordilleras Central and Oriental in Colombia and from east of the Andes in Ecuador and northeastern Peru;R. palicoureoides subsp.dwyeranum is homostylous and known only from west of the Andes in Colombia and from Panama and Costa Rica. The most probable hypothesis is that the selfincompatible subsp.palicoureoides gave rise to subsp.dwyeranum through genetic crossing over followed by long distance dispersal of the resulting self-compatible progeny. Coherent anthers with an unusual method of pollen release are characteristic of subsp.dwyeranum. Raritebe palicoureoides subsp.dwyeranum andR. palicoureoides subsp.palicoureoides var.antioquianum are described as new.     

Bryosedgwickia,a new synonym of Platygyriella (Hypnaceae)

Bryosedgwickia is considered a synonym ofPlatygyriella and the following transfers are proposed:P. aurea, P. aureoides, P. densa, P. fragilifolia, P. kirtikarii andP. pringlei. A key is provided to the accepted species ofPlatygyriella. Excluded species are treated asHondaella entodontea (C. Müll.) Buck andIsopterygium jamaicense (Bartr.) Buck.     

New and noteworthy South American species of Agalinis (Scrophulariaceae)

Agalinis bandeirensis is a Brazilian species distinguished by linear bracts, short pedicels, and villous stamens.Agalinis ramulifera, from southern Brazil, is distinguished by many, short, leafy branches and small flowers.Agalinis linarioides subsp.rojasi, from Paraguay, is distinguished by paniculate inflorescences, short calyx lobes, and broad corollas.Gerardia bangii, G. digitalis, andG. meyeniana are recognized as species ofAgalinis and appropriate transfers are made.     

Chromosome numbers in Heterotheca,including Chrysopsis (Compositae: Astereae), with Phylogenetic interpretations

A summation of both previously reported and original data on chromosome numbers is presented for species ofHeterotheca sens. lat. Chromosome numbers are listed for 24 taxa, including 20 different species. Chromosome numbers for the genus aren = 4, 5, 9, 12, and 18. The most common and possibly basic number for the genus isn = 9, with then = 18 taxa considered to be tetraploids, and those withn = 4 and 5 as probable aneuploid derivatives ; alternativelyn = 4 and 5 could be considered the basic numbers withn = 9 the result of polyploidy. Several nomenclatural changes have been made including the following new combinations:Heterotheca bolanderi (Gray) Harms,H. fastigiata (Greene) Harms, andH. villosa var.hispida (Hook.) Harms.     

A revision of Vernonia series Buddleiifoliae (Compositae: Vernonieae)

SeriesBuddleiifoliae of the genusVernonia of southeastern South America consists of 18 species which are keyed, described, discussed and mapped.Vernonia goiasensis is proposed as a new name, whileV. wasshausenii andV. monocephala subsp.irwinii are described as new taxa, and V.asteriflora subsp.kuntzei is presented as a new combination.     

A revision of the West Indian species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae). III. Cuba

A study of herbarium material ofLepanthes indicates that there are at least 18 species on Cuba. The history of the collections and publications on the genus from the island is summarized, and a detailed key to the species is given. One new combination is proposed (L. blepharophylla) and the following species are described as new:L. acunae,L. dressleri,L. cubensis,L. grisebachiana,L. obliquiloba, andL. occidentalis, of which three are from western provinces and two have been associated with inappropriate names.L. mandibularis Reichb. f. is tentatively considered a synonym ofL. chrysostigma Lindl. although the type ofL. mandibularis could not be found. The range of variation included under the nameL. fulva Lindl. suggests that more than one species is involved.     

Arceuthobium (Viscaceae) in Mexico and Guatemala: Additions and range extensions

Three new dwarf mistletoes are described:Arceuthobium globosum subsp.grandicaule (Mexico and Guatemala),A. aureum subsp.aureum (Guatemala) andA. aureum subsp.petersonii (Chiapas, Mexico).Arceuthobium guatemalense is recorded for the first time in Mexico. Significant range extensions are recorded forA. abietisreligiosae, A. divaricatum,A. gillii subsp.nigrum, andA. rubrum. New hosts are reported for several taxa. Nineteen members of the genus are presently known from Mexico, and three (possibly four) from Guatemala. Chromosome counts are reported for the first time for 3 taxa.