Mycopteris,a new neotropical genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae)

Mycopteris, a new genus of grammitid ferns, is described and combinations are made for the species that belong to it. Mycopteris is diagnosed by castaneous rhizome scales with turgid cells, usually pectinate laminae, blackish petioles and rachises, blackish pinna costae and veins, reddish setae, cretaceous hydathodes, glabrous sporangia, and the presence of Acrospermum ascomes. It is entirely neotropical, ranging from Mexico east into the West Indies and south to Bolivia. Mycopteris is one of two genera of grammitid ferns that are consistently associated with Acrospermum, an epibiotic ascomycete that produces black clavate fruiting bodies. Seventeen species of Mycopteris are recognized here, including one new species (M. longipilosa) and one elevated from the rank of variety to species (M. costaricensis). The following additional combinations are made here: M. alsopteris, M. amphidasyon, M. attenuatissima, M. cretata, M. grata, M. leucolepis, M. leucostica, M. longicaulis, M. pirrensis, M. praeceps, M. semihirsuta, M. steyermarkii, M. subtilis, M. taxifolia, and M. zeledoniana. Lectotypes are chosen for Ctenopteris leucosticta, Polypodium amphidasyon, and Polypodium pectinatum var. hispidum. For each accepted species, full synonymy and geographical range are provided. Taxonomic discussion is provided for species not widely recognized in previous treatments.     

Molecular phylogeny, character evolution, and biogeography of the grammitid fern genus Lellingeria (Polypodiaceae)

? Premise of the study: The recognition of monophyletic genera for groups that have high levels of homoplastic morphological characters and/or conflicting results obtained by different studies can be difficult. Such is the case in the grammitid ferns, a clade within the Polypodiaceae. In this study, we aim to resolve relationships among four clades of grammitid ferns, which have been previously recovered either as a polytomy or with conflicting topologies, with the goal of circumscribing monophyletic genera. ? Methods: The sampling included 89 specimens representing 61 species, and sequences were obtained for two genes (atpB and rbcL) and four intergenic spacers (atpB-rbcL, rps4-trnS, trnG-trnR, and trnL-trnF), resulting in a matrix of 5091 characters. The combined data set was analyzed using parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian methods. Ninety-six morphological characters were optimized onto the generated trees, using the parsimony method. ? Key results: Lellingeria is composed of two main clades, the L. myosuroides and the Lellingeria s.s. clades, which together are sister to Melpomene. Sister to all three of these is a clade with two species of the polyphyletic genus Terpsichore. In the L. myosuroides clade, several dispersal events occurred between the neotropics, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, whereas Lellingeria s.s. is restricted to the neotropics, with about 60% of its diversity in the Andes. ? Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that Lellingeria is monophyletic, with two clades that are easily characterized morphologically and biogeographically. Morphological characters describing the indument are the most important to define the clades within the ingroup. A small clade, previously considered in Terpsichore, should be recognized as a new genus.     

A monograph of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ascogrammitis</Emphasis>, a new genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae)

This paper describes Ascogrammitis, a new genus of grammitid ferns formerly combined under Terpsichore. Seventeen species are recognized, including five new ones: A. clavigera, A. colombiensis, A. loxensis, A. oxapampensis, and A. tungurahuae. New combinations are made for A. alan-smithii, A. anfractuosa, A. angustipes, A. athyrioides, A. clathrata, A. cuencana, A. david-smithii, A. dilatata, A. nana, A. pichinchae, A. pichinchensis, A. stuebelii, and a lectotype is chosen for Polypodium induens. A key is provided to distinguish the species, and illustrations are provided for 12 species. The genus occurs primarily in neotropical cloud forests, with the greatest diversity in the Andes. Ascogrammitis is one of two monophyletic groups of grammitid ferns that are consistently associated with Acrospermum, an epibiotic bitunicate ascomycete that produces black clavate fruiting bodies.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alansmia</Emphasis>, a new genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae) segregated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Terpsichore</Emphasis>

Alansmia, a new genus of grammitid ferns is described and combinations are made for the 26 species known to belong to it. Alansmia is supported by five morphological synapomorphies: setae present on the rhizomes, cells of the rhizome scales turgid, both surfaces of the rhizome scales ciliate, laminae membranaceous, and sporangial capsules setose. Other diagnostic characters include pendent fronds with indeterminate growth, concolorous, orange to castaneous rhizome scales with ciliate or sometimes glandular margins, hydathodes often cretaceous, and setae simple, paired or stellate. The group also exhibits the uncommon characteristic of producing both trilete and apparently monolete spores, sometimes on the same plant. New combinations are made for Alansmia alfaroi, A. bradeana, A. canescens, A. concinna, A. contacta, A. cultrata, A. dependens, A. diaphana, A. elastica, A. glandulifera, A. heteromorpha, A. immixta, A. kirkii, A. lanigera, A. laxa, A. longa, A. monosora, A. reclinata, A. semilunaris, A. senilis, A. smithii, A. spathulata, A. stella var. stella, A. stella var. flava, A. turrialbae, A. variabilis, A. xanthotrichia. Lectotypifications are made for Alansmia concina, A. variabilis, Polypodium ciliare, P. flexile, and P. ovalescens. The genus is named in honor of pteridologist Alan R. Smith.     

Three new species of ferns (Woodsiaceae and Polypodiaceae) from Mexico

Three new species of ferns are described from Mexico:Athyrium tripinnatum, Cystopteris millefolia, andPolypodium praetermissum.     

A new hybrid and two new combinations in neotropical grammitid ferns

A new hybrid,Micropolypodium xbradei, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It shows intermediate morphology between its parents,M. setosum andTerpsichore achilleifolia, in dissection of blades and veins, and number of sori per segment. New combinations for Brazilian endemic species are presented based on this hybrid and on recent results in grammitid phylogenetics.     

Sinephropteris,a new genus of scolopendrioid ferns

A new genus of ferns,Sinephropteris, is described from southeast Asia. Its one species,S. delavayi (Franch.) Mickel, has most recently been placed inSchaffneria, an otherwise monotypic Mexican genus, but there is evidence that they are not closely related.     

Wuacanthus (Acanthaceae), a new Chinese endemic genus segregated from Justicia (Acanthaceae)

A new genus, Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng (Acanthaceae), is described from the Hengduan Mountains, China. Wuacanthus is based on Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W.Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, originally published in Justicia and then moved to Mananthes. The new genus is characterized by its shrub habit, strongly 2-lipped corolla, the 2-lobed upper lip, 3-lobed lower lip, 2 stamens, bithecous anthers, parallel thecae with two spurs at the base, 2 ovules in each locule, and the 4-seeded capsule. Phylogenetic analyses show that the new genus belongs to the Pseuderanthemum lineage in tribe Justicieae. Wuacanthus is closely related to Pseuderanthemum but differs from the latter by its shorter corolla tube and two minute spurs at the base of each anther-theca. W. microdontus is assessed with the status EN B2ab (iii) based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.     

Parahellenia,a new genus segregated from Hellenia (Costaceae) based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence

Previous studies recognized three major lineages of the family Costaceae: a South American clade, an Asian clade and a Costus clade. However, the genus Hellenia within the Asian clade has been shown to be non-monophyletic and its morphology has not been studied carefully. Therefore, the complete plastid genomes of Hellenia species were obtained and the monophyly of Hellenia was tested through four different datasets in this study. Plastid phylogenomic analyses of Costaceae revealed that Hellenia is strongly supported as paraphyletic. Two major clades are recovered, namely the Hellenia s.s. subclade and the Parahellenia subclade. Phylogenetic analyses based on an enlarged taxon sampling of the Asian clade using a two chloroplast markers dataset (trnK intron and trnL-F spacer) confirmed the paraphyly of Hellenia. Meanwhile, morphological analyses suggested that members of the Parahellenia subclade differ from the remaining Hellenia species in many characters including inflorescences, bracts, stigma, axillary buds, floral tubes and labellum. According to the present molecular and morphological evidence, the latter subclade is recognized as a new genus, Parahellenia. Two new species are described, four new combinations are made, and identification keys are also provided.     

A new genus segregated from Thermopsis (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae): Vuralia

A relict endemic species originating from Turkey, Thermopsis turcica, was excluded from Thermopsis in consideration of morphologic studies based on its flowers and fruits as well as micromorphological features that were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and data from supporting molecular analyses internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Additionally, phylogenetic analyses (maximum parsimony and neighbour-joining) were conducted using PAUP 4.0 software. These analyses supported a new taxonomical position for the Turkish species. SEM and morphological studies indicated that the species has unique features that have not been observed in other Thermopsideae species. The unique features and characteristics are comprehensively illustrated here. For confirmation of our purpose, the chromosome number and karyotype of V. turcica were determined via the KAMERAM software program. As a result, all detailed examinations and comparisons of Vuralia and related genera suggest that Vuralia is a new monotypic genus within Thermopsideae, and a new genus and combination nova were established for this Turkish species.     

The microsoroid ferns: Inferring the relationships of a highly diverse lineage of Paleotropical epiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae, Polypodiopsida)

The relationships of the microsoroid ferns were studied using a DNA sequence-based phylogenetic approach. Nucleotide sequences for up to four chloroplast genome regions were assembled for 107 samples from 87 species. Microsoroids s.l. include six lineages of which two are species rich. The results indicate that several genera are not monophyletic (e.g. Microsorum), several controversial genera are confirmed to be monophyletic (e.g. Leptochilus), and some genera new to science should be recognized (M. membranaceum clade). Unique insights were gained into the biogeographic history of this highly diverse epiphytic vascular plant lineage that is widespread in continental Asia to Australasia. Evidence was found for splits into lineages diversifying in parallel in continental Asia and Malesia. No evidence was recovered for an African radiation because all African microsoroid species either also are found in Asia or have sister species in continental Asia. In contrast, evidence for independent radiations were discovered for the Australasian region.     

Yuchengia,a new polypore genus segregated from Perenniporia (Polyporales) based on morphological and molecular evidence

Yuchengia gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Perenniporia narymica. It represents a monophyletic lineage within the core polyporoid clade based on sequences of the rDNA ITS and nLSU regions, and it is distinct from Perenniporia s.s. Yuchengia shares some characters with Perenniporia, both having thick‐walled and cyanophilous basidiospores, but differs by having acyanophilous and amyloid skeletal hyphae dissolving in KOH, and non‐dextrinoid basidiospores.     

广西蕨类植物新记录属——白桫椤属

报道了广西蕨类植物一新记录属——白桫椤属。该属植物以茎干直立,乔木状;叶大型,簇生于茎干顶端,叶柄平滑、有疣突或皮刺,基部鳞片的细胞一式;叶背灰白色;叶脉分叉,2～3叉;无囊群盖等为主要特征。目前该属植物在广西首次记录到白桫椤。根据原始文献及广西的标本对该种进行了描述,并提供了墨线图。     

Genetic diversity and breeding system in a group of neotropical epiphytic ferns (Pleopeltis; Polypodiaceae)

Epiphytes are ecologically important components of tropical forests worldwide and yet they have been underrepresented in studies of reproductive biology. Given the presumed ephemeral nature of their substrates, and the importance of dispersal and colonization, epiphytes might be expected to undergo substantial inbreeding to ensure reproductive success, as in weedy terrestrial plants. While there is some evidence for inbreeding in epiphytic angiosperms, the only previous studies of fern epiphytes indicate that they are predominantly outcrossing. The present study reports on the genetic diversity and breeding system of six members of the Neotropical epiphytic fern genus Pleopeltis (Polypodiaceae). A survey of isozyme variability using starch gel electrophoresis revealed high population levels of polymorphism (P = 0.62), allelic diversity (A = 2.3), and individual heterozygosity (Ho = 0.181), but little differentiation among conspecific populations (I 3 0.98; Gst = 0.048), and high interpopulational gene flow rates (Nm > 1). In addition, there was no indication of homozygote excess within populations that might indicate a history of selfing in these ferns: populations generally conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expected genotype frequencies, and both Wright's inbreeding coefficient (Fis) and Holsinger's intragametophytic selfing rates approached zero. Possible mechanisms limiting inbreeding in these ferns include antheridiogen activity and high levels of genetic load that would lead to inbreeding depression upon selfing.     

安徽石韦属(水龙骨科)一新种

报道了安徽黄山石韦属一新种,即黄山石韦。其与相近种相似石韦的区别主要表现在叶近生,相距1~2mm;能育叶先端不整齐1~2(或更多)回二歧分叉。     

New species and new records of the fern genus Terpsichore (Polypodiopsida: Polypodiaceae) from Bolivia

We describe five new species, report a new record for the genus Terpsichore, and provide a key to the Bolivian species.     

Six new species of ferns (Polypodiopsida) from Ecuador

Moran, R.C. & Øllgaard, B. 1995. Six new species of ferns (Polypodiopsida) from Ecuador. - Nord. J. Bot. 15: 177–185. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
The following species of ferns from Ecuador are described as new: Blechnum mono-morphum. Bolbitis riparia, Hecistopteris pinnatifida, Hymenophyllum hemidimorphum, Polypodium latissimum , and Saccoloma laxum .     

Phylogeny and biogeography of the staghorn fern genus Platycerium (Polypodiaceae, Polypodiidae)

The genus Platycerium is one of the few pantropical epiphytic fern genera with six species in Afro-Madagascar, 8-11 Australasian species, and a single species in tropical South America. Nucleotide sequences of four chloroplast DNA markers are employed to reconstruct the phylogeny of these ferns and to explore their historical biogeography. The data set was designed to resolve conflicting hypotheses on the relationships within the genus that were based on previous phylogenetic studies exploring morphological evidence. Our results suggest a basal split of Platycerium into two well-supported clades. One clade comprises species occurring in Africa, Madagascar, and South America, whereas the second clade contains exclusively Australasian species. The latter clade is further divided into a clade corresponding to P. bifurcatum and its putative segregates and a clade of seven species occurring from Indochina throughout the Malesian region to New Guinea and Australia. The Afro-Madagascan clade includes a clade of two species found in tropical Africa and a clade of four species that includes three species endemic to Madagascar. The single neotropical species of this genus, P. andinum, is nested within the Afro-Madagascan clade but is not closely related to any extant species.