THE FLAVONOID CHEMISTRY OF GLANDULARIA BIPINNATIFIDA (VERBENACEAE) AND ALLIED SPECIES

Eight taxa in Verbena have been taxonomically difficult (B. bipinnatifida, V. bipinnatifida var. latilobata, V. Wrightii, V. ciliata, V. ciliata var. longidentata, V. ciliata var. pubera, V. ambrosifolia, and V. ambrosifolia f. eglandulosa). The taxonomic difficulties have been suggested to be the result of widespread hybridization. A flavonoid study of the populations belonging to these eight taxa, combined with a morphological survey resulted in the recognition of four taxa, Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida, G. bipinnatifida var. brevispicata, G. Wrightii, and G. chiricahensis. Hybridization is not responsible for widespread variation in this group.     

AFLP analysis of relationships among cassava and other Manihot species

 Despite the worldwide importance of cultivated cassava (M. esculenta Crantz) its origin and taxonomic relationships with other species in the genus have not been clearly established. We evaluated a representative sample of the crop’s diversity and six wild taxa with AFLPs to estimate genetic relationships within the genus. Groupings of accessions of each species by data analysis corresponded largely with their previous taxonomic classifications. A mixed group, consisting of Manihot esculenta subsp. flabellifolia and M. esculenta subsp. peruviana, was most similar to cassava, while M. aesculifolia, M. brachyloba, and M. carthaginensis were more distant. Species-specific markers, which may be useful in germ-plasm classification or introgression studies, were suggested by the unique presence of AFLP products in samples of each of the three wild species. Heterogeneity of similarities among individuals of certain species suggested the existence of intraspecific gene pools, a hypothesis that was supported by morphological or ecogeographic evidence with varying degrees of success. Quantitative assessment of genetic diversity revealed greater homogeneity among cassava accessions than among itsclosest wild relatives. The demonstration of unique genetic diversity in the two M. esculenta subspecies and their genetic similarity to the crop supports the hypothesis that these materials may be the ancestors of cassava. Received: 4 November 1996 / Accepted: 20 December 1996     

Taxonomy,skull diversity and evolution in a species complex of Myotis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): a geometric morphometric appraisal

Phylogenetic relationships between taxa are not necessarily reflected by morphological data due to widespread homoplasy and convergence. However, combining morphological and molecular data provides insights into the evolution of biological forms and into the potential factors involved. Here we focus on a complex of three taxa of bats with unclear taxonomic affinities: Myotis myotis, Myotis blythii and Myotis punicus. Traditional morphometric methods failed to separate them, whereas recent molecular‐based studies suggested that they constitute separate biological species. In the present study, landmark‐based geometric morphometrics methods have been used to analyse the skull variability of 218 specimens belonging to this species complex. Patterns of size and shape delimitate three morphological groups that are congruent with the proposed taxonomic assignments, and therefore support species rank for all three major groups. These morphometrics results, however, suggest that M. myotis and M. punicus share shape characteristics in the rostrum and in the posterior part of the skull that differ from M. blythii. Because previous molecular phylogenetic analyses suggested that M. myotis and M. blythii are sister species, we interpret the similitude in skull morphology between M. myotis and M. punicus as a convergence probably related to their similar feeding habits. Within the taxon M. punicus, the skull of Corsican and Sardinian populations significantly differs from that of Maghrebian ones, suggesting the existence of further cryptic taxonomic diversity. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95 , 529–538.     

Morphometric study of the complex Moehringia sect. Pseudomoehringia McNeill from the western Mediterranean

Moehringia. sect. Pseudomoehringia McNeill is endemic to the western Mediterranean, having its origin and diversification centre in the Iberian Peninsula and mountains of northern Morocco. Both the relationship with the genus Arenaria as well as the taxonomy within the section have been largely controversial. To disentangle these issues, we conducted a morphometric study using herbarium material. We measured 12 relevant morphological traits from 148 selected herbarium sheets. Data were analyzed using different statistical methods: general linear models, multiple factorial analysis and linear discriminant analysis. We found significant differences between Arenaria balearica and the rest of the genus Moehringia taxa. Within this genus, we identified three well-discriminated species: Moehringia fontqueri, M. glochidisperma and M. intricata. Within M. intricata complex, we discerned virtually no differences amongst most of the subspecies (intricata, giennensis and tejedensis) with the exception of subsp. castellana. We propose: (i) to maintain A. balearica separate from Moehringia sect. Pseudomoehringia; (ii) to consider three species in the section Pseudomoehringia: M. fontqueri, M. glochidisperma and M. intricata; (iii) to recognize only two subspecies within M. intricata complex: subsp. intricata and subsp. castellana. To clarify the taxonomy of this threatened group is of great interest because it might help to prioritize conservation measures.     

TRUE IDENTITY OF THE EUROPEAN FRESHWATER ULVA (CHLOROPHYTA,ULVOPHYCEAE) REVEALED BY A COMBINED MOLECULAR AND MORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH1

A set of 18 freshwater and morphologically similar marine samples of Ulva were collected from inland and coastal waters throughout Europe to assess their taxonomic identity and invasive potential. An additional 11 specimens were obtained from herbaria. The material was studied using a combination of classical morphological methods and molecular techniques; the latter included sequencing of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and the chloroplast RUBISCO LSU (rbcL) gene and comparison of the ITS2 secondary structure predictions. Based on classical methods, all the specimens could be determined as U. flexuosa Wulfen and could be further divided into three groups matching three infraspecific taxa. This pattern was generally well supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses. All sequenced samples formed a monophyletic lineage within Ulva, showing a putative synapomorphy in the ITS2 secondary structure. The individual subspecies corresponded to phylogenetic clusters within this lineage. In freshwater habitats, the dominant taxon was U. flexuosa subsp. pilifera, but subsp. paradoxa was also occasionally recorded. In marine habitats, only U. flexuosa subsp. flexuosa and subsp. paradoxa were located. These findings support the view that U. flexuosa subsp. pilifera is primarily a freshwater alga that probably dominates in Europe. As confirmed by the study of herbarium specimens, U. flexuosa should be regarded as indigenous, although it has a tendency to form blooms under certain conditions. Besides clarifying the identity of prevailing European freshwater Ulva, the study provides novel data concerning the distribution and morphological plasticity within the U. flexuosa complex.     

Molecular cytogenetics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bellevalia</Emphasis> (Hyacinthaceae) species occurring in Greece

Eight taxa of the genus Bellevalia (Hyacinthaceae) occurring in Greece, all with basic chromosome number x = 4, were cytologically studied using classical and molecular-cytogenetic techniques [fluorochrome banding with chromomycin A₃, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes of 18S–5.8S–26S and 5S ribosomal RNA genes]. Two of the examined taxa are endemic, i.e., B. brevipedicellata and B. sitiaca, both restricted to the Island of Kriti. B. hyacinthoides and B. edirnensis are Balkan endemics, and the four remaining taxa, i.e., B. dubia subsp. boissieri, B. trifoliata, B. romana, and B. ciliata, are more widely distributed Mediterranean elements. Genome size, estimated by flow cytometry, ranged from 18.59 to 53.38 pg. The results of fluorochrome banding and FISH are reported for the first time for the genus Bellevalia. Despite the morphological similarity of the chromosome complement, which is in accordance with the general “basic” Bellevalia karyotype formula, the karyotypes of the studied species are clearly distinguished by the number and position of GC-rich bands and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci, revealing clear interspecific differentiation among the taxa. Additionally, examination of the polyploid species B. sitiaca and B. edirnensis and populations of B. hyacinthoides and B. ciliata with different ploidy levels permits discussion about the origin of polyploids and the taxonomic relationships among the taxa.     

Systematics of the snake genera Stenophis and Lycodryas from Madagascar and the Comoros

Nagy, Z. T., Glaw, F. & Vences, M. (2010) Systematics of the snake genera Stenophis and Lycodryas from Madagascar and the Comoros. —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 426–435. Arboreal snakes belonging to the pseudoxyrhophiine genus Stenophis inhabit Madagascar but despite their spectacular appearance, surprisingly little is known about their natural history and systematics. Nonetheless, a close phylogenetic affinity of the genera Stenophis and Lycodryas (the latter genus currently includes a single species from the Comoros) has been hypothesized. Based on recent molecular genetic data, however, the monophyly of Stenophis was challenged. This study aimed at a systematic analysis and taxonomic revision of the genera Stenophis and Lycodryas. On the basis of new molecular genetic and morphological data and analyses, we propose to accommodate these snakes in three monophyletic genera: Lycodryas, Phisalixella and Parastenophis, and to consider Stenophis as a junior synonym of Lycodryas. In the new generic arrangement, the genera can also be well distinguished by morphological characters. On the specific level, Phisalixella tulearensis is resurrected and indications of further, undescribed taxa are revealed.     

Studies in the Melica ciliata – complex: 1. Distribution of allozyme variation within and among individuals, populations and geographic regions

Allozyme variation in 83 European populations of the Melica ciliata/ transsilvanica species complex has been investigated. In spite of a diploid chromosome number, most loci were duplicated and patterns of within-population variation were not explainable unless apomixis or uncommon patterns of chromosomal segregation were assumed. Allelic richness and genetic diversity were very high but most of the variation (55-98%) was due to population differentiation. Geographic patterns were analysed both using phenetic, based on allele frequencies within populations, and cladistic, based on multi-locus genotypes, methods. Both methods congruently recognised three large groups of populations with discrete geographic distributions, in addition to a number of smaller groups. Of the three main groups, one was distributed in eastern and central Europe, one was restricted to western Europe north of the Alps and one was distributed in Iberia, Brittany and along the western shores of the Mediterranean. These groups are likely to have had separate histories but there appears to have been significant gene-flow among them. Among the less distinct groups, it was suggestive that some, e.g. the group containing all populations from the disjunct distribution in the Baltic basin, have been formed by introgression between the three major groups, whereas other deviating populations may represent additional distinct entities.     

Contribution to the taxonomy and phylogeny of Sarcocapnos DC. (Fumariaceae)

 To solve problems concerning the status of the taxa described in the genus Sarcocapnos, we have conducted a study using morphological, pollen morphology (light microscopy), cytogenetic and molecular techniques. Focusing on the last technique, we have sequenced ITS-1 and ITS-2 of nuclear rDNA. The species differ basically according to 5 morphological traits (leaf shape, flower spur, corolla colour, corolla size, and crest of the stigmatic surface). The cytogenetic analyses indicated n=16 to be the standard chromosome number. The ITS analyses showed that the genus is monophyletic, defining two main well-supported clades, one containing S. saetabensis and S. enneaphylla, and one containing the rest of the species. In this second clade, S. speciosa, S. pulcherrima, and S. baetica subsp. ardalii are related, as are S. integrifolia, S. crassifolia subsp. crassifolia, and S. crassifolia subsp. atlantis; S. baetica subsp. baetica forms a trichotomy with the foregoing groups. S. speciosa is shown to be a species separate from S. crassifolia subsp. crassifolia, as in the case of S. baetica with respect to S. integrifolia. Palynologically, the parameters used enabled us to establish clear differences between the taxa, often corroborating the macromorphological and genetic data. The flower spur has been reduced several times in different groups of the genus, for which the classifications established on the basis of this trait are paraphyletic. Received July 16, 2002; accepted December 11, 2002 Published online: March 31, 2003     

Pollen morphology of Xanthium L. (s.l.) (Asteraceae,Asteroideae, Heliantheae,Ambrosiinae) in the Iberian Peninsula - a palynotaxonomic approach to a poisonous,allergenic and invasive genus

Abstract

The pollen morphology of the Iberian taxa of the genus Xanthium s.l. and of the non-Iberian species X. ambrosioides was studied to help to identify these poisonous, allergenic and invasive taxa and clarify their taxonomic relationships. In addition, the question of the existence and structure of a mesoaperture in the apertural system of Xanthium was also considered. The pollen grains of sections Acanthoxanthium and Xanthium clearly differ by their characters, which supports the separation of both taxa and allows for their distinction based on pollen morphology. It is suggested that the morphological and palynological differences between Xanthium and Acanthoxanthium, together with the lack of hybridisation between the two sections and the monophyly of Acanthoxanthium, could lead to the elevation of the latter to the generic status. The two species of section Xanthium present in the Iberian Peninsula (X. orientale and X. strumarium) and of section Acanthoxanthium are well separated by their palynological features. Likewise, the Iberian subspecies of Xanthium, X. orientale subsp. orientale and X. orientale subsp. italicum are palynologically distinguishable. However, no significant difference could be found between the pollen of X. strumarium subsp. strumarium and of X. strumarium subsp. brasilicum. The pollen data do not support the hypotheses of a hybrid origin for X. strumarium subsp. brasilicum. A mesoaperture intersecting the foot layer and the upper part of the endexine is present in both sections, which is congruent with the results already found for other Asteroideae.     

Minuartia aksoyi sp. nov. and M. buschiana subsp. artvinica subsp. nov. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey

Two new taxa of Minuartia L. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey, Minuartia aksoyi M. Koç & Hamzao?lu sp. nov. and Minuartia buschiana Schischk. subsp. artvinica M. Koç & Hamzao?lu subsp. nov. are described and illustrated. Their taxonomic positions are discussed and they are compared with allied taxa. The distributions of the new and closely related taxa are given. Seed structures were examined by SEM.     

Ecological differentiation of Central EuropeanBolboschoenus taxa and their relationship to plant communities

The taxa of theBolboschoenus maritimus group occurring in Central Europe were studied with respect to morphological differentiation, plant communities and soil conditions. Four morphological types ofBolboschoenus were distinguished, differing in habitat conditions, dispersal and distribution: type 1 —Bolboschoenus maritimus subsp.maritimus with narrow triangular fruits; type 2 —B. maritimus subsp.maritimus with wider triangular fruits, type 3 —B. maritimus subsp.compactus with round convex fruits; and type 4 —B. planiculmis auct. with concave fruits. Strong ecological differentiation of these types was found compared with relatively weak morphological diagnostic features. High discriminant efficiency appeared in the relationship to soil chemistry. Differences were also found in habitat-type spectra of individualBolboschoenus morphological types, which was reflected in their affinities to plant communities. Nomenclature, taxonomic classification, and distribution of these taxa in Europe need thorough revision.     

Taxonomic revision of the Koeleria splendens C. Presl group (Poaceae) in Italy based on morphological characters

Abstract

The Italian populations of Koeleria splendens C. Presl, critical group of the Mediterranean flora, are examined from the taxonomic and nomenclatural viewpoints. On the basis of literature data, herbarium investigations and field surveys, many morphologically well-differentiated taxa have been recognized. This group is widespread in the Italian peninsula and Sicily, where it is represented by the following units: K. splendens C. Presl, with four subspecies [subsp. splendens, subsp. grandiflora (Bertol. ex Schultes) Domin, subsp. brutia Brullo, Gangale & Uzunov, and subsp. ophiolitica subsp. nova], K. lucana sp. nova, K. subcaudata (Ascherson & Graebner) Ujhelyi, K. australis Kerner, K. callieri (Domin) Ujhelyi, and K. insubrica sp. nova. As concerns their distribution, both K. splendens and K. lucana are endemic to the Italian territory, while the other species occur also in some eastern Mediterranean countries. The taxonomic position of K. lobata, recently treated by some authors as a synonym of K. splendens, is also examined. A phylogenetic analysis was performed using morphological characters. Finally, a detailed iconography of the main morphological features and an analytical key of the Italian taxa (K. lobata included) are given.     

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uromyces appendiculatus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">U. vignae</Emphasis> on legumes in Japan

Uromyces appendiculatus, inclusive of three varieties, is distinguished from U. vignae primarily by the position of urediniospore germ pores and putative host specificity. However, opinions concerning these morphological and physiological features as taxonomic characters have varied greatly, and distinction of these species has often been confused. To clarify the taxonomy of these two species, morphological features of urediniospores and teliospores of 225 rust fungus specimens on species of Phaseolus, Vigna, Apios, Lablab, and Dunbaria were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Forty-five specimens were subjected to molecular phylogenetic analyses. As a result, the position of germ pores in urediniospores and the teliospore-wall thickness were considered as good characters to separate three morphological groups. In molecular analyses, the specimens fell into two and three clades based on the nucleotide sequence at D1/D2 domain of LSU rDNA and ITS regions, respectively. One of the D1/D2 clades corresponded to one morphological group whereas another D1/D2 clade included two other morphological groups. In contrast, each of the three ITS clades corresponded to a separate morphological group. Neither morphological groups nor molecular clades were host limited. It is suggested that the three morphological groups that corresponded to three distinct ITS clades constitute distinct species.Contribution no. 186 from the Laboratory of Plant Parasitic Mycology, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Tsukuba, Japan