Re-Establishment of the Genus Ania Lindl. (Orchidaceae)

Ania Lindl. is a small genus of the tribe Collabieae subtribe Collabiinae (Orchidaceae). For the last 150 years, it has generally been treated as a synonym of Tainia Blume. In this study, we critically re-examined morphological characters that have been used to distinguish Ania from Tainia, and assessed the phylogeny of Tainia using morphological and palynological characters. Sequences of the nuclear ribosomal ITS, chloroplast trnL intron and combined DNA data sets were analysed to clarify the delimitation and the phylogeny of these groups. The morphological and palynological survey revealed a number of useful diagnostic characters which permit a clear definition of Ania, after the exclusion of a single taxonomically questionable species. Results confirmed that Ania is distinct from Tainia. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on molecular data provided the greatest resolution and produced a morphologically well differentiated clade of Ania. In addition to morphological and suggested palynological characters, the phylogenies were also supported by karyological evidence. Our results support the independent generic status of Ania. The genus name Ania is revived and re-established.     

Angiosperm pollen grains of San Just site (Escucha Formation) from the Albian of the Iberian Range (north-eastern Spain)

The most complete angiospermous palynological assemblage for the middle-earliest late Albian of north-eastern Spain is reported from the Middle Member of the Escucha Formation at the San Just site. Nine palynological samples yielded mainly monosulcates (Clavatipollenites, Dichastopollenites, Hammenia, Jusinghipollis, Liliacidites, Pennipollis including proposed new species P. escuchensis, Retimonocolpites, and Transitoripollis) and a few tricolpates (Phimopollenites, Rousea, Striatopollis, and Tricolpites). These assemblages, mainly composed of angiosperm pollen grains, suggest that significantly diversified flowering plants flourished both in brackish and freshwater swamp plain environments represented by the Escucha Formation in Albian times, although they were less diverse than angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous. The palynological assemblages share greatest similarities with those of other southern Laurasian localities, although there are some taxa more typical of palynofloras of northern Gondwana.     

Plants and traditional knowledge: An ethnobotanical investigation on Monte Ortobene (Nuoro, Sardinia)

Background

Worldwide there is growing research interest in the ethnobiology of mangrove forests. Notwithstanding that, little information has been published about ethnobiology of mangrove forests in Cameroon. The aims of this study were a) to analyze the harvesting methods and the local selling of mangrove wood products by loggers in the vicinity of Wouri estuary and b) to investigate the patterns of subsistence uses of mangrove wood products around the Douala-Edea reserve.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 120 active mangrove loggers in 23 Douala wood markets and 103 households located in three villages (Mbiako, Yoyo I and Yoyo II) close to Douala-Edea reserve. In each of the three densely populated villages, every second household was chosen for sampling while in all markets, mangrove loggers were chosen randomly. In addition, log diameters were measured in each market using a wooden foldable tape measure. A post hoc analysis (Newman-Keuls test) was performed in order to detect the common wood class diameter sold in the Douala wood markets.

Results

The analysis of the loggers' survey data has shown that large logs of Rhizophora with diameter greater than 40 cm were common in the Douala wood markets and were more closely associated with loggers who used chainsaws. In addition to the general mangroves wood products selling, the analysis on a subsistence level (households' survey) suggests the local population's dependence on mangroves, with multiple uses of Rhizophora racemosa Meyer, R. harrisonii Leechman, Avicennia germinans L. Stearn., Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn. f. and Conocarpus erectus L. timbers for furniture, fences, smoking fish, and fuelwood. Finally, Nypa fruticans (Thunb.) Wurmb. leaves were used as thatching material for house walls and roofs.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that big logs of Rhizophora were commonly sold by the loggers. A majority of loggers (60%) reported that mangrove marketed wood constitute a principal source of income. Most of the villagers (85.83%) often depend on mangroves for subsistence needs and for them there is no substitute for mangrove wood. Therefore, more efforts should be undertaken at the national level to implement conservation, management and sustainable use of these coastal forests.     

Analysing ethnobotanical and fishery-related importance of mangroves of the East-Godavari Delta (Andhra Pradesh, India) for conservation and management purposes

Mangrove forests, though essentially common and wide-spread, are highly threatened. Local societies along with their knowledge about the mangrove also are endangered, while they are still underrepresented as scientific research topics. With the present study we document local utilization patterns, and perception of ecosystem change. We illustrate how information generated by ethnobiological research can be used to strengthen the management of the ecosystem. This study was conducted in the Godavari mangrove forest located in the East-Godavari District of the state Andhra Pradesh in India, where mangroves have been degrading due to over-exploitation, extensive development of aquaculture, and pollution from rural and urbanized areas (Kakinada). One hundred interviews were carried out among the fisherfolk population present in two mangrove zones in the study area, a wildlife sanctuary with strong conservation status and an adjacent zone. Results from the interviews indicated that Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., a dominant species in the Godavari mangroves, is used most frequently as firewood and for construction. Multiple products of the mangrove included the bark of Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou to dye the fishing nets and improve their durability, the bark of Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco to poison and catch fish, and the leaves of Avicennia spp. and Excoecaria agallocha L. as fodder for cattle. No medicinal uses of true mangrove species were reported, but there were a few traditional uses for mangrove associates. Utilization patterns varied in the two zones that we investigated, most likely due to differences in their ecology and legal status. The findings are discussed in relation with the demographic and socio-economic traits of the fisherfolk communities of the Godavari mangroves and indicate a clear dependency of their livelihood on the mangrove forest. Reported changes in the Godavari mangrove cover also differed in the two zones, with significantly less perceptions of a decrease in the protected area, as compared to the adjacent non-protected area. A posteriori comparisons between sequential satellite imagery (retrospective till 1977) and respondents that were at least 15 years back then, revealed a mangrove decrease which was however perceived to different extents depending on the area with which the fishermen were familiar. While local needs had not been incorporated in the existing policy, we created a framework on how data on ethnobotanical traditions, fishery-related activities and local people's perceptions of change can be incorporated into management strategies.     

Palynological investigation in the lower jurassic of the vicentinian alps (Northeastern Italy)

The present paper emphasizes the applicability of palynological data as an aid to the solution of the problems related to the correlation of non-ammonitiferous Liassic strata in the Southern Alps with the ammonoid-based standard stages as recognized in the outer-Alpine part of Europe.In the Noriglio Grey Limestone Formation of the Vicentinian Alps, northeastern Italy, rich and well-preserved Liassic palynological assemblages can be abundantly found in the marly intercalations of its upper part; in the lower part palynological assemblages have appeared to be very rare. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the assemblages has indicated the presence of a single palynological assemblage zone. Minor compositional differences do not warrant a zonal subdivision.The overall composition of the assemblages is characterized by the general dominance of Circulina and smooth trilete spores in combination with a large amount of relatively rarely occurring forms of spores, pollen grains and other acid-resistant microfossils.Because of the presence of rich and well-preserved material, it has been possible to detect a relatively wide range of variability within species of Tigrisporites, Foveosporites, Porcellispora and Crassosphaera.Among the forms which could not be matched with previously described taxa the new formgenus Skarbysporites is formally erected together with the new species Skarbysporites elsendoornii, Skarbysporites puntii, Foveosporites visscheri and Tigrisporites jonkeri. Moreover, an emended diagnosis of Circulina is proposed, implicating the assignment to this formgenus of most forms generally included in Classo pollis. Also the generic diagnosis of Tigrisporites is emended.An evaluation of the Liassic palynological assemblages from the outer-Alpine part of Europe with special reference to their potential in characterizing the ammonoid-based chronostratigraphical subdivisions may indicate that two temporal subdivisions of the Liassic Series on the basis of palynological characteristics are now slowly becoming discernable: an assemblage zone characterizing the Hettangian, Sinemurian and Lower Pliensbachian, and an assemblage zone characterizing the Upper Pliensbachian and Toarcian.Because of the possibility of a correlation with the latter zone, the assemblages from the Noriglio Grey Limestone Formation can be reasonably regarded to be indicative of a Late Pliensbachian—Toarchian age of the source-strata.When considering the ammonoid evidence from the overlying “Cape San Vigilio Oolite” it may be concluded that the upper part of the lower subdivision of the Noriglio Grey Limestone Formation and the Rotzo Member represent the Upper Pliensbachian—Lower Toarcian.Because of its potential in correlating non-ammonitiferous strata from the Southern Alps with the successions in northwestern Europe, it is believed that palynology may earn a prominent place in regional Liassic chronostratigraphy.     

Pollen morphology and anatomical features of Lilium (Liliaceae) taxa from Turkey

In this study, pollen grains and anatomical features of Turkish lilies were investigated under the electron (SEM) and light (LM) microscope. LM and SEM observations showed that the pollen grains are monosulcate, heteropolar, elliptical in polar view and oblate. Numerical results based on combined palynological and anatomical characters were discussed and compared with traditional taxonomic treatments. It was found that the midrib shape, mesophyll type, P/E (polar/equatorial), sulcus length, and lumina width are the most valuable traits in separating the examined taxa. The numerical analysis showed that Lilium candidum L. differs from the rest Turkish Lilium and also confirmed a close relationship between L. szovitsianum Fisch. & Avé-Lall. and L. armenum Miscz. ex Grossh. Also this study is the first report dealing with anatomical and palynological features of all Turkish lilies.     

A new nomenclatural combination inPortulacaceae (Centrospermae)

Examination of type specimens of the monotypic genera,Grahamia (G. bracteata) andTalinaria (T. palmeri) together with detailed palynological, morphological and seed anatomical evidence have shown that these two species are very similar. These two genera are subsequently grouped into one genus,Grahamia. A new combination,G. palmeri is now proposed.     

Familial placement of Wightia (Lamiales)

The familial placement of Wightia has long been a problem. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenetic inspection of Wightia based on noncoding chloroplast loci (the rps16 intron and the trnL–F region) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, and on chemical analysis. A total of 70 samples (including 51 genera from 13 families of Lamiales) were employed in a molecular study. Phylograms suggest that Wightia is sister to Paulownia or Phrymaceae; species tree shows Wightia and Paulownia are sister groups which clustered with Phrymaceae in an unresolved clade. Chemical evidence shows affinity of Wightia to Paulowniaceae. With the addition of morphological, palynological and ecological characters, we suppose a familial position of Wightia belonging to or close to Paulowniaceae. Brandisia (a member of Orobanchaceae) does not have a close relationship with Wightia.     

Re-establishment of the genus Prenanthella Rydb. (Compositae: Cichorieae)

Prenanthella is re-established as a genus distinct fromLygodesmia on the basis of morphological, palynological, and chromosomal data. Possible relationships ofPrenanthella to other Stephanomerinae and to the genusCrepis are suggested.     

Major vegetation trends in the Tertiary of Patagonia (Argentina): A qualitative paleoclimatic approach based on palynological evidence

The patterns of Patagonian vegetation change suggest a strong relationship between the major thermal characters of the flora and the global paleoclimatic trends during Tertiary times. This conclusion was reached from the assessment of fossil pollen data from Patagonia throughout the Paleogene and Early Neogene periods and the subsequent comparison of palynological data to the global deep-sea oxygen isotope record. Four main time intervals were recognized based on the temporal distribution of selected angiosperm key taxa. (1) Paleocene to Early Eocene: presence of megatherm elements (e.g. Nypa, Pandanus), probably integrating mangrove communities in Patagonian lowlands. (2) Middle Eocene to Early Oligocene: rise to dominance of mesotherm and microtherm Nothofagus species. Megatherm taxa were well recorded at the beginning of this interval (e.g. Ilex) but were shown to disappear towards the end. (3) Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene: new increases of megatherm taxa such as palms, Cupania and Alchornea. First occurrences of mesotherm Asteraceae, represented by trailing Mutisieae, were reported. (4) Late Miocene: dispersal of meso-microtherm and arid adapted taxa (e.g. Ephedraceae and Asteraceae) across the non-Andean region of Patagonia. Microtherm Nothofagacean forests probably occurred on the higher rainfall regions of western Patagonia. The current vegetation was most likely reached during this last stage with the forest development under wetter conditions on the Andean sectors, and the steppe throughout the non-Andean region of Patagonia.     

Tool use and predation of oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) by the tufted capuchin,Cebus apella appella,in brackish water mangrove swamp

Cebus apella apella is considered to be omnivorous, manipulative and exploiter. A case of oyster predation is reported from an individual of a population inhabiting mangrove swamps in the village of Canelatiua, Maranhão, Brazil. It is suggested that this behavioural adaptability on mangrove resources is a key factor in the success of the species in this ecosystem.     

Feeding preferences and food searching strategies mediated by air- and water-borne cues in the mud whelk Terebralia palustris (Potamididae: Gastropoda)

The gastropod T. palustris is one of the major species responsible for leaf consumption and degration within the Indo-Pacific mangrove forests, and it strongly competes with herbivorous sesarmid crabs in consuming fallen leaves. This snail feeds at high and low tides and it is able to locate food items by means of chemical cues. The aim of this study was to assess the food preferences of T. palustris and to define its feeding strategies at low and high tides, by conducting field trials on water-borne mediated food location at high tide, grazing rate and the chemical attraction exerted by different mangrove leaves. The results showed that T. palustris was able to perceive underwater grazed leaves. In addition, we demonstrated that T. palustris consumes all the mangrove species (preferentially the Rhizophoraceae leaves) but Xilocarpus granatum. Moreover, this snail is differentially attracted to different mangrove species: the major attractive power is wielded by the rhizophoracean species and Pemphis acidula, while X. granatum does not attract this snail at all. The efficacy and adaptive value of a chemically mediated food searching strategies is unquestionable since by using this ability T. palustris can locate and reach the leaves it preferentially consumes. Moreover, T. palustris is the only macrobenthic species of East Africa mangroves able to search, detect and consume mangrove leaves at both high and low tides. Such an expanded feeding window permits T. palustris to occupy temporal niches left empty by the sesarmid crabs.     

Phosphorus dynamics during decomposition of mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata) leaves in sediments

Rhizophora apiculata leaf litter decomposition and the influence of this process on phosphorus (P) dynamics were studied in mangrove and sand flat sediments at the Bangrong mangrove forest, Phuket, Thailand. The remaining P in the mangrove leaf litter increased with time of decomposition to 174% and 220% of the initial amount in the litter in sand flat and mangrove sediment, respectively, although about 50% of the dry weight had been lost. The incorporation of P into the litter was probably associated with humic acids and metal bridging, especially caused by iron (Fe), which also accumulated in considerable amounts in the litter (5-10 times initial concentration). The addition of leaves to the sediment caused increased concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP) in the porewater, especially in sand flat sediment. The DRP probably originated from Fe-bound P in the sediment, because decomposition of buried leaf litter caused increased respiration and reduced the redox potential (E_h) in the sediments. Binding of P to refractory organic material and oxidized Fe at the sediment-water interface explains the low release of DRP from the sediment. This mechanism also explains the generally low DRP concentration in the mangrove porewater, the low nutrient content of the R. apiculata leaves, but also the higher total sediment P concentration of the mangrove sediment as compared to sediments outside the mangrove. Both the low release rates for DRP from the sediment and the accumulation of P associated with leaf litter decomposition tend to preserve P in the sediments.     

Mangrove habitat partitioning by Ucides cordatus (Ucididae): effects of the degree of tidal flooding and tree-species composition during its life cycle

Environmental factors strongly affect mangrove crabs, and some factors modulate population structure and habitat partitioning during the crabs’ life cycle. However, the effect of these environmental factors on habitat selection by mangrove crabs is still unknown. We evaluated habitat selection by the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus in mangrove forests with different degrees of predominance of Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa or Avicennia schaueriana, two tidal flooding levels (less- and more-flooded), and two biological periods (breeding and non-breeding seasons). Sampling was conducted in four mangrove forests with different influences of these biotic and abiotic parameters. We used the data for sex ratio to explain environmental partitioning by this species. Females predominated in R. mangle mangroves, independently of the biological period (breeding or non-breeding seasons), and males predominated only in the less-flooded L. racemosa mangroves. The flooding level affected the sex ratio of U. cordatus, with a predominance of males in less-flooded mangroves, independently of the biological period; and a gender balance in the more-flooded mangroves only during the breeding season. Outside the breeding season, the largest specimens were recorded in the R. mangle mangroves, but in the breeding season, the largest crabs were recorded in the L. racemosa mangroves with a higher level of flooding. These results suggest that tree-species composition and tidal flooding level can have a significant effect on the habitat partitioning of sexes and sizes of the mangrove crab U. cordatus both during and outside the breeding season.     

Palynological characterisation of the Lower Carnian of the KEA5 borehole (Koudiat El Halfa Dome; Central Atlas, Tunisia)

In Central Tunisia, the Triassic outcrops of the Koudiat El Halfa and Rheouis Domes are mainly composed of an evaporite-dominated succession. The scarce biostratigraphic data available to date assign a Ladinian-Carnian age for the outcropping strata. The present palynological study data demonstrate an Early Carnian (Julian) age for the Triassic sediments penetrated by the KEA5 borehole in the Koudiat El Halfa Dome, which were previously considered to represent Middle Triassic. The palynological record mainly consists of Enzonalasporites vigens, Patinasporites densus, Vallasporites ignacii, Brodispora striata, Samaropollenites speciosus, Ovalipollis pseudoalatus in association with Circumpolles species such as Praecirculina granifer, Camerosporites secatus and Duplicisporites granulatus. In addition, Lagenella martini and Aulisporites astigmosus occur in the upper part of the drilled succession and their first appearance could indicate a Julian-Early Tuvalian age. These new data allow a palynostratigraphic correlation with the Rheouis Formation cropping out along the structural “North-South Axis” of Central Tunisia, particularly in the Jebel Rheouis Dome. The drilled succession can be correlated with the Black Dolostones (Tr3) and the Middle Gypsum (Tr4) members of the Rheouis Formation.     

Canopy gaps formed by mangrove trimming: an experimental test of impact on litter fall and standing litter stock in Southwest Florida (USA)

Mangroves in Florida (USA) are subject to horticultural pruning that may increase the size of canopy gaps and alter rates of litter production and accumulation. Mangrove canopy gap formation is a common phenomenon, known to alter abiotic conditions near the forest floor. Using a series of field experiments in Rookery Bay, Florida, the effects of mangrove trimming on canopy density, mangrove litter production, standing litter stocks, and the decomposition rate of Rhizophora mangle leaves on the forest floor were assessed. Litter trap collections over the year following mangrove trimming indicated that pruned mangrove stands (canopy coverage: 42.8±0.9%; mean±S.E.) produced approximately one-half of the litter of mangrove stands with relatively complete canopies (canopy coverage: 72.1±0.5%). However, there was no significant difference between the mass of standing litter on the forest floor beneath reduced canopy and intact canopy mangroves. Also, R. mangle leaves held on the forest floor in fiberglass litter bags at both reduced canopy and control sites did not decompose at different rates over 28 days. These results indicate that while system-wide mangrove litter production should be reduced by the formation of these gaps in mangrove forests, postproduction influences may obscure any site-specific declines in standing litter stocks.     

Preliminary Observations on the Association of Skusea pembaensis (Diptera: Culicidae) and Cardisoma carnifex (Decapoda: Geocarcinidae) in Mangroves of Northeast Tanzania

The mosquito Skusea pembaensis Theobald inhabits mangrove habitats in East Africa, where the adults oviposit on crabs and the larvae undergo development in the water at the bottom of crab burrows. In Tanga, Tanzania, Sk. pembaensis adults were observed in and around the burrows of the land crab Cardisoma carnifex Herbst, a previously unreported association. C. carnifex adults were transported from the mangrove to a laboratory holding container, immersed in tap water, and released 2 days later. Larvae of Skusea pembaensis were recovered from 91 % of C. carnifex of diverse sizes and both sexes, preliminary evidence of the close association between these two species in coastal Northeastern Tanzania. Sk. pembaensis is a neglected species but may be a vector of medical importance.     

Stratigraphy of the Northern Pulo do Lobo Domain,SW Iberia Variscides: A palynological contribution

We present palynological results from the northern sector of the Pulo do Lobo Domain, combining sections studied in Portugal and Spain. A total of 139 samples were studied, of which 56 are positive for palynology. The first age determination for the Pulo do Lobo Formation was achieved, indicating a mid-Frasnian age (Verrucosisporites bulliferus and Pustulatisporites rugulatus). The sediments of Peramora Mélange (Spain) yielded the same palyno-assemblage as that of the Pulo do Lobo Fm. and are interpreted as a part of this formation. The Ribeira de Limas Fm. also yielded mid-Frasnian miospore assemblages, indicating the same age as the Pulo do Lobo Fm. The Santa Iria and Horta da Torre formations present spore assemblages assigned to the late Famennian in both Portugal and Spain. The phyllites interbedded with the quartzites of the Alájar Mélange yielded a palyno-assemblage late Famennian in age that can be correlated to the Horta da Torre Fm. Therefore, the Alájar quartzites are interpreted as a lateral equivalent of the Horta da Torre Fm. in Spain. The palynological results obtained for the units of the northern sector of the Pulo do Lobo Domain are highly consistent and in agreement with stratigraphic mapping and structural interpretations. A detailed discussion of the palynological versus geochronological ages based on detrital zircons is included in this study. The palynological results and their comparison with the worldwide Upper Devonian palynological record suggest a close affinity with NW European palynofloras, placing the Pulo do Lobo Domain within the Avalonian paleobiogeographical province.