A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mentzelia</Emphasis> section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bartonia</Emphasis> (Loasaceae) from the Grand Canyon,Arizona

Mentzelia hualapaiensis, a new species of Mentzelia sect. Bartonia, is described from the Grand Canyon region of Arizona. The new species is closely related to M. puberula, which is found west of M. hualapaiensis along the Colorado River, and to M. oreophila, M. polita, and M. tiehmii. It shares with these species a suffrutescent shoot system characterized by a subterranean, branching caudex, multiple annual branches, and similar leaves that have shallowly lobed or toothed to entire laminas. The flowers of M. hualapaiensis differ from those of its closest relatives in having cream-white, linear to narrowly spatulate petals and staminodes, characteristics that are convergent with those of the flowers of the Chihuahuan Desert species M. humilis.     

Comparative analysis of floral scents in four sympatric species of Serapias L. (Orchidaceae): clues on their pollination strategies

Orchid species of Mediterranean genus Serapias often live in sympatry, exhibit similar floral morphology, bloom in the same period and share the same pollinators. Previous studies on Serapias species have ascertained that reproductive isolation is based on pre-pollination barriers, that secretory cells and trichomes are typically distributed on the floral labellum and that flowers produce aliphatic compounds. In this study we compare the floral scent composition of four widespread, co-occurring Serapias species, namely Serapias lingua, Serapias parviflora, Serapias vomeracea and Serapias cordigera. Our goals are to assess if differences in floral scent may act as interspecific pre-pollination barriers and if these olfactory signals may be involved in the pollination strategy of Serapias. We find that all the selected species produce C20–C29 alkanes and alkenes and, in addition, have detected the presence in S.?cordigera of large amounts of oleate and stearate ethyl ester. Our findings help to clarify that the sympatric Serapias species have slightly different floral scent signatures that may account for their relevant role as pre-pollination barriers. Therefore, the pollination strategy of Serapias relies not only on the tubular shape of their floral corolla but also on the production of olfactory signals that may lure potential pollinators and even assure a sufficient degree of pollinator fidelity.     

Leaf architecture and anatomy of eleven species of Mortoniodendron (Malvaceae s.l.)

The genus Mortoniodendron is distributed from southeastern Mexico to Colombia and contains about 18 species of trees and shrubs. The main goal of this study is to describe and compare the leaf architecture and the anatomy of 11 species of Mortoniodendron using cleared leaves and paradermal and transverse leaf sections. All of the species of Mortoniodendron share a simple lamina with an entire margin. The differences among the species include the venation pattern, the relative thickness and course of the secondary veins, the presence or absence of the intersecondary veins, the tertiary vein pattern, the number of branches in veinlets, and the marginal ultimate venation. The leaf anatomy is similar to other species of the Malvaceae s.l.: for example, mucilage cells are common in Mortoniodendron. There are unique attributes of the leaf architecture and anatomy, such as the eucamptodromous venation pattern of M. guatemalense, which facilitates the identification of the species. The species M. palaciosii, M. pentagonum, M. ruizii, M. uxpanapense, and M. sp. nov. share features that suggest that they are closely related.     

Floral traits, pollinators and breeding systems in Syncolostemon (Lamiaceae)

Differentiation in floral traits among clusters of related species may reflect a process of pollinator-driven evolution. Pollination systems in the morphologically diverse southern African genus Syncolostemon (Lamiaceae) were investigated by means of field observations of floral visitors and analysis of their pollen loads. Among the five study species, those with short corolla tubes (S. parviflorus, S. ramulosus) were pollinated solely by bees, while those with long corolla tubes were pollinated by a broader array of visitors, primarily long-proboscid flies in S. rotundifolius and S. macranthus and sunbirds in S. densiflorus. The predominately insect-pollinated taxa have lax inflorescences, but S. densiflorus has a compact terminal inflorescence, which facilitates feeding by sunbirds from a single perching position. Experimental hand-pollinations involving three taxa (S. macranthus, S. densiflorus, and S. rotundifolius) showed that these possess a genetic self-incompatibility system. Production of fruits and seeds per fruit was pollen-limited in S. densiflorus and S. rotundifolius, but not in S. macranthus.     

Gentianella tumailica (Gentianaceae) – A new species from cold deserts of northwest Himalaya,India

A new species of Gentianella, G. tumailica sp. nov., from Tumail in the Kargil district of Ladakh, northwest Himalaya, India is described and illustrated. This novelity is morphologically similar to the sympatric G. stoliczka in inflorescence pattern, calyx and corolla shapes, sagitate anthers, more or less rounded seeds, but differs in smaller size of vegetative and floral structures, larger basal leaves, few cauline leaves, leaf apex obtuse to rounded, calyx lobes unequal (2 longer, 3 shorter), inflorescence enveloped by 4 foliaceous bracts, capsule elliptic to oblong and seed coat smooth. In addition, a diagnostic key to all Indian species of Gentianella is presented.     

Morphological variability in rupicolous species of the Acianthera prolifera complex (Orchidaceae) occurring in southeastern Brazil

We carried out multivariate morphometric analysis of 23 floral characters in seven populations of a complex of four species of Acianthera (Orchidaceae) occurring in Brazilian campo rupestre (rocky field) vegetation (A.?hamosa, A.?limae, A.?modestissima, and A.?prolifera) that flower synchronously and are partially intercompatible, and one putative hybrid population between A.?limae and A.?prolifera. We also carried out cluster analysis involving these eight populations plus 21 populations of a previously published study belonging to another species complex of Acianthera occurring in campo rupestre, including 12 floral characters in the analysis. Allopatric species pollinated by the same group of Diptera showed higher floral similarity among themselves than to a sympatric species pollinated by another group of Diptera. Such patterns indicate the existence of floral convergence in allopatric species and/or radiation in sympatric species. The analysis also indicated that there is more floral similarity between species of different complexes but that share the same group of pollinators. Large overlap was observed between A.?limae and the putative sympatric hybrids, indicating the occurrence of later generations of hybrids and/or individuals of A.?limae with introgression. The results do not support A.?hamosa and A.?modestissima as distinct species. These taxa are geographically isolated, occurring in different environments, are recognized only by vegetative characters that show high phenotypic plasticity, and share the same pollinators, being interfertile.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sinningia lutea</Emphasis> (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Southern Brazil

Sinningia lutea (Gesneriaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Pampa Biome, in Southern Brazil. In the literature, this species has hitherto been confused with S. allagophylla from which it can be easily separated using a set of floral and vegetative features (especially corolla color and size and leaf shape). An artificial key to separate S. lutea from S. allagophylla and S. curtiflora (another sympatric species, with some morphological similarities) is presented. Some ecological remarks on the differential distribution of S. lutea and S. allagophylla are also made.     

Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of Cherry Species Collected in Serbia

Genetic diversity of cherry species collected in Serbia has been investigated using 26 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed in Prunus. This material consisted of 77 cherry accessions corresponding to the five following species, Prunus cerasus, Prunus avium, Prunus fruticosa, Prunus mahaleb, and Prunus serrulata. A total of 98 alleles were detected, with an average of 3.7 putative alleles per primer combination. Sixteen unique, species-specific, alleles were detected with nine primer pairs in four species, P. avium, P. cerasus, P. mahaleb, and P. serrulata. The highest number of unique alleles, 8, was observed in P. mahaleb and no species-specific alleles were detected in P. fruticosa. SSR markers generated unique fingerprints for all cherry accessions. Cluster analysis classified accessions into four groups according to their taxonomy, where P. avium and P. cerasus were grouped together, supporting P. avium as one of the progenitors of sour cherry. The highest genetic variability and potential value in rootstock breeding was observed in P. mahaleb and P. serrulata material. Principal component (PC) analysis explained more than 50 % of the total observed phenotypic variability using the first two components. The most important characteristics of PC1 were leaf length and width, fruit taste, color of leaf nectaries, fruit weight, leaf blade margin incisions, petiole length, size of vegetative buds, and length of internode. The most important characteristics of PC2 were shape of leaf blade at base, fruit skin color, and leaf blade length and tip angle. The investigated germplasm proved to be sufficiently genetically diverse for use in breeding programs and development of new cherry cultivars and rootstocks.     

Buddleja davidii and Buddleja yunnanensis: Exploring features associated with commonness and rarity in Buddleja

Buddleja davidii is a widespread shrub in Asia while B. yunnanensis is a narrowly endemic species limited to Yunnan Province, China. To explore whether floral volatiles, morphological characters of flower and seed and breeding system are correlated with their distributions, we measured length and width of corolla, trichome density at corolla throat, level of stigma/anthers relationship, seed size and weight. The results indicated that these characteristics were significantly different between the two species (P < 0.01). Bagging experiments revealed that B. davidii is a self-incompatible plant while B. yunnanensis is self-compatible. Thick trichome density at the corolla throat may reduce out-crossing in B. yunnanensis. Autogamy plays an important role in fruit production of this species while B. davidii requires pollinators for fruiting. Scents were collected using dynamic headspace adsorption method and identified with coupled gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In total, 27 floral scent compounds were identified. The volatile composition in the two species was very different. We attempted to determine if these features, associated with commonness and with rarity found in these two taxa, could also help to explain the distribution pattern of other species of the genus Buddleja.     

Monilinia species in Hungary: morphology, culture characteristics, and molecular analysis

Monilinia is a well-known pathogen of fruit trees affecting fruit production all over the world. Three species of the Monilinia genus are particularly important with regard to fruit trees and ornamentals, causing serious blossom and twig blight and brown rot in fruits: Monilinia fructicola, Monilinia fructigena, and Monilinia laxa. In this study, Monilinia isolates were compared and identified using classical and molecular methods. Morphological and culture characteristics were determined and pathogenicity testing performed. In addition, internal transcribed spacer regions and a genomic sequence with unknown function were analyzed and compared with sequence data from other Monilinia species in an international database. Four Monilinia/Monilia species were identified: M. fructicola, Monilia polystroma, M. fructigena, and M. laxa. M. fructicola was isolated from imported peach fruits. M. polystroma was first reported from Hungary and Europe on apple shoots and fruits. M. fructigena was identified on tea-rose hybrid pseudofruits, which is the first occurrence of this pathogen on this host. M. laxa causes brown rot of grapes, which has only been reported in New Zealand. Substitutions and insertions were detected when comparing M. laxa, M. fructigena, and M. polystroma sequences. In the genomic sequence with unknown function, three repetitive sequence motifs were identified in different numbers, depending on species and isolate. On the phylogram produced in this analysis, the Hungarian M. polystroma isolate (UFT) and M. polystroma reference isolates localized at a different branch than the closely related M. fructigena isolates and other Monilinia species.     

Expression patterns of several floral genes during flower initiation in the apical buds of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) revealed by in situ hybridization

The apple (Malus?×?domestica Borkh.) is one of the commercially important fruit crops in the worldwide. The apple has a relatively long juvenile period (up to 4?years) and a long reproductive period between the flower initiation and the mature fruit (14?C16?months), which prevent the fruit breeding. Therefore, the understanding of the flowering system is important to improve breeding efficiency in the apple. In this study, to examine the temporal and spatial expression patterns of the floral genes, MdTFL1, MdAP1 (MdMASD5), AFL2, and MdFT, we conducted in situ hybridization analysis in the apple shoot apex. In vegetative phase, MdTFL1 was expressed on the rib meristem zone. When vegetative meristem began converting into inflorescence meristem, the expression level of MdTFL1 was drastically decreased. At the early stage of inflorescence meristem, the expression levels of AFL2, MdFT, and MdAP1 were up-regulated in the leaf primordia and the upper region of cell layers on the shoot apex. In late stage, the expression levels of AFL2 and MdAP1 were up-regulated in the young floral primordia. At a more advanced stage, high expression of MdAP1 was observed in the inflorescence primordium through the inner layer of sepal primordia and the outer layer of receptacle primordia and floral axis. Our results suggest that AFL2, MdFT, and MdAP1 affect to convert from the vegetative meristem into the inflorescence meristem after the decline of MdTFL1 expression. After that, AFL2 and MdAP1 promote the formation of the floral primordia and floral organs.     

Euphorbia aaron-rossii (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from Marble and Grand Canyons of the Colorado River,Arizona

The new species,Euphorbia aaron-rossii from along the Colorado River within the inner gorge of Marble Canyon and Grand Canyon, Coconino Co., Arizona, is described, mapped, and illustrated. Scanning electron micrographs of the seed coat are included. It clearly belongs to subgenusAgaloma sectionTithymalopsis, where it is most closely related toE. wrightii.     

Two new endemic species of Myrtaceae and an anatomical novelty from the Highlands of Brazil

Campomanesia cavalcantina Soares-Silva & Proen?a and Psidium ratterianum Proen?a & Soares-Silva (Myrtaceae), two new species from the Brazilian highlands are described and illustrated. Campomanesia cavalcantina is similar to Campomanesia eugenioides (Cambess.) D. Legrand var. eugenioides, but differs from this species in being an hemixyle, by the narrow to broadly elliptic-falcate leaves 1.7 – 4.6 times as long as wide with 8 – 15 lateral veins, by the less densely glandular leaves and flowers, and by the lanceolate, c. 7 mm long bracteoles which are persistent to young fruit stage. Psidium ratterianum appears to be most closely allied to P. australe Cambess. Both species share the hemixyle habit, similar leaf shape, leaf ratio and floral morphology. P. ratterianum differs from that species by its narrow, ascendant, strongly bullate leaves, bracteoles which are persistent in the fruit, expanded, funnel-shaped stigma and smaller, elliptic fruits. Anatomically, Psidium ratterianum differs from other species of Psidium, and from other new-world Myrtaceae (Tribe Myrteae), in that the leaves are amphistomatic, a character known to occur in the Australian genus Leptospermum.     

Primulina rubella sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from a limestone area in Guangdong,China

A new species of Primulina (Gesneriaceae) from a limestone area in southern China, P. rubella L.H. Yang & M. Kang, is described and illustrated. The new species has purple‐red flowers and is thus similar to P. lijiangensis, but differs by its petiole, leaf blade, cyme, filament, stigma and ovary. In adition, a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction indicated that P. rubella and P. lijiangensis belong to quite different clades. Instead, P. rubella appears to be closely related to the sympatric P. qingyuanensis, although these two species are obviously differentiated both in terms of flower color and other vegetative and floral characters. The conservation status of P. rubella is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria.     

Evolutionary correlation between floral monosymmetry and corolla pigmentation patterns in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhododendron</Emphasis>

Floral symmetry and pigmentation are features of flowers that are believed to be associated due to their shared influence on pollinator behaviour. However, the evolution of such associations has so far not been examined. We analysed variation in Rhododendron flowers, in a phylogenetic context, to test whether the evolution of floral symmetry types and pigment patterns are correlated. Variation in floral symmetry due to variation in corolla form, stamen flexion, stamen arrangement, pistil flexion, as well as corolla pigment patterns was documented in 98 species of Rhododendron. Phylogenetic relations among these species were estimated using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods, building on a published molecular dataset of sequences of RNA Polymerase II subunit (RPB2-I). Evolution of the floral traits was studied using phylogenetic correlation tests and ancestral state reconstructions (maximum parsimony, MP and ML methods). Significant correlations were found between corolla pigment pattern and type of floral symmetry at the level of corolla form, stamen flexion or arrangement, and pistil flexion. As expected from their similar roles in enhancing attractability to pollinator, monosymmetric corollas and presence of pigment pattern are correlated; in addition, monosymmetry involving other whorls too shows such a relationship with pigment patterns, and with each other. Multiple evolutionary shifts were detected between monosymmetry and polysymmetry of floral traits in Rhododendron. The relationship between floral monosymmetry attributes and presence of corolla pigment patterns, and additionally, frequent evolutionary shifts in these traits suggest pollinator-mediated selective pressures in Rhododendron.     

Trends in the reproductive biology of Venezuelan Melochia (Malvaceae) species

The breeding system, floral morphology, morph frequency, biomass allocation to floral whorls, pollination and reproductive efficiency were examined in four distylous and three monomorphic Melochia species. Monomorphic species were self-compatible and distylous species were self-incompatible. Flowers of homomorphic species were longer than those of distylous species. Herkogamy was significantly higher in pin than in thrum morphs of the two distylous species, and monomorphic species exhibited the lowest values of herkogamy. Pollen/ovule ratios were similar between monomorphic and dimorphic species, irrespective of the self-incompatibility level. Biomass allocation to flowers was biased toward non-sexual structures, attraction and support. Androecium biomass and androecium/gynoecium biomass ratio were larger in thrum than in pin flowers of distylous species indicating maleness in the thrum morph and femaleness in the pin morph. There was no clear difference between fruit set of monomorphic and dimorphic species; however, the greatest fruit set was found in the monomorphic species, M. pyramidata, which is a self-compatible species. Fruit set was significantly higher in pin than in thrum morphs in three out four distylous species and fecundity was only significantly higher in pin morphs of M. caracasana and M. parvifolia. Melochia species have generalist pollination systems. According to the taxonomic classes and number of pollinator species, M. caracasana and M. parvifolia have similar generalist pollination systems. Our comparative analyses of the characters between floral morphs of distylous species and the relationship with these characters in monomorphic species allow divergences and similarities to be established and different evolutionary trends to be postulated in the breeding systems of Melochia species. Specifically, M. parvifolia and M. caracasana are apparently biased toward monomorphy and dioecy, respectively.     

Oreocharis xieyongii,an unusual new species of Gesneriaceae from western Hunan,ChinaOA

A new species,Oreocharis xieyongii T.Deng,D.G.Zhang & H.Sun,from Hunan Province,central China,is described.The combination of purple zygomorphic corolla with longer adaxial lobes and exserted stamens defines the species and discriminates it from all other current Oreocharis species.Morphological traits of the new species were compared to those of two similar species,Oreocharis xiangguiensis and 0.rubrostriata.Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the new species is nested within the Oreochari...     

Eomyops noeliae sp. nov., a new Eomyidae (Mammalia,Rodentia) from the Aragonian of Spain

A new species of Eomyops, Eomyops noeliae, is described. from the locality MT-20A (Morteral section, Magro basin, eastern Spain). It is intermediate in size between the large eomiid, E. hebeiseni, and the small species of the group E. catalaunicus, E. bodvanus and E. oppligeri. The age range is Lower Aragonian. MT-20A is located between deposits that contain Megacricetodon primitivus and M. collongensis. Morphologically, E. noeliae sp. nov. is clearly different from the rest of species of the genus, due to an important reduction of the lingual anteroloph of M^1,2,3 and the labial anterolophid of M₃. The lower incisor shows two parallel ridges along the enamel like the type species of the genus, E. catalaunicus. This character is basic for the distinction between Eomyops and the North American genus Leptodontomys.     

Interaction between oil-collecting bees and seven species of Plantaginaceae

Oil-bee/oil-flower mutualism evolved through multiple gains and losses of the ability to produce floral oil in plants and to collect it in bees. Around 2000 plant species are known to produce floral oils that are collected by roughly 450 bee species, which use them for the construction of nests and for the larval food. The Plantaginaceae contain several Neotropical species that produce floral oils, the main reward offered by these plants. In the genera Angelonia, Basistemon, Monopera and Monttea, mainly associated with Centris bees, the floral oil is produced in trichomes that are located in the inner corolla. The pollinators of a few species in this neotropical clade of Plantaginaceae are known, and the role of flower morphology as well as the requirements from pollinators and the role of other groups of bees in the pollination of these flowers remains unclear. In this paper we provide a list of the flower visitors of seven Plantaginaceae species (six Angelonia species and Basistemon silvaticus) analyzing their behavior to highlight the legitimate pollinators and illustrating little known aspects of flower morphology and oil-collecting apparatuses of the bees. Two general morphological patterns were observed in the Angelonia flowers: deep corolla tube with short lobes, and short corolla tube with long lobes. Corolla tubes of different length result in pollen adherence to different parts of the insect body. The six Angelonia species and B. silvaticus flowers were visited by 25 oil-collecting bee species (10 Centris, 11 Tapinotaspidini and 4 Tetrapedia species), the majority acting as legitimate visitors. The flowers were also visited by illegitimate bee pollinators, which collected pollen but do not transfer it to the female organ. Specialized collectors of Plantaginaceae floral oils present modifications on the first pair of legs, mainly in the basitarsi but also extended to the tarsomeres. The new records of Tapinotaspidini and Centridini species acting as specialized pollinators of Plantaginaceae suggest that there is a geographic variation in the pollinators of the same plant species, and that the evolutionary scenario of the historical relationships between oil-collecting bees and floral oil producing plants is more complex than previously considered.