Stimpsonia nanlingensis sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from Guangdong,China

A new species of Stimpsonia (Primulaceae), S. nanlingensis G.H. Huang & G. Hao, from Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated as the second species in the genus. In general morphology it resembles S. chamaedryoides but can be distinguished by its foliose bracts and a corolla with a shorter tube and shorter truncate or obtuse lobes.     

A NEW LOOK AT AN ANCIENT ORDER: GENERIC REVISION OF THE BANGIALES (RHODOPHYTA)1

The red algal order Bangiales has been revised as a result of detailed regional studies and the development of expert local knowledge of Bangiales floras, followed by collaborative global analyses based on wide taxon sampling and molecular analyses. Combined analyses of the nuclear SSU rRNA gene and the plastid RUBISCO LSU (rbcL) gene for 157 Bangiales taxa have been conducted. Fifteen genera of Bangiales, seven filamentous and eight foliose, are recognized. This classification includes five newly described and two resurrected genera. This revision constitutes a major change in understanding relationships and evolution in this order. The genus Porphyra is now restricted to five described species and a number of undescribed species. Other foliose taxa previously placed in Porphyra are now recognized to belong to the genera Boreophyllum gen. nov., Clymene gen. nov., Fuscifolium gen. nov., Lysithea gen. nov., Miuraea gen. nov., Pyropia, and Wildemania. Four of the seven filamentous genera recognized in our analyses already have generic names (Bangia, Dione, Minerva, and Pseudobangia), and are all currently monotypic. The unnamed filamentous genera are clearly composed of multiple species, and few of these species have names. Further research is required: the genus to which the marine taxon Bangia fuscopurpurea belongs is not known, and there are also a large number of species previously described as Porphyra for which nuclear SSU ribosomal RNA (nrSSU) or rbcL sequence data should be obtained so that they can be assigned to the appropriate genus.     

Bryocentria (Hypocreales), a new genus of bryophilous Ascomycetes

Bryocentria is described as a new genus of Hypocreales. It is characterized by small orange-coloured perithecia, excipular cells with cyanophilic pitted walls, apical paraphyses, numerous thin-walled asci, small, two-celled ascospores with a cyanophilic central part and parasitism on bryophytes. The generitype B. brongniartii is a frequent biotrophic and host-specific leaf perforator of Frullania dilatata. The related, necrotrophic B. metzgeriae also perforates the leaves of predominantly foliose hepatics. Bryocentria cyanodesma grows necrotrophically and forms superficial ascomata on various mosses. Whereas these three species are known only from Europe, a fourth species from Costa Rica, which causes necrotic lesions in epiphyllous hepatics, is mentioned but not formally described.     

Foliose Ulva Species Show Considerable Inter‐Specific Genetic Diversity,Low Intra‐Specific Genetic Variation,and the Rare Occurrence of Inter‐Specific Hybrids in the Wild

Foliose Ulva spp. have become increasingly important worldwide for their environmental and financial impacts. A large number of such Ulva species have rapid reproduction and proliferation habits, which explains why they are responsible for Ulva blooms, known as “green tides”, having dramatic negative effects on coastal ecosystems, but also making them attractive for aquaculture applications. Despite the increasing interest in the genus Ulva, particularly on the larger foliose species for aquaculture, their inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic diversity is still poorly described. We compared the cytoplasmic genome (chloroplast and mitochondrion) of 110 strains of large distromatic foliose Ulva from Ireland, Brittany (France), the Netherlands and Portugal. We found six different species, with high levels of inter‐specific genetic diversity, despite highly similar or overlapping morphologies. Genetic variation was as high as 82 SNPs/kb between Ulva pseudorotundata and U. laetevirens, indicating considerable genetic diversity. On the other hand, intra‐specific genetic diversity was relatively low, with only 36 variant sites (0.03 SNPs/kb) in the mitochondrial genome of the 29 Ulva rigida individuals found in this study, despite different geographical origins. The use of next‐generation sequencing allowed for the detection of a single inter‐species hybrid between two genetically closely related species, U. laetevirens, and U. rigida, among the 110 strains analyzed in this study. Altogether, this study represents an important advance in our understanding of Ulva biology and provides genetic information for genomic selection of large foliose strains in aquaculture.     

Schizymenia jonssonii sp. nov. (Nemastomatales,Rhodophyta): a relict or an introduction into the North Atlantic after the last glacial maximum?

North-Atlantic records of Schizymenia dubyi extend along the eastern shores of the North Atlantic from Morocco to southern Britain and Ireland, and the species is also recorded from Iceland. A study was undertaken to confirm the identity of the specimens from Iceland that were geographically separate from the main distribution of S. dubyi and in contrast to other species of the genus did not have gland cells. We analyzed rbcL and COI molecular sequence data from Icelandic specimens and compared the results with those for Schizymenia specimens available in GenBank. For both markers, Schizymenia was shown to be a monophyletic genus. The Icelandic specimens were clearly genetically distinct from S. dubyi and formed a well-supported clade with Schizymenia species from the Northern Pacific. Based on these results, we have described a new species, Schizymenia jonssonii, which can be distinguished by molecular phylogeny, its lack of gland cells and by being strictly intertidal. Crustose tetrasporophytes with identical COI and rbcL sequences were found at the same locations as foliose plants. Schizymenia apoda is reported for the first time in the UK, its identity confirmed by rbcL sequence data. In light of these findings, it is likely that by further molecular analysis of the genus Schizymenia in the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, a higher diversity of Schizymenia spp. will be discovered in this region.     

A revision of the genus Cryptonemia (Halymeniaceae,Rhodophyta) in Bermuda,western Atlantic Ocean,including five new species and C. bermudensis (Collins & M. Howe) comb. nov.

Cryptonemia specimens collected in Bermuda over the past two decades were analysed using gene sequences encoding the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and the large subunit of RuBisCO as genetic markers to elucidate their phylogenetic positions. They were additionally subjected to morphological assessment and compared with historical collections from the islands. Six species are presently found in the flora including C. bermudensis comb. nov., based on Halymenia bermudensis, and the following five new species: C. abyssalis, C. antricola, C. atrocostalis, C. lacunicola and C. perparva. Of the eight species known in the western Atlantic flora prior to this study, none is found in Bermuda. Specimens reported in the islands in the 1900s attributed to C. crenulata and C. luxurians are representative of the new species, C. antricola and C. atrocostalis, respectively.     

The life history of Turnerella pennyi (Harv.) Schmitz

The life-history and phenology of T. pennyi, regarded as the only species of Turnerella in the north Atlantic Ocean, are described on the basis of culture, cytology and field investigations.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, heteromorphic phases occur: tetraspores from an encrusting tetrasporophyte resembling Cruoria arctica/rosea give rise to a similar perennial sterile phase from which the foliose T. pennyi phase arises directly. These foliose plants are dioecious gametophytes. The male gametophyte, reported for the first time, bears spreading spermatangial sori over most of its surface. Old cystocarpic plants may exhibit in situ germination of carpospores. Chromosome counts show that n = 18–20; 2n = 36–40.

The indications are that the life-history of the species is similar in other parts of its range, although the longevity of the foliose stage may vary with geographical location and depth. Regeneration of old loose-lying plants readily occurs.     

GENETIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TWO GROWTH‐FORMS OF LITHOPHYLLUM MARGARITAE (RHODOPHYTA) IN BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR,MEXICO1

Unattached, nongeniculate, coralline algae or rhodoliths exhibit a range of morphological variability seemingly dependent on environmental factors. Rhodoliths have an extensive fossil record, and environmentally dependent characteristics make them potentially reliable paleoindicators. Species of the rhodolith‐forming genus Lithophyllum Philippi in Baja California Sur, Mexico were recently consolidated into one species. Under the new classification, L. margaritae (Hariot) Heydrich consists of several growth forms presumably reflecting local environmental conditions. We examined the genetic structure of four populations of this species using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) to characterize the extent of genetic variation associated with foliose and fruticose growth forms. AFLP band sharing analysis revealed that foliose growth forms exhibited consistently higher intrapopulation similarities (0.75–0.85) than fruticose growth forms (similarity range, 0.55–0.67). This trend was also evident in comparisons of geographically isolated populations. These data indicate that the two morphologies are genetically distinct and that genetic exchange between foliose and fruticose growth forms of L. margaritae may be limited. Consequently, rhodolith growth forms appear to be the result of an interplay between both genetic makeup and environmental conditions.     

CULTURE STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHIZYMENIA AND HAEMATOCELIS (GIGARTINALES,RHODOPHYCEAE) FROM THE PACIFIC COAST OF NORTH AMERICA1

Carpospores from Schizymenia pacifica (Kylin) Kylin (Gymnophlaeaceae) from California formed crusts anatomically identical to Haematocelis rubens J. Agardh (Cruoriaceae). Tetraspores of H. rubens from Monterey, California, and Baja California, Mexico, germinated to form basal discs from which arose upright multiaxial blades with a filamentous medulla and cortical gland cells. Pro-carps and spermatangia were present on the same blades; subsequently, cystocarps characteristic of Schizymenia pacifica developed. Re-examination of herbarium specimens suggests that the foliose tetrasporangial phases previously reported as S. pacifica are referable to Halymenia, Dilsea, Cryptonemia, or Turnerella. Schizymenia pacifica (type locality: San Juan Islands, Washington) thus is considered to be the gametophyte in the life history of Haematocelis rubens (type locality: Brest, France), which has also been reported to be the tetrasporophyte of S. dubyi (Chauvin ex Duby) J. Agardh (type locality: Cherbourg, France). Atlantic and Pacific gametophytes and tetrasporophytes are anatomically very similar, suggesting that only one species is involved, but critical studies must be made before a decision on this taxonomic question can be reached. Haematocelis zonalis Dawson et Neushul (type locality: Anacapa Island, California) is considered to be a growth form of the tetrasporangial phase of S. pacifica.     

Cryptic diversity of Ulva (Ulvales,Chlorophyta) in the Great Bay Estuarine System (Atlantic USA): introduced and indigenous distromatic species

Distromatic foliose blades of the algal genus Ulva are notoriously difficult to identify due to their simple morphologies and few diagnostic characteristics that often exhibit intraspecific variation and interspecific overlap. Hence, species differentiation is difficult and diversity estimates are often inaccurate. Two major goals of this study were to assess the diversity of distromatic Ulva spp. in the Great Bay Estuarine System (GBES) of New Hampshire and Maine, USA, and to compare historical and present day records of these species. Molecular analysis (using ITS sequences) of field-collected specimens revealed four distinct taxa: Ulva lactuca, U. rigida, U. compressa, and U. pertusa. Prior to molecular screening, Ulva lactuca was the only distromatic Ulva species reported for the GBES. Ulva pertusa and the foliose form of U. compressa are newly recorded for the Northwest Atlantic, and the range of U. rigida has been extended. Molecular analysis of historical herbarium voucher specimens indicates that U. rigida, U. pertusa, and the foliose form of U. compressa have been present in the GBES since at least 1966, 1967, and 1972, respectively. The distromatic morphotype of U. compressa is found only in low salinity areas, which suggests that salinity may influence its morphological development. Molecular and morphological evaluations are critical if we are to distinguish between cryptic taxa, accurately assess biodiversity, and effectively monitor the spread of non-indigenous macroalgae.     

Notes on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astronium</Emphasis> Jacq. (Anacardiaceae), including a dwarf new species from the Brazilian Shield

A review of Astronium s.l. revealed a new species in section Astronium that is unusual because of its dwarf habit, presence of foliose bracts on the inflorescence, and sub-basal ovule placentation. Currently available collections suggest a disjunct distribution between the Brazilian states of Goiás and Rondônia and the northeastern part of the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz, but all on the Brazilian Shield. The new species is formally described and named as Astronium pumilum. The generic limits and morphological attributes of the sections of the genus are discussed, and a key to the known species is presented. A synopsis or revision of the genus is being prepared pending results from molecular systematic studies.     

FOSSIL CERATOPHYLLUM (CERATOPHYLLACEAE) FROM THE TERTIARY OF NORTH AMERICA

Fossil fruits and a vegetative axis assignable to the extant genus Ceratophyllum are described from four North American Tertiary localities. Fossil fruits assignable to the extant species C. muricatum and C. echinatum are reported from the Eocene Green River and Claiborne formations, and the Miocene Esmerelda Formation, respectively. An extinct species, C. furcatispinum, is described from the Paleocene Fort Union Formation and represents the oldest published report of Ceratophyllum in the fossil record. The existence of extant angiosperm species in the Eocene is very unusual and may be attributable in this case to slow evolutionary rates and unusual evolutionary properties associated with hydrophily in the genus Ceratophyllum.     

Campylocentrum guarinae sp. nov. (Vandeae,Orchidaceae) from Colombia

A new species of Campylocentrum from the Colombian Andes, C. guarinae, is described, illustrated and placed within a key to Colombian species of the genus. The new species resembles C. lansbergii from which it differs in vegetative and floral characters. The main differences between these species are described and illustrated.     

紫堇科二新种

该文描述了紫堇科二新种:(1)自云南省发现的紫堇科紫堇属一新种,宽鳞紫堇。此新种与波密紫堇相近似,与后者的区别在于本新种的根状茎鳞片半透明,具三条脉,茎无叶,外花瓣无鸡冠状突起,雄蕊束具2花药,花丝条形,无脉,子房宽条形。(2)自黑龙江省发现的紫堇科紫堇属一新种,鹤岗延胡索。此种与新疆元胡相似,但本种叶的小叶多在顶端,具1~5牙齿,花序苞片有3~5小裂片,上花瓣及其瓣片和距均较小,蜜腺呈狭卵球形,弯曲,顶端尖锐而与新疆元胡相区别。     

Molecular systematics and biodiversity of the Cryptotis mexicanus group (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae): two new species from Honduras supported

Small-eared shrews of the genus Cryptotis (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) are widespread in the northern Neotropics. Systematic studies of these shrews over the past two decades have revealed previously undocumented morphological and species diversity, resulting in a quadrupling of the number of recognized species. Unfortunately, a small proportion of the species in the genus have been included in molecular phylogenetic studies, and evolutionary relationships within the genus are incompletely known. Traditionally, species have been assigned to four or five morphologically defined ‘species groups’, but tests of the monophyly of some of these groups show weak support and relationships amongst species groups remain somewhat speculative. The largest species group is the C. mexicanus group inhabiting Mexico and northern Central America. We studied sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome-b and 16S genes, as well as nuclear ApoB and BRCA1 genes from 22 species of Cryptotis, including 15 species in the C. mexicanus group. Our combined analysis shows that the C. goldmani subgroup is very weakly supported as monophyletic; however, the C. mexicanus group as a whole is not monophyletic. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm the distinctiveness of two newly described species (C. celaque and C. mccarthyi) from isolated highlands of western Honduras and illustrate their relationship with other species formerly considered part of a widespread C. goodwini.     

A new genus of broad-winged moths of the family Cryptolechiidae (Acryptolechia,Lepidoptera, Gelechioidea) from southeastern Asia

The new genus, Acryptolechia (Lepidoptera, Cryptolechiidae), with the type species Cryptolechia malacobyrsa Meyrick, 1921 is described. The differences between this species and the type species of the genus Cryptolechia, Zeller 1852 (C. straminella Zeller, 1852) are shown. The genus Meleonoma Meyrick, 1914 is the closest to the new one. In addition to the type species, the new genus includes Acryptolechia facunda (Meyrick, 1910) comb. n. from India and A. torophanes (Meyrick, 1935) comb. n. from China.     

Cranichis badia,C. brevirostris and C. silvicola spp. nov. (Orchidaceae,Cranichidinae) from Colombia and Venezuela

Three new species of the genus Cranichis first recognized by Jany Renz but never published, C. badia, C. brevirostris and C. silvicola, are described and illustrated. Information about their ecology and distribution is provided together with a brief discussion on their related species.     

Differential effects of reindeer on high Arctic lichens

Abstract. We studied the effects of Svalbard reindeer on the abundance of lichens in Spitsbergen. A survey was carried out in 14 areas with contrasting reindeer densities. Separate cover estimates for crustose, fructose and foliose lichens were taken in each area, and related to the density of reindeer pellet groups, a measure of reindeer density. Dominant macro lichen families were identified in 10 areas, and a full record of macrolichen species was taken in four additional areas. Variation in reindeer density is partially due to past overhunting, and subsequent incomplete recovery, releasing some areas from reindeer grazing for 100–200 yr. The cover of fruticose lichens was negatively related to reindeer pellet group density, indicating suppression by Svalbard reindeer. This makes their impact comparable to other members of the Rangifer genus around the northern hemisphere. The generally recorded low abundance of lichens in the diet of Svalbard reindeer compared to other Rangifer species, therefore, was interpreted as the depletion of fruticose lichens in Spitsbergen, and a subsequent switch to alternative foods. Of all fruticose lichens, Stereocaulon spp. appeared least sensitive to grazing. Crustose and foliose lichen cover was independent of reindeer pellet group density. The cover of crustose lichens was significantly related to latitude, with greater cover in more northern areas. Foliose lichens were more abundant in places where moss cover was high. We conclude that the impact of Svalbard reindeer on lichens is dependent on growth form, with fruticose lichens suffering from grazing, whereas foliose lichens might indirectly benefit from higher densities of reindeer or, like crustose lichens, be controlled by other factors.