A synopsis of Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia, with a description of a new species

The species of Goniothalamus (Annonaceae) occurring in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore are revised, updating the previous taxonomic treatment by James Sinclair, published in 1955. A total of 18 species is recognized, including a new species, G. tomentosus . Collections referrable to G. tomentosus were previously determined as ' G. marcanii '; examination of the types of G. marcanii reveals that the two taxa are not conspecific, however, and a new name is accordingly validated here. Goniothalamus tomentosus has closest affinities with the Javan/Sumatran species G. costulatus . Other important nomenclatural changes include the reduction of G. umbrosus to synonymy with G. tapis .  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 142 , 321−339.     

A synopsis of Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) in Thailand, with descriptions of three new species

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) occurring in Thailand is presented for the first time. Twenty-five species are recognized, including three that are described as new to science ( Goniothalamus aurantiacus from South-Western Thailand, Goniothalamus maewongensis from Northern Thailand, and Goniothalamus rongklanus from Northern and North-Eastern Thailand). Several taxonomic and nomenclatural misunderstandings are corrected. The name G. griffithii is shown to be widely misapplied for populations in Northern Thailand, for which the name G. calvicarpus should be applied; 'true' G. griffithii is restricted to South-Western Thailand and Myanmar. In addition, the widely used name G. marcanii is shown to be a synonym of G. tamirensis , and the name G. latestigma , previously regarded as a synonym of G. undulatus , is reinstated. Goniothalamus cheliensis is furthermore newly recorded from Thailand. Most species are restricted to Peninsular Thailand and represent a Malesian floristic component.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 156 , 355–384.     

A synopsis of Cyathocalyx species (Annonaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, with descriptions of two new species

A revised classification of the species of Cyathocalyx (Annonaceae) occurring in western Malesia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo) is presented, with distribution maps. Fifteen species are recognized, including two that are newly described from Borneo ( C. angustipetalus and C. magnifructus ), which are illustrated. Several important nomenclatural changes are validated, including the elevation of Drepananthus carinatus var. deltoideus to specific rank as C. deltoideus , and the transfer of the name Parartabotrys hexagynus to Cyathocalyx as C. hexagynus . Other notable nomenclatural changes include the reduction of the name C. scortechinii to synonymy with C. pubescens .  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 152 , 513–532.     

A new species of Veronica L. (Scrophulariaceae) in the Cantabrian Range (Spain)

A new species of Veronica vadiniense in section Veronica is described from material from the Cantabrian Range, in the north-east of the province of León (north-west Spain). Several morphological characters related to stems, leaves, racemes, flowers and capsules are given, and also those related to the indumentum of different parts of the plant, especially calyx lobes and capsule. Indications about distribution and habitat with reference to bioclimatic, biogeographical and phytosociological aspects are provided. Diagnostic features are also given to enable comparison with the most similar species, Veronica officinalis and V. allionii , particularly in the indumentum and consistency of leaves, and in the indumentum and shape of the capsule.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 141 , 119–124.     

Paeonia (Paeoniaceae) in the Caucasus

The taxonomy of the genus Paeonia in the Caucasus has been controversial, with recognized species varying in number from one to 13. The taxonomic history of Paeonia in this area is reviewed (including an analysis of the characters used by previous authors) based on extensive field observations, population sampling and critical examination of a large number of herbarium specimens. The results show that Paeonia may be divided into three groups. The P. intermedia group is known from only a single population. In the P. tenuifolia group, all the characters used for distinguishing the three previously recognized species were found to be polymorphic. In the P. daurica group, petal colour, shape and size of leaflets, and indumentum of leaflets and carpels were used to distinguish nine species, but these characters were found to be polymorphic or continuous in variation, and thus can only be used for infraspecific classification. Thus, three species are recognized: P. intermedia , P. tenuifolia and P. daurica . The last species is further divided into five subspecies: sspp. coriifolia , wittmanniana , mlokosewitschii , macrophylla and tomentosa stat. nov .  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 143 , 135–150.     

Multivariate analysis of morphological variation in Cineraria deltoidea (Asteraceae, Senecioneae)

Cluster analysis and principal coordinates analysis were used to investigate phenetic variation in Cineraria deltoidea , a species that ranges from near sea level in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to 4300 m a.s.l. on the mountains of East Africa and Ethiopia. Earlier taxonomic revisions reduced nine previously recognized species to synonyms of C. deltoidea . Two closely related species, C. decipiens and C. atriplicifolia , were also included in the analyses. Thirty-six morphological characters were examined on 111 specimens. Phenograms and scattergrams show partial clusters of specimens of C. deltoidea from individual mountains or geographical regions, but no groups are sufficiently distinct to warrant formal recognition at any rank. The East African specimens from 3000 m a.s.l. and higher tend to cluster together. Growth at high altitude in East Africa is correlated with fewer, larger capitula on longer peduncles, and an absence of a cobwebby indumentum comprising long, narrow-based trichomes. Cineraria deltoidea is thus a highly variable species with geographical and clinal variation evident throughout its range. Cineraria atriplicifolia and C. decipiens are maintained as distinct species, distinguished from C. deltoidea by their growth form, life span and auricle shape.  © 2007 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Journal compilation © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 154 , 497–521.     

Thuja sutchuenensis: a rediscovered species of the Cupressaceae

After more than a century, the only conifer species listed as being extinct in the wild (EW) by IUCN-SSC has been rediscovered in the Dabashan Mountains of central China. The history, taxonomy, ecology and conservation of Thuja sutchuenensis are described, and illustrations, based on both the earliest and latest collection of botanical material of this tree, are provided. The taxonomic context of this rare species is discussed.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London , Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 139 , 305–310.     

A new annual species of Bellium (Asteraceae) from the Balearic Islands

A new species, Bellium artrutxensis (Asteraceae: Astereae), is described from the therophytic pastures of southern Minorca (Balearic Islands). The analysis of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences showed that the new taxon was closely related to Bellium bellidioides , but differed with regard to the annual lifespan, the absence of epigeal stolons, and the presence of a patent eglandular indumentum on the leaves. The new taxon shows morphological features that are well suited for the colonization of dry environments with a marked summer drought, and may be of adaptive significance. The new species is diploid (2 n  = 18) and shows up to two accessory chromosomes in root tissues. B chromosomes have not been reported previously in other species of Bellium .  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 154 , 65–77.     

A taxonomic revision of Paradoris sea slugs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Nudibranchia, Doridina)

Paradoris , traditionally a generic taxon of discodorid sea slugs, is revised for the first time. One hundred and thirty specimens were examined, including all types and most of the nontype specimens available. New records for Paradoris are provided: South Africa, Tanzania, Seychelles, Western Australia, Thailand, Philippines, shallow waters of New Caledonia, southern Japan, and Hawaii. The individual variation of all taxonomic characters is thoroughly evaluated. Prior to the present study, Paradoris included 15 nominal species: 12 valid names and three synonyms. Three additional names, Discodoris erythraeensis , D. lora , and D. cavernae , are re-allocated to Paradoris , based on phylogenetic analysis. A phylogenetic diagnosis is provided for Paradoris : in particular, two new synapomorphies are described. Eight species names are regarded as valid: P. araneosa , P. dubia , P. erythraeensis , P. indecora , P. liturata , P. lopezi , P. mulciber , and P. tsurugensis . However, most of these species are poorly known, i.e. from very few specimens, and their taxonomic status might change when more individuals are available. P. lora is regarded as a nomen dubium . Six new synonymies are proposed, and explained by the fact that: (1) species names were created for one or a few specimens, without considering individual variation; (2) authors have not worked within a phylogenetic framework and have created new species names without considering all the existing species names already available within Paradoris . Three new morphospecies are described, but not formally named because their taxonomic status is still uncertain for several reasons (e.g. lack of knowledge of individual variation for some critical features).  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 147 , 125–238.     

The genus Maesa (Maesaceae) in the Philippines

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Maesa Forssk. (Maesaceae) occurring in the Philippines is presented for the first time. Thirteen species are recognized, including a newly described species, M. stonei , which is most similar to M. reflexa . Several previously used names are reduced to synonymy, including M. pachyphylla and M. undulata (both reduced to synonymy with M. cumingii ), and M. elmeri , M. laxa and M. ramosii (all reduced to synonymy with M. indica ). Extensive lectotypification has been necessary due to the destruction of many type specimens, particularly those of C. Mez (in B) and E. D. Merrill (in PNH). The conservation status of each species is determined using the IUCN red list categories and criteria.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 145 , 17–43.     

A survey of androconial organs in the Riodinidae (Lepidoptera)

A comprehensive survey of the occurrence and morphology of alar, abdominal and appendage androconial organs in the Riodinidae is presented based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Although historically poorly studied, the group actually possesses among the greatest diversity of androconial organs in the butterflies, including coremata, reported here for the first time outside the Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae, and hindleg hairpencils, reported here for the first time in the true butterflies. Twenty-five percent of riodinid species are reported to have androconial organs. The mode of function of these organs and their role in courtship is discussed where known, based on field observations. A number of taxonomic changes are made at the tribal, generic and species level, predominantly in the Symmachiini, based on the occurrence and structure of androconia.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 136 , 171–197.     

16S mitochondrial sequences associate morphologically dissimilar males and females of the family Phoridae (Diptera)

The genus Phora (Diptera, Phoridae) includes more than 50 species widely distributed in temperate regions of Eurasia and Africa. Taxonomic identification of most species is based upon the morphology of the male hypopygium: hence for many species, including the type species of the genus, females are unknown. We used mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA sequences to match males with previously unidentified females from Phora atra , P. stictica , and P. holosericea . We then identified morphological characters that allow identification of females of P. atra and P. stictica without recourse to DNA sequencing. Our results show that small scale sequencing can aid in the development of taxonomic characters for use in the field to identify previously cryptic females. This iterative method of identifying populations genetically followed by re-examination of morphology should allow development of better keys for rapid identification of heretofore cryptic populations of insects. We also found that sequences from individual of P. holosericea from Cambridge, England and Malakhovka, Russia, were more similar to each other than to sequences from a conspecific fly also collected in Cambridge. This result suggests that there is previously un-suspected population structuring in this species.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 77 , 267–273.     

Six new Mexican species of Bernardia (Euphorbiaceae)

Six new species of Bernardia from Mexico are described and illustrated. Species are distinguished by a combination of characters such as habit, leaf shape and size, indumentum, venation pattern, gland position, length of staminate inflorescence, number of bracts, number of flowers per bract, size of bracts and tepals, number of stamens, style type, fruit dehiscence, size, pubescence, trichome type, endocarp texture, seed shape, size and ornamentation, raphe length and micropyle position. Bernardia macrocarpa belongs to section Alevia ; B. chinantlensis to section Polyboea , which is recorded for the first time in Mexico; B. chiangii , B. mcvaughii , B. rzedowskii and B. valdesii belong to section Tyria , which is the most diverse section in Mexico. With the recognition of these six new species, Mexico becomes the area with the highest diversity for Bernardia .  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 149 , 241–256.     

Teucrium francoi M. Seq., Capelo, J.C. Costa & R. Jardim, a new species of Teucrium gr. scorodonia (Lamiceae) from Madeira

The species formerly recognized as Teucrium scorodonia in Madeira is here described as new: Teucrium francoi M. Seq., Capelo, J.C. Costa & R. Jardim. Morphologically close to species of Teucrium gr. scorodonia [ T. scorodonia L., T. pseudoscorodonia Desf., T. siculum (Raf.) Guss. and T. kotschyanum Poech], it exhibits, nonetheless, some distinct diagnostic characters. The indumentum density and type of hairs of T. francoi are clearly distinct from those of related species, as are the shape and dimensions of the leaves and bracts, calyx, and corolla, which are all taken as taxonomically significant diagnostic features. A diagnosis and a distribution map are presented for this new species. Morphology, ecology, biogeography, and conservation issues are discussed. Teucrium francoi , which is an endemic from Madeira (Portugal), is to be found mostly in the scope of the association Teucrio francoi–Origanetum virentis J.C. Costa, Capelo, Jardim, Sequeira, Lousã & Rivas-Martínez, but also occurs in somewhat humid habitats, such as open stands of Rosa mandonii Déségl. associated with small streams.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 156 , 639–647.     

A new dwarf Coffea (Rubiaceae) from southern Cameroon

A distinctive new species of dwarf monocaulous Coffea (Rubiaceae) from Cameroon is described and illustrated. Coffea mapiana is the second dwarf monocaulous known from Cameroon. Its diagnostic characters are elucidated and its taxonomic affinities are discussed; a conservation assessment is provided.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 425–430.