Phylogenetic analysis of the Brazilian microendemic Paepalanthus subgenus Xeractis (Eriocaulaceae) inferred from morphology

Paepalanthus subgenus Xeractis (Eriocaulaceae) comprises 28 recognized species endemic to the Espinhaço Range, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Most species of the subgenus are restricted to small localities and critically endangered, but still in need of systematic study. The monophyly of the subgenus has already been tested, but only with a few species. Our study presents the first phylogenetic hypothesis within the group, based on morphology. A maximum parsimony analysis was conducted on a matrix of 30 characters for 30 terminal taxa, including all species of the subgenus and two outgroups. The biogeographical hypotheses for the subgenus were inferred based on dispersal–vicariance analysis (DIVA). The analysis provided one most‐parsimonious hypothesis that supports most of the latest published subdivisions (sections and series). However, some conflicts remain concerning the position of a few species and the relationships between sections. The distribution and origin(s) of microendemism are also discussed, providing the ground for conservation strategies to be developed in the region. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 167 , 137–152.     

Embryology and Seed Development of Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus (Koern.) Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae)

Abstract: The embryology and seed structure of Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus species were studied. The embryological and structural seed characters fit well with those of the other commelinaceous families. Within the Commelinales sensu Dahlgren, Eriocaulaceae and Xyridaceae represent two embryologically close families. In Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus the ovule is orthotropus, bitegmic, and tenuicellate with a micropyle formed by the inner integument. The seeds are endotestal. The outer cell layer of the testa and the outer periclinal wall of the endotesta disintegrate during development. The endotegmen is tanniniferous. The outer layer of the tegmen becomes compressed and is no longer recognizable in the mature seed. The seeds are operculate.     

On the Embryogeny of Three Taxa of Paepalanthoideae (Eriocaulaceae)

Embryo development in Leiothrix nubigena, Paepalanthus bifidusand Syngonanthus nitens is described. Distinct differentiationof cotyledonary and epicotyledonary sectors in the three taxais demonstrated. The cotyledonary and the epicotylary loci shareequal amounts of the embryonic shoot apex as in most monocotyledons.The cotyledon and its adjacent epicotyl are both terminal onthe embryonic axis. The basal cell of the two-celled proembryocontributes two basal rows of cells at the radicular pole inthe ripe seed. A typical radicle is not organized. Leiothrix nubigena, Paepalanthus bifidus, Syngonanthus nitens Paepalanthoideae, Eriocaulaceae, embryogeny     

Embryology ofEriocaulon setaceum (Eriocaulaceae)

Eriocaulon setaceum can be characterized by: young microsporangium wall with epidermis, endothecium (with fibrous thickenings), and glandular tapetum (uninucleate cells); pollen grains 3-celled, spiraperturate; embryo sac development according to the Polygonum type and with antipodal cyst; endosperm nuclear; embryo small, with incipient differentiation into cotyledonary and epicotylary loci; seed coat mainly from the inner layers of the integuments; pericarp 2-layered and membranous. Embryologically, theEriocaulaceae are nearer to theXyridaceae than to otherFarinosae. Their elevation to the rank of an order,Eriocaulales, therefore appears justified.     

The taxonomy and morphological and anatomical differentiation of populations ofLeiothrix crassifolia (Eriocaulaceae)

The morphological and anatomical leaf and scape differentiation ofLeiothrix crassifolia is analysed and classified into seven types (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII). The species has a relatively wide distribution in the campo rupestre of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Variation in the isolated populations on different mountain ranges is complex, does not follow a clear geographical pattern, and defies taxonomic classification.L. nubigena andL. obtusifolia are included inL. crassifolia.     

Cladistic analysis of the subgenus Anopheles (Anopheles) Meigen (Diptera: Culicidae) based on morphological characters

In the present study, we used morphological characters to estimate phylogenetic relationships among members of the subgenus Anopheles Meigen. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out for 36 species of Anopheles (Anopheles). An. (Stethomyia) kompi Edwards, An. (Lophopodomyia) gilesi (Peryassú), Bironella hollandi Taylor, An. (Nyssorhynchus) oswaldoi (Peryassú) and An. (Cellia) maculatus Theobald were employed as outgroups. One hundred one characters of the external morphology of the adult male, adult female, fourth-instar larva, and pupa were scored and analyzed under the parsimony criterion in PAUP. Phylogenetic relationships among the series and several species informal groups of Anopheles (Anopheles) were hypothesized. The results suggest that Anopheles (Anopheles) is monophyletic. Additionally, most species groups included in the analysis were demonstrated to be monophyletic.     

A new species of Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae) from Ethiopia

Eriocaulon crassiusculum sp. nov. is described from the Kefa province in southwestern Ethiopia. Illustrations are provided for habit as well as details of flowers (including pollen) and seeds. The new species is most closely related to E. transvaalicum , a widespread species in southern and eastern Africa.     

Eriocaulon peninsulare (Eriocaulaceae) - a new species from India

Eriocaulon peninsulare, a new species allied to E.sexangulare from Anshi National Park, Karnataka is described and illustrated.     

Phylogenetic position and description of a new species of subgenus Mus (Rodentia, Mammalia) from Thailand

Molecular, chromosomal and morphometric analyses of wild-caught mice of subgenus Mus from the central plain of Thailand are presented. These specimens are distinct from all species previously described in the literature. This has led to the characterization of Mus fragilicauda sp. n., a new member of the set of closely related species encompassed by the subgenus . While this species may be considered as a sibling and sympatric species of the Asian M. cervicolor , M. fragilicauda sp. n. is phylogenetically closer to the M. musculus complex of species and to the other European species of Mus .     

On the taxonomic position ofSilene thebana (Caryophyllaceae)

Silene thebana Orph. exBoiss. is transferred as a subspecies toS. fabaria (L.)Sm., resulting in the new combinationS. fabaria (L.)Sm. subsp.thebana (Orph. exBoiss.)Melzh. The chromosome count of 2n = 24 is recorded for the first time for this taxon.Dedicated to Prof. DrK. H. Rechinger on the occasion of his 80th birthday, 16th October 1986.     

Genetic and morphological variability of the endangered Syngonanthus mucugensis Giul. (Eriocaulaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina, Brazil: implications for conservation and taxonomy

Allozymic and morphometric studies were carried out on ten populations of Syngonanthus mucugensis (Eriocaulaceae), a species from north-eastern Brazil threatened by extinction. Genetic and morphological variability was low or moderately low in all populations, being lower in populations from Rio de Contas/Catolés ( P _L = 14.3–21.4, A  = 1.1–1.2, H _e = 0.026–0.059, D2M = 26.893–33.157) than in those from Mucugê ( P _L = 28.6–35.7, A  = 1.3–1.5, H _e = 0.078–0.164, D2M = 28.999–45.077). A high coefficient of endogamy ( F _is = 0.257) was found, which can be explained by the reproductive characteristics and distribution of the species. The values for genetic and morphological structuring ( F _st = 0.512 and A _MRPP = 0.175, respectively) were high as a result of the differentiation between populations from the two areas. The mean genetic identity between populations from the two areas (0.812) was much lower than between populations from the same area (Mucugê, 0.980; Rio de Contas/Catolés, 0.997). These results indicate that we are dealing with two distinct taxa and, as a result of the nature of the morphological differences found, a new subspecies is described for the populations of the region of Rio de Contas and Catolés, Syngonanthus mucugensis ssp. riocontensis . Such conclusions raise important implications for the conservation of Syngonanthus mucugensis , and will be used in the drawing up of management plans for its conservation.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 401–416.