Distribution of the invasive bryozoan <Emphasis Type="Italic">Schizoporella japonica</Emphasis> in Great Britain and Ireland and a review of its European distribution

The bryozoan Schizoporella japonica Ortmann (1890) was first recorded in European waters in 2010 and has since been reported from further locations in Great Britain (GB) and Norway. This paper provides a new earliest European record for the species from 2009, a first record from Ireland and presence and absence records from a total of 231 marinas and harbours across GB, Ireland, the Isle of Man, France and Portugal. This species is typically associated with human activity, including commercial and recreational vessels, aquaculture equipment, and both wave and tidal energy devices. It has also been observed in the natural environment, fouling rocks and boulders. The species has an extensive but widely discontinuous distribution in GB and Ireland. Although found frequently in marinas and harbours in Scotland, it inhabits only a few sites in England, Wales and Ireland, interspersed with wide gaps that are well documented as genuine absences. This appears to be a rare example of a southward-spreading invasion in GB and Ireland. The species has been reported from the Isle of Man and Norway but has not been found in France or Portugal. In the future we expect S. japonica to spread into suitable sections of the English, Welsh and Irish coasts, and further within Europe. The species’ capability for long-distance saltatory spread and potential for negative impact on native ecosystems and economic activity suggests that S. japonica should now be considered invasive in GB and Ireland. As such, it is recommended that biosecurity procedures alongside effective surveillance and monitoring should be prioritised for regions outside the species’ current distribution.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tamarix</Emphasis> (Tamaricaceae) hybrids: the dominant invasive genotype in southern Africa

Hybridization is regarded as a rapid mechanism for increasing genetic variation that can potentially enhance invasiveness. Tamarix hybrids appear to be the dominant genotypes in their invasions. Exotic Tamarix are declared invasive in South Africa and the exotic T. chinensis and T. ramosissima are known to hybridize between themselves, and with the indigenous T. usneoides. However, until now, it was not known which species or hybrid is the most prevalent in the invasion. With a biocontrol programme being considered as a way of suppressing the alien Tamarix populations, it is important to document the population genetic dynamics of all species in the region. This investigation sought to identify Tamarix species in southern Africa and their hybrids, describe their population structure, and reveal the geographic origin of the invasive species. To achieve this, nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequence data and the multilocus Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) markers were used. Phylogenetic analysis and population genetic structure confirmed the presence of three species in South Africa (T. chinensis, T. ramosissima and T. usneoides) with their hybrids. The indigenous T. usneoides is clearly genetically distant from the alien species T. chinensis and T. ramosissima. Interestingly, the Tamarix infestation in South Africa is dominated (64.7 %) by hybrids between T. chinensis and T. ramosissima. The exotic species match their counterparts from their places of origin in Eurasia, as well as those forming part of the invasion in the US.     

Niche overlap of mountain hare subspecies and the vulnerability of their ranges to invasion by the European hare; the (bad) luck of the Irish

Niche conservatism is the tendency of related species to retain ancestral tolerances after geographic separation. We used Ecological Niche Modelling and Principal Components Analysis of bioclimatic and habitat variables to describe the extent of the species niche, and degrees of bioclimatic–habitat niche conservatism within the mountain hare (L. timidus) clade. Mountain hare niche space was contrasted with that of the European hare (L. europaeus), to shed light on species interactions in contact zones throughout Europe. All five subspecies of mountain hare had quantifiably distinct niches. Fennoscandian (L.t. sylvaticus, L.t. timidus) and highland (L.t. scoticus, L.t. varronis) subspecies, however, were most similar, exhibiting greatest apparent niche conservatism. They inhabit tundra, boreal forest and uplands, and, hence are presumed most similar to the ancestral form. The Irish hare was distinct, being consistently distinguished from other mountain hares in both 2D and nth dimensional (4D) niche space. The ecological distinctiveness of the Irish hare provides further evidence that it is an Evolutionarily Significant Unit, particularly vulnerable to displacement by introduced European hares with which it competes and hybridises. Projections under global climate change suggest that, by 2070, bioclimatic space for invasive European hares in Ireland will expand (by 79%) but contract for endemic Irish hares (by 75%), further facilitating their replacement. The near complete species replacement of the heath hare (L.t. sylvaticus) in southern Sweden, where the European hare has also been introduced, may suggest a similar fate may be in store for the Irish hare.     

Multiple invasions in urbanized landscapes: interactions between the invasive garden ant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lasius neglectus</Emphasis> and Japanese knotweeds (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fallopia</Emphasis> spp.)

Urbanized landscapes are the theater of multiple simultaneous biological invasions likely to affect spread dynamics when co-occurring introduced species interact with each other. Interactions between widespread invaders call for particular attention because they are likely to be common and because non-additive outcomes of such associations might induce negative consequences (e.g., enhanced population growth increasing impacts or resistance to control). We explored the invasions of two widespread invasive taxa: the Japanese knotweed species complex Fallopia spp. and the invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus, in the urban area of Lyon (France). First, we investigated landscape habitat preferences as well as co-occurrence rates of the two species. We showed that Fallopia spp. and L. neglectus had broadly overlapping environmental preferences (measured by seven landscape variables), but their landscape co-occurrence pattern was random, indicating independent spread and non-obligatory association. Second, as Fallopia spp. produce extra-floral nectar, we estimated the amount of nectar L. neglectus used under field conditions without ant competitors. We estimated that L. neglectus collected 150–321 kg of nectar in the month of April (when nectar production is peaking) in a 1162 m² knotweed patch, an amount likely to boost ant population growth. Finally, at six patches of Fallopia spp. surveyed, herbivory levels were low (1–6% loss of leaf surface area) but no relationship between ant abundance (native and invasive) and loss of leaf surface was found. Co-occurrences of Fallopia spp. and L. neglectus are likely to become more common as both taxa colonize landscapes, which could favor the spread and invasion success of the invasive ant.     

Genetic diversity and invasion history of the European subterranean termite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Reticulitermes urbis</Emphasis> (Blattodea,Termitoidae, Rhinotermitidae)

Biological invasions are among key factors of ecological changes, and social insects appear as highly successful invasive animals. Subterranean termites of the holarctic genus Reticulitermes are present in Europe with six native and one invasive (the nearctic R. flavipes) species. The species R. urbis shows a disjunct distribution in the Western Balkans, Eastern Italy and Southern France. Previous molecular and population genetics data suggested that the taxon originated from the Balkans, and that Italian and French populations are invasive, but it is still unknown how many introduction events occurred and from which Balkan source populations. To address these questions, a population genetics analysis was performed on a larger sampling than previous studies, using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II and 6 microsatellite markers on 47 colonies collected across the whole distribution area. Mitochondrial analysis confirmed the presence of two major lineages where colonies from Balkans, Italy, and France intermingle. Similarly, microsatellite loci analysis indicated the presence of two genetic clusters, though not corresponding to the two mitochondrial clades, each including colonies from the three sampled areas and with individuals showing mixed cluster membership. Overall, French and Italian populations showed indications of bottleneck (reduced genetic diversity and change of allele frequencies) and do not appear genetically differentiated from the Balkan population. Results presented here support a history of multiple introductions in Italy and France, in a scenario consistent with continuous exchanges between native and invasive areas, as expected along human trades routes.     

Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for a model invasive ascidian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Botryllus schlosseri</Emphasis>

Invasive species cause huge damages to ecology, environment and economy globally. The comprehensive understanding of invasion mechanisms, particularly genetic bases of micro-evolutionary processes responsible for invasion success, is essential for reducing potential damages caused by invasive species. The golden star tunicate, Botryllus schlosseri, has become a model species in invasion biology, mainly owing to its high invasiveness nature and small well-sequenced genome. However, the genome-wide genetic markers have not been well developed in this highly invasive species, thus limiting the comprehensive understanding of genetic mechanisms of invasion success. Using restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) tag sequencing, here we developed a high-quality resource of 14,119 out of 158,821 SNPs for B. schlosseri. These SNPs were relatively evenly distributed at each chromosome. SNP annotations showed that the majority of SNPs (63.20%) were located at intergenic regions, and 21.51% and 14.58% were located at introns and exons, respectively. In addition, the potential use of the developed SNPs for population genomics studies was primarily assessed, such as the estimate of observed heterozygosity (H _O ), expected heterozygosity (H _E ), nucleotide diversity (π), Wright’s inbreeding coefficient (F _IS ) and effective population size (Ne). Our developed SNP resource would provide future studies the genome-wide genetic markers for genetic and genomic investigations, such as genetic bases of micro-evolutionary processes responsible for invasion success.     

Phylogeny and morphology of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peziza ammophila</Emphasis> complex (Pezizales,Ascomycota), with description of two new species and a new form

This study was focused on species of Peziza belonging to the “P. ammophila” complex, using both morphological and molecular approaches. Molecular and morphological analyses showed that several taxa are hidden under the name “ammophila” and, as a consequence, two additional species and one form are established: P. hellenica sp. nov., P. oceanica sp. nov. and P. ammophila f. megaspora f. nov. On the basis of the data that we have, these taxa seem to be related to some geographical areas; P. ammophila appears to be prevalent in northern, central and southern Europe, its f. megaspora is distributed in France and in the Netherlands, P. hellenica comes from Greece and P. oceanica from New Zealand. A cryptic species, not yet circumscribed satisfactorily, is described as P. deceptiva ad int. Moreover, the problem concerning the identification of P. ammophila is raised, the species is epitypified with a sequenced collection from Sicily (Italy) and a key to the species of the complex is provided.     

Effects of leaf litter on inter-specific competitive ability of the invasive plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wedelia trilobata</Emphasis>

Allelochemicals released by invasive plants contribute to the successful invasion of new habitats. However, the relationship between allelopathic effects and competitive ability of invasive plants has not been characterized. We quantified the neighbor effects of Wedelia trilobata (family: Asteraceae) and the allelopathic effects of its leaf litter on two Asteraceae competitor species (invasive Eupatorium catarium and non-invasive Lactuca sativa) and on its own ramet growth. The seed germination rate and seedling biomass of the two competitor species decreased following treatment with W. trilobata leaf extracts. When co-cultured with W. trilobata, the total biomass of the two competitor species significantly decreased regardless of whether leaf extracts were present. Under low plant density co-culture conditions, W. trilobata leaf extracts enhanced the inhibitory effects on E. catarium. In contrast, W. trilobata leaf extracts promoted the growth of W. trilobata adventitious roots, resulting in increased competitive ability. Therefore, W. trilobata growth was promoted by its own allelochemicals in leaf extracts, whereas the growth of the invasive and non-invasive competitors was inhibited by the same chemicals. These responses facilitated the invasion by W. trilobata. Our study demonstrates that leaf litter of invasive plants may inhibit the growth of neighboring species to enhance the competitive ability of the invasive plants during the early stages of invasion.     

Habitat fragmentation provides a competitive advantage to an invasive tree squirrel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sciurus carolinensis</Emphasis>

Changes in the composition of biological communities can be elicited by competitive exclusion, wherein a species is excluded from viable habitat by a superior competitor. Yet less is known about the role of environmental change in facilitating or mitigating exclusion in the context of invasive species. In these situations, decline in a native species can be due to the effects of habitat change, or due to direct effects from invasive species themselves. This is summarized by the “driver-passenger” concept of native species loss. We present a multi-year study of tree squirrels that tested the hypothesis that tree canopy fragmentation, often a result of human development, influenced the replacement of native western gray tree squirrels (Sciurus griseus) by non-native eastern gray tree squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). We tested this hypothesis along a continuum of invasion across three study sites in central California. We found that within the developed areas of the University of California at Santa Cruz campus and city of Santa Cruz, S. carolinensis excluded S. griseus from viable habitat. The competitive advantage of S. carolinensis may be due to morphological and/or behavioral adaptation to terrestrial life in fragmented hardwood forests. We classify S. carolinensis as a “driver” of the decline of native S. griseus in areas with high tree canopy fragmentation. Future habitat fragmentation in western North America may result in similar invasion dynamics between these species. Our study warrants consideration of existing and predicted interactions between potentially invasive species that co-occur with native species where land use change is proposed.     

Long-term population fluctuations of the exotic New Zealand mudsnail <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potamopyrgus antipodarum</Emphasis> and its introduced aporocotylid trematode in northwestern France

Long-term studies of invasive populations are rare, which is unfortunate because important aspects of their dynamics may only be detected over long term. For instance, invasive populations can experience substantial population declines, or even crashes, sometime after their introduction and invasion. Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Caenogastropoda) is a successful invader, and is rarely parasitized in introduced areas. In France, the snail is parasitized as first intermediate host by only one trematode species (Aporocotylid sp. I), native to the snail’s home range, New Zealand. Here, we examined the dynamics of the molluscan assemblage in a French stream on a 14-year interval (2000–2004 and 2009–2013), focusing on this introduced host-parasite association. Overall, P. antipodarum was numerically dominant (90.80%) among molluscs, also including sphaeriid clams (9.12%) and pulmonate snails (0.08%). However, during the last monitoring period, we found a substantial population decline of P. antipodarum, potentially driven by environmental change, such as decreased water temperature and depth, and possibly competitive interactions with sphaeriids, which became numerically dominant (56.34%). P. antipodarum was the only mollusc found infected and only by Aporocotylid sp. I. Interestingly, despite low monthly prevalence (from 0 to 1.52%) and snail host population decline, the P. antipodarum-aporocotylid relationship appeared to be persistent over time.     

Historical range contraction,and not taxonomy,explains the contemporary genetic structure of the Australian tree <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia dealbata</Emphasis> Link

Irrespective of its causes, strong population genetic structure indicates a lack of gene flow. Understanding the processes that underlie such structure, and the spatial patterns it causes, is valuable for conservation efforts such as restoration. On the other hand, when a species is invasive outside its native range, such information can aid management in the non-native range. Here we explored the genetic characteristics of the Australian tree Acacia dealbata in its native range. Two subspecies of A. dealbata have previously been described based on morphology and environmental requirements, but recent phylogeographic data raised questions regarding the validity of this taxonomic subdivision. The species has been widely planted within and outside its native Australian range and is also a highly successful invasive species in many parts of the world. We employed microsatellite markers to investigate the population genetic diversity and structure among 42 A. dealbata populations from across the species’ native range. We also tested whether environmental variables purportedly relevant for the putative separation of subspecies are linked with population genetic differentiation. We found no relationship between population genetic structure of A. dealbata in Australia and these environmental features. Rather, we identified two geographically distinct genetic clusters that corresponded with populations in the northeastern part of mainland Australia, and the southern mainland and Tasmanian range of the species. Our results do not support the taxonomic subdivision of the species into two distinct subspecies based on environmental features. We therefore assume that the observed morphological differences between the putative subspecies are plastic phenotypic responses. This study provides population genetic information that will be useful for the conservation of the species within Australia as well as to better understand the invasion dynamics of A. dealbata.     

Signatures of invasion: using an integrative approach to infer the spread of melon fly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zeugodacus cucurbitae</Emphasis> (Diptera: Tephritidae), across Southeast Asia and the West Pacific

Invasion into new areas by already widespread pest organisms often occurs through non-obvious routes, with the origins of such invasions difficult to determine. Understanding population structure using multiple datatypes can help untangle past dispersal events and reveal putative contemporary invasion pathways. The tephritid fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is a serious pest of cucurbits and other commercial crops and is considered native to the Indo-Oriental region, but is invasive in both Africa and the Pacific. Here, we combine molecular (microsatellites and COI) and morphological (male genetalia length and wing shape geometric morphometrics) data within an integrative taxonomic framework to test hypotheses concerning levels of Z. cucurbitae population variation observed in Southeast Asia (native range, 10 sites, ~200 individuals) versus the West Pacific (invasive range, 4 sites, ~80 individuals), and whether single or multiple introductions of Z. cucurbitae have occurred into the West Pacific. We also use this case to explicitly test if using an integrative approach provides more information about hypothesized invasion pathways than either genetic or morphological approaches would do alone. All datasets support Z. cucurbitae as being more variable in Southeast Asia than the West Pacific, and within these regions populations appear to be structured geographically. In particular, mainland and Sundaic Southeast Asian locations formed separate clusters, and New Guinea and Solomon Islands were not closely related to Guam and Hawaii. Evidence supports a separate single origin for New Guinea from the Melanesian arc, the Solomon Islands from Malaysia/Singapore, and Guam from mainland Asia, but multiple introductions into Hawaii from mainland Asia. Taken together, we argue that there is great value in integrating evidence from multiple sources as it can provide finer resolution of population relationships than any single data source alone.     

Taxonomic implications of the morphological and genetic variation of cultivated and domesticated populations of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agave angustifolia</Emphasis> complex (Agavoideae,Asparagaceae) in Oaxaca,Mexico

The Agave angustifolia complex, distributed from Mexico to Costa Rica, comprises four species and five varieties, including three species used for mescal production. The complex is represented in the Mexican state of Oaxaca by two wild taxa, A. angustifolia var. angustifolia and A. angustifolia var. rubescens, the cultivated form A. angustifolia “Espadín” and the partially cultivated species A. rodacantha. The aims of this study were to investigate the morphological and genetic variation of the A. angustifolia complex in the state of Oaxaca and to identify traits useful for taxonomic delimitation. Four wild and three cultivated populations of A. angustifolia from Oaxaca, one population of A. tequilana from Guanajuato and one population of A. angustifolia from Sonora were sampled for morphological, genetic and cytometric analyses. We showed that cultivated populations of A. angustifolia “Espadin,” A. rhodacantha and A. tequilana could be clearly differentiated from wild populations. Furthermore, the domesticated populations of A. angustifolia, known locally as “Espadin,” had a higher ploidy level and lower genetic variation than their related wild populations. The population of A. angustifolia from Sonora could be recognized as a different entity. Populations of A. rhodacantha need to be studied throughout their entire distribution area to further evaluate their taxonomic delimitation.     

Climate change as a possible driver of invasion and differential in HSP70 expression in two genetically distinct populations of the invasive killer shrimp, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dikerogammarus villosus</Emphasis>

Global climate change is known to affect physiological processes in charge of cellular stress response. That often results in forcing many organisms to shift their biogeographic distribution ranges. It also holds true for euryoecious and highly invasive species like the killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus. In this study we compare the level of response to thermal stress in two genetically diversified populations of the amphipod D. villosus on the cellular level, namely HSP70 expression. The results show clear difference in HSP70 expression, that can be a direct consequence of the different climatic conditions both populations faced along their invasion routes. We conclude that the eastern population of D. villosus is more sensitive to thermal stress than the western population, hence its invasion potential may be lower than that of the latter. Considering the thermal tolerance of both populations and global warming, we can make some predictions about further spread of D. villosus, including the possibility of an emergence of the super-invader that may arise after cross-breeding of both populations, imposing even larger threat to the freshwater ecosystems.     

Not one but three: undetected invasive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alnus</Emphasis> species in northwestern Patagonia confirmed with cpDNA and ITS sequences

Species of Alnus (alders) have become invaders in several parts of the world. Here we report the presence of three naturalized alien species: A. glutinosa, A. incana and A. rubra from several populations in nature reserves of northwestern Patagonia, an area of remarkably high biodiversity. Alnus glutinosa had been cited previously for Chile and southern Argentina, but A. incana and A. rubra are here reported for the first time. As we found morphological variation within and among the populations of these introduced species that makes their discrimination difficult, we used chloroplast (trnH-psbA) and nuclear ribosomal (ITS) DNA sequences to confirm their identifications from morphological characteristics. Results from nuclear and chloroplast sequence data confirm the morphological tentative identification of the three species and remark the utility of molecular information together with morphology for the detection of introduced species of taxonomically difficult groups. The invasive characteristics of these alien tree species are discussed in relation to the conservation of the nature reserves where they are found.     

A multivariate morphometric delimitation of species boundaries in the South American genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nicoraepoa</Emphasis> (Poaceae: Pooideae: Poeae)

A multivariate morphometric study of the genus Nicoraepoa was carried out to examine patterns of morphological variation among the species and to identify additional characters to allow a clearer delimitation among species. Nicoraepoa is a taxonomically complex genus comprising seven species endemic to South America. Although most of the species are well delimited, two of them, N. andina and N. chonotica, are morphologically similar and very difficult to separate. The morphological variation among species, with overlapping morphological characters, pseudovivipary and possible hybridization make species boundaries unclear. In the present paper, sixty-seven characters were scored for a total of 216 specimens and analyzed using ordination, cluster and discriminant analyses. Based on multivariate results, we recognized species groups and morphological diagnostic characters that allow clearer species delimitation. As a result, N. chonotica has been transferred to N. andina as a subspecies that inhabit southern Patagonia. Other taxa could be recognized and delimited by diagnostic characters: N. erinacea, N. pugionifolia, N. stepparia, N. subenervis subsp. spegazziniana and N. subenervis subsp. subenervis. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that a new species from Bolivia, based on only one specimen, closely related to N. subenervis should be ascribed in Nicoraepoa.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis> as models to understand the adaptive process during invasion

The last few decades have seen a growing number of species invasions globally, including many insect species. In drosophilids, there are several examples of successful invasions, i.e. Zaprionus indianus and Drosophila subobscura some decades ago, but the most recent and prominent example is the invasion of Europe and North America by the pest species, Drosophila suzukii. During the invasive process, species often encounter diverse environmental conditions that they must respond to, either through rapid genetic adaptive shifts or phenotypic plasticity, or by some combination of both. Consequently, invasive species constitute powerful models for investigating various questions related to the adaptive processes that underpin successful invasions. In this paper, we highlight how Drosophila have been and remain a valuable model group for understanding these underlying adaptive processes, and how they enable insight into key questions in invasion biology, including how quickly adaptive responses can occur when species are faced with new environmental conditions.     

Population demographics and trade-offs to reproduction of an invasive and noninvasive species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubus</Emphasis>

Do trade-offs between growth and reproduction differ between an invasive and noninvasive plant species and how do such trade-offs relate to population demographics? To help address these questions, we compared demographics for an invasive plant species, Rubus discolor, with a noninvasive congener, R. ursinus, in several populations of varying density. Removal of floral buds from reproductive canes increased the size of juvenile canes that arose from clonal sprouting in R. ursinus, suggesting a trade-off between current reproduction and growth. Removal of floral buds had no effect on growth of R. discolor. R. ursinus displayed trade-offs between reproduction (sexual and vegetative) and future growth based on negative correlations between leaf area production and both clonal sprouting and seedling production during the previous year. R. discolor did not exhibit these trade-offs. Both species had high population growth rates in low-density populations, but exhibited little or no growth in high-density populations. A life table response experiment was used to determine the underlying cause for the effect of density on population growth. For R. ursinus, lack of population growth in high-density populations was due primarily to increased mortality of clonally sprouting canes, while for R. discolor, it was due to decreased clonal cane production. Elasticity analysis revealed that clonal growth was more important than sexual reproduction for population growth of both species. However, elasticity values for sexual reproduction in R. discolor were greater in high- than low-density populations. This suggests an increased reliance on sexual reproduction in populations that had reached stable sizes, which could increase the capacity of R. discolor to disperse to new sites. Elasticity analyses were also used to simulate the efficacy of various control strategies for R. discolor. Control of this species could be attained by reducing clonal production within existing populations while reducing seed production to limit establishment of new populations.     

Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses reveals <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neohelicosporium</Emphasis> gen. nov. and five new species of helicosporous hyphomycetes from aquatic habitats

Helicosporous hyphomycetes are a morphologically allied group of Tubeufiales. We introduce a new helicosporous genus, Neohelicosporium, with five new species, Neohelicosporium aquaticum, N. guangxiense, N. hyalosporum, N. parvisporum, and N. thailandicum, based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The RPB2 protein gene data are provided to analyze their phylogeny in Tubeufiales. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1α sequence data from 13 new isolates of Neohelicosporium provided evidence to support the establishment of the new taxa. The morphological characters of Neohelicosporium that differentiate it from other helicosporous species are compared and discussed.     

Phenetic and cladistic studies help clarify species assemblages in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Passiflora</Emphasis> section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dysosmia</Emphasis> (Passifloraceae)

One of the most enigmatic and unusual groups in the passionflower genus, Passiflora section Dysosmia (Passifloraceae), stands out as a group that is notoriously taxonomically complicated. Phenetic and cladistic analyses of Dysosmia were carried out with representatives from all 21 species currently recognized in the section, in order to delineate morphological groups above the species level. The study was based mainly on vegetative morphological characters and included principal coordinates, non-metric multidimensional scaling, cluster, and cladistic analyses. Results from each analysis reveals that three major species assemblages exist within Dysosmia, corresponding largely to vegetative pubescence and fruit color. The results presented here set the stage for future systematic and phylogenetic studies in Passiflora sect. Dysosmia.