Multiple origins of circumboreal taxa in Pyrola (Ericaceae), a group with a Tertiary relict distribution

MethodsEstimates of divergence times and ancestral geographical distributions based on neutrally evolving DNA sequence variation were used to develop a spatio-temporal model of colonization patterns for Pyrola.ConclusionsThree circumboreal Pyrola lineages have arisen independently and at least two of these appear to have originated in Asia. The cool, high-altitude habitats of many Pyrola species and the fact that diversification in the genus coincided with global cooling from the late Miocene onwards fits a hypothesis of pre-adaptation to become circumboreal within this group.     

Phytochemical Composition,Antioxidant Activity and HPLC Fingerprinting Profiles of Three Pyrola Species from Different Regions

The present study was performed to investigate the variation of phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting profiles of three Pyrola species. Thirteen samples (eight P. decorata, three P. calliantha and two P. renifolia) were collected from different regions in China. The tannin, hyperoside and quercetin contents of all samples were determined by reverse-phase HPLC and varied within the range 9.77–34.75, 0.34–2.16 and 0.062–0.147 mg/g dry weigh, respectively. Total flavonoid content was evaluated and varied within the range 16.22–37.82 mg/g dry weight. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay, with IC₅₀ ranging from 7.96 to 50.33 µg/ml, ABTS•⁺ and FRAP assay, within the range 612.66–1021.05 and 219.64–398.12 µmol equiv. Trolox/g, respectively. These results revealed that there were significant variations in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity among all samples. Due to the higher phytochemical content and significant antioxidant activity, P. calliantha was selected as the most valuable species, and the P. calliantha sample from Left banner of Alxa even possessed the strongest antioxidant activity among all the thirteen samples. Futhermore, Emei Mountain was proved to be the most suitable region for producing P. decorata. Moreover, in order to further evaluate the diversities and quality of Pyrola, HPLC fingerprint analysis coupled with hierarchical cluster and discrimination analyses were introduced to establish a simple, rapid and effective method for accurate identification, classification and quality assessment of Pyrola. Thirteen samples were divided into three groups consistent with their morphological classification. Two types of discriminant functions were generated and the ratio of discrimination was 100%. This method can identify different species of Pyrola and the same species from different regions of origin. Also, it can be used to compare and control the quality of Pyrola and other natural products prepared from them.     

Pollen morphology ofPyrola and its taxonomic significance

Pollen from 152 collections representing 16Pyrola species was examined with LM, SEM and TEM. The genusPyrola is stenopalynous in having tetrads and 3-colporoidate grains. However, a continuous and serial variation in the exine sculpture and the tetrad diameter (D) was revealed within the genus. Křísa's system ofPyrola (1971) was re-examined in the light of these palynological characters which may have a taxonomic significance, as well as the external morphology. P. minor (only member of the subgenusAmelia), which is characterized by having small (D=30–35 μm) pollen tetrads with verrucate sculpture must best be placed near sectionPyrola of the subgenusPyrola. P. faurieana must be segregated from sectionChlorantha and together withP. media placed intermediate between the subgenusAmelia and sectionPyrola of the subgenusPyrola based on their larger (D=ca. 40 μm) pollen tetrads with verrucate sculpture. Two series of sectionChlorantha excludingP. faurieana are differentiated in the exine sculpture. Therefore, they are regarded as the distinct taxonomic groups. SectionScotophylla is characterized by having psilate sculptured pollen tetrads, which indicates that its sectional rank is sufficiently asserted. The evolutionary trend in the exine sculpture from verrucate through rugulate to psilate is suggested withinPyrola.     

Growth of the dune wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia ssp.maritima) at Braunton Burrows in relation to weather factors

The dune wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia ssp.maritima) is an evergreen perennial herb which has spread extensively in recent decades to, and on, various British dune systems including Braunton Burrows, N. Devon. Its multiplication is partly vegetative, by rhizomes bearing leaf rosettes. This study primarily concerns the relation between: (i) the growth of one particular invasive colony on Braunton Burrows, as shown by the numbers of living rosettes counted at midsummer from 1964–74 inclusive; and (ii) concurrent meteorological records made nearby. Monthly weather means were calculated on various quarterly bases. After de-trending thePyrola data statistically, correlations were sought between the growth in numbers achieved in each year and the local air temperature (three bases), rainfall and duration of bright sunshine. While the annual increase in net numbers appears to have been unaffected by sunshine hours, this increase does seem to have been much diminished by cold nights, particularly in early spring and, though less strongly so, by low rainfall in the latter part of the preceding summer. Taking account of the performance ofPyrola in other habitats on the Burrows, it is suggested that the rainfall correlation may reflect the influence of atmospheric humidity rather than water supply to the roots.Local meteorological records over a 51-year period show combined temperature and rainfall conditions consistently favourable toPyrola growth throughout a 5-year run to a degree which might be expected to occur in only three such runs out of every hundred. The favourable period (1957–61) occurred between the inferred first occurrence ofPyrola on the Burrows and its observed rapid spread.     

Taxonomic identity and typification of selected names of North American Potamogetonaceae

Most names in North American Potamogetonaceae have not been typified. Details of typifications are given for 72 names based on North American material published in the genus Potamogeton mainly by North American botanists. All names are reviewed for their nomenclatural validity and legitimacy, and interpreted taxonomically. Holotypes are indicated for 31 names and previously declared lectotypes or neotypes are listed for eight names. Lectotypes are designated for 24 previously untypified names and step-2 lectotypifications are proposed for three names that were based on heterogeneous material. Type material for three Rafinesque names and one proposed by Wood have not been located. An annotated list provides collection data, type status, homotypic synonyms, and currently accepted names. Two names are excluded from Potamogeton, being based on species of Myriophyllum (Haloragaceae).     

Comparative morphological analysis of two parallel mycoheterotrophic transitions reveals divergent and convergent traits in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrola</Emphasis> (Pyroleae,Ericaceae)

The genus Pyrola includes species with different degree of mycoheterotrophy; some species possess individuals that rely on all carbon through their associations with fungi (full mycoheterotrophy, FM), whereas some species obtain carbon through both fungi and photosynthesis by itself (partial mycoheterotrophy, PM). To investigate how plant functional traits of photosynthesis and reproduction are related to the degree of mycoheterotrophy in the initial stage of the transition from PM to FM, we determined morphological traits in FM (or nearly FM) and PM species in two independent lineages, P. picta and P. japonica complexes. We used herbarium specimens and examined leaf number, leaf area, flower number, and scape length in FM or nearly FM species (P. aphylla and P. subaphylla) and PM species (P. picta s.l. and P. japonica). We found a leaf area reduction in FM (or nearly FM) species in both lineages, suggesting that this is a convergent trait. The number of flowers was not significantly different between FM (or nearly FM) and PM species in both lineages. On the other hand, differences in the variation between FM (or nearly FM) and PM species were found in some traits between the two lineages. The FM (or nearly FM) species in one lineage only possessed rudimentary leaves, whereas that in the other linage possessed a few small, ordinary leaves in addition to those with only rudimentary leaves. The scape length of the FM (or nearly FM) species was significantly longer than that of PM species in one lineage, whereas it was shorter in the other lineage. The different and common variations are divergent and convergent traits, respectively, that could be associated with the transition to FM in Pylora. In addition, shoots of both PM species occasionally lacked ordinary leaves, possibly indicating possession of these shoots is preadaptation for the transition to FM in Pyrola.     

Catalog of the adelgids of the world (Hemiptera,Adelgidae)

A taxonomic and nomenclatural Catalogue of the adelgids (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) is presented. Six family-group names are listed, five being synonyms of Adelgidae. Twenty-two genus-group names, of which nine are subjectively valid and in use, are presented with their type species, etymology, and grammatical gender. One hundred and six species-group names are listed, of which 70 are considered subjectively valid.     

Subspecies names from Berher,La flore des Vosges (1887)

Subspecies names have been studied from the nomenclaturally omitted bookBerher, La flore des vosges, 1887. A commented enumeration containing 107 names published in that book has been comiled. 41 subspecies names have been examined in more detail. Thirteen ofBerher's subspecific combinations may be employed in present taxonomic classifications. Nine ofBerher's names determine priority of the relevant subspecific epithets (parabasionyms). Two new nomenclatural combinations are proposed:Acetosa alpina subsp.amplexicaulis andBetula alba subsp.glutinosa. More detailed attention has been paid to the problems of names in the group ofRumex arifolius.     

Selected subspecies names from Richter,Plantae Europeae,Vol. 1, 1890

The bookK. Richter, Plantae europeae, Vol. 1, 1890, is analyzed from the viewpoint of nomenclature of subspecies names. 264 subspecies names interesting from the standpoint of contemporary taxonomy and nomenclature are selected from the total number of 840 subspecies names for a commented list. Seventeen important cases are dealt with separately in greater detail. Eleven new nomenclatural combinations (two for species, nine for subspecies) are proposed in the Appendix. Types for two generic names (Acorellus Palla andJuncellus C. B. Clarke) are proposed. A new term “parabasionym” is applied for names establishing the priority of infraspecific epithets in the rank in question. The need to respect the newly accepted principle of priority of autonymic subspecies names at proposing new nomenclatural combinations is stressed. Examples ofRichter’s subspecies names having priority, subspecies names with necessary changes in their authorship and names having a possible importance as parabasionyms are enumerated in separate lists.     

A nomenclatural analysis of the generic names of phanerogams proposed byF. M. Opiz in his Seznam rostlin květeny české

The authors have examined the nomenclatural status of the generic names proposed byF. M. Opiz in his work “Seznam Rostlin Květeny ?eské” (A list of Bohemian plants) and of names which have been regarded in later literature as first published in that book. Many of the generic names proposed byOpiz in his Seznam were not in fact validly published in that book; on the other hand the valid publication of several names is conditioned by various types of indirect indication of an earlier effectively published diagnosis. Of the 80 generic names analysed 36 were validly published byOpiz in various works (not all in the Seznam), but only 13 to 15 are legitimate in the sense of the International Code 1966. The legitimate names are:Cenekia, Ceranthe, Duschekia, Euacer, Jovibarba, Kablikia, Lamiopsis, Liebichia, Plethiosphace, Pseudolysimachion, Spirocarpus, Swida, Weitenwebera and perhapsMargarospermum andNenningia. Of these legitimate names four are considered by the authors as correct i.e.Duschekia, Jovibarba, Pseudolysimachion andSwida; in the Appendix some new combinations with these generic names are proposed. In the text some mistakes concerningOpiz's generic names in Index Kewensis are corrected. For 14 ofOpiz's generic names the lectotypes are seleced. A special notice is given to the nomenclatural problems of the group “Avenastrum”.     

Sherborn’s influence on Systema Dipterorum

Flies make up more than 10% of the planetary biota and our well-being depends on how we manage our coexistence with flies. Storing and accessing relevant knowledge about flies is intimately connected with using correct names, and Systema Dipterorum provides a single authoritative classification for flies developed by consensus among contributors. The 160,000 species of flies currently known are distributed among 160 recent families and some 12,000 genera, which with their synonyms encompass a total of more than a quarter of a million names. These names and their associated classification are shared with relevant global solutions. Sherborn appears to have done remarkably well indexing Diptera names with an overall error rate estimated to be close to 1%.     

On the homonyms in the genusTaraxacum (studies inTaraxacum 2.)

A survey of homonyms in the genusTaraxacum is given. 10 new names are proposed (partly as a result of collaboration with the authors of illegitimate names.), 8 other homonyms are listed. Homonyms which were recorded previously in the literature (or names that were substituted by new names) are only briefly mentioned.     

New names inPhanerogamae I

69 new names are proposed, viz. for 1 genus (Danthoniastrum), 1 subgenus, 1 section, 37 species, 28 subspecies and 1 variety. Most of the new names refer toOtites (10),Helictotrichon (3),Helianthemum grandiflorum (3),Plantago atrata (3),Rhodax (19) andZerna (17).     

Some Lithuanian ethnobotanical taxa: a linguistic view on Thorn Apple and related plants

Background

The perception and use of plants correspond with common plant names. The study of plant names may give insight into historical and recent use of plants.

Methods

Plant names in dictionaries and folklore have been evaluated. A etymological analysis of the names is provided. Onomasiological and semasiological aspects have been considered. Therefore, species named with names related to each other have been selected.

Results

Plant names containing the stem dag- or deg- may belong to either of two categories: incenses or thorny plants. Plants named in durn- have been in use as psychopharmaca. The name rymo points not to Rome but to the use of plants as anodyne or psychopharmaca.     

The distribution of some heathland plant species along a microtopographic gradient at Dinnet,Scotland, and their dehydration resistances

Along a microtopographic gradient in a heathland, five types of plant distribution were recognized: (i) Pyrola type, restricted to the crest of the rise; (ii) Vaccinium type, mainly on the steeper slopes and thin soil; (iii) Arctostaphylos type, ranging widely from the top to the bottom of the slope; (iv) Erica tetralix type, in the waterlogged wet places; and (v) Calluna type, showing the most extensive occurrence across the ranges of all the foregoing types. A clear separation of habitat was found between Erica cinerea and Erica tetralix. The stomatal transpiration of Calluna was the most active among five species studied. However, the cuticular transpiration rate is rather low. These facts all have a bearing on the widely dominant occurrence of Calluna in heathland. Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi showed the lowest transpiration rates in the present study. Their cuticular transpiration rates are also low. These facts may be in accord with their inability to overcome Calluna under conditions of adequate water supply. However, they may become dominant in some sites, such as the terrace of thin soil. The buds of Erica tetralix are very susceptible to drought, because their lethal water deficit is very small. It may be a main cause of the restriction of this species to very wet places.     

Corrections to Agrilus related species–group names in the world catalogue of Bellamy and new substitute names for Agrilus species–group homonyms

The work treats 52 species–group names related to genus Agrilus incorrectly cited in the world catalogue of Bellamy (2008). The name dimorphus Théry, 1941 from the genus Aphanisticus and mulleri Théry, 1925 from the genus Australodraco are also treated. Four primary or secondary homonyms are replaced by substitute names. Most of the proposed changes refer to the availability, validity, spelling and authorship of the names. The following new nomenclatural acts are proposed: Four new substitute names for homonyms: gola Jendek for filiformis Gory & Laporte, 1839 not Herbst, 1801; lukesi Obenberger, 1936 for modicus Kerremans, 1892 not Solier, 1833; thomsoni Jendek for impressipennis Thomson not Uhler, 1855; walkerianus Jendek (Aphanisticus) for sulcicollis Walker not Lacordaire, 1835. New synonyms: turei Curletti, 2002 is an objective synonym of thurei Curletti, 1996. Lectotype designations: A lectotype is designated for Agrilus dualaecola Obenberger, 1923.     

Typification of Radlkofer's infrageneric names in Paullinia L. (Sapindaceae)

Ancillary to my revision ofPaullinia, the necessary lectotypifications for Radlkofer's infrageneric names are proposed. Those sectional names requiring lectotypification areNeurotoechus, Diphtherotoechus, Pleurotoechus, Pachytoechus, Xyloptilon, Neuroptilon, Anisoptilon, Isoptilon, Caloptilon, andPhygoptilon. SectionCryptoptilon, monotypic at the time of publication, is typified automatically byP. verrucosa Radlk. The generic namesEnourea andCastanella, reduced by Radlkofer to sectional status, retain their types.     

Vascular plants first described in Rydberg’s flora of colorado

Types are indicated for 28 new names inadvertently published in Rydberg’sFlora of Colorado. Included are a discussion as to the validity of these new names and an explanation of the causes of this oversight. A lectotype ofLupinus decumbens var.argentatus is herein designated by Rupert C. Barneby.