A new species of Sarcostemma (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Asclepiadeae) from Yemen

Sarcostemma areysianum Bruyns is described from the southern mountains of Yemen. It appears to be most closely related to S. arabicum Bruyns & P. Forst. and S. socotranum Lavranos, differing from both by the taller gynostegium with narrow, mostly acute inner corona lobes. A key to the species from Arabia and Socotra is provided.     

Corona and anther skirt in Hoya (Apocynaceae, Marsdenieae)

The so called revolute margins of the corona in the genus Hoya (Marsdenieae) are homologous to the anther skirt. The anther skirt is primarily formed of two latero-basal lobes of the anther. In Hoya these lobes are fused with the underside of the basal process of the staminal corona and have evolved into a dominant structure of the gynostegium. Embedded in the anther skirt is the nectar tube, formed by the basal elongation of the guide rail. In many species, however, the function of nectar secretion for pollinator reward has been transferred to the anther skirt beneath the basal process of the corona. A survey of the Marsdenieae shows that the potential for developing an anther skirt is present in several other genera as well, though nowhere has it evolved into such elaborated structures as in Hoya.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecomtedoxa plumosa</Emphasis> (Sapotaceae), a new tree species from Korup National Park,Cameroon

Summary   Lecomtedoxa plumosa Burgt (Sapotaceae), a new tree species from the southern part of Korup National Park in Cameroon, is described and illustrated. The flowers show the characteristics of the genus Lecomtedoxa: for example the staminodes are free and placed alternately to the stamens and corolla lobes. The leaves of the new species are clearly different from other Lecomtedoxa spp., but they look similar to the leaves of Gluema ivorensis, especially to those of the collections from Cameroon. In total 26 trees ≥ 10 cm dbh were found. The largest trees found were 36 m high and 74 cm dbh. The trees grow in primary rain forest, in clusters of up to 10 trees on 2 ha, mixed with many other tree species. The seed dispersal is ballistic. The conservation status of the species is assessed as Endangered, EN D.     

越南莲座状复苏卷柏一新种——越南卷柏(卷柏科)

该文描述了在越南发现的卷柏科一新种——越南卷柏(Selaginella pseudotamariscina X. C. Zhang & C. W. Chen)。经过分子系统发育分析并与近缘种形态比较,认为该新种是卷柏属(Selaginella)同穗亚属(subg. Stachygynandrum)的一个物种,与S. digitata-S. imbricata分支为姐妹群关系。该新种与卷柏(S. tamariscina)和垫状卷柏(S. pulvinata)的形态近似,其植株均为莲座状,但不同之处在于中叶对称,似披针形,上表面具1沟槽; 孢子叶穗略压扁; 孢子叶和营养叶性状和排列近似,孢子叶非同形,略异形,正置,腹面孢子叶大于背面孢子叶; 背面孢子叶败育,孢子囊仅见于腹面孢子叶基部。     

日轮果属，越南唇形科黄芩亚科一新属

描述并绘制了越南唇形科一新属及新种：日轮果属(Heliacria Bo Li,C.L.Xiang,T.S.Hoang&Nuraliev)和日轮果(H. maritima Bo Li,C.L.Xiang,T.S.Hoang&Nuraliev)。日轮果属因具攀援藤本习性,花大且花冠为纯白色,花萼近辐射对称、5深裂、裂片长且在果期增大并开展,果实顶端具放射状的瘤状突起等特征而明显区别于黄芩亚科的其他5属。目前,该属仅发现于越南东南部沿海的平定省、富安省、庆和省和宁顺省,常生于海岸边干旱的低地矮林中。     

Two new Artotrogids (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) from Madeira Island,Portugal

Two new artotrogids are recorded from Madeira Island. A new species of Cryptopontius, associated with algae, differs from its congeners in the number of antennular segments, setation of the antennal exopod, setation and length of the maxillule lobes, and setation of both rami of the first and fourth legs. The second new artotrogid belongs to Dyspontius.It was associated with Gerardia savagliae Lacaze-Duthiers, 1864 (Cnidaria: Zoanthidea) and differs from its congeners in cephalothorax shape, siphon length and setation of the maxillule lobes.     

Hoya amicabilis sp. nov. (Apocynaceae,Asclepiadoideae), from Java discovered on Facebook

A new species from Java, Hoya amicabilis S.Rahayu & Rodda is described and illustrated. It was first identified as a new species from pictures posted on social media in 2017. Hoya amicabilis is part of a small group of species that have an unusual shrubby habit, but it is the only one in that group with bright yellow campanulate flowers. Furthermore, Hoya amicabilis is a rather unusual species of Hoya since its staminal corona lobes are oblong, erect, while most species of Hoya have well‐developed generally spreading corona lobes, and its style head is umbonate, brightly coloured and extending above the anther appendages, while most species have a conical style head covered by anther appendages.     

角唇隔距兰,中国隔距兰属(兰科)一新记录种

报道了中国兰科(Orchidaceae)隔距兰属(Cleisostoma Blume)一新记录种:角唇隔距兰(C.tricornutum Averyanov)。该种与C.crochetii(Guillaumin)Garay、C.parishii(J.D.Hooker)Garay相近,因其有不分枝的线状花粉团柄、球状的花粉团块和一个先端短喙状的半球形药帽而与C.crochetii(Guillaumin)Garay相区别;因其有松散、罕分枝的花序,长角状的唇瓣侧裂片而与C.parishii(J.D.Hooker)Garay相区别。提供了新记录种的形态描述及图片。     

Zwergstrauchige Arten der FlechtengattungCaloplaca

The frutescent species of the lichen genusCaloplaca are usually united in sect.Thamnoma, but they do not form a natural group. They are derived from different species groups within sect.Gasparrinia from different parts of the world, presumable from species having scleroplectenchymes in cortex and medulla. The algal cells are concentrated between the scleroplectenchymatic strands in large and dense groups, from where medullary plectenchyme extends to the cortex and forms characteristic pseudocyphellae there.—Most of the species seem to be ornithocoprophilous; they grow on rocks along marine coasts where much fog is induced by cold currents.—Caloplaca cribrosa is endemic in Tasmania and New Zealand,C. regalis and the doubtfulC. ambitiosa belong to the antarctic element.C. fragillima from central Chile seems to be propagated by thallus fragments.C. coralloides andC. thamnodes are endemic to California and Baja California respectively.C. cladodes from the Rocky Mountains deviates in many characteristics from the other species i.a. by it different ontogenetic development, reduced spore septum, and cementing amyloid polysaccharides within the scleroplectenchymatic strands. The African species are characterized by their distinctly dorsiventral lobes and usually possess oil cells in some of the paraphyses.Caloplaca bonae-spei, C. fragillima andC. thamnodes are new to science.

     

Frequency of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida</Emphasis> spp. in the Oral Cavity of Brazilian HIV-Positive Patients and Correlation with CD4 Cell Counts and Viral Load

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Candida spp., and particularly C. dubliniensis, among oral isolates from Brazilian HIV-positive patients correlating these results with CD4 cell counts and viral load. Forty-five individuals (23 female and 22 male) diagnosed as HIV-positive by ELISA and Western-blot, under anti-retroviral therapy for at least 1 year and without oral candidosis signals were included in the study. The control group was constituted by 45 healthy individuals, matched to the test group in relation to age, gender, and oral conditions. Oral rinses were collected and the identification was performed by phenotypic tests. The existence of C. dubliniensis among the isolates was analyzed using a validated multiplex PCR assay. Candida spp. were detected at significantly higher number in the oral cavity of HIV-positive patients in relation to the controls (P = 0.0008). C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups. In the HIV group, C. glabrata, C. lipolytica, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, and C. parapsilosis were also identified. In the control group, we additionally identified C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis. Two isolates (1.9%, 2/108) from control individuals were identified as C. dubliniensis and this species was not verified in the HIV group. Candida spp. counts were statistically lower (P = 0.0230) in the oral cavity of patients with low viral load (<400 copies/mm3). Candida spp. counts did not differ statistically among groups with different levels of CD4 cells counts (P = 0.1068).     

The halotolerant fungus Glomerobolus gelineus is a member of the Ostropales

Glomerobolus gelineus is a halotolerant species with a unique method of ballistic propagation. The absence of both sexual and asexual spores made reliable placement of this species, based on morphology alone, within the current fungal classification problematical. A phylogenetic analysis of the large and small nuclear ribosomal subunit and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II placed this fungus within the Ostropales, an order comprising lichenized and saprobic species, with good statistical support. Subsequently, a more detailed analysis that combined the nuc LSU rDNA and the mt SSU rDNA confirmed a close relationship to the Stictidaceae. The phylogenetic placement of G. gelineus is also supported by morphological characters. We postulate that the hyphoma lobes of Glomerobolus correspond to the periphysoidal layer in the apothecium of Stictis, and the propagule to the hymenium. Moreover, the presence of crystals in the outer lobes of G. gelineus is another indication of its relationship with Ostropales, which have characteristic crystalliferous hyphae. The placement of Glomerobolus within the Ostropales further expands the ecological diversity exhibited by this order. It also provides a phylogenetic hypothesis for assessing the homology of the enigmatic hyphomal morphology with apothecia-forming Ascomycota.     

Effects of the estuarine dinoflagellate Pfiesteria shumwayae (Dinophyceae) on survival and grazing activity of several shellfish species

A series of experiments was conducted to examine effects of four strains of the estuarine dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria shumwayae, on the behavior and survival of larval and adult shellfish (bay scallop, Argopecten irradians; eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica; northern quahogs, Mercenaria mercenaria; green mussels, Perna viridis [adults only]). In separate trials with larvae of A. irradians, C. virginica, and M. mercenaria, an aggressive predatory response of three strains of algal- and fish-fed P. shumwayae was observed (exception, algal-fed strain 1024C). Larval mortality resulted primarily from damage inflicted by physical attack of the flagellated cells, and secondarily from Pfiesteria toxin, as demonstrated in larval C. virginica exposed to P. shumwayae with versus without direct physical contact. Survival of adult shellfish and grazing activity depended upon the species and the cell density, strain, and nutritional history of P. shumwayae. No mortality of the four shellfish species was noted after 24 h of exposure to algal- or fish-fed P. shumwayae (strains 1024C, 1048C, and CCMP2089) in separate trials at ≤5 × 10³ cells ml⁻¹, whereas higher densities of fish-fed, but not algal-fed, populations (>7–8 × 10³ cells ml⁻¹) induced low (≤15%) but significant mortality. Adults of all four shellfish species sustained >90% mortality when exposed to fish-fed strain 270A1 (8 × 10³ cells ml⁻¹). In contrast, adult M. mercenaria and P. viridis exposed to a similar density of fish-fed strain 2172C sustained <15% mortality, and there was no mortality of A. irradians and C. virginica exposed to that strain. In mouse bioassays with tissue homogenates (adductor muscle, mantle, and whole animals) of A. irradians and M. mercenaria that had been exposed to P. shumwayae (three strains, separate trials), mice experienced several minutes of disorientation followed by recovery. Mice injected with tissue extracts from control animals fed cryptomonads showed no response. Grazing rates of adult shellfish on P. shumwayae (mean cell length ±1 standard error [S.E.], 9 ± 1 μm) generally were significantly lower when fed fish-fed (toxic) populations than when fed populations that previously had been maintained on algal prey, and grazing rates were highest with the nontoxic cryptomonad, Storeatula major (cell length 7 ± 1 μm). Abundant cysts of P. shumwayae were found in fecal strands of all shellfish species tested, and ≤45% of the feces produced viable flagellated cells when placed into favorable culture conditions. These findings were supported by a field study wherein fecal strands collected from field-collected adult shellfish (C. virginica, M. mercenaria, and ribbed mussels, Geukensia demissa) were confirmed to contain cysts of P. shumwayae, and these cysts produced fish-killing flagellated populations in standardized fish bioassays. Thus, predatory feeding by flagellated cells of P. shumwayae can adversely affect survival of larval bivalve molluscs, and grazing can be depressed when adult shellfish are fed P. shumwayae. The data suggest that P. shumwayae could affect recruitment of larval shellfish in estuaries and aquaculture facilities; shellfish can be adversely affected via reduced filtration rates; and adult shellfish may be vectors of toxic P. shumwayae when shellfish are transported from one geographic location to another.     

δC, δN, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus as indicators of plant ecophysiology and organic matter pathways in Everglades deep slough, Florida, USA

Historically, the Florida Everglades was characterized by a corrugated landscape of shorter hydroperiod, elevated sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) ridges and longer hydroperiod, deep water slough communities. Drainage and compartmentalization of the Everglades have fundamentally altered this pattern, and sawgrass ridge communities have expanded at the expense of deep water slough communities throughout much of the landscape. In this study we provide a simple isotopic and nutrient characterization of major components of the slough ecosystem to elucidate physiological and nutrient differences among species and to suggest pathways for organic matter decomposition that contribute to peat development in deep water sloughs. We examined carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotopes and C, N and phosphorus (P) concentrations of the floating-leaved macrophytes Nymphaea odorata and Nymphoides aquatica, the emergent macrophyte Eleocharis elongata, and the submerged species Utricularia foliosa and Utricularia purpurea, as well as soil and flocculent material from the southern Water Conservation Area 3-A. Flocculent material and soils had the highest N content (4.5 ± 0.2%) and U. foliosa and N. odorata had the highest P content (0.13 ± 0.01% to 0.12 ± 0.01%). The range for δ¹⁵N average ± SE values was 5.81 ± 0.29‰ (U. foliosa) to −1.84 ± 0.63‰ (N. odorata), while the range for δ¹³C values was −23.83 ± 0.12‰ (N. odorata) to −29.28 ± 0.34‰ (U. purpurea). Differences of up to 10‰ in C isotopic values of U. foliosa and N. odorata suggest fundamental physiological differences between these species. Along a degradation continuum, enrichment of ¹³C and ¹⁵N and extent of decomposition was negatively related to phosphorus concentrations. A two end-member ¹³C mixing model suggested that Utricularia species were the primary organic source for flocculent materials, whereas organic matter derived from root decomposition of N. odorata contributed to the progressively enriched δ¹³C values found with depth in soils. These results illustrate the fundamentally important roles of Nymphaea and Utricularia species in ecosystem dynamics of deep water sloughs.     

Ceropegia thaithongiae sp. nov. (Apocynaceae,Asclepiadoideae) from northern Thailand and preliminary observations on impacts of climate change on its only known population

A new pendulous herb, Ceropegia thaithongiae Kidyoo (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), is described from northern Thailand. This plant is strictly endemic to Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and critically endangered owing to it living in an ecosystem affected by frequent natural disturbances. It is here described, illustrated and compared to the similar species, C. mairei. Both species have fusiform rootstocks, 1–2‐flowered cymes, deeply bifid outer corona lobes and linear, hairy inner corona lobes. However, the new species can be distinguished by its glabrous stem, leaf covered with hairs on both surfaces and glabrous corolla tube and lobes.     

Hypocrella panamensis sp. nov. (Clavicipitaceae, Hypocreales): a new species infecting scale insects on Piper carrilloanum in Panama

A new species, Hypocrella panamensis, is described from collections and cultures obtained on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. In order to aid in placement of this fungus, phylogenetic analyses were conducted using LSU (rDNA) sequences. Hypocrella panamensis is characterized by possessing pulvinate stromata with a Lecanicillium-like anamorphic state and superficial perithecia. Hypocrella panamensis consistently grouped in a clade containing Hypocrella nectrioides, H. phyllogena, and H. africana (100 % PP). Most species of Hypocrella possess Aschersonia or Hirsutella anamorphs. Hypocrella panamensis is unique in the genus Hypocrella in possession of a Lecanicillium-like anamorphic state. In its biological habit Hypocrella panamensis is similar to other species in Hypocrella in that it infects and degrades the scale insect, then grows superficially on nutrients that emerge to the plant surface through the stylet wound.     

Review of the neotropical endemics Burmeistera, Centropogon, and Siphocampylus (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae), with description of 18 new species and a new section

Burmeistera, Centropogon, and Siphocampylus together comprise more than 500 species endemic to the Neotropics, Current knowledge of these genera is unsatisfactory, with much diversity yet to be described. Over the past seven years, one out of every 28 specimens received for identification has represented a new species, many characterized by unique or unusual character states. Siphocampylus smilax (Bolivia) is unique in the genus in its parallelodromous leaf venation and extra-floral nectaries. Centropogon dianae (Peru) cannot be accommodated in any recognized infrageneric taxon, and a new section, Centropogon sect. Niveopsis, is proposed for it. The flowers of C. steinii (Ecuador) are the smallest known in the genus, while C. connatilobatus (Venezuela) is the first species to combine arbusculiform pubescence and connate calyx lobes. Burmeistera venezuelensis is only the second species of the genus known to occur in Venezuela and the first to be endemic; similarly, Centropogon wilburii is only the third species of Centropogon known from Mexico and the first to be endemic to that country. Additional novelties are also described.     

Horizontal transmission of a microsporidium from the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), to three coccinellid species of Nova Scotia

Convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, are a popular choice for aphid control in North America. An unidentified microsporidium was found in H. convergens adults that were purchased from a commercial insectary in 2004. This study examined egg cannibalism and egg predation as a means of horizontal transmission of the unidentified microsporidium among H. convergens larvae and three coccinellid species found in Nova Scotia: Coccinella septempunctata (seven-spotted lady beetle), C. trifasciata perplexa (three-banded lady beetle), and Harmonia axyridis (multicolored Asian lady beetle). The microsporidium was transmitted with 100% efficiency when first instars fed on microsporidia-infected eggs. Mean spore count data from smear preparations of infected beetles suggest that the infection was as heavy in C. trifasciata perplexa (a native coccinellid) (11.2 ± 0.96 spores/100 μm²) as it was in H. convergens (the natural host) (12.8 ± 1.16) but lighter in the introduced species C. septempunctata (7.5 ± 0.65) and H. axyridis (0.8 ± 0.11). For all of the beetle species examined, larval development was significantly longer for microsporidia-infected individuals than for their uninfected cohorts. The microsporidium had no effect on larval mortality. Based on the results of this study, field-collected H. convergens should be examined for microsporidia and uninfected individuals should be used to rear individuals for release in biological control programs. However, this is unlikely to happen because H. convergens are relatively easy and inexpensive to collect from their overwintering sites for redistribution.     

Karyotypic and molecular polymorphisms in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ctenomys</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">torquatus</Emphasis> (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae): taxonomic considerations

The rodent genus Ctenomys (tuco-tucos) comprises more than 60 described species, and shows extraordinary inter- and intraspecific karyotypic variation. The most widely distributed species of Ctenomys in Brazil is C. torquatus. Although several cytogenetic studies have been done, the karyotypic variability of this species is still poorly known. In this paper we report two new diploid numbers for C. torquatus: 2n = 40 and 2n = 42, both showing AN = 72. The new distribution limits of C. torquatus here reported include localities in the southern, central and western parts of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State in southern Brazil. The phylogenetic relationship between C. torquatus from Alegrete, RS, and Ctenomys sp. from Corrientes, Argentina, is described by means of mtDNA cytochrome b analysis. Although both entities share similar karyotypes and sperm morphology, these two species are not phylogenetically close.     

A synopsis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casearia</Emphasis> Jacq. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Samydeae – Salicaceae</Emphasis>) in West and Central Africa with a description of a new species from Eastern Congo (Kinshasa)

Summary  Sleumer’s (1971) revision of Casearia (formerly Flacourtiaceae, now Salicaceae) is reviewed to correct the specific delimitation, nomenclature and geography of some of the West and Central African species. As a result, Casearia inaequalis Hutch. & Dalz. and C. prismatocarpa Mast. are resurrected, the latter to replace C. calodendron Gilg ex Engl. Casearia michelsonii, from the mountains of East Congo (Kinshasa), is described as new. A revised key to the species of West and Central Africa is presented and their distributions are mapped.