New sections in<Emphasis Type="Italic">Taraxacum</Emphasis>

Sectional taxonomy ofTaraxacum in steppe or subsaline habitats in Central Asia is revised based on material collected during expeditions, cultivated or studied in herbarium. Two new sections are described from that area:T. sect.Stenoloba similar toT. sect.Leucantha (syn.:T. sect.Sinensia), andT. sect.Suavia allied toT. sect.Dissecta. The type species of the sectionSuavia is described asTaraxacum formosissimum Kirschner etŠtěpánek. Widespread mountain dandelions of the Caucasus, intermediate between the sect.Piesis andT. stevenii, are described asT. sect.Confusa. Taraxacum species dominating dry habitats in S Ukraine and Crimea are described asT. sect.Borysthenica. Species belonging to the new sections were found to be polyploid and agamospermous.     

A new species and a new combination of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizirideum</Emphasis> (Alliaceae) from northeastern China and Korea

A new species, Allium pseudosenescens, belonging to sect. Rhizirideum (Alliaceae), is described from northeastern China. It is easily distinguished from A. senescens by the slender pedicels, pale pink perianths, narrower tepals and ovaries, yellowish anthers, and sometimes toothed subulate filaments. Also, A. senescens var. minus in sect. Rhizirideum is raised to the rank of species, as A. minus. This Korean endemic taxon is shown to be a biologically distinct species based on morphological and cytological characters. Taxonomic keys for the species of Allium sect. Rhizirideum in northeastern China and Korea are provided.     

Cypsela morphology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cirsium</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cirsium</Emphasis> (Asteraceae) taxa in Turkey

In this study, the cypsela morphology of 21 (14 species) of the 28 (17 species) Turkish Cirsium Mill. sect. Cirsium (Asteraceae) taxa was examined by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The shapes of cypselas are oblong, obovate, narrowly obovate and oblanceolate. The taxa were divided into 7 main types according to the results of SEM investigation on cypsela surface characteristics as: scalariform, ribbed, scrobiculate-ribbed, scrobiculate, scrobiculate-reticulate, reticulate and bireticulate. Taxonomic significance of cypsela morphology is discussed. It is shown that cypsela features can be used as distinguishing characteristics in some Cirsium sect. Cirsium species.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macroptilium</Emphasis> (Benth.) Urb. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leguminosae</Emphasis>: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Papilionoideae</Emphasis>: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolinae</Emphasis>) from North-Eastern Brazil

Summary  A new species of Macroptilium sect. Microcochle (Benth.) J. A. Lackey is herein described from the states of Piauí and Bahia, Brazil. Macroptilium cochleatum is characterized by few-flowered inflorescences, calyx teeth longer than the tube, a tightly four-coiled keel, and linear, patent fruits. The discovery of this unique Macroptilium species, with its distally coiled keel, expands the diagnostic features of the genus. A key to the Brazilian species of sect. Microcochle is provided.     

The origin of polyploid genomes of bluegrasses <Emphasis Type="Italic">Poa</Emphasis> L. and Gene flow between northern pacific and sub-Antarctic Islands

The involvement of present-day diploid bluegrass species in the formation of polyploid genomes was investigated using comparison of sequences of internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2, and the 5.8S rRNA sequence. It was demonstrated that highly polyploid New Zealand bluegrasses, P. cita (2n = 84; ca. 96 to 100), P. chathamica (2n = 112), and P. litorosa (2n 263–266) formed separate highly supported clade together with tetraploids (2n = 28) P. intrusa, P. anceps, and P. triodioides (Austrofestuca littoralis). Among the diploid species (2n = 14), the closest relatives of these species, as well as of the polyploid species of section Poa, are the genomes of Eurasian species P. remota, P. chaixii (sect. Homalopoa), P. densa (sect. Bolbophorum), and P. sibirica (sect. Macropoa). Nuclear genomes of polyploid Stenopoa, Tichopoa, Oreinos, and Secundae are definitely related to the genome of Arctic species P. pseudoabbreviata (sect. Abbreviatae). On the contrary, judging by the genes for nuclear 45S rRNA, genomes of diploid P. trivialis (sect. Pandemos), P. annua, and P. supina (sect. Ochlopoa both) are only remotely related to the genomes of highly polyploid species (p-distances between them and other bluegrass species from different sections of subgenus Poa constitute 6–10% and 11–15%, respectively). The conclusion on the relationships between highly polyploid and diploid bluegrass species was tested using analysis of synapomorphic mutations in the 5.8S rRNA gene. It was demonstrated that genomes of Poa eminens (2n = 42) and P. schischkinii (2n = 70) (sect. Arctopoa both) were noticeably different in ITS regions from the genomes of the members of the type subgenus Poa. A comparison of the Arctopoa ITS regions showed that the differences between them constituted only 0.2%. At the same time, p-distances between the Arctopoa ITS and those from the species belonging to other sections of the genus Poa varied from 5 to 14%. South American species P. chonotica (sect. Andinae) (= Nicoraepoa chonotica) (2n = 42) was found to be related to Arctagrostis, Festucella, and Hookerochloa, being at the same time quite distant from the other species of the genus Poa. Polymorphic in chromosome number highly polyploid species of Northern Hemisphere, P. arctica (2n = 42 to 106), P. turneri (2n = 42, 63 to 64), and P. smirnowii (2n = 42, 70) (sect. Malacanthae) are relative to a large group of tetraploid (2n = 28) endemic bluegrass species from New Zealand and sub-Antarctic islands (P. novaezelandiae and allied species).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycena haushoferi</Emphasis>, a new species of section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Intermediae</Emphasis> from Germany

Mycena haushoferi, a new species of the section Intermediae collected in Bavaria, is described and compared with four other species of the sect. Intermediae known from the Northern Hemisphere and with M. cystidiosa and M. metuloidifera, two species of sect. Metuloidiferae. The five known species of Northern Hemisphere of section Intermediae are keyed out.     

Echidnopsis thulinii sp. nov. (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae) with a review of the infrageneric classification of the genus

Echidnopsis thulinii M. G. Gilbert is described from northern Somalia. The infrageneric classification of Echidnopsis Hook. f. is reviewed in the light of recently published molecular phylogenies. The new species belongs to E. sect. Echidnopsis and a key to the species of this section is provided. A lectotype, supported by an epitype, is designated for E. virchowii K. Schum. Echidnopsis sect. Profundicoronata Bruyns is included within sect. Vadosicoronata Bruyns and two new sections recognised: E. sect. Pseudopectinaria (Lavranos) M. G. Gilbert, based on the genus Pseudopectinaria Lavranos, and E. sect. Sobolifera M. G. Gilbert. A key is given to the sections of Echidnopsis.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Baccharis sphagnophila</Emphasis>, a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Baccharis</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caulopterae</Emphasis> (Compositae: Astereae) from the highlands of Southern Brazil

A new species of Baccharis L. sect. Caulopterae DC. (Compositae) of the high altitude grasslands of Southern Brazil is presented: Baccharis sphagnophila A. A. Schneid. & G. Heiden. The new species is described, illustrated and compared with similar species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia cattienensis</Emphasis>: a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia</Emphasis> (sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Archaecamellia</Emphasis>: Theaceae) from Vietnam

A new species of the genus Camellia L. (Theaceae, Theoideae) is described and illustrated under the name C. cattienensis. This species occurs in the rainforest vegetation of Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. A discussion of the morphological characters distinguishing this new species from related Camellia species is presented. Morphological evidence supports a transitional taxonomic placement in Camellia sect. Archaecamellia Sealy. This placement is justified by C. cattienensis exhibiting some morphological characteristics also found in sects Stereocarpus (Pierre) Sealy and Piquetia (Pierre) Sealy.     

Übersicht zur systematischen Gliederung der Gattung Carlina Mit 3 Tafeln und 5 Abbildungen

In the tribe Cynareae the genus Carlina is a well limited taxon. The sequence of leaves and involucral bracts, and the form of heads are important characters for identification. The genus is classified into the subgenera Carlowizia, Lyrolepis, and Carlina. The ancestral subgenera Carlowizia and Lyrolepis are endemits of the Canary islands respectively the south Aegean islands. The very variable species of the Mediterranean-Central European-West Asian subgenus Carlina are divided into sect. Corymbosae, sect. Mitina, sect. Carlina, and sect. Heteracantha. These sections are well distinguished by several morphological and anatomical features. A new species C. kurdica) is described from north-west Iraq.     

Stipa×brozhiana (Poaceae) nothosp. nov. from the western Pamir Alai Mts (middle Asia) and taxonomical notes on Stipa×tzvelevii

Stipa ×brozhiana M. Nobis nothosp. nov. (Poaceae) is described and illustrated. The taxon belongs to sect. Smirnovia Tzvel. and originated from the hybridization of species belonging to sect. Smirnovia and Barbatae Junge. Stipa ×brozhiana is morphologically close to Stipa lipskyi Roshev., but is easily distinguished by its much shorter hairs on the seta, thinner, uni‐ or indistinctly bigeniculate awns, differently shaped callus and longer ligules of vegetative shoots. Characters distinguishing S. ×brozhiana from the parental species and other similar hybrid taxa belonging to sect. Smirnovia and occurring in the Pamir Alai Mts are discussed. In addition, the taxonomical status of S. ×tzvelevii Ikonn. pro sp., another taxon that has originated from hybridization between species belonging to sect. Smirnovia and Barbatae, is discussed. The taxon was originally described as a distinct species, but is now considered to be the hybrid S. caucasica×S. orientalis. The main characters distinguishing S. ×tzvelevii from parental species are given.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leandra altomacaensis</Emphasis> (Melastomataceae), a new species from Brazil

Leandra altomacaensis (sect. Oxymeris), a new endemic species of Melastomataceae from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic characteristics of the species are the leaves sparsely stellulate-lepidote, triplinerved, and calyx lobes small, with apex acute-apiculate. Leandra gracilis var. glazioviana is proposed as a synonym of this new species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Matayba obovata</Emphasis>, a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Matayba</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Matayba</Emphasis> (Sapindaceae) from Brazil

The new species, Matayba obovata (Sapindaceae), from southern and southeastern Brazil is described, illustrated, and contrasted to its putatively closest relatives. Palynological characters are also described. The new species belongs to sect. Matayba. A key to identify M. obovata and related species in the Atlantic Forest is included.     

Hybridization experiments in Geranium

Hybridization experiments were carried out with species of Geranium sect. Anemonifolia, sect. Lucida, sect. Pyrenaica and sect. Ruberta. All 9 species tested proved to be self-compatible. Of the 13 interspecific combinations tested only two were successful (G. brutium X G. molle and G. purpureum X G. robertianum) but both hybrids were completely sterile. It is concluded that at least the European species are reproductively isolated and that hybridization experiments are of little value for an infrageneric classification of Geranium.     

Twelve new native Taraxacum species from the Nordic countries

Eleven native Taraxacum species from Norden are described as new: T. acutilimbatum, T. frondatum, T. latulum, T. thorvaldii, T. wendtii and T. wessbergii (all in T. sect. Erythrosperma), T. danicum (sect. Palustria), T. conspersum and T. lentiginosum (sect. Naevosa), T. pietii‐oosterveldii (sect. Celtica) and T. ovillum (sect. Spectabilia). They are compared with morphologically similar species, and their ecological preferences are outlined. Known distribution areas and lists of paratypes are given. Taraxacum polyschistum Dahlst. forma oelandicum G. E. Haglund (sect. Erythrosperma) is given status of species.     

Stipa narynica sp. nov. (Poaceae) from the western Tian‐Shan Mountains

Stipa narynica M. Nobis sp. nov. from the western Tian‐Shan Mts (western Kyrgyzstan) is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to sect. Smirnovia Tzvel. Morphologically the species is similar to S. aktauensis, a species from which it is easily distinguished by its longer glumes (41–)44–55(–62) mm vs 35–45 mm, longer anthecium (11.5–) 12.0–14.2(–14.8) mm vs 9.5–11.2(–11.7) mm, longer hairs on the seta (5.5–)6.0–8.0(–8.5) mm vs (3.0–)3.8–5.5(–6.0) mm and by the top of the lemma which in S. narynica is either glabrous or with a poorly developed ring of short hairs, while in S. aktauensis, the top of lemma is always distinctly and densely pilose. The lemma and leaf blade structure of both species were examined by means of SEM. The main features differentiating S. narynica and S. aktauensis and distribution of the taxa are presented. An original key to the middle Asiatic species of the sect. Smirnovia, the most similar to Stipa narynica is provided.     

Pyrus cordifolia sp. nov. and two new records of Pyrus (Rosaceae) from Iran

A new species, namely Pyrus cordifolia (P. sect. Pashia) is described as new to science, and two new records including P. tamamschianiae (P. sect. Pyrus) and P. theodorovii var. latifolia (P. sect. Argyromalon) are reported for the flora of Iran. These taxa are compared with their closest relatives. Photographs and a distribution map of these taxa as well as an illustration of the new species are presented. An identification key to members of P. sect. Pashia in Iran is provided.     

Trichome micromorphology of the Chinese-Himalayan genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colquhounia</Emphasis> (Lamiaceae), with emphasis on taxonomic implications

Trichome micromorphology of leaves and young stems of nine taxa (including four varieties) of Colquhounia were examined using light and scanning microscopy. Two basic types of trichomes were recognized: eglandular and glandular. Eglandular trichomes are subdivided into simple and branched trichomes. Based on the number of cells and trichome configuration, simple eglandular trichomes are further divided into four forms: unicellular, two-celled, three-celled and more than three-celled trichomes. Based on branching configuration, the branched eglandular trichomes can be separated into three forms: biramous, stellate and dendroid. Glandular trichomes can be divided into two subtypes: capitate and peltate glandular trichomes. Results from this study of morphological diversity of trichomes within Colquhounia lend insight into infrageneric classification and species relationships. Based on the presence of branched trichomes in C. elegans, this species should be transferred from Colquhounia sect. Simplicipili to sect. Colquhounia. We provide a taxonomic key to species of Chinese Colquhounia based on trichome morphology and other important morphological traits.     

A comparison between ITS phylogenetic relationships and morphological species recognition within <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycena</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calodontes</Emphasis> in Northern Europe

The members of Mycena sect. Calodontes (Tricholomataceae s.l., Basidiomycota) are characterised by a collybioid aspect and more or less purplish to reddish colours and a distinct raphanoid odour. In Europe, nine species have been recognised though some of these based on somewhat dubious morphological differences. Historically, most were assigned to Mycena pura. However, since Mycena pura displays one of the most striking colour variabilities within European agarics, many attempts have been made to subdivide it into independent entities, and several forms, varieties and species have been split from Mycena pura s.l. based largely on differences in colouration, gross macromorphology or other phenetic traits. We developed a large sample of ITS sequences of all species of sect. Calodontes known from Europe for which vouchers exist. Furthermore, partial LSU data were developed and additional sequences downloaded from GENBANK to assess the relationship of Calodontes with other Mycena spp. We show that most Calodontes form a monophyletic group including a few North and South American collections, but that this cannot be conclusively shown when an additional North American sequence is added. For all other species than M. pura and M. diosma, we found morphological species recognition to be in agreement with the ITS data. Several significantly different clades can be recognised within the M. pura morphospecies, none of which can be linked to the observed (and described by proxy) colour varieties/forms. Indications of a possible environmental basis of the colour differentiation in the M. pura morphospecies are discussed.