A monograph of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ascogrammitis</Emphasis>, a new genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae)

This paper describes Ascogrammitis, a new genus of grammitid ferns formerly combined under Terpsichore. Seventeen species are recognized, including five new ones: A. clavigera, A. colombiensis, A. loxensis, A. oxapampensis, and A. tungurahuae. New combinations are made for A. alan-smithii, A. anfractuosa, A. angustipes, A. athyrioides, A. clathrata, A. cuencana, A. david-smithii, A. dilatata, A. nana, A. pichinchae, A. pichinchensis, A. stuebelii, and a lectotype is chosen for Polypodium induens. A key is provided to distinguish the species, and illustrations are provided for 12 species. The genus occurs primarily in neotropical cloud forests, with the greatest diversity in the Andes. Ascogrammitis is one of two monophyletic groups of grammitid ferns that are consistently associated with Acrospermum, an epibiotic bitunicate ascomycete that produces black clavate fruiting bodies.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Galactia dimorphophylla</Emphasis> (Leguminosae: Phaseoleae), a new species from southeastern South America

Galactia dimorphophylla, a new species from northeastern Argentina and northern Uruguay, is described and illustrated. This new species is assigned to sect. Odonia. A table distinguishing it from similar species in Southern South America is presented, and its relationships and distinguishing characters including karyological features are discussed.     

A synopsis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cohniella</Emphasis> (Orchidaceae,Oncidiinae)

A synopsis of the genus Cohniella is presented with nomenclatural updates with a discusion of diagnostic features and biogeographical data. Thirteen species and one natural hybrid are recognized. Two new species, Cohniella pendula and Cohniella biorbicularis, are described and illustrated. The following four new combinations are proposed: Cohniella binotii, Cohniella brachyphylla, Cohniella cepula, and Cohniella longifolia. Lectotypes are selected for Oncidium subulifolium, Oncidium helicanthum, Oncidium humboldtii, Oncidium jonesianum var. phaeanthum, Oncidium cepula, and Oncidium wittii. We also propose an amended lectotype for Epidendrum cebolleta and several epitypifications and new synonyms. A key to the genera of the Trichocentrum complex is presented (Appendix) as well as keys to the species of Cohniella.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriotheca</Emphasis> (Malvaceae,Bombacoideae) from Bahia,Brazil

A new species of Eriotheca (Bombacoideae, Malvaceae) is described and illustrated. The species, Eriotheca bahiensis, is known only from Bahia, Brazil in southern Bahian forest (floresta pluvial dos tabuleiros) and is probably restricted to that habitat. A key including the new and morphologically similar species is also presented.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polygala</Emphasis> subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hebeclada</Emphasis> (Polygalaceae) from central Brazil

Polygala pauciramosa, a new species from the Federal District and the state of Goiás is described, illustrated, and compared with related species of Polygala subgenus Hebeclada. The new species is an herb that grows in seasonally to permanently wet savannas. A key to the species of Polygala subgenus Hebeclada from Goiás state, Brazil is provided.     

Ethnobotany of Horseradish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Armoracia rusticana</Emphasis>, Brassicaceae) and Its Wild Relatives (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Armoracia</Emphasis> spp.): Reproductive Biology and Local Uses in Their Native Ranges

Ethnobotany of Horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana , Brassicaceae) and Its Wild Relatives ( Armoracia spp.): Reproductive Biology and Local Uses in Their Native Ranges. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) has been cultivated for its root for over 2,000 years. Today, commercial production takes place primarily in North America and Europe where A. rusticana is propagated exclusively vegetatively. Like many vegetatively-propagated crops, cultivated A. rusticana plants are generally sterile. Armoracia rusticana is one of three species in the genus: A. macrocarpa is native to the Central Danube River Basin, A. rusticana is putatively native to Eastern Europe, and A. sisymbrioides is native to Siberia. Documenting the ways in which the three Armoracia species are used in their putative native ranges and the reproductive biology of Armoracia in these regions will advance understanding of the role of humans in the evolution of sterility in A. rusticana. In this broad-scale ethnobotanical analysis, we document 1) which Armoracia species are used in different geographic regions, 2) the reproductive biology of cultivated and natural Armoracia populations, and 3) the uses of Armoracia species in their native areas. Fieldwork was conducted in Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia. Ethnobotanical data were collected through written questionnaires. In all areas visited, A. rusticana is the primary Armoracia species; however, there is regional variation in the way the plant is used. Armoracia rusticana is propagated vegetatively and is not found in the wild. Armoracia macrocarpa and A. sisymbrioides reproduce by seed in nature. These data provide an understanding of contemporary uses and management strategies of Armoracia species in their native ranges, demonstrate the differential reproductive biology of a clonally-propagated crop relative to its wild progenitors, and emphasize the importance of ethnobotanical data collection for crops and their wild relatives from a broad geographic range.     

Transfers to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Simsia</Emphasis> and description of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Davilanthus</Emphasis>, a new genus of Asteraceae (Heliantheae)

Taxonomic changes are made to reflect a reassessment of morphology based on the results of molecular phylogenetic studies. A new genus, Davilanthus, is described to include six species that collectively form the sister group to Simsia, and includes the following species transferred from Viguiera: Davilanthus davilae, Davilanthus hidalgoanus, Davilanthus hypargyreus, Davilanthus huajuapanus, Davilanthus purpusii, and Davilanthus sericeus. Three species formerly placed in Viguiera ser. Grammatoglossae are transferred to Simsia: Simsia benziorum, Simsia ovata, and Simsia rhombifolia.     

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.     

<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.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cardiospermum cristobaliae</Emphasis> (Sapindaceae,Paullinieae), una nueva especie de Minas Gerais,Brasil

A new species, Cardiospermum cristobaliae (Sapindaceae, Paullinieae), from northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described, illustrated, and compared to its putative closest relative, C. urvilleoides. The new species belongs to section Cardiospermum. Also, characters of the foliar epidermis and pollen grains are described. The somatic chromosome number 2n = 24 is reported. A key to the South American species of the section is provided.     

New species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chalybea</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Huilaea</Emphasis> (Melastomataceae)

One new species each is proposed in Chalybea and Huilaea (Melastomataceae: Blakeeae). Chalybea peruviana has elliptic, 5-plinerved leaves with entire, revolute margins, inflorescences with 33–39 flowers, and is endemic to Peru. Huilaea calyptrata has inflorescences with 15–17, irregularly calyptrate flowers, anthers with a warty connective in the shape of an inverted hand fan, and is endemic to Ecuador. A key to the eight species of Huilaea is provided.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Croton limae</Emphasis> (Euphorbiaceae), a new species of section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Argyroglossum</Emphasis> from northeastern Brazil

A new species in Croton section Argyroglossum from northeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. Croton limae was previously confused with C. tricolor and C. argyrophyllus, which are the most closely related species. Its geographic distribution is discussed and a key to distinguish these three related species is presented.     

Synopsis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mickelia</Emphasis>, a newly recognized genus of bolbitidoid ferns (Dryopteridaceae)

Our recent molecular phylogenetic study revealed a previously unrecognized clade of six species that is sister to Elaphoglossum. Within this clade, four species are currently classified in Bolbitis, one in Lomagramma, and one in Acrostichum. For this clade, we propose the name Mickelia, with M. nicotianifolia as the type species. We also make new combinations for the species in our phylogenetic study shown to belong to Mickelia (M. bernoullii, M. guianensis, M. hemiotis, M. nicotianifolia, M. oligarchica, and M. scandens) and two other species believed to belong to the clade based on morphology (M. lindigii, M. pergamentacea). A new hybrid and two new species are also described (M. ×atrans, M. furcata, and M. pradoi). In total, Mickelia consists of ten species and one hybrid. It is entirely neotropical. We provide a key to the genera of bolbitidoid ferns and a synopsis of Mickelia that gives for each species a complete synonymy, geographical distribution, comparative discussion, and illustration.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodospatha</Emphasis> (Araceae), with a key to species from the Atlantic Rainforest,Brazil

A new species of Araceae, Rhodospatha arborescens, was found in two preservation areas in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, Caratinga Biological Station and Rio Doce State Park, both located in a semideciduous seasonal forest (Interior Atlantic Rainforest). The new species is helophytic and arborescent. It is described, illustrated, and compared with Rhodospatha species that occur in the Atlantic Rainforest, using a dichotomous key. Information is also presented on the geographic distribution, ecology, and phenology these species.     

Dos nuevas especies de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staelia</Emphasis> (Rubiaceae) con hojas ternadas del nordeste de Brasil

Two new Brazilian species of Staelia with ternate leaves are described and illustrated. The first, Staelia paganuccii, was collected in the cerrado biome, whereas the second, S. domingosii belongs to the Caatingas domain of the Chapada Diamantina complex. The affinities of the two species within the genus are discussed. Photographs of the plants in their natural environments are provided. A brief commentary on the inflorescence structure of Staelia is presented and its importance is discussed.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecrista</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecrista</Emphasis> ser. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Flexuosae</Emphasis> (Leguminosae,Caesalpinioideae) from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais,Brazil

A new species, Chamaecrista truncata, from southeastern Brazil, is described, illustrated and compared to its putative closest relative, C. parvistipula. The new species belongs to Chamaecrista sect. Chamaecrista ser. Flexuosae which is characterized by asymmetrical leaflets with palmate venation, quadrangular stems and axillary peduncles. Additionally, the venation pattern of the leaflets and the different types of stipules observed within this series are shown.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agave manantlanicola</Emphasis> (Agavaceae), a new species from western Mexico

Agave manantlanicola, a new endemic species from the high altitude mountains of the Sierra de Manantlán in western Mexico, is described and illustrated. The species belongs to the subgenus Littaea and Gentry’s Amolae group. The new species is compared to other morphologically similar species from western Mexico, including Agave attenuata subsp. attenuata, A. attenuata subsp. dentata, A. bakeri, A. chazaroi, and A. vazquezgarciae. Information about its distribution, habitat, and conservation status is included.