Yezonia,a new section ofAraucaria (Araucariaceae) based on permineralized vegetative and reproductive organs ofA. vulgaris comb. nov. from the upper cretaceous of Hokkaido,Japan

A new specimen of an araucarian cone,Araucaria nihongii, was found attached to the vegetative organs ofYezonia vulgaris, and is described asAraucaria vulgaris comb. nov. Thick branches show characteristic bark structure with lenticular patches. Secondary wood is usually araucarioid. Leaves are arranged helically on shoots, which are imbricate, appressed and fused to surface of the stem. External and anatomical features of leaves closely resembleBrachyphyllum. The seed cone is spherical with winged bracts and thin ovuliferous scales. One seed is borne per cone-scale complex. The seed coat and nucellus wall show typical araucarian structure. An araucarian plant that boreBrachyphyllum-like foliage and aEutacta-like seed cone was predicted by Harris in 1979. This reconstructed plant,Araucaria vulgaris, supports this theory and proves the presence of an extinct characteristic-form of the genus. A new section of the genus was proposed forAraucaria vulgaris. Structure and Affinities of the Petrified Plants from the Cretaceous of Northern Japan and Saghalien XV, Consecutive number from previous paper (Nishidaet al. 1993).     

Notes on the ontogeny and structure of the seed-coat of Sclerocarya birrea (Richard) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sonder) Kokwaro (Anacardiaceae)

The pendulous, bitegmic, anatropous ovulr with dorsal raphe is suspended at the tip of a massive funicle. A group of nurellar cells with intensively staining cell walls, the hypostase sensu stricto , is present. The initially plate-like tanniniferous chalazal-nucellar tissue, with suberin and lignin impregnated cell walls represents a hypostase sensu lato . The mature seed-coat is formed by the raphe, extensive chalaza, adjacent, well-developed, cup-like hypostase sensu lato , remnants of the two integuments and a cuticular layer. The exalbuminous seed of Sclerocarya birrea suhsp. caffra (the Marula), is regarded to he a derived and phylogenetically advanced type. The undifferentiated seed-roat is very similar to that found in Lannea discolor which, like the marula, belongs to the tribe Spondieae. The similarities in the structure of the seed-coat and seed of the marula and L. discolor confirm their proposed close phylogenetir relationship.     

Fruit micromorphology and anatomy of Valeriana officinalis s. str. (Valerianaceae)

Fruits of two varieties of Valeriana officinalis s. str. (var. officinalis , var. nitida ) are similar in general construction, but differ in details of external and internal structure. The outer cells of the pericarp form a regularly punctuated surface in both taxa. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates variation in cuticular sculpturing of the outer epidermal cell walls and the presence of epicuticular wax. The surface of fruit hairs varies from micropapillate in var. officinalis to linear warty in var. nitida . In the mature rericarp there occur three distinct histological zones: an outer exocarp, a central mesocarp, and an inner endocarp. The seed is small, enclosed in the indehiscent fruit, with thin seed coat and a straight embryo. Endosperm is absent. The results of this carpological study, especially the SEM characters of pericarp surface, may provide criteria useful for delimitation of V officinalis varieties.     

Community structure of land flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Terricola): comparisons between Araucaria and Atlantic forest in Southern Brazil

Abstract. Land flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Terricola) are sensitive to environmental changes and might be used as biological indicators of the degree of disturbance of their habitats. Nevertheless, studies on the structure of land flatworm communities are rare. In the present study, we investigated the terrestrial flatworm communities in two types of ombrophilous forest, Atlantic forest and Araucaria forest, aiming to answer the following questions: (1) Is the community structure of the two types of ombrophilous forest different? (2) Are there differences, regarding community structure, among distinct fragments of Araucaria forest? (3) Are there indicators of edge effects in these communities? The study site, the National Park of Aparados da Serra, is mainly covered, at high altitudes, by fragments of Araucaria forest immersed in a matrix of open areas (grasslands) and, in low altitudes, by a continuous Atlantic forest. We conducted monthly surveys in the two types of forest with three replications per forest type over a period of 2 years. Results indicated that: (1) community structure is clearly distinct between the two types of forest, as well as among fragments of the Araucaria forest; (2) there are no apparent edge effects; (3) the diversity indices of the two types of ombrophilous forest are not significantly different (Atlantic forest—H′=2.87, Araucaria forest—H′=2.55; p>0.05); and (4) there are significant differences in diversity indices between two fragments of Araucaria forest (H′=2.92 and 2.47; p<0.001). The following factors could affect community structure: type of vegetation, degree of human disturbance, and abiotic factors, such as pH and temperature.     

Frenelopsis alata and its microsporangiate and ovuliferous reproductive structures from the Cenomanian of Bohemia (Czech Republic, Central Europe)

The conifer, Frenelopsis alata (K. Feistmantel) E. Knobloch (Cheirolepidiaceae), occurring mostly in the Cenomanian of Europe, is revised on the basis of the type material. Its comparison with relevant species of Frenelopsis is discussed.The ovuliferous cone associated with the genus Frenelopsis is recorded for the first time. For the associated ovuliferous cones of Frenelopsis, a new genus, Alvinia, is introduced in a new combination for the type: Alvinia bohemica (Velenovsky) comb. n. Its association with Frenelopsis alata is based on the presence of Classopollis pollen adhering to ovuliferous cone scales, and the same type of pollen found in the microsporangiate cone of F. alata, the same cuticle pattern present on ovuliferous cones, sterile twigs and microsporangiate cones of F. alata, and also the co-occurrence of ovuliferous cones or their scales and sterile twigs of F. alata.Large ovuliferous cones of Alvinia bohemica are formed by helically arranged ovuliferous scales subtended by bracts. Each ovuliferous cone scale displays one or two seeds covered by a covering flap, and three appendages, which form distally a funnel-like structure lined in its inner part by long trichomes. Numerous pollen grains of Classopollis adhere to the trichomes, and the structure is considered to function as a protostigmatic area.The ovuliferous cones of Alvinia differ from similar cones of the Cheirolepidiaceae, Hirmeriella and Tomaxellia, mainly in a high state of unification of the ovuliferous cone scale, reduction of appendages and in a presence of the protostigmatic funnel-like structure.The ovuliferous cones, Alvinia bohemica, rarely occur intact, so it is assumed that they disintegrate when mature. It seems likely that they were not woody. This assumption is supported by the flattened appearance of cones and their cone scales in the sediment, their flexibility and the absence of massive coaly matter known from cones of the Taxodiaceae and Cupressaceae. It is proposed that this type of ovuliferous cone scale indicates a specialized type of pollination. In addition, it is suggested that cone scales enclosing seeds play an important role in propagation.     

The Effect of Desiccation on the Longevity of Seeds of Araucaria hunsteinii and A. cunninghamii

Seeds of Araucaria hunsteinii K. Schum. dried quicker at 29°Cthan at 19°C and quicker with the seed-coat removed thanwhen intact; seeds enclosed in polyethylene bags increased inmoisture content. At 15°C, seeds in a flow of air driedquicker than seeds in a box with silica gel, which in turn driedquicker than seeds in a box with no desiccant. No loss of germinationability occurred on drying fresh seed from 53 to about 32 percent moisture content (fresh weight basis); during further desiccationthe percentage germination was related to percentage moisturecontent in the form of a sigmoid curve, culminating in a completefailure to germinate at approximately 14 per cent moisture content.A consistent relationship was observed for all treatments andthe mean critical moisture content for seed death (failure togerminate) was near 23 per cent. Excised embryos grew on 1 percent agar but died if previously subjected to 14 h of desiccationat 15°C. In contrast, no relationship was found between germination andmoisture content of A. cunninghamii D. Don on desiccation from21 to 7 per cent moisture content. Possible causes for the observeddifference in response to desiccation are discussed and methodsfor seed storage are considered. Araucaria hunsteinii, Klinkii pine, Araucaria cunninghamii, Hoop pine, desiccation, seed longevity, storage of seeds     

Fine structure and role in behavior of sensilla on the terminalia of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The terminalia of male and female Aedes aegypti (L.) bear numerous hairs of various shapes and lengths, all of which are mechanoreceptors. Each hair is innervated by one bipolar neuron which contains ciliary rootlets, two basal bodies, and a region assuming the structure of a non-motile cilium. At the distal tip of the dendrite is a tubular body, a characteristic of cuticular mechanoreceptors. Covering the outer dendritic segment is a cuticular sheath which ends proximally in a net-like felt-work and distally attaches to the hair base. Each hair sensillum has two sheath cells. Presumed efferent fibers are associated with the sheath cells. On the insula of the female terminalia are a few campaniform sensilla, the domes of which are raised into small pegs. The sensilla on the terminalia function in copulation and oviposition and probably in warning. A sequence of neurological events is traced for copulation and oviposition. Other cuticular structures, viz., scales, microtrichia, acanthae, and aedeagal spines, which occur on the terminalia are not innervated.     

Genetic analysis of 50-year old Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia) plantations: implications for conservation planning

In order to determine the implications of including planted populations in conservation planning, we investigate the structure and genetic diversity, mating system, and effective population size within families in three planted and one natural Araucaria angustifolia populations. The study area is a Brazilian National Forest in southern Brazil, established in the 1950s. Genetic analysis was investigated using nine allozyme loci. Significant and positive fixation index was detected for the adults of all studied populations. Although we observed lower levels of genetic diversity and biparental inbreeding in some populations, their pattern of mating, similar to that expected in panmixia, indicates that all populations can be used in conservation planning. Furthermore, the presence of unique alleles and the significant genetic differentiation among all adult populations (F _ST = 0.404) reinforces that all populations are important conservation resources. The average paternity correlation was high in almost all populations, showing that open-pollinated families are composed of mixtures of half- and full-sibs. With regards to conservation strategies, our results suggest that seed collection from at least 133 seed trees is necessary to retain a reference effective population size of 500. Our results confirm that the planted Araucaria forests in southern Brazil can be useful as a genetic resource for conservation, breeding and reforestation strategies for this threatened species.     

Ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the mayfly Baetis rhodani (Pictet) (Ephemeroptera : Baetidae)

The distribution and fine morphology of antennal sensilla of nymphal and adult mayfly, Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera : Baetidae), were examined. In the nymph, various kinds of sensilla (chaetica, basiconica, coeloconica and cuticular pits) are differently arranged on the antennal segments, whereas sensilla campaniformia delimit the distal border of the pedicel. A peculiar kind of sensillum basiconicum, named flat-tipped sensillum, is present along the entire antenna, even though in the flagellum it has a regular arrangement between the cuticular lobes that delimit the distal border of each article. In the subimago the scape and pedicel are profusely covered with microtrichia and scattered sensilla trichodea, whereas the flagellum shows cuticular ribs. Sensilla coeloconica are present along the ventral side of the flagellum. In the imago, the antenna is completely decorated with scales among which sensilla trichodea and sensilla coeloconica occasionally occur. As in the nymph, adult mayflies have a ring of sensilla campaniformia along the distal border of the pedicel. When compared with nymphal antennae, those of adults have fewer types of sensilla, presumably in relation to the short, non-feeding terrestrial life.     

The cuticular scales of Lynx spiders (Araneae,Oxyopidae)

An examination of the cuticular scales of the lynx spiders Oxyopes aglossus, O. salticus, and Peucetia viridans using scanning electron microscopy revealed that scales in these spiders are morphologically distinct, yet similar to the scales of the jumping spiders Eris militaris and Hentzia mitrata. Like the cuticular scales of jumping spiders, the cuticular scales of lynx spiders exhibit morphological differentiation in regard to location of occurrence on the body, with scales near the eyes tending to have more numerous and larger spines on the superior surface than scales on other regions of the prosoma and opisthosoma. The functional significance of this differentiation in scale morphology is unknown. Sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic variation in scale morphology and color were observed in the genus Oxyopes,but not in Peucetia. In addition, the scales of P. viridans were distinguishable from the scales of Oxyopes spp. on the basis of the number of apical spines (1 in P. viridans instead of 3–7 in Oxyopesspp.) and on the presence of spines on the inferior surface (many in P. viridans and none in Oxyopesspp.). J. Morphol. 236:223-231, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

果皮和种皮微形态特征在杜鹃花属系统学研究中的应用

采用扫描电子显微镜对国产杜鹃花属Rhododendron6个亚属的代表种和近缘类群杜香属Ledum杜香L.palustre的果皮和种皮微形态特征进行观察,对杜鹃花属植物果皮微形态特征进行了系统描述,并通过比较现存杜鹃花属植物和种子化石,新发现一些居间的种子类型。结果表明,果皮和种皮微形态特征具有一定的系统学意义。叶状苞亚属subgen.Therorhodion的叶状苞杜鹃R.redowskianum的果实有短而疏的刺毛,无气孔,种子为无翅类,扁平,外围轮廓长椭圆形。杜鹃亚属subgen.Rhododendron植物果皮为百合花杜鹃型,具有鳞片,气孔器散生于指状突起之间,与叶表皮的微形态特征一致,其种子为百合花杜鹃型,表面具宽而浅的沟,呈脑纹状,有别于无鳞类杜鹃花。常绿杜鹃亚属subgen.Hymenanthes果皮为云锦杜鹃型,其角质层表面不规则,无表皮毛,偶见气孔;种子为云锦杜鹃型。映山红亚属subgen.Tsutsusi果皮为岭南杜鹃型,密生长表皮毛,角质层致密;种子为南边杜鹃型和岭南杜鹃型。微形态特征与“常绿杜鹃亚属和(国产)映山红亚属均为内部支持率很高的单系类群”的分子系统发育研究结果一致。马银花亚属subgen.Azaleastrum的马银花组sect.Azaleastrum和长蕊杜鹃组sect.Choniastrum微形态区别明显,支持各自为独立的单系类群。羊踯躅亚属subgen.Pentanthera的羊踯躅R.molle果皮特征明显,可与其他亚属区分,但种子类型更接近常绿杜鹃亚属。本研究结合分子系统发育资料和叶表皮微形态特征讨论了一些近缘类群的系统发育关系;研究结果支持将腺萼马银花处理为独立的种。     

Morphology and ultrastructure of paired prototergal glands in the adult rove beetle Philonthus varians (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

Philonthus and other genera of Philonthina possess a pair of prototergal glands located in the first abdominal tergum and hidden at rest by hind wings and elytra. In Philonthus varians they occupy the whole length of the tergum and form a pouch-like invaginated reservoir with a scaly glandular zone and a smooth outlet. A grille of long setae covers the opening of each gland. The fine structure of these glands is given for the first time. Three types of cells are found in the glandular epithelium. Epidermal cells underlie the cuticular scales, numerous class 1 secretory cells open in the centre of calyces made of finger-like processes of the cuticle, and class 3 cells are connected to pored tubercles. A cytological comparison is made with the diverse class 1 cells described to date in Coleoptera. In these cells different evolutionary trends are shown in the structure of the cuticular apparatus, particularly in the number, size and position of the cuticular apertures as well as in the length and abundance of epicuticular filaments. A possible defensive function of the prototergal glands against pathogens and their interest for the phylogenetic study of Staphylininae are discussed.     

Realized pollen and seed dispersal within a continuous population of the dioecious coniferous Brazilian pine [Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze]

Extensive realized pollen and seed flow across populations reduces inbreeding and spatial genetic structure (SGS) and increases the genetic diversity and effective size within populations. Inbreeding, SGS and realized patterns of pollen and seed dispersal of the dioecious, wind pollinated Araucaria angustifolia were investigated based on microsatellite loci. The study was conducted in a 7.2 ha plot established within a continuous Araucaria Forest in Southern Brazil. In the plot, all 290 adult trees were mapped, measured (diameter at breast height, dbh), sexed, sampled and genotyped. We also sampled, measured (total height), mapped and genotyped 223 juveniles. A total of 86 alleles were detected in the sample (n = 513). Adults and juveniles showed a positive and significant fixation index (minimum of 0.096), suggesting inbreeding or Wahlund effect. Juveniles presented a significant aggregated distribution which was associated with a genetic aggregation (significant SGS up to 20 m), indicating that near neighbor trees may be related due the limited seed dispersal. However, the intensity of SGS was not significantly higher among juveniles (Sp = 0.0041) than adults (Sp = 0.0026). Realized pollen and seed immigration into the plot was low (pollen = 6 %; seeds = 5 %) and the patterns of pollen and seed dispersal were similar. Pollen was dispersed over long distances (343 m), but 50 % was dispersed up to 124 m. Seeds also reached long distances (318 m), with 50 % being dispersed up to 133 m. Our results are discussed in terms of auto-ecology and the genetic conservation of A. angustifolia populations.     

Seasonal Food Resources of the Squirrel Sciurus ingrami in a Secondary Araucaria Forest in Southern Brazil

In a field study carried out over one year in a secondary Araucaria forest in eastern ParanÝ State, Brazil, foraging was observed in a population of the squirrel Sciurus ingrami. Seeds of Araucaria and about ten more species of native and exotic trees were the main food items besides mushrooms and fruits. Not all seeds were consumed immediately. Especially in autumn and winter, a large portion was cached, in particular of the Araucaria seeds. The relevance of this behaviour, well known in squirrels, for seed dispersion and forest regeneration is discussed.     

Hypocotyl of seedlings of the large-seeded species Araucaria angustifolia: an important underground sink of the seed reserves

Araucaria angustifolia exhibits cryptogeal germination, where the root–hypocotyl axis emerges first and penetrates into the soil. In Araucaria bidwillii, the whole process of transferring reserves from the seed to the seedling takes place before shoot emergence, and there is a major storage of these reserves in the underground hypocotyl, which assumes a tuberous form. In A. angustifolia, the shoot emerges before seed reserves are depleted. Though it does not grow like a tuber, the hypocotyl of A. angustifolia grows thicker than the adjacent taproot during initial growth, and we hypothesize that it may act as a major sink for seed reserves during this stage. The study tests this hypothesis by evaluating changes in the mass of different plant parts during initial growth. Four harvests were conducted during a ~6-month period to compare the dry mass of different fractions (attached seed, seedling, its shoot and root and the hypocotyl) of seedlings growing under darkness and high light. While seed reserves were still being depleted, the hypocotyl mass showed an initial increase and then a reduction. This was more abrupt when light was available. After seed mass had stabilized, the mass of the hypocotyl continued to decrease in the dark-grown seedlings, but showed a second increase in the light-grown ones. Results confirm the hypothesis that the hypocotyl represents a major sink for the seed reserves of A. angustifolia, acting as an underground storage structure for the growing seedling. Its reserves seem to be important for sustaining initial shoot growth and might also act as a storage sink for photosynthates.     

The genus Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae) in southern Africa: the structure and taxonomic value of stomata

The mature stomatal morphology of 11 southern African species of Eugenia , and also of E. uniflora L. (naturalized) and E. incerta Diimmer (a garden plant of unknown origin) has been studied by light and scanning electron microscopy.
Leaves of all the species are hypostomatic and water-stomata are occasionally present. Two different stomatal types, X and Y, differing mainly in their cuticular ornamentation, were found in the southern African species. The grouping of species based on stomatal characters supports a previous grouping of species on the basis of periderm and seed characters.
Conspicuous lipid bodies, usually present in the subsidiary cells, are limited to the southern African species. Although the subsidiary cells do not differ in shape and size from adjacent epidermal cells, their contents often have a higher tannin content than ordinary epidermal cells. The variable patterns of arrangement of the three to five subsidiary cells makes it difficult to identify the stomata with existing classifications based on mature topography. Thus, a new term 'anomostaurocytic' is proposed for the stomatal type found in the southern African species.
Stomata of E. uniflora and E. incerta are paracytic and anomocytic respectively, and the cuticular ornamentation of their stomata differs from those of the southern African species. The view that E. incerta is not closely related to the southern African species is supported by differences in its cuticular ornamentation, lack of lipid bodies in the subsidiary cells, anomocytic stomata and prominent T-pieces at the guard cell poles.     

A smoke-induced alteration of the sub-testa cuticle in seeds of the post-fire recruiter, Emmenanthe penduliflora Benth. (Hydrophyllaceae)

Emmenanthe penduliflora is an obligate fire-recruiter and demonstrates a prolonged seed dormancy followed by germination closely cued to the immediate post-fire environment. This study investigated, at the ultrastructure level, the causal factor(s) associated with seed dormancy and the stimulation of germination after exposure to smoke. The seed coat was responsible for the proximal regulation of dormancy - a waxy cuticular layer situated between the testa and endosperm was the primary barrier to the diffusion of water and small diameter solutes. The sub-testa cuticle in dormant seeds was partially permeable, as indicated by the presence of permeate channels. A short exposure to dry smoke (3 min) promoted a significant increase in seed germination (dormant 80.3% smoke-treated 793%). Exposure to smoke also resulted in two major changes to the morphology of the seed. First, smoke treatment produced an intense chemical scarification at the seed surface; the external cuticle was plasticized to form numerous small spheres on the seed surface. Second, smoke significantly altered the permeability of the internal (sub-testa) cuticle. A significant increase in both the number and size of permeate channels in the sub-testa cuticle indicated that these modifications were directly associated with the breaking of seed dormancy. The observed changes at both the internal (sub-testa) and external cuticles are consistent with the hypothesis that volatiles in smoke exert a surfactant-like reaction to break seed dormancy in E. penduliflora.     

Markedly Divergent Tree Assemblage Responses to Tropical Forest Loss and Fragmentation across a Strong Seasonality Gradient

We examine the effects of forest fragmentation on the structure and composition of tree assemblages within three seasonal and aseasonal forest types of southern Brazil, including evergreen, Araucaria, and deciduous forests. We sampled three southernmost Atlantic Forest landscapes, including the largest continuous forest protected areas within each forest type. Tree assemblages in each forest type were sampled within 10 plots of 0.1 ha in both continuous forests and 10 adjacent forest fragments. All trees within each plot were assigned to trait categories describing their regeneration strategy, vertical stratification, seed-dispersal mode, seed size, and wood density. We detected differences among both forest types and landscape contexts in terms of overall tree species richness, and the density and species richness of different functional groups in terms of regeneration strategy, seed dispersal mode and woody density. Overall, evergreen forest fragments exhibited the largest deviations from continuous forest plots in assemblage structure. Evergreen, Araucaria and deciduous forests diverge in the functional composition of tree floras, particularly in relation to regeneration strategy and stress tolerance. By supporting a more diversified light-demanding and stress-tolerant flora with reduced richness and abundance of shade-tolerant, old-growth species, both deciduous and Araucaria forest tree assemblages are more intrinsically resilient to contemporary human-disturbances, including fragmentation-induced edge effects, in terms of species erosion and functional shifts. We suggest that these intrinsic differences in the direction and magnitude of responses to changes in landscape structure between forest types should guide a wide range of conservation strategies in restoring fragmented tropical forest landscapes worldwide.     

Development and structure of the seed of Ozoroa paniculosa (Anacardiaceae) and taxonomic notes

The anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellar ovule has a nuclear endosperm development. It is further characterized by a hypostase sensu lato. This hypostase being an integral part of the chalaza undergoes a secondary extension with it. At maturity the exalbuminous seed is partially pachychalazal and therefore two anatomically distinct larger parts can be distinguished in the mature seed coat. An endotegmen typifies the integumentary seed coat, while a saddle-shaped hypostase characterizes the chalazal seed coat. This seed coat shows several characteristics of the typical anacardiaceous pachychalazal seed. The cotyledons store lipids and protein as nutrient reserveS. A well-developed cuticle, cuticular layer, cutin and callose in the hypostase cell walls, as well as tannin-like deposits in the seed coat, protect the physiologically ripe seed against dehydration.