Plagiochila atlantica F. Rose,sp. nov.—P. amhagiosa auct.

Abstract

The Irish plant which, following Mitten, has commonly been referred to as Plagiochila ambagiosa Mitt. is specifically different from the type of P. ambagiosa, and is therefore described as Plagiochila atlantica F. Rose, sp. nov. It is now known from very restricted areas in Western Ireland, Western Scotland and North-western France.     

Seed morphology of Erica L. sect. Loxomeria Salisb. ex Benth., sect. Eremocallis Salisb. ex Benth. and sect. Brachycallis I. Hansen,and its systematic implications

Abstract

Several quantitative and qualitative seed characters of the seven European species of Erica sect. Loxomeria, Eremocallis and Brachycallis were studied. Two main seed types are found based on size and shape: regular ellipsoid or oblong seeds of ca. 0.4 mm for E. ciliaris and the E. tetralix group, and curved to kidney‐shaped seeds of 0.6–0.9 mm for E. cinerea, E. maderensis and E. terminalis. The testa surface in E. ciliaris is reticulate, with indented outer periclinal walls. Erica cinerea has inflated outer anticlinal walls. This character is exclusive for this species within the European (and nearby areas) species of the genus. The seeds of E. maderensis are similar to those of E. terminalis. According to seed morphology, the classical infrageneric classification, by which E. terminalis would be grouped with the E. tetralix group in sect. Eremocallis and E. maderensis in sect. Brachycallis with E. cinerea, is artificial.     

PHYCOLOGICAL NOTES. H. EUGLENA MYXOCYLINDRACEA SP. NOV.12

A previously undescribed species of Euglena, E. myxocylindracea, sp. nov., is described from soil in a garden and in a while pine woods in Pike County, Pa. In addition to the, type, an organism (No. 457) in the Culture Collection of Algae. Indiana University, hitherto designated E. viridis var. terricola. is transferred to E. myxocylindracea as var. terricola. Differences such as the usual absence of an emergent flagellum, or the presence of an extremely short one (ca. 3.5–4 μ), and the dominance of a palmelloid state in a variety of liquid and solid culture media in which the cells secrete dichotomously branching slimy cylinders distinguish the new species from E. viridis.     

Nitrospira marina gen. nov. sp. nov.: a chemolithotrophic nitrite-oxidizing bacterium

A new chemolithotrophic nitrite-oxidizing bacterium, for which the name Nitrospira marina is proposed, was isolated from the Gulf of Maine. N. marina is a Gramnegative curved rod which may form spirals with 1 to 12 turns. Cells have a unique periplasmic space and lack intracytoplasmic membranes and carboxysomes. N. marina is an obligate chemolithotroph, but best growth is obtained in a mixotrophic medium. N. marina may be one of the most prevalent nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in some oceanic environments. Type strain is field with American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 43039).     

Characteristics of two marine nitrite oxidizing bacteria,Nitrospina gracilis nov. gen. nov. sp. and Nitrococcus mobilis nov. gen. nov. sp.

Summary Two new nitrite oxidizing bacteria for which the names Nitrococcus mobilis and Nitrospina gracilis are proposed were isolated from the marine environment. Nitrococcus mobilis was cultured from South Pacific waters and it is a large motile coccus with unique tubular cytomembranes. Nitrospina gracilis was isolated from South Atlantic waters and it is a long slender rod which lacks an extensive cytomembrane system. Both are obligate marine organisms and both are obligate chemoautotrophs. The fine structure of these organisms is detailed.Contribution No. 2631 from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543.     

CHROMOSOME NUMBERS IN COMPOSITAE. VI. SENECIONEAE. II

Chromosome counts are reported for 76 taxa and 2 natural hybrids of tribe Senecioneae (Compositae). First counts are reported for several species of Senecioneae as well as for the genera Cadiscus and Whitneya. New chromosome numbers are added to those previously known in Arnica, Cacalia, and Senecio. Additional counts from Arnica support our previous suggestion that x = 19 for this genus. It is assumed that observed meiotic irregularities are associated with apomixis in this genus. Basic chromosome numbers for various New World sections of Senecio are proposed, and certain problems of sectional relationships in this genus are discussed. Chromosome numbers and plant morphology of Cadiscus, Hulsea, and Whitneya indicate that these genera should be removed from Helenieae to Senecioneae. The possible affinity of the anomalous genus Adenocaulon with Mutisieae is discussed. Data presented in the paper further support our earlier proposal that the basic chromosome number for Senecioneae is x = 10.     

Haplodontium zangii X.R.Wang & J.C.Zhao,sp. nov. (Bryaceae,Bryopsida) from Xizang,China

Haplodontium zangii X.R.Wang &; J.C.Zhao, a new moss species from Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. Previously, specimens of H. zangii have been identified as Mielichhoferia himalayana Mitt. However, H. zangii is distinctly different from M. himalayana in having excurrent costae with short awns (vs long denticulate awns), short-pyriform capsules, 0.8–1?mm (vs long-pyriform capsules, 2.5–3?mm), and densely papillose exostome teeth (vs smooth or vertically striped exostome teeth). Haplodontium zangii is similar to H. macrocarpum (Hook.) J.R.Spence, which was traditionally placed in Mielichhoferia Nees &; Hornsch. as M. macrocarpa (Hook.) Bruch &; Schimp. The main differences between H. zangii and H. macrocarpum are in the morphology of the leaves, capsules, guide cells, and stomata. Mielichhoferia himalayana and another Chinese species of Mielichhoferia, M. sinensis Dix., are also transferred to Haplodontium Hampe, a new genus in the bryoflora of China, as H. himalayanum (Mitt.) X.R.Wang &; J.C.Zhao and H. sinensis (Dix.) X.R.Wang &; J.C.Zhao. A morphological comparison and a key to the three species of Haplodontium in China as well as to H. macrocarpum, a species that is likely to be found in China, are provided.     

Trois Especes Nouvelles d'Ophryoglenes: O. gelifera n. sp., O. mucosa n. sp., O. multimicronucleata n. sp. (Cilies Holotriches Peniculiens)

SYNOPSIS. A previous study with P. de Puytorac on O. bacterocaryon(3) has shown the methods of studying this Ciliate and has specified the general and buccal morphology, the morphogenesis, and the biology of vegetative individuals (theront, trophont, tomont, tomites) of this species. Three species we are describing now offer numerous common features with O. bacterocaryon. We consider them as the proper characters of genus Ophryoglena and we only insist on the specific particularities of O. gelifera, O. mucosa and O. multimicronucleata. O. gelifera is a large Ophryoglene differing from the others by a slightly asymetric, curved, spindle-shaped theront; the ellipsoidal tomont secretes abundant and clear jelly. The theront possesses one thick spindle-shaped macronucleus, one voluminous spherical micronucleus, fitting with the macronucleus. Its somatic infraciliature is dense, its buccal infraciliature is characteristic, especially in the shape of peniculus P1. This species cannot be mistaken for O. pectans Mugard(2) although it is rather near it. O. mucosa is a very small Ophryoglene. The theront has one thick elliptical macronucleus, one small micronucleus; the buccal orifice is not kidney-shaped, but quite pointed in front; there is no tragus; the somatic infraciliature is not close; the peniculus P1 is characteristic. The tomont is ellipsoidal and surrounded by a thick mucous gangue. The tomites are not close together. O. mucosa is very different from O. gelifera and O. pectans Mugard(2). O. multimicronucleata. Near to O. polymicrocaryon Mugard(2), this Ophryoglene differs from it by the small size of all its vegetative elements and especially by its nuclear-apparatus. The latter includes numerous (5 to 6) bulky spherical micronuclei and one macronucleus looking like blackpudding which can be compared to that of O. singularis Canella and Trinchas(1). The theront is spindle-shaped and of a dark-grey colour. The spherical tomont secretes a mucous gangue which is not very thick. Besides, the somatic infraciliature and buccal in fraciliature of the theront (peniculus P1 especially) make O. multi micronucleata quite distinct from O. polymicrocaryon Mugard(2).     

Rhododendron subroseum sp. nov. and R. denudatum var. glabriovarium var. nov. (Ericaceae) from the Guizhou Province,China

One new species, Rhododendron subroseum Xiang Chen & Jiayong Huang, and one new variety, R. denudatum var. glabriovarium Xiang Chen & Xun Chen (Ericaceae), from the Guizhou Province, China are described and illustrated. Rhododendron subroseum is most similar to R. morii from which it differs mainly by having glandular branchlets, a subcordate leaf blade base and a mucronate leaf blade apex, a less floriferous inflorescence, a campanulate to broadly‐campanulate corolla, and a glandular‐hairy style. Rhododendron denudatum var. glabriovarium differs from R. denudatum var. denudatum mainly by having a glabrous ovary. Both of the new taxa are quite rare and therefore their protection is highly desired.     

Sphagnum divinum (sp. nov.) and S. medium Limpr. and their relationship to S. magellanicum Brid.

Sphagnum magellanicum has been viewed as being a predominantly circumpolar species in the northern hemisphere, but it occurs in the southern hemisphere and was originally described from the southern parts of Chile. It is an ecologically important species in mire ecosystems and has been extensively used as a model to study processes of growth, carbon sequestration and peat decomposition. Molecular and experimental studies have, however, revealed genetic structure within S. magellanicum, and morphological differences associated with these genetic groups. Here we describe Sphagnum divinum in Sphagnum subgenus Sphagnum (Sphagnaceae, Bryophyta) as a new species, based on molecular and morphological evidence. Sphagnum medium is reinstated as a distinct species and is epitypified. Consequently, a new species concept of S. magellanicum is presented including an epitypification. Important morphological characters to separate these three species in the field and under the microscope are presented. Ecology and distribution differ among the species; S. divinium has a wide habitat range including mire margin, forested peatlands and moist heaths, and a circumpolar distribution around the northern hemisphere. Sphagnum medium seems to be more restricted to ombrotrophic mire expanse habitats and shows an amphi-Atlantic distribution in the northern hemisphere. Sphagnum magellanicum has a very broad ecological niche in peatlands and is found in most mire habitats in Tierra del Fuego on the southern tip of South America.     

Chassalia magnificens sp. nov. and C. chrysoclada comb. nov. (Rubiaceae) from central Africa

Chassalia magnificens, a new species from the Albertine Rift in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is described and illustrated. The species is recognised inter alia by its large stipules and montane habitat. Chassalia chrysoclada is a new combination for a widespread, but hitherto overlooked, central African species originally described in the genus Psychotria. Chassalia chrysoclada is related to C. pteropetala (K. Schum.) Cheek but lacks the bicostate twigs and dorsally winged corolla lobes of that species.     

Miscanthus subgen. Rubimons subgen. nov. (Poaceae) and Miscanthus villosus sp. nov. from southwest Yunnan,China

Miscanthus subgen. Rubimons (B. S. Sun) Y. C. Liu et H. Peng, a new subgenus of Miscanthus Anderss. (Poaceae) is established and Miscanthus (Rubimons) villosus Y. C. Liu et H. Peng, a new species of this subgenus from southwest Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to M. paniculatus (B. S. Sun) S. L. Chen & Renvoize, but differs mainly by its villous panicle axis, long callus hair, lanceolate lower lemma and the consistently longer awn of the upper lemma.     

The genus Glochidinium gen. nov., with two species: G. penardiforme comb. nov. and G. platygaster sp. nov. (Peridiniaceae)

Glochidiniumgen. nov., a ncw genus of Peridiniaceae based on Peridinium penardiforme Lindemann, is herewith erected. Its plate formula is: Po+X+4′+6′′+3C+4S+5′′′+2′′′′ Main diagnostic characters of this new genus are the presence of only 3 cingular plates (it lacks the transitionalone), the third cingular contacting the anterior sulcal plate, and an unusual sulcus holding a small triangular posterior sulcal plate. The thecal morphology and structure of two freshwater planktic species of the genus are described on the basis of LM and SEM observations. G. penardiforme comb. nov. is an infrequent species, albeit widely distributed world-wide. It has been recorded under the names of Peridinium, Glenodinium and Peridiniopsis. Peculiar features in the tabulation of the furrows and of the surface sculpture show that the species does not fit any of the known genera, for which reason the new genus Glochidinium is established. G. platygaster sp. nov., the second species included in the genus, differs from the former by its elongated body, the regular pentagonal shape of its large first apical plate, an equally large sulcal anterior plate, and well developed sculpture, chiefly on the antapical plates. Glochidinium penardiforme and G. platygaster were found in some reservoirs from central and northern Argentina. G. penardiforme was also found in several Argentine rivers and ponds.     

Plate 483. Camassia leichtlinii 'Lady Eva Price'Liliaceae sens. lat.

The history, ecology, and distribution of Camassia leichtlinii are given and particularly the deep violet cultivar of subsp. suksdorfii‘Lady Eva Price’, which is illustrated. The position of Camassia within the Liliaceae sens. lat. is discussed in the light of recent DNA studies.     

Serological Distinctness of Bromus pseudosecalinus P. SMITH sp. nov.

Immunoelectrophoretic studies of the seed proteins of material provisionally referred to B. secalinus var. or f. hirsutus have revealed that it is serologically distinct from B. secalinus. The plant has many of the characters of B. secalinus fitting that species to life as a contaminant of cereal fields, but the floret and seed sizes are much smaller, and the sheaths are normally hairy. In Britain the plant appears to contaminate small-seeded pasture grasses which are sown on roadsides. The chromosome number of this plant is 2n = 14, unlike typical B. secalinus which has 2n = 28. The plant seems to be introduced in Britain, but its native distribution is not known. In view of its distinctive morphology and its serological difference from B. secalinus and other bromes, it is proposed to name it as a new species: Bromus pseudosecalinus P. SMITH sp. nov.     

Bryophytes of St Helena,South Atlantic Ocean. 1. Three new species of Cololejeunea (Jungermanniales,Lejeuneaceae), C. dianae sp. nov., C. sanctae-helenae sp. nov. and C. grossestyla sp. nov.

Abstract

Three new species of Cololejeunea, C. dianae M. Wigginton, C. sanctae-helenae M. Wigginton and C. grossestyla M. Wigginton are described and illustrated from St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean. Details of their distributions are provided, and differences between the new taxa and other species of Cololejeunea are discussed. This is also the first report of the genus Cololejeunea from St Helena.     

Michelia sonlaensis Q.N. Vu,sp. nov. (Magnoliaceae) from northern Vietnam

Michelia sonlaensis Q.N. Vu, a new species of Michelia from Son La province, northern Vietnam is described. The new species is assigned to the genus Michelia (separated from Magnolia), subfamily Magnolioideae based on general morphology. It is closely similar to M. xianianhei and M. mannii, but differs mainly in having a leaf‐lamina that is elliptic, thinly leathery, larger, with lower surface yellowish white villous (easily visible by eyes and feeling by hand), brachyblasts and outside bracts yellowish‐white sericeous, flowers light green to cream white in colour, and nine tepals with the outside of all tepals silky hairy at base.