New taxa and combinations in Old World Urticaceae

In anticipation of the publication of full revisions, a diagnosis of a new species of Droguetia is presented together with two new combinations for subspecies of Droguetia iners , a new combination for a species and a variety on Didymodoxa and a new combination for a subspecies of Australina pusilla . The name Elatostema trinerve Hochst. (1845) is shown to be conspecific with and antedate Urera cameroonensis Wedd. (1869). The new combination Urera trinervis is therefore made.     

A revision of the Paeonia suffruticosa complex (Paeoniaceae)

The taxonomical concept of the Paeonia suffruticosa complex i.e. Sect. Moutan Subsect. Vaginatae, has changed greatly since 1990. Six species and four subspecies have been described as new and two subspecies raised to specific level. Five species and two subspecies are recognized in the present revision, viz. P. suffruticosa subsp. suffruticosa and subsp. yinpingmudan, P. jishanensis, P. qiui, P. ostii, P. rockii subsp. rockii and subsp. taibaishanica. P. yananensis, P. ridleyi, P. spontanea, P. moutan subsp. atava, P. suffruticosa subsp. atava, P. rockii subsp. linyanshanii and P. ostii var. lishizhenii are treated as synonyms. P. papaveracea and P. baokangensis are proposed to be interspecific hybrids. A key to the recognized species and subspecies is provided. Biological features of the species are described and their distributions are mapped. The relationships between species are inferred and the origins of commonly cultivated tree peonies ( P. suffruticosa and P. ostii ) are discussed.     

A taxonomic revision of cuscuses allied to Phalanger orientalis (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae)

A computer-assisted discriminant analysis programme using a set of metric skull characters in a large number of specimens of cuscuses of the Phulnnger orientalis group was used to distinguish between species and subspecies. Non-metric characters were used to support conclusions.
Results indicated that several taxa which had customarily been included in the widespread species orientalis were not closely related to that species. The programme also identified the components of the long-haired mountain cuscus group and we show that the holotype of one species, vestitus , appears to be unrelated to the widespread species with which it has been associated since Tate's revision of 1945. Finally we were able to demonstrate the presence of 10 distinct species in the orientalis group (of which one is described as new) and 12 subspecies (of which three are described as new).
The same suite of metric and non-metric characters allowed construction of dendrograms indicating possible relationships between the various sub-groups and their component species. We speculate on the evolution of this group of cuscuses in New Guinea and their spread to other islands in the region.
We recount what is known about cuscus biology and provide means for identification.     

A revision of the genus Triplaris (Polygonaceae)

The neotropical genus Triplaris Loefl. ex L. is revised. A total of 73 taxa had previously been described. In the present revision 17 species, 1 subspecies, and 1 variety are recognized. A new combination Triplaris melaenodendron (Bertol.) Standl. & Steyerm. ssp. colombiana (Meisner) Brandbyge is made, and a new variety T. setosa Rusby var. woytkowski Brandbyge is proposed. Keys based on both pistillate and staminate specimens are presented.     

Twenty-four new names in Xanthophyllum (Polygalaceae)

Anticipating a complete revision of the genus Xanthophyllum , which will be printed in Blumea within two years, one new subgenus, 17 new species, one new subspecies and two new varieties are described, and for three names a new status is proposed. This is done for nomenclatural reasons, validating the new names in W. C. Dickison's study of the leaf anatomy of Xanthophyllum , published elsewhere in this Journal.     

The genus Anisotes (Acanthaceae), a taxonomic revision

The genus Anisotes Nees is revised. A total of 24 taxa had previously been described. In the present revision 19 species, 3 subspecies and 1 variety are recognized. A new infrageneric classification of Anisotes is proposed.
In the general part the morphology, with special emphasis on pollen morphology, and the diagnostic characters of the genus are outlined. Phytogeographical and ecological aspects are discussed in relation to the phytogeographical division of Africa.     

A revision of the Afrotropical taxa of the genus Amerila Walker (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

This paper comprises a complete revision of the Afrotropical species of the genus Amerila ( Rhodogastria auct.), based on adult morphology. Examination of type material for most described taxa has resulted in numerous taxonomic changes. From a total of forty-seven previously described African taxa, thirty-five species including five newly described species and two new subspecies are recognized. For ten taxa, lectotypes have been selected, and for one species a neotype had to be designated. For each species, in addition to synonymy, a brief diagnosis based on external characters and genitalia is given, and the known distribution summarized. All species are illustrated by photographs and illustrations of male genitalia (except A.rufifemur , the male of which is unknown), and a key for determination of males by external characters is provided.     

A revision of the tribe Forsskaoleae (Urticaceae)

Friis, I. & Wilmot-Dear, C.M. 1988. A revision of the tribe Forsskaoleae (Urticaceae). - Nord. J. Bot. 8: 25–59. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
The tribe Forsskaoleae has been revised and the inflorescence and floral structure reinvestigated. The alternative interpretation of the flowers and inflorescences of Forsskaoleae proposed by Rivieres is rejected. A division of the tribe into two subtribes is tentatively maintained. The study of all genera is based on the total available material, with exception of Forsskaolea , of which only the types and some additional material have been studied, and an annotated survey of the six recognized species is presented. In Droguetia seven species are recognized, distributed from tropical and South Africa to Madagascar, the Mascarenes, Java, and India. An infrageneric division of the genus is not tenable. The genus Didymodoxa , for the last hundred years united with Australina , is reestablished with two species, both restricted to eastern and southern Africa. The genus Australina is, within the new delimitation, disjunct between Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand on the one hand and Ethiopia and Kenya on the other. In view of the considerable differences between them, each of the two species is placed in a separate section, sect. Australina and sect. Sarmentago . The lectotypification of Urtica capensis made by Prain is shown to be in conflict with the protologue; a new lectotype is selected, with consequence for the nomenclature of a South African Acalypha species (Euphorbiaceae). All taxa are keyed out and described; distribution maps and illustrations are provided for most taxa.     

Geographical patterns of evolution in Neotropical Lepidoptera: differentiation of the species of Melinaea and Mechanitis (Nymphalidae,Ithomiinae)*

Abstract Biosystematic analysis incorporating abundant new field data from many parts of the Neotropics has led to an ordered revision of the mimetic ithomiine genera Melinaea and Mechanitis. The various polytypic species of these general probably served as prime movers for the differentiation of other mimetic butterflies in Quaternary forest refuges. The revisions are presented in the form of supplements to the works of Richard M. Fox on these genera, with analyses based on his divisions. Seven species (or monophyletic species-groups) and sixty-three well-differentiated geographic subspecies (six of these described here for the first time) are recognized in Melinaea. Specimens are illustrated which demonstrate intergradation between refuge-derived subspecies. Five species and fifty-two differentiated subspecies are recognized in Mechanitis, whose members are more abundant and gregarious, more plastic, and apparently more vagile than those of Melinaea, resulting in fewer clear-cut mimetic associations, more extensive blurring of differentiation patterns, and apparently fewer incipient biological species in this genus than in Melinaea.     

A revision of the genus Lasianthus (Rubiaceae) in Africa, excluding Madagascar

23 species, one subspecies and three varieties have been described or named for the pan-tropical genus Lasianthus Jack (Rubiaceae) in continental Africa. In the present revision thirteen species, five subspecies and one variety are recognized; additionally two hybrids are proposed. Of the previously named taxa, the subspecies is raised to species rank whereas two species are degraded to subspecies and variety status, respectively. Five species are synonymised including two varieties, and four are left with uncertain status, including one variety. The distribution of the genus in Africa consists of two distinct elements: one component is found in the Guineo-Congolian regional centre of endemism and one in the eastern part of Afiomontane Archipelago-like regional centre of endemism. A centre of species diversity is found in Eastern Arc Mts., where six endemic species occur together with L. laxinervis and the more widespread L. kilimandscharicus. Four of the species are strict endemics of the Uluguru Mts. In addition to the presentation of the new section: Lasianthus Sectio Membranacei, sect. nov., this revision contain two hybrids from Uluguru Mts.: L. macrocalyx × pedunculatus and L. cereifizorus × pedunculatus, and following new taxa and new combinations: L. africanus ssp. biokoensis, subsp. nov.; L. africanus ssp. mayumbensis, comb. et stat. nov.; L. kilimandscharicus ssp. glabrescens, ssp. nov.; L. kilimandscharicus ssp. glabrescens var. xanthospermus, comb. et stat. nov.; L. kilimandscharicus ssp. hirsutus, ssp. nov.; L. laxinervis, stat. nov.; L. pedunculatus ssp. angustisepalus, ssp. nov.     

A new subspecies of Paraphysomonas punctata (Paraphysomonadaceae, Chrysophyceae)

A new subspecies, ssp. hexagona within the species complex of Paraphysomonas punctata is described. It is particularly distinguished by its large round to oblong perforations and also deviates in other respects from known subspecies of P punctata , so that it is here described as a new subspecies, ssp. hexagona . Type material has been collected in a small Danish pool in the Copenhagen area. A previous finding of scales with similar large perforations has been considered to be an indication of weakly silicified scales. This, however, cannot be the case since the present algae have been found in silica-enriched samples. Furthermore the pool is shallow and fully mixed throughout the year.     

Inerolysin, a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin produced by Lactobacillus iners

Lactobacillus iners is a common constituent of the human vaginal microbiota. This species was only recently characterized due to its fastidious growth requirements and has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. Here we present the identification and molecular characterization of a protein toxin produced by L. iners. The L. iners genome encodes an open reading frame with significant primary sequence similarity to intermedilysin (ILY; 69.2% similarity) and vaginolysin (VLY; 68.4% similarity), the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins from Streptococcus intermedius and Gardnerella vaginalis, respectively. Clinical isolates of L. iners produce this protein, inerolysin (INY), during growth in vitro, as assessed by Western analysis. INY is a pore-forming toxin that is activated by reducing agents and inhibited by excess cholesterol. It is active across a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0 but is inactive at pH 7.4. At sublytic concentrations, INY activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and allows entry of fluorescent phalloidin into the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Unlike VLY and ILY, which are human specific, INY is active against cells from a broad range of species. INY represents a new target for studies directed at understanding the role of L. iners in states of health and disease at the vaginal mucosal surface.     

上海维管植物研究综述

该文总结《上海植物志》出版以来的维管植物区系资料,分析整理存疑种、订正了错误鉴定,并发表上海植物新记录4种.据此确认上海目前有原生维管植物126科440属818种(包括7亚种、49变种、2变型),外来逸生植物86科234属367种(包括2亚种、18变种).结果表明上海植物区系受人为干扰较严重.     

A revision of the brassoline genus Opsiphanes (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera)

The brassoline genus Opsiphanes is revised: 18 new subspecies are described, 12 new synonymies established, the status of nine species and subspecies is revised and 30 lectotypes are designated. Seventy-two (of 92) primary types are figured, many for the first time. Along the Andes, there is a fairly close agreement between the distribution of some of the subspecies of Opsiphanes with the recently recognized endemic centres. East of the Andes, there is no close agreement between subspecies and endemic centres; each subspecies has, in general, a distribution across several centres. A similar distribution has been noted previously in the brassoline genera Catoblepia and Selenophanes. Some subspecies, however, indicate previously unrecognized centres or subcentres in Colombia and Ecuador.     

A revision of the brassoline genus Selenophanes (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera)

The Brassoline genus Selenophanes is revised: three new subspecies are described and three lectotypes designated. The nine known holotypes and two of the three lectotypes are figured. Along the Andes there is a fairly close agreement in the distribution of some of the species and subspecies of Selenophanes with the recently recognized endemic centres. East of the Andes there is no close correspondence between subspecies and endemic centres; each subspecies has, in general, a distribution across several centres. A similar distribution has been noted previously in the Brassoline genus Catoblepia.     

中国木兰科植物修订

对中国产的木兰科植物３个大属即木莲,木兰和含笑进行了分类修订工作,共提出新组合５个,新异名８个,澄清２种和１亚种。     

中国荨麻科植物省级分布新记录

报道荨麻科6种1亚种1变种在我国6个省区分布的新记录,其中山东分布新记录的有海岛苎麻 (Boehmeria formosana),陕西分布新记录的有对叶楼梯草(Elatostema sinense),广东分布新记录的有台湾糯米团(Gonostegia parvifolia),贵州分布新记录的有显脉楼梯草(Elatostema longistipulum)和短毛楼梯草(E. nasutum var. puberulum),云南分布新记录的有高原荨麻(Urtica hyperborea),西藏分布新记录的有单蕊麻 (Droguetia iners subsp. urticoides)和细尾楼梯草(Elatostema tenuicaudatum)。     

Notes on the Genus Lonicera Linn. of China

This paper, which consists of a part of pertinent data obtained through a critical revision of the genus Lonicera of China. discusses 28 noteworthy species and infraspecific taxa. Among them, 3 subspecies and 1 variety are new grades and combinations. Be-sides, 31 species, 11 varieties and 6 forms have been reduced to synonyms.     

中国粗叶木属(茜草科)植物的分类研究

本文修订了中国产粗叶木属植物,共记录31种、4亚种和10变种。其中,报道了一个新种、1个新亚种、2个新变种、8个新组合和9个分布新记录,新归并学名12个,并且对中国粗叶木属植物文献记载中的一些错误和混淆作了澄清。     

Révision systématiquedu genre Steginoporella smitt, 1873 (Bryozoa Cheilostomata)

Systematic revision of the genus Steginoporella: until now about eighty species were described. Only twenty recent species and thirty-four fossil ones are maintained. Several species and subspecies are new.The main interest of this revision is to establish a biostratigraphical scale: the settlement of this scale is based on the known stratigraphical distribution and on an attempt of phylogeny.The second advantage is ecological: all recent species live in marine tropical environment. The Steginoporella are good paleoecological indicators.At last, the establishment of a paleobiogeography, even incomplete and not definitive, allows to understand more easily recent distribution of Steginoporella connected with the great events of earth evolution.