DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.280.216670

Authors: Jordan S. Metzgar

Abstract: The legend describing the illustrated morphological terminology of Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Sw. subspecies (Fig. 2) in my recent publication (Metzgar 2025) contained a typographic error. The subspecific epithets were mistakenly swapped in the legend. A corrected legend is provided below.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.276.176723

Authors: Cristóbal Daniel Sánchez-Sánchez, Carla Sofía Islas-Hernández, Adam W. Black

Abstract: A new species of Polystemma is described from the Sierra El Cuale, Jalisco, Mexico. Polystemma cualense is distinguished from its congeners, particularly P. horconesense, by a gynostegial corona higher than the gynostegium, longer external corona lobes, and a black gynostegium. Morphological data were obtained by examining herbarium specimens, consulting digital images from iNaturalist, and reviewing specialized literature. A preliminary conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria indicates that it is a Critically Endangered (CR) species due to its restricted area of occupancy and threats from deforestation, agriculture, and livestock grazing. The discovery of P. cualense increases the known diversity of Polystemma in Jalisco and highlights the floristic importance of the Sierra El Cuale.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907

Authors: Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón, Dennis Wm. Stevenson, Francisco G. Lorea-Hernández, Francisco Vergara-Silva

Abstract: Taxonomic studies in cycad genera using multiple approaches have refined the delimitation of many species. In the case of Dioon Lindl., a Mesoamerican genus, a reliable classification has been achieved through taxonomic work carried out since the description of the genus and pioneering studies in Mexico during the 1980–90s. Here, we describe a new species from Guerrero based on evidence collected from populations encountered during fieldwork carried out in 2019. These populations had previously been considered morphologically similar to Dioon holmgrenii De Luca, Sabato & Vázq. Torres, which has a markedly disjunct distribution in Oaxaca. After studying herbarium specimens and making extensive observations on vegetative and reproductive structures from different populations in Oaxaca, we have concluded that the disjunct populations analysed in 2019 represent a distinct and new species of Dioon, separate from the two most phenotypically similar species—namely, D. stevensonii Nic.-Mor. & Vovides and D. holmgrenii. A key to geographically proximal and morphologically similar species as well as to the other species occurring in Guerrero and Oaxaca States is also presented. The proposed new species, Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., is endemic to Guerrero and inhabits pine and pine-oak forest. Its conservation status, assessed on the based IUCN guidelines and criteria, qualifies as Endangered.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.267.162132

Authors: Tara K. Hall, Luiz F. L. da Silveira, Max S. Lanning, Katherine G. Mathews

Abstract: Micranthes virginiensis (Saxifragaceae) is an herbaceous, flowering plant species native to eastern North America with a range extending from the Gulf of Mexico into Canada. This broad range, known from previous studies to contain individuals with varying chromosome numbers and morphological variation outside of the current formal description, indicates the need for a re-examination of the taxonomy of this species. Some populations in south-eastern Appalachia display intermediate traits between M. virginiensis and the peripatric congener M. careyana and have unresolved phylogenetic placement, raising the possibility of hybridisation. This study explored hypotheses of hybridisation and undescribed taxa within M. virginiensis, based on morphometric and chromosome data collected from samples across Eastern North America. Floral, fruit and leaf measurements were analysed to investigate morphological variation across the species’ range. Chromosome counts from south-eastern U.S.A. congener populations of M. careyana, M. palmeri and M. petiolaris all showed diploidy (2n = 20), representing the first known chromosome counts for these species. Tetraploidy and unique floral morphology in two populations of the Blue Ridge Escarpment of SC, where the distribution of M. virginiensis and M. careyana abut, indicate an undescribed species, possibly of hybrid origin. Other tetraploid populations in the south-eastern USA showed no morphological differences from diploid M. virginiensis, suggesting autopolyploidy. In addition, we document a trend of decreased reproductive investment with increasing elevation within M. virginiensis. Overall, the taxonomic boundaries across the broad range of M. virginiensis proved intact, aside from the escarpment tetraploid species. Here, we describe the new escarpment species, Micranthes scopularum Hall, Lanning & Mathews and provide a complete list of synonyms of M. virginiensis, in which we designate two lectotypes and one neotype.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.264.162520

Authors: Lynn J. Gillespie, Paul C. Sokoloff, Geoffrey A. Levin

Abstract: Baffin Island in the eastern Canadian Arctic is the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest in the world. East-central Baffin Island, a spectacular mountainous area covering over 57,000 km2, with long fiords, deep U-shaped valleys, glaciers, and icecaps, is one of the least botanically collected and documented areas of the island. Here, we report the results of a floristic study of vascular plant diversity in east-central Baffin Island based on historical and recent collections and field studies. Previous published accounts covering the flora area cited no or few voucher collections. We compiled a dataset of 3,206 unique collections made between the 1860s and 2022, including 850 collected by us. The vascular plant flora comprises 26 families, 71 genera, 163 species (4 with two subspecies each), and 2 nothospecies. The six most species-rich families are Cyperaceae (26 species), Poaceae (24), Brassicaceae (16), Caryophyllaceae (15), Saxifragaceae (11), and Asteraceae (11). The largest genera are Carex (19 species), Draba (9), Potentilla (8), and Saxifraga (8). More than half of the taxa are circumpolar in distribution, few are restricted to North America, and none are endemic to Baffin Island. All taxa found in east-central Baffin Island are native. Many taxa appear to be rare in the flora area; 33 are known from only 1–3 collections and 45 from only one or two localities. Remarkably high diversity was recorded in valleys at the heads of fiords, accounting for 94% of the total flora, which may be attributed to a warmer climate along with high habitat diversity. We document 21 taxa new to the flora area. Particularly noteworthy records include Puccinellia bruggemannii, newly reported from Baffin Island; Ranunculus sabinei and Crucihimalaya bursifolia, not known elsewhere on Baffin Island and disjunct by over 1,000 and 500 km, respectively; Carex holostoma, Diapensia lapponica, Harrimanella hypnoides, and Vaccinium vitis-idaea, northernmost records for Canada; and Arctous alpina and Ranunculus trichophyllus, northernmost records for eastern Canada. Our data show that species new to the flora area continue to be reported and that vast areas within it are botanically under-explored, so we expect that future work will further expand our understanding of the flora of east-central Baffin Island. This study provides essential baseline data for monitoring the impacts of climate change on the flora of this Arctic region.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.262.165533

Authors: Jordan S. Metzgar

Abstract: Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Sw. subsp. puskariorum Metzgar, subsp. nov. (Lygodiaceae) is described from the eastern USA. This taxon differs from Lygodium palmatum subsp. palmatum by its glabrous leaf undersides, absence of hairs along the fertile and sterile segment petioles, and its geographic range. It is the less widely distributed of the two subspecies.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.252.132953

Authors: Leopoldo Hurtado-Reveles, Andrés Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez

Abstract: Two new species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) from Southern Mexico are described and illustrated. Based on their floral morphology, vegetative indument, and micromorphological attributes, both species are circumscribed within the Ocotea helicterifolia group. Within this clade, the two species are morphologically similar to those with clustered leaves. Both species are endemic to the species-rich yet fragmented forests of the Uxpanapa region in Mexico, and therefore, their populations are threatened. Here, the morphological similarities of both species and their conservation status are discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.251.139172

Authors: Tito Abbo, Morgan A. Stickrod, Alexander Krohn, V. Thomas Parker, Michael C. Vasey, William Waycott, Amy Litt

Abstract: While investigating the potential for Arctostaphylos species to hybridize in the mixed populations of Point Sal and Burton Mesa in Santa Barbara County, California, we discovered that Arctostaphylos from the Nipomo Mesa (San Luis Obispo County), formerly considered a northern population of A. rudis, are genetically and morphologically distinct. We name this new taxon A. nipumu after the ytt (Northern Chumash language) word for the Nipomo Mesa region. For morphological and molecular analyses, we sampled 54 plants, focusing on A. purissima, A. rudis, and A. crustacea from multiple species and comparative single species populations. Parametric and nonparametric clustering analyses (STRUCTURE and PCA) of ddRADseq data show that Arctostaphylos from the Nipomo Mesa segregate from all other samples in the dataset. In mixed populations A. purissima and A. crustacea samples cluster with samples from other unmixed populations of the same species but A. rudis samples form two distinct clusters. One is composed of the mixed populations in Santa Barbara County, and the other consists of the Nipomo Mesa population. Additionally, the Santa Barbara County A. rudis samples are admixed in STRUCTURE analysis unlike the samples from the Nipomo Mesa. A principal component analysis of eight morphological characters shows that A. rudis individuals from Santa Barbara County tend to be phenotypically variable, occurring in a wide morphological cluster that overlaps with the tight clusters formed by A. purissima, A. crustacea, and Arctostaphylos from the Nipomo Mesa. Based on this evidence we describe the Nipomo Mesapopulation as a new species of Arctostaphylos. Given its limited and fragmented distribution we believe that A. nipumu is of critical conservation concern.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.249.137556

Authors: Itzi Fragoso-Martínez, Gerardo A. Salazar, Emmanuel Martínez-Ambriz, Martin Reith

Abstract: We describe two new species of Salvia from the Antillean dry forests, belonging to Salvia section Urbania. These species’ names honor two Latin American botanists who have advanced our understanding either of the Dominican flora or the mint family (Lamiaceae). Salvia claseana is found in the Sierra Martín García. It resembles S. calaminthifolia but differs in having strigose stems, rhombic to trullate leaves with a cuneate, decurrent base, and larger flowers. Salvia martineziana inhabits the Sierra de Bahoruco. It resembles Salvia brachyphylla but differs in having strigose stems with retrorse trichomes and flowers disposed in the axils of the distal leaves. We provide descriptions, photographs, a distribution map and an identification key for the species of Salvia section Urbania from the Dominican Republic. Additionally, we sequenced three molecular markers (nrITS, trnL-trnF, and trnH-psbA) for the new taxa and other Dominican and Haitian Salvia species to investigate their phylogenetic relationships.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.249.127215

Authors: Maria Guadalupe Maldonado-Borja, Mónica Isabel Miguel-Vázquez, Adolfo Espejo-Serna, Rosa Cerros-Tlatilpa

Abstract: Struthanthus Mart. is a challenging genus because the abundance of reproductively incomplete specimens (lacking mature pistillate and staminate flowers and fruit) has inspired the description of many species, resulting in a long list of names to be verified. In addition, the genus currently lacks a monographic treatment. Struthanthus venetus (Kunth) Blume was previously considered a heterotypic synonym of S. interruptus (Kunth) G. Don. However, examination of herbarium specimens and observation of living plants demonstrate that S. venetus is a distinct species distinguishable from S. interruptus. Here, we propose the reinstatement of S. venetus along with a complete description of the species and the designation of an epitype to complement the reproductively incomplete (lacking flowers) and severely fragmented type.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.247.132060

Authors: Michael G. Simpson, Dana A. York

Abstract: Cryptantha whippleae D.A.York & M.G.Simpson (Boraginaceae) is described as new. This species is currently known to occur in serpentine barrens in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest of Siskiyou County, California, with one outlier population in possible serpentine of Lake County, California. The new species is most similar to Cryptantha grandiflora and to C. milobakeri, these three likely each others’ closest relatives. All three have a relatively large corolla limb width and similar smooth, lance-ovate to ovate, marginally rounded, acuminate and abaxially transversely flattened nutlets. Cryptantha whippleae differs from C. grandiflora in having a short, as opposed to a tall, stem height; bifurcate as opposed to trifurcate primary axis cymules; and typically 2–3 nutlets per fruit, as opposed to usually one nutlet per fruit. Cryptantha whippleae differs from C. milobakeri also in having a short, versus tall, stem height; appressed-strigose and spreading-hispid stem vestiture, as opposed to strigose only or strigose and hirsute; calyx trichomes with two distinct vestiture types, these marginally appressed hirsute and medially hispid, as opposed to calyx trichomes of one type, dense, appressed to ascending, whitish sericeous; and 2–3 nutlets per fruit, as opposed to one nutlet per fruit. Cryptantha whippleae is relatively rare and joins seven other Cryptantha species that are found on serpentine, either obligately or facultatively. Current molecular phylogenetic studies support the mostly convergent evolution of serpentine adaptation in Cryptantha, but additional studies are needed.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.236.110905

Authors: Antonio Francisco-Gutiérrez, Miguel Cházaro-Basáñez, Rodrigo Carral-Domínguez

Abstract: The currently known species of Valeriana are herbs, shrubs, small trees and vines. After 20 years without new species of Valeriana in Mexico, here is described and illustrated the first epiphytic species in the genus. The species was found growing on Quercus glabrescens trees of the cloud forests from central Veracruz in eastern Mexico. It is known and described from very few specimens in the type locality. The most morphologically similar Mexican species are the vines V. naidae and V. subincisa, it was compared. Conservation assessment classifies this species under the Critically Endangered CR B1+B2ab(ii,v) category of the IUCN Red List Criteria.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.236.111271

Authors: Amanda Treher Eberly, Robert F. C. Naczi

Abstract: Rhynchospora mesoatlantica sp. nov. (Cyperaceae) is described, illustrated, and compared with morphologically similar species. Rhynchospora mesoatlantica is known only from southern Delaware, southeastern Maryland, and southern New Jersey, all within the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.A. It inhabits sunny, wet margins of natural, shallow, nutrient-poor, seasonal ponds of the Coastal Plain. Narrow leaf blades; fruits obpyriform in outline; faces of mature fruits possessing a central, pale, well-demarcated disk; and fruit tubercle margins denticulate for most of their lengths indicate R. mesoatlantica is most similar to R. filifolia and R. harperi. Rhynchospora mesoatlantica is unique in its fruit dimensions, scales intermediate in length between R. filifolia and R. harperi, and relatively long fruit stipe. The NatureServe rank of Critically Imperiled and the IUCN rank of Endangered appear warranted for R. mesoatlantica because only six populations are known to be extant, most quite small and isolated; all populations occur within a small geographic area; populations have declined; and serious threats confront the survival of the species.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.236.111421

Authors: Antonio Francisco-Gutiérrez, Miguel Cházaro-Basáñez, Rodrigo Carral-Domínguez, Héctor Narave-Flores, Luis Islas-Tello

Abstract: Following the description of Eugenia naraveana in 2016 from the cloud forest of the Cofre de Perote volcano, Mexico, the doubt about the existence of another unlocalized and sympatric species of Eugenia remained. After years of searching, the second endemic species of the Cofre de Perote volcano, Eugenia sarahchazaroi, is presented here. It belongs to the section Umbellatae, and is described, illustrated, and compared with E. naraveana and E. coetzalensis, recently described from Veracruz, the second state with the highest diversity of Eugenia in Mexico. The species is only known from the type locality and is classified in the Critically Endangered CR B1+B2(a,biii) category of the IUCN Red List conservation assessments.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.230.105878

Authors: J. Luis Vigosa-Mercado, Alfonso Delgado-Salinas, Leonardo O. Alvarado Cárdenas, Luis E. Eguiarte

Abstract: Agrostis is one of the most diverse genera of the Poaceae, including ca. 198 species, principally distributed in cold and temperate regions of the world, but also found in the high mountains of the tropics. We present a revision based on morphoanatomical evidence, for the biogeographic region known as Megamexico 3 (i.e., Mexico including the desert areas of southern USA and the Central America territory, to northern Nicaragua). We include taxonomic descriptions and an identification key for the found taxa, maps with the known geographical distribution of the species, and figures with the morphoanatomical characteristics, elevation and phenology. Agrostis is represented in the study zone by 20 species, of which four are endemic and three are introduced. Most records of the genus are distributed in the mountains, above 1500 m a.s.l., in open areas of temperate forests, with conifers and Quercus. Specimens with spikelets occur year round, but most records occur during the wet season, in the months of July to October. We propose a preliminary conservation assessment for each species in the study zone, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature categories: one with Deficient Data (DD), six as Endangered (EN), two as Vulnerable (VU), and 11 as Least Concern (LC).

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.226.100062

Authors: Matthew C. Pace

Abstract: Spiranthes Rich. (Orchidaceae) is a commonly encountered but systematically and nomenclaturally challenging component of the North American orchid flora. Here, the evolutionary history and hybrid origin of the recently described S. sheviakii Hough and Young are critically examined. The available molecular data unambiguously support a hybrid origin of S. cernua (L.) Rich. × S. ochroleuca (Rydb.) Rydb. for S. sheviakii, the same parentage as the priority name S. × kapnosperia M.C. Pace. As hybrid formulas can have only one correct name, S. sheviakii is a synonym of S. × kapnosperia. It is likely that S. × kapnosperia evolved independently at least twice in at least two widely disjunct locations.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.217.90573

Authors: Jeffery M. Saarela, Paul C. Sokoloff, Lynn J. Gillespie, Roger D. Bull

Abstract: The Arctic ecozone is undergoing a rapid transformation in response to climate change. Establishing a baseline of current Arctic biodiversity is necessary to be able to track changes in species diversity and distribution over time. Here, we report a vascular plant floristic study of Katannilik Territorial Park, Kimmirut and vicinity within Circumpolar Arctic Bioclimate Subzone D on southern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. We compiled a dataset of 1596 collections gathered in the study area throughout the last century, including 838 we made in 2012. The vascular flora comprises 35 families, 98 genera, 211 species, two nothospecies and seven infraspecific taxa. We newly recorded 51 taxa in 22 families in the study area: Erigeron eriocephalus, Taraxacum holmenianum (Asteraceae), Draba arctica, D. fladnizensis, D. lactea (Brassicaceae), Campanula rotundifolia (Campanulaceae), Arenaria longipedunculata, Honckenya peploides subsp. diffusa, Sabulina rossii, Silene uralensis subsp. uralensis, Viscaria alpina (Caryophyllaceae), Carex brunnescens subsp. brunnescens, C. krausei, C. microglochin, C. subspathacea, C. williamsii, Eriophorum scheuchzeri subsp. arcticum (Cyperaceae), Andromeda polifolia, Orthilia secunda subsp. obtusata (Ericaceae), Oxytropis podocarpa (Fabaceae), Luzula groenlandica (Juncaceae), Triglochin palustris (Juncaginaceae), Utricularia ochroleuca (Lentibulariaceae), Huperzia continentalis (Lycopodiaceae), Montia fontana (Montiaceae), Corallorhiza trifida, Platanthera obtusata subsp. obtusata (Orchidaceae), Hippuris lanceolata, H. vulgaris, Plantago maritima (Plantaginaceae), Calamagrostis neglecta subsp. groenlandica, C. purpurascens, Festuca prolifera var. lasiolepis, F. rubra subsp. rubra, F. rubra subsp. arctica, Hordeum jubatum subsp. jubatum, Leymus mollis subsp. mollis, L. mollis subsp. villosissimus, Puccinellia vaginata (Poaceae), Primula egaliksensis (Primulaceae), Cryptogramma stelleri (Pteridaceae), Coptidium × spitsbergense (Ranunculaceae), Potentilla crantzii, P. hyparctica subsp. hyparctica, Rubus chamaemorus, Sibbaldia procumbens (Rosaceae), Salix fuscescens (Salicaceae), Micranthes foliolosa, M. nivalis, M. tenuis (Saxifragaceae) and Woodsia alpina (Woodsiaceae). We recorded 196 taxa in Katannilik Territorial Park (191 species, three infraspecific taxa and two nothospecies); 145 of these taxa are first records for the park. We recorded 170 taxa in Kimmirut and vicinity (166 species, three infraspecific taxa and one nothospecies) in Kimmirut and vicinity; 15 of these taxa are first records for Kimmirut and vicinity. All study area species are native, except two grasses that grew in Kimmirut: F. rubra subsp. rubra, which may have been seeded and Hordeum jubatum subsp. jubatum, of unknown origin. We summarize the distribution on Baffin Island for each taxon recorded in the study area, including several unpublished southern Baffin Island records.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.205.78297

Authors: Colin E. Hughes, Jens J. Ringelberg, Melissa Luckow, José Luis Contreras Jiménez

Abstract: Recent results have demonstrated that the genus Desmanthus is non-monophyletic because the genus Kanaloa is nested within it, with a single species, Desmanthus balsensis placed as sister to the clade comprising Kanaloa plus the remaining species of Desmanthus. Here we transfer D. balsensis to a new segregate genus Mezcala, discuss the morphological features supporting this new genus, present a key to distinguish Mezcala from closely related genera in the Leucaena subclade, and provide a distribution map of M. balsensis.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.199.79501

Authors: Erandi Sánchez-Chávez, Andrew Vovides, Victoria Sosa

Abstract: Hidalgoa and Dahlia are two closely related genera in Asteraceae, tribe Coreopsideae whose limits need to be clarified. Pollen morphology has been useful for delimitation at the genus level in this family. To better define these genera, the morphology of pollen grains was observed and measured using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains of 25 species of Dahlia and Hidalgoa were acetolyzed and analyzed. Pollen is tricorporate in most of the species studied, although in a few species in Dahlia, grains were found to be hexacolporate. The most outstanding differentiating characters among species of Dahlia and Hidalgoa are colpus length (greater in Hidalgoa) and shape of spines (conical in Hidalgoa). In addition, lalongate ora are larger in Hidalgoa than in Dahlia. A PCA analysis of thirteen pollen characters, identified species of Hidalgoa in a discrete group and Dahlia cuspidata as an outlier. These distinctive attributes in pollen morphology support the idea that pollen morphology is useful for delimitation at the generic level in the Dahlia clade. Further evidence from other sources, genetic or anatomical, might contribute to demarcating Dahlia and Hidalgoa, and provide insight into the family’s evolutionary history.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.193.76365

Authors: Christopher Lee, Curtis R. Björk, Jeannette Whitton

Abstract: Townsendia lemhiensis (Asteraceae) is described from the Lemhi Valley of east-central Idaho. From a genus with weak intrinsic isolating barriers, T. lemhiensis remains distinct apparently due to apomixis and to its isolation and habitat specialization on spatially limited occurrences of ashy white soils in the Lemhi Valley. Despite similarities to T. spathulata, this new species differs in its persistent pappus, fewer series of phyllaries and sericeous rather than long woolly hairs.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.189.76464

Authors: Alejandra Flores-Argüelles, Ana Rosa López-Ferrari, Edith González-Rocha, Adolfo Espejo-Serna

Abstract: Pitcairnia abscondita sp. nov., known until now only from the Municipalities of Cabo Corrientes, Mascota, Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián del Oeste and Talpa de Allende in the State of Jalisco, Mexico, is here described and illustrated. The new taxon was confused with P. imbricata for long time, but differs from this species by its green floral bracts with the apex divergent to spreading (vs. red and appressed) and by the appendiculate at the base chartreuse-green petals (vs. not appendiculate yellow petals). Images and a distribution map of the taxa are presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.186.71445

Authors: Jefferson Carvalho-Sobrinho, Vânia Nobuko Yoshikawa, Laurence J. Dorr

Abstract: The typification and status of the names of 14 species of Pachira (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae) found in Brazil are discussed, including type material from Brazil, the Guianas, Colombia, Venezuela, and cultivated in Algeria. We designate 11 lectotypes, three neotypes, and four epitypes for these names. Six names are newly considered to be synonyms of the species accepted here. The results support a forthcoming taxonomic treatment of Pachira for the Flora of Brazil.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.177.62915

Authors: Cristian R. Cervantes, Silvia Hinojosa-Alvarez, Ana Wegier, Ulises Rosas, Salvador Arias

Abstract: Mammillaria (Cactaceae) taxonomy has been historically problematic due to the morphological variability and sympatry of the species. This has led to several proposals for infrageneric classification, including subgeneric, section and series categories. Mammillaria ser. Supertextae is one of 15 series and is made up of a variable set of species that are mainly distributed in southern Mexico and Central America. However, the phylogenetic relationships within M. ser. Supertextae and its relationship to other Mammillaria taxa are far from fully understood. Here we attempt to elucidate these relationships using complete terminal sampling and newly obtained chloroplast marker sequences and comparing them to Mammillaria species sequences from GenBank. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that M. ser. Supertextae comprises a well-supported monophyletic group that diverged approximately 2.1 Mya and has M. ser. Polyacanthae as its sister group; however, relationships within M. ser. Supertextae remain unresolved. The topology obtained within M. ser. Supertextae must also be interpreted under the distribution shared by these taxa, but it is difficult to differentiate ancestral polymorphisms from possible introgression, given the short time elapsed and the markers used. Our results show that the infrageneric units of M. haageana and M. albilanata can be considered independent evolutionary units. We also suggest that the relationship between M. haageana and M. albilanata is convoluted because their distribution overlaps (mainly towards southern Mexico), with genetic differences that possibly indicate they represent more than two taxonomic entities. One possible explanation is that there could still be gene flow between these taxa, and we might be witnessing an ongoing speciation process.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.168.51904

Authors: Ellen Dean, Jennifer Poore, Marco Antonio Anguiano-Constante, Michael H. Nee, Hannah Kang, Thomas Starbuck, Annamarie Rodrígues, Matthew Conner

Abstract: Lycianthes, the third most species-rich genus in the Solanaceae, is distributed in both the New and Old Worlds and is especially diverse in Mexico. Here we provide an identification key, taxonomic descriptions, distribution maps, and illustrations of specimens, trichomes, flowers, and fruits for the 53 known Lycianthes taxa of Mexico and Guatemala. The new combination Lycianthes scandens (Mill.) M.Nee is made and replaces the name Lycianthes lenta (Cav.) Bitter, which is placed in synonymy. Within L. scandens, two varieties are recognized (Lycianthes scandens var. scandens and Lycianthes scandens var. flavicans (Bitter) J.Poore & E.Dean, comb. nov.). In addition, one new species (Lycianthes rafatorresii E.Dean, sp. nov.) is described from eastern Mexico, and 10 names (either recognized taxa or synonyms of recognized taxa) are lectotypified, including the names Solanum heteroclitum Sendtn., S. rantonnetii Carrière, and S. synantherum Sendtn. The species L. multiflora Bitter and L. synanthera (Sendtn.) Bitter are excluded from the treatment, as research indicates that they do not occur in Mexico and Guatemala, however full synonymy for both names is given.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.156.53502

Authors: Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón, Francisco G. Lorea-Hernández, Francisco Vergara-Silva, Dennis Wm. Stevenson

Abstract: Ceratozamia is a genus of cycads occurring in eastern Mexico and Central America. In this study, we describe a new species from the Pacific region of Mexico in Guerrero state. This locality represents the most northwestern Mexico distribution for the genus. We focus the comparison of this species with the most geographically proximate and phenotypically relevant lineages for this taxon. We followed an integrative taxonomy approach to evaluate the classification of these species, including geographic location, morphology, DNA barcoding and phenology as primary sources of systematic data. Within the morphological dataset, reproductive structures are described in detail and new characters are proposed for microsporophylls. The comparative morphology of these structures facilitated the elucidation of differences in forms and species for identification. The two chosen DNA barcoding markers – namely, the chloroplast genome coding region matK and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region – had low divergence, allowing only 61% of species identification, suggesting slow molecular evolutionary rates. Besides employing these three basic sources of evidence, we introduced phenology as additional information for species circumscription. In addition, this work includes a brief review of the genus at the species-level. This is therefore the most recent review for Ceratozamia across its full geographic range (latitudinal and elevational). Overall, this work further contributes to a comprehensive framework for systematic studies in Mexican cycads.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.153.50735

Authors: Jarosław Proćków, Anna Faltyn-Parzymska, Paweł Jarzembowski, Małgorzata Proćków, Anna Jakubska-Busse

Abstract: Many herbarium sets in Europe are still being catalogued and it is likely that many old-type collections are yet to be discovered. This research has the potential to facilitate the study of the biodiversity of many regions, especially regions for which collections are extremely scarce. This has been confirmed by a case study using Juncus (Juncaceae) examining the turbulent history of botanical collections at the WRSL herbarium and the evaluation of its importance to the study of taxonomy and biodiversity since 1821. The analysis revealed that the WRSL collection is rich in types (ca. 3.6%) and we identified 76 (of 78) new, historically and nomenclaturally important specimens (types, original material and so-called “topotypes”). Some of these type specimens represent duplicates of these that were stored in Berlin and destroyed during World War II. Many of the type specimens are from the United States of America, South Africa, India, and Canada. The largest number of Juncus type specimens stored at WRSL originate from South Africa (42.3% of all type specimens), even though Juncus is rare in Africa. Our study highlights that uncatalogued old collections that are under-explored and under-exploited have the potential to facilitate the discovery of specimens important for the study of biodiversity, conservation, taxonomy and nomenclature.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.148.50042

Authors: Steven P. Sylvester, Paul M. Peterson, Konstantin Romaschenko, William J. Bravo-Pedraza, Lia E. Cuta-Alarcon, Robert J. Soreng

Abstract: Based on morphological study and corroborated by unpublished molecular phylogenetic analyses, five grass species of high-mountain grasslands in Mexico, Central and South America, Agrostis bacillata, A. exserta, A. liebmannii, A. rosei, and A. trichodes, are transferred to Podagrostis and bring the number of species of this genus recognized in the New World to ten. The name Apera liebmannii is lectotypified and epitypified. We provide an updated genus description for Podagrostis, and updated species descriptions, images, and notes on the new combinations. The diagnostic characteristics differentiating Podagrostis from Agrostis are: a) palea that reaches from (2/3) ¾ to almost the apex of the lemma; b) florets that usually almost equal the length of the glumes or are at least ¾ the length of the glumes; c) rachilla extension present and emerging from under the base of the palea as a slender short stub (rudimentary or up to 1.4 mm long, sometimes obscure in most florets in P. rosei), smooth or scaberulous, glabrous or distally pilulose (hairs < 0.3 mm long); d) lemmas usually awnless, sometimes with a short straight awn 0.2–0.6 mm long, inserted medially or in the upper 1/3 of the lemma, not surpassing the glumes (awn well-developed, straight or geniculate and inserted in lower 1/3 of lemma, not or briefly surpassing glumes in P. rosei). We include a generic key to distinguish the species of Podagrostis from other similar genera in Latin America and a key to distinguish the species of Podagrostis now accepted as occurring in these areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.144.49589

Authors: Jake E. Haynes, Whitney D. Phillips, Alexander Krings, Nathan P. Lynch, Thomas G. Ranney

Abstract: Fothergilla is a small genus of deciduous shrubs native to the southeastern United States that depending on circumscription comprises two to four species. Recent treatments recognized only two species in the genus: F. gardenii (tetraploid) and F. major (hexaploid). Until recently, no diploid taxon of Fothergilla was known. However, recent investigations identified a number of diploid populations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. A subsequent phylogenomic analysis showed that the diploids segregated into two, well-supported lineages, corresponding to largely allopatric populations. A re-examination of the morphology of diploid plants, in combination with the genetic evidence, has led us to the recognition of two species of diploids in the genus – a resurrected F. parvifolia and a new species (F. milleri W.D. Phillips & J.E. Haynes, sp. nov.) – bringing the total number of recognized species in Fothergilla to four. A revised taxonomic treatment of the genus is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.141.48810

Authors: Jeffery M. Saarela, Paul C. Sokoloff, Lynn J. Gillespie, Roger D. Bull, Bruce A. Bennett, Serguei Ponomarenko

Abstract: Victoria Island in Canada’s western Arctic is the eighth largest island in the world and the second largest in Canada. Here, we report the results of a floristic study of vascular plant diversity of Victoria Island. The study is based on a specimen-based dataset comprising 7031 unique collections from the island, including some 2870 new collections gathered between 2008 and 2019 by the authors and nearly 1000 specimens variously gathered by N. Polunin (in 1947), M. Oldenburg (1940s–1950s) and S. Edlund (1980s) that, until recently, were part of the unprocessed backlog of the National Herbarium of Canada and unavailable to researchers. Results are presented in an annotated checklist, including keys and distribution maps for all taxa, citation of specimens, comments on taxonomy, distribution and the history of documentation of taxa across the island, and photographs for a subset of taxa. The vascular plant flora of Victoria Island comprises 38 families, 108 genera, 272 species, and 17 additional taxa. Of the 289 taxa known on the island, 237 are recorded from the Northwest Territories portion of the island and 277 from the Nunavut part. Thirty-nine taxa are known on the island from a single collection, seven from two collections and three from three collections. Twenty-one taxa in eight families are newly recorded for the flora of Victoria Island: Artemisia tilesii, Senecio lugens, Taraxacum scopulorum (Asteraceae); Crucihimalaya bursifolia, Draba fladnizensis, D. juvenilis, D. pilosa, D. simmonsii (Brassicaceae); Carex bigelowii subsp. bigelowii, Eriophorum russeolum subsp. albidum (Cyperaceae); Anthoxanthum monticola subsp. monticola, Bromus pumpellianus, Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa, D. sukatschewii, Festuca rubra subsp. rubra, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis (Poaceae); Stuckenia filiformis (Potamogetonaceae); Potentilla × prostrata (Rosaceae); Galium aparine (Rubiaceae); and Salix ovalifolia var. ovalifolia (Salicaceae). Eight of these are new to the flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: Senecio lugens, Draba juvenilis, D. pilosa, Anthoxanthum monticola subsp. monticola, Bromus pumpellianus, Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa, Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis and Salix ovalifolia var. ovalifolia. One of these, Galium aparine, is newly recorded for the flora of Nunavut. Four first records for Victoria Island are introduced plants discovered in Cambridge Bay in 2017: three grasses (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra, Lolium perenne, and Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis) and Galium aparine. One taxon, Juncus arcticus subsp. arcticus, is newly recorded from the Northwest Territories. Of the general areas on Victoria Island that have been botanically explored the most, the greatest diversity of vascular plants is recorded in Ulukhaktok (194 taxa) and the next most diverse area is Cambridge Bay (183 taxa). The floristic data presented here represent a new baseline on which continued exploration of the vascular flora of Victoria Island – particularly the numerous areas of the island that remain unexplored or poorly explored botanically – will build.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.132.36959

Authors: Rodrigo Alejandro Hernández-Cárdenas, Alejandra Serrato Díaz, Ana Rosa López-Ferrari, Adolfo Espejo-Serna

Abstract: Based on morphological evidence, we propose to raise Tillandsia mauryana forma secundifolia to species level with the name Viridantha secundifolia (Ehlers) Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr. Viridantha secundifolia can be readily distinguished by the falciform rosettes, the broadly oblong to square, 1–1.2 × 0.8–1.1 cm leaf sheaths and by the 1.8–2 × 0.7–1.2 cm floral bracts. Additionally, we describe and illustrate Viridantha uniflora Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr., from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. The new species is morphologically similar to Viridantha boqueronensis, but differs by the nearly square leaf sheaths, 1.3–1.5 × 0.4–0.5 cm spikes and by the presence of only one flower per spike. A key to the taxa, morphological descriptions, list of specimens examined, illustrations and a distribution map of the described taxa are included.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.132.37538

Authors: Annelise Frazão, Lúcia G. Lohmann

Abstract: Tanaecium Sw. emend L.G. Lohmann (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) is a genus of Neotropical lianas that is morphologically variable, especially in floral features. The genus is distributed from Mexico and the Antilles to Argentina, and centered in Amazonia. Here, we present an updated overview for Tanaecium that recognizes 21 species within the genus. Species delimitation was based on a detailed analysis of protologues and herbarium specimens, including type collections of all taxa. We present a detailed description for the genus and a key for the identification of all species. For each of the 21 species recognized, we present information on the nomenclature, phenology, habitat, distribution, and taxonomic notes. Furthermore, Spathicalyx kuhlmannii J.C. Gomes is transferred into Tanaecium kuhlmannii (J.C. Gomes) Frazão & L.G. Lohmann. A lectotype is proposed for Tanaecium crucigerum Seem.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.125.34877

Authors: James A. Compton, Brian D. Schrire, Kálmán Könyves, Félix Forest, Panagiota Malakasi, Sawai Mattapha, Yotsawate Sirichamorn

Abstract: The Tribe Wisterieae (Zhu 1994), founded on the single genus Wisteria, is emended and recircumscribed based on morphology and data from nuclear ITS and ndhJ-trnF, matK and rbcL chloroplast DNA sequences. This newly enlarged tribe comprises 36 species and 9 infraspecific taxa within 13 described genera. Six genera are new, two are reinstated and five were previously placed in Tribe Millettieae. The genus Adinobotrys is also reinstated comprising two species including the new combination A. vastus. Other reinstated genera include Whitfordiodendron, with four species, and Padbruggea, with three species, including the reinstatement of P. filipes and the new combination P. filipes var. tomentosa. The existing genera Afgekia, Callerya, Endosamara (with the new combination E. racemosa var. pallida), Sarcodum and Wisteria, with the new combinations W. frutescens subsp. macrostachya are evaluated. The new genera comprise three Australasian species in Austrocallerya: A. australis, A. megasperma and A. pilipes; Wisteriopsis with five species from east Asia has six new combinations: W. japonica, W. kiangsiensis, W. championii, W. eurybotrya, W. reticulata and W. reticulata var. stenophylla. Two species comprise the new Thai genus Kanburia: K. tenasserimensis and K. chlorantha. Nanhaia comprises the two species: N. fordii and N. speciosa and the monotypic genera Sigmoidala and Serawaia are based respectively on the species S. kityana and S. strobilifera. Lectotypes are designated for the names Adinobotrys filipes, A. myrianthus, Millettia bonatiana, Millettia bracteosa, Millettia championii, Millettia cinerea, Millettia dielsiana, Millettia kityana, M. maingayi, Millettia nitida, Millettia oocarpa, Millettia purpurea, M. reticulata, M. reticulata var. stenophylla, Padbruggea dasyphylla, Pterocarpus australis, Robinia racemosa, Whitfordiodendron scandens, W. sumatranum and Wisteria pallida. A neotype is designated for the name Millettia leiogyna.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.118.31603

Authors: Claudia T. Hornung-Leoni, Yesenia J. Chavarria-Olmedo, Ivón M. Ramírez-Morillo

Abstract: This study presents a list of species of the two most important families with epiphytic elements, Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae, from the Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán (RBBM), the largest Reserve in Hidalgo, Mexico. Thirty-four species are included, 26 corresponding to species in three genera of bromeliads, and eight species in six genera of orchids. The new records represent 26.5% of the total listed in the area; nine of them are new records for the Reserve (RBBM) and one is new for Hidalgo State. This study reveals that endemism for both families is very important in the Reserve (55.88%), since it includes 13 Mexican bromeliads, of which two are endemic to Hidalgo and one to the Reserve, and three orchids, two endemic to Mexico and one to the Reserve. We found species with different types of relative abundance: rare (16) and occasional (7). Additionally, we include information about the category (IUCN, CITES, NOM-059-SEMARNAT) as well as uses reported in the literature for the species in the RBBM. The checklist is strictly based on information obtained from deposited herbarium specimens as well as from those collected during fieldwork. We suggest that a conservation plan (in situ and ex situ) for the RBBM is important and necessary. The predominant habit for both families is epiphytic (17 species); even though there are terrestrial (7) and saxicolous (2), and the remaining are facultative species (8). Nine species are included in some risk category. The present work is the most complete and updated list of Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae for this important natural area in the Mexican State of Hidalgo. However, more fieldwork is needed to document the biodiversity of the area in general and its flora in particular, as a way to highlight the importance of protected areas in preserving biodiversity.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.114.30551

Authors: Huiying Yu, Feiyi Guo, Yumin Shu, Zhixiang Zhang

Abstract: P. brevistyla, P. delavayi and P. leptophylla. belong to Celastraceae, Parnassia L., Sect. Nectarotrilobos Drude, Subsect. Xiphosandra (Franch.) Ku. Due to lack of material, the reliability of their taxonomic characteristics remained unknown and all three species have been retained. Following extensive field investigations, population sampling and examination of specimens, we determined that the previously used characteristics to distinguish these three species, i.e. the shape of basal leaves and the depth of staminode lobes, vary continuously within populations and should not be used to distinguish separate species. Therefore, P. brevistyla and P. leptophylla are hereby designated as synonyms of P. delavayi.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.111.26856

Authors: Mario Daniel Vargas-Luna, Patricia Hernández-Ledesma, Lucas Charles Majure, Raúl Puente-Martínez, Héctor Manuel Hernández Macías, Rolando Tenoch Bárcenas Luna

Abstract: Molecular phylogenetic studies of the six currently accepted species in the genus Echinocactus have partially clarified certain aspects of its phylogeny. Most of the studies lack a complete sampling of Echinocactus and are based only in one source of data. Phylogenetic uncertainties in Echinocactus, such as the recognition of Homalocephala as a different genus from Echinocactus, the exclusion of E. grusonii or the affinities of E. polycephalus, are here resolved. Phylogenetic relationships of Echinocactus were reconstructed with a maximum parsimony, a maximum likelihood and a Bayesian approach including 42 morphological characters, four chloroplast markers (atpB-rbcL, trnH-psbA, trnL-trnF and trnK/matK) and two nuclear genes. The utility of these two nuclear regions related to the betalain cycles (DODA and 5GT) are explored and discussed in relation to their potential as phylogenetic markers. Concatenated analyses with morphological and molecular data sets, plus 13 indels (2847 characters and 26 taxa), show general agreement with previous independent phylogenetic proposals but with strong support in order to propose the recognition of a reduced Echinocactus and the recognition of Homalocephala at the generic level. These results recovered a polyphyletic Echinocactus as currently defined. The here-named HEA clade, recovers the species of Homalocephala, Echinocacuts and Astrophytum as a monophyletic group with strong internal support. The Homalocephala (H. texensis, H. parryi and H. polycephala), was recovered as sister to the Echinocactus clade (E. platyacanthus and E. horizonthalonius), plus the Astrophytum clade. Consequently, we propose here to recognise a monophyletic Echinocactus and a monophyletic Homalocephala as two distinct genera with their own molecular and morphological synapomorphies. The evolution of some morphological characters supporting these clades are discussed, the necessary new taxonomic combinations for Homalocephala are proposed and an identification key for the genera, the species and the subspecies of the HEA clade are presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.100.23152

Authors: Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón, Francisco Vergara-Silva, Dennis Wm. Stevenson

Abstract: The genus Ceratozamia is revised for the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. This region is one of the biogeographic areas with the greatest diversity of species in this genus. These species are highly variable morphologically and this variability has led to a complex taxonomic history with many synonyms, particularly with reference to C. mexicana. We present a comprehensive taxonomic revision with history of nomenclature and the morphology, relationships, distribution and use of these species. We also introduce a key for their identification, descriptions, full synonymy, nomenclatural notes, etymologies and neotypes as well as taxonomic comments describing relevant taxonomic changes. We recognise fourteen species in this biogeographic province: C. brevifrons, C. chamberlainii, C. decumbens, C. delucana, C. fuscoviridis, C. hildae, C. kuesteriana, C. latifolia, C. mexicana, C. morettii, C. sabatoi, C. tenuis, C. totonacorum and C. zaragozae. This study provides a foundation for future taxonomic work in Neotropical species of Ceratozamia.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.98.24296

Authors: David P. Morin, Patrick J. Alexander, James B. Beck, Michael D. Windham, C. Donovan Bailey

Abstract: Boechera is a model genus that is of particular interest for understanding apomixis due to the presence of numerous apomictic diploid lineages that are tightly correlated with hybridisation events. Boechera includes many narrowly distributed endemics and apomictic hybrid lineages that obscure morphological boundaries amongst taxa. In this study, we focus on the Boechera suffrutescens complex, a phylogenetically well-supported but taxonomically complex north-western United States clade whose diploid species currently include the widespread B. suffrutescens and two narrowly distributed serpentine endemics, B. constancei and B. rollei. Using a 15-locus microsatellite dataset, we infer ploidy and sexual vs. apomictic reproduction for all individuals and then assess species limits for all sexual diploid samples. Our results support the recognition of B. rollei and B. constancei as distinct species and reveal three divergent sexual diploid lineages within B. suffrutescens sensu lato. The latter three lineages exhibit geographic, genetic and morphological coherence and consequently warrant recognition at the species rank. These include Boechera suffrutescens s.s., which is restricted to Idaho and eastern Oregon, Boechera botulifructa, a newly described species distributed along the Cascade Mountain Province from Lassen County, California north to Deschutes County, Oregon and the heretofore dismissed species Boechera duriuscula (basionym ≡ Arabis duriuscula), which occurs along the Sierra Nevada Province from Plumas County southwards to Fresno County, California. Our data also reveal substructure in B. constancei that is likely attributable to the highly fragmented distribution of its serpentine habitat. This refined taxonomic framework for the B. suffrutescens complex enhances Boechera as a model system, adds to our knowledge of speciation in edaphically extreme environments and provides information on ongoing conservation efforts for these taxa.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.91.21530

Authors: Leigh A. Johnson, David Gowen

Abstract: Navarretia divaricata, endemic to western North America and most recently considered a single species with two subspecies, was re-examined in light of field work, DNA sequences, comparative morphology, and a review of herbarium specimens including types. From these studies, we lectotypify the material on which N. divaricata is based, elevate N. divaricata subsp. vividior, which is an allotetraploid, to species rank (as N. vividior comb. et stat. nov.), and recognize three additional species: N. modocensis sp. nov., N. aeroides sp. nov., and N. torreyella sp. nov. Navarretia modocensis, the diploid paternal progenitor of N. vividior, is morphologically cryptic with respect to its allotetraploid offspring and difficult to distinguish on herbarium sheets. Navarretia aeroides, the diploid maternal progenitor of N. vividior, is nearly cryptic, but more easily distinguished from both N. modocensis and N. vividior by its smaller, more glandular inflorescences. Navarretia torreyella is readily distinguished from all of these species, but has been generally mistaken for N. divaricata subsp. vividior given its colored corolla tube and rare co-occurrence with the other vividior-like species. Conservation assessments, an identification key, and table of comparative morphological features are provided for each species, emended descriptions for N. divaricata and N. vividior, and a discussion of the syntypes for Gilia divaricata Torr. ex A.Gray.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.86.13532

Authors: AJ Harris, Yousheng Chen, Richard T. Olsen, Sue Lutz, Jun Wen

Abstract: In this study, we expanded Acer sect. Rubra Pax to include A. sect. Hyptiocarpa Fang. Traditionally, section Rubra comprises two iconic species, Acer rubrum Linnaeus (red maple) and A. saccharinum Linnaeus (silver maple), of eastern North American forests as well as the rare Japanese montane species, A. pycnanthum K. Koch. Section Hyptiocarpa consists of A. laurinum Hasskarl and A. pinnatinervium Merrill, which occur in subtropical and tropical regions of southwestern China to southeast Asia. Here, we confirm prior phylogenetic results showing the close relationship between sects. Rubra and Hyptiocarpa, and we use scanning electron microscopy to demonstrate that leaves of species within these sections have similar arrangements of cuticular waxes, which account for the silvery color of their abaxial surfaces. We describe that the sections also share labile sex expression; inflorescences that range from compound racemose thyrses, to racemes or umbels and that may have undergone evolutionary reduction; and several features of their fruits, such as seed locules without keels, basal portion of wings straight, acute attachment angle between mericarps, and production of some mericarps that are seedless and partially developed at maturity. Our expansion of sect. Rubra to include sect. Hyptiocarpa better elucidates the biogeographic and evolutionary history of these species. Additionally, we show that A. laurinum and A. pinnatinervium have intergrading morphology and are probably synonymous, but we note that further studies are required to conclude their taxonomic status.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.85.14935

Authors: Alan R. Franck

Abstract: The pervasive difficulties encountered with studying Galactia in the eastern USA necessitate additional typifications to stabilize the taxonomy. Galactia purshii is lectotypified here as the earliest available but overlooked name for a fairly common species of the Atlantic Coast and peninsular Florida. Galactia volubilis is epitypified here since the characterization of the species has been limited by its lectotype being an illustration. A lectotype is designated for Galactia pilosa var. angustifolia, a form with narrow leaves here considered synonymous with G. volubilis.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.81.13106

Authors: Ben S. Legler, Markus S. Dillenberger

Abstract: Sabulina basaltica and Sabulina sororia (Caryophyllaceae) are described as new species endemic to Washington State, U.S.A. Sabulina basaltica is restricted to high-elevation, basalt rocks in the northeastern Olympic Mountains, and Sabulina sororia to high-elevation, dunite rocks of the Twin Sisters Range in the North Cascade Mountains. Both were previously confused with Sabulina rossii (formerly called Arenaria rossii or Minuartia rossii). Their recognition as distinct species is supported by morphological and molecular characters and disjunct geographic distributions. Both are illustrated, mapped and compared to related species. We also present a molecular phylogeny of Sabulina based on nuclear ITS and plastid trnQ-rps16 DNA with increased sampling of North American taxa. The phylogeny resolves a single clade containing all glabrous, perennial, North American Sabulina taxa including Sabulina rossii and both of the new species.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.12962

Authors: Craig C. Freeman

Abstract: Seven nomenclatural novelties in Penstemon (Plantaginaceae) are proposed for taxa that will be included in the forthcoming treatment of the genus in the Flora of North America North of Mexico series. Three additional novelties are made for Mexican taxa outside the flora area. Penstemon xylus A. Nelson is determined to be the correct name for the species heretofore called P. tusharensis N. Holmgren.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.75.10473

Authors: Adam C. Schneider

Abstract: Recent phylogenetic studies support a monophyletic clade of New World broomrapes (Orobanche sects. Gymnocaulis and Nothaphyllon) sister to the Old World genus Phelipanche. I place the New World taxa in the genus Aphyllon, propose 21 new combinations, and provide a list of currently accepted taxa.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.75.9198

Authors: Ignacio García-Ruiz, Dagoberto Valentín-Martínez, Pablo Carrillo-Reyes, Mihai Costea

Abstract: A new species, Echeveria coruana, is described and illustrated from the malpaís near San Andrés Corú, Michoacan, Mexico. The species belongs to series Gibbiflorae and the new taxon was compared with E. purhepecha and E. patriotica, with whom it shares the closest morphological affinities. Additionally, E. yalmanantlaensis an endangered species from Sierra of Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, State of Colima, was also discovered near San Andrés Corú and is reported for the first time from the State of Michoacan. The conservation status of both species was (re)evaluated according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.74.10380

Authors: Peter W. Schafran, Steven W. Leonard, Rebecca D. Bray, W. Carl Taylor, Lytton J. Musselman

Abstract: Isoetes mississippiensis S.W. Leonard, W.C. Taylor, L.J. Musselman and R.D. Bray (Isoetaceae, Lycopodiophyta) is a new species known from two sites along tributaries of the Pearl River in southern Mississippi. This species is distinguished from other species in the southeastern United States by a combination of character states including a basic diploid (2n=22) chromosome count, laevigate megaspores, and a narrow velum covering less than one-third of the adaxial sporangium wall.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.65.8454

Authors: Andres Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez, Carlos Manuel Burelo Ramos, Héctor Gomez-Dominguez

Abstract: Amphitecna loreae Ortiz-Rodr. & Burelo, sp. nov. (Bignoniaceae), a new species endemic to the karst rainforest in southern Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from the other species of Amphitecna by the combination of cauliflorous inflorescences, larger flowers, buds rounded at apex, and globose-ellipsoid rather than acuminate fruits. A key to the Mexican species of Amphitecna is presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.62.7953

Authors: Diego F. Morales-Briones

Abstract: A new species of Lachemilla (Rosaceae), Lachemilla mexiquense D.F. Morales-B., from Mexico is described and illustrated. This species is similar to Lachemilla aphanoides by its tripartite leaves and glomerulate inflorescence with entirely glabrous flowers, but it differs by its stonoliferous habit, persistent basal leaves and basal stipules, and smaller flowers with a campanulate-elongate hypanthium and single carpel. A key to the species of Lachemilla in Mexico is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.56.6268

Authors: Karolina Fučíková

Abstract: A rarely reported taxon, the microscopic green alga Pachycladella, was found in a pond in Connecticut. Due to an unresolved taxonomic debate within the genus, the species-level identity of the newly discovered population cannot be determined with absolute certainty. However, according to the currently accepted classification the Connecticut specimens best match Pachycladella zatoriensis, heretofore only known from Europe. The find represents not only the first record of Pachycladella in Connecticut, but also in the entire New England region. This study highlights the need for continuing floristic surveys even in regions previously well explored.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.55.9112

Authors: Robert Mattera, Thomas Molnar, Lena Struwe

Abstract: Big-bracted dogwoods (Cornus sp.) are well-known plants in North America and eastern Asia where they occur as wild, generally spring-flowering understory trees. They are also popular ornamental landscape plants, and many economically important cultivars are propagated and sold across North America, Europe, and Asia. Starting in the late 1960s, Elwin Orton of Rutgers University in New Jersey (USA) utilized three geographically disjunct species of dogwoods, C. florida (eastern North America), C. nuttallii (western North America), and C. kousa (East Asia), in an extensive interspecific hybridization program. He was successful in developing the first-ever interspecific F1 hybrids of these species, several of which have become staple items in the ornamental nursery trade due to their enhanced ornamental qualities and resistance to diseases. The original F1 plants are still alive at Rutgers University. While they have been available for decades in horticultural commerce, the interspecific hybrid crosses were never formally described and their scientific hybrid names were never published. For the C. kousa × C. florida hybrids, the name Cornus ‘rutgersensis’ has been used on occasion in the horticultural trade, but without proper citation and description. Here, it is formally named Cornus × rutgersensis Mattera, T. Molnar, & Struwe, hybr. nov. For the C. kousa × C. nuttallii hybrids, no previous name has been used, and it is hereby named Cornus × elwinortonii Mattera, T. Molnar, & Struwe, hybr. nov. The need for providing scientific names for commonly used horticultural hybrids is discussed. Holotype material for both hybrid names was collected from the original F1 hybrids for full documentation, typification, and description. The comparative intermediate development of leaves, inflorescence structures, and fruit types of the hybrids and their parents is discussed and illustrated. Etymology, phenology, and cultivation aspects of these hybrids and their cultivars including backcrosses to C. kousa are also presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.50.4886

Authors: Warren L. Wagner, Peter C. Hoch, James L. Zarucchi

Abstract: In 2007, Wagner and Hoch proposed the new name Oenothera xenogaura W.L.Wagner & Hoch for the species then known as Gaura drummondii (Spach) Torrey & A. Gray (non O. drummondii Hooker, 1834). However, the authors overlooked the availability of Gaura hispida Bentham (1840) for this species. Accordingly, we herewith make the appropriate new combination for this species, O. hispida (Bentham) W.L.Wagner, Hoch & Zarucchi, and place O. xenogaura in synonymy.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.44.8750

Authors: Ashley N. Egan

Abstract: Pediomelum is a genus endemic to North America comprising about 26 species, including the megalanthum complex, which consists of P. megalanthum and its varieties retrorsum and megalanthum, P. mephiticum, and the recently described P. verdiense and P. pauperitense. Historically, species of the megalanthum complex have been variably recognized at the species or variety levels, dependent upon the relative importance of morphological characters as diagnostic of species. Ten quantitative morphological characters regarded as diagnostic at the species level were analyzed using multivariate morphometrics across these taxa in order to examine the discriminatory power of these characters to delineate species and to aid in species delimitation. The analyses support the recognition of P. megalanthum, P. mephiticum, and P. verdiense at the species level, P. retrorsum as a variety under P. megalanthum, and suggest the sinking of P. pauperitense into P. verdiense. The findings of the present study help quantify the power of certain characters at delimiting taxa and provide a basis for taxonomic revision of the P. megalanthum complex.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.42.7704

Authors: Jun Wen, John Boggan, Ze-Long Nie

Abstract: The genus Nekemias (Vitaceae) was first recognized by Rafinesque in 1838. It has been treated as a synonym of Ampelopsis Michx. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest that Ampelopsis as traditionally delimited is paraphyletic. To maintain the monophyly of each of the genera of Vitaceae, we herein segregate the Ampelopsis sect. Leeaceifoliae lineage from Ampelopsis and recognize these taxa in Nekemias Raf., which has a disjunct distribution in eastern to southeastern Asia and eastern North America. Nomenclatural changes are made for nine species and one variety: Nekemias arborea (L.) J. Wen & Boggan, N. cantoniensis (Hook. & Arn.) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, N. celebica (Suess.) J. Wen & Boggan, N. chaffanjonii (H. Lév. & Van.) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, N. gongshanensis (C.L. Li) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, N. grossedentata (Hand.-Mazz.) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, N. hypoglauca (Hance) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, N. megalophylla (Diels & Gilg) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, N. megalophylla var. jiangxiensis (W.T. Wang) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie, and N. rubifolia (Wall.) J. Wen & Z.L. Nie. A taxonomic key is provided for the genus to facilitate identification.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.38.7408

Authors: Isys Souza, Ligia Funch, Luciano de Queiroz

Abstract: Hymenaea is a genus of the Resin-producing Clade of the tribe Detarieae (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) with 14 species. Hymenaea courbaril is the most widespread species of the genus, ranging from southern Mexico to southeastern Brazil. As currently circumscribed, H. courbaril is a polytypic species with six varieties: var. altissima, var. courbaril, var. longifolia, var. stilbocarpa, var. subsessilis, and var. villosa. These varieties are distinguishable mostly by traits related to leaflet shape and indumentation, and calyx indumentation. We carried out morphometric analyses of 14 quantitative (continuous) leaf characters in order to assess the taxonomy of H. courbaril under the Unified Species Concept framework. Cluster analysis used the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrices. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were carried out based on the same morphometric matrix. Two sets of Analyses of Similarity and Non Parametric Multivariate Analysis of Variance were carried out to evaluate statistical support (1) for the major groups recovered using UPGMA and PCA, and (2) for the varieties. All analyses recovered three major groups coincident with (1) var. altissima, (2) var. longifolia, and (3) all other varieties. These results, together with geographical and habitat information, were taken as evidence of three separate metapopulation lineages recognized here as three distinct species. Nomenclatural adjustments, including reclassifying formerly misapplied types, are proposed.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.36.6784

Authors: Knud Ib Christensen, Mehdi Zarrei, Maria Kuzmina, Nadia Talent, Charlotte Lin, Timothy Dickinson

Abstract: Crataegus monogyna Jacq. is naturalized in North America, where it has hybridized with native diploid hawthorns at least twice. We provide names for the two nothospecies (as well as for the corresponding nothosections and nothoseries), referring to existing documentation in the literature for nothosp. nov. Crataegus ×ninae-celottiae K.I. Chr. & T.A. Dickinson (C. monogyna × C. punctata Jacq.). New data are provided to further document nothosp. nov. Crataegus ×cogswellii K.I. Chr. & T.A. Dickinson (C. monogyna × C. suksdorfii (Sarg.) Kruschke). In both cases, the striking differences in leaf shape between most New World hawthorns and Old World section Crataegus, and the intermediacy of the hybrids, account for the relative ease with which these hybrids can be recognized. Finally, new sequence data from ITS2 and chloroplast DNA barcoding loci confirm the genetic relationships between the two nothospecies and their respective parents.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.35.6751

Authors: Shannon Still

Abstract: Two new species of Eschscholzia are described. Both are found in the deserts of California and one extends outside the state boundary into Arizona. Eschscholzia androuxii Still, sp.nov. is found mainly in and around Joshua Tree National Park in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Eschscholzia papastillii Still, sp. nov. is found from the northern Mojave south through Joshua Tree National Park to central Imperial County. Both are annuals found in coarse, sandy soil and have yellow flowers typical of desert Eschscholzia. Eschscholzia papastillii has an expanded receptacular rim similar to that of E. californica. Eschscholzia androuxii has anthocyanin bands around the stamen filaments.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.34.7040

Authors: Warren Wagner

Abstract: In 1978 when Straley adopted the name Oenothera fruticosa L. subsp. glauca (Michx.) Straley for one of the two recognized subspecies of O. fruticosa it was the correct name for this taxon; however, since that time the botanical code has changed so that now an autonym is treated aspriority over the name or names of the same date and rank that established it. This change means that since 1981 O. fruticosa subsp. glauca was no longer the correct name. The appropriate combination for it is made here as O. fruticosa L. subsp. tetragona (Roth) W.L. Wagner. Original material for the basionym, O. tetragona, is no longer extant so a neotype is designated.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.32.6733

Authors: Amanda Grusz, Michael Windham

Abstract: The fern genus Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae) has perplexed taxonomists for more than two centuries. Complex patterns of evolution involving rampant morphological convergence, polyploidy, hybridization, and apomixis have made the taxonomy of this group especially difficult. Fortunately, recent phylogenetic analyses have helped to clarify relationships among cheilanthoid taxa. Based on these findings, we here formalize an updated taxonomy for one monophyletic clade comprising 47 primarily North and Central American taxa usually included in Cheilanthes. Because the type species of Cheilanthes (C. micropteris) is only distantly related to this clade, we resurrect the genus Myriopteris to accommodate these taxa, and present a revised circumscription for the group, including 36 new combinations.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.32.6020

Authors: Mitchell Provance, Andrew Sanders

Abstract: A new morning glory, Calystegia felix Provance & A.C. Sanders sp. nov. (Convolvulaceae), is described from the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana River basins. Historical collections of the species, which prior to 2011 had not been seen alive in 94 years, have been misidentified as Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br. subsp. binghamiae (Greene) Brummitt. The undescribed species was rediscovered in the City of Chino in April of 2011, a few miles north of the location where the most recent previous collection had been made by I. M. Johnston in 1917. The plants were found just prior to their likely destruction by grading and trenching for an underground power line. Intensive searches have resulted in the discovery of five additional occurrences, all of them in the City of Chino. Calystegia felix is at high risk of soon becoming extinct in the wild. All of the known extant occurrences are associated with well-watered landscaping on recently completed industrial, commercial, and residential developments. Every known living occurrence is within the limits of a ciénega belt, which is now mostly historical. Otherwise, the new species is only known only from collections made around the turn of the 20th century in what are now heavily urbanized areas, including one from South Los Angeles and another from Pico Rivera in Los Angeles County. Calystegia felix lacks the large bracts that immediately subtend, and enclose the calyx, which are always present in members of the C. sepium complex. Affinities to C. felix are found among other western US species with graduated sepals and small, often somewhat remote bracts. We discuss the enduring confusion between C. felix and C. sepium subsp. binghamiae, and differentiate the new species from some of its more likely relatives. The taxonomic treatment is supplemented by photos of herbarium specimens and living plants. We also discuss the ecological setting of Chino’s ciénega belt, which was a mosaic of palustrine wetlands.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.29.6004

Authors: Geoffrey Levin

Abstract: A synopsis of the New World species of Drypetes (Putranjivaceae) with asymmetrical drupes is presented. The group consists of three species: D. alba, with two varieties, from the West Indies, D. gentryi from Mexico, and the newly described D. asymmetricarpa from Costa Rica. The new species can be distinguished from both its relatives by its longer fruiting pedicels. In addition, the new species differs from D.alba by its larger fruits, and from D. gentryi byshorter staminate pedicels and stigmas borne on styles (rather than sessile). Lectotypes are designated for D. alba var. latifolia and D. incurva.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.28.6143

Authors: Warren Wagner, Kyra Krakos, Peter C. Hoch

Abstract: The long-recognized genus Gaura was shown recently to be deeply nested within one of two major clades of Oenothera. New molecular data indicate further taxonomic changes are necessary in Oenothera sect. Gaura. We make these changes here, including three new combinations, in advance of the Onagraceae treatment for the Flora of North America. The new phylogenetic studies show that several pairs of taxa treated as subspecies in the most recent revision by Raven and Gregory (1972) had independent origins within sect. Gaura, and are here elevated to species level (Oenothera nealleyi for Gaura suffulta subsp. nealleyi; Oenothera dodgeniana for Gaura neomexicana subsp. neomexicana; and Oenothera podocarpa for Gaura hexandra subsp. gracilis). Also, a nomenclatural problem in Oenothera sect. Calylophus is corrected by adopting the name Oenothera capillifolia Scheele for the species known previously, and nomenclaturally correct, as Calylophus berlandieri Spach. This problem necessitates a new combination Oenothera capillifolia subsp. berlandieri.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.25.3100

Authors: Peter Desmet, Luc Brouilet

Abstract: The Database of Vascular Plants of Canada or VASCAN (http://data.canadensys.net/vascan) is a comprehensive and curated checklist of all vascular plants reported in Canada, Greenland (Denmark), and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France). VASCAN was developed at the Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre and is maintained by a group of editors and contributors. For every core taxon in the checklist (species, subspecies, or variety), VASCAN provides the accepted scientific name, the accepted French and English vernacular names, and their synonyms/alternatives in Canada, as well as the distribution status (native, introduced, ephemeral, excluded, extirpated, doubtful or absent) of the plant for each province or territory, and the habit (tree, shrub, herb and/or vine) of the plant in Canada. For reported hybrids (nothotaxa or hybrid formulas) VASCAN also provides the hybrid parents, except if the parents of the hybrid do not occur in Canada. All taxa are linked to a classification. VASCAN refers to a source for all name, classification and distribution information.All data have been released to the public domain under a CC0 waiver and are available through Canadensys and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). VASCAN is a service to the scientific community and the general public, including administrations, companies, and non-governmental organizations.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.15.3084

Authors: Robert Soreng, Paul M. Peterson

Abstract: A revision and key to the 23 species and eight subspecies of Poa (including Dissanthelium) known to occur in Mexico is provided. All voucher specimens seen are cited for accepted taxa, except P. annua for which one voucher per state is provided. Taxa not previously known from, or poorly understood in, Mexico are discussed. Poa palmeri sp. nov. is endemic to forested slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental, and we distinguished it from P. ruprechtii s.s., a species of central Mexico that is here emended to include P. sharpii (syn. nov.). Poa wendtii sp. nov. is described from the Sierra Santa Rosa in northern Coahuila. Poa tacanae is placed in synonymy in P. seleri. Poa gymnantha and P. occidentalis are newly reported for Mexico, and material historically identified as P. villaroelii are placed in P. chamaeclinos. The genus Dissanthelium is considered to belong within Poa, and the Mexican taxa, D. calycina subsp. mathewsii and D. californicum, are treated as P. calycina var. mathewsii and P. thomasii, respectively. Poa subsect. Papillopoa subsect. nov. is erected for P. mulleri. Lectotypes are designated for P. conglomerata and P. seleri.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.10.2734

Authors: Jeffery Saarela

Abstract: Five species of the grass genus Spartina are invading salt marshes along the Pacific coast of North America, of which three have been documented in British Columbia, Canada, in only the last decade. A taxonomic synopsis of the two native (S. gracilis, S. pectinata) and five introduced Spartina taxa (S. anglica, S. alterniflora, S. densiflora, S. patens, S. ×townsendii) in the Pacific Northwest is presented to facilitate their identification, including nomenclature, a new taxonomic key, new descriptions for a subset of taxa, and representative specimens. Spartina ×townsendii is newly reported for the flora of British Columbia. The non-coastal species S. pectinata is reported from an urban site in British Columbia, the first confirmed report of the taxon for the province. Lectotypes are newly designated for S. anglica C.E. Hubb., S. maritimasubvar.fallax St.-Yves, and S. cynosuroides f. major St.-Yves.

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DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.8.2199

Authors: Stephen Stern, Lynn Bohs

Abstract: Solanum is one of the largest plant genera and exhibits a wide range of morphological diversity. Solanum section Gonatotrichum, the focus of this study, is unique within the genus because of its fruits that swell with turgor pressure and explosively dehisce to disperse the seeds. We infer phylogenetic relationships within section Gonatotrichum using DNA sequence data from two nuclear regions (ITS and the granule-bound starch synthase gene [GBSSI or waxy]) and the chloroplast region trnT-F. The resulting phylogenetic trees support the monophyly of the section with the inclusion of S. lignescens, a species not previously thought to belong to the group due to the presence of stellate hairs. This inclusion of this species in section Gonatotrichum suggests that the simple, often geniculate hairs of species in the group may represent reduced stellate hairs. The presence of heterantherous flowers appears to be derived in the section, but this character is largely lost in S. parcistrigosum.

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