Latest Articles from PhytoKeys Latest 3 Articles from PhytoKeys https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:25:32 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from PhytoKeys https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/ Monograph of Coccinia (Cucurbitaceae) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/5797/ PhytoKeys 54: 1-166

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.54.3285

Authors: Norbert Holstein

Abstract: This monograph deals with all 95 names described in the Cucurbitaceae genus Coccinia and recognizes 25 species. Taxonomic novelties are Coccinia adoensis var. aurantiaca (C.Jeffrey) Holstein, stat. nov., C. sessilifolia var. variifolia (A.Meeuse) Holstein, stat. nov., and C. adoensis var. jeffreyana Holstein, var. nov. For the 25 species 3157 collections were examined, of which 2024 were georeferenced to produce distribution maps. All species are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa with one species, C. grandis, extending from Senegal in West Africa east to Indonesia and being naturalized on Pacific Islands, in Australia, the Caribbean, and South America. Coccinia species are dioecious creepers or climbers with simple or bifid tendrils that occupy a range of habitats from arid scrubland, woodlands to lowland rainforest and mist forest. The corolla of Coccinia species is sympetalous, usually pale yellow to orange, and 1 to 4.5 cm long. Pollination is by bees foraging for pollen or nectar. After pollination, the developing ovary often exhibits longitudinal mottling, which usually disappears during maturation. All species produce berries with a pericarp in reddish colors (orange-red through to scarlet red), hence the generic name. The globose to cylindrical fruits contain numerous grayish-beige flat to lenticular seeds. Chromosome numbers are 2n = 20, 24, and 22 + XX/XY. Many Coccinia species are used for food, either as roasted tubers, greens as spinach, or the fruits as vegetables. Medicinal value is established in C. grandis, of which leaves and sap are used against diabetes.

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Monograph Mon, 3 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Pantoporate pollen in the Asteraceae (Vernonieae) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1534/ PhytoKeys 38: 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.38.7495

Authors: Harold Robinson, John Skvarla

Abstract: Pantoporate pollen, which occurs sporadically in the Monocots and Dicots, has now been found in Asteraceae in two apparently related genera of the tribe Vernonieae, Polydora Fenzl and Oocephala H.Rob. Disposition of pores in Polydora seems more asymmetric than in Oocephala. Based on the known relationships within the Vernonieae, some conjectures are made regarding development of the pantoporate condition in the group.

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Research Article Mon, 19 May 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Taxonomy of Atlantic Central African orchids 2. A second species of the rare genus Distylodon (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) collected in Cameroon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1523/ PhytoKeys 36: 27-34

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.36.7225

Authors: Vincent Droissart, Phillip J. Cribb, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Tariq Stévart

Abstract: While conducting field inventories in South Cameroon, we collected two specimens of a new species that we considered to belong to the genus Angraecopsis. Afterwards, a careful examination of specimens housed at main herbaria, along with the nomenclatural types, allows us to place it in Distylodon, a monotypic genus previously known from East Africa. Distylodon sonkeanum Droissart, Stévart & P.J.Cribb, sp. nov. was collected in the lowland coastal forest of Atlantic Central Africa. It is known from a single locality in the surroundings of the Campo-Ma’an National Park. The species differs from D. comptum, by its several-flowered inflorescences, longer leaves and spur, and shorter pedicel and ovary. The species appears to be rare and is assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. New field investigations are required to attempt to find it in the low-elevation parts of the Campo-Ma’an National Park in Cameroon.

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Research Article Wed, 9 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300