Latest Articles from PhytoKeys Latest 38 Articles from PhytoKeys https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:32:56 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from PhytoKeys https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/ Revised checklist of endemic vascular plants of Kazakhstan https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/114475/ PhytoKeys 238: 241-279

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.238.114475

Authors: Serik A. Kubentayev, Daniyar T. Alibekov, Yuri V. Perezhogin, Georgy A. Lazkov, Andrey N. Kupriyanov, Alexander L. Ebel, Klara S. Izbastina, Olga V. Borodulina, Balsulu B. Kubentayeva

Abstract: We compiled a checklist of endemic vascular plants occurring in Kazakhstan, employing an exhaustive examination of literature sources, herbarium collections, databases and field observations. Our study reveals that 451 taxa can be considered endemic to Kazakhstan, constituting 7.97% of the total vascular plant diversity in the country. These endemic taxa, originating from 139 genera and 34 families, predominantly thrive in the southern regions of Kazakhstan, specifically in the mountain ridges of the Kazakh part of the Tian Shan, including Karatau (123 taxa), Dzungarian Alatau (80 taxa) and Trans-Ili and Kungey Alatau (50 taxa). Notably, 107 endemic species are granted legal protection. Detailed information regarding life form, life cycle, conservation status and geographical distribution across floristic regions was meticulously compiled for each endemic taxon. Of the six groups of life forms, herbs include the highest part of endemic taxa (367 taxa), followed by dwarf semishrubs (25 taxa), shrubs (23 taxa), subshrubs (20 taxa), undershrubs (13 taxa) and trees (3 taxa). The observed life cycles are perennials (408 taxa), annuals (33 taxa) and biennials (10 taxa). This paper serves as a fundamental groundwork for prospective investigations aimed at assessing population sizes and hotspots of plant endemism throughout Kazakhstan, crucial for determining conservation status of endemic plants.

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Checklist Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:48:17 +0200
Selaginella densiciliata (subg. Heterostachys, Selaginellaceae), a new spikemoss species from China based on morphological and molecular data https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/101222/ PhytoKeys 227: 135-149

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.227.101222

Authors: Shao-Li Fang, Bo Xu, Liang Zhang, Zhao-Rong He, Xin-Mao Zhou

Abstract: A new species of spikemoss, Selaginella densiciliata in S. subg. Heterostachys sect. Tetragonostachyae, China, is described from southeastern Xizang, based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. Morphologically, S. densiciliata is similar to S. repanda, S. subvaginata and S. vaginata, but the new species can be easily distinguished from them by having sterile leaves margins densely ciliate, symmetrical axillary leaves oblong ovate to ovate-triangular, and ovate dorsal leaves obviously carinate. Molecular phylogenetic analysis resolves S. densiciliata as sister to the clade comprised with S. vaginata and S. xipholepis, which confirms the recognition of the new species.

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Research Article Wed, 7 Jun 2023 10:03:50 +0300
An annotated plant checklist of the transboundary volcanic Mt Elgon, East Africa https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/97401/ PhytoKeys 223: 1-174

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.223.97401

Authors: Peninah Cheptoo Rono, Fredrick Munyao Mutie, Vivian Kathambi, Neng Wei, Benjamin Muema Watuma, Consolata Nanjala, Godfrey Kinyori Wagutu, Paul M. Kirika, Itambo Malombe, Guang-Wan Hu, Qing-Feng Wang

Abstract: Mt Elgon is an ancient transboundary volcanic mountain found at the Kenya-Uganda boarder possessing high plant diversity. This study documents an updated checklist of the mountain’s vascular plants obtained through random-walk field excursions and retrieval of herbarium specimen tracing back to 1900. We compiled 1709 species from 673 genera in 131 families. One new species of the family Cucurbitaceae was also reported. This checklist records respective habitat, habits, elevation ranges, voucher numbers and global distribution ranges of each species. Native and exotic species were also distinguished, where 8.4% of the total species in 49 families were exotic species. There were 103 endemic species, while 14 species were found to be both rare and endemic. IUCN conservation status revealed 2 Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered, 9 Vulnerable and 2 Near Threatened species. This study presents the first and most comprehensive plant inventory of Mt Elgon that will facilitate further ecological and phylogenetic studies.

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Checklist Tue, 4 Apr 2023 17:35:58 +0300
Selaginella wuyishanensis (sect. Tetragonostachyae, Selaginellaceae), a new species from East China and its phylogenetic position based on molecular data https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/85410/ PhytoKeys 202: 107-119

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.202.85410

Authors: Ke-Wang Xu, Shui-Fei Chen, Qiang Song, Xiao Zheng, Meng Li, Yan-Ming Fang, Hong-Jin Wei, Hui Ding, Xin-Mao Zhou, Yi-Fan Duan

Abstract: A new spikemoss species, Selaginella wuyishanensis, is described and illustrated based on materials collected from Fujian Province, East China. The new species can be distinguished from S. lutchuensis Koidzumi and S. albociliata P. S. Wang by its leaves with extremely long cilia (up to 8 mm) and distinctly white margins, ovate ventral sporophylls, and sporophyll-pteryx completely inverted on dorsal sporophylls. In the present work, a molecular phylogeny, taxonomic description, distribution information, line drawing, and photographs of this new species are presented. A morphological comparison is also given to distinguish it from morphologically similar species in Selaginella sect. Tetragonostachyae (Hook. & Grev.) Hieron. & Sadeb.

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Research Article Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:58:13 +0300
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills, Eastern Arc Mountain https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/73714/ PhytoKeys 191: 1-158

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.191.73714

Authors: Benjamin Muema Watuma, Solomon Kipkoech, David Kimutai Melly, Veronicah Mutele Ngumbau, Peninah Cheptoo Rono, Fredrick Munyao Mutie, Elijah Mbadi Mkala, John Mulinge Nzei, Geoffrey Mwachala, Robert Wahiti Gituru, Guang-Wan Hu, Qing-Feng Wang

Abstract: Taita Hills forests are an ecological island within the Tsavo plains and are the northern-most part of the Eastern Arc Mountains in southeast Kenya. They are highly fragmented forests embedded in a mosaic of human settlements and farms on the slopes and hilltops. Despite their intensive degradation, they exhibit a high degree of plant diversity and endemism, and therefore are regarded as a biodiversity hotspot. In spite of their distinct importance to the biodiversity of the region as well as supporting the livelihoods of the surrounding communities, floristic studies in these hills have been finite. Through repetitive floral expeditions, herbarium records from the East African Herbarium (EA), Global Biodiversity Information (GBIF), and the Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigbio) databases, as well as plant lists from literature and monographs, we provide a comprehensive checklist of 1594 taxa representing 159 families, 709 genera, 1530 species, 39 subspecies, 27 varieties, and 2 hybrids. Out of these, 75 are endemic or near-endemic, 59 are exotic, and 83 are listed as either endangered or near endangered as evaluated in the IUCN Redlist. Zehneria tuberifera G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, a new species to science, which has previously been described, was also discovered from the Ngangao forest fragment. Information on the habit(s), habitat(s), and altitudinal range of each taxon is provided in this study. This checklist is an updated inventory of the vascular plants of the Taita Hills. It confirms the high plant diversity of the hills and provides a clear baseline for strategic conservation and sustainable management of plant resources and diversity under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

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Checklist Tue, 1 Mar 2022 09:57:58 +0200
Vascular plants dataset of the herbarium (HSS) of Agrarian Research Institute Finca “La Orden-Valdesequera” (CICYTEX), Extremadura, Spain https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/58900/ PhytoKeys 171: 47-59

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.171.58900

Authors: Francisco Márquez-García, David García-Alonso, María Josefa Guerra-Barrena, Francisco María Vázquez-Pardo

Abstract: The HSS herbarium database includes 69,397 records of vascular plant taxa, representing 91.1% of the herbarium’s specimens as for December, 2019, which are available through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) website (accessible at https://doi.org/10.15468/siye1z). The database represents 4,343 species and 787 infraspecific taxa (530 subspecies, 130 varieties and 127 notho-species or hybrids) of 196 families and 1,164 genera, and 105 type sheets. So far, 97.7% of the databased records are georeferenced (geographic coordinates or MRGS coordinates) and the geographic area with the largest number of specimens is the southwest quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).

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Data Paper Thu, 7 Jan 2021 10:35:44 +0200
A checklist of vascular plants and uses of some species for livelihood-making in Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu, Malaysia https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/52946/ PhytoKeys 160: 7-43

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.160.52946

Authors: Jamilah Mohd Salim, Gaik Ee Lee, Muhamad Razali Salam, Salwa Shahimi, Elizabeth Pesiu, Jarina Mohd Jani, Nurul Amira Izzaty Horsali, Rohani Shahrudin, Siti Mariam Muhammad Nor, Ju Lian Chong, Faridah Mohamad, Akmal Raffi, Dome Nikong

Abstract: The Setiu Wetlands, a unique area with nine interconnected habitats, comprises a considerable fraction of the total Peninsular Malaysia’s wetland flora. Although botanical collecting in the area has been active in the past 10 years, only a few studies dealing with the wetland flora have been published. Thus, a detailed checklist of this area is urgently needed to ensure the continuity of its inter-relating flora and fauna, as well as the livelihood of the local people. In this work we conducted a survey of the vascular plant flora of Setiu Wetlands and investigated the most important plants used by the local communities. Our checklist accounts for 406 taxa from 277 genera and 106 families, including 24 (6%) species of ferns and lycophytes, three gymnosperms, 257 (64%) dicotyledons and 122 (30%) monocotyledons. This comprehensive plant checklist will be a primary reference for the management of the newly gazetted Setiu Wetlands State Park covering more than 400 hectares of lands and water bodies.

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Checklist Tue, 8 Sep 2020 10:25:49 +0300
Taxonomic innovations in South American Selaginella (Selaginellaceae, Lycopodiophyta): description of five new species and an additional range extension https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/55330/ PhytoKeys 159: 71-113

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.159.55330

Authors: Iván A. Valdespino

Abstract: Five Selaginella species (i.e, S. gioiae, S. papillosa, S. pubimarginata, S. rostrata, and S. xanthoneura) from Neotropical rainforests of South America are described and illustrated as new, while S. surucucusensis, originally recorded only from Brazil, is redefined to account for species’ morphological characters throughout its expanded distribution range and also a novel illustration is provided for it. Inferred taxonomic affinities and conservation assessment are offered for species here treated. Selaginella gioiae is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and S. xanthoneura is so far only known in Colombia, whereas S. surucucusensis is now known to occur in Colombia and Venezuela in the north-central part of South America. These three species are included in the “Selaginella flabellata group” based on their habit, stem shape, rhizophores position, and mega- and microspores color, and ornamentation. Selaginella papillosa, S. pubimarginata, and S. rostrata are native to Venezuela. Selaginella papillosa and S. pubimarginata morphologically belong in the “Selaginella deltoides group” based on their habit, stem type, shape of lateral leaves and their indument type distributed on upper surface of the leaf lamina. On the other hand, S. rostrata is considered to be a member of the “Selaginella microdonta group,” which is centered in the Guiana Highlands, based on its habit, stem type, and leaf size and shape, and for which a key to identify species is provided. Finally, all species threated here are classified in subg. Stachygynandrum based on their heteromorphic leaves, mostly quadrangular strobili, and monomorphic sporophylls shape (except for S. rostrata that has slightly dorsiventral and flattened strobili with somewhat heteromorphic sporophylls).

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Research Article Fri, 4 Sep 2020 15:39:21 +0300
An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of South and North Nandi Forests, Kenya https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/51966/ PhytoKeys 155: 87-139

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.155.51966

Authors: David Kimutai Melly, Solomon Kipkoech, Benjamin Watuma Muema, Peris Kamau, Itambo Malombe, Guangwan Hu, Qing-Feng Wang

Abstract: We compiled a checklist of the flora of South and North Nandi forests based on literature, online databases, herbarium collections and floristic field surveys. A combination of general walk-over surveys and plotless landscape sampling for plant collection and sight observation was used. We recorded 628 plant species representing 118 families and 392 genera, which almost double the latest results of the previous most recent survey. We found 61 species of ferns and fern allies and 567 species of seed plants, representing 9.98% of the total plant species in Kenya. Herbs were the majority (50.2%) of life forms followed by shrubs (16.5%). We report unique populations of three species out of 19 species that are widespread in Africa, but restricted to Nandi and Kakamega Forests in Kenya. Four of the recorded species are threatened globally and 16 exotic plant species were found. The recent description of one new species and two new records for Kenya from these forests, together with the comprehensive checklist is of crucial importance to the conservation of these unique ecosystems. Our results are essential to forest managers, community forest associations, conservationists, students and research scientists in Kenya and globally for implementing critical decisions for the conservation of this vital biodiversity resource.

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Checklist Fri, 7 Aug 2020 10:44:28 +0300
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Aberdare Ranges Forest, a part of Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/48042/ PhytoKeys 149: 1-88

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.149.48042

Authors: Solomon Kipkoech, David Kimutai Melly, Benjamin Watuma Muema, Neng Wei, Peris Kamau, Paul Muigai Kirika, Qingfeng Wang, Guangwan Hu

Abstract: The Aberdare Ranges Forest, located in the Central highlands of Kenya, is an isolated volcanic mountain in the East African Rift Valley with unique flora. Despite its refugial importance to rare and endemic plant species, the diversity of plants in the Aberdare Ranges Forest remains poorly understood. The checklist presented here is a collation of data obtained from multiple floristic surveys and from herbarium specimen collections from the forest. A total of 1260 vascular plants taxa representing 136 families, 613 genera, 67 subspecies and 63 varieties are documented. The ferns comprised 84 species, lycophytes seven, gymnosperms six and angiosperms were 1163 taxa. This represents 17.9% of the Kenyan taxa, 1.7% of the African taxa and 0.3% of all the vascular plants known in the world. A total of 18 taxa were endemic and 14 taxa were found to be threatened globally. The life form, voucher specimen(s), habitat and distribution range of each taxon and a brief analysis of taxa diversity is presented in this checklist. This is the first comprehensive inventory of vascular plants in the entire Aberdare Ranges, providing a solid basis for more sustainable management and improved conservation of this montane forest. The checklist is also an important contribution to the world checklist of plants required by the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.

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Checklist Wed, 3 Jun 2020 13:37:52 +0300
An annotated checklist of the coastal forests of Kenya, East Africa https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/49602/ PhytoKeys 147: 1-191

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.147.49602

Authors: Veronicah Mutele Ngumbau, Quentin Luke, Mwadime Nyange, Vincent Okelo Wanga, Benjamin Muema Watuma, Yuvenalis Morara Mbuni, Jacinta Ndunge Munyao, Millicent Akinyi Oulo, Elijah Mbandi Mkala, Solomon Kipkoech, Malombe Itambo, Guang-Wan Hu, Qing-Feng Wang

Abstract: The inadequacy of information impedes society’s competence to find out the cause or degree of a problem or even to avoid further losses in an ecosystem. It becomes even harder to identify all the biological resources at risk because there is no exhaustive inventory of either fauna or flora of a particular region. Coastal forests of Kenya are located in the southeast part of Kenya and are distributed mainly in four counties: Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River County. They are a stretch of fragmented forests ca. 30−120 km away from the Indian Ocean, and they have existed for millions of years. Diversity of both fauna and flora is very high in these relicts and the coastal forests of Eastern Africa, extending along the coast from Somalia through Kenya and Tanzania to Mozambique, are ranked among the priority biodiversity hotspot in the world. In spite of the high plant species richness and their importance towards supporting the livelihoods of the communities that live around them, floristic studies in these forests have remained poorly investigated. Hence, based on numerous field investigations, plant lists from published monograph/literature, and data from BRAHMS (Botanical Records and Herbarium Management System) database at East African herbarium (EA), we present a detailed checklist of vascular plants recorded in this region. Our results show that Kenyan coastal forests play an essential role in the flora of Kenya and the plant diversity of the coastal forests of East Africa. The checklist represents 176 families, 981 genera, 2489 species, 100 infraspecific taxa, 90 endemic plants species, 72 exotic species, and 120 species that are included in the current IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as species of major concern. We also discovered three new species to the world from these relicts. Thus, Kenyan coastal forests present a remarkable and significant center of plant diversity.

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Checklist Tue, 12 May 2020 10:36:57 +0300
Mountains of the Mist: A first plant checklist for the Bvumba Mountains, Manica Highlands (Zimbabwe-Mozambique) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/49257/ PhytoKeys 145: 93-129

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.145.49257

Authors: Jonathan Timberlake, Petra Ballings, João de Deus Vidal Jr., Bart Wursten, Mark Hyde, Anthony Mapaura, Susan Childes, Meg Coates Palgrave, Vincent Ralph Clark

Abstract: The first comprehensive plant checklist for the Bvumba massif, situated in the Manica Highlands along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border, is presented. Although covering only 276 km2, the flora is rich with 1250 taxa (1127 native taxa and 123 naturalised introductions). There is a high proportion of Orchidaceae and Pteridophyta, with both groups showing a higher richness than for adjacent montane areas, which may be due to the massif’s relatively high moisture levels as a result of frequent cloud cover. However, in contrast to other mesic montane regions in southern Africa, there are relatively few near-endemic or range-restricted taxa: there is only one local endemic, Aeranthes africana, an epiphytic forest orchid. This is likely to be an effect of the massif having limited natural grassland compared to forest, the former being the most endemic-rich habitat in southern African mountains outside of the Fynbos Biome. Six other near-endemic taxa with limited distribution in this portion of the Manica Highlands are highlighted. The high number of invasive species is probably a result of diverse human activities in the area. The main species of concern are Acacia melanoxylon, a tree that is invading grassland and previously cultivated land, the forest herb Hedychium gardnerianum which in places is transforming forest understorey with an adverse effect on some forest birds, and the woody herb Vernonanthura polyanthes which invades cleared forest areas after fire. Future botanical work in the massif should focus on a more detailed exploration of the poorly known Serra Vumba on the Mozambican side and on the drier western slopes. This will allow for a more detailed analysis of patterns of endemism across the Manica Highlands.

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Research Article Fri, 10 Apr 2020 10:54:07 +0300
Vascular plants of Victoria Island (Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada): a specimen-based study of an Arctic flora https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/48810/ PhytoKeys 141: 1-330

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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Monograph Fri, 6 Mar 2020 08:57:07 +0200
The endemic plants of Mozambique: diversity and conservation status https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/39020/ PhytoKeys 136: 45-96

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.39020

Authors: Iain Darbyshire, Jonathan Timberlake, Jo Osborne, Saba Rokni, Hermenegildo Matimele, Clayton Langa, Castigo Datizua, Camila de Sousa, Tereza Alves, Alice Massingue, Jeneen Hadj-Hammou, Sonia Dhanda, Toral Shah, Bart Wursten

Abstract: An annotated checklist of the 271 strict-endemic taxa (235 species) and 387 near-endemic taxa (337 species) of vascular plants in Mozambique is provided. Together, these taxa constitute c. 9.3% of the total currently known flora of Mozambique and include five strict-endemic genera (Baptorhachis, Emicocarpus, Gyrodoma, Icuria and Micklethwaitia) and two near-endemic genera (Triceratella and Oligophyton). The mean year of first publication of these taxa is 1959, with a marked increase in description noted following the onset of the two major regional floristic programmes, the “Flora of Tropical East Africa” and “Flora Zambesiaca”, and an associated increase in botanical collecting effort. New taxa from Mozambique continue to be described at a significant rate, with 20 novelties described in 2018. Important plant families for endemic and near-endemic taxa include Fabaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae s.s. There is a high congruence between species-rich plant families and endemism with the notable exceptions of the Poaceae, which is the second-most species rich plant family, but outside of the top ten families in terms of endemism, and the Euphorbiaceae, which is the seventh-most species rich plant family, but third in terms of endemism. A wide range of life-forms are represented in the endemic and near-endemic flora, with 49% being herbaceous or having herbaceous forms and 55% being woody or having woody forms. Manica Province is by far the richest locality for near-endemic taxa, highlighting the importance of the cross-border Chimanimani-Nyanga (Manica) Highlands shared with Zimbabwe. A total of 69% of taxa can be assigned to one of four cross-border Centres of Endemism: the Rovuma Centre, the Maputaland Centre sensu lato, and the two mountain blocks, Chimanimani-Nyanga and Mulanje-Namuli-Ribaue. Approximately 50% of taxa have been assessed for their extinction risk and, of these, just over half are globally threatened (57% for strict-endemics), with a further 10% (17% for strict-endemics) currently considered to be Data Deficient, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation of Mozambique’s unique flora. This dataset will be a key resource for ongoing efforts to identify “Important Plant Areas – IPAs” in Mozambique, and to promote the conservation and sustainable management of these critical sites and species, thus enabling Mozambique to meet its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

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Research Article Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:03:34 +0200
Rediscovering two Isoetes species in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado after 167 years https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/46624/ PhytoKeys 135: 105-117

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.135.46624

Authors: Jovani B. S. Pereira, Ana Maria Giulietti, Vali J. Pott, Maurício T. C. Watanabe

Abstract: Isoetes amazonica and I. gardneriana were the first two species of the genus to be collected from Brazil. Isoetes amazonica was gathered by Richard Spruce in the Amazon basin near Santarém in the state of Pará in 1850. Isoetes gardneriana was collected by George Gardner in the current Dianópolis in Tocantins State in 1843. Despite being known for a long time by botanists, these species have not been recollected since then, which raised questions about their taxonomic recognition, current distribution ranges and conservation status. Fieldwork efforts led to the rediscovery of I. amazonica and I. gardneriana after 167 years. These collections enrich our understanding of their habitats and morphologies. We provide here re-descriptions for these species. Based on IUCN criteria, Isoetes amazonica and I. gardneriana should be assigned as data deficient (DD) and endangered (EN), respectively. The rediscovery of these species raises hopes that other areas in Amazon and Cerrado biomes harbour I. amazonica and I. gardneriana, respectively. This study will serve as a basis towards the conservation of these species.

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Short Communication Thu, 5 Dec 2019 13:55:48 +0200
The FLORIVON flora survey in the Netherlands between 1902 and 1950 https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/30069/ PhytoKeys 135: 11-20

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.135.30069

Authors: Laurens B. Sparrius, Joop van Heeswijk, Gerard M. Dirkse, Michiel J. J. M. Verhofstad

Abstract: In 1902, the nationwide citizen science project, known as FLORIVON, for mapping the flora of the Netherlands was launched, resulting in the publication of a complete flora atlas in 1980. Until 2004, the atlas dataset of the fieldwork between 1902 and 1950 had only been partly digitised and observations were aggregated and anonymised. Between 2001 and 2018, the dataset has been entirely digitised from the original field forms, including notes on non-native taxa. This paper presents key characteristics and figures of the dataset and provides an overview of the historical survey project, the digitisation process and subsequent validation of the data. The dataset is currently curated in the National Database Flora and Fauna and published in GBIF.

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Data Paper Wed, 30 Oct 2019 13:41:28 +0200
Vascular plants dataset of the herbarium (COFC) of the University of Cordoba, Spain https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/37481/ PhytoKeys 133: 77-94

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.133.37481

Authors: Gloria Martínez-Sagarra, Juan Antonio Devesa

Abstract: This paper describes the herbarium (COFC) dataset of vascular plants of the University of Cordoba (SW Spain). This dataset is made up of two collections, the General collection (61,377 specimens) and the Historical collection (1,614 specimens). This study has focused mainly on the General collection, which contains the largest number of vascular plant specimens, predominantly angiosperms, mainly provincial and regional (Andalusia, Spain), but also with a good representation of other areas of the Iberian Peninsula and neighboring countries. The place of collection is specified in 99.7% of the labels, about 35% being georeferenced, and it is estimated that, currently, about 86% of the material housed in the herbarium has been databased using Elysia v1.0. software. With more than 178 families, 1,178 genera, and 3,750 species, this collection not only has educational importance, but is a valuable research tool that has been useful for the development of important works such as "Flora Vascular de Andalucía Occidental" and the "Flora iberica". The dataset described in this paper is registered with GBIF (accessible at https://doi.org/10.15468/fdzzal).

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Data Paper Tue, 15 Oct 2019 10:42:49 +0300
A taxonomic revision of the genus Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from Nepal https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/37773/ PhytoKeys 133: 1-76

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.133.37773

Authors: Aleksandr Petrovich Shalimov, Yu-Dong Wu, Xian-Chun Zhang

Abstract: The present paper deals with the taxonomy of Selaginella from Nepal based on the examination of herbarium collections housed in major herbaria of Europe and Asia (with additional collections from virtual herbaria). A total of 25 species are recognised here, while Selaginella trichophylla and S. laxistrobila are two new records for the flora of Nepal, India (Sikkim) and Bhutan; Selaginella monospora var. ciliolata is synonymised to S. trichophylla; detailed descriptions, distribution and ecology and IUCN conservation status assessments (based on literature) are presented. For most of the species, illustrations of the leaves and strobili are provided for identification of the morphologically similar taxa.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Oct 2019 11:08:24 +0300
Isoetes dubsii and Isoetes santacruzensis, two new species from lowland areas in South America https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/36983/ PhytoKeys 131: 57-67

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.131.36983

Authors: Jovani B. de S. Pereira, José Tasso F. Guimaraes, Maurício T. C. Watanabe

Abstract: Isoetes dubsii sp. nov. and I. santacruzensis sp. nov., two new species from lowland areas in South America, are described, illustrated and compared to similar species. Isoetes dubsii can be distinguished from other species of the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands by a set of characters including leaves that are long, flexuous and trigonal in transverse section, tri-lobate stems, rudimentary velum, pustulate megaspores of 310‒390 µm diameter and laesurae of the megaspore at least four times wider than high. Isoetes santacruzensis has flexuous, filiform leaves, 0.4–0.8 mm wide at mid length and reaching up to 15 cm long, black or reddish-black sporangia, sclerified phyllopodia and sparsely verrucate megaspores of 320‒390 µm in diameter. We also include a key for species from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands and Bolivia and spore images for all species that are discussed. Isoetes dubsii and I. santacruzensis are only known from their type localities and they may deserve special attention concerning their conservation status. However, based on our current knowledge on these species and according to IUCN Red List criteria, they are assessed here as data deficient (DD).

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Research Article Thu, 5 Sep 2019 13:44:35 +0300
Selaginella dianzhongensis (Selaginellaceae), a new spikemoss from China https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/30375/ PhytoKeys 118: 75-87

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.118.30375

Authors: Aleksandr Petrovich Shalimov, Yan-Mei Zhu, Meng-Hua Zhang, Xian-Chun Zhang

Abstract: A new species of spikemoss from Yunnan Province of China, Selaginella dianzhongensis, is described and illustrated based on evidence from gross morphology, micromorphology and molecular phylogeny. S. dianzhongensis is most similar to S. amblyphylla in its habit of creeping stem, leaf size, and obviously dimorphic sporophylls, but is distinct by its ventral leaves ovate-oblong, subcordate at base, basiscopic base entire, axillary leaves ovate and decurrent at base. Molecular phylogeny analysis of three chloroplast gene regions (rbcL, atpI, psbA) shows that S. dianzhongensis forms an independent branch with strong support which is distantly related to S. amblyphlla and S. kurzii, but sister to S. bodinieri which is quite different in habitat of erect or ascending stem and rhizophores restricted to the lower part, and slightly dimorphic sporophyllus.

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Research Article Wed, 6 Mar 2019 12:26:43 +0200
The indigenous vascular flora of the forest domain of Anela (Sardinia, Italy) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/28681/ PhytoKeys 113: 97-143

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.113.28681

Authors: Emmanuele Farris, Michele Carta, Salvatore Circosta, Salvatore Falchi, Guillaume Papuga, Peter de Lange

Abstract: The importance of mountains for plant diversity and richness is underestimated, particularly when transition zones between different bioclimates are present along altitudinal gradients. Here we present the first floristic data for a mountain area in the island of Sardinia (Italy), which exhibits Mediterranean bioclimates at the bottom and temperate bioclimate at the top. We discovered a very high floristic richness, despite the fact that the number of endemic taxa is not high and the number of exclusive taxa is very low. Many of the detected taxa are at their range periphery and/or ecological margin. We conclude that climate transition zones in Mediterranean mountains and especially on islands are key areas regarding plant biodiversity and should be better investigated and protected.

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Checklist Tue, 11 Dec 2018 11:31:08 +0200
The Cuito catchment of the Okavango system: a vascular plant checklist for the Angolan headwaters https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/30439/ PhytoKeys 113: 1-31

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.113.30439

Authors: David J. Goyder, Nigel Barker, Stoffel P. Bester, Arnold Frisby, Matt Janks, Francisco M.P. Gonçalves

Abstract: This paper aims to provide a baseline for conservation planning by documenting patterns of plant diversity and vegetation in the upper catchment of the Cuito River. 417 species are recorded from this region. Nine of these are species potentially new to science. Ten species are newly recorded from Angola, with an additional species only recorded previously within Angola from the northern enclave of Cabinda. The 108 new provincial records for Moxico clearly indicate the lack of collections from Angola’s largest province. We note the existence of extensive peat deposits in the Cuito river system for the first time and suggest that one of Barbosa’s vegetation types in the area needs to be reassessed.

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Checklist Tue, 27 Nov 2018 14:43:23 +0200
Phlegmariurus vanuatuensis (Huperzioideae, Lycopodiaceae) a new species from Vanuatu, re-circumscription of P. nummulariifolius and new combinations in Phlegmariurus https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/29359/ PhytoKeys 109: 53-66

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.109.29359

Authors: Ashley Raymond Field

Abstract: Phlegmariurus vanuatuensis A.R.Field is described as a new species for plants endemic to the islands of Vanuatu that were previously identified with P. nummulariifolius (Blume) Ching. The Vanuatuan species differs from the widespread Asian-Oceanian species in several characteristics, most notably its acutely divergent leaf arrangement and thicker less branched fertile spikes. Phlegmariurus nummulariifolius is here re-circumscribed as plants occurring in Asia and into Oceania as far east as the Solomon Islands, being replaced eastwards by P. vanuatuensis. In addition, new nomenclatural combinations are made for Phlegmariurus australis, a species from Polynesia and for Phlegmariurus copelandianus, a species from Malesia.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Oct 2018 13:23:40 +0300
PhytoKeys at 100: progress in sustainability, innovation, and speed to enhance publication in plant systematics https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/27591/ PhytoKeys 100: 1-8

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.100.27591

Authors: W. John Kress, Sandra Knapp, Pavel Stoev, Lyubomir Penev

Abstract:

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Editorial Thu, 21 Jun 2018 11:55:03 +0300
Two new Phlegmariurus species (Lycopodiaceae) and one new combination from Peninsular Malaysia https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/20878/ PhytoKeys 96: 99-110

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.96.20878

Authors: Ruth Kiew, Imin Kamin

Abstract: Two new species, Phlegmariurus iminii Kiew (Lycopodiaceae) from limestone karst and P. monticola Kiew from montane habitats, are described from Peninsular Malaysia and a new combination is made for Phlegmariurus pinifolius (Trevis.) Kiew. Phlegmariurus iminii, known from a single hill threatened by quarrying, is Critically Endangered; while P. monticola and P. pinifolius that are relatively widespread are of Least Concern.

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Research Article Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:42:56 +0300
Floristic affinities of the lowland savannahs of Belize and southern Mexico https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/20097/ PhytoKeys 96: 47-56

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.96.20097

Authors: Idalia Arely Canché-Estrada, Juan Javier Ortiz-Díaz, Juan Tun-Garrido

Abstract: Environmental heterogeneity of Belize and southern Mexico savannahs as well as their geographical location suggest that these plant communities share floristic elements, making them conducive to a phytogeographical analysis. The aim of this study was to analyse the floristic affinities of nine savannahs of Belize and southern Mexico and to explain the similarities and differences amongst them. A binary data matrix containing 915 species was built based on the authors’ own collections and on nine floristic lists already published. A second data matrix, consisting of 113 species representing trees, was also used since most literature on neotropical savannahs has focused on this life form. In addition, the ten most species-rich families as well as the characteristic species present in more than five savannahs were analysed. Floristic similarities were calculated using the Jaccard index. Dendrograms obtained in both types of analysis showed clusters with low similarity values, corresponding to geographic locations formed by the savannahs of Belize-Tabasco and the Yucatan Peninsula. The floristic affinities of the savannahs may be explained in terms of heterogeneity in climate and physiography. The Yucatan Peninsula and Belize-Tabasco groups have differences in climate type and the amount of rainfall. In addition, the Yucatan Peninsula savannahs are established at the bottom of karstic valleys, while the Belize and Tabasco savannahs develop on extensive flatlands. The savannahs of Oaxaca have the same climate type and amount of rainfall as those of the Yucatan Peninsula but they are distributed along peaks and the slopes of shale hills. Fabaceae and Poaceae mainly dominated the local floras with 121 and 116 species each; remarkably, Melastomataceae was absent in the Yucatan Peninsula and Oaxaca. Nine species occurred in five to seven savannahs, confirming that they are widespread in both Belize and southern Mexico, and the Neotropics. Geographic location and floristic affinities of the nine savannahs support, to some extent, three different biogeographic provinces.

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Research Article Wed, 21 Mar 2018 09:40:06 +0200
Novel fern- and centipede-like Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) species and a new combination from South America https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/21417/ PhytoKeys 91: 13-38

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.91.21417

Authors: Iván A. Valdespino

Abstract: Two new Selaginella species (i.e. S. altheae Valdespino and S. squamulosa Valdespino) and a novel combination [i.e. S. philipsonii (Jermy & Rankin) Valdespino] from South America are proposed. Descriptions, illustrations (line drawings and scanning electron micrographs, SEM, images), discussion on taxonomic affinities and information on habitat, distribution and phenology, as well as on conservation status are provided for each. Selaginella altheae is morphologically similar to species with erect, fern-like habit placed in the “Selaginella flabellata (L.) Spring group” as defined by Hieronymus, while S. squamulosa is allied to a species assembly with centipede-like habit here informally termed the “Selaginella vernicosa Baker group;” whereas S. philipsonii with its moss-like habit may be associated with species in the “Selaginella jungermannioides (Gaudich.) Spring group” or those centered on S. ovifolia Baker. All taxa here proposed are classified in subg. Stachygynandrum.

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Research Article Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:41:58 +0200
Vascular flora of Kenya, based on the Flora of Tropical East Africa https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/20531/ PhytoKeys 90: 113-126

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.90.20531

Authors: Yadong Zhou, Bin Liu, Yuvenlis Mbuni, Xue Yan, Geoffrey Mwachala, Guangwan Hu, Qingfeng Wang

Abstract: Kenya, an African country with major higher plant diversity, has a corresponding diversity of plant associations, because of the wide geographic distribution, diverse climatic conditions and soil types. In this article, all vascular plants of Kenya were counted based on the completed "Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA)", and all families and genera were revised using recent molecular systematics research, forming a "Synoptic List of Families and Genera of Kenyan Vascular Plants (SLFGKVP)". In total, there are 225 families, 1538 genera and 6293 indigenous species and and 62 families, 302 genera and 588 exotic species in Kenya. The Fabaceae with 98 genera and 576 Species is the largest family. Two of the seven plant distribution regions of Kenya, K4 and K7 are the most species-richest areas with regard to both total and endemic species, with 3375 and 3191 total species and 174 and 185 endemic species in K4 and K7 respectively. While, K3 and K5 have the highest density of both total and endemic species. K1 has the lowest density of total species, and K2 has the lowest density of endemic species.

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Checklist Thu, 16 Nov 2017 10:10:42 +0200
Isoetes nana, a new species from the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/20171/ PhytoKeys 89: 91-105

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.89.20171

Authors: Jovani Pereira, Thomas Stutzel, Christian Schulz

Abstract: Isoetes nana, a new species from the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil (Serra de Itatiaia), is described, illustrated and compared to similar species. This species can be distinguished from similar species by a set of characters that include 5–15 small erect leaves reaching only up to 3.5cm long, megaspores rugulate (rarely laevigate or obscurely cristate) and microspores sparsely echinate. We include a key to identify this new species and spore images for all species that are discussed in this study. Isoetes nana is known only from the type locality, where it was reported to occur in small ponds on rocky outcrops at high elevations. We suggest it should be classified as a data deficient species based on the IUCN criteria.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Nov 2017 11:03:36 +0200
The Shenzhen Declaration on Plant Sciences – Uniting plant sciences and society to build a green, sustainable Earth https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/20859/ PhytoKeys 86: 3-7

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.86.20859

Authors: Shenzhen Declaration Drafting Committee

Abstract: Actions and priorities to connect the global community of plant scientists with the world’s changing societies are today more imperative than ever. Environmental degradation, unsustainable resource use, and biodiversity loss all require integrated, collaborative solutions.

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Forum Paper Mon, 18 Sep 2017 12:26:28 +0300
Selaginella guihaia (Selaginellaceae): A new spikemoss species from southern China and northern Vietnam around the Gulf of Tonkin https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/11126/ PhytoKeys 80: 41-52

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.11126

Authors: Yu-Dong Wu, Hong-Rui Zhang, Xian-Chun Zhang

Abstract: Selaginella guihaia sp. nov. (Selaginellaceae), a new species of spikemoss from southern China and northern Vietnam around the Gulf of Tonkin (Beibu Gulf), is described and illustrated. Morphological and molecular comparisons of the new species with other similar species (S. doederleinii, S. ornata and S. trachyphylla) are provided. The morphological and molecular evidence clearly indicates S. guihaia is a distinct species. Morphologically S. guihaia differs from other species by its obviously white–margined leaves, the ventral leaves scabrous on upper surfaces throughout the basiscopic or also rarely present on upper halves, and the ovate axillary leaves.

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Research Article Wed, 17 May 2017 11:58:08 +0300
Scientific user requirements for a herbarium data portal https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/10936/ PhytoKeys 78: 37-57

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.78.10936

Authors: Jorick Vissers, Frederik Van den Bosch, Ann Bogaerts, Christine Cocquyt, Jérôme Degreef, Denis Diagre, Myriam De Haan, Sofie De Smedt, Henry Engledow, Damien Ertz, Régine Fabri, Sandrine Godefroid, Nicole Hanquart, Patricia Mergen, Anne Ronse, Marc Sosef, Tariq Stévart, Piet Stoffelen, Sonia Vanderhoeven, Quentin Groom

Abstract: The digitization of herbaria and their online access will greatly facilitate access to plant collections around the world. This will improve the efficiency of taxonomy and help reduce inequalities between scientists. The Botanic Garden Meise, Belgium, is currently digitizing 1.2 million specimens including label data. In this paper we describe the user requirements analysis conducted for a new herbarium web portal. The aim was to identify the required functionality, but also to assist in the prioritization of software development and data acquisition. The Garden conducted the analysis in cooperation with Clockwork, the digital engagement agency of Ordina. Using a series of interactive interviews, potential users were consulted from universities, research institutions, science-policy initiatives and the Botanic Garden Meise. Although digital herbarium data have many potential stakeholders, we focused on the needs of taxonomists, ecologists and historians, who are currently the primary users of the Meise herbarium data portal. The three categories of user have similar needs, all wanted as much specimen data as possible, and for those data, to be interlinked with other digital resources within and outside the Garden. Many users wanted an interactive system that they could comment on, or correct online, particularly if such corrections and annotations could be used to rank the reliability of data. Many requirements depend on the quality of the digitized data associated with each specimen. The essential data fields are the taxonomic name; geographic location; country; collection date; collector name and collection number. Also all researchers valued linkage between biodiversity literature and specimens. Nevertheless, to verify digitized data the researchers still want access to high quality images, even if fully transcribed label information is provided. The only major point of disagreement is the level of access users should have and what they should be allowed to do with the data and images. Not all of the user requirements are feasible given the current technical and regulatory landscape, however, the potential of these suggestions is discussed. Currently, there is no off-the-shelf solution to satisfy all these user requirements, but the intention of this paper is to guide other herbaria who are prioritising their investment in digitization and online web functionality.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Mar 2017 10:54:55 +0200
A free-access online key to identify Amazonian ferns https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/11370/ PhytoKeys 78: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.78.11370

Authors: Gabriela Zuquim, Hanna Tuomisto, Jefferson Prado

Abstract: There is urgent need for more data on species distributions in order to improve conservation planning. A crucial but challenging aspect of producing high-quality data is the correct identification of organisms. Traditional printed floras and dichotomous keys are difficult to use for someone not familiar with the technical jargon. In poorly known areas, such as Amazonia, they also become quickly outdated as new species are described or ranges extended. Recently, online tools have allowed developing dynamic, interactive, and accessible keys that make species identification possible for a broader public. In order to facilitate identifying plants collected in field inventories, we developed an internet-based free-access tool to identify Amazonian fern species. We focused on ferns, because they are easy to collect and their edaphic affinities are relatively well known, so they can be used as an indicator group for habitat mapping. Our key includes 302 terrestrial and aquatic entities mainly from lowland Amazonian forests. It is a free-access key, so the user can freely choose which morphological features to use and in which order to assess them. All taxa are richly illustrated, so specimens can be identified by a combination of character choices, visual comparison, and written descriptions. The identification tool was developed in Lucid 3.5 software and it is available at http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org:8080/sandbox/keys.jsp.

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Research Article Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:57:55 +0200
Dataset of herbarium specimens of threatened vascular plants in Catalonia https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/11542/ PhytoKeys 77: 41-62

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.77.11542

Authors: Neus Nualart, Neus Ibáñez, Pere Luque, Joan Pedrol, Lluís Vilar, Roser Guàrdia

Abstract: This data paper describes a specimens’ dataset of the Catalonian threatened vascular plants conserved in five public Catalonian herbaria (BC, BCN, HGI, HBIL and MTTE). Catalonia is an administrative region of Spain that includes large autochthon plants diversity and 199 taxa with IUCN threatened categories (EX, EW, RE, CR, EN and VU). This dataset includes 1,618 records collected from 17th century to nowadays. For each specimen, the species name, locality indication, collection date, collector, ecology and revision label are recorded. More than 94% of the taxa are represented in the herbaria, which evidence the paper of the botanical collections as an essential source of occurrence data.

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Data Paper Thu, 23 Feb 2017 12:14:19 +0200
Isoetes mississippiensis: A new quillwort from Mississippi, USA https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/10380/ PhytoKeys 74: 97-106

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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Research Article Tue, 8 Nov 2016 10:02:37 +0200
RAINBIO: a mega-database of tropical African vascular plants distributions https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/9723/ PhytoKeys 74: 1-18

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.74.9723

Authors: Gilles Dauby, Rainer Zaiss, Anne Blach-Overgaard, Luís Catarino, Theo Damen, Vincent Deblauwe, Steven Dessein, John Dransfield, Vincent Droissart, Maria Cristina Duarte, Henry Engledow, Geoffrey Fadeur, Rui Figueira, Roy E. Gereau, Olivier J. Hardy, David J. Harris, Janneke de Heij, Steven Janssens, Yannick Klomberg, Alexandra C. Ley, Barbara A. MacKinder, Pierre Meerts, Jeike L. van de Poel, Bonaventure Sonké, Marc S. M. Sosef, Tariq Stévart, Piet Stoffelen, Jens-Christian Svenning, Pierre Sepulchre, Xander van der Burgt, Jan J. Wieringa, Thomas L. P. Couvreur

Abstract: The tropical vegetation of Africa is characterized by high levels of species diversity but is undergoing important shifts in response to ongoing climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures. Although our knowledge of plant species distribution patterns in the African tropics has been improving over the years, it remains limited. Here we present RAINBIO, a unique comprehensive mega-database of georeferenced records for vascular plants in continental tropical Africa. The geographic focus of the database is the region south of the Sahel and north of Southern Africa, and the majority of data originate from tropical forest regions. RAINBIO is a compilation of 13 datasets either publicly available or personal ones. Numerous in depth data quality checks, automatic and manual via several African flora experts, were undertaken for georeferencing, standardization of taxonomic names and identification and merging of duplicated records. The resulting RAINBIO data allows exploration and extraction of distribution data for 25,356 native tropical African vascular plant species, which represents ca. 89% of all known plant species in the area of interest. Habit information is also provided for 91% of these species.

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Data Paper Mon, 7 Nov 2016 19:45:40 +0200
Novelties in Selaginella (Selaginellaceae – Lycopodiophyta), with emphasis on Brazilian species https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/6489/ PhytoKeys 57: 93-133

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.57.6489

Authors: Iván A. Valdespino

Abstract: In this paper, I describe five new species of Selaginella from Brazil (S. nanuzae, S. neospringiana, S. pellucidopunctata, S. stomatoloma, and S. trygonoides), compare them to morphologically similar species, and provide a preliminary conservation status assessment for each. The new species are illustrated with scanning electron photomicrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores, when available. Also discussed in this paper are ten species, mainly from Brazil and with new distribution records, and the forthcoming resurrection of three species also occurring in Brazil. Three further non-native and presumed naturalized species are recognized in Brazil, and publication of one additional taxon is planned. Eighty-six Selaginella species are now known from Brazil and, of these, 80 are native (including 26 / 32.5%, endemic), and six are introduced. Brazil and Mexico have the second highest number of native Selaginella species in the Neotropics after Venezuela, which is estimated to have about 100. Of the newly documented species, S. cabrerensis is now known to occur in French Guiana, Brazil, and Bolivia, in addition to Colombia, and S. arroyoana and S. chiquitana are synonymized under it. Likewise, S. potaroensis is also recorded from Costa Rica and Brazil, and S. seemannii from Panama and Brazil. Finally, leaf marginal stomata are reported on the newly described species and their functionality is discussed under S. stomatoloma.

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Research Article Tue, 15 Dec 2015 09:56:09 +0200
Seven new species of Selaginella subg. Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaceae) from Brazil and new synonyms for the genus https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/4873/ PhytoKeys 50: 61-99

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.50.4873

Authors: Iván A. Valdespino, Gustavo Heringer, Alexandre Salino, Luiz A. de Araújo Góes-Neto, Jorge Ceballos

Abstract: We describe seven new species of Selaginella subg. Stachygynandrum (S. alstonii, S. blepharodella, S. crinita, S. mucronata, S. mucugensis, S. saltuicola, and S. sematophylla) from Brazil and discuss their possible affinities and conservation status. Scanning electron micrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores are provided to illustrate the new taxa. In Selaginella alstonii and S. saltuicola vegetative growth from strobilus tips is reported and discussed. Four of the new species are from the Espinhaço Mountain Range associated with Campos Rupestres (montane savannah/rocky fields) vegetation. Three of these (i.e., Selaginella blepharodella, S. crinita, and S. mucugensis) were collected in the northern part of the range in Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, while S. alstonii is from the southern part of the range in the state of Minas Gerais. Selaginella mucronata is found in Atlantic Rainforest vegetation in the state of Espírito Santo, whereas S. saltuicola inhabits Cerrado (tropical savannah) vegetation in the state of Mato Grosso. Selaginella sematophylla is the most widely distributed of the new species and was collected in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro states in Campos Rupestres and Atlantic Rainforest vegetation. Selaginella alstonii occurs in rocky caves, S. blepharodella, S. crinita, S. mucugensis, and S. sematophylla seem adapted to seasonally dry places, living on sandy or humid soils, S. mucronata occupies humid, forest understory, and S. saltuicola is adapted to wet places associated with rocks or logs in waterfalls. Of the seven new species, six are considered local endemics (except for S. sematophylla) because of their restricted currently known distributions to one or two localities within a single state in Brazil. Additionally, we propose new synonymy for S. palmiformis (syn. = S. bahiensis subsp. manausensis, ≡ S. manausensis) and S. vestiens (syn. = S. fragillima); the last species is endemic to Brazil, recorded in the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais. Finally, based on literature discussed and this study, we conclude that the number of well-documented Brazilian Selaginella species is 61, of which 58 are native and three introduced and naturalized. These statistics are likely to change with further work on Selaginella from Brazil.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Jun 2015 16:29:45 +0300