2026-03-13T02:03:47Z https://plecevo.eu/oai.php

10.5091/plecevo.2010.428 2010-03-29 plecevo

Ecology and evolution in the molecular era Robbrecht,Elmar Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 3-4 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Editorial text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.428 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.428 https://plecevo.eu/article/32367/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32367/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.411 2010-03-29 plecevo

Copper endemism in the Congolese flora: a database of copper affinity and conservational value of cuprophytes Faucon,Michel-Pierre Meersseman,Arthur Shutcha,Mylor Mahy,Grégory Luhembwe,Michel Malaisse,François Meerts,Pierre COBALT CONSERVATION COPPER D.R.CONGO ENDEMIC HEAVY METALS KATANGA METALLOPHYTE MINING THREATENED SPECIES Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 5-18 Background and aims – The occurrence of natural plant communities on Cu-enriched substrates over significant areas of the earth's surface is exceptional. In Katanga (D.R.Congo), natural outcrops of copper-rich rocks are colonised by highly original plant communities. A number of plant species have been proposed as possibly endemic to those sites. Here we revise the taxonomic, phytogeographic and conservational status of these plants. Methods – Almost all the herbarium materials of supposed Cu-endemics available in BR and BRLU have been revised and all relevant taxonomic revisions have been consulted. Literature and herbarium data have been supplemented by original observations in the field. Conservational status was established using IUCN criteria based on current and projected variation of population size and number. Key results – Thirty-two taxa are identified as strict endemics of Cu-rich soil in Katanga, i.e. absolute metallophytes. Twenty-four of these are known from one to five localities only. Twenty-three other taxa are identified as broad endemics, i.e. with > 75% of occurrence on Cu-rich soil. Fifty-seven other names formerly used for supposed endemics are rejected either for nomenclatural or phytogeographic reasons. A number of species formerly regarded as endemics have been discovered off copper-enriched substrates due to progress in the botanical exploration of Katanga. The taxonomic value of a number of proposed endemics is still uncertain and requires further research. For a number of taxa, local geographic distribution still remains insufficiently known. The low proportion of endemics (c. 5%) in the flora of Cu-rich soil in Katanga possibly indicates a recent origin of much of this flora. Arguments in favour of neoendemism and relictual endemism, respectively, are discussed briefly. Ten percent of strict endemics are extinct and 65% are critically endangered, due to actual or projected habitat destruction by copper mining. Endemics restricted to primary habitats may be the most difficult to conserve. Several species, mostly annuals, are able to thrive on secondary metalliferous habitats created by the mining industry and may thus be at lower risk. Conclusions – This review emphasizes the high conservation value of the flora of Cu-rich soil in Katanga and should help prioritise future conservation efforts. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.411 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.411 https://plecevo.eu/article/32368/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32368/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.414 2010-03-29 plecevo

Forest herbs in the face of global change: a single-species-multiple-threats approach for Anemone nemorosa Baeten,Lander Frenne,Pieter Verheyen,Kris Graae,Bente Hermy,Martin ACIDIFICATION ANCIENT WOODLAND ANEMONE NEMOROSA L CLIMATE CHANGE EUTROPHICATION FOREST BIODIVERSITY FOREST CONVERSION LAND USE CHANGE WOOD ANEMONE Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 19-30 Background – Global environmental changes have become important drivers of plant community shifts and are considered to be threats to biodiversity. Because multiple environmental changes are acting simultaneously, they might antagonistically, analogously or synergistically affect plant populations and communities. Approach – In this review paper, we attempt to take a single-species-multiple-threats approach to gain insights into the complex impacts of global changes. We selected a well-studied forest herb (Anemone nemorosa) as a case and discuss its response to several prevailing environmental threats. Results – Changes in forest management, land use change, acidifying and eutrophying deposition and climate change are the main topics that have been studied for Anemone. Their impacts have basically been studied at three levels of biological organisation: populations, individual ramets and traits. An important finding that emerged in this review is that the human alterations of the environment have ambiguous effects on the performance of Anemone. While some environmental changes were detrimental, others were rather neutral or even beneficial. The cover of Anemone, for instance, increased following the conversion of coppice towards high forest management, but decreased because of soil acidification and reduced soil moisture. Conclusion – Because the multiple threats may have ambiguous effects on plant performance, the ultimate response of an Anemone population turns out to be very complex. To conclude, we emphasise the need for more integrative studies that assess the impacts of multiple global changes on the different levels of biological organisation of a species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.414 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.414 https://plecevo.eu/article/32369/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32369/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.416 2010-03-29 plecevo

Some factors determining species diversity of prepuna and puna vegetations in a Bolivian Andes region Thomas,Evert Damme,Patrick Goetghebeur,Paul ALTITUDINAL GRADIENT ANDEAN FLORA ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCE DIVERSITY Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 31-42 Background and aims – The only semi-arid plant formations that occur in Andean Bolivia are prepuna with its associated dry valleys and puna. A quantitative ecological study was conducted in the district of Apillapampa, which is situated on the transition between the latter vegetation types. Methods – Vegetation was sampled in twenty-nine 50 × 2 m² transects, yielding a total of 280 different plant taxa. Key results – Floristic and ecological findings correspond well with comparable studies in prepuna and puna vegetations in Bolivia and significantly contribute to the still severely understudied Bolivian flora. Our research suggests that a significant part of the variation in species abundances in the sampled transects is explained by a combination of some of the natural and anthropogenic variables we measured. The latter include altitude, travel time (as a measure of site accessibility), proximity to a (temporal) river or stream, and evidence of firewood harvesting. Furthermore, we detected an inverse relationship between diversity of plants in transects and altitude. Of the anthropogenic disturbance variables, only cultivation of exotic tree or shrub species had a negative impact on plant diversity in transects. Conclusions – Vegetation in Apillapampa is highly fragmented and of secondary nature, mainly as a consequence of past and present human activities. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.416 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.416 https://plecevo.eu/article/32370/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32370/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.422 2010-03-29 plecevo

Environmental determinism versus biotic stochasticity in the appearance of plant species in salt-marsh succession Erfanzadeh,Reza Pétillon,Julien Maelfait,Jean-Pierre Hoffmann,Maurice ANNUALS DETERMINISM SALT MARSH STOCHASTICITY SUCCESSION Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 43-50 Background and aims – It is generally accepted that in terrestrial ecosystems the occurrence and abundance of plant species in late successional stages can be predicted accurately from prevailing soil conditions, whereas in early succession their presence is much more influenced by chance events (e.g. propagule availability). Late successional vegetation stages would therefore be deterministically structured, while early succession would be dominated by more stochastic features. To test this hypothesis in salt marsh conditions, we compared the effect of abiotic environmental factors on vegetation composition and probability of occurrence of individual species in two adjacent salt marshes, differing in age (i.e. successional stage). Material and methods – In 2002, a new salt marsh was created on substrate devoid of plant diaspores in the nature reserve The IJzermonding (Nieuwpoort, Belgium). From 2002 onwards, primary colonization started on that sterile substrate by hydrochoric seed dispersal, induced by tidal water currents from an adjacent 5 ha relic of the old salt marsh. In 2005, three years after the start of the colonization process of the new salt marsh, vegetation and three abiotic environmental factors (soil texture, salinity and elevation) were recorded in a set of 155 relevés on the new and old salt marsh. Key results – In contrast to the general observation in other terrestrial ecosystems, the vegetation composition of the early successional stage of the new salt marsh appeared to be at least as much determined by the combined effect of the measured abiotic factors as that of the old salt marsh. As revealed by logistic regression the presence/absence of perennial species as well as annual species of the young salt marsh could be well predicted by the measured abiotic variables. For the old salt marsh this also held for the perennial species, but not for the annual species. The stochastic appearance of gaps in the perennial vegetation cover appeared to be important for the establishment of annuals in the older salt marsh. Conclusion – In the case of salt marsh succession, the generally accepted hypothesis of early successional stochasticity dominance versus late successional environmental determinism must be rejected. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.422 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.422 https://plecevo.eu/article/32371/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32371/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.417 2010-03-29 plecevo

Diversity of subaerial algae and cyanobacteria growing on bark and wood in the lowland tropical forests of Singapore Neustupa,Jiří Škaloud,Pavel CHLOROPHYCEAE CYANOBACTERIA SINGAPORE SUBAERIAL ALGAE TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 51-62 Background and aims – Knowledge on diversity and distribution of algae and cyanobacteria in subaerial habitats still lags behind those of freshwater and marine environments. Notably, data on diversity of microalgae in tropical corticolous habitats are still scarce. We investigated species composition of subaerial epixylic algae and cyanobacteria from two Singaporean rainforest localities. We asked whether there are differences in species composition and alpha-diversity of samples taken in different areas and in different habitat types (bark vs. decaying bare wood). In addition, we asked whether there are differences in species turnover (beta-diversity) among different habitat types and areas. Methods – The cultivation-based approach and the microscopic analysis of populations were used. In total, 20 samples of bark and decaying wood from two forested areas were analyzed. Statistical analyses involved the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of species data. Significance of differences in algal composition between groups of samples was evaluated by the non-parametric two-way ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities) using the crossed design with permutations in blocks. The SIMPER method was used to identify species that characteristically discriminate between habitat types and sampling areas. Key results – In total, 57 species were identified. Green algae (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Trentepohliales) were dominant, and Cyanobacteria were the second most frequent group. The dominants of the subaerial assemblages differed from corresponding temperate habitats and, in addition, their alpha-diversity was considerably higher. Several green algal morphospecies were characteristic for the bark localities (e.g. Dictyochloropsis spp., Pseudomarvania aerophytica, Printzina effusa and Printzina lagenifera). The alpha-diversity was similar in both habitat types, but the species turnover among samples (beta-diversity) was significantly higher in the decaying wood samples. Conclusions – Tropical corticolous habitats probably harbour higher diversity than corresponding temperate habitats. High beta-diversity of decaying wood illustrates general importance of this substrate for biodiversity of subaerial algae in the tropics. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.417 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.417 https://plecevo.eu/article/32373/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32373/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.365 2010-03-29 plecevo

Ancistrocladus ileboensis (D.R.Congo), a new liana with unique alkaloids Heubl,Günther Turini,Florian Mudogo,Virima Kajahn,Inga Bringmann,Gerhard ALKALOIDS ANCISTROCLADACEAE ANCISTROCLADUS ILEBOENSIS D.R.CONGO ILEBO NAPHTHYLISOQUINOLINE Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 63-69 Background and aims - The taxonomy of Ancistrocladus Wall. (Ancistrocladaceae) is poorly understood. Recent interest is stimulated by the occurrence of biologically active naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids. The discovery of the here reported novelty was made in the framework of an interdisciplinary research program dealing with alkaloid patterns, chromosome numbers, demography, genetic variability, pollination biology, and phylogenetic relationships. Methods – The morphological study was focussed on A. ileboensis and other related species occurring in the D.R.Congo. Key results – The novelty Ancistrocladus ileboensis Heubl, Mudogo & G. Bringmann is described from the Congolian lowland forests ecoregion in the south of the Congo Basin. A distribution map and illustrations are provided. The new species is compared with four closely related taxa, from which it is distinct morphologically, chemically and biogeographically: A. letestui Pellegrin, A. ealaensis J.Léonard, A. likoko J.Léonard, and A. congolensis J.Léonard. Tables showing morphological and chemotaxonomic differences of the related taxa are presented. Conclusion – The phytochemical peculiarities together with morphological features support the separation of A. ileboensis as a new species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.365 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.365 https://plecevo.eu/article/32374/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32374/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.369 2010-03-29 plecevo

Revision of the African genus Anthonotha (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) Breteler,Frans ANTHONOTHA CAESALPINIOIDEA LEGUMINOSAE TAXONOMY THREE NEW SPECIES TROPICAL AFRICA Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 70-99 Background and aims – The African genus Anthonotha (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) is poorly known. The species are revised. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available, mainly at BM, BR, BRLU, COI, FHO, G, K, LBV, LISC, LISU, MA, MO, P, WAG and YA. Key results – Seventeen species are recognized, including three new ones: A. mouandzae from Gabon and A. wijmacampensis and A. xanderi from Cameroon. The species are almost completely confined to the Guineo-Congolian region. A full taxonomic treatment with key to species is given. Some important characters which are used in this key are depicted. The new species are fully illustrated. The fruits of all species are illustrated as well. Distribution maps of all taxa are given. Anthonota cladantha is neotypified. For four other species (A. ferruginea, A. lamprophylla, A. noldeae and A. trunciflora), a lectotype is designated. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.369 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.369 https://plecevo.eu/article/32376/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32376/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.389 2010-03-29 plecevo

Spermacoce spiralis, a new name for Diodia assurgens (Rubiaceae) Bacigalupo,Nélida Cabral,Elsa Fader,Andrea A. Cabaña DIODIA RUBIACEAE SPERMACOCE SPERMACOCEAE Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 100-104 Background and aims – The identity of Diodia assurgens K.Schum. is unclear and the taxon has never been studied in detail since its description. In the present paper we aim to clarify its status and taxonomic position. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available. Pollen of Diodia assurgens and Diodia s.str. species was studied using the acetolysis method. Key results – The comparative morphological study clearly shows that Diodia assurgens K.Schum belongs to the genus Spermacoce s.str. and that it should be excluded from Diodia s.str. The new name Spermacoce spiralis Bacigalupo & E.L. Cabral is proposed and a lectotype is designated. The species is also described and illustrated. The palynological characters of Spermacoce spiralis agree well with those observed in other species of Spermacoce s.str. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.389 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.389 https://plecevo.eu/article/32378/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32378/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.371 2010-03-29 plecevo

Un nouveau Psychotria (Rubiaceae) du sud Cameroun Lachenaud,Olivier Séné,Olivier CAMEROON CONSERVATION PSYCHOTRIA RUBIACEAE TAXONOMY Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(1): 105-108 A new species of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) from southern Cameroon Background – A novelty is described in the framework of an ongoing revision of Psychotria in West and Central Africa. Methods – Normal practises of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. Key results – Psychotria sonkeana O.Lachenaud & Séné, a new species endemic to southern Cameroon, is described and illustrated. Belonging to section Confertiflorae, it is related to P. subobliqua Hiern and P. globiceps Hiern, but differs from both in having fistulose branches, puberulent peduncles and green-and-white-striped immature fruits. The species is assessed to be Endangered according to the IUCN criteria. French abstract Contexte – Une nouvelle espèce est décrite dans le cadre d'une révision en cours des Psychotria en Afrique occidentale et centrale. Méthodes – Les méthodes usuelles de taxonomie d'herbier ont été appliquées. Résultats-clés – Psychotria sonkeana O.Lachenaud & Séné, espèce nouvelle endémique du sud Cameroun, est décrit et illustré. Appartenant à la section Confertiflorae, il est voisin de P. subobliqua Hiern et P. globiceps Hiern, dont il diffère notamment par les rameaux fistuleux, les pédoncules pubérulents et les fruits striés de vert et de blanc à l'état immature. L'espèce est évaluée comme « En danger » selon les critères de l'UICN. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.371 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.371 https://plecevo.eu/article/32380/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32380/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.413 2010-07-23 plecevo

Seed germination tests of the parasitic perennial Viscum album (Viscaceae) from fragmented habitats at the northern edge of its range Stanton,Sharon Torrado,Stefanie Honnay,Olivier GERMINATION PERCENTAGE HABITAT FRAGMENTATION INBREEDING MISTLETOE Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 113-118 Background and aims – Despite being a rather common species throughout Europe, little is known about the effects of habitat change on the fitness of Viscum album. We expected to find a reduction in fitness in V. album populations growing in fragmented habitats resulting from a loss of genetic diversity through increased inbreeding. Methods – We studied seed germination as a measure of fitness among sixteen Belgian V. album populations varying in size and degree of isolation to investigate the fitness consequences of habitat fragmentation. Populations were sampled from two landscapes differing in their degree of habitat fragmentation and V. album population characteristics. We also compared germination percentages of three populations at three different temperatures (5, 20, 30°C) to examine the potential effects of climate change on V. album regeneration in northern Europe. Key results – Germination percentages (at 20°C) were high (69–100%) and we found no evidence of relationships between germination and population size, density, or area. There was no direct relationship between germination percentage and population isolation within study regions, but connectivity among populations appears to be important. Samples from the more fragmented habitat showed a negative correlation between germination percentage and the proportion of females, suggesting reduced mate availability and pollination resulting from increased isolation of populations. There was no significant difference in mean germination percentages among the three temperature treatments, but the high temperature samples (30°C) exhibited the highest variation in germination success. Conclusion – Our results suggest that V. album has evolved high germination success to compensate for limited success in establishing on a host plant. Successful germination under a wide range of environmental conditions is expected to increase the likelihood of establishing on host plants, possibly helping V. album respond to changes in climate. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.413 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.413 https://plecevo.eu/article/32381/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32381/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.397 2010-07-23 plecevo

Comparative ecology and coexistence of introduced and native congeneric forest herbs: Impatiens parviflora and I. noli-tangere Godefroid,Sandrine Koedam,Nico ALIEN COMPARATIVE ECOLOGY DISTURBANCE ELLENBERG'S INDICES GRIME'S C-S-R PLANT FUNCTIONAL TYPES IMPATIENS NON-NATIVE SPECIES SMALL BALSAM SOIL COMPACTION Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 119-127 Background and aims – Impatiens parviflora DC. is an invasive species which disturbs the natural vegetation composition in many European forests where it is frequently mixed with the native I. noli-tangere L. According to the literature, both species seem to share many biological attributes and have very similar ecological requirements. Extinctions have sometimes been reported for I. noli-tangere, and knowledge is lacking about the possible contribution of I. parviflora to this phenomenon. Methods – In a large forest from central Belgium, we compared soil characteristics (inferred by the Ellenberg's indices) and strategies of the species from the recipient vegetation (according to Grime's system) between areas where (1) only one of the two Impatiens is present, and (2) both Impatiens grow together. In order to refine the knowledge of their ecological behaviour, we modelled the response of both species to these soil and community properties. Results – Contrary to what is reported in the literature, we found that, in our study area, I. parviflora prefers soils of low base and N-status, it shows a preference for compacted soils, and it easily penetrates non-ruderal communities and dense groundlayers. Conclusions – These findings suggest that the autecology of I. parviflora in western and central Europe is not very well known yet and deserves further studies. Our results also highlighted major differences in the ecological requirements of both species. We suggest that the regression of I. noli-tangere observed in many regions is not due to the invasion by I. parviflora, although additional studies are necessary to untangle this question. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.397 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.397 https://plecevo.eu/article/32383/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32383/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.404 2010-07-23 plecevo

Shrubby and forest fringe communities of the inselberg - rainforest ecotone in Atlantic Central Africa Mignaut,Thomas Senterre,Bruno Müller,Jonas Lejoly,Jean Parmentier,Ingrid CENTRAL AFRICA ECOTONE ENDEMICS FOREST FRINGE INDVAL INSELBERG INSULARITY RAINFOREST VEGETATION Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 128-137 Background and aims – Inselbergs are rock outcrops standing out from the surrounding plains. In the rainforest landscape they can be considered as forming “xeric islands”. Plants on inselbergs endure very harsh edaphic and microclimatic conditions. The inselberg - rainforest ecotone is characterized by the spatial transition from monocotyledonous mats and grasslands to an herbaceous fringe, a shrubby fringe, a forest fringe and a saxicolous forest. We describe here the plant communities of the shrubby and forest fringes of 25 sites in Southern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. We identify their affinities with other inselberg plants communities described in West and Central Africa and evaluate their conservation value. Methods – We used cluster analysis and ordination to classify 191 phytosociological relevés into plant communities, as well as the IndVal method to highlight the character species of each plant community. Key results – A total of 709 vascular plant species and 394 morpho-species were recognized within the 191 plots. The four plant communities recognized correspond to three groups of inselbergs distinct by their geographical location, mean annual rainfall, altitude, rock substrate and the presence of buffaloes. They differ from plant communities described in other habitats in Central Africa and from the rock outcrop and inselberg plant communities described in West Africa. A limited number of species are restricted to the inselberg habitat or endemic to the study area. Conclusions – Inselbergs contribute to the regional biodiversity through (i) the presence of some endemic species restricted to the inselberg habitat and to Atlantic Central Africa, (ii) the presence of species that inside the rainforest zone, can only be found on inselbergs, their main distribution being in the savannas or on mountains at higher elevations and (iii) their unique species assemblages. To preserve the inselberg flora and plant communities in Atlantic Central Africa, several sites and the surrounding rainforest should be protected within each of the three ecogeographical groups identified. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.404 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.404 https://plecevo.eu/article/32384/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32384/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.386 2010-07-23 plecevo

Les indicateurs de la dynamique post-culturale de la végétation des jachères dans la partie savane de la réserve naturelle forestière de Kigwena (Burundi) Bangirinama,Frédéric Bigendako,Marie Lejoly,Jean Noret,Nausicaa Cannière,Charles Bogaert,Jan FALLOWS PLANT FUNCTIONAL GROUPS POST-CULTIVATION SUCCESSION Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 138-147 The indicators of the post-cultural dynamics in fallow vegetation in the savannahs of the Kigwena natural forest reserve (Burundi)Background and aims – A synchronic study has been achieved in fallows distributed in three age classes (0–2 years, 3–5 years and more than five years) in the natural forest reserve of Kigwena (Burundi). The aim was to show that differences in the proportion of plant functional groups could be used as indicators in characterizing the post-cultivation succession stages. Methods – The retained functional groups concerned biological and phytogeographic types, leaf size and diaspores dispersion. Key results – The data analysis gave five floristic associations. The functional group analysis evidences that the young successional stages are often characterized by sclerochorous herbaceous (therophyts) with often anemochorous dispersion, while the aged stages are essentially dominated by sarcochorous phanerophyts with essentially autochorous dispersion. The proportion of species with large distribution decreases with the age of the fallow contrary to species with regional distribution. A progressive increase with the age of species number with large leaves and a reduction of species with small leaves has been observed. Conclusion – The follow-up of the temporal variability of biological traits of species permits to characterize stages of post-cultivation succession. French abstract Objectifs – Une étude synchronique a été réalisée dans les jachères réparties en trois classes d'âges (0–2 ans, 3–5 ans et plus de cinq ans) dans la réserve naturelle forestière de Kigwena (Burundi). L'objectif était de montrer que les différences dans les spectres des groupes fonctionnels de plantes pouvaient être utilisées comme indicateurs pour caractériser les stades de la succession post-culturale. Méthodes – Les groupes fonctionnels retenus concernaient la forme biologique, l'origine phytogéographique, la morphologie foliaire et le mode de dispersion des diaspores. Résultats – Après traitement des données phytosociologiques, cinq groupements végétaux ont été individualisés sur base de la composition floristique. L'analyse des groupes fonctionnels met en évidence que les stades jeunes sont caractérisés par les thérophytes à diaspores sclérochores souvent anémochores, tandis que les stades âgés sont dominés par des phanérophytes à diaspores sarcochores essentiellement zoochores. La proportion des espèces à large distribution diminue avec l'âge de la jachère contrairement aux espèces à distribution régionale. Une augmentation progressive avec l'âge de la jachère d'espèces mésophylles et macrophylles et une diminution d'espèces nanophylles ont été observées. Conclusion – Le suivi de la variabilité temporelle des spectres des traits biologiques des espèces permet de caractériser les stades de la succession post-culturale. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.386 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.386 https://plecevo.eu/article/32385/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32385/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.437 2010-07-23 plecevo

Phylogeny and circumscription of Sapindaceae revisited: molecular sequence data, morphology and biogeography support recognition of a new family, Xanthoceraceae Buerki,Sven Lowry II,Porter Alvarez,Nadir Razafimandimbison,Sylvain Küpfer,Philippe Callmander,Martin ACERACEAE HARPULLIEAE HIPPOCASTANACEAE MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY NEW FAMILY SAPINDACEAE XANTHOCERACEAE XANTHOCERAS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 148-159 Background and aims – Recent studies have adopted a broad definition of Sapindaceae that includes taxa traditionally placed in Aceraceae and Hippocastanaceae, achieving monophyly but yielding a family difficult to characterize and for which no obvious morphological synapomorphy exists. This expanded circumscription was necessitated by the finding that the monotypic, temperate Asian genus Xanthoceras, historically placed in Sapindaceae tribe Harpullieae, is basal within the group. Here we seek to clarify the relationships of Xanthoceras based on phylogenetic analyses using a dataset encompassing nearly ¾ of sapindaceous genera, comparing the results with information from morphology and biogeography, in particular with respect to the other taxa placed in Harpullieae. We then re-examine the appropriateness of maintaining the current broad, morphologically heterogeneous definition of Sapindaceae and explore the advantages of an alternative family circumscription. Methods – Using 243 samples representing 104 of the 142 currently recognized genera of Sapindaceae s. lat. (including all in Harpullieae), sequence data were analyzed for nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, rpoB, trnD-trnT, trnK-matK, trnL-trnF and trnS-trnG) markers, adopting the methodology of a recent family-wide study, performing single-gene and total evidence analyses based on maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) criteria, and applying heuristic searches developed for large datasets, viz. a new strategy implemented in RAxML (for ML) and the parsimony ratchet (for MP). Bootstrap analyses were performed for each method to test for congruence between markers. Key results – Our findings support earlier suggestions that Harpullieae are polyphyletic: Xanthoceras is confirmed as sister to all other sampled taxa of Sapindaceae s. lat.; the remaining members belong to three other clades within Sapindaceae s. lat., two of which correspond respectively to the groups traditionally treated as Aceraceae and Hippocastanaceae, together forming a clade sister to the largely tropical Sapindaceae s. str., which is monophyletic and morphologically coherent provided Xanthoceras is excluded. Conclusion – To overcome the difficulties of a broadly circumscribed Sapindaceae, we resurrect the historically recognized temperate families Aceraceae and Hippocastanaceae, and describe a new family, Xanthoceraceae, thus adopting a monophyletic and easily characterized circumscription of Sapindaceae nearly identical to that used for over a century. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.437 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.437 https://plecevo.eu/article/32387/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32387/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.433 2010-07-23 plecevo

A combined analysis of morphological traits, chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences within Santiria trimera (Burseraceae) suggests several species following the Biological Species Concept Koffi,K. Heuertz,Myriam Doumenge,Charles Onana,Jean Gavory,Frederick Hardy,Olivier BURSERACEAE MORPHOTYPE PHYLOGENY RAINFOREST SANTIRIA SPECIATION Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 160-169 Background and aims – Species delimitation remains a difficult task in many groups of organisms. Even widespread and conspicuous tropical trees make no exception. Santiria trimera, an African rainforest tree, displays substantial morphological variability. While classical analysis of historical herbarium samples lead to the recognition of a single species, two morphotypes of S. trimera are regularly collected in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, sometimes in sympatry: one form with stilt roots (SR) and another form without stilt roots (NSR). Methods – To assess whether these forms constitute distinct taxa and to understand evolutionary processes within African Santiria, we combined a morphological and a spatial analysis of both sympatric morphotypes in northern Gabon with a phylogenetic analysis of samples from West and Central Africa, including the island of São Tomé. Key results – In Gabon, morphological traits, chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) sequences congruently lead to the recognition of two well differentiated and reproductively isolated taxa corresponding to SR and NSR morphotypes. However, rare cases of the SR morphotype bearing DNA sequences typical of NSR individuals suggest that hybridization might sometimes occur. No evidence for habitat specialization of the two taxa was found. DNA sequences from São Tomé formed monophyletic clades at both marker types and the nuDNA gene tree suggests that the São Tomé population probably originated from Central Africa and subsequently underwent allopatric differentiation from continental populations. Conclusion – In Central Africa, S. trimera is composed of at least two distinct sympatric species following the Biological Species Concept and calls for further morphological and phenological studies and experimental crosses between them to specify their taxonomic status. Our results also show that classical taxonomic species delimitation may not always be congruent with the Biological Species Concept, calling for more population-based in situ morphological and molecular genetic analyses. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.433 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.433 https://plecevo.eu/article/32389/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32389/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.431 2010-07-23 plecevo

Meiotic chromosome number and behaviour of Onobrychis avajensis (Fabaceae): a new species from western Iran Ranjbar,Massoud Karamian,Roya Afsari,Saeydeh CHROMOSOME NUMBER FABACEAE HELIOBRYCHIS IRAN MEIOSIS NEW SPECIES ONOBRYCHIS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 170-175 Background and aims – The present study is focused on the cytogenetic and morphological criteria allowing to distinguish a new taxon from Onobrychis sect. Heliobrychis. This section is the largest section in O. subg. Sisyrosema represented with 21 species in Iran. The new species belongs to the O. subsect. Boissierianae characterized by perennial plants with well-developed stems and O. andalanica group with uniformely yellow corolla. Methods – The morphological features and meiotic chromosome number and behaviour were studied in O. avajensis Ranjbar. Key results – The novelty Onobrychis avajensis Ranjbar, endemic to Iran, is described and illustrated from two collections from a single locality between Avaj and Abgram in Qazvin Province in the west Zagros. It is closely related to O. andalanica Bornm. but differs from it in a few morphological characters. In addition, meiotic chromosome number and behaviour were studied in O. avajensis. This report is the first cytogenetic analysis of this taxon. O. avajensis is a diploid plant and possesses 2 n = 2 x = 16 chromosomes, consistent with the proposed base number of x = 8. The general meiotic behaviour of the species was regular, with bivalent pairing and normal chromosome segregation at meiosis. Meiotic abnormalities were observed included a varying degree of sticky chromosomes with laggards, precocious division of centromeres in metaphase I, bridges in anaphase I and multipolar cells in telophase II. Conclusion – Morphological features support the separation of Onobrychis avajensis Ranjbar as a new species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.431 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.431 https://plecevo.eu/article/32392/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32392/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.387 2010-07-23 plecevo

Description of a new species of Neuropeltis (Convolvulaceae) with a synopsis and a key to all African species Breteler,Frans CONVOLVULACEAE NEUROPELTIS TAXONOMY TROPICAL AFRICA UPPER GUINEA Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 176-180 Background and aims – The paleotropical genus Neuropeltis of the Convolvulaceae is imperfectly known. The present paper aims to revise the genus for the Upper Guinea area in West Africa. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available. Key results – Three species are found in Upper Guinea. Neuropeltis velutina is not present in this area and its specimens hitherto assigned to it are classified in a new species N. occidentalis. A key to and a synopsis of all African species is provided. The new species is illustrated and its distribution is mapped. Neuropeltis sanguinea from Angola (Cabinda) is newly synonymised under N. velutina. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.387 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.387 https://plecevo.eu/article/32393/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32393/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.382 2010-07-23 plecevo

New taxa in Crossandrella, Dischistocalyx and Ascotheca (Acanthaceae) from Equatorial Guinea Champluvier,Dominique Senterre,Bruno ASCOTHECA PAUCINERVIA VAR. MINOR CRISTAL MOUNTAINS CROSSANDRELLA CRISTALENSIS DISCHISTOCALYX MINIMUS EQUATORIAL GUINEA Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 181-190 Background and aims – Recent collecting in Equatorial Guinea, a country with incompletely documented biodiversity, resulted in an ample collection of the plant family Acanthaceae. Identifications resulted in the discovery of novelties, presented here. Methods – Specimens from BRLU, BR, BM, P and K were investigated. Critical point-dried pollen was observed in the SEM. Results – Three new taxa are described from Equatorial Guinea, two new species in the genera Crossandrella and Dischistocalyx and one new variety in Ascotheca. Distribution maps and illustrations for the two new species are provided. Pollen morphology adds evidence to distinguish between the three species of Crossandrella. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.382 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.382 https://plecevo.eu/article/32394/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32394/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.400 2010-07-23 plecevo

Two new taxa in Magnistipula (Chrysobalanaceae) from Korup National Park, Cameroon van der burgt,Xander BUTAYEI CAMEROON CHRYSOBALANACEAE IUCN CONSERVATION STATUS KORUP MAGNISTIPULA Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 191-198 Background – In the course of the identification work of trees in the permanent plots around the “P transect” in the southern part of Korup National Park, Cameroon, two new taxa in Magnistipula Engl. were discovered. Key results – Magnistipula multinervia Burgt and Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. korupensis Burgt (Chrysobalanaceae) are described and illustrated. M. multinervia is the thirteenth described species of Magnistipula. It is a rainforest tree to 41 m high with relatively small leaves (usually 7–10 cm long), and with stipules to 12 × 4 mm, with 10–20 parallel, longitudinal veins. M. butayei subsp. korupensis is the eleventh described subspecies of M. butayei. It is a rainforest tree to c. 30 m high with relatively elongated flowers and elongated persistent stipules. Conservation status – The two new taxa are only known from the southern part of Korup National Park in Cameroon. Both taxa are very rare; a survey done of 8936 trees over 10 cm stem diameter resulted in respectively four and fourteen trees registered of the two taxa. The numbers of known living trees presently are four and fifteen. The IUCN conservation status of both taxa is assessed as “Critically Endangered” CR D. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.400 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.400 https://plecevo.eu/article/32396/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32396/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.438 2010-07-23 plecevo

Distribution of orbicules in Annonaceae mirrors evolutionary trend in angiosperms Huysmans,Suzy Verstraete,Brecht Smets,Erik Chatrou,Lars ANNONACEAE ORBICULES PALYNOLOGY SPOROPOLLENIN STARCH GRANULES TAPETUM UBISCH BODIES Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 199-211 Background and aims – Orbicules or Ubisch bodies have been recorded in many angiosperm families and although the first observations date back to 1865, their function in the anther remains enigmatic. In flowering plants a general evolutionary trend is observed from common occurrence of orbicules in early diverging lineages towards a more patchy distribution in derived clades of eudicots. Annonaceae was our family of choice for an in depth study of orbicule distribution in early diverging angiosperms since it met the following three criteria: (1) high tapetum diversity, (2) orbicule presence and absence recorded, and (3) recent phylogeny at genus level available. Key results – Our SEM data of eighteen species show that orbicules are more common in Annonaceae than previously perceived. The resulting orbicule distribution pattern on the family topology indicates a consistent absence of orbicules in the 'long branch clade' while orbicules are present in Anaxagorea, the ambavioids, and the 'short branch clade'. Presence of orbicules is the ancestral condition in the family. Morphologically, Annonaceae orbicules are small (< 1 μm), spherical and smooth. Conclusions – The orbicule distribution pattern in Annonaceae reflects the general evolutionary trend in flowering plants. We hypothesize that orbicule presence can be considered as a powerful proxy for non-amoeboid tapetum characterization in Annonaceae. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.438 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.438 https://plecevo.eu/article/32399/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32399/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.391 2010-07-23 plecevo

Checklist of Bauhinia sensu stricto (Caesalpiniaceae) in Brazil Da Fonseca Vaz,Angela Maria Studart Roseli Lopes Da Costa Bortoluzzi, Luis Alexandre Estevão Da Silva, BAUHINIA BRAZIL CERCIDEAE LEGUMINOSAE SOUTH AMERICA Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 212-221 Background and aims – A checklist and key of the Brazilian species of the genus Bauhinia L. are presented. The species examined all have an arboreal or shrub habit or are occasionally vines or decumbent shrubs, although never with tendrils. Methods – Information was gathered and collated from an already prepared list of nomenclatural types, the examination of approximately 2,100 specimens stored in approximately 100 herbaria, and by consultation of literature about the genus. Key results – All taxonomic categories including section, series, species, subspecies, and variety, as well as the principal synonyms are included. In addition, references to illustrations in the most recent revisions are included. Accompanying information includes data recorded on the collection labels of herbarium specimens such as state, municipality, month and year of collection, reproductive stage of the specimens (floral bud, flower, or fruit), collector's name and number, and the herbaria where the specimens (including duplicates) are deposited. The list contains 57 species, two subspecies, and seven varieties of the genus Bauhinia native to Brazil. Bauhinia pinheroi is illustrated here for the first time. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Checklist text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.391 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.391 https://plecevo.eu/article/32400/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32400/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.427 2010-07-23 plecevo

Arthonia borbonica (Ascomycota, Arthoniales), a new species from La Réunion Ertz,Damien Elix,John Grube,Martin ARTHONIACEAE CHEMISTRY CONIOCARPON LA RÉUNION MASCARENE RED PIGMENTS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 222-224 Background – A novelty is described in the framework of an ongoing revision of the Arthonia cinnabarina complex. Methods – Normal practises of herbarium taxonomy including high performance liquid chromatography (hPLC) have been applied. Key results – Arthonia borbonica is described as new to science. It is characterized by having ascomata covered by an orange pruina and macrocephalic (2–)3-septate ascospores. The species is only known from La Réunion island. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.427 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.427 https://plecevo.eu/article/32402/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32402/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.439 2010-07-23 plecevo

The 'Mangrove Reference Database and Herbarium' Alemán,Sergi Massó i Bourgeois,Carine Appeltans,Ward Vanhoorne,Bart Hauwere,Nathalie Stoffelen,Piet Heughebaert,André Dahdouh,Farid AUTO-ECOLOGY BIODIVERSITY BIOGEOGRAPHY DATABASE DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES DISTRIBUTION HERBARIUM IDENTIFICATION MANGROVE TAXONOMY Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 225-232 Background – In the light of loss of mangrove forests and related biodiversity world-wide the overall objective of the online 'Mangrove Reference Database and Herbarium' is to give a current and historic overview of the global, regional and particularly the local distribution of true mangrove species. Databasing and website construction – All data are based on records containing species location information of all mangrove species (approximately 75). All the mangrove zones around the world are recorded in this database and a species list is available for the sites that have been studied or sampled. In addition, the database provides written and visual information on plant physiognomy, ecological adaptations to the intertidal mangrove habitat and nomenclature. Images of herbarium specimens are included as vouchers. Objectives – The website (http://www.vliz.be/vmdcdata/mangroves/) wants: (1) to offer a relational database for all true mangrove plant species using an expandable taxonomic tree ; (2) to display a fact sheet for each mangrove plant species; (3) to present a searchable online distribution map for each species based on point-locations submitted by researchers world-wide in order to display historic as well as current distribution maps using a GIS-interface; (4) to preserve a herbarium reference specimen for each true mangrove species; and (5) to provide an automated determination key to identify mangroves world-wide. Results – The result is a functional database that can be rapidly updated and that provides information for research, management and conservation projects on the world's mangroves (biogeographical, forest management or ecological restoration in the light of species present). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.439 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.439 https://plecevo.eu/article/32404/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32404/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.390 2010-07-23 plecevo

A new species of Spermacoce s. str. (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) from Eastern Brazil Cabral,Elsa Fader,Andrea A. Cabaña Bacigalupo,Nélida BRAZIL POLLEN MORPHOLOGY RUBIACEAE SPERMACOCE SYSTEMATICS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 233-238 Background – The species diversity within the tribe Spermacoceae (Rubiaceae) remains imperfectly known. As part of an ongoing revision of South-American species of the tribe, a new species of the genus Spermacoce s. str. is here presented. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available. Pollen was studied using the acetolysis method. Key results – Spermacoce paganuccii E.L. Cabral & Bacigalupo a new species from Brazil is described and illustrated. The species is endemic of Serra do Orobó from the state of Bahia. Morphologically it is most similar to Spermacoce glabra and S. spiralis. It differs from S. glabra in the diameter of the glomerules, the form and indumentum of the capsules and the habit. The new species is easily distinguished from S. spiralis by its indehiscent fruits, the glomerule disposition, the number of bractal leaf and the calyx lobes. Pollen morphology is also analyzed and its relevance is discussed to distinguish the new species from its closest relatives. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.390 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.390 https://plecevo.eu/article/32405/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32405/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.425 2010-07-23 plecevo

Inheritance of the chloroplast genome in Rhinanthus angustifolius (Orobanchaceae) Vrancken,Jérôme Wesselingh,Renate CHLOROPLAST DNA INHERITANCE PCR-RFLP RHINANTHUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 239-242 Background and aims – The mode of inheritance of the chloroplast genome is an important factor in studies dealing with population and evolutionary plant biology. In this paper, we aim to determine the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) inheritance in Rhinanthus angustifolius. Methods – We studied the cpDNA inheritance using PCR-RFLP. One hundred sixty six offspring obtained from controlled crosses between individuals with two distinct chlorotypes were analysed. Key results – All the progeny exhibited the maternal chloroplast genome. The power analysis of the binomial distribution showed that the frequency of paternal transmission of the chloroplast, if any, should not exceed 1.81% (with 95% confidence). This work indicates that maternal inheritance of the chloroplast genome in Rhinanthus angustifolius is a reasonable assumption. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.425 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.425 https://plecevo.eu/article/32406/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32406/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.412 2010-07-23 plecevo

Charles Marie Evrard (1926-2009) Bamps,Paul Bouharmont,Jules Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(2): 243-245 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 In Memoriam text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.412 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.412 https://plecevo.eu/article/32407/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32407/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.554 2010-11-30 plecevo

Diatom Taxonomy in the 21st Century' in honour of Henri Van Heurck (1838–1909) Van de Vijver,Bart Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 249-250 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Editorial text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.554 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.554 https://plecevo.eu/article/32409/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32409/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.405 2010-11-30 plecevo

Discovering diatom species: is a long history of disagreements about species-level taxonomy now at an end? Mann,David G. BACILLARIOPHYTA DIATOMS DISCOVERY HISTORY METAPOPULATION LINEAGES SPECIES DEFINITION TAXONOMY Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 251-264 Background – Now and in the past, species discovery in diatoms begins, and often ends, with a survey of morphological variation to find breaks in the variation pattern that allow diagnosable entities to be defined and named. For this process to be effective, it needs to be informed by an understanding of the mechanisms that generate variation and many mistakes were made in the early 19 th century because of poor knowledge of the diatom life cycle and phenotypic plasticity; some taxonomically important life-cycle characteristics were not properly documented until 1932. Acceptance of the Darwinian view of species as taxa arbitrarily set along a continuum of divergence was accompanied in the late 19 th and early 20 th century by description of many varieties and forms; most recently described taxa, on the other hand, have been species. The neo-Darwinian emphasis on reproductive isolation as an important factor in speciation, introduced during the 'New Synthesis' of the 1940s, did not become influential in diatom taxonomy until the 1970s. It has since been a source of controversy, some seeing it as having no place in taxonomy, others regarding it as a useful aid to the detection of species boundaries, alongside character-based approaches, both morphological and molecular. Review – This paper discusses changes in how species have been discovered and circumscribed in diatoms, and seeks to establish whether there is a basis for consensus in future work in this field. Conclusion – Whereas morphology is currently still the primary tool for discovering diatom species diversity, molecular methods may be more cost-effective in future and are the only practical means of exploring cryptic (including pseudocryptic) diversity, which appears to be widespread. By treating species as separately evolving metapopulation lineages, as recommended by de Queiroz, different approaches can be accommodated (including tests of reproductive compatibility), providing a framework within which conflicting results can be analysed and reconciled. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.405 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.405 https://plecevo.eu/article/32411/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32411/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.401 2010-11-30 plecevo

Towards a comprehensive diatom classification and phylogeny (Bacillariophyta) Williams,David Kociolek,J. BACILLARIOPHYTA CHARACTERS (HOMOLOGY) CLASSIFICATION DIATOMS FOSSILS PHYLOGENETICS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 265-270 Background and aims – At one time it was believed that without reasonable fossil evidence the phylogeny of any group of organisms was almost unknowable. And so fossils were sought, found and their significance duly proclaimed. Such a dominating viewpoint slowly disappeared in the 1970s and 1980s and data derived from the structure of extant organisms were given more attention. At the same time, molecular data became accessible as another source of phylogenetic information and, eventually, it was believed – as it was with fossils before – that without reasonable molecular evidence the phylogeny of any group of organisms is almost unknowable. Justification for this view has been sought in the explanation that, in general, morphology is misleading (convergence, parallelisms, etc.). These same views have come to prevail in diatom phylogenetic studies. A problem with this constellation of viewpoints is that if morphology is so misleading then so too are fossils (which are, after all, morphological specimens). This paper addresses some of these issues. Methods – Discussion and analysis of classification, past and present, and discussion and analysis of the role played by characters (homologies), taxa and fossils in the search for a comprehensive classification. Conclusion – Classification is equivalent to phylogeny. Sources of data (evidence) are morphology, palaeontology and molecules. Morphology and palaeontology, when understood as derived from specimens (character-bearers), are the same thing. No data source has any unique privilege over another. Stories explaining away character conflict have no place in scientific studies. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.401 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.401 https://plecevo.eu/article/32412/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32412/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.403 2010-11-30 plecevo

Morphogenetic information and the selection of taxonomic characters for raphid diatom systematics Cox,Eileen CHARACTER CHOICE CHARACTER STATE HOMOLOGY MORPHOGENESIS RAPHID DIATOMS SYSTEMATICS TERMINOLOGY Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 271-277 Background – The traditional approach to diatom systematics assumed that structure and morphology were stable within a taxon and replicated faithfully down the generations, but wall structure is the end-product of biological processes, potentially modified by environment and over time. Electron microscopy revealed additional structural characters that may be taxonomically informative, but homology continues to be inferred primarily on morphological similarity, without reference to ontogeny. Review – Morphogenetic data reveal that similar structures can be derived in different ways, and that dissimilar end-products may be produced by a single ontogenetic pathway. This paper discusses the importance of understanding valve morphogenesis before wall characters and character states are chosen and described, with particular reference to dorsiventrality, solid areas of silica, raphe and pore structure. Conclusions – A better understanding of character formation will inform the use and development of terminology, which is critical to comparative studies and phylogenetic analyses of morphological data. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.403 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.403 https://plecevo.eu/article/32415/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32415/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.418 2010-11-30 plecevo

A preliminary multigene phylogeny of the diatoms (Bacillariophyta): challenges for future research Theriot,Edward C Ashworth,Matt Ruck,Elizabeth Nakov,Teofil Jansen,Robert DIATOMS PHYLOGENY PSBC RBCL SSU STRATIGRAPHY Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 278-296 Background and aims – Formal inferences of the diatom phylogeny have largely depended on the nuclear-encoded small subunit of the rDNA gene (SSU). Large parts of the tree remain unresolved, suggesting that new sources of data need to be applied to this question. The next largest dataset consists of the large subunit of the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene (rbc L). The photosystem II gene psb C has also been applied to problems at higher levels of the diatom phylogeny. Thus, we sequenced each of these three genes for 136 diatoms in an attempt to determine their applicability to inferring the diatom phylogeny. Methods – We attempted to obtain a more or less even sampling across the diatom tree. In particular, we increased sampling among the radial and polar centrics and among taxa that morphologically appear to be transitional between polar centrics and araphid pennates. Normal sequencing methods were used. Data were analyzed under maximum likelihood. Key results – Analysis of SSU and chloroplast data returned many of the same clades and the same general structure of the tree. Combined, the data weakly reject monophyly of the radial centrics. The chloroplast data weakly support monophyly of the polar centrics but SSU and combined data weakly reject polar centric monophyly. There may be an hitherto unrecognized clade of araphid pennates sister to the remaining pennates. Conclusion – While it is obvious that more genetic data need to be collected, perhaps the greatest obstacle to inferring an accurate, or at least global and robust, diatom phylogeny is the fact that the parts of the diatom tree that appear to be the most intractable to date (relationships among centric groups and between centrics and pennates) are also the most undersampled. This is in part due to major extinctions in the radial and polar centrics. We believe diatomists need to support more effort in both the molecular and morphological studies of these diatoms, and in the search for more information about the first half of the diatom stratigraphic record. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.418 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.418 https://plecevo.eu/article/32416/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32416/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.415 2010-11-30 plecevo

Discrete free-boundary reaction-diffusion model of diatom pore occlusions Willis,Lisa Page,Karen Broomhead,David Cox,Eileen DIATOMS DISCRETE FREE-BOUNDARY REACTION-DIFFUSION MODEL PORE OCCLUSIONS VALVE MORPHOGENESIS Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 297-306 Background – Diatoms are unicellular algae, prolific in nearly all aqueous environments on earth. They are encased between two siliceous valves that each feature a variety of intricately patterned species-specific siliceous structures. How diatoms use biological and physical processes to form these tiny detailed structures is largely unknown. This work is concerned with the smallest regular structures in diatom valves, the pore occlusions, and the processes involved in their formation. Theory and method – We developed a discrete, free-boundary, reaction-diffusion computer model to assess a new physically motivated hypothesis: pore occlusion patterns in the genus Achnanthes are simply expressions of silica diffusion and deposition within a pore covered by a membrane (silicalemma), whose deformation interacts with the growth of the pore boundary to control the silica influx. Preliminary results and discussion – Simulations generate some promising pore features such as bifurcating and curved protrusions that grow towards one another, as seen in diatom pore occlusions. But they tend to be irregular and, to date, taking into account of smoothing and regularizing effects only partially symmetrized formations. Potential future work on this point is outlined. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.415 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.415 https://plecevo.eu/article/32417/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32417/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.421 2010-11-30 plecevo

The genus Navicula in ancient basins. I. Two novelties from the Black Sea Witkowski,Andrzej Kulikovskiy,Maxim Nevrova,Elena Lange-Bertalot,Horst Gogorev,Rinat ANCIENT MARINE BASINS BLACK SEA DIATOMS (BACILLARIOPHYTA) NAVICULA NEW SPECIES Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 307-317 Backgrounds and aims – In this paper results on Navicula s. str. species from the (sub)littoral zone of the Black Sea are presented. Navicula pinnata var. pontica Mereschk. was originally described from the Black Sea in the early 20th century but, due to mistakes, incorrectly referred to in the literature as Navicula pennata A.W.F.Schmidt var. pontica Mereschk. A second species, Navicula parapontica sp. nov. is described as new for science. Analysis of recent and historical diatom assemblages revealed that Mereschkowsky's taxon occurs abundantly. Nevertheless, it was subject of numerous misidentifications in the past; the same applies for the second species. The aim of our study was to clarify the identity and taxonomic position of these taxa. Methods – This study is based on both historical and recent samples. Recent sampling was performed along the Ukrainian (Crimea) coast. In addition, samples from the Black Sea, originally collected and studied by Proshkina-Lavrenko in 1948–1951 and only recently rediscovered, have been analyzed. Results are based on light and scanning electron microscopy examination. We compared line drawings of Mereschkowsky's taxon with illustrations of similar taxa focusing especially on Navicula pinnata Pant. and N. pennata A.W.F.Schmidt. Key results – Comparison of line drawings of Mereschkowsky's taxon revealed no resemblance to N. pinnata. Micrographs of N. pennata illustrated in our paper indicated that any infraspecific relationship between Mereschkowsky's taxon and N. pennata is unlikely. Hence, we propose a new name, Navicula pontica stat. nov. for Mereshkowsky's taxon. In historical samples N. pontica was accompanied by a similar, however, sufficiently different, species, described as new for science: Navicula parapontica sp. nov. Conclusion – Our study resulted in a status change of a taxon originally described as Navicula pinnata var. pontica. In addition N. parapontica was described as new for science. These results will facilitate future identification of both abundant Black Sea littoral diatoms. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.421 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.421 https://plecevo.eu/article/32418/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32418/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.402 2010-11-30 plecevo

Revision of the genus Hantzschia (Bacillariophyceae) on Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Southern Atlantic Ocean) Zidarova,Ralitsa Van de Vijver,Bart Quesada,Antonio De Haan,Myriam ANTARCTICA DIATOMS HANTZSCHIA MORPHOLOGY NEW SPECIES Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 318-333 Background and aims – The non-marine diatom flora of Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctic Region) is currently under revision. One of the genera that still needed a revision is the genus Hantzschia, quite common in terrestrial habitats of the Antarctic Region. Methods – Using both Light Microscopical and Scanning Electron Microscopical techniques, the morphology of all Hantzschia taxa, present in the samples from Livingston Island, has been analysed. Each taxon is compared with all other possible similar Hantzschia taxa, known worldwide. Key results – Apart from the already known Hantzschia abundans and H. amphioxys f. muelleri, five new Hantzschia species are described: Hantzschia acuticapitata Zidarova & Van de Vijver sp. nov., H. confusa Van de Vijver & Zidarova sp. nov., H. hyperaustralis Van de Vijver & Zidarova sp. nov., H. constricta Van de Vijver & Zidarova sp. nov. and H. incognita Zidarova & Van de Vijver sp. nov. Conclusions – The obtained results confirm the presence of a typical and highly specific non-marine diatom flora in the Antarctic Region and contradict the generally accepted idea about the cosmopolitanism of diatoms. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.402 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.402 https://plecevo.eu/article/32419/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32419/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.408 2010-11-30 plecevo

Microscopic observations of Aulacoseira sphaerica (Bacillariophyta) Cornet,Colette Dagnelie,Jacques AULACOSEIRA AUXOSPORE DIATOM ESCANDORGUE FRANCE FRESHWATER INITIAL CELL LATE PLIOCENE MASSIF CENTRAL Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 334-339 Background and aims – Aulacoseira sphaerica (Hérib.) Simonsen is described from samples of a boring made in a Late Pliocene freshwater maar sediments in Nogaret (Escandorgue volcanic massif, France). This species is described and compared with works of other authors. Methods – The morphology of this species is examined using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Key results – Our observations correspond with Héribaud's (1903) description of Melosira sphaerica. It is an initial cell of an unknown Aulacoseira that is either extinct or does not form auxospores in recent waters. But we do not agree with Loseva's (1980) identification of this species found in the upper Pliocene deposits from the locality Omara (Russia) in the Kama river (Volga's tributary) basin. Conclusion – A. sphaerica remains considered as a Late Pliocene fossil, endemic in the south of France (Massif Central, Escandorgue). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.408 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.408 https://plecevo.eu/article/32420/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32420/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.419 2010-11-30 plecevo

Taxonomic descriptions and evolutionary implications of Middle Eocene pennate diatoms representing the extant genera Oxyneis, Actinella and Nupela (Bacillariophyceae) Siver,Peter Wolfe,Alexander Edlund,Mark ACTINELLA EOCENE FOSSIL DIATOMS FRESHWATER NUPELA OXYNEIS RAPHE Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 340-351 Background and aims – The majority of freshwater diatom lineages appear to have evolved before or during the Eocene, with rapid radiation occurring in the Miocene. However, only a few accurately dated fossil localities are available to test this assertion, resulting in an overall poor understanding of the biostratigraphy and early evolution of these organisms. Exquisitely preserved diatoms have been uncovered from Eocene lake sediments deposited post-eruptively in the Giraffe kimberlite pipe (Northwest Territories, Canada). We describe three new pennate diatoms from this deposit and discuss their evolutionary implications. Methods – Both oxidized preparations and whole-rock mudstone samples from the Giraffe Pipe core were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy for diatom remains. Key results – Species belonging to the genera Actinella F.W.Lewis, Oxyneis Round and Nupela Vyverman & Compère are described from the Giraffe Pipe sediments. Oxyneis apporrecta is a unique species with valves that are centrally constricted, inflations midway between the center and apices, and protracted and rostrate apices. Actinella giraffensis is a small taxon that lacks a highly complex head pole, and is most closely related to a species known today only from the highlands of New Zealand. Nupela mutabilis has variably shaped valves possessing a raphe and unique areolae characteristic of this genus. These findings represent the first known fossils for both Oxyneis and Nupela, and the oldest record for Actinella. Conclusions – None of the species are known from extant floras and are therefore considered extinct. However, the morphological features they present, including the structure of the areolae, raphe, rimoportula and girdle bands, share pronounced affinities with modern congeneric taxa. The well-developed raphe found on Nupela mutabilis confirms that the evolution of this structure dates to at least the Middle Eocene, and supports the hypothesis that it may be older than the Paleocene. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.419 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.419 https://plecevo.eu/article/32421/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32421/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.410 2010-11-30 plecevo

Morphology of Actinocyclus and Lobodiscus species (Bacillariophyta) from the Miocene deposits of the Vitim Plateau, Russia Usoltseva,Marina Khursevish,Galina Rasskazov,Sergey Vorob’Eva,Svetlana Chernyaeva,Galina FRESHWATER ACTINOCYCLUS LOBODISCUS MIOCENE MORPHOLOGY NEW SPECIES SEM VALVES VITIM PLATEAU Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 352-364 Background and aims – In 2006, during a field expedition in the Amalat (Southern) paleovalley of the Vitim Plateau, 85 samples were taken from sediments of a new key hole 7236. The composition and distribution of siliceous microfossils were studied with light microscope (Usoltseva et al. 2008). The prevailence of species of the planktonic genera of Actinocyclus Ehr. and Aulacoseira Thwaites was recorded. The aims of this paper were electron-microscopic investigations of fossil freshwater species Actinocyclus and Lobodiscus from the Miocene lacustrine sediments of a new key hole 7236, and the comparison of our morphological data with formerly published descriptions of known freshwater taxa of these genera. Methods – Samples from the section 7236 were examined using LM and SEM. Abundance was calculated based on the LM slides. Key results – Valve ultrastructure of dominant biostratigraphically valuable species of Actinocyclus and Lobodiscus from the Miocene freshwater sediments of the Vitim Plateau was for the first time studied with SEM. The comparison of results of carried out investigations with formerly published descriptions of known freshwater taxa of Actinocyclus and Lobodiscus permits to belong the studied species to Actinocyclus gorbunovii (Sheshukova) Moisseeva & Sheshukova and A. krasskei (Krasske) Bradbury & Krebs, to expand their certain morphometric data, as well as to describe A. vitimicus Usoltseva & Khursevich sp. nov., A. intermedius Usoltseva & Khursevich sp. nov. and Lobodiscus peculiaris Usoltseva & Khursevich sp. nov., with definite diagnostic features. Conclusion – Freshwater extinct species of Actinocyclus can be used as stratigraphic markers. Thus, occurred planktonic taxa of Actinocyclus, including the new species of A. vitimicus and A. intermedius, described above, as well as Lobodiscus peculiaris together with dominant accompanying planktonic representatives of Aulacoseira represent the characteristic diatom complex in lacustrine sediments of the Upper Dzhilinda subformation recovered from key hole 7236 within the Amalat paleovalley (the Vitim Plateau). The Middle-Late Miocene age of studied lacustrine deposits agrees with K-Ar dating of lavas in this part of section. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.410 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.410 https://plecevo.eu/article/32424/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32424/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2010.420 2010-11-30 plecevo

Observations on the limnology and phytoplankton community of crater Lake Kyaninga (Uganda), with special attention to its diatom flora Cocquyt,Christine Plisnier,Pierre-Denis Gelorini,Vanessa Rumes,Bob Verschuren,Dirk AFRICA CRATER LAKES DIATOMS LAKE DYNAMICS PHYTOPLANKTON UGANDA Plant Ecology and Evolution 143(3): 365-377 Background and aims – With a depth of at least 220 m, Lake Kyaninga is the deepest known maar crater lake in western Uganda. We studied its limnology and phytoplankton community to determine how the frequency and depth of water-column mixing influences nutrient cycling and seasonality in this aquatic ecosystem. Methods – Water-column temperature was measured continuously during a full annual cycle between August 2007 and August 2008. Other physical and chemical variables as well as diatom and other phytoplankton communities were investigated on three occasions, namely during the dry season in August of 2007 and 2008, and during the main wet season in April 2009. Key results and conclusions – The water column of Lake Kyaninga is permanently stratified (meromictic) below ∼ 100 m depth. Above this depth, mixing frequency varies from daily (down to 8–12 m depth) over at least once per year (down to 39–47 m depth), to once in several years or decades (between 39–47 and ∼ 100 m depth). Nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations as well as phytoplankton data classify the lake as low in aquatic productivity (oligotrophic). Its pelagic, open-water phytoplankton community is dominated by Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and Chlorophyta (green algae). Bacillariophyta (diatoms) contribute only a minor part of total phytoplankton biomass in both wet and dry seasons, and are characterized by an assemblage of small Nitzschia species. Epiphytic and epipelic diatoms are relatively few, because steep rocky crater slopes limit the littoral zone even though water-column transparency is high. The composition of recently deposited diatom assemblages preserved in offshore surface sediments gives a good, annually integrated representation of the present-day pelagic diatom community. The documented species richness of the diatom flora of Lake Kyaninga is moderate with about 150 taxa. Only ∼ 17% of these are biogeographically restricted to tropical Africa; and most of these belong to the genus Nitzschia. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2010 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2010.420 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2010.420 https://plecevo.eu/article/32425/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32425/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.434 2011-03-25 plecevo

Comparative study of the reproductive ecology of two co-occurring related plant species: the invasive Senecio inaequidens and the native Jacobaea vulgaris Vanparys,Valérie Cawoy,Valérie Mahaux,Olivia Jacquemart,Anne-Laure ASTERACEAE NECTAR FLORAL DISPLAY INVASIVE SUCCESS JACOBAEA VULGARIS POLLINATOR REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY SELF-FERTILITY SENECIO INAEQUIDENS SENECIO JACOBAEA VISITATION RATE Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 3-11 Background and aims – A previous study showed that the visitation rate by pollinators and the seed set of the exotic invasive Senecio inaequidens (Asteraceae) were higher compared to the native relative, Jacobaea vulgaris. The first aim of the present study was to assess if these results could be explained by differences in self-fertility, nectar rewards or floral display between the two species. Moreover, in a second step, we examined if the higher visitation rate on S. inaequidens has a negative effect on the reproductive success of J. vulgaris. Methods – Self-fertility was estimated after self- and cross-hand pollinations. Nectar volume, total sugar concentration and sugar composition were analysed on plants cultivated under controlled conditions. In the field, in order to assess the effect of floral display and impact of the invasive on the pollination success of the native, insect behaviour was assessed by comparing visitation rates, number of visitors per 10 min observation and individual censuses. Floral display (density of capitula per unit area) was artificially modified by clipping or grouping inflorescences in both species. Key results – In terms of self-fertility, seed sets were similarly low after self-pollination (11–12%) for both species. S. inaequidens produced lower amounts of nectar with lower sugar concentration compared to J. vulgaris. No influence of floral display was detected on insect visitation rates. The presence of S. inaequidens did not alter pollinator visits and seed set of J. vulgaris. Conclusions – Other traits need to be investigated to explain the different visitation rates and reproductive success between the two species. The higher seed set of S. inaequidens could be due to a higher outcrossing rate, or more frequent pollinator movements between individuals. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.434 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.434 https://plecevo.eu/article/32426/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32426/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.444 2011-03-25 plecevo

Patterns of hybridization and hybrid survival in the invasive alien Fallopia complex (Polygonaceae) Saad,Layla Tiébré,Marie-Solange Hardy,Olivier Mahy,Grégory Vanderhoeven,Sonia FLOW CYTOMETRY HYBRIDIZATION ALIEN INVASIVE PLANT FALLOPIA POLYPLOIDY Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 12-18 Background – Hybridization and polyploidization are considered important driving forces of invasive processes. In the invasive Fallopia spp. complex, hybridization between taxa of various ploidy levels has been experimentally demonstrated. Extensive genetic variation has also been observed among hybrids in the field. However, what makes a certain hybridization event of evolutionary importance is still the subject of speculation considering the invasive potential of hybrid Fallopia. Aims – The present study examined landscape scale patterns of interspecific hybridization within the alien invasive Fallopia complex, and tested whether cold winter might act as selective agent for hybrid survival. Methods – Eighty seeds per clone were collected from four taxa (F. japonica, F. sachalinensis, F. aubertii, and F. × bohemica) and sown in greenhouse and outdoor conditions. Ploidy levels of the resulting seedlings were determined by flow cytometry at early stages of seedling growth and compared to those of mature clones present in the same landscapes. Key results – The four studied taxa were involved in interspecific hybridization patterns. Seedlings resulting from hybridization had a large range of ploidy levels, including aneuploid and euploid progeny, and polyploid levels that were not observed in mature clones. Cold winter had a negative effect on germination success. However, a comparison of ploidy levels of seedlings that survived the cold winter with those grown under greenhouse conditions indicated that cold winter was not a significant selection agent for particular ploidy levels. Conclusions – Our results stress the importance of interspecific hybridization and polyploidization events in generating invasive hybrids in the alien Fallopia spp. complex. Cold winter represents a selection agent for the survival of early stages of progeny but does not explain the discrepancies in ploidy levels between produced seedlings and currently occurring mature clones. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.444 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.444 https://plecevo.eu/article/32429/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32429/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.429 2011-03-25 plecevo

Grazing impact on plant spatial distribution and community composition Kohyani,Pejman Bossuyt,Beatrijs Bonte,Dries Hoffmann,Maurice SPECIES TURNOVER ALPHA DIVERSITY BOX-COUNTING FRACTAL DIMENSION EMERGENT GROUPS GAMMA DIVERSITY SELF SIMILARITY Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 19-28 Background and aims – Re-introduction of large grazers in the few remaining natural and semi-natural grasslands are thought to be an effective management tool to prevent dominance of late successional plant species and restoration of plant biodiversity. The main objective of this study was to test whether the introduction of large herbivores retard the succession by reducing the abundance of highly competitive tall species and whether it is accompanied with changes in plant community composition and spatial distribution of plant species. Methods – In order to test this hypothesis, we studied the effect of grazing by large herbivores on vegetation at three hierarchical levels: individual plant species, emergent groups of functionally similar herbaceous plant species, and the main gradients of plant community composition. Study sites were thirteen spatially separated, dry coastal dune grasslands in western Belgium and north-western France. Key results – Grazing had a predominantly negative effect on high competitive dominant species and led to changes in composition of emergent groups toward less competitive plant species. Additionally, these changes in plant community composition were accompanied with changes in spatial distribution patterns of individual plant species and community richness. Conclusions – Our results suggest that the current grazing management applied in these nature reserves is able to prevent the expansion of dominant highly competitive species and establishment of functionally different plant species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.429 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.429 https://plecevo.eu/article/32433/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32433/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.535 2011-03-25 plecevo

Deep sequencing of Ptilidium (Ptilidiaceae) suggests evolutionary stasis in liverwort plastid genome structure Forrest,Laura Wickett,Norman Cox,Cymon Goffinet,Bernard CHLOROPLAST 454 TECHNOLOGY LIVERWORT NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING PLASTID GENOME PLASTOME PTILIDIUM Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 29-43 Background and aims – Organellar genome sampling is patchy for non-vascular groups, with the earliest land plants poorly represented; currently only two liverworts, two mosses and one hornwort have sequenced, annotated plastid genomes. This is in part due to methodological difficulties that have hampered attempts to generate plastid genome data from liverworts. In this paper we present a method that overcomes some of the inherent difficulties by circumventing the need for plastid enrichment, but that also provides other valuable information from nuclear and mitochondrial regions including sequences from loci that may be phylogenetically useful, and potential population-level markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites. Methods – A shotgun library developed from total genomic liverwort DNA was subjected to high-throughput pyrosequencing using the Roche 454 platform. Plastid reads were bioinformatically identified, assembled and annotated. To maximize usage of the vast number of reads generated using 454 sequencing technology, combined nuclear, mitochondrial and plastid contigs were also screened for microsatellite markers, and presumed nuclear contigs were scanned for protein domains. Key Results – This is the first plastid genome to be assembled for a leafy liverwort (i.e. Ptilidium) and also the first such genome to be sequenced using next generation technology for any bryophyte. The 119,007 base long plastid genome of Ptilidium pulcherrimum contains 88 protein-coding genes, four rRNAs and thirty tRNAs. The Inverted Repeat occurs between trn V-GAC and trn N-GUU. Functional copies of the two plastid-encoded sulphate import protein-coding genes (cys A and cys T) are absent, although pseudogenes are present in the same position that the functional genes occupy in Marchantia. Microsatellites: 197 novel potential primer pairs for P. pulcherrimum were found. Presumed nuclear Ptilidium contigs gave multiple hits to Class I transposable elements. Conclusions – The arrangement of genes is identical to the plastid of the complex thalloid liverwort Marchantia, suggesting that structural rearrangements are rare in hepatics. This dataset represents a valuable resource for novel phylogenetic and population level marker design in hepatics. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.535 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.535 https://plecevo.eu/article/32435/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32435/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.436 2011-03-25 plecevo

Morphology and development of spikelets and flowers in Cyperus and Pycreus (Cyperaceae) Vrijdaghs,Alexander Reynders,Marc Muasya,A. Larridon,Isabel Goetghebeur,Paul Smets,Erik CYPERUS SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY FLORAL ONTOGENY CYPEREAE CYPERUS S. LAT LATERALLY FLATTENED DIMEROUS GYNOECIUM PYCREUS SPIKELET Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 44-63 Background – Pycreus, Kyllinga, and Queenslandiella cluster together with Cyperus within the Cyperus s. lat. clade, one of the two large clades in Cypereae. However, in contrast with Cyperus, they have laterally flattened pistils/nutlets. Pycreus, Kyllinga and Queenslandiella form morphologically well circumscribed independent genera. In the context of a broader systematic project to work out a well supported, evolution based taxonomy for Cyperus s. lat., we present in this paper general morphological and developmental data of species of Pycreus in comparison with three species of Cyperus, including C. laevigatus with dorsiventrally flattened nutlets. Approach – Freshly collected material was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). Special attention was given to spikelet and gynoecial development. Results – SE micrographs of all species studied show an indeterminate rachilla with distichously arranged glumes, each subtending a bisexual flower. In spikelets of C. capitatus and P. pumilus, the proximal glume sometimes subtends a lateral spikelet instead of a flower. In the species of Pycreus studied, each flower sits in a cavity formed by the growth of the rachilla, which is congenitally fused with the wings of the glume of the higher, alternate flower. Glumes appear successively, each soon forming a flower primordium in its axil, which develops according to a general cyperoid ontogenetic pattern. In Pycreus, the stigma branches grow out from dorsiventrally positioned primordia. During gynoecium development, a hypogynous stalklet (gynophore) appears in all species studied. Conclusion – In spikelets of Pycreus, the rachilla and wings of the glumes are congenitally fused and consequently develop with epicaulescent displacements of the glumes resulting in typical spikelets with flowers in cavities. In spikelets of Cyperus, a similar though less pronounced development results in spikelets with zigzagging rachilla. The particular positions of the stigma branches in C. laevigatus and Pycreus are explained by the development of the gynoecium from an annular primordium, which facilitates shifts in localisation of the stigma primordia. Though we consider the combination of the typical spikelet ontogeny and the independently originated laterally flattened nutlets to be strong arguments in favour of a genus Pycreus, a phylogenetic confirmation that the taxon is monophyletic is an absolute, until now unfulfilled, condition. Moreover, the consequences for the giant genus Cyperus must be taken in consideration. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.436 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.436 https://plecevo.eu/article/32436/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32436/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.426 2011-03-25 plecevo

Revision of the African genus Isomacrolobium (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) Breteler,Frans TAXONOMY TROPICAL AFRICA CAESALPINIOIDEAE ISOMACROLOBIUM LEGUMINOSAE ONE NEW SPECIES Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 64-81 Background and aims – The African genus Isomacrolobium (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) is poorly known. Its species are revised. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available, mainly at BM, BR, COI, FHO, G, K, LBV, MA, MO, OXF, P, WAG, and YA. Key results – Twelve species are recognised, including one new one: I. brachyrhachis from Gabon. All the species are confined to the Guineo-Congolian region. A full taxonomic treatment with key to the species is given. The new species is fully illustrated. The fruits, known of nine species, are illustrated as well. Distribution maps of all taxa are provided. Macrolobium ernae, a synonym of I. obanense, is neotypified. For I. graciliflorum and I. leptorrhachis a lectotype is designated. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.426 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.426 https://plecevo.eu/article/32437/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32437/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.388 2011-03-25 plecevo

New and overlooked Acanthaceae taxa from D.R.Congo, Rwanda and Burundi: (1) the genus Barleria Champluvier,Dominique ACANTHACEAE BARLERIA D.R.CONGO Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 82-95 Background and aims – This is a first contribution describing novelties in the Acanthaceae, discovered on the occasion of the preparation of the families' instalment for the 'Flore d'Afrique centrale'. It deals with the genus Barleria. Methods – Material from BR, BRLU, BM and K was examined. Flowers were boiled in water and examined under a Wild M5 lens. Others measurements were made on dry material. Results – Two new species representing cases of vicariance and four other novelties belong to sect. Barleria. A vicariant pair of sect. Fissimura and a new species of sect. Cavirostrata are presented. The identity of the overlooked Barleria kaessneri (sect. Somalia) is clarified. The eight new species come from the Zambezian centre of endemism (some of them transgressing in the Guineo-Congolian centre). Drawings or photographs are provided for most species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.388 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.388 https://plecevo.eu/article/32438/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32438/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.503 2011-03-25 plecevo

Avian fruit ingestion differentially facilitates seed germination of four fleshy-fruited plant species of an Afrotropical forest Lehouck,Valérie Spanhove,Toon Lens,Luc AFRICA FRUGIVORY SEED DISPERSAL BIRD GUT PASSAGE LEPTONYCHIA USAMBARENSIS PSYCHOTRIA LAURACEA TURRAEA HOLSTII XYMALOS MONOSPORA Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 96-100 Background and aims – The effects of gut treatment on the germination of animal-dispersed seeds are critical for the recruitment of many fleshy-fruited plant species, and hence for forest dynamics. However, these effects remain poorly studied especially in African plant species. In this paper, we aim to investigate the effects of gut treatment on the germination capacity and mean germination time of four common plant species of an Afrotropical cloud forest. Methods – We fed Xymalos monospora fruits to its three main avian dispersers to investigate different responses among frugivore species. Next, fruits of four plant species were fed to the most dominant avian disperser, Andropadus milanjensis, to compare responses among plant species. Germination capacity and mean germination time were compared among gut-passed seeds, manually depulped seeds and intact fruits. Key results – Germination of Xymalos monospora seeds was up to nine times more likely and almost twice as fast after bird ingestion compared to intact fruits. An increase in germination capacity, but not in mean germination time, was also detected in four sympatric plant species after ingestion by Andropadus milanjensis. The positive effects of seed ingestion on germination was mainly by fruit pulp removal; only one plant species showed an indication of the combined effect of fruit pulp removal and seed coat scarification on its germination success. Conclusion – Our results indicate that fruit ingestion of four common African forest plant species positively affected germination capacity and mean germination time, and that recruitment success of these plant species may therefore largely depend on their seed dispersers. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.503 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.503 https://plecevo.eu/article/32439/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32439/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.494 2011-03-25 plecevo

Novitates gabonenses 77: A new Eriosema (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) from Gabon and adjacent Congo Maesen,Jos Van Der Walters,Gretchen TAXONOMY GABON IUCN LEGUMINOSAE BATÉKÉ PLATEAUX ERIOSEMA PAPILIONOIDEAE Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 101-105 Background – On-going botanical research in Gabon continues to yield species new to science, in this case a new member of the leguminous genus Eriosema. Material and methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied; material is present in LBV, MO, and WAG. Key results – A new species, Eriosema batekense Maesen & G.M. Walters, is described and illustrated. The stems of the new species are not as thin as in E. youngii. The tubers are narrow-spindly and straight, vertical in the soil, not napiform as in E. youngii. Another similar species, E. linifolium, is more robust with thicker stems and rootstock. E. batekense occurs on the Batéké Plateaux in Gabon, and has also been collected from the nearby Bafuru Plateau in Congo-Brazzaville. It is restricted to Kalahari sands. The species is assessed to be of Least Concern according to the IUCN criteria. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.494 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.494 https://plecevo.eu/article/32440/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32440/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.472 2011-03-25 plecevo

Scat analysis reveals a wide set of plant species to be potentially dispersed by foxes D’Hondt,Bram Vansteenbrugge,Lies Berge,Koen Van Den Bastiaens,Jan Hoffmann,Maurice ENDOZOOCHORY FRUGIVORY SEED DISPERSAL FOX VULPES ZOOCHORY Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 106-110 Background and aims – A good understanding of the ways in which seeds are dispersed within landscapes is essential to plant ecology and conservation. Carnivorous mammals can act as vectors in dispersal through ingestion and subsequent excretion of seeds (endozoochory). The red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) is a predatory species that is markedly opportunistic both in habitat and feeding habits, and occurs widespread in many rural and urbanized regions. Due to their high mobility within and among territories, they could contribute to long-distance seed dispersal on a regular basis. To identify the set of species that are potentially dispersed by foxes, we have analyzed scats from the region of Flanders (Belgium) for seeds. Methods – 303 scats were collected throughout the region during two field campaigns. All seeds were isolated from the scats and identified. Key results – Seeds were present in 57% of the scats. If present, the seed number was mostly low (< 10), yet amounted to 1135 in one sample. 77 taxa were identified. 82% of the seeds belonged to woody plant species with fleshy propagules (drupes or berries), Rubus being the most abundant taxon (64%). In addition, numerous dry-fruited woody, herbaceous, and graminoid taxa were found. Autumn samples contained more, and more often, seeds than spring samples. Conclusions – The diversity of plant types and species encountered in scats clearly reflects the opportunistic habits of foxes, with many species consumed from anthropogenic sources such as cultivated plants or waste material. We suspect an inadvertent intake for most of the dry-fruited species, for instance, through the manipulation of prey. Although wild foxes thus appear to excrete a diverse set of species, their role as effective seed dispersers needs further investigation, primarily concerning the fate of these scat-borne seeds. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.472 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.472 https://plecevo.eu/article/32441/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32441/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.423 2011-03-25 plecevo

A new taxon of the genus Salvia (Lamiaceae) from Turkey Celep,Ferhat Kahraman,Ahmet Dogan,Musa LAMIACEAE NEW VARIETY SALVIA TURKEY Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 111-114 Background and aims – Turkey is one of the major centers of diversity for Salvia, with 97 species of which 54% are endemic. The aims of this study are to give detailed taxonomical, morphological and ecological accounts of S. cadmica and S. smyrnaea. Methods – Based on herbarium studies and field observations, numerical and morphological studies have been conducted on the taxa. Key results – The main morphological characters such as calyx structure, shape, colour, size and corolla colour are diagnostic. Additionally, pollen and nutlet characteristics provide taxonomically distinctive characters for the taxa. Conclusion – The new variety S. cadmica var. bozkirensis from Turkey is described. Amended and expanded descriptions, with notes on distribution, phenology, ecology, palynology and nutlet features of the taxa are given. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.423 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.423 https://plecevo.eu/article/32442/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32442/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.460 2011-03-25 plecevo

The genus Coccochondra (neotropical Rubiaceae) expanded Taylor,Charlotte COCCOCHONDRA GUAYANA HIGHLANDS PSYCHOTRIA PSYCHOTRIEAE RUBIACEAE VENEZUELA Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 115-118 Background and aims – Several species of shrubs from the Guayana Highlands of Venezuela have been classified in Psychotria subg. Heteropsychotria Steyerm., but are anomalous morphologically in that group. Key results and conclusions – These species are here transferred to Coccochondra Rauschert, which now includes four poorly known species that are all endemic to this region. Coccochondra is provisonally considered related to Psychotria L. but is also similar to Ronabea Aubl. The three newly transferred species belong to the new subg. Durifolia (Steyerm.) C.M.Taylor, distinguished from subg. Coccochondra by its five-merous flowers: C. carrenoi (Steyerm.) C.M.Taylor, C. durifolia (Standl.) C.M.Taylor, and C. phelpsiana (Steyerm.) C.M.Taylor. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.460 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.460 https://plecevo.eu/article/32444/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32444/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.645 2011-03-25 plecevo

Peter Leins & Claudia Erbar (2010) Flower and Fruit. Morphology, ontogeny, phylogeny, function and ecology Vrijdaghs,Alexander Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(1): 119-119 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Book Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.645 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.645 https://plecevo.eu/article/32445/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32445/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.513 2011-06-15 plecevo

The endemic and non-endemic vascular flora of Madagascar updated Callmander,Martin W. Phillipson,Peter Schatz,George Andriambololonera,Sylvie Rabarimanarivo,Marina Rakotonirina,Nivo Raharimampionona,Jeannie Chatelain,Cyrille Gautier,Laurent Lowry,Porter ENDEMISM FLORA MADAGASCAR NON-ENDEMISM Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 121-125 Background and aims – The Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar project aims to evaluate and enumerate the native and naturalized vascular plant flora of Madagascar. In light of the past two decades of intensive collecting and taxonomic work, all relevant published literature and available specimens are being reassessed in order to evaluate the taxonomic status and distribution of the native and naturalized taxa of vascular plants. Here we provide current figures for the total numbers of vascular plants and levels of endemism at the order, family, genus and species levels, comparing them to previous historical counts and analyzing the distribution of the non-endemic element of the flora. Key Results – At the time of writing (April 2010), more than a century after Baron first counted 4,100 species of vascular plants in Madagascar, the Madagascar Catalogue database had registered a total of 14,883 accepted names at all taxonomic levels (64 orders, 243 families, 1,730 genera, 11,220 species and 1,626 infraspecific taxa). Of the 11,220 species of vascular plants in Madagascar, 10,650 (95%) are angiosperms, of which 331 are naturalized introduced species. The remaining accepted indigenous angiosperm species total 10,319, of which 8,621 (84%) are endemic to Madagascar (82% endemism for all indigenous vascular plants). Among the 1,698 non-endemic species of indigenous angiosperms, a total of 1,372 (81%) also occur in Africa, of these 654 (39%) are present only in Africa and Madagascar. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.513 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.513 https://plecevo.eu/article/32446/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32446/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.539 2011-06-15 plecevo

Coastal dry forests in northern Mozambique Timberlake,Jonathan Goyder,David Crawford,Frances Burrows,John Clarke,G. Luke,Quentin Matimele,Hermenegildo Müller,Tom Pascal,Olivier De Sousa,Camila COASTAL FOREST CONSERVATION ENDEMICS HOTSPOT MOZAMBIQUE Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 126-137 Background and aims – The Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, stretching along the Indian Ocean coastline from Somalia to Mozambique, are considered by Conservation International to be a global biodiversity hotspot – an area of high diversity and endemism under increasing threat. Although the largest remaining extent of these forests is reported to be found in Mozambique, very little is known on their extent, condition and composition here. In addition, the term 'coastal forest' has been used in different ways by different authors. This paper defines and characterises coastal dry forests found in northern Mozambique and assesses their present extent, botanical composition, conservation importance and the threats to these forests. Methods – The study area of 18,150 km 2 lies in Cabo Delgado Province in north-east Mozambique, adjacent to Tanzania. Its limits are determined primarily by geological substrate and landform. Four smaller study sites were chosen covering a range of landforms. Manual interpretation of satellite imagery dating from 1999–2002 was used to calculate possible previous and present extent of 'dense vegetation'. Extensive field collecting was used in determining botanical composition and distribution patterns. IUCN Red List assessments were carried out on selected species using distributional criteria. Results – Dry forests similar to those in southern Tanzania are found widely scattered across coastal Cabo Delgado, sitting in a matrix of miombo woodland and other vegetation types. However, forest cover is not as extensive was believed. We calculate that the original extent of 'dense vegetation cover', which includes coastal dry forest, was 6087 km 2 . Owing to clearance over the last 150 years this is now only 1182 km 2, of which perhaps only 400 km 2 is moderately-intact dry forest. In this southern part of their range such forests are essentially dry, not moist and mesic, and dominated by a high proportion of deciduous or sclerophyllous evergreen trees. The plant species composition differs significantly from that of the surrounding woodlands. There is a marked change in species composition between forest patches along the coast, and they contain numerous species with restricted global distribution. Since 2003, 68 species new to Mozambique have been recorded from Cabo Delgado in addition to 36 possible new species. Many new records are of species previously only known from south-eastern Tanzania. Previously recorded patterns of restricted distribution and high species turnover between forest patches in Kenya and Tanzania are confirmed. Seven coastal forest species were assessed as Endangered. Regional context and conservation – Coastal dry forests are discussed in relation to the more widespread 'sand forests' of the continental interior of south-central Africa, and shown to have similarities in ecology, species composition, soils and ecology. Very little of the present extent of coastal forests in Mozambique lies within protected areas. The threats to their continued existence in the face of exploitation for timber, agriculture and oil exploration are outlined. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.539 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.539 https://plecevo.eu/article/32447/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32447/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.549 2011-06-15 plecevo

Adaptive strategy of a spreading gynodioecious plant species (Origanum vulgare, Labiatae) in a riparian corridor Looy,Kris Honnay,Olivier Breyne,Peter ADAPTATION COLONISATION PLASTICITY REPRODUCTIVE ASSURANCE RIPARIAN CORRIDOR Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 138-147 Backgrounds and aims – Origanum vulgare L. is a successfully recovering gynodioecious species in the ecological restoration project along the Common Meuse (Belgium). Strong contrasts exist between spreading – mostly newly established – populations on the one hand, and remnant, declining populations on the other hand. The flowering strategy of the species was assumed to be related to these differences in population status. Two alternative hypotheses for small, isolated populations were postulated: either they contain more sterile individuals due to their presence in marginal conditions, or they show more hermaphrodites for reproductive assurance. Additionally, we aimed at relating neutral genetic variation of the populations with their status and sex ratio. Methods – An analysis at two levels was performed to get a consistent image of the differences in flowering strategy among and within populations. For the population-level survey, 25 populations were sampled for flowering strategy and for genetic analysis. For the within-population analysis, the survey focused on the expanding populations. Five expanding populations on the riverbanks were fully surveyed for the sex ratio of all individuals. Statistical analysis focussed on relationships between the populations' sex ratios and population genetics, size and dynamics, and stand conditions related to management intensity and isolation. Key results – Both hypotheses were supported, but at a different level. At the population level, the smaller populations showed more sterility. But within the expanding populations, isolated parts showed less sterility. For the observed sexual expression at population level, no significant correlation was present between sexual expression and population dynamics, isolation or management intensity. For the within-population differentiation, a relationship with reproductive assurance in expanding populations was shown. For the observed differentiation in sex expression, indications are present for the flower strategy being a developmental plasticity. Conclusion – For O. vulgare, the gynodioecy proves a successful plastic strategy for expanding and new establishing populations to cope with pollen limitation and inbreeding depression. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.549 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.549 https://plecevo.eu/article/32451/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32451/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.470 2011-06-15 plecevo

The geophytic Peperomia subgenus Tildenia (Piperaceae) in the Andes with the description of new species in a phylogenetic framework Samain,Marie-Stephanie Mathieu,Guido Pino,Guillermo Symmank,Lars Cieza,Nelson Neinhuis,Christoph Goetghebeur,Paul Wanke,Stefan AMOTAPE-HUANCABAMBA ZONE ARGENTINA BOLIVIA CENTRAL ANDES CHLOROPLAST TRNK-MATK-PSBA GENE CLUSTER COLOMBIA ECUADOR PEPEROMIA PERU VENEZUELA Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 148-176 Background and aims – The pantropical genus Peperomia consists of approximately 1,600 species with an extremely diverse vegetative morphology, especially in the Neotropics. One of the most startling yet overlooked growth forms is the geophytic one, as in subgenus Tildenia. This group occurs in seasonal Neotropical habitats with its highest diversity in Mexico-Guatemala and Peru-Bolivia with few species known from in between these hot spots. Methods – Recent fieldwork in Peru and Bolivia combined with herbarium study and a Bayesian analysis of an aligned sequence matrix of the chloroplast trnK-matK-psbA gene cluster of one accession of each species resulted in new findings within this subgenus. Key results – Fourteen new species are described, discussed in a phylogenetic framework and illustrated. Two species have a wide distribution and occur from central W. Peru to S. Bolivia: the common P. cerrateae and the rare P. parvisagittata. Three endemic species are described from the Amotape-Huancabamba Zone which is particularly rich in tuberous Peperomia species: P. gigantea, P. jalcaensis and P. klopfensteinii. Two species are only known from their type locality in central W. Peru: P. ocrosensis and P. pugnicaudex. Five other Peruvian species are P. ayacuchoana from Ayacucho, P. querocochana from Ancash, P. wernerrauhii from Huánuco, Peperomia umbrosa from three distant localities, and P. pseudoverruculosa which is relatively common in SE Peru. Two species are Bolivian endemics: the rare P. purpureonervosa from La Paz and the more common P. radiatinervosa from Cochabamba and Chuquisaca. Two former varieties, both endemics of the extreme northern Central Andes, are raised to species rank: P. lilliputiana and P. pseudoperuviana. Finally, basionym rejection and lectotypification are proposed for the widespread and commonly collected tuberous Peperomia in the southern Central Andes: P. peruviana. An emended description of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia is also provided. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.470 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.470 https://plecevo.eu/article/32452/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32452/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.512 2011-06-15 plecevo

Towards a revision of Trianthema, the Cinderella of Aizoaceae Hartmann,Heidrun Meve,Ulrich Liede-Schumann,Sigrid AIZOACEAE COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY CYPSELEA DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES PAPULARIA SESUVIOIDEAE SESUVIUM TAXONOMY TRIANTHEMA TRIBULOCARPUS ZALEYA Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 177-213 Background and aims – The genus Trianthema (Aizoaceae – Sesuvioideae) is poorly known. Identification of two well circumscribed subgenera is followed by a revision of T. subg. Papularia, presenting for the first time a list of all species identified as members of the subgenus. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available, mainly from AD, B, BRI, C, DNA, E, HBG, K, L, MO, UTB, WAG, and Z. Key results – Based on an extensive investigation into as many characters as possible, results permitted the identification of new character states, supporting the division of the genus Trianthema into the two subgenera, Trianthema and Papularia. In consequence, species limits can be reliably re-circumscribed, resulting in the recognition of 17 species in the latter subgenus, of which five are described as new here: T. corallicola, T. mozambiquensis, T. pakistanensis, T. ufoensis, and T. vleiensis. Raised to species rank are T. clavata and T. corymbosa, and emended and re-circumscribed are T. crystallina, T. hereroensis, T. parvifolia, T. salsoloides, T. sanguinea, T. sedifolia, T. sheilae, T. transvaalensis, and T. triquetra. Unaltered is the description of T. argentina, for which, however, the critical features are also described and figured in order to permit a sound identification of each species in T. subg. Papularia. Distribution patterns are discussed and possible evolutionary pathways are suggested on a morphological base. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.512 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.512 https://plecevo.eu/article/32453/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32453/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.560 2011-06-15 plecevo

Diversity and origin of medicinal exotic flora in Cape Verde Islands Romeiras,Maria Catarino,Luís Torrão,Maria Duarte,Maria HISTORY OF PLANT USE MEDICINAL PLANTS NON-INDIGENOUS FLORA SPECIES DISTRIBUTION TRADITIONAL MEDICINE WEST AFRICA Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 214-225 Background and aims – The Cape Verde Islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators who, throughout the 15 th century, explored the African coasts. Despite the recognised value of the Cape Verde flora, the study of medicinal plants is still incipient. The main goal of the present study was to understand the ancestral uses of the exotic medicinal flora that the population of the archipelago still uses, allowing some considerations for the geographic origin of these species. Methods – This study is mostly based on the collection of ethnobotanical data obtained in specimens housed in LISC Herbarium and in available botanical and historical bibliographic data. Key results – A checklist of the exotic medicinal plants of Cape Verde is presented. The use of local flora in folk medicine is common, and 101 exotic naturalized taxa were reported as medicinal in this archipelago. Most of these plants arise from Afrotropical, Neotropical, Palaearctic, or Pantropical regions. Furthermore nineteen non-naturalized exotic taxa, mainly from Neotropical and Oriental regions, were reported as medicinal. Conclusions – This study shows the relevance of historical factors in the determining the composition of the medicinal flora in Cape Verde, namely the importance that the slave trade routes from Africa to the Americas played during the period of the 16 th –19 th centuries. It also allows the recognition and positive valuation of the cultural and biological Cape Verde's patrimony and its sustainable use. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Checklist text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.560 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.560 https://plecevo.eu/article/32454/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32454/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.509 2011-06-15 plecevo

Studies in Perenniporia s. lat. (Basidiomycota). African taxa V: Perenniporia alboferruginea sp. nov. from Cameroon Decock,Cony Mossebo,Dominique Yombiyeni,Prudence CAMEROON CENTRAL AFRICA PERENNIPORIA POLYPORES TAXONOMY Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 226-232 Background and aims – The Polypores of central Africa (or in biogeographical terms, the Guineo-Congolian phytogeographic region) are still poorly investigated. As part of an ongoing survey of the Polypores in this region, an undescribed species of Perenniporia was collected in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, in south-eastern Cameroon. Methods – Species are described using morphology-based methods. Key results – Perenniporia alboferruginea sp. nov. is proposed, described and illustrated. Several new collections of poorly known species are reported, and an identification key for the Perenniporia species occurring in the Dja Biosphere Reserve and neighbouring areas is presented. Conclusion – About ten years ago, two Perenniporia species were recorded from the Dja Biosphere Reserve. Nowadays, seven species are known from the area, of which four were described based on material originating from this locality. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.509 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.509 https://plecevo.eu/article/32455/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32455/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.609 2011-06-15 plecevo

Chlorophytum burundiense (Asparagaceae), a new species from Burundi and Tanzania Meerts,Pierre AFROMONTANE BURUNDI CHLOROPHYTUM DETERMINATION KEY NEW SPECIES SEM TANZANIA Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 233-236 Background and aims – In the context of our preparation of the treatment of the genus Chlorophytum for the 'Flore d'Afrique centrale', a new species is described from Burundi and Tanzania. Methods – Herbarium taxonomy and SEM of seeds. Key results – Chlorophytum burundiense Meerts sp. nov. is described. It is a small plant < 35 cm in height, with linear leaves < 6 mm wide, a dense raceme and large, deep purplish brown bracts. It is morphologically not closely related to any other species in the genus. It has a distinct habitat, growing in afromontane grassland and scrub at 2000–2500 m a.s.l. All collections but one originate from Burundi, and a single collection originates from SW Tanzania. A determination key is provided for Chlorophytum species with linear leaves occurring in Burundi. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.609 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.609 https://plecevo.eu/article/32456/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32456/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.441 2011-06-15 plecevo

Une nouvelle espèce de Pancovia (Sapindaceae) de l'Afrique centrale K.,Honoré Belesi Katula Stoffelen,Piet CENTRAL AFRICA DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO GABON PANCOVIA SAPINDACEAE Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(2): 237-239 A new species of Pancovia (Sapindaceae) from Central AfricaBackground – A novelty was discovered by the first author during fieldwork in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After comparing to herbarium collections in BR, K and WAG it is described. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. Key results – A new species, Pancovia lubiniana Belesi, is described and illustrated. The species is found in the lowland forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. It is particular by its number of leaflets and the surface sculpturing of its fruits. Keywords – Pancovia, Sapindaceae, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Central Africa. French abstractContexte – Une nouvelle espèce a été découverte par le premier auteur pendant ces recherches enRépublique Démocratique du Congo. Elle a été décrite après comparaison avec les échantillons de la collection des herbaria de BR, K. et de WAG. Méthodes – Les pratiques normales de la taxonomie des collections d’herbiers ont été appliquées. Résultats-clés – Une nouvelle espèce du genre Pancovia est décrite. L’espèce nouvelle, Pancovia lubiniana Belesi, est connue pour la République Démocratique du Congo et le Gabon. Il s’agit d’un arbuste des forêts de basse altitude. Cette espèce diffère des autres espèces de Pancovia de la République Démocratique du Congo par le nombre de folioles et par l’ornementation du péricarpe de ses fruits. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.441 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.441 https://plecevo.eu/article/32457/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32457/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.698 2011-11-15 plecevo

Proceedings of the XIXth AETFAT Congress (Madagascar 2010) Robbrecht,Elmar Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 241-241 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Editorial text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.698 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.698 https://plecevo.eu/article/32459/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32459/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.588 2011-11-15 plecevo

The applicability of Relative Floristic Resemblance to evaluate the conservation value of protected areas Wieringa,Jan Sosef,Marc Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 242-248 Aims – It is important to know the contribution of a protected area to global conservation. A new method called 'Relative Floristic Resemblance' that uses databased and georeferenced herbarium specimens, is introduced. Its usefulness and applicability to assess the conservation value of protected areas is addressed. Method – This is tested using the collection database of the National Herbarium of The Netherlands (NHN) and species checklists of Gabon and of five national parks in Gabon and the Central African Republic. Results – The method proved to be a valuable instrument for revealing this conservation value, and can even, though with caution, be used for areas where a species list is still incomplete. We conclude that the four Gabonese parks are well chosen and each clearly conserve a different and comparatively unique flora. The Dzanga-Sangha Reserve captures a flora that ranges across a considerable part of the Congo Basin. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.588 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.588 https://plecevo.eu/article/32460/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32460/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.501 2011-11-15 plecevo

Patterns of plant species richness of temperate and tropical grassland in South Africa Siebert,Stefan Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 249-254 Background and aims – The grasslands of southern Africa are threatened by habitat transformation and invasive alien species. However, the resultant plant species loss per unit area cannot be quantified, as the true richness of grassland have not been determined accurately and current estimates of richness are generally based on once-off site visits. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the species richness of selected transformed and untransformed grasslands of tropical and temperate regions in South Africa. The study sites were located in four grassland vegetation units: KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt and Maputaland Woody Grassland (tropical), and Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland and Rand Highveld Grassland (temperate). Methods – Thirty-two plots of 10 × 10 m were sampled at the four sites, namely eight in each of the vegetation units. At each site four plots were sampled in untransformed grassland and four in adjacent transformed grassland. Thorough floristic sampling of each plot was undertaken three times during the peak growing seasons. Key results – Plant species richness was higher for untransformed grassland than transformed grassland, and is higher than what was previously estimated. Species richness is not severely affected by alien cover and richness, as species losses are made up by better adapted native and alien species entering the transformed habitat. Rare species and habitat specialists are displaced. The type of transformation has a pronounced effect on species richness. Conclusion – Plant species richness of grassland is higher than previous estimates. Increasing alien cover and richness reduces the species richness of certain grassland growth forms and replaces species of conservation importance such as endemics. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.501 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.501 https://plecevo.eu/article/32461/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32461/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.478 2011-11-15 plecevo

Structural and floristic typology of the forests in the forest-savanna mosaic of the Lopé National Park, Gabon Palla,Florence Picard,Nicolas Abernethy,Kate Ukizintambara,Tharcisse White,Elizabeth Riéra,Bernard Rudant,Jean-Paul White,Lee Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 255-266 Background and aims – The Lopé National Park in Gabon, recently added to the UNESCO world heritage list, presents a mosaic of forest and savanna that dynamically changes. Conserving this landscape requires an understanding of the forest dynamics. This study aims at defining a forest typology at Lopé in relation with its dynamics. Methods – Floristic and structural characteristics for 265 tree species belonging to 55 families were measured in 258 sampling plots in the Lopé National Park. Multivariate analysis of these data was used to partition the sampling plots into groups on the basis of their floristic or structural characteristics. Key results – Five structural forest types and six floristic forest types were identified. This typology showed that the forests in the forest-savanna mosaic of Lopé organize themselves along a gradient of forest recovery, from young forests to mature forests. Typical pioneer species are associated with the youngest forest stages. The gradient on the species also corresponds to a geographical gradient on the sampling plots, associated with features like altitude, rocks, or hydrography. Conclusions – Five forest types were defined on the basis of species abundances. The snapshot of forest types characterizes a dynamic process of forest regeneration. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.478 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.478 https://plecevo.eu/article/32466/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32466/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.485 2011-11-15 plecevo

Effectiveness of conservation areas in protecting Shea trees against hemiparasitic plants (Loranthaceae) in Benin, West Africa Houehanou,Thierry Kindomihou,Valentin Sinsin,Brice Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 267-274 Background and aims – The Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), a multi-purpose species highly valued for the oil obtained from its seeds, is commonly maintained in the semi-arid parklands in West African Sudanian zone. However, most of the trees were reported to be infested with mistletoes – plant parasites that may lead to death of the Shea tree and these parasites are known to be directly dispersed on their host by birds. This study therefore aimed to assess the potential effectiveness of protected area on preventing mistletoes proliferation on Shea tree individuals. Methods – Infestations in two habitats: land use area (fields and fallows) and protected area of Pendjari hunting zone were compared. Overall 54 plots of 1 ha (100 m × 100 m) with 487 and 252 individuals of Shea tree in land use and protected area respectively were investigated. ANOVA was used to compare Shea tree infestation rate and infestation degree (with regard to diameter and height of infested Shea tree). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to correlate the habitats with infestation degree. Key results – The results showed that about 80% of Shea tree individuals were infested in the land use area, this rate was significantly higher than the one of 27.3% observed in the protected area. Overall, heavily infested Shea trees had significantly larger trunks and heights, mainly in land use areas. The land use area was shown to be correlated with high and very high Shea tree infestation degrees while the others infestations degrees (very weak, weak and moderate) were correlated with both areas. Conclusions – Shea trees growing in protected areas are better protected against mistletoe plant parasites than those on cultivated land. Various hypotheses to explain this result are discussed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.485 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.485 https://plecevo.eu/article/32467/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32467/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.459 2011-11-15 plecevo

Phytotoxic effects of a dominant weed Ligularia virgaurea on seed germination of Bromus inermis in an alpine meadow community Wu,Gao-Lin Ren,Guo-Hua Shi,Zhi-Hua Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 275-280 Background and aims – Ligularia virgaurea is an invasive weed species in the alpine meadow community that contains allelopathic compounds, which may affect seed germination of other co-existent species. Material and methods – In a laboratory study, allelopathic effects of root, stem and leaf aqueous extracts of Ligularia virgaurea, were evaluated on seed germination of Bromus inermis, a native grass species. Key results – Results showed that root, stem and leaf extracts of Ligularia virgaurea significantly decreased the germination percentage, relative germination percentage, germination index and weighted germination index of Bromus inermis. First germination time and mean germination time of Bromus inermis were also delayed. The concentration of the extracts had no significant effects on the germination indices. The type of extract (root, stem or leaf), on the contrary, showed the following trend on the mean relative germination percentage: RGP leaf extract treatment > RGP stem extract treatment > RGP root extract treatment. The response index values of root, stem and leaf aqueous extracts differ as follows: RI root extracts > RI stem extracts > RI leaf extracts. Conclusion – Our results demonstrate that aqueous extracts of Ligularia virgaurea have a significant allelopathic inhibition on seed germination of Bromus inermis. The root extracts of Ligularia virgaurea have a greater inhibition effect on seed germination of Bromus inermis, relative to stem and the leaf extracts. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.459 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.459 https://plecevo.eu/article/32471/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32471/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.487 2011-11-15 plecevo

Negative effects of forest fragmentation and proximity to edges on pollination and herbivory of Bomarea salsilla (Alstroemeriaceae) Valdivia,Carlos E. Bahamondez,Alejandra Simonetti,Javier Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 281-287 Background – Habitat fragmentation may have detrimental effects on both plant-mutualistic (i.e.pollination) and plant-antagonistic interactions (i.e.foliar herbivory). Such double negative effects may lead to a change in fitness, because the negative effects of a loss of a mutualism may be counterbalanced by the positive effects of a loss of an antagonism. In spite of being of great importance, however, the assessment of such ecological relationships has traditionally been performed separately. Approach – We evaluated fragmentation and edge effects on floral and foliar display, frequency of pollinator visits, foliar herbivory, and reproductive success, assessed as number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, and number of seeds per plant, on Bomarea salsilla, a xenogamous vine from southern Chile. Results – Plants occurring at fragments and edges exhibited a smaller floral display and a larger foliar display, and were rarely visited and preyed upon by pollinators and herbivores, respectively. The number of fruits per plant, the number of seeds per fruit, and number of seeds per plant were lower in fragments and at edges than at the core of continuous forest. Although forest fragmentation had a detrimental effect on herbivory, herbivores did not play a modulating role on the lowered pollinator-mediated reproductive success of B. salsilla probably due to the scarcity of foliar attack. Conclusion – Decreased reproductive success of Bomarea salsilla plants due to forest fragmentation and the creation of edge habitats was not counterbalanced by foliar herbivory as expected. The ecological scenario faced by B. salsilla may be a representative phenomenon of numerous other species of the fragmented forests of South America. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.487 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.487 https://plecevo.eu/article/32472/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32472/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.467 2011-11-15 plecevo

Conservation credit for plant species diversity of small nature reserves in an agricultural matrix Helsen,Kenny Meerbeek,Koenraad Honnay,Olivier Hermy,Martin Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 289-298 Background and aims – Although the effectiveness of protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity is widely accepted, only very little direct scientific evidence exists. For small reserves embedded in hostile agricultural matrix this empirical proof is even lacking all together, although effectiveness can be most questioned here. In this study, we compared the plant species diversity of ten small nature reserves in Flanders, Belgium with the plant species diversity of the adjacent, agricultural landscape matrix. Methods – Plant species diversity was studied for ten nature reserves in Haspengouw, Belgium using 10 × 10 m 2 survey plots at a density of one plot/ha. The same sampling density was applied to the direct vicinity of the reserve in the landscape matrix consisting of intensively managed agricultural landscape. Key results – An overall clear pattern of higher plant species diversity was found for nature reserves compared to landscape matrix at the plot, reserve and regional scale, clearly indicating the effectiveness of nature reserves. This pattern, however, appeared to be influenced by the soil type, with reserves on loamy soils containing higher diversity compared to reserves on sandy loam soils. Also species composition differed between reserves and the landscape matrix, with more threatened, less ruderal species and more stress tolerating species of moist, nitrogen poor soils occurring inside the reserves. Conclusions – These results provide a clear evidence of the effectiveness of nature reserves in the conservation of plant diversity. Reserves may be considered as having a conservation credit when compared to the agricultural landscape. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.467 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.467 https://plecevo.eu/article/32473/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32473/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.621 2011-11-15 plecevo

Variations in CSR strategies along stress gradients in the herb layer of submediterranean forests (central Italy) Catorci,Andrea Vitanzi,Alessandra Tardella,Federico Maria Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 299-306 Background and aims – Species grouping in plant functional types (PFTs) according to Grime's CSR theory has been found useful in understanding ecosystem functioning and processes and in quantifying variation along environmental gradients. However, little is known about the relationship between herbaceous plant strategies and stress gradients in submediterranean forest ecosystems. Our aim was to assess variations in CSR strategies along three stress gradients (related to the amount of photosynthetically active radiation, soil water deficit, and soil total nitrogen content) in the herb layer of submediterranean forests. Material and methods – We collected floristic (species cover in the herb layer) and environmental data about topography, soil and light conditions in 48 sampling plots in a forest landscape of central Italy. We performed canonical redundancy analyses (RDAs) of species and PFT data sets, constrained by photosynthetically active radiation, soil water deficit and soil total nitrogen content. Cover trends of PFTs along the environmental gradients were graphically represented. Key results – All the environmental factors considered did affect ecological strategies in the herb layer, but the variation of both species and PFT data sets were best explained by photosynthetically active radiation. Competitors were favoured by low/intermediate stress levels, with regard to soil water and light intensity. Competitive stress-tolerant ruderals peaked in moderate light stress intensity and in well-watered soils. Stress-tolerant competitors peaked in conditions of strong light and moderate dryness. Conclusions – Spatial variations in environmental conditions and in the related stress gradients determine predictable variations in the functional composition of the herb layer. Therefore, it may be possible to use Grimes's PFTs for assessing environmental constraints and predicting whether a species with a specific strategy is likely to be positively or negatively affected by changes in environmental stress due, for instance, to climate change. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.621 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.621 https://plecevo.eu/article/32474/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32474/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.629 2011-11-15 plecevo

Factors controlling germination and dormancy processes in dimorphic fruits of Atriplex inflata (Chenopodiaceae) Atia,Abdallah Rabhi,Mokded Debez,Ahmed Barhoumi,Zouhaier Abdelly,Chedly Smaoui,Abderrazak Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 307-312 Background and aims – Seed dimorphism is an adaptive feature to harsh environments such as arid and saline habitats. This is explained as an escape from inadequate conditions. In the current study, we investigated the seed germination of a dimorphic species Atriplex inflata Muell. (Chenopodiaceae). A. inflata occurs in saline habitats, namely in arid regions. Its bracteoles enclose a brown or a black fruit. This unit constitutes the diaspore. Methods – Mature fruits were collected from Kelbia (35°46'06"N 10°07'34"E), located in the centre of Tunisia, with semi-arid climate. The effect of cold stratification, nitrate (KNO 3, 10 mM), light, dry storage (for seven months), chemical scarification and salt pretreatment on germination were determined in order to assess the factors that control germination and dormancy. Key results – The results show that brown fruits germinated rapidly and the final germination percentage was 98% after twenty days. However, germination of black fruits was slower and reached only 19%. This confirms the fact that the difference in morphology is accompanied by a difference in germination capacity and dormancy in A. inflata. Chemical scarification and dry storage increased germination capacity of black fruits. Thus, the black fruit showed a physical dormancy and a non-deep physiological dormancy. Conclusion – The production of two types of fruit in A. inflata, one dormant and the other non-dormant, is of high ecological importance for the survival of populations. Actually, this ensures both rapid germination (brown fruits) and a permanent seed bank (black fruits), which permit the persistence of the species and population establishment in disturbed environments. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.629 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.629 https://plecevo.eu/article/32475/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32475/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.617 2011-11-15 plecevo

Long-term effects of grazing exclusion on aboveground and belowground plant species diversity in a steppe of the Loess Plateau, China Zhao,Ling-Ping Su,Ji-Suai Wu,Gao-Lin Gillet,François Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 313-320 Background and aims – Livestock grazing exclusion was widely used to manage degraded grassland ecosystems, but little is known on the effects of long-term grazing exclusion on aboveground and belowground species diversity of the steppe vegetation in China. Material and methods – The species composition of the aboveground vegetation and the soil seed bank were examined on sites after a 25-year grazing exclusion in a typical steppe on the Loess Plateau, NW China. Key results – Results showed that long-term grazing exclusion significantly improved vegetation cover, biomass and aboveground species evenness. Long-term grazing exclusion significantly increased species richness and seed density in the soil seed bank, but significantly decreased belowground species evenness. The seeds were mainly present in the litter and the topsoil (0–5 cm), accounting for about 76% of the total seed number. Exclusion of grazing significantly decreased seed depletion in soil seed bank from April to July as compared to grazed sites. The Sørensen similarity index between aboveground and belowground species composition was low in the typical steppe, and long-term grazing exclusion did not significantly improve this similarity. Conclusion – Our results suggest that long-term grazing exclusion can significantly improve both aboveground and belowground species diversity in the steppe vegetation of the Loess Plateau, but has little or no effect on the similarity in composition between the two compartments. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.617 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.617 https://plecevo.eu/article/32476/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32476/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.638 2011-11-15 plecevo

Germination ecology of Sison amomum (Apiaceae) at the northern edge of its distribution range on the European mainland Assche,Jozef A. Van Cornelissen,Dominique Vandelook,Filip Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 321-326 Background and aims – Sison amomum reaches the north-western limit of its distribution on the European mainland as a rare species in a very small area in western Belgium. For conservation management it is important to know different aspects of life history such as seed longevity, phenology of germination and survival of seedlings. Methods – Germination requirements in field and laboratory conditions were analyzed in detail. Survival of seedlings in winter conditions was recorded. Key results – Most seeds germinated soon after dispersal in autumn. Eighty percent of the autumn seedlings survived winter conditions and grew up to flowering plants in the 2 nd and 3 rd calendar year. Buried seeds survived till next spring, but later on very few seeds were able to germinate after exhumation, thus no persistent seed bank was formed. In fresh seeds, the underdeveloped embryo (embryo to seed ratio = c. 0.35) immediately started to grow in light conditions at low temperatures (5, 10°C and alternating 20/10°C); when the critical E:S ratio of 0.82 was reached after two to four weeks, the radicle protruded. In darkness and at 20 or 23°C growth of the embryo was very slow and very few seeds germinated. Conclusions – The small seeds of S. amomum are morphologically dormant, and germinate very soon in light at lower temperatures. No persistent seed bank is formed. Based on life history characteristics revealed in this study, we propose a mowing of the grasslands in late autumn to protect this threatened plant. Well timed mowing reduces the biomass and decreases the competition, while still allowing seed set and dispersal of S. amomum. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.638 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.638 https://plecevo.eu/article/32477/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32477/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.653 2011-11-15 plecevo

Taxonomic changes in C3 Cyperus (Cyperaceae) supported by molecular data, morphology, embryography, ontogeny and anatomy Larridon,Isabel Reynders,Marc Huygh,Wim Bauters,Kenneth Vrijdaghs,Alexander Leroux,Olivier Muasya,A. Simpson,David Goetghebeur,Paul Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 327-356 Background and aims – Recent molecular studies validate a broad definition of Cyperus (Cyperaceae) uniting genera previously scattered in Cyperoideae. First indication of their affinity with Cyperus was obtained through embryography. Cyperus consists of a paraphyletic C 3 Cyperus and monophyletic C 4 Cyperus. In this study, we aim to check and clarify the putative positions of the segregate genera in C 3 Cyperus. Additional information is given and remarks are made on the position of some as yet unplaced species or sections in the C 3 Cyperus phylogeny. Methods – Embryos of Cyperus constanzae and C. gardneri were cleared and drawn. Inflorescences of selected C 3 Cyperus species were investigated using scanning electron and light microscopy. Histochemical tests were performed to assess the presence of suberin in the 'corky' tissue of the nutlets of Cyperus pectinatus. Key results – Embryography not only supports tribal classification in Cyperoideae, it is also phylogenetically informative in C 3 Cyperus. Morphology and ontogeny support molecular phylogenetic results suggesting the inclusion of the segregate genera in C 3 Cyperus as new sections or in established sections, and confirm the need to broaden the circumscription of some of these sections. Conclusion – Although less diverse than C 4 Cyperus, C 3 Cyperus includes clades which evolved an exceptional morphological diversity compared to its limited species numbers. The segregate genera Courtoisina (deciduous spikelets), Kyllingiella (spirally-arranged glumes) and Oxycaryum (spirally- arranged glumes and dorsiventrally flattened dimerous gynoecia), and the taxon Anosporum (recognised at sectional, subgeneric or generic level) are here included in C 3 Cyperus (= Cyperus subg. Anosporum) as sections or included in an existing section (Kyllingiella is included in Cyperus sect. Leucocephali). A formal taxonomic revision is presented with relevant new names and combinations, synonyms, diagnoses and identification keys. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.653 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.653 https://plecevo.eu/article/32487/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32487/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.619 2011-11-15 plecevo

The Cyperaceae in Madagascar show increased species richness in upland forest and wetland habitats Muasya,Muthama Larridon,Isabel Reynders,Marc Huygh,Wim Goetghebeur,Paul Cable,Stuart Simpson,David Gehrke,Berit Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 357-362 Background and aims – Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot with a high level of plant endemism. However, not all lineages of plants are equally represented and the highest diversity occurs in forest lineages. Cyperaceae frequently occur in grasslands and wetlands in Africa, and the tribe Hypolytreae and Carex subgenus Vigneastra are among the few predominantly forest lineages. We study the Cyperaceae of Madagascar to discover what lineages are represented (genera/tribes), to determine their unique habitats and key functional traits and to investigate patterns of species richness. Methods – The World Checklist of Monocotyledons was queried for Cyperaceae occurring in Madagascar. The global distribution of these species was investigated to identify endemic taxa and to evaluate other botanical countries where widespread species occur. Data on life form, habitat and photosynthetic type were scored from literature and personal observations. Key results – Madagascar has 321 species of Cyperaceae in 33 genera, representing all major clades of the family. The predominantly tropical Cypereae clade composes about half of the sedge flora, of which Cyperus represents about a third of the species in Madagascar. The Cariceae, a predominantly northern hemisphere temperate clade, is unusually highly represented and composes 10% of the sedge flora, occurring mostly in the highlands. In Madagascar, 55 species (17% of flora, mainly Carex and Cyperus) occur in forests and all are C 3 perennials. Bulbostylis and Pycreus, exclusively C 4 taxa with high proportion of annuals compared to C 3 genera in Madagascar, occur outside forests in seasonal or permanent wetlands. Endemism among the sedge flora is 37% (121 species), a third of which (42 species) occur in forests, mostly in the Central and Eastern highlands. Conclusion – Cyperaceae are among top ten species richest angiosperm families in Madagascar. When compared with other botanical countries, Madagascar has the second highest endemism level, second to the Cape Provinces. The sedge flora assembly has involved long distance dispersal(s) coupled with Neogene radiation in upland humid forests and open wetland habitats. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.619 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.619 https://plecevo.eu/article/32488/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32488/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.544 2011-11-15 plecevo

Jumellea pailleri (Orchidaceae), une espèce nouvelle endémique des Comores Rakotoarivelo,Fanny Andilyat,Mohamed Faliniaina,Lucien Pailler,Thierry Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 363-366 Jumellea pailleri (Orchidaceae), a new endemic species from Comoro ArchipelagoBackground and aims – Jumellea pailleri F.Rakotoar. (Orchidaceae), a new endemic species from the Comoro Archipelago is described and illustrated. Methods – Description and comparison of herbarium material from the herbarium of Comoro and Réunion Islands University (REU) have been done. Key results – Different from other Jumellea species from Comoro Island, J. pailleri resembles to J. bathiei Schltr. and J. ibityana Schltr., which are endemic to Madagascar. A key to identify Jumellea species from Comoro Islands is provided. The new species is illustrated, its distribution is given and its conservation status. French Abstract Contexte et but visé – Jumellea pailleri F.Rakotoar. (Orchidaceae), une espèce nouvelle endémique des Comores est décrite et illustrée. Méthodes – Une description et une comparaison avec les spécimens d’herbiers de Jumellea déposés aux Herbiers Universitaires des Comores et de La Réunion (REU) ont été effectuées. Résultat-clés – Différente de toutes les autres espèces de Jumellea, Jumellea pailleri est proche de J. bathiei Schltr. et J. ibityana Schltr. qui sont endémiques de Madagascar. Une clé d’identification des espèces comoriennes est donnée, ainsi que les caractéristiques morphologiques, la distribution de la nouvelle espèce et son statut de conservation. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.544 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.544 https://plecevo.eu/article/32489/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32489/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.445 2011-11-15 plecevo

Barleria superata (Acanthaceae): a new suffruticose herb endemic to Burundi Darbyshire,Iain Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 367-371 Background – A new species of Barleria (Acanthaceae) from Burundi is described as a part of on-going taxonomic research on the tropical African members of this large genus of c. 250–300 species. Methods – Standard herbarium practices were applied. Key results – Barleria superata I. Darbysh., a new species within section Somalia endemic to the fire-prone woodlands of Burundi, is described and illustrated. This species falls within a group of closely allied Tanzanian species: B. diplotricha I. Darbysh. & Ndang., B. mpandensis I. Darbysh. and B. limnogeton S. Moore; it is most closely related to the foremost from which it differs in lacking a tomentellous indumentum throughout and in the leaves being proportionately narrower. This species is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D2) using IUCN criteria. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.445 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.445 https://plecevo.eu/article/32490/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32490/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.620 2011-11-15 plecevo

Staelia culcita (Rubiaceae), a new species from Minas Gerais, Brazil Salas,Roberto Cabral,Elsa Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 372-376 Background – The genus Staelia (Rubiaceae) remains imperfectly known. As part of the revision of the genus by the first author, a new species is here described and illustrated. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy were used to study all the herbarium material available. Key results – Staelia culcita R.M. Salas & E.L. Cabral, a new species from Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new taxon is apparently endemic to the Espinhaço mountain range, Minas Gerais, in campos rupestres montane savannas. It resembles Staelia hatschbachii in its small habit but differs in the opposite and narrowly elliptic leaves with ciliate base (vs. whorled linear leaves with glabrous base), the corolla lobes that are distinctly shorter than the corolla tube (vs. corolla lobes equal or longer than corolla tube), the calyx lobes that are much shorter than the corolla tube (vs. calyx lobes longer than corolla tube) and the reticulo-papillate seed coat surface (vs. reticulo-foveate seed coat surface). Conservation assessment – The species is only known from three localities, representing two locations. Based on the restricted area of occupancy and extent of occurrence and based on the continuing decline in area, extent and quality of habitat, the species should be considered as Endangered: EN B1a,b(iii) + B2a,b(iii). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.620 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.620 https://plecevo.eu/article/32491/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32491/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2011.679 2011-11-15 plecevo

François Malaisse (2010) How to live and survive in Zambezian open forest (Miombo Ecoregion) Groom,Quentin Plant Ecology and Evolution 144(3): 377-378 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2011 Book Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2011.679 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.679 https://plecevo.eu/article/32492/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32492/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.726 2012-03-12 plecevo

New insights in plant community ecology Gillet,François Buttler,Alexandre Spiegelberger,Thomas Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 3-3 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Editorial text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.726 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.726 https://plecevo.eu/article/32493/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32493/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.699 2012-03-12 plecevo

How do plant community ecologists consider the complementarity of observational, experimental and theoretical modelling approaches? Spiegelberger,Thomas Gillet,François Amiaud,Bernard Thébault,Aurélie Mariotte,Pierre Buttler,Alexandre APPROACHES COMMUNITY ECOLOGY EXPERIMENTS LITERATURE REVIEW MODELLING OBSERVATIONS PLANT ECOLOGY Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 4-12 Background and aims – A large variety of methods are used by ecologists for studies at plant community level. While early works were mainly descriptive, more manipulative experiments are now being undertaken because they provide a better functional understanding and a greater insight into underlying mechanisms. Mathematical models are also being increasingly used, in particular for predicting biodiversity under global change. The aim of this study is to highlight the strengths, limitations, and advantages of these three approaches, namely observational, experimental and theoretical modelling. Methods – We assessed 149 papers published during the last four years in three specialized disciplinary journals (DJ) and 151 papers in three generalist high impact journals (HIJ) dealing with plant ecology, and checked the methods that were used. We asked participants of the ECOVEG7 meeting held in Switzerland (Lausanne, April 2011) whether observational, experimental and theoretical modelling approaches can, or should, be used alone or in combination when studying plant communities and ecosystem functioning in the context of global change. Key results – About 50% of articles published in both journal types used only a single approach. Nevertheless, papers in HIJ used the approaches in similar proportions, while articles in DJ had eight times more observational than modelling studies. Combined approaches represented only 8% in DJ, while this percentage was more than double in HIJ. Conclusion – Plant community ecologists favour a combination of several approaches, but for practical difficulties (communicating among people using different approaches and publication strategies), single-approach studies are generally preferred. A combination of the three highlighted approaches seems to be the most appropriate way to respond to future challenges in plant community ecology such as biodiversity loss and impact of climate change as such studies require work on different temporal and spatial scales. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Review text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.699 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.699 https://plecevo.eu/article/32495/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32495/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.690 2012-03-12 plecevo

First-year results of a multi-treatment steppe restoration experiment in La Crau (Provence, France) Jaunatre,Renaud Buisson,Elise Dutoit,Thierry FORMER AGRICULTURAL LAND GRASSLAND HAY TRANSFER NURSE SPECIES SEEDING PLANT COMMUNITY COMPOSITION SOIL TRANSFER SPECIES RICHNESS TOPSOIL REMOVAL Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 13-23 Background and aims – Intense agriculture phases on old plant communities, such as Mediterranean steppes, can lead to low resilience. Two main obstacles to the spontaneous recolonization of these plant communities are often the low dispersal of target species and the high dispersal and establishment potential of unwanted species. The aim of the study is to find the most efficient restoration treatments to restore these plant communities. Methods – After the rehabilitation of an herbaceous sheep-grazed community on a formerly intensively cultivated orchard in the last French Mediterranean steppe (La Crau, Provence, France), four experimental restoration treatments were applied to restore the steppe plant community: (i) topsoil removal to lower ruderal species seed banks and soil trophic levels, (ii) nurse species seeding to rapidly occupy niches, and then to provide safe sites for target species once sheep grazing is reintroduced, (iii) hay transfer to provide local species seeds, and (iv) soil transfer to provide local species propagules with associated microorganisms. One year later, plant species richness, composition and diversity are compared. Results – Although the communities developing on areas seeded with nurse species and where topsoil was removed differed most widely from the reference ecosystem, i.e. steppe, these restoration treatments succeeded in achieving their goal by significantly lowering the abundance of unwanted dominant species. While hay transfer did not have a significantly higher species richness than that of the rehabilitated area, it showed promising results, as some germinations of target species were observed. One year only after the treatment was applied, soil transfer provided a community richness and composition very close to that of the reference ecosystem, but not with the same vegetation structure. Conclusion – In order to restore plant community composition, the more the treatment strengthens community dispersal, the more efficient it is. The gain in efficiency is closely linked with the cost of the treatment. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.690 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.690 https://plecevo.eu/article/32497/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32497/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.689 2012-03-12 plecevo

Hitch-hiking in the wild: should seeds rely on ungulates? Picard,Mélanie Baltzinger,Christophe CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS CERVUS ELAPHUS DISPERSAL MODE EPIZOOCHORY SEED DISPERSAL SUS SCROFA Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 24-30 Background – Seed dispersal appears to be a key process in maintaining plant population and community dynamics, even more so in the current context of global warming and landscape fragmentation. Wild ungulates, due to their capacity to cover long distances in a large variety of habitats, are potential vectors of long-distance dispersal for plants. Methods – In order to estimate their role as seed dispersal vectors, we conducted a cross-species comparative approach on three common wild ungulates: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). We brushed the fur and hooves of animals shot in Loiret forests during the hunting season and counted and identified the seeds transported on the animals' bodies. Results – We found seeds from 41 different plant species, 24% of which were found in the cleft of the hoof. Wild boar transported 85% of the species identified (versus 34% and 7% for roe and red deer respectively). More seeds from plants representing a greater variety of dispersal modes were carried by wild boar. Less than 50% of the transported plants were epizoochorous species. Moreover, the plants transported were mainly non forest or periforest light-demanding species. We also showed that wild boar is a vector for plants not specifically adapted to external dispersal, whereas red and roe deer are more prone to move epizoochorous species. Conclusion – Globally, our naturalist approach confirmed that common large ungulates are indeed effective vectors plants can rely on. Moreover, since many types of seeds are concerned, ungulates' specific role in plant dispersal should be reconsidered. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.689 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.689 https://plecevo.eu/article/32501/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32501/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.685 2012-03-12 plecevo

Co-occurring species indicate habitats of the rare Limonium girardianum Baumberger,Teddy Croze,Thomas Affre,Laurence Mesléard,François AREA UNDER THE ROC-CURVE (AUC) FUNDAMENTAL NICHE GENERALIZED LINEAR MODEL (GLM) INDICATOR SPECIES LIMONIUM GIRARDIANUM RARE SPECIES REALIZED NICHE RECEIVER OPERATING CURVE (ROC) SALT MARSHES SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELS Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 31-37 Background and aims – The conservation of a rare and endangered plant species requires a clear knowledge of its habitat distribution. Species Distribution Models (SDM) are generally applied to characterize species' suitable habitats and to predict their potential distribution. However, this method is not well suited to rare species that require a fine spatial scale approach. Co-occurring plant species of a targeted species can be used to define suitable habitats taking into account biotic interactions. Our aim was to construct a predictive model of the presence of the rare Limonium girardianum, using the species that are the best indicators of its presence. Methods – In the main sites in the French coastal salt marshes where L. girardianum occurs, we investigated 198 quadrats (1 × 1 m) with and without L. girardianum in three strata along a topographical gradient. In these quadrats, we recorded plant species and measured the maximum water level during flooding, the soil moisture, salinity and texture. We calculated the species indicator value of the presence of L. girardianum. For each quadrat, we added the species indicator values to obtain a score used to model the presence of L. girardianum. We compared the predictive power of the model based on co-occurring plant species with a model based on environmental variables. Key results – The best indicator species of the presence of L. girardianum are Limonium virgatum, Hymenolobus procumbens and Frankenia pulverulenta. The predictive power of the model based on the co-occurring plant species appears to be similar to that of the model based on environmental variables, with about 72% of correct predictions. However, the environmental model shows higher False Positive predictions than the plant species model. Conclusions – The co-occurring plant species can be used to define suitable habitats for L. girardianum. The model based on the co-occurring plant species, that integrates the biotic interactions, would appear to be more efficient to define the habitat where L. girardianum is most likely to be found. Furthermore, as extensive and numerous vegetation databases are available, this simple method could be used to predict the presence of several species with low abundance. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.685 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.685 https://plecevo.eu/article/32505/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32505/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.665 2012-03-12 plecevo

The leaf size/number trade-off within species and within plants for woody angiosperms Dombroskie,Sarah Aarssen,Lonnie ALLOMETRY BUD BANK LEAF SIZE LEAFING INTENSITY LIGHT AVAILABILITY MERISTEMS STRATEGY TRADE-OFF TREE CANOPY TWIG SIZE Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 38-45 Background and aims – The leaf size/number trade-off has been recently established as a wide-spread and highly predictable relationship associated with between-species leaf size variation. In this study, we examine whether this trade-off relationship also applies at the between-plant (within-species), and at the between-shoot (within-plant) levels associated with spatial variation in incident light availability within tree canopies. Methods – Replicate current-year shoots were sampled from north-facing (shaded) and south-facing (sun-exposed) canopy sides of sixteen broadleaf tree species in eastern Ontario, Canada. For each shoot, measurements were recorded for mean individual leaf dry mass, number of leaves, number of side branches, and stem length, girth, and tissue dry mass. Leafing intensity was calculated as the number of leaves produced per unit of supporting stem tissue dry mass. Key results – All of the direct trait measurements had generally larger values for shoots collected from south-facing canopy sides (as expected). However, negative isometric relationships between leaf size and leafing intensity were found at the between-plant level (for Acer saccharum) and the between-shoot (within-tree) level for at least some individuals of most species. The predominant trend at the within-tree level, however, was allometric – i.e. north-facing (light-limited) shoots generally had lower individual leaf dry mass but disproportionately higher leafing intensity compared with south-facing shoots. Conclusions – The results confirm that there is a fundamental leaf size/number trade-off at the between-plant (within-species) level and also at the between-shoot (within-plant) level, as previously reported at the between-species level. But more specifically, the results reveal distinctly different leaf deployment strategies in response to spatial light variability within tree canopies: Under high light exposure, larger leaves are favoured (with lower leafing intensity imposed as a trade-off), but in deeply shaded portions of the canopy, smaller leaves result, we suggest, for two reasons: (i) they are favoured directly (because they minimize overlap of closely spaced adjacent leaves); (ii) they are imposed as a trade-off of selection favouring high leafing intensity, which in turn maximizes the size of the reserve bud bank (number of axillary meristems per unit of supporting stem tissue) available for initiating continued growth or reproduction in the following year. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.665 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.665 https://plecevo.eu/article/32508/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32508/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.606 2012-03-12 plecevo

Diversity and conservation value of Gabon's savanna and inselberg open vegetation: an initial gap analysis Walters,Gretchen Parmentier,Ingrid Stévart,Tariq CONSERVATION DIVERSITY FLORISTICS INSELBERG PROTECTED AREA SAVANNA Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 46-54 Background and aims – Eighty per cent of Gabon's territory is covered by forest with most species inventory work focused on these areas. However, herbaceous open vegetation types are abundant in this country and can be found in savannas on the coast, in the centre and in the south, and on inselbergs. The species diversity patterns of these habitats remain largely unexplored yet are targeted for both conservation and development. Here, we evaluate the floristic diversity of savannas in Gabon, their affinities with the inselberg open vegetation, and their contribution to the national park system in Gabon, which is currently undergoing a gap analysis. We then use a case study from the Batéké Plateaux to demonstrate species rarity in a single savanna. Materials and methods – Species presence in the grassy formations of the savannas in Loango, Lopé, Pongara, and Plateaux Batéké national parks and in Kum inselberg is compared using ordination and clustering based on a similarity matrix (Sørensen index). For the Batéké Plateaux savannas, the species rarity and distributions are assessed using Star ratings. Key results – The species in the open herbaceous vegetation in Gabon account for at least 11% of the total flora of the country (508 species out of 4,710). Except for the coastal savannas, all sites are highly dissimilar in floristic composition (Sørensen index 0.065–0.26) and no dominant savanna type occurs within the dataset. The inselberg site is the most dissimilar and constitutes a separate vegetation unit. Most savanna species of the Batéké Plateaux area are widely distributed, but not weedy. A few are extremely rare and are linked with moist habitats, substrate, and fire occurrence. Our results show the diversity and the conservation value of open, herbaceous habitats. Currently, the Gabonese National Park network is partly protecting the savanna and inselberg vegetation. However, several areas remain un-assessed and merit further exploration. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.606 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.606 https://plecevo.eu/article/32510/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32510/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.591 2012-03-12 plecevo

Richness, similarity and specificity of Madagascar flora compared with Sub-Saharan Africa Gautier,Laurent Chatelain,Cyrille Callmander,Martin Phillipson,Peter AFRICA AFRICAN PLANT DATABASE BIOGEOGRAPHY DIVERSITY MADAGASCAR SIMILARITY SPECIFIC AND GENERIC RICHNESS SPECIFICITY Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 55-64 Background and aims – Based on presence/absence information for all angiosperms in Tropical Africa, Southern Africa and Madagascar, we review the similarities and differences between these floras. We compare specific and generic richness for the three areas, and examine their degree of overlap. Madagascar and Sub-Saharan Africa are compared in terms of: the specific and generic richness of their angiosperm families, and specific richness of their genera. Methods – Using the African Plant Database, global figures of specific and generic richness for Tropical Africa, Southern Africa and Madagascar have been calculated and illustrated by Venn diagrams. For each family or genus similarity between Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar has been calculated using the Jaccard Index. Madagascar specificity has been defined as the ratio of Madagascar-exclusive species richness to total richness. Key results – The study confirms the general trends of richness and endemism in the Malagasy flora, but provides accurate figures based on the current state of angiosperm taxonomy. Overlap between the floras of Southern African, Tropical African and Madagascar flora is provided with precise figures. Similarity between Madagascar and Sub-Saharan Africa is very low at species level (0.029) and eight times higher at generic level (0.246). Madagascar specificity reaches 0.165 at specific level and 0.105 at generic level. Calculation of these two indexes for families and genera, based for the first time on APG III, confirms general trends observed so far, and the richest families of the Malagasy flora are listed according to major patterns of their diversity and distribution. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.591 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.591 https://plecevo.eu/article/32511/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32511/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.590 2012-03-12 plecevo

Phylogenetic relationships of Malagasy Hyacinthaceae Pfosser,Martin Knirsch,Walter Pinter,Michael Ali,Syed Dutta,Suchandra Wetschnig,Wolfgang DNA SEQUENCE ANALYSIS HYACINTHACEAE PHYLOGENY Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 65-72 Background – Whereas subfamily Oziroeoideae of the petaloid monocot family Hyacinthaceae is restricted to South America, the three other subfamilies, Ornithogaloideae, Urgineoideae and Hyacinthoideae, have much larger primary distribution areas spanning the Mediterranean and Central Europe, Arabian Peninsula, Indian subcontinent, Far East (China and Japan) and Africa, with some members also in Madagascar. Based mainly on morphology, until recently, most of the Malagasy species have been included in genera found also outside this island. Morphological characters alone have been misleading in many cases, resulting in erroneous generic classifications. Method – Analysis of plastid DNA sequences was used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among members of old world Hyacinthaceae. Key results – Phylogenetic analysis based on multiple plastid DNA markers has changed our views substantially, leaving many of the Malagasy Hyacinthaceae taxa as monophyletic groups. All Malagasy members of Urgineoideae form a well-supported clade (Rhodocodon / Drimia cryptopoda) pointing to a single colonization from continental Africa. Drimia cryptopoda is a morphologically deviant species previously misplaced in Hyacinthus. The Urgineoideae from India do not appear to be directly related to African or Malagasy species, but show close relationships to the Mediterranean Urginea s. str. Two members of Hyacinthoideae are present in Madagascar. One of them, Ledebouria sp. ined., is related to South African species, whereas the other, L. nossibeensis, shows strong relationships to L. hyacinthina from India and to L. grandifolia from Socotra. Dipcadi (Ornithogaloideae) forms a well-supported monophyletic clade. Conclusion – We presume a single colonization from mainland Africa followed by rapid radiation in different habitats in Madagascar. The close relationship of Indian Dipcadi with those of the Mediterranean points to a Northern Hemisphere migration route linking India and the Mediterranean and possibly involving also the Arabian Peninsula. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.590 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.590 https://plecevo.eu/article/32513/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32513/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.646 2012-03-12 plecevo

Additional evidence for recent divergence of Chinese Epimedium (Berberidaceae) derived from AFLP, chloroplast and nuclear data supplemented with characterisation of leaflet pubescence Smet,Yannick Goetghebeur,Paul Wanke,Stefan Asselman,Pieter Samain,Marie-Stéphanie AFLP EPIMEDIUM ITS LEAFLET PUBESCENCE RECENT DIVERGENCE SEM TRNK-MATK Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 73-87 Background – The genus Epimedium is well known for its ornamental representatives. However, species boundaries and evolutionary relationships within the genus remain uncertain due to several difficulties. First, potentially diagnostic characters are generally not described with enough detail, hampering linkage of specimens to recognized taxa. Second, previous molecular studies failed to gain resolution, especially within the Chinese distribution area of the genus. Nevertheless, growing scientific interest in the medicinal properties of Epimedium has prompted the need for reliable identification of species. Aims and methods – This study aims at: (1) assessing genetic diversity within Epimedium, using nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences in combination with AFLP fingerprinting, (2) delivering a detailed description for one potentially diagnostic character, pubescence of leaflets. Key results – The DNA sequences and AFLP fingerprints resulted in an unresolved polytomy for the Chinese representatives of Epimedium. Furthermore, this study provided detailed scanning electron microscope images of four clearly distinguishable types of leaflet pubescence. Conclusions – As AFLP is considered capable of detecting rare genetic differences in groups with low sequence variation, we suggest the lack of resolution in the Chinese clade to represent a hard polytomy. This is interpreted as additional evidence for the hypothesis of a recent origin for these taxa. As this implies that several recognized species are still in the process of differentiation, these difficulties in resolving evolutionary relationships are linked to difficulties in species delimitation. Furthermore, the lack of details in some species descriptions has led to the description of new taxa based on small variations. To tackle these problems, we propose a change in view on Epimedium taxonomy. In this view, broader taxonomic entities are recognized, characterized by clearly defined characters. The four types of pubescence described in this study can serve as a first step towards this new interpretation of Epimedium taxonomy. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.646 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.646 https://plecevo.eu/article/32514/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32514/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.637 2012-03-12 plecevo

Quantitative morphological analysis of populations in a hybrid zone of Epimedium diphyllum and E. sempervirens var. rugosum (Berberidaceae) Horie,Sachiko Suzuki,Kazuo Maki,Masayuki BERBERIDACEAE EPIMEDIUM HYBRID ZONE HYBRIDIZATION MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 88-95 Background and aims – The populations of Epimedium in the western part of Chugoku district on the Japanese island of Honshu are morphologically diverse: most consist of individuals showing wide variation in morphological characteristics, and the character composition varies with population. We explored the morphological variations between Epimedium populations in Chugoku district to test the hypothesis that these variations are the result of natural hybridization between E. diphyllum and E. sempervirens var. rugosum, and to elucidate to what extent natural hybridization between these two species has occurred in this region. Methods – We measured the length of three flower parts using a digital caliper and counted the number of teeth per leaflet. The leaf architecture was also categorized. In addition, we quantified flower colour and leaflet apex shape using a spectrophotometer and principal component analyses of elliptic Fourier descriptions, respectively. From these measurements, we calculated Anderson's hybrid index for each individual. Key results – The populations in Chugoku district showed wide variation in the morphological characters examined. In particular, the populations located near the center of the hybrid zone tended to show greater variation than those located at the periphery. The variation observed across the populations showed similar patterns among the morphological characters examined. No correlations were found among the examined characters. Conclusions – The wide variation in morphological characters likely resulted from natural hybridization between E. diphyllum and E. sempervirens var. rugosum. Hybridization between the two species occurred intensively where the distributions of the species overlap, and bi-directional introgressions of these species are advancing throughout the region. To clarify the factors that produced the hybrid zone, it will be necessary to compare fitness between hybrids and their parental species throughout the parental species' distribution areas and the hybrid zone. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.637 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.637 https://plecevo.eu/article/32515/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32515/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.675 2012-03-12 plecevo

Gynoecial anatomy and development in Cyperoideae (Cyperaceae, Poales): congenital fusion of carpels facilitates evolutionary modifications in pistil structure Reynders,Marc Vrijdaghs,Alexander Larridon,Isabel Huygh,Wim Leroux,Olivier Muasya,A. Goetghebeur,Paul CONGENITAL FUSION CYPEROIDEAE FLORAL ANATOMY FLORAL ONTOGENY GYNOECIUM LATERALLY COMPRESSED PISTIL OVULE PROCAMBIAL INITIATION RING PRIMORDIUM VASCULAR BUNDLES Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 96-125 Background and aims – In Cyperaceae, the single-ovuled, usually triangular gynoecia are widely considered to have a basic number of three carpels, often reduced to two, resulting in dimerous pistils. However, laterally flattened dimerous pistils cannot be explained by any existing carpel reduction theories, because a single stigma in median position replaces the two adaxial stigmata. This paper presents a comparative study of the ontogenetic and anatomical adaptations facilitating the origin of new pistil forms in Cyperoideae, focusing on modified gynoecia. It includes a re-evaluation of Blaser's (1941) anatomical studies in Cyperaceae. We aim to test Blaser's hypothesis that is based on an acropetal developmental model of the floral vasculature and the general Cyperoid ontogenetic model of Vrijdaghs et al. (2009), which states that cyperoid ovaries originate from an annular primordium. Methods – SEM, dark field and phase contrast microscopy. Key Results – All cyperoid pistils studied develop according to a cyperoid floral ontogenetic pattern, in which carpel primordia are congenitally fused. In Pycreus sanguinolentus (and other species), separate procambial initiation zones were observed in both the flower receptacle and separate floral primordia, which connect (or not) at later developmental stages. Conclusions – The presence of an annular ovary primordium instead of individual carpel primordia, combined with the bidirectional development of the pistil vasculature liberate the developing gynoecium from the structural constraints proper to a typical carpellate organisation. Procambial initiation zones in the receptacular vascular plexus and in individual floral primordia constitute the basis for the formation of a flexible vascular system in cyperoid flowers. Moreover the development of the ovary and ovule are decoupled. Consequently, in Cyperoideae the acquired developmental freedom of the pistil resulted in various adaptations. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.675 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.675 https://plecevo.eu/article/32516/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32516/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.594 2012-03-12 plecevo

Description of Dactyladenia globosa (Chrysobalanaceae), a new tree species from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire Jongkind,Carel AFRICA CHRYSOBALANACEAE CÔTE D'IVOIRE DACTYLADENIA ENDANGERED SPECIES IUCN LIBERIA SIERRA LEONE Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 126-128 Background and aims – While working on an inventory of forests in Nimba County in Liberia several species were collected that could not be identified. One of them, the Dactyladenia described here, proved to be new to science. Key results – The new forest tree species Dactyladenia globosa Jongkind is described and illustrated. It resembles D. barteri (Hook. f. ex Oliv.) Prance & F. White and D. scabrifolia (Hua) Prance & F. White, but the fruits of the new species are globose and not pear-shaped and pointed as in the other species. The new species is known from four localities in West Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and East Sierra Leone. Conservation Status – The new species is not likely to be common with its conspicuous flowers and fruits and only five specimens collected in the fairly well known area where it occurs. Looking at the relatively small area of occupancy and the rapidly ongoing deforestation in this area the species should be listed as Endangered: EN B2ab(iii). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.594 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.594 https://plecevo.eu/article/32518/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32518/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.643 2012-03-12 plecevo

Novitates Gabonenses 71. A new species of Uapaca (Phyllanthaceae, formerly Euphorbiaceae) from Gabon Breteler,Frans GABON NEW SPECIES PHYLLANTHACEAE (FORMERLY EUPHORBIACEAE) TAXONOMY TROPICAL AFRICA UAPACA Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 129-131 Background and aims – The African genus Uapaca of the Phyllanthaceae (formerly Euphorbiaceae) is revised for the Flore du Gabon. Prior to its publication, the present paper publishes a new species from that country. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study all herbarium material available mainly at BR, K, LBV, MO, P, WAG. Key results – The new species Uapaca niangadoumae belongs to the group of Uapaca species that lack stipules or have rudimenary stipules only. A key to these species is provided. The new species is illustrated. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.643 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.643 https://plecevo.eu/article/32520/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32520/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.673 2012-03-12 plecevo

Un nouveau Multidentia (Rubiaceae) d'Afrique centrale Lachenaud,Olivier Séné,Olivier CAMEROON CONSERVATION DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO MULTIDENTIA RUBIACEAE TAXONOMY Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 132-137 A new species of Multidentia (Rubiaceae) from central Africa Background – The genus Multidentia Gilli (Rubiaceae-Vanguerieae) includes nine species from tropical Africa. A tenth species, M. saxicola O. Lachenaud & Séné, is here described and illustrated. Methods – Classical methods of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. Key results – Multidentia saxicola occurs in Cameroon and in D. R. Congo; it is only known from two localities about 1,500 km apart. It most closely resembles M. sclerocarpa (K. Schum.) Bridson from Tanzania but differs in the nearly unlobed calyx and lenticellate fruits. It differs from M. dichrophylla (Mildbr.) Bridson in having much larger calyces and fruits and in being a taller tree (12–20 m). Multidentia saxicola is evaluated to be Critically endangered (CR B2ab(iii)) according to IUCN criteria. A key to the central African species of Multidentia is presented. FrenchContexte – Le genre Multidentia Gilli (Rubiaceae-Vanguerieae) comprend neuf espèces d'Afrique tropicale. Une dixième espèce, M. saxicola O. Lachenaud & Séné, est ici décrite et illustrée. Méthodes – Les méthodes usuelles de taxonomie d'herbier ont été appliquées. Résultats principaux – Multidentia saxicola est originaire du Cameroun et de R. D. Congo; il n'est connu que de deux localités distantes d'environ 1500 km. Il ressemble surtout à M. sclerocarpa (K. Schum.) Bridson de Tanzanie, mais en diffère par le calice à peine lobé et les fruits lenticellés. Il se distingue de M. dichrophylla (Mildbr.) Bridson par ses calices et ses fruits beaucoup plus grands, et par son port plus élevé (12–20 m). Multidentia saxicola est évalué comme En danger critique (CR B2ab(iii)) selon les critères de l'UICN. Une clé du genre Multidentia en Afrique centrale est présentée. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.673 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.673 https://plecevo.eu/article/32521/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32521/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.729 2012-03-12 plecevo

Hans Rudolf Preisig (1949–2011) Taxböck,Lukas Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(1): 138-141 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 In Memoriam text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.729 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.729 https://plecevo.eu/article/32523/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32523/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.545 2012-07-06 plecevo

Endemism, species richness and morphological trends in Madagascan Memecylon (Melastomataceae) Stone,Robert Douglas DIVERSIFICATION ENDEMISM MADAGASCAR MELASTOMATACEAE MEMECYLON PLANT TAXONOMY Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(2): 145-151 Background and aims – Further studies of Madagascan Memecylon have revealed that much of the herbarium material collected in the last 25 years is undescribed. As a prelude to a comprehensive taxonomic revision, the current paper presents an overview and analysis of the remarkable diversity of this genus in Madagascar. Key results – Within the paleotropical distribution of Memecylon, Madagascar contains by far the highest concentration of species proportionate to land area. All of the Madagascan Memecylon species are endemic to the island, with the majority being localized endemics known from just one or two sites. As a result of recent field- and collections-based studies, about fifty new species will be proposed. When this is done the total number of Madagascan Memecylon species will increase to 138 (representing a 70% increase from our state of knowledge in 1985). Memecylon is clearly one of the plant genera that has radiated extensively on the island. Floral morphology is strongly conserved, but leaf morphology and inflorescence position are quite variable and often diagnostic at the species level. In several cases, different species have converged on similar vegetative morphologies, leading to taxonomic confusion. Conclusions – When making species determinations in Madagascan Memecylon, both morphological features and ecogeographic factors should be taken into account. Comprehensive taxonomic revisions in species-rich groups like Memecylon are a prerequisite for further study of the mechanisms of species diversification on the island. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.545 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.545 https://plecevo.eu/article/32525/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32525/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.573 2012-07-06 plecevo

Analyse phytogéographique des forêts d’Afrique Centrale: le cas du massif de Ngovayang (Cameroun) Gonmadje,Christelle Doumenge,Charles Sunderland,Terry Balinga,Michael Sonké,Bonaventure 1-HA PERMANENT PLOTS CENTRAL AFRICA CLIMATIC HINGE NGOVAYANG PHYTOGEOGRAPHY Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(2): 152-164 Phytogeographical analysis of Central African forests: the Ngovayang massif (Cameroon) Background and aims – The Ngovayang massif, in southern Cameroon, is part of a group of small hills along the Atlantic coast of the Gulf of Guinea. This area is known for its floristic richness and its high level of endemism. We conducted a phytogeographical analysis of this massif and evaluated its floristic affinities with other forested sites in Central Africa. Methods – Phytogeographical analysis was based on a comparison of lists of tree species with dbh ≥ 10 cm, inventoried in 1-ha permanent plots, and established in old growth lowland forests of Central Africa. The floristic list for Ngovayang used for this analysis contained 201 species. Key results – The lowland forests of the Ngovayang massif are dominated by Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae, followed by Olacaceae and Burseraceae, taxa characteristic of dense old-growth Atlantic moist forests. The Ngovayang flora includes a high proportion of Guineo-Congolean species (79%), particularly Lower Guinean species (30%). Phytogeographical analysis showed that forested sites of central Africa are clearly separated into continental sites and the more coastal sites of the Lower Guinean domain, including Ngovayang. Within the Lower Guinean domain, the main floristic discontinuity appears to be situated in southern Cameroon-northern Equatorial Guinea. Ngovayang and Takamanda, which are situated on opposite sides of the Cameroon volcanic line, show stronger floristic affinities with each other than either does with other Lower Guinean forest sites located to the south of the Ngovayang massif. Conclusions – Ngovayang may constitute a transition zone between Nigerian forests and those ranging from southern Cameroon to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For tree species of the Lower Guinean domain, the climatic hinge separating boreal and austral climates appears to be a more important phytogeographic barrier than the Cameroon volcanic line or the Sanaga River. French abstract Objectifs – Le massif de Ngovayang (Sud-Cameroun) fait partie des petits sommets qui longent le golfe de Guinée. Cette région est connue pour sa forte richesse floristique et son taux d'endémisme élevé. Ce travail a pour objectif une analyse phytogéographique de ce massif et l'évaluation de ses affinités floristiques avec d'autres sites forestiers d'Afrique centrale atlantique. Méthodes – L'analyse phytogéographique fut basée sur la comparaison des listes d'espèces d'arbres de dhp ≥ 10 cm, issues de parcelles permanentes de 1-ha établies dans des forêts matures de basse et moyenne altitude d'Afrique centrale atlantique. La liste floristique du massif de Ngovayang retenue pour cette analyse comprend 201 espèces d'arbres. Résultats-clés – Les forêts de basse altitude du massif de Ngovayang sont dominées par les Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae, suivies des Olacaceae et des Burseraceae, tous taxons caractéristiques des forêts matures denses humides atlantiques. La flore de Ngovayang compte une forte proportion d'espèces guinéo-congolaises (79%) et plus particulièrement d'espèces guinéennes inférieures (30%). L'analyse phytogéographique montre qu'il existe dans la région étudiée une séparation nette entre les sites continentaux et les sites côtiers du domaine bas-guinéen, y compris le massif de Ngovayang. A l'intérieur du domaine bas-guinéen, la discontinuité floristique la plus importante apparaît aux confins du Sud-Cameroun et du Nord de la Guinée-Equatoriale. Ngovayang et Takamanda, situés de part et d'autre de la ligne volcanique du Cameroun, présentent de plus fortes affinités floristiques entre eux qu'avec les autres forêts situées au sud du massif de Ngovayang. Conclusion – Ngovayang pourrait constituer une zone de transition importante entre les forêts du Nigéria et celles s'étendant du Sud-Cameroun jusqu'en République Démocratique du Congo. La charnière climatique séparant les climats boréal et austral semble constituer une barrière phytogéographique plus importante pour les arbres des forêts de basse altitude que la ligne volcanique du Cameroun ou le fleuve Sanaga. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.573 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.573 https://plecevo.eu/article/32526/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32526/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.634 2012-07-06 plecevo

Flowering patterns in sub-Mediterranean grasslands: a functional approach Catorci,Andrea Carotenuto,Luciana Gatti,Renata CO-EXISTENCE FLOWERING PATTERNS FUNCTIONAL TRAITS MOUNTAIN GRASSLANDS PHENOLOGY SPECIES COMPETITION TEMPORAL NICHE Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(2): 165-175 Background and aims – Temporal phenological segregation among species within a plant community can be viewed as a niche differentiation that promotes species co-existence. Following this hypothesis the functional assessment of the flowering pattern was analysed in sub-Mediterranean mountain grassland. Methods – The study was carried out in two sites at different elevations. Four fenced plots of 50 m 2 each were established in both sites. Phenological relevés were carried out in each plot every fifteen days and soil samples were collected in each plot. The functional traits sets of the flowering species were analysed at each considered time interval. Key results – Each phenological phase tends to be linked to a group of functional traits (e.g. bulbs or tuber/rhizome, low height and spring green leaves for the early spring period; rhizome or tuber, hemicryptophyte caespitose, mid height, presence of stolons and persistent green leaves for the late spring period). dominant species reach their maximum phenological forwardness in the middle of the vegetative season, while non- dominant species 'exploit' the beginning and end of the vegetative season. Two main sets of strategies allowing non-dominant species to co-exist with the dominant ones were highlighted. The first characterizes the tall graminoids-dominated patches, where a pattern of traits allows subordinate species to differentiate the flowering temporal niche compared to the dominant ones. The second set of strategies is related to some small-sized species, which can co-exist with dominant species by exploiting gaps due to livestock disturbance, or by forming patches given their clonal ability. This strategy allows them to share the optimal temporal niche with dominant species. Conclusions – Flowering pattern promotes species co-existence and is driven by functional differentiation of species that in turn is filtered by environmental stress/disturbance type and intensity. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.634 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.634 https://plecevo.eu/article/32527/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32527/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.651 2012-07-06 plecevo

Floral morphology and mating system of Alcea rosea (Malvaceae) Li,Qun Ruan,Cheng-Jiang Teixeira Da Silva,Jaime A Wang,Xue-Ying ALCEA ROSEA DELAYED SELFING ISSR MARKERS OUTCROSSING RATE REPRODUCTIVE ASSURANCE STYLE CURVATURE Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(2): 176-184 Background and aims - Variations in floral traits and floral structures influence mating systems. The flowers of Alcea rosea are protandrous and herkogamous, with style curvature at anthesis. Methods - We measured: (1) floral morphology, including style curvature, (2) stigma receptivity and pollen viability, (3) breeding system, and (4) outcrossing rate estimated by ISSR markers. Key results - Results indicate that when stigmas were in contact with anthers via style curvature, stigma receptivity and pollen viability was 89.7 and 42.33%, respectively, indicating the potential of delayed selfing. Delayed selfing in A. rosea did not provide obvious contribution to seed production, because there was no significant difference in seed set between intact and emasculated open flowers (P = 0.765). However, successful reproduction of 23.98% flowers in the absence of pollinators suggested that selfing provides reproductive assurance during a year, in which pollinators were limiting. The multilocus outcrossing rates in different populations varied from 0.972 to 0.981, with a mean of 0.977. Conclusion - Our data provide an empirical demonstration of a predominantly outcrossing species with potential delayed selfing when pollinators are absent or scarce. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.651 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.651 https://plecevo.eu/article/32528/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32528/download/pdf/ en

10.5091/plecevo.2012.652 2012-07-06 plecevo

Growth discrepancy between filament and style facilitates autonomous self-fertilization in Hedychium yunnanense (Zingiberaceae) Ma,Yongpeng Wu,Zhikun Tian,Xiaoling Zhang,Changqin Sun,Wei-Bang AUTONOMOUS SELF-FERTILIZATION GROWTH DISCREPANCY HEDYCHIUM YUNNANENSE POLLINATOR LIMITATION REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS Plant Ecology and Evolution 145(2): 185-189 Background and aims – Reproductive success through autonomous self-fertilization is thought to be one of the main advantages in plants when effective pollinators are limited. The present study examined an autonomous self-fertilization mechanism in a perennial ginger, Hedychium yunnanense. Methods – We measured the relative stigma-anther positional changes, throughout the flower's lifespan, in an effort to understand the floral mechanism that leads to autonomous seed production. Pollination treatments were carried out and pollen-ovule ratio was estimated to test its breeding system. Preliminary observations on floral biology and flower visitors were also conducted. Key results – Hedychium yunnanense is a protogynous species and anther dehiscing occurred at night on the first day of flowering. The growth discrepancy between filament and style induces a contact between stigma and anthers favoring pollen deposition onto the stigmatic surface, thus facilitating self-pollination. Fruit set and seed set from pollinator-exclusion treatment showed similar results to open pollination treatment but lower than that of cross-pollination treatment. P/O ratio was 132.7 ± 13.4 indicating facultative autogamy. Effective pollinators were not observed in three consecutive years of observation. Conclusions – The reproductive success of H. yunnanense via autogamy seems to be an adaptive strategy under the condition of effective pollinator limitation. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2032-3921 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2032-3913 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess All Rights Reserved Meise Botanic Garden and Royal Botanical Society of Belgium 2012 Regular Paper text/html info:doi:10.5091/plecevo.2012.652 https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.652 https://plecevo.eu/article/32529/ https://plecevo.eu/article/32529/download/pdf/ en cGFnZT0xJnNldD1wbGVjZXZvJmZyb209JnVudGlsPSZtZXRhZGF0YV9wcmVmaXg9b2FpX2Rj