DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.175775

Authors: Daniel B. Montesinos-Tubée, Cameron E.L. Dasher, Thomas Borsch, Alejandro Torres-Montúfar

Abstract: Background and aims – The newly described species Arcytophyllum leymebambense sp. nov. (Rubiaceae) from the Amazonas department of northern Peru represents an isolated lineage within the monophyletic genus Arcytophyllum. This study aims to describe its distinctive morphological features and ecological context, assess its phylogenetic position, and discuss its implications for the diversification of the genus in the Andes. Material and methods – Morphological observations were conducted on herbarium specimens and field collections from the type locality. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using nuclear and plastid DNA sequences from the tribe Spermacoceae, with particular emphasis on Arcytophyllum. Key results – Arcytophyllum leymebambense sp. nov. is morphologically distinct from its congeners by its acuminate leaf and sepal apices, hirsute-lanuginose seeds, and the presence of protective hooks surrounding the ovary. It inhabits humid, high-elevation grasslands known as “Jalca,” where it coexists with a diverse assemblage of montane species. The species appears to be endemic to the region and is currently known from only three populations. Its restricted distribution, combined with potential threats such as overgrazing and fire, supports a preliminary conservation assessment as Critically Endangered (CR). Conclusion – The discovery of Arcytophyllum leymebambense sp. nov. highlights the underestimated diversity of Andean Rubiaceae and provides evidence that Andean species form a grade within the diversification of Arcytophyllum. This pattern suggests a historical northward expansion of the lineage into the high mountains of Panama and Costa Rica.

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DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.142555

Authors: Hadassa Carolinny Soares de Oliveira, Márlon Carlos da Silva Cintra, Sinzinando Albuquerque-Lima, Swanni T. Alvarado, Edlley Max Pessoa

Abstract: Background and aims – Bats are the third most important animal pollinators in the Brazilian Caatinga seasonally dry forest, but little is known about the conservation status of the chiropterophilous plant species in this domain, and their main threats. The Scottian shortfall relates to deficits in assessments of IUCN conservation statuses. We aimed to evaluate the current conservation status of chiropterophilous species in the Caatinga, investigate the main changes in land use and land cover in the last years and their impacts on conservation of these species. Material and methods – We compiled a dataset and evaluated the extinction risk of 16 species following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria using the geographic range criterion. Analyses of reductions of natural vegetation were carried out using data from the project MapBiomas. Key results – Our results show that approximately 80% of the assessed species saw their conditions worsen in the last years. We verified that Dyckia viridiflora and Ipomoea vespertilia are categorized as Endangered and Stigmatodon limae is considered Vulnerable. The main sources of disturbances impacting these species according to land use are pastures and mosaics of land uses, but we highlight that urbanization is the second or third most important threat for all species. The three main threats affected the species differently. Although half of the species is assessed as Least Concern, all species had their suitable areas impacted by human activities.

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DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.95130

Authors: Fabrício Moreira Ferreira, Reyjane P. Oliveira, Lynn G. Clark, Cassiano A. Dorneles Welker

Abstract: Background and aims – Parianella is a relatively recently described genus of the subtribe Parianinae (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Olyreae) that includes two species, and it is supposedly endemic to the Bahian Coastal Forests in the central region of Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Herein, we describe and illustrate a new species of the genus, comparing it with the other species of Parianella. We also provide an updated distribution map of the genus and the conservation status of the new taxon. Material and methods – This study was based on the analysis of herbarium specimens and a literature review. The conservation assessment is based on field observations and spatial analyses, following IUCN guidelines and criteria. Key results – During a review of the Poaceae collection of the MBML Herbarium, two Parianinae specimens with interesting features were found. A detailed morphological analysis revealed that these specimens belong to a new species of Parianella. The new taxon was collected in two localities in the southern portion of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, one in the municipality of Santa Leopoldina and the other in the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve, municipality of Cariacica. Both localities are situated in the Krenák-Waitaká Forests, one of the three subregions of the central Atlantic Forest region, and an area of great floristic diversity, including bamboo species. Conclusion – Parianella capixaba represents the southernmost distribution of the genus known to date. With the description of this new species, the total number of bamboos in Espírito Santo state rises to 52 species in 18 genera.

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