:: J. J. D.P. SALAMANES, J. G. CHAVEZ, A. H. ARRIOLA & G. J. D. ALEJANDRO A new species of Antirhea (Guettardeae, Rubiaceae) from Surigao del Norte, Philippines Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 153-156. Anglais Abstract Antirhea surigaoensis, a new species of Antirhea from Surigao del Norte, Philippines is described. It closely resembles Antirhea philippinensis (Benth.) Rolfe; however, it can be easily distinguished by having triangular stipules, longer petioles, stipules, peduncles, bracts, calyx tubes, corolla lobes, anther and style and densely sericeous perianth on the outside.
:: A. MAROYI Morphological characterization of Gloriosa katangensis Maroyi (Colchicaceae) endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 157-164. Anglais Abstract Gloriosa katangensis Maroyi (Colchicaceae) is a rare and little known plant species, endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). Results of this investigation are based on herbarium studies undertaken at the National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Wageningen University branch (WAG) and the National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens, Harare, Zimbabwe (SRGH), between January 2008 and 30 September 2011. Additional herbaria specimens of the genus Gloriosa L. were received on loan from B, BM, BR, C, COI, F, K, L, P, S, U and UPS. The diagnostic morphological characters that distinguish G. katangensis from the other Gloriosa species are discussed. Detailed description, illustration, distribution map, ecological data and taxonomic history of G. katangensis are provided. International Union for Conservation of Nature status of the species has been assigned as Critically Endangered because of the restricted area of occupancy, extent of occurrence of the species and also because none of the collections of the species made so far in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been in protected areas. Publication of detailed taxonomic information on G. katangensis contributes to a better understanding of the diversity of the genus Gloriosa in tropical Africa and the conservation of this critically endangered species.
:: A. S. ERST, A. P. SUKHORUKOV, D. N. SHAULO & A. A. KUZNETSOV Chorological and taxonomic notes on Aquilegia ganboldii Kamelin & Gubanov (Ranunculaceae) previously considered to be a Mongolian endemic Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 165-171. Anglais Abstract The distribution of the enigmatic Mongolian Aquilegia ganboldii is confirmed for Russian South Siberia, North Korea and northeast China. It seems to be closely related to Aquilegia oxysepala var. oxysepala and Aquilegia buergeriana. A diagnostic key to A. ganboldii and related taxa is provided.
:: A. MOULY & M. JEANSON Specialization to ultramafic substrates and narrow endemism of Cyclophyllum (Rubiaceae) in New Caledonia: contribution of novel species to the understanding of these singular patterns Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 173-189. Anglais Abstract New Caledonia, listed as a biodiversity hotspot, is ecologically unique because of the abundance on the main island of ultramafic soils. The Pacific genus Cyclophyllum Hook.f. (Rubiaceae) that belongs to the tribe Vanguerieae has its centre of diversity in New Caledonia, with 13 species described so far. The present taxonomic treatment describes seven species new to science: Cyclophyllum guillauminianum Baum.-Bod. ex Mouly & Jeanson, Cyclophyllum letocartiorum Mouly, Cyclophyllum macphersonii Mouly, Cyclophyllum memaoyaense Mouly, Cyclophyllum pindaiense Mouly, Cyclophyllum tieaense Mouly and Cyclophyllum tiebaghiense Mouly & Jeanson. These new species, all endemic to New Caledonia add to species already described for the genus. A determination key and few synonymies are provided here. These species present a very interesting pattern of narrow endemism probably resulting from adaptation (s) to ultramafic substrates. Indeed, 14 species out of 19 are restricted to constraining soils and 12 species are narrow endemics to diverse areas of the main island. The category of threat was evaluated for the new species and as a result several of the described species should be considered for conservation.
:: G. FENU, D. COGONI, E. SULIS & G. BACCHETTA Ecological response to human trampling and conservation status of Helianthemum caput-felis (Cistaceae) at the eastern periphery of its range Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 191-201. Anglais Abstract Border and isolated plant populations represent an interesting target for ecological and conservation issues. We analysed the ecological constraints and the conservation status of the eastern population of Helianthemum caput-felis Boiss. (Cistaceae), located in Sardinia. The distribution of H. caput-felis was verified via field surveys; ecological data, morphological and reproductive traits, were recorded in 40 permanent plots randomly established; the human trampling effects on plant density, plant size and plant performance were analysed. Plant density was higher in bedrock and lowland areas, in garrigue and maquis habitats; however, the differences among plants growing in different ecological conditions were not statistically significant; only human trampling intensity significantly affected plant density and lowest values were observed in areas with intense trampling pressure. All ecological variables analysed had a statistically significant effect on plant size and on the number of fruits per plant. In particular, larger plants were found in areas with the following ecological features: presence of structured soil, on the slopes, in the maquis habitat, and in areas with intensive human trampling. Conversely, plants displayed a higher fruits output per plant in deep and structured soil, in lowland areas, and in the garrigue and maquis habitats; the mean fruits output per plant increased as human trampling intensified. Human-induced threats are the main hazards threatening the remaining Sardinian population. In particular, the major threats are linked to tourism and other outdoor activities (i.e. human trampling), followed by the expansion of agricultural activities; all of these threats result in the disappearance of small localities and in reduced population size due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Our study indicates that H. caput-felis should be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) at the regional level. Urgent measures should be undertaken to protect the remaining H. caput-felis population in Sardinia and a possible integrated strategy for the conservation and management consists of a combination of in situ and ex situ measures. In particular, greater emphasis should be given to minimizing the negative impacts of unsustainable tourism and recreation use, in order to exclude human trampling and to facilitate the plant recruitment process and population renewal. In addition, an ex situ conservation strategy must be implemented and the seeds collected could be used for future translocations in suitable areas. Moreover, considering the threats observed, a long-term monitoring programme must be developed to reveal changes in the species conservation status.
:: EVA ALBANO PÉREZ, TRINIDAD RUIZ TÉLLEZ, SOLEDAD RAMOS MAQUEDA, PEDRO J. CASERO LINARES, FRANCISCO M. VÁZQUEZ PARDO, P. L. RODRIGUEZ MEDINA, J. LABRADOR MORENO, F. LÓPEZ GALLEGO, J. GONZÁLEZ CORTÉS & J. M. SÁNCHEZ GUZMÁN. Seed germination and risks of using the invasive plant Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub. (water hyacinth) for composting, ovine feeding and biogas production Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 203-214. Anglais Abstract Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub.) is an invasive aquatic weed that has one of the highest growth indices of vascular plants, producing large amounts of biomass. Its use for composting, livestock feed and biogas production has been proposed as a management strategy for its control. The work presented here is an assessment of the potential spread of water hyacinth due to the release of seeds from the by-products of some of these manufacturing processes. We tested experimentally if the seeds were destroyed or did not lose germinability when they had passed through the gut of sheep, remained in compost piles or been used in biogas bioreactors. We made optical and electronic microscopic observations, and calculated retrieval and germination percentages of the seeds subjected to these treatments. After having passed through the gut of sheep, the anatomical organization of the seed was completely destroyed, only 30.50 ± 5.83% of the seeds were retrieved and the germinability was null (0 ± 0%). The biogas production and compost-treated seeds both had retrieval percentages of 100 ± 0% and germination values of 1.00 ± 0.57 and 3.50 ± 0.96% respectively, with several anatomical damages. The use for compost or biogas production as a management strategy to control this pest is not completely safe from an environmental perspective and the selected management option should focus on sheep fodder production.
:: S. PULVIRENTI, R. M. S. COSTA & P. PAVONE Francesco Cupani: the “scientific network” of his time and the making of the Linnaean “system” Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 215-223. Anglais Abstract Francesco Cupani, a seventeenth century Sicilian botanist, developed a network of scientific exchanges and connections with the most important scientists of his time. Despite living in considerable isolation, he managed, above all thanks to Sherard, to correspond and exchange with Ray, Commelin, Tournefort, Triumfetti, Volkamer and Böhm. He participated in the intellectual process and debate on the method of classifying plants that he undertook following the comparison and contrast between Linnaeus and Buffon, in formulating the Linnaeus method and in creating the concepts of genera and species. Cupani and other contemporary botanists were not able to establish a system of plant classification. Each of them was so engaged in researching the distinctive characters of individual plants, in avoiding duplications and synonyms, that they could not grasp what they had in common. Linnaeus, giving them notable recognition, placed them in the category of the “Curious”. These pre-Linnaean researchers contributed to the difficult process of overcoming the rigidity of late-Aristotelian classifications, thanks also to the invention of a “scientific network” that enabled the mutual debate and exchange of botanical material (publications, iconography, seeds and exsiccata).
:: D. KOUKOS, M.-S. MELETIOU-CHRISTOU & S. RHIZOPOULOU Leaf surface wettability and fatty acid composition of Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne grown under ambient conditions in a natural macchia Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 225-232. Anglais Abstract Features of the adaxial and abaxial surface microstructure of Arbutus unedo L. and Arbutus andrachne L. are evaluated as possible consistent parameters contributing to the wetness of leaves. The abaxial leaf surface of A. andrachne and A. unedo was determined to be more hydrophobic than the adaxial leaf surface. Hydrophobicity may be of particular importance for the ecophysiological status of the hypostomatic leaves of both Arbutus species, which exhibit a long lifespan and are exposed to various environmental stimuli. Water repellence may also be correlated to the increased presence of surface wax. Lipid analysis of the leaves of both plant species revealed an abundance of α-linolenic acid, with palmitic acid as the second major contributor, followed by linoleic and oleic acid. Oleic and linoleic acid were present in slightly larger percentages in A. andrachne compared with A. unedo, whereas myristic, palmitic and α-linolenic acids were found in elevated percentages in A. unedo. The fatty acid composition analysis of the leaf wax of A. andrachne and A. unedo ranged from C16 to C26, with fatty acids of an even longer chain length detected in the case of A. andrachne. Despite the similar fatty acid composition of total lipids, the composition of the wax fraction showed differences between the two Arbutus species, which may partly contribute to the foliar surface properties of the two species.
:: A. GHOSH & P. K. PAL Seedling phenology of Clerodendrum indicum exhibiting the unusual epigeal cryptocotylar type of germination Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 233-237. Anglais Abstract Clerodendrum indicum (L.) O. Kuntze (Lamiaceae) is characterized by some unique features in its seedling phenology and germination. The epigeal cryptocotylar type of seedling of the species is uncommon among dicotyledons. Significant morphological characters of the seedling of the species are thickened hypocotyl, a pair of cryptocotylar epigeal cotyledons and five pairs of eophylls in opposite decussate phyllotaxy. Each eophyll is ovate in shape with dentate margins and sub-acute apex. The eophylls are readily distinguishable from the foliage leaves of adult individuals by their architecture and phyllotaxy. The features are helpful in identifying an individual of the species at its juvenile stage, before flowering and fruiting. Clerodendrum indicum is the only known species of the order Lamiales that is characterized by the epigeal cryptocotylar type of seedling.
:: E. BIONDI & I. VAGGE The forests of Pinus pinaster Aiton subsp. pinaster of the NW Italian Tyrrhenian sector Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2015, 162 (3), pp. 239-250. Anglais Abstract The present work deals with natural and subnatural forests of Pinus pinaster Aiton subsp. pinaster of Liguria and Tuscany regions. After a short introduction on the taxonomy and biogeography of Pinus pinaster subsp. pinaster, three new associations are described: Erico scopariae-Pinetum pinastri, Erico arboreae-Pinetum pinastri and Buxo sempervirentis-Pinetum pinastri. These associations belong to the new alliance Genisto pilosae-Pinion pinastri (Quercetalia ilicis order, Quercetea ilicis class). It also describes the new shrub association Genisto pilosae-Buxetum sempervirentis, dynamically linked to the forest of pine called Buxo sempervirentis-Pinetum pinastri. Characteristic and differential species, ecology, distribution, dynamic and catenal relationships of the new Pinus pinaster subsp. pinaster associations and the new alliance are also described.