Poa densa Troitsky is a characteristic species of the high steppe to low alpine vegetation of Turkey. It was overlooked in the Flora of Turkey, and although subsequently reported from a few stations in W part of C Anatolia, is actually relatively common and widespread across the semi-arid C and N steppes. Here we provide a key to related species, a full description, photographs, 2C value of nuclear DNA content, and a distribution map, and discuss its classification in the genus. The synonym Festuca conferta is lectotypified. DNA phylogenetic analysis and morphology data indicate P. densa is allied to species of P. subg. Poa sect. Macropoa, rather than to the P. bulbosa complex of P. subg. Ochlopoa sect. Arenariae, and support multiple origins of the basal bulb in the genus Poa.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

A new species, Henckelia wijesundarae, endemic to Hiniduma, Galle, Sri Lanka, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic features of the new species are discussed and compared to the closely allied species H. walkerae. Based on fieldwork studies, we propose an IUCN conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR) for H. wijesundarae. At the same time we lectotypify the names Chirita walkerae (the basionym of H. walkerae) and C. walkerae var. parviflora (treated here in the synonymy of H. wijesundarae).

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

Taraxacum annetteae and Taraxacum croaticum, found in the N coastal part of Croatia, are described as species new to science and illustrated, and their known distributions are given. Both species belong to T. sect. Erythrosperma.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

After examination of specimens in the herbarium of the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin, eight species of smut fungi are reported for the first time from Greece: Microbotryum dianthorum on Dianthus viscidus, Sporisorium pulverulentum on Saccharum strictum, Tilletia fusca on Vulpia ciliata, T. lolii on Lolium temulentum, Urocystis dactylidina on Dactylis glomerata subsp. hackelii, U. johansonii on Juncus bufonius, U. ornithogali on Ornithogalum sp. and U. ulei on Festuca jeanpertii. Four species of smut fungi are recorded on new host plants making new fungus-host combinations: Microbotryum dianthorum on Dianthus viscidus, Tranzscheliella williamsii on Stipa isoldeae, Urocystis dactylidina on Dactylis glomerata subsp. hackelii and U. ulei on Festuca jeanpertii. Two plant species are reported as new hosts of smut fungi already known from Greece: Stipa isoldeae for Tranzscheliella williamsii, and Lygeum spartum for T. hypodytes. All ten species of smut fungi are illustrated. A description is also provided for Urocystis agropyri, recorded in Greece on Thinopyrum junceum.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

The corticolous species Megaspora cretacea is described as new for science. The species is characterized by a thick, cretaceous thallus and a pale bluish, rather coarse soredia covering most of the thallus. It grows on Juniperus bark in open arid woodlands in Armenia. A key to the three species included in the genus Megaspora is presented. Phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS sequences revealed that M. cretacea clustered within the Megaspora clade as sister species to M. rimisorediata with high support.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

Three new species of Homalomena (Chamaecladon clade) are described and illustrated from Sumatera (Sumatra), Indonesia: H. hasei P. C. Boyce & S. Y. Wong, H. mobula P. C. Boyce & S. Y. Wong and H. plicata P. C. Boyce & S. Y. Wong.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

All endemic species of Hispaniola and Cuba that were formerly assigned to Clerodendrum, with the exception of Volkameria aculeata (or C. aculeatum), are transferred to Ovieda, based on morphological and phytogeographical evidence. A full synonymy, with citation of types, is given for all of them, and the necessary seven new combinations are validated.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, a naturalized South American neophyte introduced as an aquarium and aquatic ornamental plant, is recorded for the first time from southern Europe. Two populations were found in irrigation canals and in a rice field in northern Italy. Distribution, invasion status, ecology, and pathways of introduction of the species are presented. Additionally, the modes of dispersal, never investigated before in the European continent, are discussed and the potential invasive behaviour and impacts in the new growing sites are assessed.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

A new species, Cryptocoryne aura Wongso & Ipor, from West Kalimantan, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. It differs from other Cryptocoryne species primarily by having a transparent, ciliate membrane along the leaf margin and a short spathe with a yellow, forward-twisted limb. It has a chromosome number of 2n = 26, which has not hitherto been recorded within the genus. The morphology of the germinating seed is unique within the genus, the embryo emerging c. ⅓ from the distal end of the seed with 3(or 4) plumulary processes (prophylls).

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.

Cooper P. M.: Images of nature. The Bauer brothers. — London: The Natural History Museum, 2015. — ISBN 978-0-565-09359-4. — 21.6 × 25.4 × 1.3 cm, 112 pp.; paperback. — Price: GBP 13.

Citation: Lack H. W. 2016: Book review: Cooper P. M.: Images of nature. The Bauer brothers. — Willdenowia 46: 287. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.46.46211

Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue.