A synoptic revision of the genus Blechnum L. in Madagascar.

The genus Blechnum L. in Madagascar has been the subject of two previous taxonomic treatments (Christensen 1932; Tardieu-Blot 1960) but, following the intensive collecting of specimens that has marked the 1980–2000 period and that continues today, an update to these treatments has become necessary. This new treatment includes four new species, two new synonyms, a new combination, a lectotypification and the description of three putative hybrids. The hypothesis of hybridization between several taxa of Blechnum, the only explanation that can account for the existence of intermediate forms, otherwise unclassifiable, is discussed. A new key is presented for the identification of the 16 species and varieties currently recognized on the island, as well as distribution maps and illustrations of the new taxa. Complementary descriptions and illustrations are also provided for certain earlier-published species for which infraspecific variability was not adequately understood or where different juvenile and adult forms have been confused.

Paepalanthus Mart. sect. Diphyomene Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae) is mainly diversified in the savannas of Central Brazil (Cerrado). This is an unusual pattern regarding the highest diversity of Eriocaulaceae in Southeastern Brazil (in the Espinhaço Range). Despite this interesting contrast, the geographic distribution of these species has yet to be explored. The present work aims to detail the geographic distribution of species of Paepalanthus sect. Diphyomene in order to discuss biogeographical patterns. The species are also categorized according to their risk of extinction, based on the IUCN criteria, establishing their conservation status and implications for the conservation of the Cerrado domain. Distribution maps were constructed for each species based on geographical coordinates obtained in the field or from herbarium specimens. All eighteen species occur in the Cerrado domain, with sixteen species exclusive to it, whilst Paepalanthus erectifolius Silveira and P. chiquitensis Herzog also occur in the Caatinga and Amazonian domains, respectively. We hereby confirm that the center of diversity of the section is situated in Central Brazil, more precisely in the Chapada dos Veadeiros, where eight species occur. Thirteen species are restricted to a single locality, and are categorized as critically endangered. Four species are regionally restricted, two of them are vulnerable, one is endangered, and the other one is considered of least concern, together with P. chiquitensis, a widely distributed species. The extension of occurrence of each species is used as a basis for their assessed conservation status. Our results reinforce the importance of the preservation of the Cerrado as a whole. The distribution patterns in association with the conservation status revealed important areas for conservation of the Cerrado, and corroborate the importance of previously established areas for conserving biodiversity.

A taxonomic review of the New Caledonian representatives of the pantropical tree genus Xylopia L. (Annonaceae) is presented based on museum study of 157 collections. Distinctions are clarified among the four endemic species, two of them previously undescribed in flower and two others described in the literature from only the type collections. A key and species descriptions are presented. Xylopia pancheri Baill., the most frequently collected species, occurs in maquis environments with ultramafic rocks in the central and southern regions of the island, as well as on the Île des Pins. Xylopia vieillardii Baill. is widespread in low elevation humid forests but the remaining two species, X. dibaccata Daniker and X. pallescens Baill., have restricted distributions and their ecology is still incompletely known. Xylopia pancheri shares similarities with the endemic Fijian species X. degeneri A.C.Sm. and X. vitiensis A.C.Sm.; the remaining three species share more traits with the Fijian endemic X. pacifica A.C.Sm.

A new species Uvaria rovumae Deroin & Lötter, sp. nov. is described, illustrated and mapped from Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique. Its morphology, as well as systematic affinities, habitat and conservation status are briefly discussed. Very similar to U. tanzaniae Verdc. by its habit, it differs mainly by its free sepals, inner petals slightly unguiculate and a high carpel number (>35). Uvaria rovumae Deroin & Lötter, sp. nov. is known only from a handful of individual plants in one location near Nangade, making it “Critically Endangered” (CR) following IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

A revision of the genus Ocotea Aubl. in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands is presented. 35 species are recognized, all endemic to the region. Five species are described as new. A key to the species, descriptions, distribution maps and a list of specimens studied are presented.

Psychotriae (Rubiaceae) neocaledonicarum specierum nomenclator.

The latest taxonomic treatment of the genus Psychotria s.l. (Rubiaceae) in New Caledonia is more than 50 years old, and the taxonomy continues to present problems due to the high number of published names. A nomenclatural study of New Caledonia Psychotria s.l. is thus provided here, in order to enumerate valid, unvalid and illegitime names for the two genera Psychotria s.s. and Margaritopsis C.Wright (previously placed under Psychotria s.l.). Herbarium specimens are designated to lectotypify names that are already published in the two genera Delpechia Montrouz. and Douarrea Montrouz. New names and new combinations are proposed to bring names into accordance with the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The synonymy of several specific and varietal names is provided; the correct names for 59 accepted species are retained for Psychotria s.s. and three for Margaritopsis. However, four species names of uncertain placement (incertae sedis) remain. It is estimated that the species richness of both genera occurring in New Caledonia should be increased to 85 species, due to the discovery of undescribed species found in herbaria and during fieldwork.

A new combination is made in Argyreia Lour. for the species previously described as Erycibe longipes Gagnep. and an expanded description and geographical distribution are provided.

Some aspects concerning the type material of Linaria cavanillesii Chav. (Antirrhineae, Veronicaceae), which are conserved in different herbaria, are discussed. This name had previously been lectotypified on Tournefort's collections that are kept at the herbarium P, though they had been regarded erroneously as syntypes. Evidence is shown on the existence of a duplicate of the lectotype (isolectotype), which is conserved among the Salvador herbarium at BC (Institut Botànic de Barcelona), as well as of syntypes deposited in MA on which the illustration by Cavanilles cited in the protologue was drawn. Historical data are reported on collection sites and dates for all cited syntypes of this name.

The gross morphology as well as fruit morphological and anatomical characters of twenty four taxa of subfamily Apioideae was investigated to show their taxonomic location as compared to Drude's classification (1898). The classification of the studied taxa is summarised as follows: 1) Pimpinella L. of Drude's tribe Ammineae is segregated alone in a separate branch; 2) some of the genera of tribe Ammineae namely Ammi L., Apium L., Petroselinum Hill, Ridolfia Moris and Carum L. are agglomerated in subgroup I of group I; 3) Chaerophyllum L. of tribe Scandicineae subtribe Scandicinae, Torilis Adans. of tribe Scandicineae subtribe Caucalinae and Cuminum L. of tribe Ammineae are separated in the form of separate branches from subgroup I of group I; 4) Bifora Hoffm. and Coriandrum L. of tribe Coriandreae are also separated together in subgroup II of group I; 5) Anethum L. of tribe Ammineae and Malabaila Hoffm. of tribe Peucedaneae subtribe Tordyliinae are clustered with Foeniculum Mill. of tribe Ammineae in subgroup III of group I; 6) Daucus L. of tribe Dauceae and Pseudorlaya (Murb.) Murb. of tribe Scandicineae subtribe Caucalinae are clustered together in group II; and 7) Deverra DC. species and Bupleurum semicompositum L. of tribe Ammineae are clustered together in group III. The obtained data were numerically analyzed by the NTsys-PC program package using the UPGMA clustering method.