The moss genus Brachytheciastrum (Brachytheciaceae) is taxonomically revised for the Mediterranean area. Seven species are recognized. Two new combinations are proposed: Brachytheciastrum umbilicatum and B. salicinum. Brachytheciastrum bellicum is newly synonymized with B. salicinum. Lectotypes for Brachythecium umbilicatum and Hypnum collinum are designated. A key to the species of the Mediterranean region, as well as descriptions, illustrations, and distribution data, are provided. New records for countries within the study area are reported.

Among the novel results of recent molecular phylogenetic analyses are the unexpectedly close evolutionary relationships of the genera Acystopteris, Cystopteris, and Gymnocarpium, and the phylogenetic isolation of these genera from Woodsia. As a consequence, these three genera have been removed from Woodsiaceae and placed into their own family, the Cystopteridaceae. Despite the ubiquity of this family in rocky habitats across the northern hemisphere, and its cosmopolitan distribution (occurring on every continent except Antarctica), sampling of the Cystopteridaceae in phylogenetic studies to date has been sparse. Here we assemble a three-locus plastid dataset (matK, rbcL, trnG-R) that includes most recognized species in the family and multiple accessions of widespread taxa from across their geographic ranges. All three sampled genera are robustly supported as monophyletic, Cystopteris is strongly supported as sister to Acystopteris, and those two genera together are sister to Gymnocarpium. The Gymnocarpium phylogeny is deeply divided into three major clades, which we label the disjunctum clade, the robertianum clade, and core Gymnocarpium. The Cystopteris phylogeny, similarly, features four deeply diverged clades: C. montana, the sudetica clade, the bulbifera clade, and the fragilis complex. Acystopteris includes only three species, each of which is supported as monophyletic, with A. taiwaniana sister to the japonica/tenuisecta clade. Our results yield the first species-level phylogeny of the Cystopteridaceae and the first molecular phylogenetic evidence for species boundaries. These data provide an essential foundation for further investigations of complex patterns of geographic diversification, speciation, and reticulation in this family.

Three new species of Dracontia are described and illustrated from Costa Rica and comparisons with close relatives are made. A short discussion for the preference of describing them in Dracontia instead of Stelis is given. The three species are afterwards described: Dracontia montis-mortense, a species with a unique whitish lip with three purple stripes, which is found along the Pan-American Highway on the Cerro de la Muerte, and has been confused with Dracontia dracontea; Dracontia pileata, recognized by its hat-like dorsal sepal, and Dracontia viridi-flava, recognized by its all green-yellow flowers and erase lip. The latter species are both native to the south-Pacific watershed of the Talamanca Cordillera and closely related to Dracontia conochila and Dracontia hydra. A key to the Costa Rican species of Dracontia is given, accompanied by a discussion of the included species.

Lepanthes queremalensis, a new species of Lepanthes from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is described and illustrated. It shows a set of mixed characters of two other species: L. sinuosa (the cymbiform shape of the lip appendix) and L. ankistra (the shape of the leaf and the lip blades). A key to the Colombian species of Lepanthes section Lepanthes subsection Lepanthes series Mucronatae is presented. Information about its habitat, ecology and distribution is provided.

We present a re-evaluation of the taxonomic status of Agave gypsophila, for which a narrower circumscription is proposed, and four new species from western Mexico are described and illustrated: Agave abisaii, A. andreae, A. kristenii and A. pablocarrilloi. All four species are narrow endemics occurring on a variety of limestone outcrops and belong to the subgenus Agave and to the Marmoratae species group sensu Berger. They are morphologically related to A. gypsophila s. s. from Guerrero, Mexico, but clearly differ from it in various qualitative and quantitative morphological and ecological characteristics.

A new species of Drimia is here described from South Africa. Drimia cochlearis sp. nov. is at first sight closely related to both Drimia ciliata and D. sclerophylla, but it differs in a number of floral and vegetative characters that clearly support its recognition as a distinct species. Here we provide a detailed morphological description for this species, including ecological and chorological data. Affinities and divergences with close allies are also discussed.

Alcantarea galactea (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae), a new species of giant bromeliad from the inselbergs of the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. A distribution map and a table with the main characteristics used to distinguish the new species from its morphologically similar relatives are presented. Alcantarea galactea is among the largest species of this genus, differing from related taxa by its larger habit, leaves densely covered by a thick layer of white epicuticular wax, and spreading stamens. So far, the species is only known from Alfredo Chaves municipality. The areas nearby the type locality have been strongly disturbed by grazing, logging, expansion of coffee plantations, and granite mining. This species may be considered as endangered. Nevertheless, both populations so far known are large enough to be seen from great distances, including aerial photos, and this is one of the motivations for the epithet chosen here, together with the white pulverulent leaves.

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of Stipa subsects. Stipa and Tirsae is presented. We analyzed the pattern of morphological variation of the taxa included in both subsections through the study of 1353 vouchers from 27 herbaria. Variation in floral and leaf morphology was further explored to revaluate taxon limits in 165 specimens using univariate analyses (Anova, Tukey test and, χ² test), and multivariate tests (principal components analysis and discriminant analysis). We found that one species of subsect. Tirsae plus three species and five subspecies of subsect. Stipa can be distinguished based on morphological characters. For each taxon, we present a dichotomous key, a list of synonyms, detailed morphometric descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps. In addition, neotypes are proposed for S. pulcherrima var. mollis (subsection Stipa) and S. aperta (subsection Stipa), and a lectotype is proposed for S. cerariorum (subsection Tirsae). Likewise, two new combinations are proposed: Stipa subsection Tirsae (Martinovský) R. Gonzalo, and Stipa turkestanica subspecies macroglossa (P.A Smirn.) R. Gonzalo.

The Bouteloua curtipendula complex (Poaceae: Chloridoideae) has been treated as a group of 12 species distributed from Canada to Argentina. Due to considerable morphological variation, putative hybridization, polyploidy (including aneuploidy), and apomixis, circumscription of and relationships among taxa have been uncertain. To infer the phylogeny of this complex, two non-coding regions, the internal transcribed spacer (nrDNA) and trnT-L-F (cpDNA), were sequenced and analyzed by maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. Character-state reconstruction was carried out to test the utility of morphological characters used for species circumscription. Nuclear and plastid data revealed similar phylogenetic patterns, albeit with a lower level of resolution from the trnT-L-F sequences. Results support monophyly of the Bouteloua curtipendula complex, but not the species monophyly, except for B. triaena, which forms a strongly supported clade in both phylogenies. The origin of the Bouteloua curtipendula complex seems to be recent with low divergence between taxa. All of the morphological characters used to circumscribe species were found to be homoplasious.

Chusquea Kunth (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) is the largest bamboo genus in the world. Approximately 13 species of Chusquea occur in the southern Andes of Argentina and Chile and all of them are endemic. In the present work, two new species found in high-altitude grasslands of the Andes mountain range in northwestern Argentina, Chusquea egluma and Chusquea floribunda, are described and illustrated. Morphological and anatomical characters are described and two identification keys for the Andean Chusquea species from northwestern Argentina are provided, one based on morphological characters (vegetative and reproductive), and the other on anatomical characters (culm and leaf epidermis and cross section). The new taxa and related species are compared in tables based on characters of taxonomic value.

Three new species of Mimosa (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae), from the campos rupestres of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, are described and illustrated. The species are from section Batocaulon DC. (Mimosa mitzi and Mimosa rubra) and section Calothamnos Barneby (Mimosa longistipula). Mimosa longistipula is similar to M. flocculosa but mainly differs from it by the stellate trichomes found throughout its corolla. Mimosa mitzi is morphologically similar to Mimosa hexandra and Mimosa exalbescens. However, it can be distinguished from M. hexandra by its free stamens and the presence of paraphyllidia, and from M. exalbescens by the larger leaves and smaller number of leaflets. Mimosa rubra is morphologically similar to M. minarum, but is easily recognized by the reddish color of its stems and leaves. The three species described here are restricted to the state of Minas Gerais and are critically endangered according to the IUCN criteria. A discussion on the distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status, etymology, and notes about morphologically similar species is provided, along with keys to their closest relatives.

The Ceanothus vestitus complex comprises three closely-related shrub species restricted to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico: C. paucifloms, C. perplexans, and C. vestitus. These plants are an ecologically important component of shrubland habitats at moderate to high elevations over a large portion of North America, and are strongly represented in herbaria. However, taxonomy in the C. vestitus complex is complicated by highly variable, intergrading morphology, leading to identification problems. We use multivariate morphometries to explore variation, test circumscriptions, and search for diagnostic traits. Analyses are based on a suite of nine characters scored for 248 specimens. Results show that only C. perplexans is significantly divergent from other members of the complex. Furthermore, variation is continuous among species for all nine characters. Cluster analyses suggest alternative groupings, but none are discrete. Given the lack of significant divergence between C. vestitus and C. paucifloms, we advocate the use of one name for these species. The earliest available name is C. paucifloms. We reduce C. vestitus to synonymy with C. paucifloms. We maintain C. perplexans, and present a case for recognition of this species in the absence of categorical identifying features.

Tibouchina caatingae, a new species of Melastomataceae (Melastomeae), is herein described and illustrated. This species has been collected only in areas covered by caatinga vegetation in Bahia State, Brazil, and is one of the few species of the family registered for this type of vegetation. Due to the type of habit, organization of leaves on the branches, and color of the petals, it is morphologically similar to T. noblickii and T. lithophila. These are also endemic to Bahia, and are the only species from the genus that occur in the same vegetation type. However, these last two species have much smaller leaves, and glandular trichomes on the appendages of the stamens, while in T. caatingae the leaves are larger and the anthers have glabrous appendages on the stamens. Although these three species occur in the same type of vegetation, they were never found in sympatry. Based on IUCN criteria, T. caatingae can be considered endangered.

Dombeya formosa (Malvaceae s. l. or Dombeyaceae), a new species endemic to La Réunion, is described and illustrated. The species is distinguishable by its ovate leaves with round or slightly cordate bases, round to lightly acute apices and glabrescent abaxial surfaces, subulate and persistent stipules, umbellate inflorescences, and acute apices of floral bracts. Dombeya formosa is morphologically close to Dombeya punctata Cav. but differs from it in having ovate leaves and acute apices on floral bracts. Dombeya formosa is also morphologically similar to D. ficulnea Baill. but can be distinguished from it by its persistent and subulate stipules as well as the glabrescent adaxial surface of its leaves. Our study, focusing on 16 quantitative floral characters, demonstrates that there is a clear morphological distinction between D. formosa, D. punctata, and D. ficulnea. In comparison to the other two species, Dombeya formosa possesses smaller flowers and additionally shows cryptic dioecy along with flower-size dimorphism between sexes. Amongst the Mascarene Dombeyoideae, it is the only species distributed up to an altitude of 2,100 m. The phylogenetic position of Dombeya formosa is consistent with the morphological features and locates the species within the clade endemic to La Réunion characterized by umbellate inflorescences.

Iresine rzedowskii Zumaya, Flores Olv. & Borsch and I. valdesii Zumaya, Flores Olv. & Borsch are described, illustrated, and compared to morphologically similar species. In addition, pollen SEM micrographs and distribution maps are provided for the new species. Iresine rzedowskii is a shrub with long clambering stems, the younger ones reddish with conspicuous lenticels and the older ones with suberose cortex. It is the only species of Iresine that has pollen grains with a foveolate tectum. Iresine valdesii is also a shrub but with stiff erect branching and small, perennial coriaceous leaves. The synflorescences of staminate plants are solitary, very small, usually once-branched thyreoid structures while those of pistillate plants are very different, with paracladia appearing terminal on most branches and erect, up to 13 cm long, and two to three times branched. Both species are restricted to Mexico. Iresine rzedowskii ranges from northwestern Chihuahua to northern Oaxaca, while I. valdesii is endemic to central and southeastern Puebla.

Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data revealed that the Venezuelan endemic, Opuntia lilae, considered a species of Opuntia s.s. since its description, actually represents a species of the mostly Brazilian clade, Tacinga. Through ancestral state reconstruction, we also identify morphological synapomorphies of the Tacinga clade, which further support the relationship of Tacinga and Opuntia lilae. We herein transfer Opuntia lilae to the genus Tacinga, making the combination Tacinga lilae. The existence of a species of Tacinga in northeastern Venezuela suggests that members of the Tacinga clade may have previously been more widespread than their current distribution suggests or that members of the Tacinga clade may have been dispersed long distance from the Caatinga of Brazil, where Tacinga most likely originated.

Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed that many genera in tribe Episcieae of Gesneriaceae are polyphyletic. The strong support from molecular data necessitates name changes for these taxa. In this paper we make the formal transfer of these species. As a result, four monospecific new genera are described to accommodate monophyletic lineages. The option to create monospecific genera is made as opposed to including these species in single, large, morphologically heterogeneous genera. The new genera are Christopheria, Lesia, Pachycaulos, and Pagothyra, and include the species Christopheria xantha, Lesia savannarum, Pachycaulos nummularium, and Pagothyra maculata.

A new species, Genlisea tuberosa, is described from the campos rupestres of central and eastern Brazil. A detailed description, line drawings, photographs and SEM photomicrographs of the seeds are provided for the new species, together with remarks on ecology, distribution and habitat. The characters distinguishing G. tuberosa from similar taxa are discussed.

Solanum section Gonatotrichum (Solanaceae) includes eight species native to North, Central, and South America. Plants of this section are herbs to woody shrubs that lack spines, are pubescent with simple or stellate hairs, and have berries that swell due to increased turgor pressure and explosively dehisce to disperse the seeds. Section Gonatotrichum is closely related to section Brevantherum, from which it differs by the presence of explosive fruit dehiscence and simple hairs in all taxa except S. lignescens, which has stellate pubescence. The morphology, taxonomic history, nomenclature, ecology, distribution, and reproductive biology of Solanum section Gonatotrichum are reviewed. A dichotomous key is provided for the species of the section.

The genus Grisollea includes three species found in the West Indian Ocean basin. Grisollea myriantha occurs in the Comoro Islands and Madagascar, while Grisollea thomassetii is restricted to the Seychelles. A new species, Grisollea crassifolia, is described from eastern Madagascar. This revision provides a key to the species, descriptions, illustrations, maps, conservation status assessments, and an overview of the placement of the genus within Stemonuraceae.

Youngia japonica, the type species for its genus, has the widest distribution in the genus and is invasive worldwide. Recent molecular phylogenetic analysis supported recognition of three ecologically differentiated entities: Y. japonica subsp. formosana, Y. japonica subsp. japonica, and an undescribed morphological variant thought to be a new subspecies in Taiwan. These are the only infraspecific taxa currently recognized in this morphologically variable species. Use of proper names for these taxa and related species is important for future revision of Y. japonica in other regions, for nomenclature and biogeography of the genus, and for activities to control its invasiveness. Careful examination of the holotype of Y. japonica subsp. formosana and relevant literature revealed that the name has long been misapplied to Youngia in mountain ranges in Taiwan; it should be applied to the morphological variant growing on littoral, raised coral reefs in southwestern Taiwan. The misidentified entity is here described as Youngia japonica subsp. monticola. In addition, Y. taiwaniana was treated as a synonym of Y. longiflora (??? Y. japonica subsp. longiflora) in the Flora of Taiwan, but the holotype has achenes with a long beak and does not belong to Youngia. It is here treated as a synonym of Ixeridium laevigatum. A key to Youngia in Taiwan is provided.

Senecio pseudodepressus, a new species from the Province of San Juan, Argentina, is described and illustrated. Senecio pseudodepressus is morphologically similar to Senecio depressus, but it is distinguished by having mostly 3–8-dentate leaves, pedunculate capitula and pubescent achenes. The new species is assigned to Senecio section Senecio series Chilenses subseries Candidi by its subshrubby habit, tomentose indumentum and solitary discoid capitula. A key to distinguish species of Senecio subser. Candidi with dentate leaves and large involucres is provided. The differences between Senecio pseudodepressus and its related taxa are also discussed.

The Campanulaceae: Wahlenbergioideae currently comprises 15 genera, one of which, Wahlenbergia, is widespread over the southern continents. Southern Africa is the region with maximum wahlenbergioid diversity with 12 genera and approximately 252 species. A second center is Australasia with 38 Wahlenbergia species. This study used a broad sample of wahlenbergioid diversity from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to reconstruct a phylogeny based on chloroplast trnL-F and nuclear ITS sequences. Data were analyzed separately and in combination using parsimony and Bayesian methods. The results suggest that for the wahlenbergioids to be monophyletic Wahlenbergia hederacea has to be excluded and that none of the South African, Australian or New Zealand lineages are strictly monophyletic. There are five species assemblages that are in some disagreement with current classification in the family. Wahlenbergia, Prismatocarpus and Roella are shown to be non-monophyletic and implications for a reclassification are presented. Careful consideration of morphological characters is suggested before the adjustment of generic circumscriptions can be accomplished.

Dendropanax (Araliaceae) is a genus of about 80 species disjunctly distributed in tropical to subtropical Asia and the Neotropics, showing an amphi-Pacific tropical disjunction. The phylogeny of the genus was constructed by sampling 95 accessions representing 33 species of Dendropanax and 43 closely related taxa using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and six plastid regions (the ndhF gene, the trnL-trnF region, the rps16 intron, the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer, the rpl16 intron, and the psbA-trnH intergenic spacer). Phylogenetic analyses of the combined plastid and ITS data suggested that the monophyly of Dendropanax was not supported because the Asian D. lancifolius - D. hainanensis clade did not group with the main Dendropanax clade. Nevertheless, the maximally parsimonious trees (MPTs) from the analysis constraining Dendropanax as a monophyletic group were only one step longer than the unconstrained MPTs. The New and Old World Dendropanax species except D. lancifolius and D. hainanensis each formed a robustly supported clade, and the two clades were sister to each other. Based on the biogeographic analyses and fossil-calibrated Bayesian dating, Dendropanax was hypothesized to have originated in the Old World and migrated into the New World via the North Atlantic land bridges in the early Tertiary. The amphi-Pacific intercontinental disjunction of Dendropanax was dated to be 41.83 mya with a 95% high posterior density [HPD] interval of 28.46–56.15 mya.