We evaluate morphological characters of South American Dicksonia (Dicksoniaceae) gathered from field observations and herbarium specimens. We here adopt the taxonomic concept of earlier authors and separate D. sellowiana of southeastern Brazil from D. navarrensis (=D. gigantea auct.) and D. karsteniana, which occurmainly in Mesoamerica and in the Andes, respectively. The latter species is especially variable in plant size and persistence of the hairy indument, which can be correlated with local ecological conditions. For plants with small, hairy fronds from shrubby páramo vegetation, we here propose to reinstate a varietal name, D. karsteniana var. arachnoidea, and for glabrescent plants regularly found at lower elevations in closed forest we suggest D. karsteniana var. spruceana. Dicksonia stuebelii is maintained as a separate species and is reported from northern Colombia for the first time. One species is recognized as new, D. lehnertiana; it is characterized by relatively small, long-stalked fronds with spreading bristly hairs. Results of an S-DIVA biogeographical analysis implemented on an updated phylogeny of Neotropical Dicksonia separate D. sellowiana in southeastern Brazil clearly from the rest of the taxa, whose ancestral area is reconstructed as northern Andes–southern Mesoamerica. However, the resolution and support in this group could be improved. Our results have significance for conservation efforts, as D. sellowiana is now virtually a Brazilian endemic.

Veratrum woodii, a long-lived herbaceous perennial species, has a fragmented distribution with populations scattered in the southeastern and lower midwestern USA. In Georgia, the species has a protection status of rare. This preliminary study focused on verifying historic and/or unvouchered populations in Georgia and characterizing variation and genetic structure within and among all populations in the state. We analyzed AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) data as dominantly inherited markers for 16 populations sampled from Georgia, Florida, and Missouri. Our results suggest that this species overall has relatively low levels of genetic diversity and that differentiation among populations is comparable to species with similar life history traits. Measures of genetic diversity, such as mean H_e, indicate that variation of populations has some partitioning between disjunct northern and southern Georgia (and Florida) populations. However, our analyses imply that watershed assignment, rather than geographic distance, provides a better explanation for variation and population structure. We hypothesize that southern relict populations in Georgia may have served as refugia during Pleistocene glaciations. We conclude that life-history characteristics, low levels of genetic variation, and suppression of ecological disturbance collectively jeopardize populations of Veratrum woodii in Georgia.

The genus Vriesea encompasses many species of difficult delimitation, including Vriesea incurvata, which shows wide morphological variation throughout its distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Six other taxa are morphologically similar to V. incurvata: V. atrococcinea, V. joyae (with two varieties), V. sucrei, andV. taritubensis (with two varieties), which comprise the species complex. Our aims were to evaluate morphological variation through a morphometric study of natural populations to establish the limits and validity of those taxa, and to produce a taxonomic treatment. A total of 23 morphometric variables were measured among 241 individuals from 15 natural populations. The morphological evidence led to the recognition of five taxa: V. incurvata, V. sucrei, V. taritubensis var. taritubensis, V. taritubensis var. brevisepala, and V. taritubensis var. patens (a new variety). Three synonyms are proposed: V. atrococcinea (under V. sucrei), V. joyae var. joyae, and V. joyae var. parvula (under V. taritubensis var. taritubensis). The resulting taxa were re-circumscribed and data on their geographic distributions is updated.

Dudleya is a genus of succulents consisting of 49 terminal taxa. Many are restricted to narrow geographic ranges with closely related forms living in differing climates. Previously, we found an intriguing set of correlations among nine more or less sympatric Dudleya: species with a smaller mature body size had a lower tolerance for an arid inland climate compared to larger bodied species. Thus, we were motivated to test for rules caused by convergent evolution. We sampled 20 populations from locations across much of the range of the genus. The 20 populations were placed into 10 pairs of close relatives. For each pair, one form was judged to be more mesophilic and the other to be more xerophilic, based on climate-of-origin. We measured germination rate, survival through the summer drought in a coastal garden, and survival through the summer in an inland garden. We hypothesized (among other things) that the xerophilic taxa would have larger mature body sizes and greater rates of survival than mesophilic relatives; however, this and other expected patterns were not repeated across the 10 pairs. Members of pairs have diverged both in various morphological traits and in seedling ecology, but evolution has seemingly not converged on rules. For nearly all taxa, habitat dependence was clear, i.e. plants survived significantly better through the summer at the coastal garden than at the inland garden. Quite possibly the correlations we previously found were caused by divergence between particular lineages coupled with phylogenetic conservatism. Considering the 10 pairs, Dudleya divergences appear to each evolve individualistically.

Discovering the extent of genetic differentiation between closely related taxa facilitates decisions regarding species protection under the Endangered Species Act. Here, we analyze genotype data to explore the relatedness of two buckwheat species: Eriogonum soredium, a narrow endemic under consideration for protection, and a widespread close relative, Eriogonum shockleyi. Eriogonum soredium grows only on Ordovician limestone outcroppings in west central Utah, whereas the range of E. shockleyi is broad, spanning the western United States from Colorado to California, and Idaho to Arizona. Eriogonum shockleyi is suspected of hybridizing with other buckwheats throughout this range. We detected higher levels of genetic diversity in E. shockleyi than in E. soredium, supporting the hypothesis that E. soredium is a derivative of E. shockleyi. We found moderate levels of admixture between the two taxa, implying the presence of incomplete reproductive barriers. Analysis of population structure revealed a genetic distinction between the two species. We found that genetic distance between samples is influenced more by taxon designation than geographic distance. Genetic evidence supports continued treatment of E. soredium as a distinct evolutionary entity.

Philcoxia (Plantaginaceae, Gratioleae) is a genus with seven species of small herbs endemic to Brazil. It is characterized by underground stems and petioles, peltate leaves, and zigzag racemose inflorescences, in addition to a remarkable carnivorous syndrome. The phylogenetic placement of Philcoxia within tribe Gratioleae has been uncertain since its discovery due to its unique morphology and limited data from phylogenetic studies. We tested the phylogenetic placement of Philcoxia within Gratioleae, increasing the number of species sampled within both the genus and the rest of the tribe, and sequencing four regions from cpDNA (rpl16, rps16, and trnL introns and the trnL-trnF intergenic spacer) and one from nrDNA (ITS1 spacer); we used both parsimony and Bayesian inference to reconstruct the phylogeny. Moreover, we assessed both the monophyly of the genus and interspecific relationships. Finally, we performed ancestral character state reconstructions of 10 morphological characters to infer synapomorphies for the genus and specific clades within it. Philcoxia was recovered as monophyletic, with maximum support values, as sister to Stemodia stellata. Five morphological character states were reconstructed as potential synapomorphies for the Philcoxia clade (rosetted herb habit, underground stems and petioles, floral resupination, number of stamens reduced to two, and number of fertile thecae per anther reduced to one), whereas fourwere reconstructed as potential synapomorphies for specific clades within the genus (peltate leaves, irregular rosettes, vegetative propagation by rhizomes, and presence of tubers). Further anatomical studies, in association with ecological data, would provide insight into the structure of the underground systems and its adaptive significance, and would further elucidate the evolution of carnivory in Philcoxia. Our study highlights the need to reassess the concepts and circumscriptions of some currently accepted genera of the Gratioleae such as Bacopa, Conobea, and Stemodia, and for the tribe Angelonieae.

We describe and illustrate Selaginella kriegeriana, a narrow endemic species from Caparaó National Park, Brazil, and discuss its affinities. Scanning electron micrograph images of spores and leaves supplement our discussion. In addition, we present a synopsis of the Selaginella species from Caparaó National Park, with an identification key and geographical distributions.

Five new natural hybrids of Lophiaris (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae) are described and their accompanying illustrations provided. The five new nothospecies are: Lophiaris × cicyi (L. lurida × L. tapiae) from Campeche, Mexico, L. × lindeoerstedii (L. lindenii × L. oerstedii) from Quintana Roo, Mexico, L.×lurilindenii (L. lindenii×L. lurida) from Oaxaca, Mexico, L.×crispilurida (L. crispiflora×L. lurida) from Estelí, Nicaragua, and L.× lurigenensis (L. carthagenensis × L. lurida) from northern Venezuela. Comparisons of the floral characters of the new nothospecies and their putative parents are also illustrated with maps showing their corresponding geographical distributions. The etymology, distribution, ecology, informal conservation status, and comparative differences of the nothospecies with respect to their putative parental taxa have also been discussed. These characterizations will allow taxonomists to identify areas where isolation barriers break down and provide insight into the evolutionary processes that have complicated the understanding of the relationships among species and shaped relevantmorphological features of the flowers. We have also provided a comprehensive key to identify the Lophiaris species and their corresponding hybrids.

While preparing an account of Crepidium (Orchidaceae) for Flora of Thailand, a new species was discovered on limestone hills in peninsular Thailand; it is described here as Crepidium falcifolium. It has previously been collected and identified as C. godefroyi, but is more similar to C. khasianum.Wedemonstrate that the new species differs from either in both vegetative and floral characters.Adetailed description and illustrations are provided together with notes on taxonomy, habitat requirements, and conservation status.

The first revision of the Neotropical woody bamboo genus Colanthelia is here presented. Updated morphological descriptions of the species, comments, illustrations, and keys to the species (one based on vegetative characters only and the other based on vegetative plus reproductive characters) are provided. Colanthelia consists of nine species, all characteristic of the Atlantic forest habitat, three of which are described and illustrated as new in this treatment: C. kinoshitae, which has fimbriate auricles on the apex of both the culm and foliage leaf sheaths and adaxially glabrous to glabrate culm leaf sheaths and glabrous girdles; C. secundiflora, characterized by its erect culm leaf blades, secund spikelets, and the lemmaswith dark spots; and C. sparsiflora, which has synflorescences with spikelets widely separated from each other. Eight species are endemic to Brazil and one, C. rhizantha, is found in both Brazil and Argentina. Colanthelia distans and C. macrostachya are probably extinct. Colanthelia lanciflora, originally described as a species of Aulonemia, is here excluded from Colanthelia, and reassigned to Aulonemia.

The new species Rhynchosia franciscana (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) is described and illustrated from the seasonally dry vegetation on sand dunes of the middle São Francisco River in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The new species is included in Rhynchosia section Copisma, in which it can be differentiated from other species by its relatively larger flowers and wing petals that are shorter than the keel. The discovery of this narrowly endemic new plant species adds to the spectacularly rich biodiversity that has been revealed in the Caatinga seasonally dry woodlands in the middle São Francisco River valley over the last 30 yr.

Centrosema is a genus of the papilionoid legume tribe Phaseoleae (subtribe Clitoriinae) including about 35 species from the Neotropical region, characterized by the resupinate flowers and the standard petal provided with a spur on the outer surface. During a survey of the species from eastern Brazil, in the state of Bahia, a new species was found and is here described and illustrated. Centrosema sericiflorum differs from other species of the genus mainly by the sericeous indumentum of the outer surface of the calyx and the standard petal (vs. puberulous, pubescent, or villous). The new species occurs in semideciduous forests of the Chapada Diamantina mountain range and is only known from a restricted area in Central Bahia. It was informally assessed as Endangered following IUCN criteria because of its restricted range and occurrence in areas cleared for coffee plantation.

Chaetostoma hexapetalum, a new species from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás state, in the central-western region of Brazil, is described and illustrated. This new species can be easily differentiated from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: the presence of sixmerous flowers, a four-locular ovary, fruits with a slight apical prolongation, and two glandular trichomes between the opposite leaves. Images of seeds made from scanning electron microscopy, photos of the species in the field, and a distribution map are presented. A key to the Chaetostoma species occurring in the Chapada de Veadeiros National Park is also provided. We consider Chaetostoma hexapetalum to be an endangered species.

Pachira condorensis is a new species collected in the white sand forests of the lowlands of the Cordillera del Cóndor in the Ecuadorian Amazon, a region with high levels of endemism. The new species is described and illustrated, and its affinities and differences from other morphologically close five-foliolate species of Pachira are discussed. It differs from these by having leaves with very short petioles, leaflets with yellow margins, adaxial surface of the leaflets being strongly glaucous and covered with scattered lepidote indument, and a globose-ovoid fruit with the apex strongly cuspidate. A key is also included to show the diagnostic characters that separate the new taxon from its mentioned relatives.

Eriotheca bracteolata (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae), a new species from Espírito Santo State, Brazil, is here described and illustrated. The new species is restricted to the mountainous region around Santa Teresa city, where it occurs on slopes and in riparian areas in the Atlantic Forest. Eriotheca bracteolata includes arboreal individuals up to 12 m (rarely 16 m) tall and has widely-obovate and strongly coriaceous leaflets, a calyx with non-floccose, adpressed, brown scales and three persistent bracteoles at the base, and oblong flower buds. Morphological characters are sufficient to recognize E. bracteolata as a new species. A key to E. bracteolata and similar species in Espírito Santo State is provided.

A new species of Triumfetta from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described and illustrated by line drawings and scanning electron micrographs, along with notes on taxonomy, morphology, geographic distribution, and conservation status. Triumfetta multiglandulosa (Malvaceae, Grewioideae) grows in disturbed areas on sandy soils in the state of Goiás in midwestern Brazil. It resembles Triumfetta dioica and T. mexiae especially due to the paniculiform inflorescence and fruits without uncinate spines, but differs by having the indumentumwith glandular trichomes, ovate stipules with a caudate apex, inflorescences with three-flowered cymes, 10 stamens, and entire stigmas. An identification key for all species of Triumfetta from Brazil is also provided.

The present study updates the taxonomy of Quararibea in the Atlantic Forest of Southeast Brazil. After 130 yr, Quararibea penduliflora has once again been reported in Rio de Janeiro State. A new combination is proposed, Q. angustifolia, and a new species, Q. similis, is described. Descriptions, species identification keys, illustrations, and a new analysis of the morphology of domatia, aimed at using its diagnostic potential to circumscribe the species studied here, are provided.

Elaeoluma ferruginea (Chrysophylloideae, Sapotaceae) is here described as a new species for science which is morphologically closely related to Elaeoluma schomburgkiana. A description, illustration, comments on geographic distribution, and phenology information are provided. A key for the genus with all five known species is provided. In addition, the only remaining species of Podoluma, Podoluma pacimoniensis, is proposed as a new synonymfor Elaeoluma schomburgkiana, placing Podoluma under complete synonymy of different genera in Sapotaceae. Three lectotypes are proposed for different names related to Elaeoluma: a specimen at K herbarium for Lucuma glabrescens (currently accepted name under Elaeoluma glabrescens), a specimen at U is designated here as the second-step lectotype of the name Myrsine schomburgkiana, and another specimen at K for the name Chrysophyllum oleaefolium (last two names currently accepted as Elaeoluma schomburgkiana).

Varronia mariana (Cordiaceae, Boraginales), a new species from the Brazilian semiarid region, is described here. The new species is distinguished from other known Varronia species with cephaloid inflorescences by the indumentum with uncinate trichomes, calyx lobes that are acute to slightly acuminate, and a shorter corolla. A complete morphological description, illustration, data on distribution, habitat, and phenology, and comparisons with morphologically related species are provided.

In this study, we describe two new Aspidosperma species, A. castroanum and A. confertiflorum. We also reestablish Aspidosperma oliganthum as a species and provide amonograph of Aspidosperma in the state of Ceará inNortheast Brazil. We record the occurrence of Aspidosperma brasiliense, A. cuspa, A. aff. limae, A. multiflorum, A. oliganthum, A. pyrifolium, and A. subincanum, along with our two newly described species. The majority of these species are widely distributed in Northeast Brazil, except for Aspidosperma oliganthum, which has previously been recorded only in Bahia state, and our two new species, of which one is endemic only to Ceará and the other is endemic to Ceará and the neighboring Brazilian state of Piauí. Aspidosperma pyrifolium is the most widely recorded and is distributed across the Caatinga in lowland regions of Ceará, while the other species are primarily associated with plateau forests and generally have a disjunct distribution.

A new species of Citharexylum from the foothills of inter-Andean dry valleys in Peru, Citharexylum peruvianum, is described and illustrated herein. It is distinguished from other closely related species with caulinar spines (C. andinum, C. flexuosum, C. herrerae, C. montevidense, and C. weberbaueri), by inflorescence morphology, leaf size, and pubescence. The newly defined taxon has 15–40 flowered racemes, rachis 7–12 cm long, and coriaceous leaves, with the leaf blade being 4–6(8) × 2–3 cm and densely hirsute on the abaxial surface. A brief discussion on closely related species is provided. Citharexylum peruvianum is known exclusively from northwestern Peru, from the departments of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. The species grows in the Andean foothills at mid-elevations between 1400 and 3000 m a. s. l., in rocky soils and on steep slopes with thorny scrubland. It is occasionally found in moist areas. This species has a restricted distribution and limited numbers of individuals, which will likely result in threatened status following formal review.

The genus Lychnophora (Vernonieae: Asteraceae) comprises ca. 23 species restricted to Bahia, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo States, Brazil. Diamantina's Plateau in the Espinhaço Range of Minas Gerais State is the Brazilian area considered to have the highest endemism and microendemism of Lychnophora. Lychnophora semirii, a new species of the campo rupestre vegetation is described, illustrated, and the affinities between species are discussed. Lychnophora semirii is easily recognized by glutinous leaves with auriculate bases, isolated heads disposed in a corymbiform branches, and a pappus with a conspicuous coroniform outer series. This species currently appears to be a microendemic, as it was found so far only in the Parque Estadual do Biribiri at Diamantina municipality. It is critically endangered due to restricted distribution and habitat vulnerability.

Two new rupicolous and endangered species from the Caatinga are described and illustrated. Chresta heteropappa is restricted to the brejos de altitude (montane forests) from Northeastern Ceará, growing on granite inselbergs. Chresta subverticillata occurs in Northern Bahia, inhabiting quartzitic outcrops on the Chapada Diamantina mountain range. Relationships of the two new taxa to other Chresta species are discussed, and a key for all species occurring in the Caatinga domain is presented, as well as maps and illustrations, including field pictures.