“Plant blindness” is affecting humans' relationships with plants, which has negative consequences for both science and conservation. It is, therefore, important to find new ways to promote societal interest in botany and plants. One possibility is encouraging the use of informal settings to promote curiosity and provide education to students. Forest fragments can be regarded as open air labs for teaching botany, especially on university campuses. We aimed to formally document the angiosperm diversity in the Mata dos Saguis (MS), a fragment of Atlantic forest under restoration belonging to the central campus of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil. We recorded 140 species, 113 genera in 52 families, and 24 orders of angiosperms. The MS has nearly 10% of the species and one third of all the families occurring in the entire state of Rio Grande do Norte, representing the main evolutionary groups of angiosperms, and we also recorded two new species occurrences for the state. Here we provide a checklist of the MS, a location that has been used as an open-air laboratory by many UFRN undergraduate courses in biosciences. We also share examples that can be replicated in other institutions and discuss the process of learning systematic botany in floristically rich countries by means of alternative and hands-on experiences.

Thismia clavigeroides is described and illustrated as a new species from southern Thailand. The new species is characterized by coralliform roots, whitish-gray flowers, reflexed outer perianth lobes, inner perianth lobes forming a mitre with three slender claviform appendages, inner surface of floral tube possessing transverse bars, and the apex of stamen bearing three triangular lobes. A taxonomic description, illustrations of the new species, and a comparison with the related species are presented.

Three new species of Eriocaulaceae, endemic to the Serra da Canastra in Minas Gerais state, are described. Paepalanthus petraeus is assigned to P. ser. Paepalanthus, differing within the series by its thickened stem accumulating leaf sheaths, linear leaves, and numerous scapes shorter or equaling the leaf height and bearing capitula with brown involucral bracts. Paepalanthus sinuosus belongs to P. subsect. Polyactis and is distinguished by few scapes in lax fascicles, more than twice as long as the leaves, which are patent to slightly recurved, and light brown involucral bracts with acute apex. Syngonanthus culcitosus, within S. sect. Syngonanthus, is unique due to its elongate and branched stem forming dense mats, simple inflorescences, cream-colored involucral bracts equaling the length of the floral disc, and gynoecium with nectariferous appendages. Comparisons with the most similar species are provided for each new taxon. Maps, photographs, and illustrations are presented, together with comments on phenology, distribution, habitat, and morphology. Paepalanthus petraeus and P. sinuosus are likely to be assessed as Critically Endangered, and S. culcitosus as Vulnerable, according to IUCN criteria.

We describe a new remarkable dwarf and apparently acaulescent species of Carex (Cyperaceae) from the Andes of northern Chile: Carex phylloscirpoides. Morphological and molecular data (two nuclear and three plastid DNA regions) were used to study the phylogenetic placement and systematic relationships of this species, which resulted in its assignment to Carex section Racemosae. However, despite being related to the other three species of the section present in the Southern Cone based on phylogenetic evidence, it displays a number of unusual morphological features. In addition, it is geographically disjunct and genetically differentiated from them. A preliminary conservation assessment was performed which resulted in the proposal of the Critically Endangered category at the global level under IUCN guidelines. We discuss the biogeographic and ecological peculiarities of the new species and its allies, with emphasis in the high number of acaulescent sedges present in South America. The features of C. phylloscirpoides emphasize its unique evolutionary position and its rarity highlights its conservation importance, especially in the context of the South American Andean flora.

The temperate bamboos are a taxonomically difficult group with nearly 600 species in approximately 30 genera and at least 12 constituent lineages. In this study, phylogenetic relationships were explored using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data in comparison with a phylogeny based on plastid DNA sequences, with an emphasis on Arundinaria of North America and its allies in East Asia (the Arundinaria clade). Molecular analyses involved 248 individuals in 10 genera and 60 species. Hybridization was detected both within and among genera. Comparative analyses indicated hybrid origins for species in several widespread and well-known genera, including Hibanobambusa, Sasaella, and Semiarundinaria. Evidence also indicated that Pseudosasa japonica (the type species of Pseudosasa) is an intergeneric hybrid involving Pleioblastus and Sasamorpha. In addition, cryptic hybrids were detected within and among Pleioblastus, Sasa, and Sasamorpha. After accounting for hybrids, phylogenetic analyses of AFLP data provided resolution for core lineages in the Arundinaria clade, including Pleioblastus sensu stricto, Sasa s. s., and Sasamorpha. AFLP data also provided evidence for the monophyly of the North American cane bamboos (Arundinaria, three species) but failed to identify their closest relative among the East Asian taxa. The broader evolutionary implications of hybridization in the temperate bamboos are discussed along with recommendations for future studies.

During a taxonomic treatment of Stryphnodendron (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade) for the Brazilian Flora 2020 Project, one new presumably critically endangered species from the Atlantic Forest domain was found, and is so far only known to western Espírito Santo state. Stryphnodendron flavotomentosum is described and illustrated, and information on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and preliminary conservation status is provided. Additionally, an identification key for the species of Stryphnodendron from the Brazilian rainforests is presented.

Nissolia rondonensis, a new critically endangered species from the state of Rondônia, Brazil, is described and illustrated. Its distribution, informal conservation status, phenology, and morphological and anatomical affinities with its closest relative, Nissolia klugii, are discussed. In addition, a new combination, Nissolia subulata is proposed. A key to the Brazilian species of Nissolia is presented.

Four new species of Asemeia (Polygalaceae) are here described, Asemeia aguiariana, A. campestris, A. eglandulosa, and A. subaphylla, which are endemic to savannas in central Brazil, in Goiás State. Detailed descriptions, photographic plates illustrating the new species and comparing the floral morphology of allied species, a distribution map and an identification key are provided.

Artocarpus bergii, named for the late C. C. Berg, is from Halmahera in the Moluccas, and is a close ally of breadfruit (A. altilis). The species resembles the Micronesian A. mariannensis but with generally smaller parts. Because it is known from only a small area and the type locality is a potential mining site, A. bergii is likely of conservation concern, particularly given its status as a crop wild relative.

Phyllanthus dardanoi is described and illustrated as a new species apparently endemic to montane forests in northeastern Brazil. It belongs to Phyllanthus sect. Phyllanthus subsect. Clausseniani, and is characterized by staminate flowers with five sepals, two stamens completely connate into a column and with anthers slightly emarginate, dehiscing horizontally, and a cupuliform disk. The new species is similar to P. subemarginatus.

Tovomita is a Neotropical clade of Clusiaceae that includes 52 species widely distributed throughout the Amazon, Atlantic, Antilles, and Chocoan/southern Mesoamerican rainforests. Species-level relationships within Tovomita remain largely unexplored, thus hindering our understanding of their biogeography and the evolution of key morphological characters in the genus. Here, we inferred a plastid genome phylogeny containing 18 Tovomita species using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. Our results indicate that current infrageneric classification of Tovomita, which relies largely on leaf venation, does not reflect phylogenetic relationships. Instead, we identify carpel number as a more reliable morphological trait for infrageneric classification: clades within Tovomita tend to include species that possess either four or five (or more) carpels. Moreover, groups of species within Tovomita tend to exhibit a high degree of geographic endemicity corresponding to their clade affiliation: species within these clades are restricted to either Amazon or Atlantic forests. The well supported clade of Atlantic forest inhabitants we identify is sister to a clade of mostly Amazonian species that also includes Amazon and Atlantic forest disjunct species, which are more closely related to Amazonian than to other Atlantic forest species. These findings represent a first important step in elucidating morphological evolution and biogeography in this widespread genus of neotropical rainforest trees and shrubs.

Microlicia gertii, M. purpurata, and M. trianae from Serra do Cabral, Serra da Canastra, and Serra do Bota, Minas Gerais, Brazil, respectively, are presented here. Comprehensive descriptions of the new species, including detailed illustrations and comparisons with their relatives are provided. The statements of geographical distribution, habitat, and informal IUCN conservation status for each species are indicated. Additionally, the leaf anatomy of three new species is described.

Species delimitation in Rhododendron subsect. Caroliniana (Ericaceae) has been disputed in the past with one or three species accepted. Here we report a fourth species, R. smokianum, a narrow endemic from the Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina, USA). It is characterized by short-tubed corollas and small, compact growth. We support our conclusion by phylogenetic analyses of ITS and plastid trnL-F sequence data. The new species is a specialist of open mafic rock slopes and maintains morphological and phenological differences to the related species even in cultivation.

Lysimachia is a genus that was recently recircumscribed and greatly enlarged by the inclusion of many genera in the Primulaceae. In this work five new species, all endemic from the grasslands of southern Brazil, are described, two new combinations are proposed, and 10 typifications are effected. The preliminary conservation status of these species are assessed, and we also provide field photographs and distribution maps. Furthermore, we provide an identification key to all species of Lysimachia that occur in Brazil.

Amblyanthus chenii (Primulaceae; Myrsinoideae) is a new species discovered growing in the understory of primeval forests in Medog County, southeast Xizang, China and is described based on morphological evidence. This is the first generic record of Amblyanthus in China. The new species is most morphologically similar to A. multiflorus. Amblyanthus chenii can be easily distinguished from other congeneric species by various morphological differences. A phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and six plastid markers indicated that A. chenii and Amblyanthopsis burmanica form a clade that is nested within the large pantropical genus Ardisia and is sister to Ardisia subgenus Crispardisia. The close relationship among Amblyanthus, Amblyanthopsis, and Ardisia subg. Crispardisia is strongly supported by their shared synapomorphy of crenulate leaves with marginal glands.

The phylogenetic relationships among 11 out of the 12 genera of the angiosperm family Styracaceae have been largely resolved with DNA sequence data based on all protein-coding genes of the plastome. The only genus that has not been phylogenomically investigated in the family with molecular data is the monotypic genus Parastyrax, which is extremely rare in the wild and difficult to collect. To complete the sampling of the genera comprising the Styracaceae, examine the plastome composition of Parastyrax, and further explore the phylogenetic relationships of the entire family, we sequenced the whole plastome of P. lacei and incorporated it into the Styracaceae dataset for phylogenetic analysis. Similar to most others in the family, the plastome is 158189 bp in length and contains a large single-copy region of 88085 bp and a small single-copy region of 18540 bp separated by two inverted-repeat regions of 25781 bp each. A total of 113 genes was predicted, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic relationships among all 12 genera of the family were constructed with 79 protein-coding genes. Consistent with a previous study, Styrax, Huodendron, and a clade of Alniphyllum + Bruinsmia were successively sister to the remainder of the family. Parastyrax was strongly supported as sister to an internal clade comprising seven other genera of the family, whereas Halesia and Pterostyrax were both recovered as polyphyletic, as in prior studies. However, when we employed either the whole plastome or the large- or small-single copy regions as datasets, Pterostyrax was resolved as monophyletic with 100% support, consistent with expectations based on morphology and indicating that non-coding regions of the Styracaceae plastome contain informative phylogenetic signal. Conversely Halesia was still resolved as polyphyletic but with novel strong support.

Aspidosperma (Apocynaceae) is composed of trees and shrubs; the genus includes 70 species, 42 of which occur in Brazil. The midwestern region has the second highest diversity, with 30 species, after the northern region, and Mato Grosso do Sul state has 15 species. This study provides macroscopic and microscopic wood features for ten species from A. section Aspidosperma and A. section Pungentia (Apocynaceae) from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. These characteristics can aid in the identification of Aspidosperma species because the nine species of these two sections have many morphological similarities; moreover, the wood of these species is economically important for timber production. Through macroscopic and microscopic analysis procedures, the characteristics of the wood and the organoleptic properties allowed recognition and distinction of the studied taxa. The characters of diagnostic value for recognition of the sections are vessel frequency and arrangement, and ray width. Individually, each species had a set of characteristics that allowed its identification: wood color; vessel arrangement; vessel length; ray visibility, ray composition and width; presence of crystals, starch grains and lipids in axial and/or ray parenchyma cells. The results may support conscientious exploitation by industries by facilitating the correct identification of the species, and will also help in the detection of illegal timber logging.

Rogiera (Guettardeae, Rubiaceae) is a Neotropical genus distributed from Mexico to northern South America that includes shrubs, treelets, or trees, which were previously treated in the taxonomically controversial and confused Rondeletia complex. Rogiera can be recognized among other Rubiaceae by the combination of multiflowered inflorescences, heterostylous flowers, quincuncial corolla aestivation, a hairy ring at the corolla mouth, and capsular fruits with loculicidal dehiscence. Despite the recent taxonomic circumscription of Rogiera there is not a comprehensive taxonomic treatment to it. Moreover, regional floristic treatments disagree on the species circumscriptions, with discrepancies in the number of species of Rogiera from 11 to 20. Based on molecular and morphological evidence studied on field and herbarium specimens, we present a taxonomic revision of Rogiera. We recognize ten species; Mexico is the center of diversity with nine species, four of them endemic. An identification key, descriptions, distribution maps, nomenclatural history, phenological data, and illustrations of all the species in the genus are provided for the first time. Several names required lecto- or epitypifications designated here.

A species previously treated in Staurogyne (S. nitida) is elevated to the category of a new genus of Acanthaceae, subfamily Nelsonioideae, based on morphological and molecular data. The sole species, Aymoreana nitida, occurs in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, from southern Bahia to northern Espírito Santo. Aymoreana differs from other genera of Nelsonioideae by the combination of the calyx with subequal segments, the slightly zygomorphic corolla, the four didynamous stamens, and the asymmetric gynoecium. Morphological information is accompanied by a molecular phylogenetic tree, ecological data, a preliminary conservation assessment, and illustrations.

The tribe Crescentieae includes Amphitecna (21 species), Crescentia (six species), and Parmentiera (10 species), three genera of understory trees with a center of diversity in Central America and a small number of species in the Antilles and northern South America. Species in Crescentieae are united by their fleshy, indehiscent fruit and cauliflorous, bat-pollinated flowers. To lay a foundation for examining morphological, ecological, and biogeographic patterns within the tribe, we inferred the phylogeny for Crescentieae using both chloroplast (ndhF, trnL-F) and nuclear markers (PepC, ITS). The most recent circumscription of Crescentieae, containing Amphitecna, Crescentia, and Parmentiera is supported by our phylogenetic results. Likewise, the sister relationship between Crescentieae and the Antillean-endemic Spirotecoma is also corroborated by our findings. This relationship implies the evolution of fleshy and indehiscent fruits from dry and dehiscent ones, as well as the evolution of bat pollination from insect pollination. Fruits and seeds from species in Crescentieae are consumed by humans, ungulates, birds, and fish.

A new gesneriad species, Didymocarpus vickifunkiae is described here from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The new species is morphologically similar to D. aureoglandulosus, but differs from it in having a corolla tube with indumentum, eglandular and ovate to oblanceolate bracteoles, slightly broader calyx lobes, and a bearded anther. We provide a detailed morphological description of the newly described species along with images and compare it with species that are morphologically similar to it. Here, we also lectotypify D. aureoglandulosus and provide a brief history on its collection and taxonomy. Finally, we provide a dichotomous identification key for all the Didymocarpus species from Mizoram, India.

We used ITS sequences as species barcodes to evaluate 127 samples of 12 Helenium species from the eastern and central USA, focusing on a species complex of H. autumnale (76 sequences from 11 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces), the federally “threatened” H. virginicum, now recommended for delisting (30 sequences from three U.S. states), and H. flexuosum (11 sequences from four U.S. states). ITS sequences confirmed most species identifications and supported the presence of the first population of the “threatened” endemic Missouri-Virginia disjunct, Helenium virginicum, in Indiana. Because the Indiana plants grow in a restored wetland, have a cpDNA haplotype previously known only from Missouri, with a morphology similar to Missouri variants, and an herbarium search for additional populations in Indiana found none, it is unclear whether the Indiana population is natural or planted. The presence of a putative sister lineage to H. virginicum thought to exist on the Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada, was not supported after sequencing 36 plants with the sister morphology that grew there along 18 km of beach fens and finding they had H. autumnale sequences. Fine-scale biogeographic patterns of intraspecific sequence variation were found mostly in H. autumnale, with centers of different base site polymorphisms found in northern North America and the Missouri Ozarks. As in a previous study, we found DNA evidence of hybridization between Helenium species in Missouri. We offer hypotheses to explain the biogeography of North American Helenium, focusing on the three species that compose the H. autumnale species complex and suggesting that H. autumnale may be a compilospecies showing incomplete lineage sorting. We encourage exploration of more Helenium species and their conspecific populations in search of fine-scale ITS base site polymorphisms to reveal emerging lineages and resolve the origins and evolutionary implications of these biogeographic patterns.