An account is given of the early reports of Limonium gmelini and the pre-Linnaean names attached to this extremely widespread plant. The uncertainties created by Carl Ludwig Willdenow when validating the name Statice gmelini are clarified and the earlier lectotypification of this name modified because the herbarium sheet cited has been found to represent more than one taxon. One of the elements is selected as the new lectotype and an epitype is designated. Sequences of one nuclear and three plastid markers have been submitted to GenBank.

Version of record first published online on 17 May 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

Allium symiacum Galanos & Tzanoud., from the island of Symi (SE Aegean, Greece), is described as a species new to science. It is an autumn-flowering, single-island endemic species of A. sect. Codonoprasum (Amaryllidaceae) and is classified as Critically Endangered according to IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Considering the morphological and karyological characters of the new species, its possible relationships to other autumnal species of A. sect. Codonoprasum distributed in the E Mediterranean area are discussed.

Version of record first published online on 17 May 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

The taxonomy of Lactuca triquetra, a scoparious subshrub of localized distribution and uncertain generic placement, is assessed. The taxon was described in the early 19th century from Lebanon and more than 100 years later also discovered on Cyprus. Referring to new molecular phylogenetic results published elsewhere, morphological characters, in particular of the achenes, are reconsidered. It is inferred from the available evidence that the diploid species represents an orphan lineage, which diverged from its ancestors already in the Middle Miocene, when the Cichorieae subtribes Crepidinae and Lactucinae started diversifying. Both molecular and morphological data indicate that the species holds a position mediating between both subtribes. The taxonomic conclusion is drawn to place the species in a new genus of its own, Astartoseris. The taxon is illustrated and a comprehensive description, distribution map and brief ecological characterization are provided. Its threat status in both countries is assessed for the first time.

Version of record first published online on 10 July 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

A neotype and emended description are provided for the rare Gran Canaria endemic Aichryson pachycaulon subsp. praetermissum Bramwell (Crassulaceae) using a gathering from its original type locality. Additionally, A. roseum, a new species locally common on Gran Canaria, is described. Illustrations and comparisons with possibly related biennial plants of A. sect. Aichryson are also provided.

Version of record first published online on 10 July 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

This paper provides an up-to-date overview of the naturalized alien plants of Linosa (Pelagie Archipelago, Sicily), which includes 83 taxa and accounts for 29 % of the total island's flora. Among these plants, 6 are invasive, 49 are naturalized and 28 are casual. With respect to previous available data, our field investigations resulted in the addition of 31 new xenophytes (21 casual and 10 fully naturalized). One of these species is new to the whole European territory (Kleinia anteuphorbia), 6 of them are new to Sicily and 11 are recorded for the first time on circum-Sicilian islets. For each alien plant, we indicate the habitat where the naturalization has been observed by using the codes proposed by Natura 2000 and Corine Biotopes habitat classification. We also provide a list of 159 alien plants that are cultivated in Linosa, but currently not naturalized, in order to underline the key role played by horticulture and gardening in the introduction of exotic species. In order to address this phenomenon and its huge impact on the integrity of both the natural and the traditional rural landscape, several actions are proposed that aim at preventing, controlling and monitoring both the ongoing and the potential invasion processes.

Version of record first published online on 13 July 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

Mangleticornia ecuadorensis is a newly recognized monotypic genus from SW Ecuador and adjacent N Peru, where it had previously been identified as Salicornia fruticosa (Arthrocnemum fruticosum) or S. peruviana. It occurs on the coast adjacent to or in Equatorial-Pacific mangroves. Molecular phylogenetic evidence determines that this genus is distinct from and sister to Salicornia sensu lato, and is supported by morphological evidence. The genus is distinguished by a unique combination of characters that are otherwise rare in Salicornioideae: flowers without a visible perianth, anthers and stigmas exserted through pores in the fleshy cortical tissue of the segments, fruit included in the segments, which are dispersed by disarticulation of the infructescence, and large seeds.

Version of record first published online on 13 July 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

Three new species of Taraxacum sect. Palustria (Compositae, Cichorieae) are described from Bulgaria, viz. T. abruptilobum, T. basilicum and T. rumelicum. The new species, on the basis of detailed, standardized descriptions and illustrations, are compared with similar species of this section. All the seventeen species of T. sect. Palustria in Bulgaria are agamospermous. An identification key to the members of T. sect. Palustria in Bulgaria is given.

Version of record first published online on 13 July 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

Stelis machupicchuensis Collantes & C. Martel, from the cloud forest of Cusco, Peru, is proposed as a new species. The new species is similar to S. antennata Garay, from which it differs in the oblique subpentagonal-trullate petals, pentagonal-subtrullate lip and subquadrate to suborbicular callus. A description, illustrations and taxonomic account are provided.

Version of record first published online on 25 August 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

Clinopodium rankiniae, a new species from the SE region of Cuba, is described and illustrated. It appears to be closely related to the other endemic species of Cuba and Hispaniola (C. alpestre, C. banaoense, C. bucheri and C. ekmanianum), which grow isolated in mountainous ecosystems. It differs primarily by the disposition of the leaves (mostly on short, lateral brachyblasts), the colour of the corolla (white, with a very light purple tinge) and the hirsute to tomentose calyx.

Version of record first published online on 1 September 2017 ahead of inclusion in August 2017 issue.

Leopoldia neumannii, a new species from Greece (regions of Ipeiros and Peloponnisos) is described and compared with other species of the genus. Aspects regarding the taxonomic classification of the Leopoldia group are discussed in light of an unresolved taxonomic situation within the Muscari sensu lato group.

Version of record first published online on 5 September 2017 ahead of inclusion in September 2017 issue.