[Botany • 2019] Notes on the Genus Argostemma (Rubiaceae) from Lao PDR

Figure 1. Argostemma ebracteolatum. A. habitat, leaves and inflorescences; B. inflorescences and flowers. KS 728 (photos by K. Souvannakhoummane). 

A. pictum. C. habitat, leaves and inflorescences; D. inflorescences and flowers. Lanorsavanh 1075 (photos by S. Lanorsavanh).  

Figure 2. Argostemma verticillatum. A. habitat, leaves and inflorescences; B. inflorescences and flowers. Lanorsavanh 1085 (photos by S. Lanorsavanh).

in Lanorsavanh & Chantaranothai, 2019.  

 DOI:  10.20531/tfb.2019.47.1.06

ABSTRACT

Three species of Argostemma (Rubiaceae) are newly recorded for Lao PDR: A. ebracteolatum, A. pictum and A. verticillatum. Descriptions and photographs of the new records are provided, and a key to Argostemma in Lao PDR is presented.

KEYWORDS:  Agrostemma, key, new record, Lao PDR, taxonomy

INTRODUCTION

Argostemma Wall., a genus of Rubiaceae of ca 100 species in the Old World tropics, is largely confined to the South-East Asia (Robbrecht, 1988) but with two species in tropical West Africa (Sridith & Puff, 2000; Mabberley, 2008). For Lao PDR, Newman et al. (2007a) and Newman et al. (2007b) first recorded a species of the genus, A. laeve Benn., from Khammouan province. Lanorsavanh & Chantaranothai (2013, 2016) recorded three species A. laotica Lanors. & Chantar., A. neurocalyx Miq. and A. siamense Puff from Bolikhamxai province, and, most recently, Tagane et al. (2017) recorded an additional  species,  A.  lobbii Hook.f., from Bolikhamxai province.

During botanical surveys of the first author in northern Lao PDR, Luangphrabang Province in July 2014 with S. Souvanhnakhoummane, and Luangnamtha Province in August 2015 with C. Phongoudome and in the southern Attapeu Province in June 2014 with V. Lamxay, many unnamed specimens were collectedand identified and include new records for Lao PDR, viz Argostemma ebracteolatum E.T.Geddes, A. pictum Wall. and A. verticillatum Wall. In 1999, Sridith indicated the type specimens of A. ebracteolatum, A. pictum, A. pubescens, A. repens and A. rotundifolium were holotypes, but this is an error to be corrected to lectotypes, nevertheless the lectotypification was effectively done by him.

NEW RECORDS: 

1. Argostemma ebracteolatum E.T.Geddes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew  1927(4):  165.  1927.  

Type: Thailand, Chiang Mai, Mae Chaem (Me Cham), 14 Jul. 1922, Kerr 6276A (lectotype K! [K000760179], isolectotypes BK! [257307], BM! [BM000028695], designated by Sridith, 1999).

Ecology.— On limestone wet rock in mixed deciduous, deciduous and dry evergreen forests, 540–1,100 m alt.; flowering July and fruiting July to August.

Notes.— Argostemma ebracteolatum resembles A. thaithongae Sridith, endemic to Thailand, in the bell-shaped corolla and 5-merous flower, but differs in having not only being densely hairy on stem, leaves and inflorescence but also the exterior of the corolla. It is unlikely to be confused with other species in Laos as only A. neurocalyx has a bell-shaped corolla but is 4-merous.

2.  Argostemma  pictum Wall. in Roxb., Fl. Ind. (ed. Carey & Wall.) 2: 327. 1824. 

Type: Malaysia, Penang, 1892, Wallich, Numer. List 8392 (lectotypeK! [K000172892]; isolectotypes K! [K000172894], K-W!  [K-W001125373]  designated  by  Sridith, 1999), non Korth., 1851.

Ecology.— On moist sandstone rocks with soil or on wet ground in evergreen forests, 100–410 m alt.; flowering June to July and fruiting June to August.

Notes.— Argostemma pictum resembles A. neurocalyx but it distinguished by the wheel-shaped corolla which is 5-merous, and very strongly recurved with the tip coiled.

3. Argostemma verticillatum Wall. in Roxb., Fl. Ind. (ed. Carey & Wall.),  2: 325. 1824; 

Type: Nepal, Moreko, July 1821, Wallich,  Numer.  List  8394A(holotype K-W! [K-W001125376]). Fig. 2.

Ecology.— On moist rocks near small water-fall in evergreen forests, 740–2,200 m alt., flowering and fruiting July to August.

Notes.— Argostemma verticillatum is recognized by its curved filaments which its fused around the middle and forming a short filament tube. Because the Chinese species have free filaments (Chen & Taylor, 2011), therefore, we exclude China from the distribution information; further study is needed to clarify this character.

Figure 1. Argostemma ebracteolatum. A. habitat, leaves and inflorescences; B. inflorescences and flowers. KS 728 (photos by K. Souvannakhoummane). A. pictum. C. habitat, leaves and inflorescences; D. inflorescences and flowers. Lanorsavanh 1075 (photos by S. Lanorsavanh). 

Figure 2. Argostemma verticillatum. A. habitat, leaves and inflorescences; B. inflorescences and flowers. Lanorsavanh 1085 (photos by S. Lanorsavanh).

Soulivanh Lanorsavanh and Pranom Chantaranothai. 2019. Notes on the Genus Argostemma (Rubiaceae) from Lao PDR.  Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 47(1); 29-33. DOI:  10.20531/tfb.2019.47.1.06

  

[Botany • 2019] Spiradiclis karstana (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

Spiradiclis karstana L.Wu, X.Li & Q.R.Liu

in Wu, Li, Liu & Liu, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.117.28281

Abstract

Spiradiclis karstana, a new species of Spiradiclis (Rubiaceae) collected from Yunnan, China, is described for the first time. It is morphologically close to S. jingxiensis, but differs from the latter mainly by its inflorescences with 5–9 flowers, its 1.5–2.4 mm long peduncles, its stipules shorter than 1 mm and the 5–12 pairs of secondary veins. The conservation status is assessed as “Vulnerable” (VU) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Spiradiclis, Rubiaceae, taxonomy, karst, China

Figure 1. Spiradiclis karstana sp. nov. 

A habit B stipule C inflorescence, side view D long-styled flower E short-styled flower F calyx, frontal view, showing disc G remnant of dehiscent capsule, frontal view. 

Drawn by Xin-Yi Zeng. 

Figure 2. Spiradiclis karstana sp. nov. 

A habitat (The arrows show the places of growth) B habit C variation range of leaves D stipule E inflorescence, side view F long-styled flower, frontal view G disc and calyx H remnant of dehiscent capsule, frontal view I long-styled flower J short-styled flower.

 Spiradiclis jingxiensis K habit L stipule M variation range of leaves. 

Photos by Lei Wu, Ming-Feng Long and Xin-Xin Zhu.

Spiradiclis karstana L.Wu, X.Li & Q.R.Liu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to S. jingxiensis, but differing from this species by the ovate-triangular stipules less than 1 mm long (vs. stipules linear, 1.5–3.0 mm long), the elliptic to oblong leaf blades (vs. ovate to broadly ovate), the 5–12 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 4–5 pairs) and the inflorescences with 5–9 flowers (vs. inflorescences with 1–2 flowers).

....

Distribution and habitat: Spiradiclis karstana is known only from the crevices of forested cliffs at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1600 m in the karst area of SE Yunnan. This part of Yunnan is covered by evergreen rain forests that are highly similar to those in Indo-Malaysia (Zhu 2013) and are dominated by species from Magnoliaceae, Lauraceae, Dipterocarpaceae and Annonaceae.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the habitat of the new species.

 Lei Wu, Xiong Li, Wen-Jian Liu and Quan-Ru Liu. 2019. Spiradiclis karstana (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China.  PhytoKeys. 117: 1-8. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.117.28281

    

[Botany • 2019] Acranthera hoangii (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from central Vietnam

Acranthera hoangii Hareesh & T.A. Le

in Hareesh, Le, Tien & Viet, 2019. 

DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2018.1548813  

 facebook.com/HareeshVadakkoot

ABSTRACT

Acranthera hoangii Hareesh & T.A. Le (Rubiaceae) is described as a new species from Vietnam. The new species shows similarities with A. longipes, but shows significant differences in its densely pubescent shoot and petiole, larger flowers, five-nerved calyx lobes and ribbed ovary.

KEYWORDS: Acranthera, Amphoterosanthus, new species, Rubiaceae, Vietnam

Acranthera hoangii. A twig with flowers.

Photo by T. A. Le.

Acranthera hoangii Hareesh & T.A. Le, sp. nov. 

Etymology: The species is named in honour of Dr Hoang Le Tuan Anh, Director, Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research (MISR), Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Hue city who is the first to notice the plant during the collection in central Vietnam.

Vadakkoot Sankaran Hareesh, Tuan Anh Le, Chinh Vu Tien and Cuong Pham Viet. 2019. Acranthera hoangii (Rubiaceae), A New Species from central Vietnam. Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2018.1548813 

 facebook.com/HareeshVadakkoot/posts/1816486621796847

[Botany • 2018] Kindia gangan • A New Cliff-dwelling Genus (Pavetteae, Rubiaceae) with Chemically Profiled Colleter Exudate from Mt Gangan, Republic of Guinea

Kindia gangan Cheek

in Cheek, Magassouba, Howes, Doré, Doumbouya, et al​., 2018.

 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4666 

Photos: Martin Cheek.

 Abstract

A new genus Kindia (Pavetteae, Rubiaceae) is described with a single species, Kindia gangan, based on collections made in 2016 during botanical exploration of Mt Gangan, Kindia, Republic of Guinea in West Africa. The Mt Gangan area is known for its many endemic species including the only native non-neotropical Bromeliaceae Pitcairnia feliciana. Kindia is the fourth endemic vascular plant genus to be described from Guinea. Based on chloroplast sequence data, the genus is part of Clade II of tribe Pavetteae. In this clade, it is sister to Leptactina sensu lato (including Coleactina and Dictyandra). K. gangan is distinguished from Leptactina s.l. by the combination of the following characters: its epilithic habit; several-flowered axillary inflorescences; distinct calyx tube as long as the lobes; a infundibular-campanulate corolla tube with narrow proximal section widening abruptly to the broad distal section; presence of a dense hair band near base of the corolla tube; anthers and style deeply included, reaching about mid-height of the corolla tube; anthers lacking connective appendages and with sub-basal insertion; pollen type 1; pollen presenter (style head) winged and glabrous (smooth and usually hairy in Leptactina); orange colleters producing a vivid red exudate, which encircle the hypanthium, and occur inside the calyx and stipules. Kindia is a subshrub that appears restricted to bare, vertical rock faces of sandstone. Fruit dispersal and pollination by bats is postulated. Here, it is assessed as Endangered EN D1 using the 2012 IUCN standard. High resolution LC-MS/MS analysis revealed over 40 triterpenoid compounds in the colleter exudate, including those assigned to the cycloartane class. Triterpenoids are of interest for their diverse chemical structures, varied biological activities, and potential therapeutic value.

Taxonomic Treatment

Kindia Cheek, gen nov.

Type: Kindia gangan Cheek

Diagnosis: differs from Leptactina s.l. in a corolla tube with a slender proximal part and an abruptly much wider, longer distal part (not more or less cylindrical, or gradually widening); a glabrous, winged pollen-presenter (not hairy, non-winged); an epilithic habit (not terrestrial, growing in soil); a conspicuous opaque red colleter exudate (not translucent and colourless or slightly yellow); and type 1 pollen (not type 2) (De Block & Robbrecht, 1998).

Figure 1: Photographs showing the cliff-dwelling habitat and the habit of Kindia gangan at Mt Gangan, Kindia, Guinea. (A) plants scattered on high sandstone cliff (Cheek 18345); (B) plant habit on cliff face (Cheek 18541A); (C) frontal view of flower (Cheek 18541A); (D) side view of inflorescence showing cupular bract (Cheek 18541A); (E) opened fruit showing ripe seeds (Cheek 18345). Photos taken by Martin Cheek.

Figure 1: Photographs showing the cliff-dwelling habitat and the habit of Kindia gangan at Mt Gangan, Kindia, Guinea.
(A) plants scattered on high sandstone cliff (Cheek 18345); (B) plant habit on cliff face (Cheek 18541A).

Photos taken by Martin Cheek.

Figure 1: Photographs showing the cliff-dwelling habitat and the habit of Kindia gangan at Mt Gangan, Kindia, Guinea.
 (C) frontal view of flower (Cheek 18541A); (D) side view of inflorescence showing cupular bract (Cheek 18541A); (E) opened fruit showing ripe seeds (Cheek 18345). Photos taken by Martin Cheek.

Local names and uses: None are known. The local communities in the area when interviewed in November 2017, stated that they had no uses nor names for the plant (D Molmou & T Doré, pers. obs., 2017).

Etymology: The genus is named for the town and prefecture of Kindia, Guinea’s fourth city, and the species is named for Mt Gangan to its north, which holds the only known location for the species. Both names are derived as nouns in apposition.

Distribution République de Guinée, Kindia Prefecture, northeastern boundary of Mt Gangan area, west of Kindia-Telimélé Rd (Fig. 5).

Ecology: 

The area of the Mt Gangan complex in which we found plants of Kindia consists of two parallel ranges of small sandstone table mountains separated by a narrow N–S valley that appears to be a geological fault. Bedding of the sandstone is horizontal. Uneven erosion on some slopes has resulted in the formation of frequent rock ledges, overhangs and caves. In contrast, other flanks of the mountains are sheer cliffs extending 100 m or more high and wide. It is on the cliff areas at 230–540 m a.s.l that K. gangan occurs as the only plant species present, usually as scattered individuals in colonies of (1–3–)7–15 plants, on the bare expanses of rock that are shaded for part of the day due to the orientation of the cliffs or to overhangs or due to a partial screen of trees in front of the rockfaces. Pitcairnia feliciana (Bromeliaceae), in contrast is found in fully exposed sites where there is, due to the rock bedding, a horizontal sill in which to root. These two species can grow within metres of each other if their cliff microhabitats occur in proximity. The rock formations create a variety of other microhabitats, including vertical fissures, caves, shaded, seasonally wet ledges, and are inhabited by sparse small trees, shrubs, subshrubs, perennial and annual herbs, many of which are narrow endemic rock specialists. We speculate that the seed of this species might be bat-dispersed because of the greenish yellow-white colour of the berries (less attractive to birds than fruits which are e.g., red or black) and the position of the plants high on cliff faces, where nothing but winged creatures could reach them, apart from those few plants at the base of the cliffs. However, fruit dispersal is not always effected since we found numerous old dried intact fruits holding live seeds on the plants at the type locality in February 2016. It is possible that the robust, large white flowers are pollinated by a small species of bat since in June and September we saw signs of damage to the inner surface of the corolla inconsistent with visits by small insects. The damage takes the form of brown spots on the inner surface of the corolla tube. Freshly opened flowers do not have these spots, nor do all flowers, only those few which show slight damage. The very broad, short corolla is not consistent with pollination by sphingid moths (which prefer long, slender-tubed flowers), but this cannot be ruled out.

Conclusions: 

Kindia, an endangered subshrub, restricted to bare, vertical rock faces of sandstone is described and placed in Clade II of tribe Pavetteae as sister to Leptactina s.l. based on chloroplast sequence data. The only known species, K. gangan, is distinguished from the species of Leptactina s.l. by a combination of characters: an epilithic habit; several-flowered axillary inflorescences; distinct calyx tube as long as the lobes; a infundibular-campanulate corolla tube with narrow proximal section widening abruptly to the distal section; presence of a dense hair band near base of the corolla tube; anthers and style deeply included, reaching about mid-height of the corolla tube; anthers lacking connective appendages and with sub-basal insertion; pollen type 1; pollen presenter winged and glabrous; orange colleters, which encircle the calyx-hypanthium, occur at base and inside the calyx and stipules and produce vivid red exudate. High resolution LC-MS/MS analysis revealed over 40 triterpenoid compounds in the colleter exudate, including those assigned to the cycloartane class. Triterpenoids are of interest for their diverse chemical structures, varied biological activities, and potential therapeutic value.

Martin Cheek, Sékou Magassouba, Melanie-Jayne R. Howes, Tokpa Doré, Saïdou Doumbouya, Denise Molmou, Aurélie Grall, Charlotte Couch and Isabel Larridon​. 2018. Kindia (Pavetteae, Rubiaceae), A New Cliff-dwelling Genus with Chemically Profiled Colleter Exudate from Mt Gangan, Republic of Guinea.  PeerJ. 6:e4666. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4666

[Botany • 2018] Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from Guizhou Province, southwestern China

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis  C.D.Yang & G.Q.Gou

in Yang, He & Gou, 2018.  

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.95.22506 

Abstract

In this study, Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis, a new species of Rubiaceae from south-western China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to O. japonica, but differs from the latter by having terete stems which are densely hirtellous, usually persistent ciliate stipules with well-developed colleters inside the base of the stipule, shorter corolla tubes and shorter stamens and styles.

Keywords: Ophiorrhiza, Guizhou, China, new taxa, distyly

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis  C.D.Yang & G.Q.Gou   
 D inflorescence, showing longistylous flowers E dissected longistylous flower F pistil of longistylous flower
G inflorescence, showing brevistylous flowers H dissected brevistylous flower I pistil of brevistylous flower.

Figure 2. Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis A habit B leaves C node, showing persistent stipule (blue arrow) and colleters (red arrow), also showing stem pubescence D inflorescence, showing longistylous flowers E dissected longistylous flower F pistil of longistylous flower G inflorescence, showing brevistylous flowers H dissected brevistylous flower I pistil of brevistylous flower.

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis C.D.Yang & G.Q.Gou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to O. japonica Blume, but distinguished from the latter by the terete, densely hirtellous stems (vs. stems subterete to slightly compressed, glabrous or with 2 hirtellous or pilosulous lines), the usually persistent and ciliate stipules (vs. caducous glabrescent stipules), the well-developed colleters inside the base of stipule (vs. without colleters), the shorter corolla tubes (8–9 mm vs. 9–14 mm) and the shorter stamens and styles (longistylous flower: 2.5–2.7 mm and 7–8 mm vs. 4.5–5.5 mm and 9–11 mm; brevistylous flower: 3.6–4.2 mm and ca. 2.5 mm vs. 4.5–5 mm and ca. 3 mm).

Distribution and habitat: Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis is currently only known from Jiangkou County, Guizhou, south-western China, where at least 300 individuals are found. The species grows in evergreen broad-leaved forest or bamboo forest at elevations between 850–1,000 m, along with Chimonobambusa angustifolia C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao, Lindera communis Hemsl., L. pulcherrima var. hemsleyana (Diels) H.B. Cui, Clematis henryi Oliv. and Ophiopogon bodinieri H. Lév.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to Guizhou, a province of south-western China in which the new species was collected.

 Chuan-Dong Yang, Xuan-Ze He and Guang-Qian Gou. 2018. Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guizhou Province, southwestern China. PhytoKeys. 95: 121-126. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.95.22506

[Botany • 2017] Leptomischus flaviflorus • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Leptomischus flaviflorus

Hareesh, Wu & Sabu, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.332.1.10 

Abstract

Leptomischus flaviflorus, a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India, is here described and illustrated. Detailed description, distribution, ecology, colour photographs, and key to identification for Leptomischus species are provided.

Keywords: Eudicots, Arunachal Pradesh, Himalaya, Leptomischus, North-East India, Taxonomy

Leptomischus flaviflorus Hareesh, L.Wu & M.Sabu sp. nov. 

Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the yellow colour of the corolla.  

Vadakkoot Sankaran Hareesh, Lei Wu and Mamiyil Sabu. 2017. Leptomischus flaviflorus (Rubiaceae), A New Species from India. Phytotaxa. 332(1); 88–92. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.332.1.10
ResearchGate.net/publication/321822993_Leptomischus_flaviflorus_a_new_species_from_India

[Botany • 2017] Argostemma cordatum • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from southern Vietnam

Argostemma cordatum Nuraliev

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.317.1.4 

Abstract

Argostemma cordatum, a new species of Rubiaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2014 during a botanical survey of the Chu Yang Sin National Park (Dak Lak province, Southern Vietnam). Argostemma cordatum possesses a solitary large leaf per plant (along with one very small leaf). The new species differs from morphologically similar species mainly by the small size of the enlarged leaf and cordate base of the enlarged leaf. It is also characterized by the following features: plant completely glabrous, stipules minute and reduced to papillate warts, inflorescence with all axes elongated, anthers coherent into anther cone and dehiscent by longitudinal slits, style slightly exserted. An extended description of the vegetation in the area inhabited by A. cordatum is provided.

Keywords: Argostemma, taxonomy, Southern Vietnam, Chu Yang Sin National Park, flora, biodiversity, Eudicots

  

FIGURE 2. Argostemma cordatum at type locality.
A. General view of population. B. Flowering individual. D. Dichasium with flower buds. E. Flower, apical and oblique view.

Nuraliev, Kuznetsov, Kuznetsova 960. All photos by M. Nuraliev.  

Argostemma cordatum Nuraliev, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific epithet “cordatum” refers to the prominently cordate base of large leaf which distinguishes the new species from its relatives.  

Maxim S. Nuraliev, Anton S. Beer, Andrey N. Kuznetsov and Svetlana P. Kuznetsova. 2017. 

Argostemma cordatum (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Vietnam.
 Phytotaxa. 317(1); 42–52. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.317.1.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/319059715_Argostemma_cordatum_Rubiaceae_a_new_species_from_Vietnam

[Botany • 2017] Sipaneopsis (Sipaneeae, Ixoroideae): A Unique Flowering process in the Family Rubiaceae and Its Taxonomic Significance

Sipaneopsis maguirei
 Inflorescence with flowers at different stages of anthesis.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.302.1.3

Abstract  

The process of anthesis of Sipaneopsis is unique within the Rubiaceae, and is here described and illustrated in detail for the first time. During the initial stage of anthesis the flowers are small, with the corolla lobes already open and erect before tube elongation, and the corolla lobe basal appendages are appressed against each other, forming a convex structure at the corolla mouth obstructing the entrance of visitors and pollinators. At the final stage of anthesis, the corolla lobes reflex and become perpendicular to the tube, and their basal appendages become erect, not touching each other, allowing visitors and pollinators to access the corolla tube and the nectar disk. Neobertiera and Sipaneopsis are unique within the tribe Sipaneeae in having indehiscent dry fruits and recent molecular phylogenies positioned them as sister taxa. Sipaneopsis is distinguished from Neobertiera in having flowers consistently homostylous (vs. distylous or rarely tristylous in Neobertiera), stamens inserted at the middle of the corolla tube (vs. at variable positions), and five triangular appendages at the base of each corolla lobe (vs. corolla lobes thickened at base, without appendages). The differences in flower morphology and process of anthesis between the two genera (which most likely influence their different pollination syndromes) provide an important set of significant taxonomic and diagnostic characters that can be used to distinguish them.

Keywords: Guiana Shield, French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, Brazil, South America, Neobertiera, taxonomy, Eudicots

Sipaneopsis maguirei. Inflorescence with flowers at different stages of anthesis. 

Piero G. Delprete. 2017.  Sipaneopsis (Sipaneeae, Ixoroideae): A Unique Flowering process in the Family Rubiaceae and Its Taxonomic Significance. Phytotaxa. 302(1); 40–48. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.302.1.3

Fig. 1. Selected genera of Sipaneeae. A, Sipanea wilson-brownei; B–C, Sipanea veris; B, habit; C, detail of open corolla with exserted style; D–E, Chalepophyllum guyanense; D, habit with axillary inflorescences; E, detail of open corollas and flower buds; F, Sipaneopsis maguirei, inflorescence with two flowers on front with open corolla lobes before tube elongation, and flower in the back with tube in intermediate phase of expansion; G, Limnosipanea palustris; H, Maguireothamnus tatei.

 A and H photos, S. Mori; B–G photos; P. Delprete. 

Delprete, P.G. & Cortés-B., R. 2004. A phylogenetic study of the tribe Sipaneeae (Rubiaceae, Ixoroideae), using trnL-F and ITS sequence data. Taxon. 53: 347–356.  DOI: 10.2307/4135613

ResearchGate.net/publication/46649000_A_Phylogenetic_Study_of_the_Tribe_Sipaneeae_Rubiaceae_Ixoroideae_Using_trnL-F_and_ITS_Sequence_Data

[Ecology / Invasive Species • 2017] Effects of An Invasive Predator, Brown Treesnake, Cascade to Plants via Mutualism Disruption

Figure 1: Study site. Guam, the southernmost island in the Mariana Islands, is home to the invasive brown treesnake and thus virtually all forested lands are bird-free, whereas the nearby islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota are snake-free, and have relatively healthy bird communities. On islands with birds, the primary frugivores (from left to right) for two tree species whose fruits are depicted in the middle, Psychotria mariana (left) and Premna serratifolia (right), include the bridled white-eye (Zosterops conspicillatus), and Rota bridled white-eye (Zosterops rotensis; both Zosterops species represented by the bridled white eye in the figure), Mariana crow (Corvus kubaryi), Micronesian starling (Aplonis opaca), white-throated ground dove (Gallicolumba xanthonura; Premna only), Mariana fruit dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla) and golden white-eye (Cleptornis marchei). As a result of the snake, Psychotria mariana and Premna serratifolia on Guam have functionally lost all of their seed dispersing partners (note that the Rota bridled white-eye and the golden white-eye were not on Guam before the snake introduction).  

Latitude and longitude are in degrees north and east, respectively.   DOI:  10.1038/ncomms14557  

Abstract

Invasive vertebrate predators are directly responsible for the extinction or decline of many vertebrate species, but their indirect impacts often go unmeasured, potentially leading to an underestimation of their full impact. When invasives extirpate functionally important mutualists, dependent species are likely to be affected as well. Here, we show that the invasive brown treesnake [Boiga irregularis], directly responsible for the extirpation of forest birds from the island of Guam, is also indirectly responsible for a severe decline in plant recruitment as a result of disrupting the fruit-frugivore mutualism. To assess the impact of frugivore loss on plants, we compare seed dispersal and recruitment of two fleshy-fruited tree species on Guam and three nearby islands with intact disperser communities. We conservatively estimate that the loss of frugivorous birds caused by the brown treesnake may have caused a 61–92% decline in seedling recruitment. This case study highlights the potential for predator invasions to cause indirect, pervasive and easily overlooked interaction cascades.

Figure 1: Study site. Guam, the southernmost island in the Mariana Islands, is home to the invasive brown treesnake and thus virtually all forested lands are bird-free, whereas the nearby islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota are snake-free, and have relatively healthy bird communities. On islands with birds, the primary frugivores (from left to right) for two tree species whose fruits are depicted in the middle, Psychotria mariana (left) and Premna serratifolia (right), include the bridled white-eye (Zosterops conspicillatus), and Rota bridled white-eye (Zosterops rotensis; both Zosterops species represented by the bridled white eye in the figure), Mariana crow (Corvus kubaryi), Micronesian starling (Aplonis opaca), white-throated ground dove (Gallicolumba xanthonura; Premna only), Mariana fruit dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla) and golden white-eye (Cleptornis marchei). As a result of the snake, Psychotria mariana and Premna serratifolia on Guam have functionally lost all of their seed dispersing partners (note that the Rota bridled white-eye and the golden white-eye were not on Guam before the snake introduction).

Latitude and longitude are in degrees north and east, respectively. Snake photograph and bird illustrations used with permission.  DOI:  10.1038/ncomms14557  

Haldre S. Rogers, Eric R. Buhle, Janneke HilleRisLambers, Evan C. Fricke, Ross H. Miller and Joshua J. Tewksbury. 2017. Effects of An Invasive Predator Cascade to Plants Via Mutualism Disruption.

Nature Communications. 8, 14557. DOI:  10.1038/ncomms14557

[Botany • 2017] Taxonomic Revision of Sabicea Subgenus Anisophyllae (Ixoroideae, Rubiaceae) from Tropical Africa, with Four New Species

Sabicea sthenula 

 (N. Hallé) Razafimandimbison, B. Bremer, Liede & S.A. Khan

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.293.1.1

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of Sabicea subgenus Anisophyllae (Rubiaceae), a group restricted to Central and East Africa, is presented here. This work, based on a study of herbarium specimens and field observations in Cameroon and Gabon, includes a survey of the morphological features of the group, a key to the species, descriptions of all the taxa, and IUCN conservation status assessments. Fifteen species are recognised, four of which are described as new (Sabicea mapiana, S. ndjoleensis, S. parmentierae, S. sciaphilantha), three former varieties are raised to species rank (S. crystallina, S. jacfelicis, S. tersifolia), and one species previously sunk into synonymy is restored (S. bequaertii). Two new infraspecific taxa are also described, Sabicea crystallina subsp. engongensis and S. sciaphilantha subsp. hirsuta. The group has its center of diversity in Gabon, where 10 of the 15 species occur, three of them being endemic to the country.

Keywords: Conservation status, Guineo-Congolian Region, IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, Lower Guinea, taxonomy, Rubiaceae, Sabicea, tropical African flora, Eudicots

Lise L.A. Zemagho, Sigrid Liede-Schumann, Olivier Lachenaud, Steven Dessein and Bonaventure Sonke. 2017.  Taxonomic Revision of Sabicea Subgenus Anisophyllae (Ixoroideae, Rubiaceae) from Tropical Africa, with Four New Species.  Phytotaxa. 293(1); 1–68. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.293.1.1

[Botany • 2017] Mycetia dagohoyana • A New Species of Argostemmateae (Rubiaceae) from Agusan del Norte, Philippines

Mycetia dagohoyana 

dela Bajan, Tandang & Alejandro 

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.292.1.10  UST.edu.ph

Abstract

A new species of Argostemmateae, Mycetia dagohoyana, thriving in the moist humus soils in open areas of Agusan del Norte, Philippines, is described and illustrated. This new species resembles M. javanica but is distinct by its densely strigose leaf blades, 9−11 mm stipules that are attenuate at apex and glabrous adaxially, subsessile inflorescences in congested thyrse, 2−3 mm calyces that are cupuliform and puberulous, shorter (1–2 mm) and puberulous corolla lobes, and smaller (5−6 mm in diam.) and sparsely hirsute fruits.

Keywords: Argostemmateae, Mycetia, Philippines, Rubiaceae, Eudicots

FIGURE 1. Mycetia dagohoyana. A. Fruiting branch. B. Inflorescence. C. Flowers. D. Calyx and corolla. E. Fruits.

Photos taken by D. Tandang. 

Etymology:— Mycetia dagohoyana is named in honor of the 96th Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas (UST), Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P.

 Ulpiano P. dela Bajan, Jr., Jorge Anton D. Ordas, Danilo N. Tandang and Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro. 2017. Mycetia dagohoyana: A New Species of Argostemmateae (Rubiaceae) from Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 292(1); 91–96. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.292.1.10

Alejandro, et al. discover new plant in Agusan del Norte, name it in honor of Fr. Rector   http://www.ust.edu.ph/academics/alejandro-et-al-discover-new-plant-in-agusan-del-norte-name-it-in-honor-of-fr-rector/

[Botany • 2015] Acranthera burmanica • A New Species of Rubiaceae from Kachin State, Myanmar

Acranthera burmanica 

Y. H. Tan & B. Yang 

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.238.1.5

Abstract

Acranthera burmanica, a new species of Rubiaceae from Kachin, Myanmar, is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. sinensis, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its stem and branches densely strigose throughout; ovate leaves; calyx distinctly shorter than corolla tube, lobes lanceolate, apex attenuate; stipules triangular, apex acute not cuspidate; lower part of filaments connate into a tube.

Keywords: Acranthera, biodiversity, Kachin, morphology, Myanmar, taxonomy, Eudicots

Acranthera burmanica A. Habit. B. Stipule and Flower branch. C. Peduncle. D, F. Bracts. E. Flower bud. G. Inforescences. H. Corolla (adaxial view). I. Calyx. J. Opened corolla. K–L. Stamens. M. Pistil. N–P. Ovary portion.

Photographed by Yun-Hong Tan.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.238.1.5 

Acranthera burmanica Y. H. Tan & B. Yang, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Acranthera burmanica is similar to A. sinensis C. Y. Wu (1957:295), differing from the latter by its stem and branches densely strigose throughout (vs. glabrescent when aged); ovate to ovate-lanceolate leaves (vs. elliptic or obovate); calyx distinctly shorter than corolla tube (vs. equal to corolla tube), calyx lobes lanceolate (vs. linear-lanceolate), apex attenuate (vs. acuminate); stipules triangular, apex acute not cuspidate (vs. broadly ovate to triangular, glabrescent, cuspidate); lower part of filaments connate into a tube (vs. free).

Distribution:— Acranthera burmanica is endemic to Myanmar and known from Kachin State, Putao, where it grows in the understory in tropical rain forests and tropical mountain forests, at an elevation of ca. 900–1500 m.

Yun-Hong TAN, Bin YANG, Jian-Wu LI, Shi-Shun ZHOU, Shwelone Shwelone, Kyi Kyi Khaing, Ren LI, Jian-Ping HUANG and Hang SUN. 2015. Acranthera burmanica, A New Species of Rubiaceae from Kachin State, Myanmar. Phytotaxa.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.238.1.5

http://m.extbg.cas.cn/conservationhorticulture/201512/t20151221_157678.html

       

[Botany • 2016] Argostemma laotica • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from Laos

Argostemma laotica 

Lanorsavanh & Chantar.  

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.270.3.7

Abstract

Argostemma laotica, a new species from Laos, is described and illustrated. The species appears most similar to A. concinnum but differs in having pubescent stem, corolla and ovaries, oblique leaf base, shorter pedicel and smaller anthers which a dehiscence by an apical pore. The conservation status of this new species is vulnerable (VU D2).

Keywords: Argostemma laotica, Rubiaceae, Eudicots

Argostemma laotica is similar to A. concinnum Hemsley (1895: t. 2380) in perennial herb with tuber, acute leaf apex, terminal inflorescence, 5-merous flower, triangular calyx lobes, star-shped flower and capitate stigma, but differs in having pubescent stem (vs. glabrous), leaf base oblique (vs. acute or attenuate), corolla and ovaries pubescent (vs. glabrous), and shorter pedicels of 6–7 mm long (vs. 10–20 mm long) and smaller anthers of 2.2–2.5 mm long (vs. 5–6.5 mm long), which a dehiscence by an apical pore. 

 Phenology:— Flowering in July.

 Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the country in which the specimen was collected.

Distribution and ecology:— Endemic to Laos and only known from the type locality in Xiangkhoang, growing on wet rock, along river, elevation ca. 200 m.

  Soulivanh Lanorsavanh and Pranom Chantaranothai. 2016.  Argostemma laotica (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Laos. Phytotaxa. 270(3); 223–226. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.270.3.7

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