[Botany • 2022] Phyllarthron arenicola (Bignoniaceae: Coleeae) • A New Dry Forest Species from North-Western Madagascar

 

Phyllarthron arenicola Rakotoaris. & Rabarij.,  

in Rakotoarisoa, Rabarijaona & Goyder, 2022

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10067-8

  ResearchGate.net/publication/365931540

Summary

Phyllarthron is a genus of large trees and shrubs with 18 currently recognised Malagasy species and one further species restricted to the Comoro Archipelago (P. comorense DC.). Most of the species occur in sub-humid and humid parts of Madagascar, with only five currently recognised species in dry and semi-arid zones. The species newly described here occurs in dry shrubby vegetation on white sand. The number, shape and relative proportions of the leaf articles, and the presence of pubescence on the leaves, fruit, flower and the young shoots immediately distinguishes this species from others in the genus.

 

Key Words: Bongolava Forest Corridor, dry and semi-arid zones, white sand

Phyllarthron arenicola  .
A fruiting branch; B flowering branch. From S. E. Rakotoarisoa 839 (holotype).

Drawn by Roger Lala Andriamiarisoa. 

Phyllarthron arenicola. A habitat; B flowering branch; C fruiting branch.

photos: A, B Solofo E. Rakotoarisoa; C Feno Rakotoarison 

Phyllarthron arenicola Rakotoaris. & Rabarij. sp. nov. 

RECOGNITION. Phyllarthron arenicola differs from P. bernierianum in its shorter phyllodes (2 – 6 cm vs 3 – 12.5 cm) which are pubescent on both surfaces rather than glabrous, and the corolla which is distinctly pubescent both externally and internally, rather than minutely scabrid-velutinous.

ETYMOLOGY. Arenicola or sand-dweller, named after the white sand substrate in which the species occurs.

VERNACULAR NAME. Tohiravina (Tsimihety).

Solofo E. Rakotoarisoa, Romer N. Rabarijaona and David J. Goyder. 2022. A New Dry Forest Species, Phyllarthron arenicola (Bignoniaceae: Coleeae), from North-Western Madagascar. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10067-8

  ResearchGate.net/publication/365931540_A_new_dry_forest_species_Phyllarthron_arenicola_from_North-Western_Madagascar

[Botany • 2018] Tanaecium decorticans (Bignoniaceae) • A New Species from the Brazilian Amazon and Its Phylogenetic Placement

Tanaecium decorticans Frazão & L.G.Lohmann, 

in Frazão & Lohmann, 2018.

DOI: 10.1007/s00606-018-1544-x 

Researchgate.net/publication/328106048 

Abstract

Tanaecium (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) is a genus of Neotropical lianas that is centered in the Amazon. The genus exhibits interesting patterns of morphological variation, especially in terms of flower morphology. Despite that, the group remains poorly known, lacks a phylogeny and a taxonomic revision. While working on the systematics of Tanaecium, we encountered a morphological variant of Tanaecium pyramidatum from the Brazilian Amazon that represents an independent evolutionary lineage and differs from that species in various morphological traits. This taxon is here described as Tanaecium decorticans, sp. nov. While T. decorticans is sister and most morphologically similar to T. pyramidatum, it differs in the peeling epidermis (vs. not peeling in T. pyramidatum), presence of an arrow-shaped petiolule (vs. absence of an arrow-shaped petiolule in T. pyramidatum), and interpetiolar region covered with fields of glandular trichomes (vs. aglandular interpetiolar region in T. pyramidatum), among other characters. This finding highlights the importance of in-depth taxonomic studies of individual lineages for an improved understanding of the Amazonian biodiversity.

Keywords: Amazonia, Lianas, Neotropical biodiversity, Taxonomy

Tanaecium decorticans Frazão & L.G.Lohmann.  
 a flowering branch; b detail of node; c detail of peeling epidermis; d detail of arrow-shaped apex of petiolule at the adaxial surface; e detail of arrow-shaped apex of petiolule at the abaxial surface; f flower in pre-anthesis; g detail of calyx; h detail of calyx apex and glandular trichomes; i detail of corolla showing stamen insertion; j nectar disk, ovary, style, and stigma; k detail of ovary trichomes; l fruit; m detail of fruit trichomes along the margin.

 Illustrated from Frazão et al. 210 (SPF)

Key morphological features of Tanaecium decorticans Frazão & L.G.Lohmann. 
a flowering branch; b side view of flowers;
 c flower buds showing the acute apices. White arrow indicates the patelliform glandular trichomes found in the calyx;
d branch with peeling epidermis. White arrow indicates the arrow-shaped petiolule apex, while black arrow indicates the subulate prophylls of the axillary buds.

Photos: A. Frazão

Tanaecium decorticans Frazão & L.G.Lohmann, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the stem with peeling epidermis.

 

Annelise Frazão and Lúcia G. Lohmann. 2018. A New Species of Tanaecium (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon and Its Phylogenetic Placement. Plant Systematics and Evolution. 304; 1245–1253. DOI: 10.1007/s00606-018-1544-x [05 October 2018] 

Researchgate.net/publication/328106048_A_new_species_of_Tanaecium_from_the_Brazilian_Amazon

[Botany • 2022] Handroanthus abayoy (Bignoniaceae) • A New Species endemic from Bolivia

Handroanthus abayoy Villarroel & G.A.Parada, 

inVillarroel, Parada, Martinez-Ugarteche & Klitgaard, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.1.9

 facebook.com/FundacionAmigosdelaNaturaleza 

Abstract

Handroanthus abayoy is a new species endemic to the southern region of the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Morphologically the most similar species to H. abayoy is H. selachidentatus, both species are part of Tabebuia group II according to the classification proposed by Grose & Olmstead (2007). However, the two species have a different geographic distribution, and at least 15 morphological characteristics, both vegetative and reproductive, that distinguish one from the other.

Keywords: abayoy, Cerrado, Eudicots

 

Handroanthus abayoy Villarroel & G.A.Parada, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific epithet “abayoy” refers to the main type of vegetation where the species lives, the abayoy, a word from the Bésiro language that means dwarf forest. This type of vegetation has a series of biotic and abiotic characteristics that differentiate it from the Pantantal, the Chaco and the Chiquitano Dry Forest; being, biophysically more similar to the Cerrado ( Ibisch et al. 2003, Navarro 2011, Villarroel et al. 2016).

Daniel Villarroel, G. Alexander Parada, Maira T. Martinez-Ugarteche and Bente B. Klitgaard. 2022. Handroanthus abayoy, A New Species of Bignoniaceae endemic from Bolivia.  Phytotaxa. 547(1); 97-104. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.1.9

 facebook.com/FundacionAmigosdelaNaturaleza/posts/5107106739344079

[Botany • 2021] Anemopaegma kawense (Bignoniaceae) • A New Species from the Kaw Mountain (French Guiana), with Notes on related Species and A Key to the Genus in the Guianas

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg., 

in Lachenaud, Firetti & Lohmann, 2021. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2021.1775

 twitter.com/PlEcEvo 

Researchgate.net/publication/352723600

Abstract

Background and aims – The genus Anemopaegma (Bignoniaceae) includes around 47 species and has its centre of diversity in Brazil. Here, we describe and illustrate a new species from French Guiana, Anemopaegma kawense, and compare it to the two most similar species, A. foetidum and A. granvillei. We further assess the conservation status of all three species.

Material and methods – Morphological descriptions are based on herbarium specimens deposited at BM, BR, CAY, INPA, K, MO, P, SPF, and U, and, in the case of the newly described species, also on field observations. The conservation status assessments follow the IUCN Red List criteria.

Key results – Anemopaegma kawense differs from both A. foetidum and A. granvillei by its densely villose twigs, longitudinally plicate leaflets with secondary veins not or hardly prominent below, and tertiary veins impressed below. It is further separated from A. foetidum by the leaflets that are villose below and the calyx that is entirely pubescent outside. On the other hand, A. kawense differs from A. granvillei by the densely lepidote outer surface of the corolla, shorter petiolules, leaflets with midrib impressed above, shorter bracts and bracteoles, inflorescence peduncle exceeding the rachis, and pedicels densely puberulous, not lepidote or only sparsely so at the apex. This species is endemic to the Kaw Mountain in north-eastern French Guiana, where it grows in low stunted forest on laterite; it is assessed as Endangered according to the IUCN criteria. New descriptions are provided for A. granvillei, which is newly reported from Suriname, and for A. foetidum, which is newly reported from French Guiana; these two species are assessed as Endangered and Least Concern, respectively. Lectotypes are designated for A. maguirei, which is here synonymised with A. foetidum, and for A. umbellatum, another synonym of that species. A key to the 12 species of Anemopaegma occurring in the Guianas is presented. impressed above (vs prominent), tendrils with trifid apices (vs simple), bracts and bracteoles ca 1 mm long (vs 2–3.5 mm long), inflorescence peduncle exceeding the rachis (vs shorter than rachis), and pedicels densely puberulous, not or sparsely lepidote at apex (vs glabrous to sparsely puberulous and densely lepidote).

Keywords: Anemopaegma, Bignoniaceae, Bignonieae, French Guiana, Guiana Shield, Kaw Mountain, new species, rainforest, Suriname, taxonomy

 

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg. 
A. Flowering stem. B. Detail of stem indumentum. C. Detail of indumentum on lower surface of leaflet. D. Prophylls of the axillary buds. E. Tendril. F. Flower. G. Detail of base of corolla lobes, outside. H. Calyx, seen from outside. I. Detail of calyx indumentum. J. Dissected corolla, with stamens and staminode. K. Style, ovary, and disk. L. Detail of ovary (outer surface). M. Fruit. N. Seed.

From Lachenaud et al. 2134. Drawn by Klei Sousa.

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg. 
A. Habit. B. Flowers. C. Flower, side view, and leaves seen from below. D. Seed. E. Fruiting branch with one immature and one dehisced fruit. F. Immature fruit.

From Lachenaud et al. 2134. Photographs by Olivier Lachenaud.

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg., sp. nov. 

Diagnosis – Anemopaegma kawense resembles A. foetidum and A. granvillei in its contracted and few-flowered inflorescences, truncate calyx, minute prophylls of the axillary buds, and leaflets with pinnate venation and weakly ascending secondary veins. It differs from both species by its densely villose twigs, longitudinally plicate leaflets with secondary veins not or hardly prominent on the lower surface, and tertiary veins impressed on the lower surface (vs twigs glabrous or minutely puberulous, leaflets flat with secondary and tertiary veins prominent below). It is further separated from A. foetidum by the villose lower surface of leaflets (vs glabrous) and the calyx which is entirely pubescent outside (vs glabrous towards the apex, except for the ciliate margin). It additionally differs from A. granvillei by the following characters: corolla densely lepidote outside (vs glabrous), petiolules 1–4 mm long (vs 5–10 mm long), leaflet midrib

Olivier Lachenaud, Fabiana Firetti and Lúcia G. Lohmann. 2021. Anemopaegma kawense (Bignoniaceae), A New Species from the Kaw Mountain (French Guiana), with Notes on related Species and A Key to the Genus in the Guianas.  Plant Ecology and Evolution. 154(2);  296-306. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2021.1775

 twitter.com/PlEcEvo/status/1440579689228034054

Researchgate.net/publication/352723600_Anemopaegma_kawense_a_new_species_from_the_Kaw_Mountain_French_Guiana

[Botany • 2021] Varronia teguorum (Cordiaceae) • A New Species of Varronia P. Browne from central Colombia

Varronia teguorum Fern. Alonso & J.I.M. Melo

in Alonso & de Melo, 2021.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.507.1.8  

Abstract

A new species, Varronia teguorum Fern. Alonso & J.I.M. Melo (Cordiaceae), from central Colombia is described. This new taxon is compared morphologically with V. subtruncata and V. bullata, the species with which it is most easily confused. An identification key for the Varronia species with globose inflorescences from Colombia/northern South America is presented.

Keywords: Boraginaceae s.l., Boraginales, Cordia s.l., diversity, Neotropical flora, taxonomy, Eudicots

 

Field images of Varronia teguorum Fern. Alonso & J.I.M. Melo.
A. Apex of a young branch, showing the rusty indumentum and the tertiary and quaternary veins on the leaf adaxial surface. B. Branch with developed axillary inflorescences, showing floral buds. C. Branch with an inflorescence. D. Inflorescences with some flowers at anthesis (white corolla) and others at post-anthesis (senescent corolla), and immature fruits (red). E. Inflorescences with an open flower at a basal position, showing the senescent flowers with accrescent calyx and incurved lobes obscuring the calyx throat.

Scale bar in all cases = 15 mm long. 

Photos by J.L. Fernández-Alonso taken in the type locality, Santa María, Boyacá.

Varronia teguorum Fern. Alonso & J.I.M. Melo, sp. nov. 

This new species is similar to Varronia subtruncata and V. bullata, but it differs from these two by the presence of a rusty (vs. white to yellow) indumentum covering the stems, leaves and inflorescences, longer (1.5–2 mm vs. < 1.5 mm long) and patent (vs. patent or adpressed) hairs; oblong to ovate-oblong (vs. lanceolate to ovate), larger (7.5–13 × 4.5–7.5 cm vs. < 8.0 × 4.5 cm) leaf blades. 

Etymology:— The epithet refers to the indigenous Tegua people, who inhabited the base of the Boyacá-Casanare Mountain, bordering the Muiscas people territory (Fernández de Piedrahita 1973). The chroniclers Fray Pedro Simón and B. Fernández de Oviedo highlighted the Tegua’s longevity and their knowledge and use of medicinal plants, which was also acknowledged by the Muiscas neighbors. 

Distribution and Habitat:— Currently this species is known exclusively from a small sector in the border area of Boyacá and Cundinamarca Departments, at the base of Colombia’s Cordillera Oriental (Figure 4). It grows in very wet tropical forest and in its transition to pluvial submontane forest (5000 and 6000 mm of annual rainfall). It has been exclusively collected at the edge of forests, in exposed areas such as creek margins and road slopes on forest edges, between 500 and 1150 m elevation. Among the species restricted to this region of the mountain base are Brownea enricii Quiñones (1995: 17) (Fabaceae) and Phragmotheca mambitana Fern. Alonso & Jaramillo-Mejía (1999: 125) (Malvaceae).

Jose Luis Fernández Alonso and José Iranildo Miranda de Melo. 2021. A New Species of Varronia P. Browne (Cordiaceae) from central Colombia. Phytotaxa. 507(1); 121–130. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.507.1.8

[Botany • 2018] Taxonomic Revision of Pachyptera (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)

(B) Pachyptera aromatica,  (I) P. incarnata
(F) P. erythraea,  (N)  P. kerere 

in Francisco & Lohmann, 2018. 

  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.92.20987 

Abstract

Pachyptera DC. is a small genus of neotropical lianas included in tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae). The genus has a complicated taxonomic history but currently includes species distributed from Belize to Southern Amazon. Pachyptera is characterised by four main synapomorphies, namely, a papery peeling bark, prophylls of the axillary buds organised in a series of three, patelliform glands arranged in lines in the upper portions of the calyx and corolla tube. Furthermore, members of the genus also have stems with four phloem wedges in cross-section and conspicuous extrafloral nectaries between the interpetiolar region and at the petiole apex, although these characters are also shared with other genera of tribe Bignonieae. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of Pachyptera, which includes a complete list of synonyms, detailed morphological descriptions of species and an identification key, as well as information on the habitat, distribution and phenology, nomenclatural notes, taxonomic comments and illustrations of all the species. In addition, we designate three lectotypes, propose one new combination, raise one variety to species status and describe a new species. After these adjustments, a Pachyptera with five well-defined species is recognised.

Keywords: Amazon, Flora, Pachyptera kerere, Neotropics, Taxonomy

Figure 1. Schematic diagram summarising phylogenetic relationships within Pachyptera, with morphological characters mapped on the diagram.
Names of the terminal taxa indicate the taxon in which these species were previously included. The taxonomic updates proposed here are also indicated. Relationships depicted follow Francisco and Lohmann (submitted).

Figure 2. Sample of morphological features of Pachyptera.
A–D Pachyptera aromatica: A Inflorescence B Frontal view of flowers C Detail of inflorescence and flowers, showing calyx partition D Interpetiolar region of stem with extra floral nectaries (EFNs) and prophylls of the axillary buds 3-seriated, triangular and minute
E–F P. erythraea: E Inflorescence F Frontal view of flowers
G–L P. incarnata: G Stem with tendril surrounding a tree H Interpetiolar region of stem with EFNs and prophylls of the axillary buds flattened, ensiform and seriated I Inflorescence J Frontal view of flower K Pink patelliform glands on flower lobes L Detail of calyx
M–Q P. kerere: M Stem cross-section with four phloem wedges N Inflorescence O Frontal view of flower P White patelliform glands on flower lobes Q Detail of calyx.

Jessica Nayara Carvalho Francisco and Lúcia G. Lohmann. 2018. Taxonomic Revision of Pachyptera (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae). PhytoKeys. 92: 89-131.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.92.20987

[Botany • 2017] Reestablishment of Mansoa ventricosa (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) Based on Molecular and Morphological Data

  Mansoa ventricosa A.H. Gentry

 Francisco & Lohmann, 2017

  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.327.2.3

Abstract

Pachyptera ventricosa is a rare and poorly known species of liana that occurs in wet forests from the state of Pará, in Brazil. This species is characterized by features that are diagnostic of four genera within tribe Bignonieae: Mansoa, Martinella, Pachyptera, and Tanaecium. The currently recognized P. ventricosa was originally described in Mansoa, but subsequently transferred to Pachyptera based on morphological similarities. In this study, we use a combination of molecular and morphological data to evaluate the current placement of P. ventricosa. We conduct a broad scale molecular phylogenetic study based on 114 sequences of ndhF and PepC representing 112 taxa and members of all genera recognized in Bignonieae. In addition, we also conduct detailed morphological studies of selected characters. Our molecular phylogenetic study indicates that the currently recognized Pachyptera ventricosa is more closely related to members of Mansoa than to Pachyptera. New morphological data corroborates the molecular phylogenetic placement indicating that this species is indeed best placed within Mansoa. We here propose the reestablishment of Mansoa ventricosa, and show the detailed description for this species, along with new distribution information, and the first illustration for this taxon.

Keywords: Amazonian biota, Brazilian flora, generic circumscription, Eudicots

Inflorescence of Mansoa ventricosa.

Photo A by Annelise F. Nunez.

Mansoa ventricosa A.H. Gentry (1979 [1980]: 783). 

Pachyptera ventricosa (A.H. Gentry) L.G. Lohmann (2014: 456) 

Type:— BRAZIL. Pará: Along the Belém-Brasilia highway, km 345, 9 August 1956, B. Maguire et al. 56083 (holotype, MO-2232816!; isotypes, COL-110166 not seen, MG-136673, NY-328882!, US-3189002 image!).

Pollination:— The corolla morphology is classified as a variant of the Martinella type (Gentry 1974), and is likely associated with bat pollination (Alcantara & Lohmann 2010, Machado & Vogel 2004). This species shares tricolpate coarse reticulate pollen grains with Martinella obovata (Gentry & Tomb 1979) suggesting convergent evolution of pollen type. Such convergence has also been observed in other floral traits such as the purple colored flower, thick corolla texture, open mouth, and subexserted anthers. 

Distribution and habitat:— Mansoa ventricosa is endemic to Northeastern Brazil (Maranhão, Pará), where it occurs in wet evergreen forests (Figure 5). Prior to this work, this species was only known from the holotype collected in the Brazilian state of Pará, a paratype collected in the Brazilian state of Maranhão (G.T. Prance 58978; UB and NY), and one collection from 1980 (D.C. Daly 774; MG, MO, and NY). Two additional specimens were collected during our fieldwork in Pará, (Brazil), expanding the distribution of this species to Santarém and Belterra.

Taxonomic notes:— Mansoa ventricosa is easily recognized by a combination of cylindrical and striated branchlets with “V” shaped interpetiolar clusters of glands, subulate prophylls of the axillary buds, and leaflets with nectaries grouped at the base of the abaxial surface. Reproductive characters that can help in its identification are the thyrsoid inflorescences, calyx with patelliform glands clustered next to the margin, corolla campanulate, with tube light purple, densely puberulous outside, with patelliform glands at the upper portion of the apex tube, androecium subexserted with yellow anthers, and exserted gynoecium. 

Jessica Nayara Carvalho Francisco and Lucia G Lohmann. 2017.  Reestablishment of Mansoa ventricosa (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) Based on Molecular and Morphological Data. Phytotaxa. 327(2); 141–156. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.327.2.3