Willeya is a recently resurrected genus comprising crustose pyrenolichens common on rock in terrestrial habitats in southeastern Asia, Australasia, and eastern North America. The generic type W. diffractella is endemic to eastern North America, and is currently delimited to include considerable morphological and ecological variation. Previous molecular studies including W. diffractella have included sequences from a single specimen, which is morphologically distinct and ecologically discordant from the lectotype. Here we examine the delineation of W. diffractella using ITS sequences from 21 specimens and two specimens of Endocarpon tenuissimum, a closely related Appalachian endemic. Our results show that: 1) E. tenuissimum is nested within a monophyletic W. diffractella, and thus E. tenuissimum is placed in synonymy, 2) morphological variation within W. diffractella does not correlate with phylogeny, affirming that the observed variability is infraspecific, 3) there is no phylogenetic structure corresponding to biogeographic patterns within W. diffractella, and 4) within W. diffractella all but one sample from calcareous substrates clustered within a single well-supported lineage, suggesting an avenue for further study.

Thorea (Rhodophyta) is a genus of freshwater red algae whose species-level taxonomy has long been disputed because of poor sample representation and seemingly random distribution. Molecular evidence has recently led to the establishment of the new order Thoreales, but the phylogeny of the recognized species and their dispersal pattern have remained unclear. We analyzed most known Thorea samples, including two samples from Shanxi, China, based on sequences of two conserved genes—chloroplast rbcL and nuclear 18S rDNA. We reconstructed phylogenetic trees for Thorea and related taxa by Bayesian analysis, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony. Analyses of both genes consistently recovered a distinct clade including all Thorea samples. The Thorea clade was closely related to Nemalionopsis rather than to species in Batrachospermales, supporting the recognition of Thoreales. Two T. hispida samples from China formed a single clade most closely related to conspecific samples from Japan. In addition, T. okadae from Japan was sister to T. hispida, suggesting the former species may be synonymous with T. hispida rather than T. violacea. Analysis of geographic information mapped onto the rbcL tree indicated that Thorea originated in the Northern Hemisphere, most probably in Asia, despite the disjunction between Asia and North America.

Ferns are the second largest group of vascular land plants after the angiosperms, but remain chronically underrepresented in studies of plant phylogeny, biogeography, physiology, and genomics. The genus Dryopteris, the woodferns, is a large group with a worldwide distribution, and recent research has made it one of the better understood fern genera and a potential model for understanding many aspects of fern biology and evolution. Here we review historical and current understanding of the genus, and outline promising avenues of future research in ferns for which Dryopteris is an ideal study system, particularly for research on polyploid complexes, biogeographic distributions, and physiological ecology.

A new species of Pseudocentrum, P. kayi, is described and illustrated. Populations of this taxon were found in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador. The newly described species is unique in the genus by having a pendent, massive spur. It is distinguished from P. bursarium Rchb. f. by the form of floral bracts, dorsal sepal, and lip. Differences in the lip form between P. kayi and similar taxa are illustrated. Information about the habitat, ecology, and distribution of the new entity, as well as a brief discussion of closely related species, are supplied. A key to identification of all known Pseudocentrum species is provided. Pseudocentrum sect. Bursariae is proposed. Notes on P. lehmannii found in Reichenbach's herbarium are presented together with its illustration.

A new species of Psilochilus, Psilochilus panamensis is described and illustrated. The novelty is related to P. physurifolius but it may be easily distinguished from this species by the lip form - prominent, ovate to elliptic lip middle lobe, and lateral lobes extending to the middle part of the middle lobe.

Widespread and poorly studied species complexes confound phylogenetic understanding of the Old World terrestrial orchid genus Nervilia. Recent taxonomic studies have suggested greater species richness in Asia than previously envisaged.We used morphological, cytological, and molecular phylogenetic analyses to confirm the existence of a novel, cryptic species of the Nervilia adolphi-punctata species alliance in southwest Japan, supporting earlier findings from a genetic fingerprinting study. Nervilia futago is formally described and illustrated here. In the vegetative state, the new species is practically inseparable from the more widespread N. nipponica, with which it co-occurs at several sites, but it can be distinguished in flower by its glabrous petals, by the lack of tall clavate hairs on the lip, and by the placement of the pollinia on the stigma prior to anthesis. Chromosome numbers and DNA content also differ. Despite their wide geographic separation, sequence data indicate greater affinity of N. futago to Himalayan members of the alliance than to other species of East Asia. The utility of genetic approaches in resolving identities and relationships in this taxonomically intractable genus is emphasised.

A new species of banana (Musaceae), Musa nanensis Swangpol & Traiperm, from Nan, Thailand, is described and illustrated. Based on vegetative features, M. nanensis could be superficially categorized as related to M. laterita; however, it possesses several unique floral characters from the rest of the genus Musa, especially its six tepals and anthers, each fused at the base. A key to banana species of northern Thailand, based on morphology, is provided. The plant was found in a single location and is threatened with extinction due to heavy deforestation in the region.

Carex is one of the most species-rich genera of the world and an important component of vegetation, particularly in colder regions. One of its larger groups is sect. Racemosae with almost 60 species, which are distributed mainly in mountains of the northern hemisphere as well as in the Andes of South America. To address the systematics and evolution of this section and related groups we sampled nearly 80% of the species from all morphological groups previously recognized in the section and estimated their phylogenetic relationships using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses on a combined nuclear (ITS, ETS) and chloroplast (trnK-matK, rps16) DNA sequence dataset. We observed incongruence only between the chloroplast trnK-matK and the nuclear ETS 1f data and attribute this to a putative parallelism in the chloroplast data set. Our results indicate that sect. Racemosae is not monophyletic in its traditional circumscription. Most species, however, belong to a well-supported clade that is sister to clades consisting of all other sampled species from sections Bicolores, Paniceae, Phacocystis, and Scitae. We recognize eight major clades within the Racemosae, most of them supported by morphological and, in part, geographical data. Previously suggested vicariant distribution patterns between western North American and Eurasian species could not be corroborated. The phylogenetic tree suggests that whereas single morphological characters are highly homoplasious, combinations of characters are nevertheless suitable to recognize clades.

The uncommon southern African and Malagasy genus Sartidia in the Aristidoideae, Poaceae resembles the closely related Aristida but has a C₃ photosynthetic system, 3–5-veined lower glumes, and a ventrally grooved caryopsis. We present a revision of Sartidia in Madagascar with two species. Sartidia isaloensis is described as new based on its interrupted inflorescence structure, small spikelets, and short awns. A leaf anatomical study and a δ¹³C analysis confirm that S. isaloensis is a C₃ species. Sartidia perrieri is likely extinct in the wild. We present descriptions, typification, illustrations, distribution maps, an identification key, and IUCN conservation assessments. A key to the Aristidoideae in Madagascar is also included.

Pseudophleum anatolicum (Poaceae: Poeae), a new species collected from Bingöl Province in East Anatolia, Turkey, is described and illustrated as the second species of the genus ever discovered. The new species is distinguished from Pseudophleum gibbum by its larger spikelets and floral parts, rather longer acuminate ligules and anthers, as well as its phytogeography.

Schizachyrium (Poaceae—Andropogoneae) includes ca. 60 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Although the genus has been revised recently for South America, a group of specimens with intermediate traits from Cerrado vegetation of Brazil and Paraguay was found. The aim of this paper is to assess the morphological variation of these specimens to clarify their taxonomic identity. Thirty-seven traits (15 qualitative and 22 quantitative characters) were analyzed using multivariate methods (cluster and principal coordinate analysis). The analysis included specimens from Central Brazil and Paraguay, as well as the type material of several morphologically similar species. The results obtained showed that the samples investigated form two clearly distinct groups from the species hitherto recognized. Based on this morphometric analysis, two new species of Schizachyrium from South America are proposed, one of them occurring in Brazil and Paraguay (Schizachyrium angustispiculatum), and the other restricted to Brazil (S. vallsii). Moreover, Andropogon luxurians proved as a distinct taxon from Schizachyrium sanguineum, being proposed the new combination of the name for the genus Schizachyrium (S. luxurians). Descriptions and illustrations of the two new species and the new combination are presented, as well as a key to separate them from other morphologically related species.

To explore the taxonomic status, phylogenetic patterns, and character evolution of various groups within Papaveraceae s. l. (Pteridophylloideae, Papaveroideae, Hypecoideae, and Fumarioideae), two data sets were created and analyzed using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and parsimony methods: 1) a Ranunculales data set for 82 genera representing all of the major families within the order using three chloroplast DNA regions (atpB, rbcL, and matK) and nuclear 26S ribosomal DNA, and 2) a Papaveraceae s. l. data set for an expanded sampling of the family (27 genera, 40 species) consisting of chloroplast sequences only. Branch support values on the resulting trees derived from the combined data for both the Ranunculales and Papaveraceae s. l. data sets were comparable among the various ranunculalean families and supported subfamilial recognition of Pteridophylloideae, Papaveroideae, Hypecoideae, and Fumarioideae. Within Papaveraceae s. l., most analyses of both data sets resolved the position of Pteridophyllum as sister to all remaining subfamilies and Hypecoum as sister to Fumarioideae; branch support for these relationships varied from excellent to weak. Within Papaveroideae and Fumarioideae, most taxonomic groups previously proposed were recovered, including a well-supported clade of South African species. Optimization of sixteen key morphological characters on the Bayesian inference tree indicated that some characters (e.g. presence of laticifers and nectaries, floral symmetry, spurred petals, and type of androecium) are highly congruent with the molecular phylogeny. Intrafamilial phylogenetic relationships and character evolution of the various taxa within Papaveraceae s. l. are further discussed.

Taxonomic studies in Heuchera from the southern Intermountain Region in Arizona and New Mexico, U. S. A. have revealed two new species from Heuchera section Heuchera: Heuchera soltisii (Heuchera subsect. Parvifoliae) and Heuchera inconstans (H. subsect. Novomexicanae). Heuchera soltisii is segregated from H. parvifolia on the basis of a larger white hypanthium and variegated leaves; H. inconstans is distinguished from H. novomexicana by its green flowers, the frequent occurrence (up to one-third) of 6-merous flowers, and its specificity to sandstone. Taxonomic studies from new material have also brought to light additional morphological characters that delimit taxa in this group. Confusion regarding the limits of H. glomerulata is addressed through an emended description based on anther thecae and floral color. A key for the species of Heuchera sect. Heuchera is also provided.

A new species of Ficus sect. Pharmacosycea, occurring in the Venezuelan Amazon, is here described and illustrated as Ficus crateriformis Pederneiras and Romaniuc. The new species shows similarities with F. carvajalii, F. macrosyce and F. pulchella although it is characterized mainly by the crateriform apex of the syconium, and leaf blades 12–19 cm long with 19–23 pairs of lateral veins. Discussions on taxonomy and geographic distribution are provided, as well as an identification key to the species in Venezuela.

Ficus subg. Pharmacosycea sect. Pharmacosycea has never been comprehensively sampled in previous phylogenetic analyses of Ficus. The published phylogenies have focused mostly on the study of the whole genus, with a sampling of only a few taxa fromthis group. Our study represents the first molecular phylogenetic analysis focusing on this section, including 27 terminals representing 20 of its 35 species and 31 other species of Ficus. The analyses of three nuclear DNA sequences (ITS, G3pdh, and ETS) add considerably to our knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships within this peculiar section, and lead to proposed taxonomicmodifications. The monophyly of this section, aswell as its position as sister to the rest of Ficus, is supported by our maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. As previously circumscribed, F. subsect. Bergianae is monophyletic, and F. subsect. Petenenses is paraphyletic. A third well-supported clade is sister to the Petenenses-Bergianae clade, characterized by an hemiepiphyc life form. We describe this new subsection here as Ficus subsect. Carautaea.

Taxonomic relationships between North American red oak species (Quercus section Lobatae) are not well resolved using genetic and morphological markers. Phenotypic plasticity, recent species divergence, and hybridization may all contribute to the unclear species boundaries in red oaks. We applied twenty-eight genomic and gene-basedmicrosatellites, including outlier loci with potential roles in reproductive isolation and adaptive divergence between species, to natural populations of four monophyletic interfertile oak species: Quercus ellipsoidalis, Q. coccinea, Q. rubra, and Q. velutina. To better resolve the taxonomic relationships in this difficult clade, we assigned individual samples to species, identified hybrids and introgressive forms, and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among the four species after exclusion of genetically intermediate individuals. Genetic assignment analyses identified four distinct species clusters, with Q. rubra most differentiated from the three other species. However, especially between Q. ellipsoidalis and Q. velutina, a comparatively large number of misclassified individuals (7.14%), hybrids (7.14%), and introgressive forms (18.83%) were detected. After the exclusion of genetically intermediate individuals, Q. ellipsoidalis grouped as sister species to the largely parapatric Q. coccinea with high bootstrap support (91%). Genetically intermediate forms in a mixed species stand were located proximate to both potential parental species, which supports recent hybridization of Q. velutina with both Q. ellipsoidalis and Q. rubra. Analyses of genome-wide patterns of interspecific differentiation can provide a better understanding of speciation processes and taxonomic relationships in this taxonomically difficult group of red oak species.

A new species of Actinostemon is described and illustrated. Actinostemon roselii is mentioned only for the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina (Brazil), where it grows in riparian tropical rainforests. This species can be recognized by its conspicuous and depressed ovate bracts of the staminate cymule, foliar buds globoid, staminate cymule with three or four flowers, and staminate and pistillate flowers monochlamydeous. Comments about its distribution and ecology are provided, as well as a key to identify the Brazilian species of Actinostemon. Based on IUCN criteria, A. roselii can be considered a data deficient (DD) species.

Gradyana franciscana, a new genus and species of Euphorbiaceae found in the São Francisco river valley, in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil, is herein described and illustrated. Gradyana is morphologically close to Stillingia due to the presence of carpidiophore and foliar glands, but differs in possessing strictly axillary sinuous thyrsoid staminate inflorescences, solitary pistillate flowers, apical glands in the bracts, long-stipitate glands between pistillate sepals, and staminate flowers with three stamens and three sepals. A key to differentiate Gradyana from other genera of the tribe Hippomaneae occurring in South America is presented. Comments about its geographic distribution, habitat, and conservation status are also provided.

Mcvaughia sergipana is described and illustrated. It differs from the single other species in the genus by the metallic-sericeous, and soon deciduous indumentum on the leaves, small glands scattered throughout the lamina, lateral cincinni with 1–2 flowers, and larger posterior petal. This new species is only known from sandy coastal plains in Sergipe State, Brazil, and is critically endangered. Its distribution is estimated to be less than 100 km² in a region of extremely disturbed environments.

Ledermanniella s.l. (Podostemaceae) occurs in western Africa, where species are commonly localized to single rapids or waterfalls. Recent collecting efforts in this region have led to the discovery of new species diversity; however, molecular phylogenetic analyses estimate the genus as polyphyletic and associated with at least nine other genera. Here, we describe a new species of Ledermanniella s.l. while addressing the problem of describing a species into a polyphyletic genus with a phylogenetic approach. We sampled species diversity for molecular and morphological data and combined them with morphological data only from the new species, which we were unable to sequence because of non-optimal DNA preservation or other reasons. We tested and rejected the monophyly of Ledermanniella s.l. and L. subgenus Ledermanniella with the Shimodaira-Hasegawa test, and found support for a monophyletic L. subgenus Phyllosoma, which was recently treated at the genus level as Inversodicraea. Based on Bayesian phylogenetic inference, we describe Inversodicraea achoundongii, which we infer in a clade with I. cristata, I. ntemensis (combined here), and I. annithomae. The morphological and phylogenetic consequences of these results are discussed, including leaf homologies, along with a description of the ecological, distributional, and conservation implications of the new species and western African Ledermanniella s.l.

Pleroma michelangelii, a new species of Melastomeae (Melastomataceae) from Brazil is described and illustrated, and compared to its putative closest relatives. In addition to this species, Tibouchina trinervia, which was previously not validly published by Glaziou, is now correctly presented under Pleroma. Pleroma trinervia occurs in the Espinhaço range in Minas Gerais state, and Pleroma michelangelii in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia.

The genus Rupestrea is described to include two species previously described in Miconia. Rupestrea carvalhoana and R. johnwurdackiana are restricted to Campos Rupestres at the northern portion of the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, Brazil. The genus can be recognized by the dry and indehiscent fruits that may be hydrochorous, and by the orthocampylotropous, monoembryonic seeds, each incompletely divided into two cavities by a septum. The genus is sister to a large clade that includes the capsular-fruited tribes Melastomeae, Microlicieae, and Rhexieae.

Hybrid speciation is relatively common in plants compared to other well-studied groups. Polyploidy and apomixis are strongly associated with hybrid speciation, presumably due to the opportunities they provide for both reestablishing reproductive function in hybrids with incomplete chromosomal homology and creating rapid reproductive isolation in sympatry. Boechera, a species-rich genus closely related to Arabidopsis, is a particularly fertile ground for the study of hybrid speciation. Thirty-eight apomictic triploid hybrid species are currently recognized in Boechera. Recent research has shown that apomictic diploid hybrids, although very rare in angiosperms, are common in Boechera. Given this complexity, focused studies of individual species complexes are critical to understanding speciation and diagnosing biodiversity in Boechera. Here we analyze DNA sequences from seven nuclear loci and multilocus genotypes from 15 microsatellite markers in a group of closely related taxa formerly included in B. fendleri. Our results support the recognition of four species previously segregated from B. fendleri s. l., including three genetically distinct, sexual diploids (B. fendleri, B. spatifolia, and B. texana) and one apomictic triploid hybrid (B. porphyrea). We also identify four novel apomictic diploid hybrid species (B. carrizozoensis, B. centrifendleri, B. sanluisensis, and B. zephyra) and additional apomictic triploid hybrids. Our results reveal a complex network of relationships. Sexual diploid species can hybridize to form apomictic diploids, and members of these two groups can hybridize to form trigenomic, apomictic triploids.

A new species, Helosis antillensis (Scybalioideae: Helosieae), is described, illustrated, and annotated. A key of the known species of Helosis is presented. The new species is the third recognized within the genus and the second Helosis species in the Neotropics. It is also the second Balanophoraceae endemic to the islands of the Caribbean Sea. The new species, related to H. cayennensis, is distinguished by runners with remarkable verrucous surface projections, an inflorescence stalk up to 4.5 cm long, volva that are medially to apically inserted, peltate bracts with distinctly apiculate apices, staminate flowers with free filaments, and pistillate flowers with bifid and deltoid perianth segments (0.3–0.4 mm long).

The hybridus species complex of the genus Amaranthus is a group of weedy and cultivated plants from the New World that are considered difficult to identify. Classification schemes have varied between a single species approach, Amaranthus hybridus s.l., and a five species approach that recognizes the widespread weedy A. hybridus s.s., the South American endemic A. quitensis, and the three cultivated taxa (A. hypochondriacus, A. cruentus, and A. caudatus) as distinct species. The goals of this study were to analyze patterns of floral variation within the species complex and to determine distinguishing morphological features of the species. Twenty-one pistillate and twelve staminate floral characters from 41 specimens representing all five species were analyzed morphologically. Results indicate that morphological characters split the hybridus complex into two larger groups; that the widespread weedy A. hybridus divides into two morphologically distinct groups, each associated with different cultivated taxa; and that staminate morphological variation may be more taxonomically informative than previously assumed.

Recent phylogenetic evidence suggests that Cynoglossum (Boraginaceae), a cosmopolitan genus, is not monophyletic, but relationships among members of the genus remain uncertain. This is particularly the case for North American species of Cynoglossum. Utilizing DNA sequence data, a phylogeny has been reconstructed to investigate the evolutionary relationships among the New and Old World species of Cynoglossum and other members of Boraginaceae. The resulting phylogeny resolved that North American species of Cynoglossum are members of a clade distinct from the Old World species, and these North American species belong to two distinct lineages. Cynoglossum occidentale and C. virginianum are sister species, and C. grande is a member of a separate group. Given these evolutionary relationships in conjunction with diagnostic morphological features, two new genera are proposed for these species, Andersonglossum and Adelinia, with four name transfers: Andersonglossum boreale, Andersonglossum occidentale, Andersonglossum virginianum, and Adelinia grande. Andersonglossum bears sessile cauline leaves, pedicels recurved in fruit, and pollen with two shapes of pores and no transverse groove. In contrast, Adelinia develops petiolate cauline leaves, pedicels erect in fruit, and pollen with only one pore shape and a transverse groove.

A new species of Antennaria (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) fromthe Klamath Mountains of northern California, A. sawyeri, isdescribed and illustrated. The species appears to be endemic to serpentine soils (i.e. soils derived from ultramafic parent materials such as peridotite or serpentinite) in subalpine habitats in the Trinity Alps and is very narrowly distributed, occupying scattered sites within a two square kilometer range near Red Mountain and Middle Peak. It is an amphimictic (dioecious) diploid (2n = 28) and a member of the circumboreal Pulcherrimae subgroup within Antennaria. The closest relative of A. sawyeri is probably A. lanata, which does not occur in California. In addition to its restriction to serpentine soils, it is primarily distinguished from A. lanata by the shape of its basal leaf apices and lack of flags on the lower and middle cauline leaves. It is readily distinguished from the other Oregon/California serpentine endemic, A. suffrutescens, by its polycephalous capitulescences and adaxially pubescent leaves. Updated keys to Antennaria are provided.