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Operculina is a pantropical genus of 14 species, perhaps one of the most stable in taxonomic delimitation in Convolvulaceae. Its operculate-capsular fruit is distinctive and unique in the family, and shared by all species it comprises, despite great variation in other macromorphological traits. Recent molecular phylogenetic results have demonstrated Operculina is monophyletic with high support, re-enforcing the generic concept. However, revisionary studies of its taxonomy and morphology are limited, and information about its species is mostly scattered in regional works. Particularly in palynology, there are few studies that have included this genus, and usually only the most common species O. turpethum. Here, we provide an overview of the palynological diversity in 12 Operculina species and discuss the evolution and taxonomic relevance of aperture heteromorphism in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) has a wide and disjunct geographic distribution ranging from Eastern and South Asia to Malaysia, extending across the Neartics and reaching into the Neotropics. Regarding its infrageneric classification, the genus is divided into three subgenera: Yulania, Gynopodium and Magnolia, the latter including the section Talauma in which the native Brazilian taxa are classified. The species of Magnolia sect. Talauma can be recognized by two parallel longitudinal scars on the petiole formed by the shedding of the stipules, in addition to a woody syncarp that breaks into irregular plates at dehiscence. Currently, in Brazil, species recognition is not clear on national platforms that are widely used by the Brazilian botanical community (e.g. Flora do Brasil), with only two native Magnolia species being accepted: M. amazonica and M. ovata. The lack of knowledge about the species and their respective characteristics has resulted in many identification errors in Brazilian herbaria, which contributes to the lack of knowledge about their current conservation status. We conducted a complete taxonomic revision based on extensive fieldwork, a herbarium survey, along with literature study. Based on this, we propose to recognize three previously described species, supporting the acceptance of five native Magnolias occurring in Brazil, namely: M. amazonica, M. brasiliensis, M. irwiniana, M. ovata and M. sellowiana. However, we follow the Flora do Brasil in maintaining M. paranaensis as a synonym of M. ovata. Additionally, we designate a lectotype for M. sellowiana. We present morphological descriptions and the geographic distribution for each species, in addition to an identification key to all of these plus the two introduced ornamental species from Asia and North America, illustrations, photographs, ecological data, updated conservation status and taxonomic notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary Biological samples and their associated information are an essential resource used by scientists, governments, policymakers, practitioners and communities to ensure that biodiversity can be appropriately protected and sustainably used. Yet, considering the enormous task of documenting the vast numbers of as‐yet‐unknown plant and fungal species, greater international coordination for biological collecting and recording is necessary, built on equitable collecting practices and standards. Here, we propose five commitments to accelerate and enhance scientific knowledge of plant and fungal diversity, while increasing collaboration, benefit sharing and efficiency.Almost all life depends on plants and fungi, making knowledge of their diversity and distribution—primarily derived from biological collections—fundamental to national and international conservation, restoration and sustainable use commitments. However, it is estimated that some 15% of all plant species and over 90% of all fungal species have not yet been scientifically described, hampering our ability to assess and demonstrate the impact of efforts to halt biodiversity loss. In addition, organisations and researchers around the world lack a concerted strategy for increasing complementarity and avoiding overlap in botanical and mycological research, particularly in relation to the collection of specimens. We here present the 2030 Declaration on Scientific Plant and Fungal Collecting, summarising a commitment towards such a necessary strategy. Its components were identified from discussions during and after a series of four workshops and plenary discussions at the 2023 State of the World's Plants and Fungi symposium convened by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and were then consolidated into the present form by the authors. The Declaration was subsequently opened up for endorsement by signatories. Collectively, we agree on a set of five commitments for cataloguing the world's flora and funga, designed to maximise efficiency, facilitate knowledge exchange and promote equitable collaborations: (1) use evidence‐based collection strategies; (2) strengthen local capacity; (3) collaborate across taxa and disciplines; (4) collect for the future; and (5) share the benefits. This Declaration is a first step towards increased global and regional coordination of scientific collecting efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

is a highly diverse genus in Brazil, particularly the south-eastern region, and most especially in the Atlantic Forest. Recent phylogenetic studies have helped clarify the intricate subgeneric classification of the genus, although some species remain to be sampled, and further studies are necessary to ascertain their systematic placement in the genus. Here, a palynological description of nine species occurring in a patch of Atlantic Forest, in the State of São Paulo, is provided. Three of these have not yet been sampled in molecular studies. The pollen of D. tauriglossum had never been characterised before. Dioscorea pollen are spheroidal to ellipsoidal, small to medium in size (the larger dimensions in D. dodecaneura and the smaller in D. amaranthoides), with disulculate aperture. The pollen wall ornamentation contributed to the segregation of two species – psilate-perforate (D. altissima, syn. D. choncrocarpa) and rugulate-perforate (D. monadelpha), as well as the separation of the other seven species in two groups – microreticulate (D. dodecaneura, D. multiflora, D. tauriglossum), and striate (D. amaranthoides, D. laxiflora, D. olfersiana, D. trilinguis). Systematic implications of the palynological variation found are discussed under the light of recent molecular phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics in the family Convolvulaceae Juss. (particularly in formerly recognized tribe Merremieae) have brought new insights on generic delimitation. Therefore, many species were transferred across genera to accommodate the new classification. However, additional morphological and molecular analyses are still needed to address the affinities and position of some species formerly included in Merremia Dennst. ex Endl.s.l. and allied genera. In this study, we provide a phylogenetic framework for the placement of Indian species in a new generic arrangement and to address the status of doubtful distinct species. Distimake rhyncorhiza (Dalzell) A.R. Simões & Staples is proved to have its place in Distimake Raf., while Operculina tansaensis Santapau & Patel is validated as a distinct species from O. turpethum (L.) Silva Manso. A nomenclatural clarification for the misuse of the name "Merremia gangetica (L.) Cufod". in India is provided, with an encouragement to use the correct name Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f. The addition of the Indian species to the molecular phylogeny suggests the possible non-monophyly of Camonea Raf., and a new placement for Camonea vitifolia (Burm.f.) A.R. Simões & Staples, albeit still weakly supported. We have provided morphological descriptions, distribution maps and notes on nomenclature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscuta mantiqueirana Costea, S.S. Silva & Sim.-Bianch. a new species from montane cloud forests of the Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil, is described and illustrated. The morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species belongs to sect. Subulatae of subg. Grammica. The new species is related to C. odorata var. botryoides, C. rotundiflora and C. globiflora from which it differs in narrower calyx lobes and the presence of four stomatiferous lobes or projections at the distal part of the ovary. A detailed morphological comparison with C. odorata var. botryoides, morphologically the most similar taxon, is provided along with the geographical distribution, ecology and host range of the species. The morphological and phylogenetic relationships of the new species, as well as the diversity of stomatiferous projections, are discussed in the broader context of sect. Subulatae and subg. Grammica. Cuscuta boliviana var. paranensis is considered a synonym of C. odorata var. botryoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]