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QUESTIONS: Studies on bryophyte and lichen diversity patterns along elevational gradients are scarce, although this approach can serve as space‐for‐time substitution to predict diversity changes because of climate warming. Therefore, we investigated bryophytes and macrolichens in disturbed and undisturbed stands along an elevational gradient in the unique laurel forest of Madeira island by addressing the following questions: (a) how does the species richness of functional‐taxonomic bryophyte and macrolichen groups differ with elevation; (b) how is the species richness of these groups affected by disturbances? LOCATION: UNESCO World Natural Heritage site laurel forest of Madeira island (Madeira, Portugal). METHODS: We analyzed species richness of bryophytes and macrolichens in 92 plots in response to elevation and to disturbances. RESULTS: Bryophyte species richness showed a mid‐elevational peak, while macrolichen richness increased with elevation. Disturbed plots harbored on average 20% less bryophyte and macrolichen species than undisturbed plots. CONCLUSIONS: The laurel forest of Madeira island is a bryophyte and lichen diversity hotspot. Our findings indicate future biodiversity threats by changing environmental conditions. This calls for the need for a strict protection status of the laurel forest on Madeira island to minimize human‐related disturbances, for the development of management measures that could mitigate climate change effects by maximizing habitat suitability and for the implementation of species conservation programs to prevent future extinctions, in particular of endemic species.

The cosmopolitan genus Porella L. is the largest genus of Porellaceae with about 50–60 species (Schuster, 1980). Identification of Porella species can be difficult, due to high morphological plasti...

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Relationships of the eight species of the liverwort genus Radula occurring in Portugal (mainland, the Madeira and Azores archipelagos), including the Macaronesian endemics R. jonesii and R. wichurae, were evaluated based on molecular, phytochemical and morphological–anatomical data. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed with sequences from three plastid DNA markers (trnS GGA-rps4 spacer, rps4 gene, trnL UAA intron), volatile oil compounds, as well as qualitative morphological–anatomical characters. In addition, the molecular data were subjected to maximum likelihood analysis. The eight taxa, R. aquilegia, R. carringtonii, R. complanata, R. holtii, R. jonesii, R. lindenbergiana, R. nudicaulis and R. wichurae, can be clearly distinguished from each other, either by molecular data alone or by combination of characters from all three data sets. Radula aquilegia is monophyletic according to the molecular data, but shows considerable, yet undescribed intraspecific morphological and phytochemica...

The volatiles isolated by distillation - extraction from 48 samples of seven liverwort Radula species collected on Azores and Madeira archipelagos and mainland Portugal, as well as one from Switzerland, were analysed by GC and GC-MS. Cluster analysis of the volatiles composition resulted in two major clusters. The chemically very diverse cluster I included the oil samples of Radula aquilegia from Madeira, R. jonesii, R. holtii, R. nudicaulis, R. lindenbergiana as well as R. complanata from Switzerland. Cluster II was characterized by high relative amounts of several sesquiterpenes and included the oil samples of R. aquilegia from the Azores as well as R. carringtonii and R. wichurae. 3-Methoxy bibenzyl was the major oil component from R. complanata and R. lindenbergiana. Except for R. aquilegia and the closely related species R. complanata and R. lindenber- giana, the cluster analysis allows distinction of all studied species, indicating the chemotaxonomical value of the volatile oil characters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical and genetic differences of 11 individuals of Angelica lignescens and 3 individuals of Melanoselinum decipiens were studied to determine whether volatile components could be used as taxonomical markers and to examine the correlation between molecular and chemical markers. The volatiles were isolated from each individual by distillation–extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The same plants were analyzed by Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) using 14 arbitrary primers. The main component of volatile fraction isolated from vegetative aerial parts of A. lignescens was limonene (57–86%) while in M. decipiens the main components detected were β-pinene (38–47%) and sabinene (1–33%). Cluster analyses based both on the chemical composition of volatile fraction and on molecular markers grouped the 14 accessions in two main groups, corresponding to each of the two species under study. Considering the species together, a moderate Pearson's correlation of r = 0.61 was obtained between the two analyses.

Asterella africana (Mont.) A. Evans was collected on Madeira and in mainland Portugal at distinct locations and collection dates. The morphology of this marchantioid liverwort was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The Madeiran A. africana showed a large variability in spore and elater dimensions, but marked differences have not been found in most of the morphological characters. Essential oil samples isolated by distillation-extraction were analysed by GC and GC–MS. These samples were dominated by the monoterpene fraction (79–84%); the sesquiterpene and non-terpenoid fractions amounted to 1–2% and 4–8%, respectively. Myrtenyl acetate (30–42%) and α-pinene (10–17%) were the dominant components of all A. africana oil samples; the percentage contents of the other main components differed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The composition of the essential oils isolated from 24 populations of Thymus caespititius collected on Corvo, Flores, Sao Miguel and Terceira (Azores) and on Madeira were studied by GC and GC–MS. All the oil samples analysed were dominated by their monoterpene fraction (66–89%). In the Azorean populations, the proportion of the oxygenated monoterpenes (51–79%) was higher than that of the monoterpene hydrocarbons (8–27%). In contrast, the monoterpene hydrocarbons and the oxygenated monoterpenes represented 35–44 and 42–43%, respectively, of the total oils from the populations grown on Madeira. Cluster analysis of the identified components with a concentration ≥1% grouped the oils into three main clusters that corresponded with their main components: carvacrol (41–65%), thymol (35–51%) and α-terpineol (33–37%). Although the populations collected on Madeira were grouped in the same cluster, the chiral analysis of sabinene, terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol showed that there was a clear chemical polymorphism. Actually, in the oils from two populations (−)-sabinene, (−)-terpinen-4-ol and (+)-α-terpineol were the predominant enantiomers while in that from the third population an opposite ratio was found. The chemical polymorphism of the essential oils from T. caespititius may result either from the genetic variability of the populations or from the influence of edaphic factors.

Plagiochila is one of the most frequent bryophyte genera in Madeira, inhabiting almost all habitats of the Madeiran laurel forest (Laurisilva). Results on the biodiversity, ecology and molecular relationships based on nuclear ribosomal ITS1 and ITS2 sequences of all Plagiochila species referred to Madeira Archipelago are summarized with the aims to provide (i) a first molecular confirmation of a species inventory of a bryophyte genus in a specific geographic region and (ii) a bryophyte example for displaying biogeographic affinities of the Madeiran laurel forest. The molecular analyses confirm the presence of nine species in Madeira, which belong to four sections: Plagiochila sect. Arrectae, sect. Rutilantes, sect. Vagae and sect. Plagiochila. Section Arrectae is represented in Madeira by five species, P. bifaria, P. punctata, P. retrorsa, P. spinulosa, and P. stricta. Section Rutilantes is represented by P. exigua and the Macaronesian endemic P. maderensis, which is reported for the first time to Canary Is. The sections Vagae and Plagiochila are represented by a single species each, P. virginica and P. porelloides, respectively. The molecular data indicate strong biogeographic affinities of the Madeiran Plagiochila flora with Central and northern South America, and to a lesser extent with Africa and Continental Europe. The environmental conditions found in Madeira Island, especially

Essential oils isolated by distillation–extraction from P. bifaria, P. maderensis, P. retrorsa and P. stricta, collected on Madeira, were analysed by GC and GC–MS. Methyl everninate (1–35%), peculiaroxide (13–16%) and ent-eudesm-4(15)-ene-6-one (9–19%) were the main components in all P. bifaria specimens analysed. Terpinolene (34–60%) dominated the oils isolated from P. maderensis specimens. β-Phellandrene (16–46%) was the main component of two of the three specimens of P. retrorsa, allo-ocimene (15%), terpinolene (13%), peculiaroxide (12%) and neo-allo-ocimene (10%) being the main components of the third specimen. P. stricta oils were dominated by peculiaroxide (11–21%), allo-ocimene (7–19%), bicyclogermacrene (4–17%), neo-allo-ocimene (4–11%) and spathulenol (2–14%). Essential oil cluster analysis showed a high degree of similarity between three of the four species studied, the least correlated being P. maderensis oils. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Four samples, from two populations, of the liverwort Marchesinia mackaii were collected on Madeira and at the mainland of Portugal, at different collection times. The oil yields determined by hydrodistillation attained 0.5% (v/w). The essential oils isolated by distillation-extraction were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main components (>5%) were α-asarone (23–31%), 2,4,5-trimethoxyallylbenzene (10–23%), (E)-methyl isoeugenol (12–19%), β-asarone (11–13%) and β caryophyllene (7–16%).

Summary The morphology and the distribution of the trichomes on the vegetative and reproductive organs of two endemic Teucrium species of Macaronesia (T. betonicum and T. heterophyllum) were studied by SEM. Both species possess an indumentum constituted by long, morphologically different non-glandu- lar trichomes and three types of glandular ones, differently distributed, depending on the organ studied. The particular distribution of the glandular trichomes on the inner surface of the corolla and on the anther filament seems to be of taxonomical importance.

The composition of the essential oils isolated from different aerial parts of Argyranthemum pinnatifidum (L. fil.) Lowe ssp. pinnatifidum and of A. haemotomma (Lowe) Lowe was analysed by GC and GC-MS. The oils were isolated separately from the flowers, and from the leaves collected during the flowering period and the vegetative phase of the plants. The oil yields varied from

The chemical composition of leaf oils of Helichrysum melaleucum Rchb. ex Holl., Oenanthe divaricata (R. Br.) Mabb. and Persea indica (L.) Spreng. were studied by GC and GC/MS. Twelve compounds of the oil of H. melaleucum were identified of which β-caryophyllene (35.4%) and γ-curcumene (22.3%) were the major components; 36 compounds of the oil of O. divaricata were identified of which β-bisabolene (17.7%), limonene (16.0%) and β-caryophyllene (15.3%) were the major components, while 55 compounds of the oil of P. indica were identified of which (E)-avocadodienofuran (15.3%), (E)-avocadenynofuran (13.2%) and β-caryophyllene (11.0%) were the major components.

The composition of the essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of Micromeria varia Benth. ssp. thymoides (Sol. ex Lowe) Perez var. thymoides, collected during the vegetative phase and the flowering period of the plant, was analysed by GC and GC-MS. Both oils consisted mainly of monoterpenes (62-69%), α-pinene being the major component (20-35%). Geranial (16%) and trans-nerolidol (15%) were the second and third most important constituents of the oil from the aerial parts collected during the vegetative phase of the plant, and β-caryophyllene epoxide (12%) and β-caryophyllene (10%) during the flowering period. The sesquiterpene fraction amounting to 27% of both oils, was dominated by trans-nerolidol (15%) during the vegetative phase, and by β-caryophyllene epoxide (12%) during the flowering period of the plant.

The composition of the essential oils from different aerial parts of Lavandula pinnata L. fil. var. pinnata was analysed by GC and GC-MS. The oils were isolated separately from flowering tops, and from leaves and stems collected during the flowering period and the vegetative phase of the plant. The three oil samples consisted mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons (37-80%), whereas oxygen-containing monoterpenes were hardly present (2-4%). β-Phellandrene (12-32%) was the main component of the oils analysed, and α-phellandrene (6-l6%) the second most important monoterpene. The sesquiterpene fraction of the oils (13-22%) was also characterized by hydrocarbons of which β-caryophyllene (11% of each oil) formed the major part. Phenylacetaldehyde amounted to 6-9% of the leaf oils. Common major components of lavender oils were not found in the oils or were present in very small amounts only.

The composition of the essential oils from different aerial parts of Artemisia argentea L'Her. was analysed by GC and GC-Ms. The oils were isolated separately from flower heads, and from leaves collected during the flowering period and the vegetative phase of the plant. The composition of the oils did not differ to a large extent. The tree oil samples consisted mainly of monoterpenes (67-73%). α-Phellandrene (25-27%) was the dominant component of the oils analysed, while isopinocamphone (cis-3-pinanone; 7-12%) was the second most important monoterpene. The sesquiterpene fraction amounting to 21-27% of the oils, was dominated by β-caryophyllene (5-8%) and β-eudesmol (8% in each oil sample)

The composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts of Melanoselinum decipiens (Schrad. & Wendl.) Hoffm., collected during the vegetative phase on Madeira and on the Azores, respectively, was analysed by GC and GC–MS. Both oils consisted mainly of monoterpenes (87% and 86% for Madeiran and Azorean oils, respectively), β-pinene (72%) and limonene (82%) being the main components of the Madeiran and Azorean oils, respectively. The sesquiterpene fraction attained 7% of the oil isolated from the Madeiran plants, whereas 5% was found in the oil isolated from the Azorean M. decipiens, the latter consisting only of hydrocarbons. This oil contained a higher non-terpenoid fraction, dominated by n-nonane (4%), than that of the Madeiran M. decipiens (7% and 1%, respectively). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The composition of the essential oils isolated separately from leaves and from inflorescences of Monizia edulis Lowe was analysed by GC and GC–MS. During the flowering period of the plant, monoterpenes were the most abundant components of both oils (57% of the leaf oil and 51% of the oil from the inflorescences). γ-Terpinene (37% and 44% of the two oils, respectively) and myristicin (18% and 40% respectively) were the predominant oil components. The sesquiterpene fraction of the leaf oil (16%) was dominated by zingiberene (8%) and β-caryophyllene (7%), whereas that of the oil from the inflorescences (4%) contained β-caryophyllene (4%) as the major component. During the vegetative phase of the plant, myristicin (37%) was the main component of the essential oil isolated from the leaves. In this oil, the monoterpenes amounted to 40%, γ-terpinene (21%) and trans-β-ocimene (14%) being main components. The sesquiterpene fraction was rather small (9%), and β-caryophyllene (8%) was its most abundant component. n-Alkanes (14%) constituted another important fraction of this oil. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The essential oils isolated from twigs of Juniperus cedrus Webb & Berth. grown on Madeira were analysed by GC, GC-MS and 13C-NMR. The oils consisted mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons (53.1-87.8%), the main ones being alpha-pinene (19.6-55.3%), limonene (17.3-32.7%) and Delta-3-carene (5.5-15.7%). The sesquiterpenoid fraction (4.1-22.3%) was dominated by E-caryophyllene (1.6-7.4%), while sandaracopimaradiene (0.1-6.1%), isoabienol (0.5-1.3%) and trans-totarol (0.4-2.2%) were the main diterpenoids (2.2-11.9%). Oct-1-en-3-ol (1.0-2.2%) was the major constituent of the non-terpenic fraction (1.3-2.7%). The composition of our oil samples differed to some extent from that reported for J. cedrus oil grown on the Canary Islands. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ffj.1061

The chemical composition of the leaf oil of Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco var. longifolia (O. Kuntze) Kunk. was studied by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-six compounds were identified, of which 2-tetradecanone (11.7%), 1,8-cineole (10.0%), α-cadinol (7.7%) and δ-3-carene (6.1%) were the major components.

The peculiar disjunction between Macaronesia and Australasia of the morphologically isolated pleurocarpous moss genus Echinodium is one of the most prominent questions in bryology. Echinodium as traditionally circumscribed comprises six extant species, four restricted to the Macaronesian archipelagos and two confined to the Australasian/Pacific regions. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on plastid trnLUAA intron and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences indicate that Echinodium is polyphyletic and split into three groups. Three of the four Macaronesian species (E. spinosum and the single island endemics E. renauldii and E. setigerum) are closely related to each other and treated as Echinodium s.str. (Echinodiaceae). Further clarification of the relationships of Echinodium s.str. with Orthostichella, a segregate of Lembophyllaceae, is needed. The remaining Macaronesian species, E. prolixum, is transferred to Isothecium (Lembophyllaceae); this systematic position is also strongly supported by leaf characters. The two Australasian species, E. hispidum and E. umbrosum, are molecularly unrelated to the Macaronesian species and are transferred to Thamnobryum in the Neckeraceae. While the molecular data suggest that the peculiar distribution pattern of ‘Echinodium’ is an artefact, the striking morphological similarity observed in Macaronesian and Australasian species cannot be dismissed. Possible explanations are: (i) parallel morphological evolution of the ‘Echinodium habit’ in Macaronesia and Australasia, or (ii) retention of a set of plesiomorphic characters in non-related groups in relict habitats, the Macaronesian laurel forest and the austral temperate rain forests, respectively. Of these hypotheses, the evolutionary parallelism hypothesis seems more plausible for several reasons, which are discussed.