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Pontederiaceae is a small family of Monocots, composed of two genera (i.e., Heteranthera and Pontederia) and ca. 40 species. Two genera and 27 species are accepted for Brazil. In the state of Espírito Santo, Heteranthera is represented by two species and Pontederia by four species. Its species are exclusively found growing in aquatic or paludal, perennial or seasonal environments. We present descriptions, comments, and illustrations for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: The Crato Konservat‐Lagerstätte in Brazil preserves an exceptionally rich assemblage of plant macrofossils from the Early Cretaceous (late Aptian), including rare early angiosperm fossils related to Nymphaeales, monocots, and magnoliids, and a variety of angiosperms of uncertain affinities. Macrofossils of eudicot angiosperms have not been described previously, despite the presence of tricolpate pollen. We describe a fossil leaf with morphology characteristic of eudicot angiosperms. Methods: The fossil was collected from a quarry in the Lower Cretaceous (late Aptian) Crato Formation of northeastern Brazil in the state of Ceará. We compared the leaf architecture with that of ferns, gymnosperms, and similar living and fossil angiosperms. Results: The leaf of Baderadea pinnatissecta gen. et sp. nov. is simple and petiolate, with leaf architecture similar to that of some herbaceous Ranunculales. The blade is 5 cm long and the margin is untoothed and twice pinnately lobed with narrow lobes (pinnatisect). The primary vein framework is pinnate and there are multiple orders of reticulate venation. Conclusions: The combination of characters preserved in the fossil supports the interpretation that B. pinnatissecta was an herbaceous eudicot similar to some members of Ranunculales and distinguished from other lobate Aptian angiosperms by leaf shape, presence of multiple orders of reticulate venation, and the absence of glandular teeth. The presence of eudicots in the flora of the Crato was already supported by pollen; the discovery of macrofossils like these provides additional information about their morphology and ecological role in low‐latitude Early Cretaceous plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an inventory of the fern, lycophyte and non-palm monocotyledon ground-herbs of terra firme riparian forests in the lower Tapajós region of the Brazilian Amazon. Eight 1.5 x 250 m plots, totaling 0.3 hectares, were surveyed along the watersheds of the Cupari and Curuá-Una rivers, located at the Tapajós National Forest, Pará, Brazil. To characterize the ground-herb community, we calculated species richness, abundance and Fisher's alpha for each plot. To analyze turnover, we compared composition among plots by pairwise Bray-Curtis distance. In total, we sampled 3,130 individuals, 58 species, 27 genera and 20 families of riparian ground-herbs. Marantaceae (14 spp) was the richest family and Poaceae the most abundant family (738 individuals). The fern Triplophyllum glabrum (Tectariaceae) was the most frequent species, observed in 87.5 % of plots. Ground-herbs communities in the studied area have high species turnover, making it necessary to invest time and resources to adequately characterize and manage riparian habitats. The ground-herb community composition observed in the riparian zone here resembles that of other non-riparian forested sites in the Amazon with the plant families Marantaceae, Pteridaceae and Poaceae generally being the most commonly represented in the Amazonian ground-herb stratum. We highlight the importance of herb inventories, especially in conservation units. [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]

As a contribution to the infrageneric delimitation in the genus Vriesea pollen morphology of 17 species of the genus is described, with original data for 14 of the species. The pollen grains are heteropolar, with ellipsoidal amb, monosulcate, sulci marginate, reticulate with calota microreticulate or psilate-perforate. Variations in the dimensions of the structures, presence or absence of microreticula surrounding the lumina of the reticulum, type of ornamentation on the equatorial calota, difference in the exine thickness, and walls simplecolumellate or duplicolumellate, have helped in the separation of groups, and were important for the Palynotaxonomy of the genus. Proximity between species previously grouped by vegetative, reproductive and/or anatomical structures similarity, was confirmed for V. friburgensis and V. neoglutinosa, and for V. medusa and V. nanuzae. Vriesea bituminosa and V. neoglutinosa have demonstrated to share palynological similarities, although belonging to different sections, Xiphion and Vriesea, respectively. The pollen grains of V. flava and V. philippocoburgii, both from section Vriesea, were very similar, despite neither presenting similarities in the reproductive characters nor a close molecular phylogenetic relationship, thus suggesting a convergent evolution for this character. Such findings confirm the weakness of the delimitations of these two sections reported by previous studies. Our results allowed an improved morphological characterisation of genus Vriesea and could contributed to a biossytematic approach towards the resolution of species complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpho-anatomical studies of fruits are scarce in monocotyledons and particularly for the Brazilian species of Velloziaceae, a small family of monocots characteristic of the campo rupestre vegetation of Brazil. The main fruit types found in Velloziaceae are poricidal and loculicidal capsules, but capsule morphology is variable, which has led to discrepancies regarding fruit descriptions and terminology. In this study, we aimed to analyse fruit development in Brazilian Velloziaceae to obtain a better understanding of capsule dehiscence and to elucidate and describe in detail the fruit types occurring in the family. Based on our results, we discuss the terminology used to describe capsules of some species, e.g. capsules of Vellozia minima and V. epidendroides , previously classified as poricidal, should be called apical loculicidal, as they form three slits on the uppermost part of each carpel that are prevented from extending downwards by the precocious lignification of the pericarp. Capsules of Barbacenia purpurea , B. riparia and B. plantaginea have been classified using various terms, but they fit the definition of fissuricidal capsule and should be classified as such. We also propose an improved analysis for the character 'fruit type', previously used in phylogenetic reconstructions of Velloziaceae. We changed some states following the fruit reclassification proposed here and added a new state, 'capsule opening through lateral irregular aperture', to the character. Additionally, eight new phylogenetic characters derived from ovary and fruit characteristics are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nomenclatural correction in Cryptanthus Otto & A. Dietrich. (Bromeliaceae - Bromelioideae). A nomenclatural correction of the author name of Cryptanthus zonatus, an endemic species of Northeastern Brazil, is provided. A new synonym of this species is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poales represents a major part of Angiosperm and Monocot diversity. The families encompass ca. 20,000 species which is about 7% of the Angiosperms and 33% of the Monocots. Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae, Eriocaulaceae, Juncaceae, Mayacaceae, Poaceae, Rapateaceae, Thurniaceae, Typhaceae, and Xyridaceae are the families represented in the Neotropics. In general terms some areas in the Neotropics could be considered hotspots for Poales with a high number of species in several genera and several centers of endemism - the Guayana Shield, Espinhaço Range and Atlantic Forest are highly diverse in Poales. In terms of the Brazilian flora, the order is well represented in the entire country with almost 4,400 species. It represents more than 50% of the total number of species of Monocotyledons in Brazil. The main goal here is to summarize the available information and provide an overview of the Poales in the Neotropics. The state of knowledge for each family, focused on the Brazilian flora, is provided and reinforces the importance of new studies in key-groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers information on the distribution extension and first records of biodiversity in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. It primarily accounts the occurrence of new species in the state, centering on the existence of plantae, liliopsida, arales, araceae, dracontioides desciscens, lemna aequinoctialis and montrichardia linifera. It also explores the distribution of these species in Sergipe, accounting the data from the SpeciesLink and World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Furthermore, details on the occurrence of these species only in Brazil, as well as the potential existence of these plants in other regions are discussed.

• Tropical inselbergs are centers of diversity for desiccation-tolerant mat-forming monocots. • Cyperaceae, Poaceae and Velloziaceae are the main Poikilohydric monocot families on tropical inselbergs. • Species diversity and endemism of Poikilohydric monocot-mats varies considerably along the tropics. Desiccation-tolerant mat-forming monocotyledons (DTMFM) are typical constituents of the vegetation of tropical inselbergs. The latter are old granitic / gneissic rock outcrops that rise abruptly above the surrounding landscape. Due to unpredictable droughts, they are centers of diversity for dry adapted species such as vascular resurrection plants (poikilohydric species). Carpet-like mats formed by highly specialized DTMFM occur on open, partly steep slopes where they are firmly glued to the underlying rock. These mats are widespread on both Neotropical (mainly Brazil) and Paleotropical (Africa, Madagascar, India) inselbergs. Within angiosperms, exclusively members of Cyperaceae, Poaceae and Velloziaceae are DTMFM. Here, we compiled 32 DTMFM species on tropical inselbergs. Nevertheless, since ecophysiological studies focused on this particular group of plants are still incipient, we expect that many more species display this strategy on tropical inselbergs. Our overview provides updated insights into selected biogeographical, ecological and molecular aspects of DTMFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflorescences in Bromeliaceae are indeterminate, supported by a terminal scape of variable size, and with bracts of variable position, number, colour, shape and texture. Aechmea is the most diverse genus of Bromelioideae ( c. 220 species) having large inflorescences of variable size and shape. Aechmea subgenus Chevaliera comprises 21 taxa distributed throughout Central and South America, with a centre of species richness in eastern Brazil. A study of the inflorescence morphology of 15 Brazilian species is presented here ( A. alopecurus, A. castanea, A. conifera, A. depressa, A. digitata, A. hostilis, A. leucolepis, A. multiflora, A. muricata, A. ornata, A. perforata, A. rodriguesiana, A. saxicola, A. sphaerocephala and Aechmea sp. nov. unpublished). The study was based on living specimens and herbarium material with the inflorescence architecture observed at different developmental stages. The study describes the architectural form of the inflorescences in full flower or with at least half of the flowers open, as fruit development may produce architectural changes in the axis. The inflorescence in the subgenus ranges from simple to compound. Spicate inflorescences are the basic pattern, and a capituliform pattern is reported here for the first time in Bromeliaceae. Compound inflorescences are the rarest form in the subgenus, being represented by racemes of spikes. Descriptions, illustrations and schematic diagrams are presented. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158, 584–592. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more than 56,000 species (excluding fungi), Brazil has one of the richest floras in the world—nearly 19% of the world flora. Our knowledge of the diversity and status of nonvascular plants in Brazil is still fragmentary, although localized studies on algae have revealed loss of species resulting from environmental pollution. Emphasis on local floral surveys, rather than wider taxonomic studies, has obscured estimates of national totals for most taxonomic groups. Knowledge of angiosperms, especially monocotyledons (of which 45% of the species are endemic), is more complete than most. For this group figures are more reliable, with some distribution patterns, endemism levels, and centers of diversity identified. Much, however, still awaits discovery. Coordinated efforts to catalog Brazil's flora are in progress and include projects such as the conservation priority-setting workshops of the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, which have identified key conservation areas in the major biomes; development of threatened species lists for plants; and the assembly of type data on species of northeastern Brazil through the Darwin Initiative—all of which greatly assist in increasing our knowledge. These initiatives also underline the urgent need to expand the numbers and geographic spread of projects on plant systematics and taxonomy in Brazil, a measure that demands adequate provision of funding and training programs for plant specialists. Finally, Brazil's environmental agency (IBAMA) could play a proactive role in opening protected areas under its jurisdiction, thereby facilitating botanical research by university departments and research institutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the quality of tank water in bromeliad species in various elevation in southeastern Brazil. Ecological significance of the aquatic systems; Methodology of the study; Discussion on the results of the study.

Abstract: Weed management is among the main factors limiting cultivation of castor (Ricinus communis) in extensive fields, particularly when labor is scarce or expensive. This experiment evaluated the efficiency of weed management programs using preemergence (clomazone, pendimethalin, and trifluralin) and a postemergence herbicide (chlorimuron-ethyl) applied at 20 days after emergence in castor plants cv. BRS Energia under rainfed conditions in Apodi, Brazil. No phytotoxicity was observed on the castor plants, and the postemergence herbicide significantly increased castor seed yield to 1466kgha−1 complementing the weed control of preemergence herbicides treatments in which seed yield was 1207kgha−1. Seed yield on weedy and weed-free treatments was 760 and 1971kgha−1, respectively. Weeds were kept under a satisfactory control up to 40 days after emergence. This program resulted in reasonable weed control because the preemergence herbicides controled monocotyledon weeds, while the postemergence herbicide controlled broad leafed species being selective to castor plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the research on an organic sediment sample for benthic macroinvertebrate community analyses. It notes the application of copper sulfate to reservoir systems in Brazil. It also mentions the presence of oligochaete species inside the monocotyledon stems in the Guarapiranga reservoir.

The genus Cephalocarpus (Cyperaceae), of South American distribution is represented by four species. The present work extends the distribution of Cephalocarpus cofertus Gilly based on analysis of samples from the Missouri Botanical Garden Herbarium, literature and online databases. As a result this species is reported for Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela and is removed from the endemic status for Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the bromeliads and cacti found in the Tabuleiro woodland in northeastern Brazil. Aechmea lingulata; Pilosocereus; Hohenbergia ramageana.