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Background and Aims The Greater Cape Floristic Region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and is considered poor in polyploids. To test this assumption, ploidy variation was investigated in a widespread Cape shrub, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (renosterbos, Asteraceae). The aim was to elucidate the cytotype distribution and population composition across the species range, and to assess differences in morphology, environmental niches and genetics. Methods Ploidy level and genome size were determined via flow cytometry and cytotype assignment was confirmed by chromosome counting. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) analyses were used to infer genetic relationships. Cytotype climatic and environmental niches were compared using a range of environmental layers and a soil model, while morphological differences were examined using multivariate methods. Key Results The survey of 171 populations and 2370 individuals showed that the species comprises diploid and tetraploid cytotypes, no intermediates and only 16.8 % of mixed populations. Mean 2C values were 1.80–2.06 pg for diploids and 3.48–3.80 pg for tetraploids, with very similar monoploid genome sizes. Intra-cytotype variation showed a significant positive correlation with altitude and longitude in both cytotypes and with latitude in diploids. Although niches of both cytotypes were highly equivalent and similar, their optima and breadth were shifted due to differences mainly in isothermality and available water capacity. Morphometric analyses showed significant differences in the leaves and corolla traits, the number of florets per capitulum, and cypsela dimensions between the two cytotypes. Genetic analyses revealed four groups, three of them including both cytotypes. Conclusions Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis includes two distinct cytotypes that are genetically similar. While tetraploids arise several times independently within different genetic groups, morphological and ecological differences are evident between cytotypes. Our results open up new avenues for questions regarding the importance of ploidy in the megadiverse Cape flora, and exemplify the need for population-based studies focused on ploidy variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HAP clade, mainly including Helichrysum Mill, Anaphalis DC., and Pseudognaphalium Kirp., is a major component of tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae). In this clade, Anaphalis represents the largest genus of Asian Gnaphalieae. The intergeneric relationships among Anaphalis and its related genera and the infrageneric taxonomy of this genus are complex and remain controversial. However, there are few studies that have focused on these issues. Herein, based on the current most comprehensive sampling of the HAP clade, especially Anaphalis, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast (cp) genome and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) to evaluate the relationships within HAP clade, test the monophyly of Anaphalis, and examine the infrageneric taxonomy of this genus. Meanwhile, the morphological characters were verified to determine the circumscription and infrageneric taxonomy system of Anaphalis. Additionally, the biogeographical history, diversification processes, and evolution of crucial morphological characters were estimated and inferred. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that Anaphalis is polyphyletic because it nested with Helichrysum and Pseudognaphalium. Two and four main clades of Anaphalis were identified in cp genome and nrDNA trees, respectively. Compared with nrDNA trees, the cp genome trees were more effective for phylogenetic resolution. After comprehensively analyzing morphological and phylogenetic evidence, it was concluded that the achene surface ornamentation and leaf base showed less homoplasy and supported the two Anaphalis lineages that were inferred from cp genome. Our biogeographical analyses based on cp genome indicated that HAP clade underwent rapid diversification from late Miocene to Pliocene. The two Anaphalis lineages appeared to have originated in Africa, then spread to Western and Southern Asia, and subsequently moved into Southwestern China forming a diversity center. The dispersal patterns of the two Anaphalis lineages were different. One dispersed around the world, except in Africa and South America. The other one dispersed to Eastern and Southeastern Asia from the ancestral origin region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laphangium luteoalbum (Asteraceae) is a widely distributed species native to Eurasia; however, it is rare or endangered in some regions of Europe and included into the lists of protected species. In Lithuania, Laphangium luteoalbum was recorded in the southern part of the country, mainly along the banks of the Nemunas River in the 20th century. In contrast, it was found only in the 19th century in the western part of the country. During the research in Curonian Spit National Park (Neringa, western Lithuania), a relatively large species population was found in the transition zone between the dune grassland and wet dune slack habitats. The total population in 2020 consisted of about 500 individuals distributed over an area of about 310 m2. We assume that the seeds of this wind-dispersed plant may have been transferred from other regions of Europe by the wind. However, it cannot be excluded that the plants found are descendants of populations previously recorded in the country. The species is most threatened by the loss of wet, open sandy habitats due to eutrophication of water bodies and subsequent changes in bank vegetation. Laphangium luteoalbum was classified as data deficient (DD) in the last assessment according to the IUCN criteria. Still, a reassessment based on the current data indicates that the species should be considered critically endangered (CR) in Lithuania.

Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis is a perennial herb adapted to the severe environment of pebbled river banks, where it is frequently found. In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast genome of A. margaritacea var. yedoensis and uncovered its phylogenetic relationships with other members of Gnaphalieae. The total chloroplast genome size of A. margaritaceae var. yedoensis is 153,231 bp, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,981 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,481 bp and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 24,885 bp. A total of 136 genes were annotated, including 39 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 89 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. margaritacea var. yedoensis and another Anaphalis species, A. sinica, do not form a monophyletic group, supporting previous phylogenetic studies using some specific regions of cpDNA that showed the genus Anaphalis is non-monophyletic.

Variation in breeding systems between species of the same taxonomic group complicates the consistent application of species concepts, and perhaps even the logically consistent circumscription of species. Several genera of arid-zone ephemerals in the Angianthus clade (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae: Gnaphaliinae) contain both outcrossing and non-outcrossing species. The latter are recognised by producing an order of magnitude fewer pollen grains per anther and an often reduced number of corolla lobes, and they are frequently more widespread than are the former. In its current taxonomy, the genus Pogonolepis comprises an otherwise morphologically indistinguishable pair of one outcrossing and one non-outcrossing species. I generated sequence capture data to test the genetic segregation of P. stricta and P. muelleriana and the utility of sequence capture data for species circumscription and diagnostics. Phylogenetic analysis showed the two species to form two specimen clades, supporting the current taxonomy. Contrary to expectations, non-outcrossing P. muelleriana exhibited lower gene concordance, in line with values expected from recombination, as well as higher heterozygosity than its outcrossing sister species. More research on the breeding system and population structure of the two species may be required to explain these results. The genus Pogonolepis comprises an otherwise morphologically indistinguishable pair of one outcrossing and one non-outcrossing species. I generated sequence capture data to test the genetic segregation of P. stricta and P. muelleriana and the utility of sequence capture data for species circumscription and diagnostics. Phylogenetic analysis showed the two species to form two specimen clades, supporting the current taxonomy, but contrary to expectations, non-outcrossing P. muelleriana exhibited lower gene concordance than its outcrossing sister species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamochaeta (Compositae) is a genus of 50–80 herbaceous species with a center of diversity in South America and with several common, generally weedy species in the eastern United States. Historically, some authors recognized as few as one species in the eastern United States while others have recognized as many as eight. These increased numbers are a product of both naturalization of nonnative species and recognition of new taxa. A study was undertaken with DNA markers to assess whether the putative species of this region exhibit genetic differences and to determine if DNA markers may be useful tools for identification. One nuclear and one plastid region of DNA were sequenced, and unique nuclear markers were found for all eight recognized species and unique plastid markers were found for five of the eight species. These results support the species hypotheses for entities in this region. Unlike other genera of the Compositae (e.g., Solidago) that possess little genetic differentiation in commonly used barcoding regions of DNA, the species of Gamochaeta in the eastern United States can be identified using a single nuclear marker, and several may be identified with a single plastid marker. Given that species of Gamochaeta are naturalizing in many places on Earth, these data will provide an important resource for identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laphangium luteoalbum (Asteraceae) is a widely distributed species native to Eurasia; however, it is rare or endangered in some regions of Europe and included into the lists of protected species. In Lithuania, Laphangium luteoalbum was recorded in the southern part of the country, mainly along the banks of the Nemunas River in the 20th century. In contrast, it was found only in the 19th century in the western part of the country. During the research in Curonian Spit National Park (Neringa, western Lithuania), a relatively large species population was found in the transition zone between the dune grassland and wet dune slack habitats. The total population in 2020 consisted of about 500 individuals distributed over an area of about 310 m². We assume that the seeds of this wind-dispersed plant may have been transferred from other regions of Europe by the wind. However, it cannot be excluded that the plants found are descendants of populations previously recorded in the country. The species is most threatened by the loss of wet, open sandy habitats due to eutrophication of water bodies and subsequent changes in bank vegetation. Laphangium luteoalbum was classified as data deficient (DD) in the last assessment according to the IUCN criteria. Still, a reassessment based on the current data indicates that the species should be considered critically endangered (CR) in Lithuania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae), the Australasian clade is one of the four major clades. In Australia, the Gnaphalieae account for 488 species or approximately half of the native Asteraceae, encompassing wide ecological and morphological diversity including shrubs, everlasting paper daisies, cudweeds, alpine cushion plants, and ephemeral herbs in the arid zone. The evolution of the Australasian clade is still poorly understood. The most detailed previous infratribal classification of Gnaphalieae has recently been revised, resulting in the recognition of two subtribes, with all Australian species placed in subtribe Gnaphaliinae. The most comprehensive previous phylogeny of Australian Gnaphalieae used high‐copy ribosomal and chloroplast markers but showed limited resolution and branch support. We used conserved ortholog set data produced with sequence capture and 53 chloroplast genes to infer nuclear and chloroplast likelihood phylogenies for Australian Gnaphalieae, generating data for at least one species each from 80 of the 86 native genera. Four major clades were resolved: the Euchiton clade of cudweed‐like and alpine perennial species; the shrubby Cassinia clade; the predominantly perennial and eastern Australian Waitzia clade; and the predominantly ephemeral and western Australian to Eremaean Angianthus clade. The Cassinia, Waitzia, and Angianthus clades are largely congruent with "groups" in a previous morphological analysis and classification of Gnaphalieae. Analysis of ancestral ranges implied the temperate Southeast of Australia as the most likely area of origin for the Australian Gnaphalieae as a whole and for three of the four major clades. The Angianthus clade was implied to be ancestrally Eremaean, with a major secondary radiation originating in southwestern Australia. Our broadly sampled phylogeny provides a framework to inform sampling and design of future studies to test the circumscription of genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies within the Neotropical members of the Gnaphaliinae (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae), especially those utilizing DNA sequences, have served to refine putative generic boundaries and clarify internal classification within the subtribe. In preparation of a monographic treatment built upon DNA investigations, we describe here one new species from Bolivia, M. beckii Quip. & M.O. Dillon, sp. nov., and two from Peru, M. montesinosii Quip. & M.O. Dillon, sp. nov., and M. zapatae Quip. & M.O. Dillon, sp. nov. Further, we resurrect a valid name proposed by Weddell (1954), Merope caespititia Wedd., and provide a new combination, Mniodes caespititia (Wedd.) Quip. & M.O.Dillon, comb. nov. A diagnostic key to Mniodes species from Bolivia and Peru is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The basic structural characteristics of chloroplast genomes of Gnaphalieae were analyzed and compared. • The chloroplast genome size is much reduced for the FLAG clade, but relatively expanded for the others. • Insertion-deletion in intergenic regions are attributed to be the main factor to genome size variances in Gnaphalieae. Chloroplast genomes, as an essential source of phylogenetic information, are increasingly utilized in the evolutionary study of angiosperms. Gnaphalieae is a medium-sized tribe of the sunflower family of Asteraceae, with about 2,100 species in 178 genera distributed in temperate habitats worldwide. There has been considerable progress in our understanding of their phylogenetic evolution using both nuclear and chloroplast sequences, but no focus on chloroplast genomic data. In this study, we performed sequencing, assembly, and annotation of 16 representative chloroplast genomes from all the major lineages of Gnaphalieae. Our results showed that the plastomes exhibited a typical circular tetrad structure with similar genomic structure gene content. But there were differences in genome size, SSRs, and codon usage within the tribe. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Relhania clade is the earliest diverged lineages with the Lasiopogon clade and the Gnaphalium s.s. clade diverged subsequently. The core group includes FLAG clade sister to the HAP and Australasian group. Compared with the outgroup species, chloroplast genome size of the FLAG clade is much reduced whereas those of Australasian, HAP, Gnaphalium s.s., Lasiopogon and Relhania clades are relatively expanded. Insertions and deletions in the intergenic regions associated with repetitive sequence variations are supposed to be the main factor leading to length variations in the chloroplast genomes of Gnaphalieae. The comparative analyses of chloroplast genomes would provide useful implications into understanding the taxonomic and evolutionary history of Gnaphalieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis is a perennial herb adapted to the severe environment of pebbled river banks, where it is frequently found. In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast genome of A. margaritacea var. yedoensis and uncovered its phylogenetic relationships with other members of Gnaphalieae. The total chloroplast genome size of A. margaritaceae var. yedoensis is 153,231 bp, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,981 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,481 bp and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 24,885 bp. A total of 136 genes were annotated, including 39 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 89 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. margaritacea var. yedoensis and another Anaphalis species, A. sinica, do not form a monophyletic group, supporting previous phylogenetic studies using some specific regions of cpDNA that showed the genus Anaphalis is non-monophyletic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasiantennaria R. J. Bayer & M. O. Dillon, a new genus from the central Andes distributed from Peru to Bolivia, is described and illustrated. It is characterized among Andean Gnaphalieae by its dioecious or polygamo-dioecious breeding system, cespitose, perennial herbs, basal rosulate leaves, capitulescences scapose, cymose-corymbose. It most closely resembles Antennaria Gaertn., a typically northern hemispheric genus; however, it differs in its achenial trichomes and relationships suggested by DNA sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aromatic plant immortelle contains valuable bioactive molecules and a unique fragrance. These key factors contribute to its attractiveness and implementation in agricultural ecosystems as well as applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In this study, we have characterized the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum from the North Adriatic region. The total genome size was 152,431 bp in length, containing 85 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 partial genes (ycf1 and rps19). Based on the available chloroplast genomes from Gnaphalieae tribe, the closest relationship was identified with Anaphalis sinica.

Changes in the generic boundaries, as suggested by DNA sequence data, have altered concepts of Andean Asteraceae, specifically Belloa J. Rémy, Lucilia Cass., and Mniodes (A.Gray) Benth. (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae). Over the past 30 years, numerous changes in classification and the resulting transfers have generated confusion. This paper provides a short history of these changes and current information for these genera as they exist in Andean South America. Further, other transfers are provided as suggested by results of sequence analysis data and newly proposed generic concepts: Belloa eriophora (J. Rémy) M. O. Dillon, comb. nov., and Belloa nivea (Phil.) M. O. Dillon, comb. nov. Changes in the diagnosis of Mniodes necessitates the following transfers: Mniodes argentea (Wedd.) M. O. Dillon, comb. nov., M. spathulifolia (Sagást. & M. O. Dillon) M. O. Dillon, comb. nov. and M. turneri (Sagást. & M. O. Dillon) M. O. Dillon, comb. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Relhania clade" is a relatively species-poor lineage that is sister to the remaining members of the paper daisy tribe Gnaphalieae. Although the monophyly of the Relhania clade is well established, previous molecular studies are based on fairly sparse sampling. Here, we explore clade membership and generic circumscription using plastid and nuclear DNA sequence data, and near-complete species-level sampling of all putative member genera. Two subclades are recovered within the Relhania clade: (i) clade I housing the genera Alatoseta, Athrixia, Pentatrichia and Phagnalon, all monophyletic as currently circumscribed; and (ii) clade II, containing the genera Antithirixia, Comborhiza, Oedera, Oreoleyesera, Relhania and Rosenia; the annual or otherwise "short-lived" genera Leysera, Nestlera and Rhynchopsidium; as well as a subclade in which the monospecific Arrowsmithia is embedded within Macowania. A new taxonomic treatment involving 12 new combinations is proposed for the two latter genera. Only demonstrably monophyletic and diagnosable genera are recognised, involving the erection of a novel monospecific genus, Fluminaria, to house Macowania pinifolia, and the transfer of the remaining members of Macowania to Arrowsmithia. Updated descriptions and keys are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global flora is thought to contain a large proportion of herbs, and understanding the general spatiotemporal processes that shaped the global distribution of these communities is one of the most difficult issues in biogeography., We explored patterns of world-wide biogeography in a species-rich herbaceous group, the paper daisy tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae), based on the hitherto largest taxon sampling, a total of 835 terminal accessions representing 80% of the genera, and encompassing the global geographic range of the tribe, with nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and external transcribed spacer (ETS) sequences., Biogeographic analyses indicate that Gnaphalieae originated in southern Africa during the Oligocene, followed by repeated migrations into the rest of Africa and the Mediterranean region, with subsequent entries into other continents during various periods starting in the Miocene., Expansions in the late Miocene to Pliocene appear to have been the driving force that shaped the global distribution of the tribe as forests were progressively broken up by the mid-continent aridification and savannas and grasslands expanded into the interior of the major continents. This pattern of recent colonizations may explain the world-wide distribution of many other organisms in open ecosystems and it is highlighted here as an emerging pattern in the evolution of the global flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small southern African genus Philyrophyllum (Asteraceae) has traditionally been placed amongst the basal lineages of tribe Gnaphalieae, close to the Namibian-centred genus Pentatrichia. However, a recent plastid phylogeny placed Philyrophyllum distant from Pentatrichia within the Gnaphalieae crown radiation, a finding that is strongly contradicted by a suite of morphological synapormorphies that are otherwise unvarying within the crown radiation. In the present study, two linked nuclear loci (ITS, ETS) and one plastid region (trnL-trnF) are sequenced to determine the phylogenetic position of Philyrophyllum, with the addition of available plastid psbA-trnH spacer and ndhF sequences for outgroup taxa. Maximum likelihood bootstrap and Bayesian analysis is used to assess support for phylogenetic relationships. Individual plastid and nuclear, as well as combined data, strongly support a close relationship between Philyrophyllum and the African-centred, morphologically diverse genus Anisopappus, currently placed in subtribe Anisopappinae of the anomalous tribal assemblage Athroismeae. Athroismeae is the sister group of Feddeeae and the "Heliantheae tribal alliance", a large mainly northern hemisphere grouping that is phylogenetically distant from Gnaphalieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gnaphaliothamnus nesomii M.O. Dillon & Luebert (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) is a new species from the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Department Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The generic boundaries within the Gnaphalieae have been controversial and the genus Gnaphaliothamnus has not been universally accepted. New molecular phylogenetic studies support the acceptance of Gnaphaliothamnus as distinct from Chionolaena, which is congruent with cypsela trichome morphology. Two Gnaphalium species are transferred as Pseudognaphalium stolonatum (S.F. Blake) M.O. Dillon and P. paramorum (S.F. Blake) M.O. Dillon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is proposed that the generic concept of Amphiglossa DC. be broadened to include the genus Pterothrix DC. The two gen­era were previously separated on the presence or absence of ray florets. A thorough study of various characters showed that the type of florets was overemphasised in the past and that the pappus and cypselas provide sufficient evidence to unite the two genera The genus consists of 11 species of which Amphiglossa celans Koekemoer. A. grisea Koekemoer, A. rudolphii Koekemoer and A. susannae Koekemoer are newly described A key to the species as well as detailed descriptions and distribution maps are provided. Photographs are included for each species and key characters for the genus are also illustrated.

Twelve polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers were developed from transcribed sequences generated by RNA-seq. These were then used to assess relationships among selected putative species ofCraspediain Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand, including three putative species in sympatry at Mt Arthur; plants from two putative species from the nearby Mt Mytton; and plants from the Marino Mountains, where at least four putative species have been listed. We confirmed that two of the putative species present on Mt Arthur are also present on Mt Mytton, but identified anotherCraspediathere that was previously not recognised as being distinct. At the Marino Mountains the situation appears more complex. One putative species there is clearly distinct from all other plants sampled. However, the remainder of the Marino Mountains plants could not be assigned to genetic groups consistent with the putative species, nor could we clearly relate them to the putative species from Mt Arthur or Mt Mytton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of tectonic uplift in stimulating speciation in South Africa's only alpine zone, the Drakensberg, has not been explicitly examined. Tectonic processes may influence speciation both through the creation of novel habitats and by physically isolating plant populations. We use the Afrotemperate endemic daisy genus Macowania to explore the timing and mode (geographic versus adaptive) of speciation in this region. Between sister species pairs we expect high morphological divergence where speciation has happened in sympatry (adaptive) while with geographic (vicariant) speciation we may expect to find less morphological divergence and a greater degree of allopatry. A dated molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for Macowania elucidates species' relationships and is used to address the potential impact of uplift on diversification. Morphological divergence of a small sample of reproductive and vegetative characters, used as a proxy for adaptive divergence, is measured against species' range distributions to estimate mode of speciation across two subclades in the genus. Results The Macowania crown age is consistent with the hypothesis of post-uplift diversification, and we find evidence for both vicariant and adaptive speciation between the two subclades within Macowania. Both subclades exhibit strong signals of range allopatry, suggesting that geographic isolation was important in speciation. One subclade, associated with dry, rocky environments at high altitudes, shows very little morphological and ecological differentiation but high range allopatry. The other subclade occupies a greater variety of habitats and exhibits far greater morphological differentiation, but contains species with overlapping distribution ranges. Conclusions Species in Macowania are likely to have diversified in response to tectonic uplift, and we invoke uplift and uplift-mediated erosion as the main drivers of speciation. The greater relative morphological divergence in sympatric species of Macowania indicates that speciation in the non-sympatric taxa may not have required obvious adaptive differences, implying that simple geographic isolation was the driving force for speciation ('neutral speciation'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaphalis is the largest Asian genus in the tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) and has its greatest species diversity in the eastern Himalayas. The nuclear internal and external transcribed spacers were sequenced for Anaphalis species, with an emphasis on the eastern Himalayan taxa to examine the monophyly and construct the phylogenetic relationships of and within the genus. The results suggest that all species of Anaphalis are nested with Helichrysum, showing a close relationship with a Mediterranean-Asian group of Helichrysum. Although the monophyly of Anaphalis is only weakly supported, two clades within the genus are well recognized, each consisting of two subgroups. The inferred phylogenetic relationships within Anaphalis correspond to the shape of leaf base, rather than the morphology of the capitula and phyllaries that are usually used for species delimitation and classification in the genus. All four subgroups of Anaphalis are common and diversified in the eastern Himalayas with multiple dispersals out of this region. The sole North American species of Anaphalis is best hypothesized to be the result of long-distance dispersal or overland migration via Bering land bridge from Asia. Our analyses suggest that the extant distribution of Anaphalis has most likely resulted one radiation into the eastern Himalayas followed by repeated independent dispersals and/or radiations mostly into eastern Asia but also into the western Himalayas, North America, and southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new species of Metalasia from the Western Cape of South Africa are described; Metalasia tristis A.Bengtson & P.O.Karis, a small shrublet from the Groot Winterhoek Mountains, and Metalasia formosa A.Bengtson & P.O.Karis and Metalasia eburnea A.Bengtson & P.O.Karis both found in the Langeberg Mountains. The morphology and relationships of the three new species are discussed, and an updated key to the genus is provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A chemosystematic survey was carried out to specify whether leontopodic acid and leontopodic acid B, two unique caffeoyl-D-glucaric acid derivatives, recently identified in the emblematic alpine edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass.) are also found in members of the genus Gnaphalium from the Alps. Gnaphalium is closely related to Leontopodium and both genera are assigned to the Gnaphaliinae subtribe (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae). In all investigated Gnaphalium species, G. hoppeanum W.D.J.Koch, G. norvergicum Gunnerus, G. supinum L., G. sylvaticum L., and G. uliginosum L., both leontopodic acid and leontopodic acid B were detected. Moreover, a number of related compounds were detected by HPLC/MS and their assumed structures are discussed. The chemosystematic data reported here are of interest to explore new sources for the biologically active compounds leontopodic acid and leontopodic acid B and they also hint to the occurrence of novel caffeoyl-D-glucaric acid derivatives in Gnaphalium not detected in Leontopodium, yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A phylogenetic analysis of the small genus Pentatrichia, containing three species endemic to South Africa and Namibia, was undertaken using nuclear (ITS and 3′ ETS) and chloroplast (trnT–trnL) DNA sequence data. Generic circumscription was examined via the inclusion of appropriate outgroup taxa (Anisothrix and Athrixia). A fully-resolved phylogenetic hypothesis found all Pentatrichia species and subspecies to be reciprocally monophyletic based on three sampled specimens of each taxon. A well-supported sister relationship between the radiate P. rehmii subsp. avasmontana and non-radiate P. rehmii subsp. rehmii confirmed the results of a previous morphometric study. Pentatrichia was found to be non-monophyletic with the exclusion of Anisothrix kuntzei and A. integra, which were placed as a subclade within Pentatrichia, and sister to the type species P. petrosa. Morphological synapomorphies supporting the inclusion of Anisothrix with Pentatrichia are discussed, as well as the evolution of capitulum structure in the group. Anisothrix is synonymised with Pentatrichia and two new combinations were made. The expanded morphological concept of the genus Pentatrichia is presented with a key to all five species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Metalasia clade, which consists of the genus Metalasia and a number of much smaller satellite genera, is a South African group in the tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae). This study scrutinizes the phylogenetic relationships of the Metalasia clade by means of chloroplast (trnL-trnF, psbA-trnH) and nuclear (external transcribed spacer , internal transcribed spacer) sequence data. The Metalasia clade is confirmed to be a monophyletic group, and the phylogenetic positions of the included genera are determined. The genus Metalasia may be monophyletic if the monotypic Planea is included, but the node has very poor support and further studies are needed. The Metalasia species fall into two well-supported groups, distinguishing the members of Karis's Metalasia densa group from the others. Lachnospermum is shown to be monophyletic and is placed as a possible sister group to Metalasia. Phaenocoma is placed as sister to the branch consisting of Metalasia and Lachnospermum. Calotesta, Hydroidea, and Atrichantha form a clade, with the monotypic Dolichothrix as their sister group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ifloga and Trichogyne constitute a small but biologically interesting lineage within the tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae). Species are distributed mainly in the semi-arid parts of southern Africa, but there is a disjunction to the Saharo-Sindian region where three species occur. Due partly to an unusual capitulum structure, the phylogenetic position of the group has been little understood. In addition, the monophyly of the genera has not been assessed using phylogenetic methods. A species-level phylogenetic hypothesis is presented, based on one nuclear and two chloroplast DNA regions, analysed with parsimony and Bayesian methods. Ifloga+Trichogyne constitute the "Ifloga clade" that forms one of the early-diverging lineages within Gnaphalieae. These lineages constitute a basal grade with many poorly supported nodes, precluding robust hypotheses of relationships amongst the lineages. A sister lineage to the Ifloga clade could thus not be identified, although it diverges amongst taxa formerly united in subtribe Relhaniinae. Although this subtribe is now known to be non-monophyletic, members of the Ifloga clade share with former members of Relhaniinae a previously overlooked set of leaf characters. The genus Trichogyne is monophyletic, but Ifloga is paraphyletic with respect to Trichogyne. To retain generic monophyly, all species are here transferred to the genus Ifloga. Although two of the Northern-Hemisphere species were not included in the analysis, morphological characters suggest that the three species from this region are monophyletic, in which case the Saharo-Sindian distribution is the result of a single dispersal northwards from Southern Africa. A new combination and an updated key to the species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Evolutionary significance of the Compositae capitulum and variation in its structure is poorly understood, although it may permit flexibility in sexual expression. Optimal sex ratio differs with life-history and reproductive strategy. We explore how the genus Ifloga and related members of southern African Gnaphalieae achieved different sex ratios, and the associations of these ratios with annual and perennial life history. * Methods: Sex allocation was measured using the male to female ratio (M/F), a novel approximator of the pollen to ovule ratio (P/O). Life-history (annuality/perenniality), capitulum structure, capitular sexual system, and M/F were reconstructed on time-proportional phylogenies. Trait associations were examined using phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs). * Key results: Annual taxa have strongly female-biased capitula, as measured by M/F, and either gynomonoecious or monoecious sexual systems, while perennials have equal or male-biased capitula that are hermaphroditic or monoecious. These results are largely supported by PIC analysis. Different sexual systems afford differing flexibility in sex allocation, with hermaphrodites having the least, and monoecious taxa the greatest, range in M/F. Within Ifloga, the anomalous capitulum evolved in an annual, gynomonoecious ancestor, followed by two independent gains of monoecy. Two subsequent gains of perenniality occurred within a monoecious sublineage. * Conclusions: Different life histories have divergent sex allocation optima and are strongly associated with different sexual systems in gnaphalioid daisies. An anomalous capitulum structure in Ifloga may have facilitated the evolution of monoecy, which in turn may be linked to the evolution of life-history diversity in the genus. Key words: annual; capitulum; Gnaphalieae; gynomonoecy; Ifloga; life-history evolution; monoecy; perennial; sex allocation; sex ratio; sexual system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete nomenclatural treatment of the genera Filago L. and Logfia Cass. is provided, as well as a list of the species included in each genus and subgenus, as they have been newly circumscribed. Nomenclatural types for eleven validly published species names are designated, which correspond to (1) the types of names of widely used and long-established genera or subgenera, (2) the names of species that have been chosen as types of the names of newly described or newly delimited subgenera, or (3) recently proposed new combinations at the specific level. In total, one subgeneric name is typified and eleven lectotypes, five epitypes and one neotype are chosen. Among those, a previous attempted typification of F. pygmaea L. is shown to be inadmissible and a new lectotype is chosen and an epitype is selected to support interpretation of a previously designated lectotype. The need to conserve the name F. vulgaris to preserve current usage is documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]