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The presence of diverse secretory structures is emblematic of Malpighiaceae, such as the presence of nectaries secreting sugary nectar and elaiophores secreting oil-resin. Recent studies have demonstrated the morphoanatomical and chemical similarities between these two glands but, in general, there are no comparative morphoanatomical analysis on inflorescence glands. The Galphimioid clade is an excellent model for studies on the presence of secretory tissue due to the variation found among genera with regards to both their bracteole and sepal glands. In this work, we describe the morphoanatomy and histochemistry of bracteole and sepal glands in species of Lophanthera. Furthermore, we update the species geographic distribution map and explore the morphological diversity of both sepal and bracteole glands in the Neotropical Galphimioid clade. Samples collected in the field and obtained from herbarium specimens were processed under usual anatomical techniques. The bracteole glands varied in surface shape, while the calyx glands varied mainly in size. Anatomically, both types of gland have palisade secretory epidermis and vascularized secretory parenchyma. The presence of proteins, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and reducing sugar was detected by histochemical tests. The bracteole glands of the inflorescences in Lophanthera were characterized as nectaries that produce a hydrophilic secretion. The sepal glands were identified as elaiophores by the presence of lipids and fixed oil. The results reinforce the functional role of floral nectaries of bracteoles and elaiophores of sepals according to the nature of the secretion, its potential visitors, and reported literature. The morphofunctional diversity reported in this work is unprecedented for the clade and is fundamental in the adaptive evolution of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rafflesiaceae is a family of endangered plants whose members are solely parasitic to the tropical grape vine Tetrastigma (Vitaceae). Currently, the genetics of their crosstalk with the host remains unexplored. In this study, we use homology-based in silico approaches to characterize micro-RNAs (miRNAs) expressed by Sapria himalayana and Rafflesia cantleyi from published omics data. Derived from secondary structures or hairpins, miRNAs are small regulators of gene expression. We found that some plant-conserved miRNA still exists in Rafflesiaceae. Out of 9 highly conserved miRNA families in plants, 7 families (156/157, 159/319, 160, 165/166, 171, 172, 390) were identified with a total of 22 variants across Rafflesiaceae. Some miRNAs were missing endogenous targets and may have evolved to target host miRNA, though this requires experimental verification. Rafflesiaceae miRNA promoters are mostly inducible by ethylene that mediates stress response in the host but could be perceived by the parasites as a signal for growth. This study provides evidence that certain miRNAs with ancient origins in land plants still exist in Rafflesiaceae, though some may have been coopted by parasites to target host genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a new species of Croton section Geiseleria (Euphorbiaceae) based on specimens collected in remnants of vegetation in the municipality of Santa Fe de Antioquia (Antioquia), Northwestern Colombia. Croton antioquensis resembles C. adenodontus, C. bidentatus and C. subsuavis, however, it is differentiated by a set of characters associated with its floral and vegetative morphology, in addition to its geographic distribution. The new species is known from a single locality in an area of occupancy (AOO) of less than 4 km² with multiple threats of anthropogenic origin. We suggest its inclusion in the category of Critically Endangered (CR) taking into account the IUCN guidelines. A key to the species of Croton sect. Geiseleria in Colombia is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studying Chrysobalanaceae from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, we found some specimens from Espírito Santo State that were similar to each other, but had been attributed either to different genera or left undetermined. Morphological investigations led us to conclude that these collections represent a new species of the small genus Chrysobalanus, which is described herein as C. atlanticus. We provide a taxonomic treatment comprising a detailed morphological description, illustrations, a distributional map, a preliminary conservation assessment, and other taxonomic comments. Chrysobalanus atlanticus is known from four collections made at two localities that are in close proximity. It should be considered Data Deficient (DD) until additional material is found. This novelty reemphasizes the importance of preserving rainforest remnants in Espírito Santo and increasing botanical exploration in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the course of revising the genus Rinorea (Violaceae) from Colombia, field observations and herbarium studies revealed seven new species. Several of the new species described here belong to species complexes that required examination of herbarium material from across the Neotropics. Each of the new species described here have oppositely arranged leaves and belong to Rinoreasect.Pubiflorae, a section restricted to the Neotropics. Two new species are segregated from the R.ovalifolia species complex: Rinoreachiribiquetensis from Chiribiquete National Park in the Colombian Amazon and Rinoreastevensii from the Orinoco River near the border of Colombia and Venezuela. Two new species are segregated from the Rinoreahirsuta species complex: Rinoreagaleanoae-bernalii and Rinoreacogolloi, both from the eastern slopes of the Andean Central Cordillera along the mid-Magdalena River Valley in Colombia. From the widely distributed R.pubiflora species complex, we segregated one new species, Rinoreacallejasii, from southeast Panama and the Chocó in Colombia. In addition to these five new taxa segregated from widely distributed species complexes, we discovered two previously unknown species with affinities to other Neotropical Rinorea. Rinoreaaymardii is described from the Alto Orinoco-Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve in Venezuela and most closely resembles R.melanodonta from Colombia. Rinoreabetancurii is segregated from R.macrocarpa and occurs in the Amazonian Regions of Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. In this study, we provide descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps of the new species and make preliminary assessments of the risk of extinction using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. We also furnish an identification key to the species of Rinoreasect.Pubiflorae in Colombia.

Premise of research. To date, there is no fossil evidence of the malpighiaceous genus Dicella Griseb. Here, we describe a new fossil species attributed to the modern Dicella Griseb. from the latest Neogene sediments (Rajdanda Formation: Pliocene) of Jharkhand, eastern India. Methodology. The five-winged fruit fossil was revealed by careful removal of the overlying matrix and studied under light compound and inverted fluorescence microscopes. It is identified on the basis of its detailed morphology and through comparison with other modern angiosperm genera having five-winged fruits. Pivotal results. Dicella indica Hazra, Manchester and Khan sp. nov. is characterized by winged fruits with five unequal, narrowly elliptic or obovate enlarged persistent sepals arising hypogynously from a globular nut; the sepals are enlarged with slightly constricted bases and obtuse apexes with venation consisting of a strong midvein and pinnate brochidodromous secondary veins, mixed percurrent tertiary veins, and irregular reticulate quaternary veins. Following comparison with numerous extant genera of angiosperms with propeller-like winged fruits, we conclude that this set of characters is diagnostic for the extant genus Dicella. Conclusions. It is interesting to note that, at present, Dicella does not naturally occur in India and is currently restricted to South America. We hypothesize that its disappearance from the present-day vegetation of eastern India may be related to the gradual intensification of rainfall seasonality since the Pliocene. Our discovery provides valuable insights into the biogeographic history of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a dated and calibrated molecular phylogeny for one of the most characteristic genera of Neotropical savannas, Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae), based on the ETS, ITS, and psbA-trnH markers. We sampled 33 species of Byrsonima and four species of the outgroups Blepharandra, Diacidia, and Pterandra to test the monophyly of the infrageneric classification of the genus. Bayesian inference (BI) analysis was performed for the combined molecular dataset. Seven morphological characters were optimized on the obtained tree. Calibration points derived from a published chronogram for Malpighiaceae were used alongside a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock on Beast 1.8.4. Ancestral range reconstructions focusing on four main Neotropical biomes (Cerrado, Atlantic rainforest, Amazon rainforest, and Caatinga dry forests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results corroborated the monophyly of Byrsonima, but all of its subgenera and sections were polyphyletic, with all morphological characters circumscribing these infrageneric ranks being highly homoplastic. The most recent common ancestor of Byrsonima was widespread in South American biomes at 11.41 Ma, posteriorly diversifying in the Amazon rainforests up to 7.72 Ma, when it started massively diversifying in Neotropical savannas. A few re-colonization events from savannas to rain or dry forests occurred from 2.95–0.53 Ma. These results corroborate the mid-Miocene origins of Neotropical savannas, and future studies should aim to sample Mesoamerican species of Byrsonima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triaspis hypericoides currently comprises three accepted subspecies endemic to woodland savannas of southern continental Africa. After an unusual population belonging to this complex was collected in southwestern Angola, we re‐evaluated the classification of this group. This study was based on the analysis of type specimens, protologues, field photographs and herbarium sheets of all subspecies within T. hypericoides. We reinstate T. canescens, T. hypericoides and T. nelsonii based on differences in leaf, flower and fruit traits. Additionally, the Angolan population is proposed here as a new species of Triapis endemic to the dry miombo woodlands of Bicuar National Park, Huíla Province, southwestern Angola. Triaspis bicuarensis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from T. nelsonii by its alternate (versus opposite) leaves, ovate to widely ovate (versus widely ovate to very widely ovate) leaf laminas, rounded (versus sagittate) leaf base, flat (versus undulate) margins, sparsely white‐tomentose (versus glabrous to glabrescent) abaxial leaf surface, petiole 4–8 mm long (versus 2–3 mm long), compound inflorescences in thyrses (versus corymbs) and bracteoles inserted below apex of peduncles (versus in the middle of peduncles). An identification key to all species belonging to this species complex is presented alongside a complete morphological description for the new species, photographic plates and comments on the distribution, ecology, palynology and taxonomy. These results underline the need for continued revisions of the taxonomy of the neglected African genera of Malpighiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podostemaceae are a clade of aquatic flowering plants that form important components of tropical river ecosystems. Species in the family exhibit highly derived growth forms and high vegetative phenotypic plasticity, both of which contribute to taxonomic confusion. The backbone phylogeny of the family remains poorly resolved, many species remain to be included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis, and the monophyly of many taxa remains to be tested. To address these issues, we assembled sequence data for 73 protein-coding plastid genes from 132 samples representing 68 species (∼23% of described species) that span the breadth of most major taxonomic, morphological, and biogeographic groups of Podostemaceae. With these data, we conducted the first plastid phylogenomic analysis of the family with broad taxon sampling. These analyses resolved most nodes with high support, including relationships not recovered in previous analyses. No evidence of widespread, well-supported conflict among individual plastid genes and the concatenated phylogeny was observed. We present new evidence that four genera (Apinagia, Marathrum, Oserya, and Podostemum), as well as four species, are not monophyletic. In particular, we show that Podostemum flagelliforme should not be included in Podostemum and is better recognized as Devillea flagelliformis, and that Marathrum capillaceum is embedded within Lophogyne s.l. and should be recognized as Lophogyne capillacea. We also place a previously unsampled and undescribed species that likely represents a new genus. In contrast to previous studies, the neotropical genera Diamantina, Ceratolacis, Cipoia, and Podostemum are resolved as successive sister groups to a clade of all paleotropical Podostemoideae taxa sampled, suggesting a single dispersal event from the neotropics to the paleotropics in the history of the subfamily. These results provide a strong basis for improving the classification of Podostemaceae and a framework for future phylogenomic studies of the clade employing data from the nuclear genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garcinia sections Dicrananthera and Macrostigma (Clusiaceae) is revised for Thailand. Three species are enumerated, i.e., one species, G. thorelii belongs to the section Dicrananthera, and two species, G. nuntasaenii and G. prainiana, are in the section Macrostigma. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided, together with notes on distribution, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. An identification key to the species of section Macrostigma is presented. One name, G. thorelii, is lectotypified here. For Garcinia nuntasaenii we recommend a conservation status of Endangered [ EN B2ab(v)] and for the other two species (G. prainiana and G. thorelii) a conservation status of Least concern [ LC ]. A number of vegetative characters and features of reproductive organs, especially the flowers, distinguish the two sections and we enumerate these herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bonnetia is the most representative genus of the Pantepui woody flora and is among the groups with the greatest endemism in the local flora. The genus has 28 currently recognized species in tropical America, 26 of them endemic to the Pantepui. Here we describe Bonnetia ayangannensis from the summit of Mount Ayanganna tepui in Guyana, providing a morphological description, illustrations, distribution maps, characterization of micromorphology under scanning electron microscopy and leaf venation, comments comparing the new species with closely related species, and a key for the identification of the species of Bonnetia occurring in Guyana. With its restricted distribution threatened by climate change, Bonnetia ayangannensis is assessed in the conservation threat category of Critically Endangered. Its description raises the number of endemic species of Bonnetia in the Pantepui to 27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Piriqueta velutina is described as a new species, illustrated, geographically mapped and its diagnostic characteristics and taxonomic affinities are described. The new species can be recognised mainly by the presence of serial branches (branches from serial buds predominantly in the apical portion of the plant), the short internodes and oblique or erect leaves which partially overlap in dried specimens; the ovate to elliptic leaf blade with a golden brown velutinous indumentum, and the conical or bulbous bases of the glandular setiform trichomes, frequently darkened on young leaf margins and on the abaxial surface. Its conservation status is preliminarily assessed as Endangered, it occurs in Brazilian Cerrado (savanna vegetation), in the Jalapão region, state of Tocantins, North region of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims – Vietnam is one of the leading diversity centres for Asian Malpighiaceae, comprising 24 accepted species and three native genera (i.e. Aspidopterys, Hiptage, and Tristellateia). During recent fieldwork towards completing the taxonomic revision of Malpighiaceae for the Flora of Vietnam, we have collected specimens from two populations that could not be placed in any of the three native genera of this family. We performed morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies to test the generic placement of those specimens. Material and methods – We sampled 27 genera (including the Asian Acridocarpus, Aspidopterys, Brachylophon, Hiptage, Stigmaphyllon, and Tristellateia, out of a total of 75) of Malpighiaceae representing all phylogenetic clades comprising paleotropical lineages (i.e. acridocarpoids, bunchosioids, tetrapteroids, malpighioids, and stigmaphylloids), the unusual specimen recently collected in Vietnam, and the two genera of Elatinaceae as outgroups. Maximum Likelihood analysis was carried out based on a molecular matrix alignment of the internal transcribed spacer marker (ITS). Comprehensive morphological analyses were also carried out based on the collected specimens and additional herbarium specimens. Key results – Our molecular phylogeny strongly supported the unusual specimen from Vietnam placed as sister to Hiptage in the tetrapteroid clade. Key morphological traits differing these Vietnamese specimens from Hiptage were identified related to the floral bud imbrication, shape, colour, posture of sepals and petals, length of stamen filaments, number of styles, and shape of mericarps, allowing the proposition of a new monospecific genus. Conclusions – Chlorohiptage vietnamensis is proposed as a new monospecific genus closely related to Hiptage but differing in several key morphological traits. A complete morphological description is provided alongside photographic illustrations and notes on its conservation, distribution, ecology, etymology, and taxonomy. Additionally, an updated identification key to the genera of the tetrapteroid clade is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parinari is a pantropical genus with 39 species of mostly emergent trees. Nineteen species are found in the Neotropical region, with a taxonomic history complicated by several species complexes and little morphological variation. In this paper, I conducted a taxonomic treatment of species of Parinari that occur in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including an identification key, species descriptions, distribution maps, and preliminary conservation status for each taxon. Additionally, new floral characters not previously explored in the taxonomy of the genus are introduced. Four species of Parinari are recognized in the Atlantic Forest, while P. leonthopitheci is synonymized, and names incorrectly applied to the Parinari excelsa complex are investigated. Parinari pohlii, a taxon treated for 50 yr as a synonym of P. brasiliensis, is reestablished, and lectotypes are designated for both names. Preliminary conservation status assessments indicate that three species are likely Endangered (EN): P. alvimii, P. littoralis, and P. pohlii. Finally, I indicate the exclusion from the treatment of two taxa, Parinari excelsa and Parinari parvifolia that do not occur in the Atlantic Forest but were erroneously identified in herbarium collections and in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the course of revising the genus Rinorea (Violaceae) from Colombia, field observations and herbarium studies revealed seven new species. Several of the new species described here belong to species complexes that required examination of herbarium material from across the Neotropics. Each of the new species described here have oppositely arranged leaves and belong to Rinorea sect. Pubiflorae, a section restricted to the Neotropics. Two new species are segregated from the R. ovalifolia species complex: Rinorea chiribiquetensis from Chiribiquete National Park in the Colombian Amazon and Rinorea stevensii from the Orinoco River near the border of Colombia and Venezuela. Two new species are segregated from the Rinorea hirsuta species complex: Rinorea galeanoae-bernalii and Rinorea cogolloi, both from the eastern slopes of the Andean Central Cordillera along the mid-Magdalena River Valley in Colombia. From the widely distributed R. pubiflora species complex, we segregated one new species, Rinorea callejasii, from southeast Panama and the Chocó in Colombia. In addition to these five new taxa segregated from widely distributed species complexes, we discovered two previously unknown species with affinities to other Neotropical Rinorea. Rinorea aymardii is described from the Alto Orinoco-Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve in Venezuela and most closely resembles R. melanodonta from Colombia. Rinorea betancurii is segregated from R. macrocarpa and occurs in the Amazonian Regions of Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. In this study, we provide descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps of the new species and make preliminary assessments of the risk of extinction using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. We also furnish an identification key to the species of Rinorea sect. Pubiflorae in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carolus currently comprises seven accepted species endemic to seasonally dry forests or rainforests of Central and South America. After unusual populations of Carolus were discovered in the States of Bahia, Minas Gerais and Piauí, we describe it as a new species. This study was based on the analysis of type specimens, protologues, field photographs and herbarium sheets of all its accepted species. As a result, we propose selected specimens as a new species based on differences in leaf, inflorescence and fruit traits. Carolus tomentosus is easily distinguished from C. chasei due to its widely elliptic to ovate (versus narrowly‐elliptic to elliptic) and abaxially tomentose (versus abaxially sericeous) leaf blades, petioles frequently 1–2‐glandular at apex (versus eglandular), and longer inflorescence main axis (versus shorter inflorescence main axis). We present an identification key to all species of Carolus occurring in Brazil alongside a complete morphological description for the new species, photographic plates, and comments on its conservation, distribution, ecology and taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen: Se describe e ilustra a Neosprucea chrysantha (Salicaceae), con base en especímenes de remanentes de vegetación en los municipios de Girón y Betulia, en el departamento de Santander, Colombia. La especie nueva difiere de las demás especies conocidas de Neosprucea por sus flores principalmente trímeras a ocasionalmente tetrámeras y la presencia de anteras incurvadas, ligeramente ensanchadas apicalmente con poros transversales. El taxón nuevo se asemeja a Neosprucea paterna por su venación actinódroma, flores amarillas y glándulas del margen de la lámina pilosas, la única especie asociada a la región del Escudo Guayanés, y a Neosprucea rimachii, del noroccidente de la cuenca amazónica. En Colombia se registran siete de las diez especies descritas de Neosprucea, de las cuales dos son endémicas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand is presented. Two species, R. apiculata Blume and R. mucronata Poir., are enumerated with updated morphological descriptions, illustrations and a taxonomic identification key, together with notes on distributions, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Three names in Rhizophora, are lectotypified: R. apiculata and two associated synonyms of R. mucronata (i.e., R. latifolia Miq. and R. macrorrhiza Griff.). R. longissima Blanco, a synonym of R. mucronata, is neotypified. All two Rhizophora species have a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). Based on the morphological identification, these two species can be distinguished from one another by the shape and width of the leaf laminae and the length of a terminal stiff point of the leaf laminae; the type and position of the inflorescences and the number of flowers per inflorescence; the character and color of the bracteoles; the presence or absence of the flower pedicels; the shape of the mature flower buds; the shape, color, and texture of the sepals; the shape, character, and the presence or absence of hairs of the petals; the number of stamens per flower; the size of the fruits; the color and size of the hypocotyls; the color and diameter of the cotyledonous cylindrical tubes; and the color of the colleters and exudate. The thick cuticles, sunken stomata, large hypodermal cells, and cork warts are adaptive anatomical features of leaves in Rhizophora that live in the mangrove environments. The pollen grains of Thai Rhizophora species are tricolporate, prolate spheroidal or oblate spheroidal shapes, small-sized, and reticulate exine sculpturing.

Jatropha curcas (Linnaeus, 1753) is a plant species in the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae and is native to the tropical regions of America, such as Mexico and Argentina. Currently, this plant species inhabits tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Jatropha has been widely used as a biofuel plant to produce high-quality diesel engine fuel. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of J. curcas was assembled into 561,839 bp circular nucleotides with a GC content of 44.6%. The mitochondrial genome of J. curcas comprises 33 known protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, three rRNA genes, one ncRNA gene, and 85 open reading frame genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed this species is closely related to the castor bean (Ricinus communis).

O presente estudo objetivou realizar o levantamento florístico e tratamento taxonômico da família Malpighiaceae na Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) Bacia do Rio de Janeiro, localizada nos municípios de Barreiras e Luís Eduardo Magalhães, Extremo Oeste Baiano. Através de expedições de coleta e levantamentos em herbários virtuais foram identificadas 26 espécies distribuídas em seis gêneros: Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth, com maior riqueza (10 spp.), Heteropterys Kunth (sete spp.), Banisteriopsis C.B.Rob. ex Small. (cinco spp.), Diplopterys A.Juss. (duas spp.), e Camarea A.St.-Hil. e Glicophyllum R.F.Almeida, com uma espécie cada. Neste trabalho são apresentadas chaves de identificação para gêneros e espécies, descrições taxonômicas, comentários e imagens.

We present a genome assembly from an individual Populus nigra subsp. betulifola (black poplar; Tracheophyta; Malpighiales; Salicaceae). The genome sequence is 413.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.73%) is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Mitochondrial and plastid genomes were also assembled. Three mitochondrial assemblies have lengths of 281.85, 335.57 and 186.15 kilobases, and the plastid genome has a length of 156.37 kilobases.

We present a genome assembly from a diploid female Mercurialis annua (the Annual Mercury; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Malpighiales; Euphorbiaceae). The genome sequence is 453.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X chromosome. The organelle genomes have also been assembled, and the mitochondrial genome is 435.28 kilobases in length, while the plastid genome is 169.65 kilobases in length.

Phyllanthodendron can be readily morphologically distinguished from Glochidion, but recent molecular evidence showed that Phyllanthodendron is paraphyletic due to Glochidion being nested within it. In this study, a new species of the former Phyllanthodendron is described and illustrated as Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao from the limestone areas of South China. This is a peculiar new species and morphologically distinguished by its discoid flowers, T-shaped disc segments, and glabrous flowering branches. A key to Glochidion yangchunense and related species in China is provided here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

São Luís Island in Maranhão State, Brazil, has a vegetational mosaic where sandbanks with shrubs, small dunes, and mangroves are common. Due to its geography, the urbanization process in this area tends to form agglomerations that suffocate small rivers and streams. Based on a floristic survey of the family Malpighiaceae, we discuss the importance of taxonomic knowledge for the preservation of the flora of São Luís Island. We list 18 species of Malpighiaceae that occur in the area. Among them, only four have herbarium collections from the 21st century. Byrsonima intermedia and Heteropterys mathewsiana are new records for Maranhão State and Bunchosia apiculata is a new record for São Luís Island. Although they have not been formally assessed, most species are under threat, especially from disorderly urban growth and the unregulated discard of waste. Maintaining natural habitats and controlling threats might reveal relevant new findings about the diversity of Maranhão and contribute significantly to the preservation of the biodiversity on São Luís Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garcinia section Xanthochymus (Clusiaceae) is revised for Thailand with four native species, i.e., G. dulcis, G. nervosa, G. prainiana, and G. xanthochymus. All species are described with updated morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key, together with notes on distributions, distribution maps, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Four taxa, G. andamanica, G. andamanica var. pubescens, G. cambodgiensis and G. vilersiana, are synonymized under G. dulcis, and two taxa, G. nervosa var. pubescens and G. spectabilis, are newly synonymized under G. nervosa. Nine names are lectotypified: G. dulcis and its associated synonyms (G. cambodgiensis and G. vilersiana), G. nervosa and its associated synonyms (G. andersonii, G. nervosa var. pubescens, and G. spectabilis), G. prainiana, and G. xanthochymus. All species have a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). The fruits of all species are edible and have a sour or sweet-sour taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed morphology of 40 taxa within the genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) from China, representing 9 sections of the genus, was examined using both Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy to evaluate the taxonomic relevance of macro‐ and micro‐morphological features. Details articulating variation in seed size, color, shape, appendages, and seed coat ornamentation are described, illustrated, and compared, and their taxonomic importance is discussed. Seeds were generally brown in color and cylindric‐ellipsoid to prolonged cylindric in shape. Seed size displayed wide variation, ranging from 0.37–1.91 mm in length and 0.12–0.75 mm in width. Seed appendages were observed as a characteristic morphological feature. Seed surface ornamentation has high phenotypic plasticity, and four types (reticulate, foveolate, papillose, and ribbed) can be recognized. In general, seed color and shape have limited taxonomic significance. However, some other features represent informative characters that can be used efficiently in distinguishing the studied taxa at the section and/or species levels. The findings illustrate that considerable taxonomic knowledge can be obtained by investigating the seed features of Hypericum, and the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy can reveal inconspicuous morphological affinities among species and play a role in taxonomic and systematic studies of the genus Hypericum. Research Highlights: Macro‐ and micro‐morphological features of seeds of 40 Hypericum taxa from China were examined using Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy, providing the first broad study regarding seed morphology for Hypericum from China.Details and variations of seed size, shape, color, surface ornamentation, and appendages are fully presented.Seed features and their variation have important taxonomic significance at the section and/or species levels within Hypericum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha curcas (Linnaeus, 1753) is a plant species in the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae and is native to the tropical regions of America, such as Mexico and Argentina. Currently, this plant species inhabits tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Jatropha has been widely used as a biofuel plant to produce high-quality diesel engine fuel. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of J. curcas was assembled into 561,839 bp circular nucleotides with a GC content of 44.6%. The mitochondrial genome of J. curcas comprises 33 known protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, three rRNA genes, one ncRNA gene, and 85 open reading frame genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed this species is closely related to the castor bean (Ricinus communis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the genus Piriqueta occur in Brazil (39 out of 45 species), with a center of distribution in Bahia State. In this study, we conducted a palynological investigation of 20 heterostylous (distylous) species of the genus Piriqueta, including specimens from both floral morphs of 13 species. Pollen grains were examined, measured, and illustrated by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen morphology was described in terms of shape, size, aperture, and exine ornamentation. Morphometric data were subjected to principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. Examination revealed pollen grains arranged in monads, isopolar, 3-colporate, with great variability in shape (prolate, subprolate, prolate spheroidal, oblate spheroidal, or suboblate), endoaperture lalongate, polar area small or very small, exine ornamentation most commonly microreticulate or reticulate, sometimes perforate, sexine usually thicker than nexine. Piriqueta sulfurea was an exception, presenting verrucate exine ornamentation. Brevistylous pollen grains were larger in diameter in 75% of the specimens analyzed, whereas mostly longistylous pollen had larger colpi and smaller polar area, but there is no consistent pattern of variation from a specific morph. Even so, those variation underscore the importance of indicating the floral morphs used or, whenever possible, encompassing all existing morphs in pollen descriptions of heterostylous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The floristic-taxonomic survey of Clusiaceae is presented as part of the project “Flora of Ceará: knowing to conserve”. The study was based on the analysis of specimens deposited in national and international herbaria and observations of natural populations during field expeditions carried out from February, 2019 to March, 2020. The family is represented in Ceará by eight species distributed in four genera: Clusia, Garcinia, Symphonia and Tovomita. Clusia was the most representative with five species: C. ibiapabensis, C. melchiorii, C. nemorosa, C. nogueirae and C. panapanari. The other genera are represented by one species each: Garcinia gardneriana, Symphonia globulifera and Tovomita mangle. The species preferentially occur in humid environments such as Dense Ombrophilous Forest and near watercourses. Clusia ibiapabensis and C. nogueirae are endemic to Ceará, and C. melchiorii and S. globulifera are new records for the state. Only Clusia nemorosa and C. panapanari were recorded in conservations units. Identification keys, descriptions, taxonomic relationships, illustrations, and comments on the geographical distribution and phenology of the species are presented.

Abstract The family Ochnaceae belongs to Malpighiales and has about 550 species included in 34 genera, with pantropical distribution. For Brazil, 207 species are reported, 16 have been recorded in Maranhão state. On São Luís Island, a well sampled area in the state, there were records of two genera, Ouratea and Sauvagesia, and three species: O. fieldingiana, O. hexasperma, and S. erecta. To confirm the occurrence of these species and provide new data about the family in Maranhão, this study aimed to provide a complete taxonomic treatment of the Ochnaceae on São Luís Island, since the region still lacks taxonomic treatments of specific taxa. Field expeditions were carried out to collect plants, and specimens at MAR and SLUI, and on virtual herbaria, were analyzed. As a result, six species were identified, including five in Ouratea and one in Sauvagesia namely: O. cassinifolia, O. castaneifolia, O. cearensis, O. hexasperma and O. racemiformis, and S. erecta. Specimens that had been identified as O. fieldingiana were redetermined as O. castaneifolia. Ouratea cassinifolia, O. cearensis, and O. racemiformis are new records for the island.

Summary: The genus Kielmeyera (Calophyllaceae) includes around 50 species distributed mainly in Brazil. The complex evolutionary history of Kielmeyera is reflected in its great morphological variation and in the difficulty in distinguishing closely related species. Thus, at least three species complexes, namely the K. coriacea, K. petiolaris and K. rubriflora complexes, have been recognised within the genus. Here we assess the variation of leaf anatomical characters across all the taxa included in the Kielmeyera coriacea complex. Our results revealed that seven anatomical characters can be used to identify three distinct groups within this complex. The Kielmeyera coriacea subsp. tomentosa leaf is particularly distinct regarding mesophyll structure, stomata distribution, and size of stomatal chambers. Therefore, we propose to once again accept K. tomentosa at species rank and recognise three species within the complex: K. coriacea, K. grandiflora and K. tomentosa. We demonstrate the enormous potential of evaluating leaf anatomy variation to delimit species in Kielmeyera and in Calophyllaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels (Phyllanthaceae) is a potential medicinal plant recognized for its sour and tart tasted fruits. In this study, the chloroplast genome of P. acidus was sequenced, assembled, and characterized. The chloroplast genome size was 156,331 bp and the overall GC content was 36.9%. Additionally, the chloroplast genome had a quadripartite structure consisting of a large single copy (LSC; 85,807 bp in length; GC content: 34.6%), a small single copy (SSC; 19,262 bp in length; GC content: 30.6%), and two inverted repeat regions (IR; 25,631 bp in length; GC content: 43.1%). A total of 113 unique genes were annotated in the chloroplast genome, comprising 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and four rRNAs. The phylogenetic analysis based on 79 protein-coding genes revealed the paraphyly of the Phyllanthus genus. These findings provided additional genetic information for further research on P. acidus and the cp genome in the Phyllanthaceae family.

Background and aims - Ochna holstii and its allies represent an ecologically important group in a variety of lowland to montane habitats in tropical eastern and southern Africa. Identifying and delimiting species within this group has proved challenging due to a lack of variation in morphological characters. We combine genomic-scale data of multiple accessions per species with morphological data to generate a taxonomic revision for the Ochna holstii complex using a multi-evidence approach. Material and methods - A total of 50 samples representing eight species were analysed using target enrichment and a custom bait kit. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the multi-species coalescent model and a concatenation maximum likelihood method, and gene tree discordance was investigated. Herbarium specimens of the O. holstii complex were studied in detail for informative morphological characters, supplemented where possible from field collections, and a full taxonomic revision is provided. Key results - Within Ochna sect. Schizanthera Clade I, our study confirms that all species are monophyletic and supported by morphological data with the exception of O. holstii, which is paraphyletic. A new species, O. mchanga, previously confused with O. polyneura, is described, and the placement of another recently described species, O. maguirei, is confirmed for the first time using molecular data. Conclusion - The widespread montane tree Ochna holstii is non-monophyletic in its current circumscription and likely gave rise to the more range-restricted O. oxyphylla and O. stolzii. We suggest that an integrated taxonomy approach, using both molecular and morphological data, is essential for deciphering difficult species relationships in Ochna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims - Keraunea is a Brazilian endemic genus that has sat uncomfortably in Convolvulaceae where it was placed due to an enlarged and adnate fruit bract typical of Neuropeltis. A recent molecular phylogeny suggested that two of its five morphologically almost identical species actually belong to two different families, Malpighiaceae (superrosids) and Ehretiaceae (superasterids). Later studies have demonstrated that Keraunea effectively belongs to Ehretiaceae, but the proposal of one species belonging to Malpighiaceae has remained problematic. In this study, we reassess this hypothesis, discuss the issues that have led to this assumption, and offer insights on the importance of carefully using herbarium collections and incorporating morphological evidence in systematic studies. Material and methods - Sequences of matK, rbcL, and ITS for all 77 currently accepted genera of Malpighiaceae, K. brasiliensis and Elatinaceae (outgroup) were compiled from GenBank and analysed with Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference criteria for nuclear, plastid and combined datasets. Additional database and herbarium studies were performed to locate and analyse all duplicates of the holotype of K. brasiliensis to check for misidentified or contaminated material. Key results - Our examination of expanded DNA datasets and herbarium sheets of all K. brasiliensis isotypes revealed that a mistake in tissue sampling was, in fact, what led to this species being proposed to belong in Malpighiaceae. Kew's isotype had a leaf of Malpighiaceae (likely Mascagnia cordifolia) stored in the fragment capsule, which was sampled and sequenced instead of the actual leaves of K. brasiliensis. Recently published studies have settled the placement of Keraunea in Ehretiaceae (Boraginales) and proposed three additional species. Conclusions - DNA sequences can be helpful in classifying taxa when morphology is conflicting or of a doubtful interpretation, with molecular phylogenetic placement being established as a popular tool accelerating the discovery of systematic relationships. Nonetheless, molecular techniques are also susceptible to methodological mistakes, which necessitates building a solid foundation of plant morphology and taxonomy to avoid artefacts in phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turnera carolina, a new species from Chapada das Mesas region in the Brazilian Cerrado, is described and illustrated. The new taxon can be characterized by having internodes up to 5 cm long, leaves with dark spots on both sides, petals that are smaller than the sepals, bracts and calyx that are usually reddish, and an orange corolla. We also present a distribution map, illustrations, field photos, comments on taxonomy, and an identification key to the species of Turnera from Chapada das Mesas National Park and surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studying specimens of Garcinia gardneriana from the Brazilian Amazon we detected problems in reconciling the morphology of these collections to that of the type-collection (with the basionym of Rheedia gardneriana) and similar specimens from other regions of Brazil. An investigation led us to the conclusion that the Amazonian collections represent a new species, described herein as Garcinia apostoloi. We present a taxonomic treatment comprising a morphological description, a distributional map in southern Amazonia, a description of the habitat, a preliminary conservation assessment, and other taxonomic comments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This is a taxonomic treatment of four genera and eight species of the hiraeoide and malpighioide clades (Malpighiaceae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Hiraea and Mascagnia are the most diverse genera, with three species each, followed by Amorimia and Lophopterys, with one species each. Two species are listed as threatened: H. bullata and M. velutina. The main characteristics that can be used to identify the genera in Espírito Santo are epipetiolar or interpetiolar stipules, the indumentum on the branches, the inflorescence type, the number of elaiophores, and characteristics of the mericarps. Morphological descriptions, identification keys, taxonomic notes, geographic distribution maps, and photographic plates are provided for the species.

Abstract We present here the treatment of Clusiaceae for the flora of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Sixteen species are recognized: seven species of Clusia, four species of Tovomita, two species of Garcinia, two species of Tovomitopsis, and one species of Symphonia. A brief history of the Clusiaceae in Espírito Santo is presented, as well as descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic commentary on the species.

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia 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.)

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia 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.)

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia 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.)

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia 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.)

A critical taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the Brazilian species of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) is presented. As a result, 40 species (44 taxa including six subspecies) are accepted, 37 of them native (17 endemic) and three introduced; also, 132 names are considered synonyms, 28 of them for the first time. Two new combinations are proposed: Acalypha brasiliensis subsp. asterotricha and A. brasiliensis subsp. psilophylla, previously considered varieties of A. brasiliensis. Information about types is provided for all the valid names, and 54 lectotypes and one neotype are designated. Identification keys and detailed distribution maps of all the native taxa are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Colleters produce a secretion composed of hydrophilic and/or lipophilic substances which lubricates and protects the shoot apical meristem against biotic and abiotic agents. Little attention has been given to these structures in Clusiaceae. In the present study, the structure and development of the leaf colleters of Clusia criuva subsp. criuva were described and variations in the exudate composition of the colleters at different stages of leaf development were identified. The samples were collected and processed according to techniques for light and scanning electron microscopy. Colleters are of the standard type and not vascularized, and during leaf development, changes in color, structure, and secretion abundance were observed. Asynchrony in the development was noticeable in the leaf primordia and young leaves, from colleters in early formation to those in early senescence. In early phases there was an abundance of polysaccharide, lipid, and protein secretions, whereas adult and senescent leaves revealed an accumulation of phenolic compounds and cell degradation. The secretion was released by the rupture of the cuticle. The structural changes and secretion composition during leaf development emphasize the role of colleters in protecting meristems and developing organs.

Natural products produced by plants are one of the most investigated natural sources, which substantially contributed to the development of the natural products field. Even though these compounds are widely explored, the literature still lacks comprehensive investigations aiming to explore the evolution of secondary metabolites produced by plants, especially if classical methodologies are employed. The development of sensitive hyphenated techniques and computational tools for data processing has enabled the study of large datasets, being valuable assets for chemosystematic studies. Here, we describe a strategy for chemotaxonomic investigations using the Malpighiaceae botanical family as a model. Our workflow was based on MS/MS untargeted metabolomics, spectral searches, and recently described in silico classification tools, which were mapped into the latest molecular phylogeny accepted for this family. The metabolomic analysis revealed that different ionization modes and extraction protocols significantly impacted the chemical profiles, influencing the chemotaxonomic results. Spectral searches within public databases revealed several clades or genera-specific molecular families, being potential chemical markers for these taxa, while the in silico classification tools were able to expand the Malpighiaceae chemical space. The classes putatively annotated were used for ancestral character reconstructions, which recovered several classes of metabolites as homoplasies (i.e., non-exclusive) or synapomorphies (i.e., exclusive) for all sampled clades and genera. Our workflow combines several approaches to perform a comprehensive evolutionary chemical study. We expect it to be used on further chemotaxonomic investigations to expand chemical knowledge and reveal biological insights for compounds classes in different biological groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Malpighiaceae, Hiptage represents one of the seven past dispersal events from the Neotropics to the Paleotropical region, being by far the most widely diversified and distributed genus of Paleotropical Malpighiaceae. In this study, we tested the current infrageneric classification of Hiptage with a dated and calibrated molecular phylogeny. We also reconstructed ancestral areas to elucidate which route led to the colonization of southeast Asia by the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of this genus. The pre‐existing infrageneric classification of Hiptage was incompatible with monophyly being based solely on homoplasic morphological characters, such as the presence and number of sepal glands. The MRCA of Hiptage arose in the rainforests of southeast Asia ca 24.0 Mya and greatly diversified in this region. Few lineages have dispersed eastward to the pacific islands or westwards to India. Based on our results, we hypothesize that the MRCA of Hiptage did not take the Indian route to reach southeastern Asia. Instead, it reached this region by past mainland forest connections between North America–Europe (Boreotropical hypothesis) and southeast Asia. Nonetheless, distribution ranges for the species of Hiptage must be carefully revised, and the five species of Hiptage endemic to India must also be sampled so we can properly test which route led the MRCA of Hiptage to reach southeast Asia in the early Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of Phyllanthaceae Martinov in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil was updated through the analysis of approximately 200 specimens deposited in regional herbaria as well as field observations. Thirty-five species were recorded, belonging to seven genera: Amanoa Aubl. (1 species), Astrocasia B.L. Rob. & Millsp. (1), Discocarpus Klotzsch (1), Hieronyma Allemão (2), Margaritaria L.f. (1), Phyllanthus L. (28), and Richeria Vahl (1). Of the 35, six are new records for Alagoas State, two for Rio Grande do Norte, four for Paraíba, and six for Sergipe. Among the recorded species, 18 are endemic to Brazil, and of those, 11 are endemic to the Brazilian northeast and nine are exclusive to the Atlantic Forest. An identification key, comments on their taxonomy, phenology and geographic distributions, species conservation status, distribution maps, and illustrations of the species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the herbaceous plant Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb., a species native to tropical regions, from Morocco. This is the first time that the genus and species are reported from Morocco and continental North Africa. We found this species to be naturalising in several localities in north-western Morocco. A morphological description, the geographic distribution, and notes on the ecology of this species are provided. We present for the first time photographs of P. tenellus from continental North Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Although the number of recently described Tovomita species is relatively high, much more remains to be done, given that each new survey of representative Amazonian collections reveals many potentially undescribed taxa. In the treatment for Tovomita published in Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana, at least six distinct morphotypes did not match any previously described species. Here we recognize morphotype “D” as a new endemic species from Cerro de la Neblina. Additionally, we provide an identification key to the Tovomita species in Venezuela.

ABSTRACT We describe the leaf anatomy of 42 of the 60 species of the genus Banisteriopsis, one of the largest and most diverse genera of Malpighiaceae in the Cerrado domain. Our aim was to identify anatomical leaf characters useful for the taxonomy and systematics of this morphological diverse genus. Expanded leaves from herbarium specimens were rehydrated and processed according to usual anatomical methods for analysis under light microscopy. All characters were compared using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean algorithm and expressed in dendrograms. The most useful leaf anatomical characters were petiole contour, presence/absence of vascular bundles in the petiole, the position of the vascular bundles in the petiole, shape of the midrib, presence/absence of sheath extension, mesophyll type, and both the presence/absence and shape of leaf glands. Our study indicates that the morphological groups proposed in the literature for Banisteriopsis are natural groups.