State of the art in cytogenetics, insights into chromosome number evolution, and new C-value reports for the fern family Gleicheniaceae.

Studies concerning the cytogenetics of Gleicheniaceae have been scarce, especially those employing evolutionary approaches. Two chromosome number evolutionary models have been hypothesized for Gleicheniaceae. One proposes that ancestral haploid numbers were small and that the chromosome numbers of extant species evolved through polyploidy. The other model proposes that, at the genus level, fern chromosome evolution occurred from ancestors with essentially the same high chromosome numbers seen in living lineages. Neither of those hypotheses has been tested based on phylogenetic frameworks. We sought to (i) present the state of the art of Gleicheniaceae chromosome numbers; (ii) test the two evolutionary models of chromosome numbers within a phylogenetic framework; (iii) test correlations between DNA contents and chromosome numbers in the family. We report here DNA C-values for five species, which increases the number of investigated taxa nearly twofold and report two new genera records. Ancestral state chromosome reconstruction corroborates the hypothesis that ancestral chromosome numbers in Gleicheniaceae were as high as those of extant lineages. Our results demonstrate the possible role of dysploidy in the evolutionary chromosome history of Gleicheniaceae at the genus level and suggest that the relationship between chromosome number and DNA content does not appear to be linear.

A list of land plants of Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Brazil, highlights the presence of sampling gaps within this protected area.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian protected areas are essential for plant conservation in the Atlantic Forest domain, one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots. A major challenge for improving conservation actions is to know the plant richness, protected by these areas. Online databases offer an accessible way to build plant species lists and to provide relevant information about biodiversity. A list of land plants of "Parque Nacional do Caparaó" (PNC) was previously built using online databases and published on the website "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil." Here, we provide and discuss additional information about plant species richness, endemism and conservation in the PNC that could not be included in the List. We documented 1,791 species of land plants as occurring in PNC, of which 63 are cited as threatened (CR, EN or VU) by the Brazilian National Red List, seven as data deficient (DD) and five as priorities for conservation. Fifity-one species were possible new ocurrences for ES and MG states. NEW INFORMATION: "Parque Nacional do Caparaó" houses 8% of the land plant species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including 6% of its angiosperms, 31% of its lycophytes and ferns and 14% of its avascular plants. Twelve percent of the threatened species listed for the State of Espírito Santo and 7% listed for the State of Minas Gerais are also protected by PNC. Surprisingly, 79% of the collections analysed here were carried out in Minas Gerais, which represents just 21% of the total extension of the Park. The compiled data uncover a huge botanical collection gap in this federally-protected area.

Molecular phylogeny of the fern family Blechnaceae (Polypodiales) with a revised genus-level treatment.

Blechnaceae, a leptosporangiate fern family nested within eupolypods II, comprises 200-250 species, typically divided among seven to nine genera. Despite recent molecular studies of the family, it still lacks a modern taxonomic update based on broad sampling from the two centres of diversity-the Neotropics and Australasia/Oceania. To test generic circumscriptions, we have assembled the broadest dataset thus far, from three plastid regions (rbcL, rps4-trnS, trnL-trnF) and with taxonomic sampling focused on both major diversity centres. Our sampling includes 156 taxa and 178 newly generated sequences. We recognize three subfamilies, each corresponding to a highly supported clade across all analyses (maximum parsimony, Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood). The genera Salpichlaena, Stenochlaena and Telmatoblechnum are monophyletic, while Blechnum is polyphyletic, because Brainea, Doodia and Sadleria all nest within it. We outline and explain a plan to resolve the polyphyly of Blechnum by recognizing additional, monophyletic, segregate genera.

Seven new species of Selaginellasubg.Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaceae) from Brazil and new synonyms for the genus.

We describe seven new species of Selaginellasubg.Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaalstonii, Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucronata, Selaginellamucugensis, Selaginellasaltuicola, and Selaginellasematophylla) from Brazil and discuss their possible affinities and conservation status. Scanning electron micrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores are provided to illustrate the new taxa. In Selaginellaalstonii and Selaginellasaltuicola vegetative growth from strobilus tips is reported and discussed. Four of the new species are from the Espinhaço Mountain Range associated with Campos Rupestres (montane savannah/rocky fields) vegetation. Three of these (i.e., Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, and Selaginellamucugensis) were collected in the northern part of the range in Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, while Selaginellaalstonii is from the southern part of the range in the state of Minas Gerais. Selaginellamucronata is found in Atlantic Rainforest vegetation in the state of Espírito Santo, whereas Selaginellasaltuicola inhabits Cerrado (tropical savannah) vegetation in the state of Mato Grosso. Selaginellasematophylla is the most widely distributed of the new species and was collected in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro states in Campos Rupestres and Atlantic Rainforest vegetation. Selaginellaalstonii occurs in rocky caves, Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucugensis, and Selaginellasematophylla seem adapted to seasonally dry places, living on sandy or humid soils, Selaginellamucronata occupies humid, forest understory, and Selaginellasaltuicola is adapted to wet places associated with rocks or logs in waterfalls. Of the seven new species, six are considered local endemics (except for Selaginellasematophylla) because of their restricted currently known distributions to one or two localities within a single state in Brazil. Additionally, we propose new synonymy for Selaginellapalmiformis (syn. = Selaginellabahiensissubsp.manausensis, ≡ Selaginellamanausensis) and Selaginellavestiens (syn. = Selaginellafragillima); the last species is endemic to Brazil, recorded in the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais. Finally, based on literature discussed and this study, we conclude that the number of well-documented Brazilian Selaginella species is 61, of which 58 are native and three introduced and naturalized. These statistics are likely to change with further work on Selaginella from Brazil.

ResumenDescribimos siete nuevas especies de Selaginellasubg.Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaalstonii, Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucronata, Selaginellamucugensis, Selaginellasaltuicola y Selaginellasematophylla) de Brasil y discutimos sus posibles afinidades y estado de conservación. Micrografias electrónicas de barrido de secciones de los tallos, hojas y esporas se proveen para ilustrar los nuevos taxa. Igualmente, se describe y discute el crecimiento vegetativo a partir del ápice de los estróbilos en Selaginellaalstonii y Selaginellasaltuicola. Cuatro de las especies nuevas proceden de la Cadena del Espinhaço asociadas a vegetación de Campos Rupestres (sabana montana). Tres de éstas (i.e., Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita y Selaginellamucugensis) fueron recolectadas en la parte norteña de la Cadena del Espinhaço en la Chapada Diamantina, estado de Bahia, mientras que Selaginellaalstonii se registra para la parte sureña en el estado de Minas Gerais. Selaginellamucronata se encuentra en vegetación de Bosques Lluviosos del Atlántico en el estado de Espírito Santo, mientras que Selaginellasaltuicola habita vegetación de Cerrado (sabana tropical) en el estado de Mato Grosso. De las nuevas especies, Selaginellasematophylla es la más ampliamente distribuida y se ha recolectada en los estados de Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais y Río de Janeiro en vegetación de Campos Rupestres y Bosques Lluviosos del Atlántico. Selaginellaalstonii crece sobre rocas en cuevas, mientras que Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucugensis y Selaginellasematophylla parecen estar adaptadas a lugares estacionalmente secos, creciendo sobre suelos arenosos o húmedos; a su vez, Selaginellamucronata crece en el sotobosque de bosques húmedos y Selaginellasaltuicola está adaptada a vivir en lugares húmedos asociada a rocas o troncos en cascadas. De las siete nuevas especies, seis son consideradas tentativamente endémicas locales (con la excepción de Selaginellasematophylla) debido a su distribución restringida a una o dos localidades dentro de un sólo estado de Brasil. Adicionalmente, proponemos nuevos sinónimos para Selaginellapalmiformis (syn. = Selaginellabahiensissubsp.manausensis, ≡ Selaginellamanausensis) y Selaginellavestiens (syn. = Selaginellafragillima), la cual se confirma como endémica de Brasil donde se registra para los estados de Goiás y Minas Gerais. Finalmente, de acuerdo con este estudio y la literatura discutida, estimamos que el número de especies brasileñas de Selaginella debidamente documentadas es de 61, de las cuales 58 son nativas y tres introducidas y naturalizadas. Esta estadística muy probablemente cambiará conforme se realicen estudios adicionales sobre Selaginella en Brasil.

Thirteen new records of ferns from Brazil.

Thirteen fern species are reported for the first time for Brazil. Among the new records, eight are from Acre state (Cyatheasubincisa, Cyclodiumtrianae, Elaphoglossumstenophyllum, Hypoderrisbrauniana, Pleopeltisstolzei, Thelypterisarcana, Thelypteriscomosa, Thelypterisvaldepilosa), two are from Pará state (Polypodiumflagellare, Tectariaheracleifolia), one from Minas Gerais state (Alsophilasalvinii), one from Ceará state (Campyloneurumcostatum) and one from Bahia state (Thelypterisrolandii). Part of the species shows a disjunct occurrence or illustrates floristic relations between Brazilian and Andean Mountains or Central American Mountains.

Perfil de propriedades rurais com pastos invadidos por Pteridium arachnoideum na região norte de Mato Grosso e prevalência de hematúria enzoótica bovina / Profile of farms with pastures invaded by Pteridium arachnoideum in northern Mato Grosso and prevalence of bovine enzootic hematuria

Descreve-se o perfil de 40 propriedades rurais com pastagens invadidas por Pteridium arachnoideum na região norte de Mato Grosso, bem como a prevalência de hematúria enzoótica bovina (HEB) em bovinos de leite e corte nessa região. A HEB foi observada em 15/40 propriedades com prevalências variando entre 0,8 e 16,6%. Aspectos relacionados à implantação das pastagens e manejos utilizados foram discutidos. A maior parte das propriedades que apresentaram HEB possuíam pastagens altamente invadidas pela planta, enquanto que a maioria das propriedades que nunca apresentaram animais acometidos por HEB possuíam pastos com áreas invadidas abaixo de 10%. O desmatamento e a utilização de queimada foram fatores determinantes na invasão de piquetes por P. arachnoidem.(AU)

The profile of 40 farms with pastures invaded by Pteridium arachnoideum in northern Mato Grosso as well as the prevalence of bovine enzootic haematuria (BEH) in dairy and beef cattle in the region are described. The BEH was observed in 15/40 properties with prevalence rates ranging from 0.8 to 16.6%. Aspects related to the deployment of pastures and management are discussed. In most farms where BEH occurs, the pastures were highly invaded by the plant, whereas in most farms where HEB does not occur the pastures had less than 10% of Pteridium arachnoideum. Deforestation and the use of fire were determinant factors in the invasion of the paddocks by P. arachnoideum.(AU)

Perfil de propriedades rurais com pastos invadidos por Pteridium arachnoideum na região norte de Mato Grosso e prevalência de hematúria enzoótica bovina / Profile of farms with pastures invaded by Pteridium arachnoideum in northern Mato Grosso and prevalence of bovine enzootic hematuria

Descreve-se o perfil de 40 propriedades rurais com pastagens invadidas por Pteridium arachnoideum na região norte de Mato Grosso, bem como a prevalência de hematúria enzoótica bovina (HEB) em bovinos de leite e corte nessa região. A HEB foi observada em 15/40 propriedades com prevalências variando entre 0,8 e 16,6%. Aspectos relacionados à implantação das pastagens e manejos utilizados foram discutidos. A maior parte das propriedades que apresentaram HEB possuíam pastagens altamente invadidas pela planta, enquanto que a maioria das propriedades que nunca apresentaram animais acometidos por HEB possuíam pastos com áreas invadidas abaixo de 10%. O desmatamento e a utilização de queimada foram fatores determinantes na invasão de piquetes por P. arachnoidem...

The profile of 40 farms with pastures invaded by Pteridium arachnoideum in northern Mato Grosso as well as the prevalence of bovine enzootic haematuria (BEH) in dairy and beef cattle in the region are described. The BEH was observed in 15/40 properties with prevalence rates ranging from 0.8 to 16.6%. Aspects related to the deployment of pastures and management are discussed. In most farms where BEH occurs, the pastures were highly invaded by the plant, whereas in most farms where HEB does not occur the pastures had less than 10% of Pteridium arachnoideum. Deforestation and the use of fire were determinant factors in the invasion of the paddocks by P. arachnoideum...

Composição, diversidade e distribuição geográfica de plantas vasculares de uma Floresta Ombrófila Densa Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil / Composition, diversity and geographical distribution of vascular plants of an Atlantic Rain Forest, Southeastern Brazil

Na floresta Ombrófila Densa do Parque Estadual de Carlos Botelho - PECB (ca. 37.000 ha) foi avaliada a composição, riqueza e distribuição geográfica das espécies vasculares nativas. A análise de 1143 espécies pertencentes a 140 famílias (sensu APG III) confirmaram o padrão encontrado para outras florestas do Leste do Brasil, com altas riquezas de Myrtaceae (85 espécies), Orchidaceae (81), Fabaceae (57), Asteraceae, Melastomataceae (54), Lauraceae (53), Rubiaceae (51), Bromeliaceae (43), Piperaceae (30) e Solanaceae (25), além de pteridófitas (123). Os gêneros mais ricos do Parque foram: Eugenia (34), Ocotea (26), Leandra, Myrcia, Vriesea (18), Piper (16), Solanum (15), Miconia (14), Mollinedia (13) e Peperomia (12). Houve grande variação na riqueza e composição de espécies entre hábitos, bem como no número de famílias representadas nos hábitos considerados (apenas Rubiaceae teve espécies em todos os hábitos, exceto parasitas). As árvores obtiveram a maior contribuição na riqueza total (39,1%), valor que representou mais de 20% das espécies de árvores citadas para toda a Floresta Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil. Em seguida, foram os epífitos (22,4%), ervas (18,4%), arbustos (10,1%), lianas (9,1%) e parasitas (0,9%). De maneira geral, a riqueza e a composição por hábitos foram bastante similares ao encontrado nas demais florestas neotropicais (e.g. alta contribuição de pteridófitas ente os epífitos), apesar de alguns dos hábitos permanecerem subamostrados no PECB (principalmente ervas, lianas e epífitos). A ocorrência de espécies endêmicas da Floresta Atlântica foi elevada (65%), com predominância de espécies de ocorrência no Sul da Floresta Atlântica (43%). Espécies pantropicais foram raras (2%), sendo mais comuns entre as pteridófitas e entre as herbáceas. Myrtaceae e Melastomataceae foram as famílias com maior número e proporção de espécies endêmicas.

In the Montane and Submontane Rain Forest of the Carlos Botelho State Park - PECB (ca. 37,000 ha) the composition, richness and geographical distribution of native, vascular forest species was evaluated. The analysis of 1143 species of 140 families supported the pattern found for other forests of Eastern Brazil, showing high species richness of Myrtaceae (85 species), Orchidaceae (81), Fabaceae (57), Asteraceae, Melastomataceae (54), Lauraceae (53), Rubiaceae (51), Bromeliaceae (43), Piperaceae (30) and Solanaceae (25), besides ferns (123). The most species-rich genera were Eugenia (34), Ocotea (26), Leandra, Myrcia, Vriesea (18), Piper, Solanum (16), Miconia (14), Mollinedia (13), and Peperomia (12). The richness and composition varied greatly among life forms, as well as the number of families represented in each one of them (only Rubiaceae had species in all life forms, except parasites). Trees had the largest contribution of total richness (39.1%), a value that represented more than 20% of the species listed for the whole Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil. Trees were followed by epiphytes (22.4%), herbs (18.4%), shrubs (10.1%), lianas (9.1%), and parasites (0.9%). The overall richness and composition of life forms was quite close to other neotropical forests (e.g. high contribution of ferns among epiphytes), although some life forms remain undersampled in the PECB (mainly herbs, lianas and epiphytes). The occurrence of species endemic to the Atlantic Forest was pronounced (65%), with a predominance of species restricted to the Southern Atlantic Forest (43%). Pantropical species were rare (2%), being more common among ferns. Myrtaceae and Melastomataceae were the families with greater number and proportion of endemic species.

Flora vascular do Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho, São Paulo, Brasil / Vascular flora of the Carlos Botelho State Park, São Paulo, Brazil

Localizado na Serra de Paranapiacaba, sul do Estado de São Paulo, o Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho (PECB) abriga mais de 37.000 ha de Floresta Atlântica em um dos remanescentes mais importantes e extensos deste Bioma no Brasil. No Parque, predomina a Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana e Submontana. Com o objetivo de organizar as informações florísticas disponíveis e direcionar futuros levantamentos, este estudo apresenta a lista de espécies vasculares nativas das florestas do PECB. Além de coletas pessoais dos autores, foram compilados mais de 3.900 registros citados desde 1967. Provindos de diferentes fontes de informação, estes registros foram checados para verificar a presença de sinonímias botânicas e novas combinações. Foi listado um total de 1.143 espécies vasculares pertencentes a 140 famílias e 528 gêneros (outras 63 espécies não foram incluídas por serem exóticas ou de ocorrência/identificação duvidosa). Houve grande riqueza de Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Melastomataceae, Lauraceae, Rubiaceae e Bromeliaceae. Apesar da alta riqueza de espécies, a riqueza de ervas, epífitos e lianas está certamente subestimada no Parque, de modo que futuros levantamentos certamente incluirão várias espécies na lista apresentada aqui. Adicionalmente, foram encontradas mais de 60 espécies com algum grau de ameaça de extinção, principalmente entre as famílias Myrtaceae, Lauraceae e Gesneriaceae. Assim, os resultados encontrados colocam o PECB entre as unidades de conservação com maior riqueza de espécies no Estado de São Paulo, com grande importância nacional para a conservação de espécies de plantas.

Located in the Serra de Paranapiacaba, South of São Paulo State, the Carlos Botelho State Park (PECB) shelters more than 37,000 ha of Atlantic Forest in one of the most important and large remnants of this Biome in Brazil. In the Park the Montane and Submontane rain forests are the predominant types of forests. Aiming to organize the available floristic information and to orient future surveys, this study presents the list of native vascular species of the PECB forests. Besides authors´ personal collections, more than 3,900 records since 1967 were compiled. Coming from different sources of information, these records were checked for the presence of botanical synonyms and new combinations. A total of 1,143 species belonging to 528 genera and 140 families were listed (other 63 species were not included because they were non-native or of doubtful occurrence/determination). There was a great richness of Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Melastomataceae, Lauraceae, Rubiaceae and Bromeliaceae. Although high species richness was found, the richness of herbs, lianas and epiphytes are certainly underestimated and future surveys will add many species to the list presented here. In addition, more than 60 endangered species were found, mainly among the Myrtaceae, Lauraceae and Gesneriaceae families. Therefore, these results put the PECB among the most species-rich conservation units of São Paulo state with great relevance to national conservancy of plant diversity.