Molecular phylogenetics of tribe Eudemeae (Brassicaceae) and implications for its morphology and distribution.

Tribe Eudemeae comprises a morphologically heterogeneous group of genera distributed along the Andes of South America from Colombia southward into southern Chile and Argentina. The tribe currently includes seven genera: Aschersoniodoxa, Brayopsis, Dactylocardamum, Delpinophytum, Eudema, Onuris, and Xerodraba, and exhibits a wide morphological diversification in growth habit, inflorescences, and fruits. However, little is known about the phylogenetic relationships and evolution of the tribe. We present here a molecular phylogeny of representative sampling of all genera, utilizing sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and chloroplast regions trnL-F, trnH-psbA, and rps16. Additionally, climatic niches of the tribe and its main lineages, along with the evolution of diagnostic morphological characters, were studied. All analyses confirmed the monophyly of Eudemeae, with the exception of Delpinophytum that was included with genera of the lineage I of Brassicaceae. Eudemeae is divided into two main lineages differentiated by their geographical distribution and climatic niche: the primarily north-central Andean lineage included Aschersoniodoxa, Brayopsis, Dactylocardamum, and Eudema, and the Patagonian and southern Andean lineage included Onuris and Xerodraba. Finally, ancestral-state reconstructions in the tribe generally reveal multiple and independent gains or losses of diagnostic morphological characters, such as growth form, inflorescence reduction, and fruit type. Relevant taxonomic implications stemming from the results are also discussed.

The colonial legacy of herbaria.

Herbarium collections shape our understanding of Earth's flora and are crucial for addressing global change issues. Their formation, however, is not free from sociopolitical issues of immediate relevance. Despite increasing efforts addressing issues of representation and colonialism in natural history collections, herbaria have received comparatively less attention. While it has been noted that the majority of plant specimens are housed in the Global North, the extent and magnitude of this disparity have not been quantified. Here we examine the colonial legacy of botanical collections, analysing 85,621,930 specimen records and assessing survey responses from 92 herbarium collections across 39 countries. We find an inverse relationship between where plant diversity exists in nature and where it is housed in herbaria. Such disparities persist across physical and digital realms despite overt colonialism ending over half a century ago. We emphasize the need for acknowledging the colonial history of herbarium collections and implementing a more equitable global paradigm for their collection, curation and use.

Comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes for five Dicliptera species (Acanthaceae): molecular structure, phylogenetic relationships, and adaptive evolution.

The genus Dicliptera (Justicieae, Acanthaceae) consists of approximately 150 species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Newly obtained chloroplast genomes (cp genomes) are reported for five species of Dilciptera (D. acuminata, D. peruviana, D. montana, D. ruiziana and D. mucronata) in this study. These cp genomes have circular structures of 150,689-150,811 bp and exhibit quadripartite organizations made up of a large single copy region (LSC, 82,796-82,919 bp), a small single copy region (SSC, 17,084-17,092 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 25,401-25,408 bp). Guanine-Cytosine (GC) content makes up 37.9%-38.0% of the total content. The complete cp genomes contain 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Comparative analyses of nucleotide variability (Pi) reveal the five most variable regions (trnY-GUA-trnE-UUC, trnG-GCC, psbZ-trnG-GCC, petN-psbM, and rps4-trnL-UUA), which may be used as molecular markers in future taxonomic identification and phylogenetic analyses of Dicliptera. A total of 55-58 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 229 long repeats were identified in the cp genomes of the five Dicliptera species. Phylogenetic analysis identified a close relationship between D. ruiziana and D. montana, followed by D. acuminata, D. peruviana, and D. mucronata. Evolutionary analysis of orthologous protein-coding genes within the family Acanthaceae revealed only one gene, ycf15, to be under positive selection, which may contribute to future studies of its adaptive evolution. The completed genomes are useful for future research on species identification, phylogenetic relationships, and the adaptive evolution of the Dicliptera species.

Taxonomic novelties in Amaryllidaceae from the Department of Ancash, Peru, and a new combination in Clinanthus.

Clinanthus inflatus (Amaryllidaceae) and Ismene parviflora are described from Ancash Department in Peru. The flower of C. inflatus is urceolate, and resembles that of Urceolina (Amaryllidaceae tr. Eucharideae), a unique morphology for the genus. Ismene parviflora, with its small, loosely formed, narrowly funnelform-tubular perigone with a ventricose limb, appears to have some affinity to subgen. Pseudostenomesson and may represent an intermediate form between the former and species of subgen. Ismene. Stenomesson rubrum is transferred to Clinanthus as C. ruber on the basis of its narrowly lorate leaf morphology.

ResumenClinanthus inflatus (Amaryllidaceae) e Ismene parviflora se describen del departamento de Ancash en el Perú. La flor de C. inflatus es urceolada, y se asemeja a la de Urceolina (Amaryllidaceae tr. Eucharideae), una morfología única para el género. Ismene parviflora, con su forma suelta, perigonio angostamente funeliforme-tubular con una limbo ventricoso, parece tener alguna afinidad al subgen. Pseudostenomesson y puede representar una forma intermedia entre el primero y las especie de subgen. Ismene. Stenomesson rubrum se transfiere a Clinanthus como C. ruber, sobre la base de su morfología de hoja acintada estrecha.

Nototriche chancoae (Malvoideae, Malvaceae), una especie nueva de los Andes de Lima, Perú / Nototriche chancoae (Malvoideae, Malvaceae), a new species from the Andes of Lima, Peru

Resumen Se describe e ilustra a Nototriche chancoae, una nueva especie de los Andes de Lima, Perú. Esta especie se relaciona con N. glacialis, N. nigrescens y N. congesta por presentar láminas flabeliformes, hipófilo piloso, lado interno del cáliz piloso hacia el ápice de los lóbulos y corola con tubo presente; se distingue por tener vaginas más anchas y lado externo del cáliz con tubo glabro. Se incluyen la descripción, ilustración y fotografías de la especie nueva, así como también, una clave dicotómica de las especies de Nototriche más afines en morfología a N. chancoae.

Abstract Nototriche chancoae, a new species from the Andes of Lima, Peru, is described and illustrated. This species is related to N. glacialis, N. nigrescens and N. congesta in having flabellate laminae, hairy hypophyllum, inner side of the hairy calyx towards the apex of the lobes and corolla with tube present; It is distinguished by having wider vaginas and the outer side of the calyx with glabrous tube. The description, illustration and photographs of the new species are included, as well as a dichotomous key to the Nototriche species most similar in morphology to N. chancoae.

Geographic distribution, conservation status and lectotypification of Pedersenia weberbaueri (Suess.) Holub (Amaranthaceae), an endemic and highly threatened shrub from the Marañón valley of Peru

The present study analyses the geographical distribution, conservation status, and nomenclature of Peruvian endemic Pedersenia weberbaueri. The species distribution was modelled using MaxEnt based on occurrence data and bioclimatic variables. The conservation status of the species was assessed against the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List, and nomenclatural and typification issues were resolved. The potential distribution map of P. weberbaueri shows that the species is restricted to the seasonally dry tropical forests of the Marañón valley within a narrow latitudinal, longitudinal, and elevational range. Consequently, we propose to categorise the species as Endangered (EN) and provide the necessary information for its inclusion in the IUCN Red List. Finally, we resolve nomenclatural issues and designate a lectotype. The results contribute to the biological knowledge of P. weberbaueri and support subsequent conservation management plans.

El presente estudio analiza la distribución geográfica, el estado de conservación y la nomenclatura de la endémica peruana Pedersenia weberbaueri. La distribución de especies se modeló usando MaxEnt con base en datos de ocurrencia y variables bioclimáticas. Se evaluó el estado de conservación de la especie frente a las categorías y criterios de la Lista Roja de la UICN y se resolvieron cuestiones de nomenclatura y tipificación. El mapa de distribución potencial de P. weberbaueri muestra que la especie está restringida a los bosques tropicales estacionalmente secos del valle del Marañón dentro de un estrecho rango latitudinal, longitudinal y altitudinal. En consecuencia, proponemos categorizar a la especie como En Peligro (EN) y brindar la información necesaria para su inclusión en la Lista Roja de la UICN. Finalmente, resolvemos cuestiones de nomenclatura y designamos un lectotipo. Los resultados contribuyen al conocimiento biológico de P. weberbaueri y respaldan los planes de manejo de conservación posteriores.

Vascular flora and phytogeographical links of the Carabaya Mountains, Peru / Flora vascular y conexiones fitogeográficas de las montañas Carabaya, Perú

Studies of floristic composition and plant species richness in tropical mountains support their recognition as areas of high biological diversity, and therefore of their importance for plant conservation. Here, we present data on the flora of the high Andes of eight sites centered in the Carabaya mountains, and also provide a floristic comparison with nine other floras within Peru and northern Bolivia. The study area includes 506 species of vascular plants, grouped in 203 genera and 66 families. The highest species richness was found in two families: Asteraceae and Poaceae, which collectively encompass 37% of all species. Other important families were Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Brassicaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Gentianaceae, Plantaginaceae and Cyperaceae. The most diverse genera wereSenecio, Calamagrostis, Poa and Nototriche. Perennial herbs were the dominant growth form. The vascular flora of the Carabaya Mountains is closely related to those of other regions of southern Peru. Also, more than half of all vascular plants registered for the Carabaya Mountain occur in the Andean region of Bolivia, which shows the undoubted geophysical and phytogeographical connection of the Carabaya and the Bolivian Apolobamba Mountains. This study also shows that there is still a need for more extensive plant collecting and future exploration, since the Carabaya, as other parts of Peru’s high Andes are subject of dramatic change that may threaten these plant populations.

Los estudios sobre la composición florística y riqueza de especies en montañas tropicales apoyan su reconocimiento como áreas de alta diversidad biológica, y, por tanto, de su importancia para la conservación. En este trabajo presentamos datos sobre la flora altoandina de ocho sitios localizados en la Cordillera de Carabaya, proveemos también una comparación florística con otros nueve lugares tanto en Perú como en el norte de Bolivia. El área de estudio incluye 506 especies de plantas vasculares, reconocidas en 203 géneros y 66 familias. Las tasas más altas de riqueza de especies se hallan en dos familias: Asteraceae y Poaceae, que colectivamente abarcan el 37% de todas las especies. Otras familias importantes fueron Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Brassicaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Gentianaceae, Plantaginaceae y Cyperaceae. Los géneros más diversos fueron Senecio, Calamagrostis, Poa y Nototriche. La forma de crecimiento predominante fueron las hierbas perennes. La flora vascular de la Cordillera Carabaya está muy relacionada con otras regiones del sur de Perú. Además, más de la mitad de todas las plantas vasculares registradas para la Cordillera Carabaya se encuentran en la región andina de Bolivia, lo que demuestra la indudable conexión geofísica y fitogeográfica entre las cordilleras Carabaya y Apolobamba de Bolivia. Este estudio también demuestra la necesidad de una extensa colección botánica y futura exploración, desde que Carabaya, como otras partes de los altos Andes del Perú, están sujetos a cambios dramáticos que amenazan las poblaciones de esas plantas.

Composición florística de los bosques de Polylepis Yauyinazo y Chaqsii-Chaqsii, Reserva Paisajística Nor Yauyos-Cochas, Lima / Floristic composition of the Polylepis Yauyinazo and Chaqsii-Chaqsii forests, Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, Lima

Los bosques de Polylepis (Rosaceae) forman parte de la vegetación natural de los Andes entre los 3500 y 5000 msnm, con una distribución comúnmente restringida a laderas rocosas y quebradas, constituyéndose como ecosistemas de gran importancia. Durante los años 2008-2010 se realizaron recolectas de muestras botánicas dentro de los bosques Yauyinazo y Chaqsii-Chaqsii de la Reserva Paisajística Nor Yauyos-Cochas, en dos épocas del año (húmeda y seca). Se da a conocer la composición de la flora vascular y la variación temporal en los bosques en estudio. Se registró un total de 282 especies agrupadas en 170 géneros y 62 familias, donde las Asteraceae y Poaceae fueron las familias más diversas. Con respecto a la forma de crecimiento las plantas herbáceas y arbustivas fueron las más frecuentes con 71.6% y 17.4% respectivamente. En el bosque Yauyinazo se registraron 232 especies agrupadas en 153 géneros y 58 familias y en el bosque Chaqsii-Chaqsii 213 especies en 137 géneros y 56 familias. Se registraron 41 especies endémicas y 17 especies de flora silvestre amenazada, evidenciándose la importancia ecológica de los bosques de Polylepis.

Polylepis (Rosaceae) forests are part of the natural vegetation of the Andes between 3500 and 5000 m altitude, usually restricted to rocky slopes and ravines and becoming important ecosystems. During 2008-2010 were made specimens collections in the Yauyinazo and Chaqsii-Chaqsii Polylepis forest into Reserva Paisajística Nor Yauyos-Cochas in two seasons (wet and dry). We present, the vascular flora and seasonal variation the Yauyinazo and Chaqsii-Chaqsii forests. Was registered 282 species in two forests, belonging 170 genera and 62 families, the Asteraceae and Poaceae families were the most diverse. Herbaceous and shrub plants were the most diverse with 71.6% and 17.4% respectively. In Yauyinazo forest were registered 232 species belonging 153 genera and 58 families and in the Chaqsii-Chaqsii forest 213 species belonging 137 genera and 56 families. We report 41 species endemic and 17 threatened flora species, demonstrating the importance of Polylepis forests as habitat for these species.

Contribución a la flora altoandina del distrito de Oyón, región Lima, Perú / Contribution to Andean flora from Oyón District , Lima, Peru

En este trabajo se presenta el inventario de plantas vasculares de montaña alta (altitudes de 4000 a 4810 m) del noreste del distrito de Oyón, región Lima, Perú. Las colectas se realizaron durante los periodos marzo a mayo de 2014 y de 2015, y setiembre a noviembre de 2014. Se encontraron 47 familias, 112 géneros y 181 especies, de las cuales 94 no estaban registradas para la región Lima. Se presenta la lista de todas las especies encontradas con referencia a los colectores, número de colecta y altitud de colecta. Se argumenta la necesidad de multiplicar los inventarios botánicos locales que permitirían conocer mejor la diversidad de la flora, la distribución de las especies, y los endemismos en la vegetación altoandina.

In this paper, the inventory of vascular plants of high mountains (altitudes of 4000-4810 m) from northeast Oyon district, Lima, Peru is presented. Specimens were collected during March to May 2014 and 2015 and September to November 2015. 47 families, 112 genera and 181 species are reported, of which 94 were the first record for Lima region. For each species are given collector names, collect number and elevation. New local botanical inventories are needed for better evaluating the diversity, species distribution patterns and endemism in the high Andean vegetation.