Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas

A novel species of Nama (Namaceae) from northern Arizona, U.S.A.

Richard A. Crawford — 2024-07-09

Nama arizonica R.A. Crawford & G. Rink (Namaceae) is a novel Nama, restricted to Coconino and Navajo cos, northern Arizona. Previously, these plants have been determined as N. dichotoma (Ruiz & Pav.) Choisy, to which it may be most closely related, though it has morphological similarities to N. hispida as well. We present images of plants in the field, seeds, vestiture, and chromosomes.

A new Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae) from Nevada, U.S.A.

Arnold Tiehm — 2024-07-09

A new species of Ranunculus from Elko County, Nevada, R. legerae, is described and illustrated. It is related to R. triternatus, R. glaberimmus, and R. adoneus. The earliest known collection was made in 1937. Poor label information prevented rediscovery, which did not happen until 2017. The second author discovered a large population in 2022 which led to this study and article.

New combinations for the flora of Nevada, U.S.A.

Arnold Tiehm — 2024-07-09

Presented here are four new combinations made in advance of publication of an Annotated Checklist for the Flora of Nevada. New combinations of Aphyllon corymbosum var. mutabile, Monardella ovata var. pallida, Orthocarpus cuspidatus var. cryptanthus, and Phlox kelseyi var. salina are made.

Studies in the vascular flora of the southeastern United States. X

Alan S. Weakley — 2024-07-09

As part of ongoing work on the Flora of the Southeastern United States (Weakley & Southeastern Flora Team 2023) and related projects, as well as for general floristic, conservation, and scientific work in eastern North America, it is essential to document taxonomic and nomenclatural changes and significant distribution records. Here, we propose six new species of graminoids (two Rhynchospora, three Dichanthelium, and one Anatherum)—five from fire-maintained pine savannas and embedded wetlands of the southeastern Coastal Plain and one from the floristically and ecologically related fire-maintained pine savannas of North Andros Island in The Bahamas. We provide rationale and documentation for the “taxonomic resurrection” of Vaccinium ashei, an economically important member of Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus, based on morphology, estimation of ploidy level with flow cytometry, and phylogenomic analysis based on high-throughput DNA sequencing. We make four new combinations in Convolvulus to accommodate the inclusion of Calystegia in Convolvulus to resolve paraphyly. We also make six new combinations necessary to recognize sect. Leptopogon of Andropogon at generic rank, as Anatherum, based on the phylogenetic work of other researchers and the previously incomplete transfer of recognized species to Anatherum, providing the needed names to recognize this group of species in genus Anatherum in North American floristic treatments. We document the surprising discovery of Carex lutea, previously believed to be endemic to two counties in eastern North Carolina, in two counties in the panhandle of Florida, and a county in eastern South Carolina—discoveries aided by iNaturalist and Facebook. We document new states as being within the distribution ranges of additional species: Quercus similis (Florida), Juncus brachycephalus (Arkansas and Missouri), Rhexia mariana var. mariana (Ohio), Asarum acuminatum and Elionurus tripsacoides (Alabama), and Mecardonia procumbens (Georgia). Other important distributional records, many representing rediscoveries of conservationally significant, extant populations of plants previously considered of only historical occurrence in a state, are also reported: Alabama (Arnica acaulis, Asclepias connivens, Berberis canadensis, Bulbostylis warei, Ctenodon viscidulus, Parnassia grandifolia, and Pinguicula pumila) and Georgia and Florida (Lobelia boykinii).

Justicia darienensis (Acanthaceae: Justicieae: Justiciinae), a new species endemic to a tropical sky island in Panama

Thomas F. Daniel — 2024-07-09

A new species, Justicia darienensis T.F. Daniel & M. Vargas P., is described from a biodiverse “hotspot” in an isolated cloud forest of Darién Province in eastern Panama. It is compared to morphologically and palynologically similar species in southern Central America. Justicia darienensis is characterized by a complex inflorescence with heteromorphic (shape and fertility) bracts, white corollas with purple markings on the lower lip, glabrous anther thecae, 4-aperturate pollen, and pubescent capsules. Images of the plant and its pollen are provided.

Ceratostema loucianae and Disterigma chriscanadayi (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae)—new epiphytic species from eastern Ecuador

Xavier Cornejo — 2024-07-09

Ceratostema loucianae and Disterigma chriscanadayi (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae), species of pendulous epiphytic shrubs, from eastern Ecuador and of ornamental potential are described and illustrated.

Notes on the Latin names of some gayfeathers and the further New World significance of Thomas Martyn’s edition (1795–1807) of Philip Miller’s Gardeners Dictionary

David J. Mabberley — 2024-07-09

The nomenclatural significance of Thomas Martyn’s monumental revision (and expansion) of Philip Miller’s Gardeners dictionary, namely Martyn’s puzzlingly neglected The gardener’s and botanist’s dictionary ([1795–]1807), is assessed with particular reference to New World botany. The publication dates of its constituent parts are discussed; a key resource is internal evidence, citation of recently published works, notably Roxburgh’s Plants of the coast of Coromandel, publication dates of which are also made more precise through examination of Royal Society of London records. Besides making more secure currently accepted names in Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae), Liatris (Compositae) and Meniscium (Thelypteridaceae), a number of other additions and corrections to current databases are identified, those affecting currently accepted names being disposed of here. This results merely in a new combination in Ctenodon (Leguminosae) being proposed, though Croton cochinchinensis Martyn may well be an earlier name for C. cascarilloides Raeusch. (Euphorbiaceae), while Mimosa carthagenensis Martyn (Leguminosae) is lectotypified such that it conclusively falls into the synonymy of Piptadenia retusa (Jacq.) P.J. Ribeiro & al. (Leguminosae).

Especies nuevas de Canavalia (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Phaseoleae: Diocleinae) para México y Centroamérica

José L. Linares — 2024-07-09

Canavalia Adans. is a genus of legumes (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Phaseoleae: Diocleinae) that has, after this work, about 71 species. Previously about 60 species were recorded as valid; this genus has not been completely revised in recent years. The last complete revision dates from 1960 and was made by J.D. Sauer, however, from 1960 to the present, many collections have been accumulated from places especially rich in species such as Central and Western Mexico and northern Central America, resulting in an accumulation of poorly curated specimens that undoubtedly represent some interesting extensions in the distributions, as well as the addition of new species for science. Some of the original taxa were poorly known and still others had nomenclatural and taxonomic problems, having been synonymized by Sauer and reinstated in this work. Thus, we believe that we have solved the problems associated with the types of most of the species proposed by Martens and Galeotti for Mexico and Central America. Specimens from various collections carefully accumulated for more than 30 years in the National Herbarium of Mexico (MEXU) by Mario Sousa Sánchez were reviewed, as well as material that was detected by him as possible new species through his visits to other herbaria, mainly to the Missouri Botanical Garden (MO), the University of Texas, Austin (LL) and the New York Botanical Garden (NY); the specialized literature, old and recent, was consulted, especially that referring to the publication of new taxa within the genus. In all the herbarium material reviewed, we found at least 11 species new to science, five older names synonymized by Sauer that correspond to clearly distinguishable species, and that several species present in Central and Southern Mexico extend their range to the northern part of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, and to a lesser extent El Salvador and Nicaragua). We provide keys to the four subgenera and keys for the species within each subgenus. Three of the four subgenera are present in the study area, with only the subgenus Maunaloa missing, which is endemic to Hawaii.

A morphological study on the question of the hybrid origin of Astrophytum coahuilense (Cactaceae)

Richard R. Montanucci — 2024-07-09

Two alternative hypotheses may explain the origin of Astrophytum coahuilense. One hypothesis is that A. coahuilense is an ancient diploid hybrid derived from interbreeding between A. capricorne and A. myriostigma. An alternative is that A. coahuilense arose via allopatric speciation and its similarity to A. myriostigma in vegetative characters is due to convergent evolution. The two hypotheses are tested, applying univariate analysis and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling analysis to morphological datasets. Univariate analysis, which is based on 13 vegetative and 10 reproductive characters, shows that the morphology of A. coahuilense is complex, consisting of a combination of vegetative and reproductive characters shared with both A. capricorne and A. myriostigma as well as several intermediate traits. Furthermore, the morphology of A. coahuilense lacks unique, fixed characteristics. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling analysis of 15 characters (three vegetative and 12 reproductive traits) produced a two-dimensional scatterplot in which the cluster representing A. coahuilense occupies a position intermediate between the clusters of the two parental species along Dimension 1. Thus, both analyses support the hypothesis that Astrophytum coahuilense originated through hybridization between A. capricorne and A. myriostigma. Biological and ecological factors that may have facilitated homoploid hybrid speciation are discussed.

Aspicilia fumosa (Megasporaceae), a new record for Pakistan and the first in Eurasia

Muhammad S. Iqbal — 2024-07-09

A new record, Aspicilia fumosa, is being reported for the first time from Pakistan in an examination of Aspicilia species in Darel Valley. The species is described and its distribution, habitat, and phylogeny treated.

Noteworthy collections from the Alabama flora (U.S.A.)

Brian R. Keener — 2024-07-09

From continued botanical exploration in Alabama, noteworthy collections representing seventeen taxa are included. Thirteen of these taxa are reported new to Alabama while the remaining four are significant for historical considerations. Each taxon cited below is vouchered into the University of West Alabama Herbarium (UWAL) with duplicates to be distributed.

Astragalus endopterus (Fabaceae), a species purported as extinct, found in northern Arizona, U.S.A.

Glenn Rink — 2024-07-09

Astragalus endopterus (Barneby) Barneby, listed as an extinct species in a recent Conservation Biology paper (Knapp et al. 2021) was found in abundance after three hours of targeted searching. Continued searches revealed thousands of plants. Our work has doubled the known range of the species. Astragalus endopterus seems to mostly occur on sheetwash deposits composed of particles derived mostly from windblown sands along with a component of clay probably derived from the Chinle Formation. We have no indications that the species may have been in decline or was ever on the verge of extinction.

First U.S. vascular plant extirpation linked to sea level rise? Pilosocereus millspaughii (Cactaceae) in the Florida Keys, U.S.A.

Jennifer Possley — 2024-07-09

The global biodiversity crisis affects species across all continents and taxonomic groups. Direct destruction of species and habitats has been a primary driver of declines, though climate change and associated sea level rise are expected to accelerate loss. The flora of low-lying, relatively isolated islands is especially threatened when high species richness intersects with vulnerability to sea level rise. The Florida Keys represent a hotspot for cactus diversity in the eastern United States, with eight species recognized, three of which are endemic to the islands. Though not endemic to the islands, the Key Largo tree cactus (Pilosocereus millspaughii) was known in the United States from only a single population in the Florida Keys. Its decline and imminent extirpation correspond with rising sea levels in the region. The other cacti in the region, and all rare plants in the Florida Keys, are threatened with a similar fate.

Potamogeton wrightii (Potamogetonaceae) naturalized in Ohio, U.S.A.

Nicholas P. Tippery — 2024-07-09

In 2021, an unknown Potamogeton species was discovered in Alum Creek Lake in central Ohio. After we were unable to identify the plants as any known North American species, we expanded our search to include all pondweed species and incorporated molecular data to aid in the identification. DNA sequences were obtained for the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the plastid trnT-trnF region and compared against previously reported sequences for Potamogeton species. Morphological and molecular data consistently identified the plants as P. wrightii, a species native to eastern Eurasia and Malesia and not previously reported to be naturalized in North America.

Review of the life history and conservation of federally endangered plant species of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, U.S.A.

Beth A. Middleton — 2024-07-09

This review aims to summarize information critical to the conservation of the federally listed endangered species of South Texas, which occur along the border of Texas and Mexico. This paper describes the characteristics, habitat, population status, distribution, life history, threats, and restoration of endangered plant species of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, which includes Cameron, Willacy, Hildago, and Starr County. Seven federally listed species are considered including Ambrosia cheiranthifolia, Asclepias prostrata, Astrophytum asterias, Ayenia limitaris, Manihot walkerae, Lesquerella thamnophila (syn. Physaria thamnophila), and Thymophylla tephroleuca. An eighth species, Physostegia correllii is under consideration for federal listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This paper assembles information on the background, biological status, major threats, and conservation to aid managers and the scientific community in restoring and managing these species.

First report of Urena lobata (Malvaceae) in Texas, U.S.A.

Nicholas S. Brockett — 2024-07-09

The pantropical weed, Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae) is reported for the first time in Texas. The spread of U. lobata in the U.S.A. and the role of botanic gardens in reducing threats from invasive plants are discussed.

Endobeuthos paleosum in 99-million-year-old amber does not belong to the Proteaceae

Byron B. Lamont — 2024-07-09

Species in the family Proteaceae are almost invariably tetramerous with the stamen adnate to a tepal. Andromonoecious inflorescences bearing many male flowers composed of a single (spathuloid) stamen and a female flower with a pubescent stigma, as in Endobeuthos paleosum, are unknown. We suggest that the specimen is a bisexual flower with scores of stamens surrounding a single stigma-style. Further, the specimen is too old to fit with current understanding of the migratory history of the Proteaceae.

Introduction to Plants in Central Somaliland. Hordhac ku saabsan dhirta ka baxda badhtamaha Soomaalilaand, Second Edition

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

THIS BOOK is a guide for the non-specialist to some of the native and naturalised plants of Central Somaliland including the coastal plain, Golis mountains and the Hargeysa plateau. This second edition contains several additions.

Legumes of Arizona: An Illustrated Flora and Reference

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

The Fabaceae is one of the most ecologically, economically, and agriculturally important plant families in the world. These plants are particularly significant in Arizona as many species are native and adapted to arid lands. Desert-adapted plants will become increasingly important as water issues of the state become more critical. Additionally, legumes are important and sometimes dominant components of the many biotic communities in Arizona. This manual meets a critical need for a reference on these plants in Arizona.

The Cactus Hunters: Desire and Extinction in the Illicit Succulent Trade

Harold W. Keller — 2024-07-09

Plant collectors and enthusiasts are attracted to cacti and succulents in part because of their showy flowers in comparison to body size for many species. For example, the cactus genus Mammillaria, among others, is often found in cactus collections. Nevertheless, this human attraction for the collection and growing of cacti has led to an extensive illegal trade of cacti well documented in this book. Cacti over collecting coupled with the fact that 31%, or about1500 cacti species, are considered threatened, results in harvesting pressure that creates environmental concerns for the preservation of these plants. Margulies’s book raises awareness to the problem of cactus collection, trading, and selling both legally and illegally.

Árvores Comuns de Moçqambique. Common Trees of Mozambique

Harold W. Keller — 2024-07-09

Mozambique is a country located in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the southwest. A colored map on page 12 shows the location of the country. There are 53 families and 153 genera included in the descriptions and illustrations. The species names are given in English and Portuguese. Each taxon is represented by one description page and one color illustration page. Species descriptions are in both English and Portuguese organized by DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT, USES, and NOTES. This book will have limited use outside of the geographical area of emphasis. The Glossary, Bibliography, Index of Local Names, and General Index add value to book usage.

Aquatic Plants of Northern and Central Europe Including Great Britain and Ireland

Harold W. Keller — 2024-07-09

The introduction takes the reader back to early explorers of river systems and aquatic habits in the 1800s for the geographical areas highlighted in the book. Pages are filled with color photographs illustrating plant morphological examples along with taxonomic key couplets. Each species is profusely illustrated with line drawings and color photographs along with distribution maps. There is an illustrated glossary (pp. 728–733) that aids in interpreting the species descriptions. A literature citation section (pp. 734–738) is organized by topical headings, e.g., Species Identification and Biology. The Index of Latin Names locates the species by page numbers. I found this book easy to use because the authors have focused their attention on organization, function, and usability for the public, as well as aquatic taxonomists. Everything about this book is first class! The size and weight will limit its use in the field and will be more appropriate for in house laboratory or classroom use. The design, layout, printing, binding, and overall quality of the text is of exceptional high quality. I highly recommend this book for botanists interested in European aquatic habitats at a bargain price.

A Rhodora tribute to Robert L. Wilbur

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

An issue of Rhodora with remembrances of Robert Lynch Wilbur and other scientific contributions including three papers describing new species commemorating Dr. Wilbur (Justicia wilburii T.F. Daniel; Marcetia wilburiana Almeda, R.B. Pacifico & Fidanza; Palicourea wilburiana C.M. Taylor).

The Little Book of Trees

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

From the publisher: Packed with surprising facts, this delightful and gorgeously designed book will beguile any nature lover. Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original color artwork, The Little Book of Trees is an accessible and enjoyable mini-reference about the world’s trees, with examples drawn from across the globe. It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics—from tree anatomy, diversity, and architecture to habitat and conservation. It also includes curious facts and a section on trees in myths, folklore, and modern culture from around the world. The result is an irresistible guide to the amazing lives of trees.

Dioecy hotspots in Southeast Florida (U.S.A.), especially Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) thickets

George K. Rogers — 2024-07-09

A survey of woody marshland hummocks, of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) thickets, and of additional Southeast Florida habitats revealed multiple sites with dioecy rates of 50–100%, especially in the Saw Palmetto thickets. These rates exceeded any encountered for woody species in a literature review globally or for Florida. A particularly notable feature of the thicket sites is extreme thick low-elevation palm frond canopy coverage, consistent with the historical perspective that a benefit of dioecy is sexual selection for seed quality where harsh ecological filters limit establishment.

Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, Volume 54

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

The Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics covers significant developments in the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, and systematics, as they apply to all life on Earth. Essay reviews cover topics ranging from phylogeny, speciation, and molecular evolution through behavior and evolutionary physiology to population dynamics, ecosystems processes, and applications in invasion biology, conservation, and environmental management. There are 22 articles.

Annual Review of Phytopathology, Volume 61

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

The Annual Review of Phytopathology, in publication since 1963, covers significant developments in the field of plant pathology, including plant disease diagnosis, pathogens, host-pathogen interactions, epidemiology and ecology, breeding for resistance and plant disease management, and includes a special section on the development of concepts. There are 18 articles.

Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Volume 48

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

The Annual Review of Environment and Resources, in publication since 1976, provides authoritative reviews of significant topics within environmental science and engineering, including ecology and conservation science, water and energy resources, atmosphere, oceans, climate change, agriculture and living resources, and human dimensions of resource use and global change. There are 30 articles.

Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 13, Magnoliophyta: Geraniaceae to Apiaceae

Barney Lipscomb — 2024-07-09

Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 13, Magnoliophyta: Geraniaceae to Apiaceae was published 3 Jun 2024. The 592 page-volume treats 624 species in fourteen families: Actinidiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Araliaceae, Balsaminaceae, Burseraceae, Escalloniaceae, Geraniaceae, Meliaceae, Nitrariaceae, Pittosporaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, and Simaroubaceae.