Unravelling the Homology between Calycine Glands in Malpighiales: New Data from Basal Malpighiaceae.

Discussing homology relationships among secretory structures remains a relatively underexplored area in botanical research. These structures are widely dispersed within Malpighiales, one of the largest orders of eudicots. Within Malpighiales, both extranuptial and nuptial nectaries are present, and they do not seem homoplastic or share evolutionary connections. Particularly in Malpighiaceae, extensive research has focused on the ecological interactions mediated by glands. Botanists largely agree that elaiophores in sepals of Neotropical Malpighiaceae have evolved from extrafloral nectaries on leaves. However, the evolutionary origin of elaiophores has yet to be thoroughly examined, particularly in comparison to outgroups. This study provides empirical evidence on the ontogeny of elaiophores and investigates their evolutionary origins and homology relationships across different lineages of Malpighiales using comparative anatomy. Our findings suggest that elaiophores are likely homologous to extranuptial nectaries found in sepals of other Malpighiales lineages, originating from nectaries on leaves. This discussion is a starting point for future studies exploring the evolution of nectaries found in flowers, whether extranuptial or nuptial, and their potential origins from nectaries in vegetative organs such as leaves. Understanding these relationships could shed light on the selective pressures influencing floral morphologies.

Resolving Recalcitrant Clades in the Pantropical Ochnaceae: Insights From Comparative Phylogenomics of Plastome and Nuclear Genomic Data Derived From Targeted Sequencing.

Plastid DNA sequence data have been traditionally widely used in plant phylogenetics because of the high copy number of plastids, their uniparental inheritance, and the blend of coding and non-coding regions with divergent substitution rates that allow the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic ranks. In the present study, we evaluate the utility of the plastome for the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships in the pantropical plant family Ochnaceae (Malpighiales). We used the off-target sequence read fraction of a targeted sequencing study (targeting nuclear loci only) to recover more than 100 kb of the plastid genome from the majority of the more than 200 species of Ochnaceae and all but two genera using de novo and reference-based assembly strategies. Most of the recalcitrant nodes in the family's backbone were resolved by our plastome-based phylogenetic inference, corroborating the most recent classification system of Ochnaceae and findings from a phylogenomic study based on nuclear loci. Nonetheless, the phylogenetic relationships within the major clades of tribe Ochnineae, which comprise about two thirds of the family's species diversity, received mostly low support. Generally, the phylogenetic resolution was lowest at the infrageneric level. Overall there was little phylogenetic conflict compared to a recent analysis of nuclear loci. Effects of taxon sampling were invoked as the most likely reason for some of the few well-supported discords. Our study demonstrates the utility of the off-target fraction of a target enrichment study for assembling near-complete plastid genomes for a large proportion of samples.

Functional role and evolutionary contributions of floral gland morphoanatomy in the Paleotropical genus Acridocarpus (Malpighiaceae).

The stereotyped floral morphology of Neotropical Malpighiaceae species-zygomorphic and calyx with oil glands-is correlated with oil-bee pollination. In contrast, the floral trends of the Paleotropical lineages are actinomorphy and lack of calyx glands, probably due to the absence of oil-collecting bees. The Paleotropical genus Acridocarpus is an exception because of its zygomorphic, gland-bearing flowers. Glands throughout Acridocarpus inflorescences were morphoanatomically evaluated to verify the occurrence of patterns related to species and geographic distribution. Herbarium (25 species) and fresh samples of A. longifolius were processed according to standard anatomical techniques. To verify the presence of glucose and protein, strip tests were applied to the exudate. Fresh samples were fixed and submitted to histochemical tests. Based on the occurrence, number and placement of glands, three distribution patterns were recognized on the bracteole and ten on the calyx. Bract, bracteole and sepal glands have a typical nectary structure with a palisade-like epidermis and vascularized parenchyma. Glands were classified as short-stalked, sessile or immersed. Histochemical tests performed on bract and sepal glands of A. longifolius were positive for proteins, polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, and negative for oil compounds. Glucose and protein were detected in the exudate. These results allow us to recognize the glands in Acridocarpus inflorescences as nectaries. This comprehensive morphoanatomical study helps to clarify the correlation between patterns of floral morphology and secretion consumers, as well as to better understand floral evolution in Malpighiaceae across their dispersal events.

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest.

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events.

Malpighiaceae in the Raso da Catarina Ecoregion, Bahia, Brazil / Malpighiaceae na Ecorregião Raso da Catarina, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract This study presents a floristic survey of Malpighiaceae species from in the Raso da Catarina Ecoregion in the state of Bahia, Brazil. After extensive field and herbarium studies, we identified 18 genera and 32 species of Malpighiaceae in the study area: Aspicarpa harleyi W.R.Anderson, Banisteriopsis C.B.Rob. (3 spp.), Barnebya harleyi W.R.Anderson & B.Gates, Bronwenia ferruginea (Cav.) W.R.Anderson & C.C.Davis, Bunchosia pernambucana W.R.Anderson, Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth (4 spp.), Carolus chasei (W.R.Anderson) W.R.Anderson, Diplopterys lutea (Griseb.) W.R.Anderson & C.C.Davis, Galphimia brasiliensis (L.) A.Juss., Heteropterys Kunth (5 spp.), Janusia anisandra (A.Juss.) Griseb., Mascagnia Bertero (2 spp.), Mcvaughia bahiana W.R.Anderson, Peixotoa hispidula A.Juss., Ptilochaeta Turcz. (2 spp.), Stigmaphyllon A.Juss. (3 spp.), Tetrapterys Cav. (2 spp.) and Thryallis longifolia Mart. Among the species recorded, three represent new records for the Caatinga biome, 25 are endemic to Brazil, and six are exclusive to the Caatinga. We present an identification key to all species, comments on morphology, taxonomy, distribution and phenology, besides illustrations to most species.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta o levantamento florístico das espécies de Malpighiaceae na Ecorregião Raso da Catarina, no estado da Bahia, Brasil. Após extensos estudos de campo e herbário, identificamos 18 gêneros e 32 espécies de Malpighiaceae na área de estudo: Aspicarpa harleyi W.R.Anderson, Banisteriopsis C.B.Rob. (3 spp.), Barnebya harleyi W.R.Anderson & B.Gates, Bronwenia ferruginea (Cav.) W.R.Anderson & C.C.Davis, Bunchosia pernambucana W.R.Anderson, Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth (4 spp.), Carolus chasei (W.R.Anderson) W.R.Anderson, Diplopterys lutea (Griseb.) W.R.Anderson & C.C.Davis, Galphimia brasiliensis (L.) A.Juss., Heteropterys Kunth (5 spp.), Janusia anisandra (A.Juss.) Griseb., Mascagnia Bertero (2 spp.), Mcvaughia bahiana W.R.Anderson, Peixotoa hispidula A.Juss., Ptilochaeta Turcz. (2 spp.), Stigmaphyllon A.Juss. (3 spp.), Tetrapterys Cav. (2 spp.), e Thryallis longifolia Mart. Entre as espécies catalogadas, três são novos registros para o bioma Caatinga, 25 são endêmicas do Brasil e seis são exclusivas da Caatinga. Apresentamos chave de identificação para todas as espécies, comentários sobre morfologia, taxonomia, distribuição e fenologia, além de ilustrações para a maioria espécies.

Endemic angiosperms in Bahia Coastal Forests, Brazil: an update using a newly delimited area / Angiospermas endêmicas da Floresta Costeira da Bahia, Brasil: uma atualização utilizando uma nova delimitação de área

Abstract: The forest along the coast of Bahia state, in northeastern Brazil, has been acknowledged as an area of endemism for several groups of organisms. The first study concerning endemic angiosperm species in this region, through which 395 taxa were registered, was conducted 15 years ago. However, this number is probably underrated. In this article, we present an updated checklist of angiosperm taxa in Bahia Coastal Forests (BCF) based on geographic distribution data available from the Brazilian Plant List (Flora do Brasil 2020). The records were checked in herbaria, recent taxonomic literature, and, when necessary, reviewed by experts. The final checklist consists of 547 taxa endemic to BCF, distributed in 69 families, with seven endemic genera: Bahiella (Apocynaceae), Santosia (Asteraceae), Harleyodendron (Fabaceae), Cubitanthus (Linderniaceae), Anomochloa and Parianella (Poaceae), and Andreadoxa (Rutaceae). The families with highest richness in endemic taxa were Bromeliaceae (108 spp.), Fabaceae (41 spp.) and Myrtaceae (32 spp.). This updated checklist shares only 143 taxa with a previous list published about 15 years ago. Those two lists differ mostly due to slightly different area limits, and to the large number of additional endemic species described since then. We hope our list will be used as a resource in future studies and contributes to the conservation of the highly diverse Bahia Coastal Forest.

Resumo: A floresta costeira do estado da Bahia, no nordeste do Brasil, tem sido apontada como área de endemismo para diversos grupos de organismos. O primeiro levantamento de espécies de angiospermas endêmicas dessa região foi realizado há cerca de 15 anos e revelou a ocorrência de 395 táxons. Entretanto, esse número provavelmente está subestimado. Neste trabalho apresentamos uma lista atualizada de táxons de angiospermas endêmicas da Floresta Costeira da Bahia (FCB), tendo como base as informações de distribuição geográfica disponíveis na lista da Flora do Brasil. Estas informações foram posteriormente checadas em registros de herbários, estudos taxonômicos recentes e, quando necessário, revisadas por especialistas. A lista final de espécies é constituída por 547 táxons endêmicos da Floresta Costeira da Bahia, distribuídos em 69 famílias e incluindo sete gêneros endêmicos: Bahiella (Apocynaceae), Santosia (Asteraceae), Harleyodendron (Fabaceae), Cubitanthus (Linderniaceae), Anomochloa e Parianella (Poaceae), and Andreadoxa (Rutaceae). As famílias mais ricas em táxons endêmicos são Bromeliaceae (108 spp.), Fabaceae (41 spp.) e Myrtaceae (32 spp.). Apenas 143 táxons são compartilhados por esta lista atualizada e uma lista preliminar publicada há cerca de 15 anos. As duas listas diferem especialmente por ligeiras diferenças nos limites da área de estudo e também pelo acréscimo de novas espécies endêmicas descritas desde então. Espera-se que a lista seja usada como ferramenta para estudos futuros e para a conservação da rica flora costeira da Bahia.

A comprehensive checklist of vascular epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest reveals outstanding endemic rates.

Knowledge of the geographic distribution of plants is essential to underpin the understanding of global biodiversity patterns. Vascular epiphytes are important components of diversity and functionality of Neotropical forests but, unlike their terrestrial counterparts, they are under-represented in large-scale diversity and biogeographic analyses. This is the case for the Atlantic Forest - one of the most diverse and threatened biomes worldwide. We provide the first comprehensive species list of Atlantic Forest vascular epiphytes; their endemism patterns and threatened species occurrence have also been analyzed. A list with 2,256 species of (hemi-)epiphytes - distributed in 240 genera and 33 families - is presented based on the updated Brazilian Flora Checklist. This represents more than 15% of the total vascular plant richness in the Atlantic Forest. Moreover, 256 species are included on the Brazilian Red List. More than 93% of the overall richness is concentrated in ten families, with 73% represented by Orchidaceae and Bromeliaceae species alone. A total of 78% of epiphytic species are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, in contrast to overall vascular plant endemism in this biome estimated at 57%. Among the non-endemics, 13% of epiphytic species also occur either in the Amazon or in the Cerrado - the other two largest biomes of Brazil - and only 8% are found in two or more Brazilian biomes. This pattern of endemism, in addition to available dated phylogenies of some genera, indicate the dominance of recent radiations of epiphytic groups in the Atlantic Forest, showing that the majority of divergences dating from the Pliocene onwards are similar to those that were recently reported for other Neotropical plants.

Floristic composition of the Montane Forest in the Almadina-Barro Preto axis, Southern Bahia, Brazil / Composição florística em Floresta Montana no eixo Almadina-Barro Preto, sul da Bahia, Brasil

The aim of this study is to survey the angiosperms of two montane forest remnants in the southern Bahia, Brazil: Corcovado (SCO) and Pedra Lascada (SPL). Both fragments are located in the municipality of Almadina and Barro Preto, respectively, and are 18 km distant from each other. We sampled 899 species of angiosperms distributed in 437 genera and 116 families. The SCO was the richest area with 678 species, distributed in 367 genera and 100 families. SPL showed 466 species in 269 genera and 88 families. The percentage of species identified was 85.8% and of this total, 37.7% are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, 11.2% are endemic to southern Bahia and northern Espírito Santo and 7% are disjunct between the Atlantic Forest and Amazon. The remaining percentages (44.3%) were of species widely distributed. The richest families in the two areas were Orchidaceae (10%), Rubiaceae (7%), Bromeliaceae (5.5%), Melastomataceae (4.2%) and Poaceae (4%). The richest genera were Psychotria (2%), Piper (1.8%), Ocotea (1.6%), Vriesea (1.5%) and Peperomia (1.4%). More than half of the recorded species showed non-arboreal habit, regarding life forms documented. That comes against the assertion that many authors in the tropical forests, where species richness in angiosperms is expected for non-woody species, especially in montane forests. Twelve species have been identified as new, but seven others already described from collections previously obtained in these two areas. Orchidaceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae and Bromeliaceae showed significant richness in this study these families are commonly reported as the richest in other inventories in the Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia reinforcing their importance to the regional flora. The high levels of richness, endemism, and the growing numbers of new taxonomic discoveries from the SPL and SCO sites indicate the biological importance of these two forest remnants. The implementation of parks or other protected environmental reserves would be essential to the conservation of its species.

O presente estudo objetivou inventariar as angiospermas de dois remanescentes florestais no sul da Bahia, Brasil. Os remanescentes se encontram nas Serras do Corcovado (SCO) e da Pedra Lascada (SPL), situados nos municípios de Almadina e Barro Preto, respectivamente, e distantes 18 km um do outro. Foram registradas 899 espécies de angiospermas distribuídas em 437 gêneros e 116 famílias. A SCO foi a área mais rica em espécies, com um total de 678 espécies distribuídas em 367 gêneros e 100 famílias, enquanto a SPL apresentou 466 espécies em 269 gêneros e 88 famílias. O percentual de espécies identificadas foi de 85,8%. Desse total, 37,7% são endêmicas da Floresta Atlântica e 11,2% são endêmicas do sul da Bahia e norte do Espírito Santo. A distribuição disjunta entre Florestas Atlântica e Amazônica foi constatada em 7% das espécies inventariadas. O percentual restante (44,3%) foi de espécies amplamente distribuídas no Brasil. As famílias mais ricas nas duas áreas foram Orchidaceae (com 10%), Rubiaceae (7%), Bromeliaceae (5,5%), Melastomataceae (4,2%) e Poaceae (4%). Já os gêneros mais ricos foram Psychotria, (com 2%), Piper (1,8%), Ocotea (1,6%), Vriesea (1,5%) e Peperomia (1,4%). Mais de metade das espécies registradas apresentaram hábito não-arbóreo com relação ès formas de vida documentadas. Isso vem de encontro com a afirmativa de diversos autores de que em florestas tropicais a grande riqueza nas angiospermas é esperada para as espécies não-lenhosas, especialmente na Floresta Montana. Até o momento, doze espécies foram apontadas como novas, além de outras sete já descritas a partir das coleções obtidas anteriormente nessas duas áreas. Orchidaceae, Rubiaceae, Bromeliaceae e Poaceae apresentaram significativa riqueza nesse estudo e são famílias comumente reportadas como as mais ricas em outros inventários na Floresta Atlântica no sul da Bahia comprovando sua importância na flora local. Os altos índices de riqueza, endemismo e o crescente número de novidades taxonômicas provenientes de ambas as áreas indicam a importância biológica desses dois remanescentes. A implementação de parques ou demais reservas ambientais protegidas seriam essenciais para a conservação de suas espécies.

Reproductive phenology of Miconia mirabilis (Melastomataceae) within three distinct physiognomies of Atlantic Forest, Bahia, Brazil / Fenologia reprodutiva de Miconia mirabilis (Melastomataceae) em três fisionomias distintas na Floresta Atlântica, Bahia, Brasil

Although Miconia mirabilis is a very common species in disturbed forest areas and is known for providing food resources for the local fauna, little is known about its reproductive phenology and other ecological aspects. The present study compares intra- and inter-annual patterns in the reproductive phenophases of that species in three distinct physiognomies of Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Bahia based on semi-quantitative observations conducted over a period of three years. We searched for possiblerelationships with climatic variables, differences among sites and synchrony. Both the flowering and fruiting strategies of M. mirabilis were classified as annual extended in all three study sites. We found no significant differences among years. Despite low seasonality of the regional climate, intensities of the different phenophases were negatively correlated with day length and temperature. In general, inter- and intra-population synchrony for flowering and fruiting was high (between 0.65 and 0.78), except for inundated forest, probably due to the stress caused by flooding. Given that Miconia mirabilis has the potential to be an important food resource for the local fauna due to the large quantities of flowers and fruits produced and their almost year-round availability, and its capacity for occupying impoverished areas, the species may be considered in restoration programs as a potentially interesting species capable of attracting frugivores to disturbed areas.

Apesar de Miconia mirabilis ser uma espécie comum em áreas de floresta perturbada e conhecida por fornecer recursos alimentares para a fauna local, pouco se sabe sobre sua fenologia reprodutiva e outros aspectos ecológicos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar os padrões intra e interanual das fenofases reprodutivas da espécie em três fisionomias distintas de Floresta Atlântica no sudeste da Bahia com base em observações semi-quantitativas, realizadas num período de três anos. Também procurou por possíveis relações com as variáveis climáticas, diferenças entre os locais e sincronia. Ambas as estratégias, floração e frutificação, de M. mirabilis foram classificadas como anuais estendidas em todos os três locais de estudo. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os anos. Apesar do clima regional apresentar baixa sazonalidade, as intensidades das diferentes fenofases foram negativamente correlacionadas com o comprimento do dia e temperatura. Em geral, a sincronia inter e intra populacional para a floração e frutificação foi alta (entre 0,65 e 0,78), exceto para a floresta inundada, provavelmente devido ao estresse causado pelo solo alagado. Assim, Miconia mirabilis tem potencial de ser um importante recurso alimentar para a fauna local, devido a grande quantidade de flores e frutos produzidos, sua disponibilidade quase o ano todo, e por ocupar áreas empobrecidas, a espécie pode ser considerada potencialmente interessante em programas de restauração e capaz de atrair animais frugívoros em áreas perturbadas.

Angiospermas em remanescentes de floresta montana no sul da Bahia, Brasil / Angiosperms of Montane Forest areas in southern Bahia, Brazil

Foi realizado um levantamento florístico de três remanescentes de floresta montana localizados na Mata Atlântica do sul da Bahia. Durante os anos de 2004 a 2008 foram feitas coletas periódicas de material botânico, principalmente ao longo de trilhas no interior dos fragmentos das áreas: Reserva Serra da Pedra Lascada - SPL, Reserva Serra das Lontras - SLO e Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra Bonita - SBO. A riqueza florística em cada área foi comparada entre si e com outras áreas de Mata Atlântica na Bahia e no Sudeste do Brasil. Foi registrado um total de 1.129 espécies em 467 gêneros e 124 famílias. O hábito arbóreo representou 46,9 por cento das espécies, seguido de herbáceas (20,1 por cento), epífitas (19,5 por cento) e trepadeiras (13,5 por cento). As famílias Araceae, Asteraceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae e Solanaceae apresentaram a maior riqueza florística nas três áreas em conjunto. O gênero Psychotria (Rubiaceae) apresentou o maior número de espécies em todas as áreas (21 spp.), destacando-se também Miconia (20 spp.), Solanum (20 spp.), Piper (19 spp.), Ocotea (16 spp.), Leandra (16 spp.), Peperomia (15 spp.) e Myrcia (14 spp.). Os resultados confirmam a elevada riqueza de angiospermas no sul da Bahia e evidenciam, pela primeira vez, a ocorrência de espécies características de regiões montanhosas da Mata Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil nessa região.

A floristic study of three areas of montane Atlantic forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, was carried out. From 2004 to 2008 regular botanical collections were made, principally along trails in the interior of the forest fragments at: the Reserva Serra da Pedra Lascada (SPL), the Reserva Serra das Lontras (SLO) and the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra Bonita (SBO). The species richness of each area was compared to that of the other two, and together to other areas of Atlantic coastal forest in Bahia and southeastern Brazil. For all three areas, a total of 1129 species in 467 genera and 124 families were found. Trees represented 46.9 percent of the species, followed by herbs (20.1 percent), epiphytes (19.5 percent), and vines and lianas (13.5 percent). The families Araceae, Asteraceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, and Solanaceae showed the highest species richness for the three areas together. The genus Psychotria (Rubiaceae) had the highest number of species for all three areas (21 spp.), followed by Miconia (20 spp.), Solanum (20 spp.), Piper (19 spp.), Ocotea (16 spp.), Leandra (16 spp.), Peperomia (15 spp.), and Myrcia (14 spp.). The results confirm the high species diversity of angiosperms in southern Bahia and demonstrate for the first time the presence of species characteristic of montane regions of southeastern Brazil in this region.

Phylogenetic relationships among morphotypes of Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (Caesalpinioideae: Leguminosae) evidenced by trnL intron sequences.

Caesalpinia echinata (brazilwood or Pernambuco wood) comprises a complex of three morphological leaf variants, characterized by differences in the number and size of the pinnae and leaflets, and occurring in allopatric and sympatric populations. The present study evaluates the utility of the chloroplast DNA trnL intron in a phylogenetic analysis of the three leaf variants along with other species of Caesalpinia and generic relatives. Our study supports the hypothesis that the name C. echinata designates a species complex and provides evidence that one of the forms, the highly divergent C. echinata large-leafleted variant, represents a distinct taxon.