Abstract
Paspalum procurrens Quarin and P. volcanense Zuloaga, Morrone & Denham are two rare species of South American grasses inhabiting geographically restricted areas which are exposed to ecological degradation due to landscape transformation and biodiversity losses. We present new records for these species, from the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca (Argentina) and departments of Tarija, Chuquisaca, and Santa Cruz (Bolivia). New geographic distribution maps and the biological relevance of these findings are discussed pinpointing the need for imperative and assiduous botanical explorations in biodiversity hotspots sensible to the impact of human activities. Ploidy levels in these two species are studied.
Highlights
Worldwide, human activities cause major changes in biological communities which threaten biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human well-being (Díaz et al 2006)
Paspalum procurrens Quarin and P. volcanense Zuloaga, Morrone & Denham are two rare species of South American grasses inhabiting geographically restricted areas which are exposed to ecological degradation due to landscape transformation and biodiversity losses
We evaluate the ploidy diversity of the new occurrences and discuss the importance of botanical collections in South American biodiversity hotspots subjected to great habitat loss
Summary
Human activities cause major changes in biological communities which threaten biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human well-being (Díaz et al 2006). Paspalum procurrens inhabits northwestern Argentina and southeastern of Bolivia This species lives in sandy and rocky soils (Cabrera 1994), in the semi-arid Salta Chaco and in the Chaco forests of southeastern Bolivia, from sea level to 800 m a.s.l. Immature, rocky and sandy soils in the Yungas (Cabrera 1994) and in transition areas between the Yungas and the Prepuneña province (Morrone et al 2000; Zuloaga and Morrone 2005) This species was reported to be tetraploid (Hunziker et al 1998; Hojsgaard et al 2008; Zilli et al 2014). We evaluate the ploidy diversity of the new occurrences and discuss the importance of botanical collections in South American biodiversity hotspots subjected to great habitat loss
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