Argentinean Flora Research Articles

Diversity and conservation of native Argentine species of Gratioleae (Plantaginaceae)

The tribe Gratioleae is the richest in species of the family Plantaginaceae, with 30 genera and more than 300 species growing mainly in South America, which could be considered a center of diversity. Argentina is one of the countries with the largest number of species (35 belonging to 6 genera) of the tribe. Although the Argentinean Flora and a checklist have been published, both are outdated. With this background, we presented an updated summary of the diversity of species belonging to the tribe Gratioleae in Argentina, with detailed analysis of their geographic distribution, their conservation status according to the categories established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as an exhaustive study on the distribution of their richness and threat patterns in different ecoregions of the country. In addition, an evaluation of the proportion of threatened species in relation to Argentina’s Protected Areas (PAs) was evaluated. The results showed that species of Gratioleae were present in 14 ecoregions, distributed predominantly in the Humid and Dry Chaco, and the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest. Eighteen species of the 37 Argentine taxa, including two endemic taxa, are categorized as threatened (VU, EN, or CR) (47%). Although some of these species are partially protected due to their distribution in PAs, others lack this protection. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the geographic distribution of Gratioleae within the Argentine flora, and its conservation status.

Clematicissus pruinata, a New Combination in Vitaceae

As part of the taxonomic revision of the family Vitaceae for the Argentinean Flora, a new combination, Clematicissus pruinata (Weinm.) C. A. Zanotti & A. M. Panizza, is established as the correct name for the taxon known up to now as C. simsiana (Roem. & Schult.) Lombardi.

Notes on some poorly-known or neglected species of the genera Beauverdia and Nothoscordum (Amaryllidaceae)

In this study, novelties are proposed for taxa that have solitary inflorescences belonging to the genera Beauverdia and Nothoscordum. All taxa studied occur in the Campos eco-region, mainly in Uruguay and neighbors. Beauverdia Sellowiana is recognized as a synonym of Beauverdia hirtella. Beauverdia Felipponei is rehabilitated from the synonymy of B. Sellowiana, and a lectotype is proposed for this species. Beauverdia subsessilis is recognized as a distinct species from B. hirtella and Nothoscordum Izaguirreae is added to its synonymy. Nothoscordum Ostenii is established as a valid species, being added to the Brazilian and Argentine flora, and Nothoscordum luteominus is added to its synonymy. All listed species are described and illustrated, and information on geographic distribution, habitat and taxonomic relationships is inferred.

First record of Oldenlandia corymbosa (Spermacoceae-Rubiaceae), a new alien species for Paraguay and Argentina

Background and aims: During the revision of the southern South American species of Oldenlandia, populations of O. corymbosa were found in Paraguay and Argentina. The aim of this contribution is to report the presence of this adventitious species to the Paraguayan and Argentinian flora for the first time. M&M: Living plants and herbarium material, as well as the original description of Oldenlandia corymbosa were analysed. Taxonomic and morphological analyses were performed. Collected materials were deposited in the FCQ and CTES. Results: A description of the morphology of the species and habitat based on herbarium specimens and field observations are provided, along with an illustration, photographs, and a map indicating the geographical position of the recorded populations in the Northeast and South Paraguay and Northeast Argentina in the Corrientes province. Complementary, an identification key of Oldenlandia species occurring in Argentina and Paraguay is provided. Conclusion: With the record of Oldenlandia corymbosa in Paraguay and Argentina, the range of distribution of this non-native species is extended up to the Southern Cone of South America. Its naturalized status in Paraguay raises the possibility that it was, until now, overlooked in other regions of the Northeast Argentina.

Análisis morfológicos y moleculares respaldan la identidad de Arenaria pycnophylloides (Caryophyllaceae, Arenarieae) y la exclusión del género Sabulina para la Flora Argentina

Minuartia altoandina has been described as an endemic species for northwestern Argentina, and later transferred to the genus Sabulina. In this contribution and based on morphological observations and molecular data, Sabulina altoandina is proposed here as a heterotypic synonym of Arenaria pycnophylloides, a native species to the high Andean regions of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina; as a consequence, the genus Sabulina is excluded from the Argentinian Flora. On the other hand, A. pycnophylloides var. compacta is synonymized under A. pycnophylloides, and in addition, the name of this variety is lectotypified. A morphological description of A. pycnophylloides and a photographic plate of the taxon are provided to facilitate identification of the species. Additionally, a distribution map of the species is provided and is excluded from the Peruvian Flora.

Nuevos registros y lectotipificaciones en Richardia (Rubiaceae) para la flora del Cono Sur de Sudamérica

Richardia is a Neotropical genus, belonging to tribe Spermacoceae, family Rubiaceae. It comprises 16 species distributed from the southeastern United States to Argentina and Uruguay. As part of the studies of the genus for the flora of the Southern Cone of South America, and particularly as a contribution to the Argentinean flora, we present here the results of the taxonomic studies obtained in this genus. The botanical collections available in both national and foreign herbaria, digitalized collections in online databases and specific literature were reviewed. As a result, two new records are presented, Richardia pedicellata for Misiones province, and R. scabra var. chacoensis for Salta, with their respective illustrations and a distribution map. In addition, lectotypes are designated for three accepted species: R. humistrata, R. pedicellata, and R. stellaris, and for the following synonyms: Richardsonia acutifolia, R. divergens, R. emetica, R. rosea, and R. sparsa. An updated key to the Richardia species of Argentina is also presented.

Nomenclatural Notes and Typifications of Cordiaceae Names from the Flora of Argentina

During the preparation of the treatment of the family Cordiaceae for the Flora of Argentina project, some names were identified as requiring clarification following the Shenzhen Code. In this context, a lectotype is designated for Patagonula americana L. var. glabra Cham., a second-step lectotype for Varronia dichotoma Ruiz & Pav., and updates and supporting information for four names already typified by I. M. Johnston (Cordia guaranitica Chodat & Hassl., C. salicina DC., Lithocardium gerascanthus (L.) Kuntze var. puberulum Kuntze, and Saccellium lanceolatum Bonpl.) are provided. Furthermore, remarks on the type of P. tweediana Miers are provided.

Threat patterns and conservation status of endemic vascular flora in Argentina: a quantitative perspective

Global warming, coupled with habitat destruction and human activity, are accelerating the rates of species extinction worldwide. Species-extinction risk assessment, using the IUCN Red List categories, together with the study of the spatial patterns of biodiversity, are fundamental approaches to identify conservation priorities and targeting government decisions to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Here, we analyzed threat levels of endemic species for the entire Argentinean vascular flora. Accordingly, we classified species following the IUCN threat categories and analyze threat levels on the different families, plant life-forms, and biogeographic regions of the country. We also analyzed spatial patterns of threat by means of macroecological modeling techniques, and explored the effectiveness of current protected areas in relation to the threatened endemics they actually included. The results showed that of the 1683 Argentinean endemic taxa, 800 species were here categorized under threat (VU, EN, or CR) (~47%). Families with the highest number of threatened species were also those with the highest number of endemics; herbs and climbing plants presented significantly higher threat levels, and among biogeographic provinces, the most affected in terms of threat proportion were the Altoandina, Yungas, and Paranaense. In addition, different hotspots of threatened endemism were detected, mainly associated with mountainous areas with high altitudinal heterogeneity; of these, only nearly half are included, at least partially, within a protected area. An up-to-date species list of Argentinean endemics, including their proposed conservation status, is also provided. This work seeks to contribute to the knowledge on geographical patterns of the Argentinean flora and its conservation, complementing the information published in the Flora of Argentina.

Lectotipificaciones y novedad taxonómica en Spigelia (Loganiaceae) para la flora del Cono Sur

In the framework of the taxonomic treatment of the family Loganiaceae for the Argentinean Flora, it was necessary to lectotypify 12 names described for the genus Spigelia. On the other hand, Spigelia beccabungoides, cited as endemic to the Flora of Paraguay is synonymized under Justicia comata (Acanthaceae).

Diversity patterns and conservation status of native argentinean crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Global warming, coupled with habitat destruction and human activity, are accelerating the rates of species extinction worldwide. Species-extinction risk assessment using the IUCN Red List categories, together with the study of the spatial patterns of biodiversity, are fundamental approaches for identifying conservation priorities and targeting government decisions to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Here, we analyzed the geographic distribution of Argentinean species of Brassicaceae using species point distributional data. In this way, we classified species following the IUCN threat categories at a regional level, and analyzed patterns of richness, endemism, and threat on the different ecoregions and biomes of the country. In addition, we also explored differences in elevation, annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, and aridity between endemic vs. non-endemic and threatened vs. non-threatened species. The results showed that of the 162 Argentinean taxa, 58 species were here categorized as threatened (VU, EN, or CR) (36%). However, when only endemics are considered, more than half of these (33 spp, 57%) are threatened. Although species inhabit all environments and biogeographic regions of the country, arid to semi-arid areas, which are associated to the Andes and the Patagonian steppe, contained most of the species. Specifically, the Central Andean Puna and the Patagonian steppe ecoregions included the greatest number of species, endemics, and threatened species. Furthermore, different hotspots of richness, endemism, and threat were detected along Andean regions and the Patagonian steppe, and endemics were characterized by inhabiting on average drier areas than non-endemic native species. An up-to-date species list, including conservation status, distribution maps for all species, hotspots of richness, endemism, and threat, are also provided. This work seeks to contribute to the knowledge on geographical patterns of the Argentinean flora and its conservation, complementing the information published in the Flora of Argentina.

SOBRE DOS ESPECIES DE MARSYPIANTHES (LAMIACEAE, OCIMEAE) DEL NORESTE ARGENTINO

The neotropical genus Marsypianthes (Lamiaceae: Ocimeae) includes nearly 6 species distributed from Mexico to Bolivia, Brazil and northeastern Argentina. In the present study Marsypianthes hassleri is confirmed and M. chamaedrys is a new report for the Argentinian flora. Morphological and geographical data, types, synonymy, retypification of M. hassleri , identification key and iconography are provided.

Typifications of Eriocaulaceae for the species present in the Argentinean Flora

As part of a revision of the Argentinean species of Eriocaulaceae, seven names were identified that required typification. As a result, five names in the genus Eriocaulon L. are lectotypified and one is epitypified, and one name in the genus Syngonanthus Ruhland is lectotypified. A note about the inability to typify Eriocaulon arechavaletae is provided.

PRIMER REGISTRO DE DENNSTAEDTIA DISSECTA (DENNSTAEDTIACEAE) PARA LA FLORA ARGENTINA

Dennstaedtia dissecta is recorded for the first time for the Argentinean flora in the Misiones Province. This new record was discovered during the study of herbarium specimens from BA and LP, and then corroborated with field collections from Cruce Caballero Provincial Park and Urugua-i Provincial Park. In addition to the characteristics of rhizome and lamina, the spores were an important information source for the identification of this species. The diagnostic characters are described and illustrated, including a key to identify the species of Dennstaedtia from Misiones.

DOS NUEVAS ESPECIES DE IBATIA (APOCYNACEAE) DE ARGENTINA

Se describen e ilustran dos nuevas especies de Ibatia (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Asclepiadae, Gonolobinae) a partir de ejemplares recolectados en la region chaquena de la provincia de Salta: I. dummelii e I. micrantha. Ibatia dummelii fue recolectada en el Chaco Serrano y se distingue de especies afines por el perianto reflexo; Ibatia micrantha fue recolectada en el Chaco Seco y se caracteriza por sus flores muy pequenas. Como resultado, se eleva a siete el numero de especies de Ibatia registradas para la Flora Argentina.

Oxypetalum (Apocynaceae) en la Argentina: una nueva especie, nuevos sinónimos y una clave de identificación

Oxypetalum venustum H. A. Keller (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae: Asclepiadae: Oxypetalinae), una especie similar a O. fontellae S. A. Cáceres, se describe e ilustra sobre la base de un ejemplar hallado en la provincia de Corrientes. Además, se proponen dos nuevos sinónimos y se presenta una clave para identificar las especies hasta ahora documentadas para la Argentina

Sinopsis de las especies de Pyracantha (Rosaceae, Maloideae) naturalizadas en Argentina

Introducción y objetivos: El género Pyracantha posee alrededor de diez especies, difundidas como ornamentales, naturalizadas y consideradas invasoras en diferentes partes del mundo. Históricamente, la identificación de los taxones ha sido dificultosa. Tres especies fueron reportadas como naturalizadas en la Argentina, sin embargo, no se ha efectuado una revisión del género en el país hasta el momento. Con el fin de realizar nuevos aportes a la Flora Argentina, dadas la complejidad del género y la falta de un trabajo integral al respecto, el objetivo de esta contribución es presentar una sinopsis de las especies de Pyracantha naturalizadas en la Argentina.
 M&M: Se estudiaron ejemplares de cada especie de diversos herbarios nacionales e internacionales, y se contrastaron con los ejemplares tipo. Se revisaron las descripciones originales y bibliografía específica de cada taxón.
 Resultados: Se presenta un resumen de las cinco especies naturalizadas. Se proveen mapas de distribución en la Argentina, además de descripciones, una clave, esquemas de los principales caracteres morfológicos foliares y una serie de imágenes que permiten la identificación de las especies. Se designan lectotipos para cuatro nombres.
 Conclusiones: Cinco especies se encuentran naturalizadas en la Argentina. P. fortuneana y P.koidzumii constituyen nuevos registros para la flora del país. Hasta el momento, P. fortuneana representa la especie con distribución más austral y, junto a P. angustifolia, son las especies más distribuidas en la Argentina. P. koidzumii se encuentra restringida principalmente al centro-este del país. P. atalantioides y P. coccinea son las especies menos representadas.

Exploraciones botánicas en el Boletín de la Academia Nacional de Ciencias, Córdoba, Argentina (1874-1887)

El objetivo de la investigación es describir el desarrollo de las exploraciones botánicas organizadas por la Academia Nacional de Ciencias en el período 1874-1887 a través del Boletín de la Academia Nacional de Ciencias en tres aspectos: los propósitos de los exploradores en el marco del interés del gobierno argentino sobre los recursos naturales; la relación entre los académicos y los distintos informantes locales sobre la flora; y los variados científicos. Las conclusiones muestran que entre 1870 y 1887 la Academia fue una institución importante para el inicio de la prospección científica de la flora argentina a través de los académicos extranjeros y nacionales, cuestión que generó las bases para una mayor comprensión de la vegetación nacional, su comparación con otras floras del mundo y su aprovechamiento económico. Por la valoración de la Botánica como una ciencia útil al Estado argentino, los académicos vincularon sus proyectos científicos con los intereses gubernamentales por la apropiación de los recursos vegetales aprovechando el saber local sobre la flora, cuestión que se materializó en listados,cuadros, tablas, colecciones y libros especializados. La originalidad del trabajo reside en el análisis del conjunto de exploraciones botánicas en la Argentina a través del boletín en los años fundacionales de la Academia, pues la historiografía se ha pasado por alto a esta publicación y su relación con la historia de la botánica nacional. La fuente de la investigación se compone de los informes de cinco académicos, tanto extranjeros como nacionales: Georg Hieronymus, Paul Günther Lorentz, Ludwig Brackebusch, Fritz Kurtz y Eduardo L. Holmberg.

A Morphometric Analysis of Serpocaulon gilliesii (Polypodiaceae) Reveals a New Species for Yungas Montane Forest, S. australe

Abstract—A new species, Serpocaulon australe, from the Yungas Montane Forest of Argentina and Bolivia, is described based on a re-interpretation of the name S. gilliesii. The new species is similar to S. lasiopus, but can be distinguished by its rhizome scales with entire margins and acute-acuminate apices, glabrous fronds with few axillary scales in the segments, sori absent in the apex of the segments, and ascending segments. We investigated the taxonomic relationships among these similar species of Serpocaulon using morphoanatomical characters of the sporophyte and ecological preferences. Morphometric analyses, clustering, and principal coordinate analyses (PCoA), were used to scrutinize the forming of hierarchical non-overlapping groups strictly according to degree of morphological similarity. Twenty-four characters were scored for 65 specimens from herbaria (including type material) and for new collections from our fieldwork. We discuss the taxonomic status of S. gilliesii and S. lasiopus and present nomenclature notes for S. gilliesii. Also, some misidentified herbaria collections have led to the discovery of a Serpocaulon species (S. lasiopus), a new record for the Argentinian flora. Finally, a revised key to the pinnatisect species of Serpocaulon in Argentina is provided.

Typification of plant names belonging to subfamily Apioideae (Apiaceae) for the Flora of Argentina

Names of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae were found to need typification, as part of the studies for the Flora of Argentina project. To resolve typifications, protologues and type specimens of all names were studied. As a result, 27 lectotypifications (including two second step lectotypifications) and 2 epitypifications are designated here, giving brief justifications for each selection. In addition, a new synonym in Daucus is proposed.

Taxonomy, geographic distribution, conservation and species boundaries in Calydorea azurea group (Iridaceae: Tigridieae)

For this study were performed observations in populations of Calydorea azurea Klatt and allied taxa, along of the ecosystems of the Rio de La Plata Grasslands, geographic extent where occur this group. For the complementation of the data were examined collections deposited in the principal herbaria of southern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, and were analyzed image of types and others collections available. All studied species were photographed and its populations geo-referenced. It are recognized six species: C. alba Roitman & Castillo, C. azurea, C. charruana Deble, C. luteola (Klatt) Baker, C. minima Roitman & Castillo and C. riograndensis Deble. C. azurea is cited for Brazil, C. charruana is added to Argentinian flora, C. luteola has its taxonomic delimitation established, and its occurrence is extended up to the northern Uruguay. The geographic distribution of C. riograndensis is reestablished, in view of three collections mentioned in the protologue are identified as belonging at others species. All species studied are described, illustrated through of photos, being presented data about geographic distribution, ecology and conservation.