Coastal Thicket Research Articles

Crassothonna moniliformis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from the Albany Centre of floristic endemism, South Africa

Crassothonna moniliformis is described as a new species from the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The species is a prostrate, succulent-leaved perennial herb distinguished from Crassothonna capensis in having slender, weak, trailing, distantly branched stems, with nodal adventitious roots developing precociously, forming diffuse patches to ±50 cm diam., with erect to ascending, usually red-purple, globose-obovoid to obovoid to subclavate leaves 10–25 mm long, and a more slender synflorescence bearing fewer capitula (1–4 per flowering shoot) with fewer ray florets (7–9) and functionally staminate peripheral disc florets. The species is geographically localised, with the known Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy <10 km2, and is habitat-restricted, growing in shallow sandy sediments overlying exposed sandstone pavements among coastal thicket. The single known population is threatened by sand mining and informal housing encroachment. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU – D2) is recommended.

Chemical characterization of Callingcard Vine (Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polystachya) aqueous seed extract and evaluation of its cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic properties.

Callingcard Vine (Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polystachya - Fabaceae) is a common plant in coastal thickets from western Mexico through Central America to Colombia and Brazil, especially in Amazon biome. It has been popularly used as a urinary burning reliever and diuretic. However, the plant chemical constituents are poorly understood and Entada spp. genotoxic potential have not been previously investigated. In the present study we determined the chemical composition of the aqueous E. polystachya crude seed extract (EPCSE) and evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic properties of EPCSE in Salmonella typhimurium and Chinese hamster fibroblast (V79) cells. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated in tumor cell lines (HT29, MCF7 and U87) and non-malignant cells (MRC5). The chemical analysis by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) of EPCSE indicated the presence of saponin and chalcone. The results of the MTT and clonal survival assays suggest that EPCSE is cytotoxic to V79 cells. Survival analysis showed higher IC50 in non-tumor compared with tumor cell lines. EPCSE showed induction of DNA strand breaks as revealed by the alkaline comet assay and micronucleus test. Using the modified comet assay, it was possible to detect the induction of oxidative DNA base damage by EPCSE in V79 cells. Consistently, the extract induced increase lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in V79 cells. In addition, EPCSE induced mutations in S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, confirming a mutagenic potential. Taken together, our results suggest that EPCSE is cytotoxic and genotoxic to V79 cells and mutagenic to S. typhimurium. These properties can be related to the pro-oxidant ability of the extract and induction of DNA lesions. Additionally, EPCSE could inhibit the growth of tumor cells, especially human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell line, and can constitute a possible source of antitumor natural agents.

Landscape‐hydrological phenomenon of the formation of floating islands on Lake Chebarkul (Davletovo) in the Ural River basin, Russia

Aim. To record factually the development of floating islands on Lake Chebarkul (Davletovo) as a landscape‐hydrological phenomenon in the Ural River basin and in the Southern Trans‐Urals, to determine the mechanisms of formation and to identify the specific features of their morphostructure, intra‐annual movements and long‐term dynamics.Materials and Methods. Based on images of high (2003–2020) and medium (1972–2020) spatial resolution, an analysis was made of qualitative and quantitative indicators reflecting the long‐term and intra‐ annual dynamics of the state of floating islands (mats) and coastal thickets of macrophytes («splavina» or «labza» in Russian).Results. It was established that the main source of material for the islands were the coastal thickets of macrophytes at the site of the confluence of watercourses into the lake (Yangelka River and Mogak Crrek), which periodically (during periods of extreme spring floods) lose contact with coastal shallow waters and are carried into the lake. The high variability of the states and the dynamism of the displacement of the islands, as well as the tendency to reduce the number and area of the islands and coastal thickets of macrophytes, caused, among other factors, by the consequences of the anomalous summer flood of 2013, were revealed. Being in an unfixed state, floating islands drift along the water area of the lake for considerable distances, reaching 10–15 km or more during the ice‐ free period of the year. The main driving force is the wind, which causes prevailing alongshore displacements of the islands: as a result of collisions, they are reduced in size and acquire a rounded shape in plan.Conclusion. Throughout the historical period, floating islands around the world have been perceived as a landscape phenomenon that deserves protection and rational use. Lake Chebarkul with floating islands is of undoubted interest as an object of geographical, hydrological, ecological and biological research.

Chemistry, taxonomy and ecology of the potentially chimpanzee-dispersed Vepris teva sp.nov. (Rutaceae) endangered in coastal thicket in the Congo Republic.

Continuing a survey of the chemistry of species of the largely continental African genus Vepris, we investigate a species previously referred to as Vepris sp. 1 of Congo. From the leaves of Vepris sp. 1 we report six compounds. The compounds were three furoquinoline alkaloids, kokusaginine (1), maculine (2), and flindersiamine (3), two acridone alkaloids, arborinine (4) and 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methylacridone (5), and the triterpenoid, ß-amyrin (6). Compounds 1–4 are commonly isolated from other Vepris species, compound 5 has been reported before once, from Malagasy Vepris pilosa, while this is the first report of ß-amyrin from Vepris. This combination of compounds has never before been reported from any species of Vepris. We test the hypothesis that Vepris sp. 1 is new to science and formally describe it as Vepris teva, unique in the genus in that the trifoliolate leaves are subsessile, with the median petiolule far exceeding the petiole in length. Similar fleshy-leathery four-locular syncarpous fruits are otherwise only known in the genus in Vepris glaberrima (formerly the monotypic genus Oriciopsis Engl.), a potential sister species, but requiring further investigation to confirm this phylogenetic position. We briefly characterise the unusual and poorly documented Atlantic coast equatorial ecosystem, where Vepris teva is restricted to evergreen thicket on white sand, unusual in a genus usually confined to evergreen forest. This endemic-rich ecosystem with a unique amphibian as well as plants, extends along the coastline from the mouth of the Congo River to southern Rio Muni, a distance of about 1,000 km, traversing five countries. We map and illustrate Vepris teva and assess its extinction risk as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii)) using the IUCN, 2012 standard. Only three locations are known, and threats include port and oil refinery construction and associated activities, with only one protected location, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Reserve. Initial evidence indicates that the seeds of Vepris teva are dispersed by chimpanzees, previously unreported in the genus.

A 25,000 year record of climate and vegetation change from the southwestern Cape coast, South Africa

AbstractThe southwestern Cape of South Africa is a particularly dynamic region in terms of long-term climate change. We analysed fossil pollen from a 25,000 year sediment core taken from a near-coastal wetland at Pearly Beach that revealed that distinct changes in vegetation composition occurred along the southwestern Cape coast. From these changes, considerable variability in temperature and moisture availability are inferred. Consistent with indications from elsewhere in southwestern Africa, variability in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) was identified as a strong determinant of regional climate change. At Pearly Beach, this resulted in phases of relatively drier conditions (~24–22.5 cal ka BP and ~22–18 cal ka BP) demarcated by brief phases of increased humidity from ~24.5–24 cal ka BP and 22.5–22 cal ka BP. During glacial Termination I (~19–11.7 ka), a marked increase in coastal thicket pollen from ~18.5 to 15.0 cal ka BP indicates a substantial increase in moisture availability, coincident, and likely associated with, a slowing AMOC and a buildup of heat in the southern Atlantic. With clear links to glacial and deglacial Earth system dynamics and perturbations, the Pearly Beach record represents an important new contribution to a growing body of data, providing insights into the patterns and mechanisms of southwestern African climate change.

Discovered online: Hibiscus hareyae sp. nov. of sect. Lilibiscus (Malvaceae), threatened in coastal thicket at Lindi, Tanzania

SummaryThe spectacular new species with horticultural potential described in this paper, Hibiscus hareyae L.A.J.Thomson & Cheek, was identified during an assessment of online digitised botanical specimens of H. schizopetalus (Dyer) Hook.f. as part of a review of species in Hibiscus sect. Lilibiscus Hochr. A short updated description and delimitation of the horticulturally important sect. Lilibiscus is presented. Flowering and fruiting specimens of Hibiscus hareyae are readily distinguished from H. schizopetalus by their short (0.4 – 2 (– 4.5) cm long, non-articulated peduncle-pedicels vs (6 –) 8 – 11 (– 14) cm long, articulated peduncle-pedicels, and larger, broader epicalyx bracts (1.5 – 4 × 1 – 1.2 mm vs 0.6 – 1.5 × 0.1 – 0.3 (– 0.5) mm), the epicalyx forming a shallow cup 0.5 – 1 × 2 – 3 mm vs bracts appearing free. The absence of an articulation of the peduncle-pedicel of H. hareyae is unique within sect. Lilibiscus. The species is also well-marked from H. schizopetalus by other morphological differences in corolla and foliage, and in ecology and geography. Hibiscus hareyae has a restricted natural distribution as an element in deciduous coastal thicket, usually on coral rag formations, sometimes in or near mangrove, in Lindi Province, southern Tanzania. It ranges from the Indian Ocean coast to as much as 20 km inland, from about 8.5oS to 10oS (c. 140 × 20 km) and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU B2ab(iii)). Hibiscus hareyae has high ornamental potential but is unknown in cultivation.

Aggregated seed dispersal in a Neotropical coastal thicket vegetation: The role of microhabitat, dispersal syndrome and growth form

Coastal thicket vegetation in Brazil (restinga) is characterized by three distinct microhabitats - thicket center, thicket edge, and open area - and the spatial pattern of seed dispersal varies among them. The objectives of this study were to differentiate microhabitats, considering dispersal syndromes and growth forms, and to determine the existence of seasonality in the seed dispersal for this ecosystem where the climate is seasonal. Seeds were monthly captured by seed traps during 24 months. They were counted, identified and dispersal syndromes and growth forms were determined. Number of seeds was low and most species were underrepresented in the seed rain. Abundance, richness, and diversity of seed rain were substantially higher in both thicket microhabitats than in the open area, probably due to the combined effects of seed production and seed retention in thickets, resulting in a non-random aggregated pattern of seed dispersal. Anemochory and zoochory were high in both thicket microhabitats, but in the open area anemochory was predominant. Herbs and shrubs contributed the greatest number of seeds and species in all three microhabitats. Our results showed a general aseasonal seed rain pattern at the community level, in contrast to the seasonal climate in this region. We conclude that seed dispersal face limitations in the plant community, natural regeneration potential is restricted, and degraded thicket vegetation will not be able to naturally regenerate the original biodiversity. Our findings considerably increase knowledge on the seed rain process at the community level and may contribute to the conservation and restoration in sandy coastal ecosystems.

Changes in the leaf nutrient and pigment contents of Berberis microphylla G. Forst. in relation to irradiance and fertilization

Berberis microphylla G. Forst. commonly named calafate, is a Patagonian shrub that grows in humid areas of the steppe, coastal thickets, edges and gaps of Nothofagus forests or along streams and rivers, with small purple berries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in leaf nutrient (carbon, nitrogen, carbon:nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and pigment contents (chlorophyll a and b, chlorophyll a:b ratio and carotenoids) of B. microphylla plants growing under different irradiances (low = 24%, medium = 57%, and high = 100% of the natural irradiance) and fertilization levels (0 = 0.00 g, 1 = 3.36 g, and 2 = 6.72 g per plant) during two growing seasons (2008–2009, 2009–2010). Also, we explored the relationships of these variables with anthocyanin, as well as with total phenol fruit contents. The fertilization has been highlighted, particularly in the content of foliar nutrients, where nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents were highest with fertilization level 2 (2.0%, 0.1%, and 0.6%, respectively), while carbon:nitrogen ratio (37.5) was maximum on fertilization level 0. Irradiance has greatly affected the content of foliar pigments. Thus, chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids were highest under low irradiance (0.4, 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/m2, respectively), while chlorophyll a:b ratio was maximum under medium and high irradiance conditions (3.1). In addition, the quantity of fruit secondary metabolite (anthocyanin and phenol) could be estimated using carbon and potassium leaf contents and chlorophyll a and b contents. On the other hand, the annual climatic variability between 2008-2009 and 2009–2010 mainly affected the variables on nutrient and pigment contents, likely evidencing the influence of two distinct climate periods, El Niño/La Niña phenomena, respectively. The changes observed in the leaf nutrient and pigment contents of B. microphylla could be related to the acclimation capacity of B. microphylla shrubs to changes in environmental conditions via arrangements in leaf composition.

Seasonal changes of free-living ciliate communities in different biotopes of the Agzibir Lake

The Agzibir Lake is optimal in terms of hydrochemical and hydrobiological factors for formation of higher biodiversity of free-living ciliates. This is facilitated with continuous entering biogenic elements as a result of metabolism of large bird colonies and decaying organic residues of plant and animal origin. The Agzybir Lake having a link with the Caspian Sea in spring and fall is a place of spawning and the subsequent development of larvae of many commercially valuable fishes of the Caspian Sea, for which ciliates are a valuable starting food source in early stages of ontogenesis. During 2014–2019, totally 169 species of free-living ciliates were found by us, and 34 of them were observed for the first time for the Caspian fauna. The minimum species diversity was observed in plankton, where 46 species were recorded. In benthos of the sandy biotope, 58 species were found, whereas in the silty sand one, 80 species. At the silt soil in the biotope of gray silt, we found 72 species, the maximum species diversity (84 species) was observed in the silt biotope with plant residues, while at the black silt with sapropel communities 66 species of free-living ciliates were found. In the periphyton biotope, we observed 71 species, while in coastal thickets of algae (phytociliocenosis) 79 species of free-living ciliates were found. As with the sandy biotope, the black silt biotope, sometimes with small communities of sapropel silt, is much smaller in area than the rest of benthic biotopes of the Agzibir Lake. Yet, free-living ciliate communities of black silt are specific and include several species that are tolerant to low oxygen and hydrogen sulfide in water. The seasonal variations of total quantity of free-living ciliates of benthic biotopes have three maxima (in spring, summer and autumn). As for the rest of biotopes of plankton, periphyton and phytociliocenosis, only two maxima (in spring and autumn) were revealed. The greatest similarity of species diversity was observed within benthic communities. But lowest similarity was observed between sapropel silt and the rest. As was already mentioned, this is due to specific ecological conditions of sapropel silt biotope.

The Short-Term Response of Coastal Thicket Bird Communities to Fire in the Southeastern Cape, South Africa

Fire ecological research within the Cape Floristic Region is largely restricted to fynbos vegetation and, amongst fauna, birds. Nothing is known about post-fire responses of birds in subtropical thicket, which burns on much longer cycles than fynbos. Extensive fires in subtropical thicket along the southeastern Cape coast (in the Knysna area during June 2017) presented the opportunity to assess the response of these birds to fire. We predicted that (1) fire reduces bird species diversity, richness and abundance in thicket during the first two years post-fire; and (2) fire changes feeding guild composition and results in the loss of frugivorous birds. Bird surveys (point counts) were undertaken between 12- and 21-months post-fire in burnt (n =7) and unburnt (n = 7) thicket sites to determine bird community structure and abundance. A total of 66 bird species and 2404 individuals were recorded of which 52 species and 1176 individuals were recorded in burnt thicket and 60 species and 1228 individuals in unburnt thicket. Ten species occurred only in burnt thicket and 13 species only in unburnt thicket. There was a 21% loss of bird species (mainly forest birds) after fire. The Sorenson similarity coefficient was 60% for bird species composition between burnt and unburnt thicket. The most common feeding guilds in terms of richness and abundance in both burnt and unburnt thicket were insectivores and generalists. Frugivores were most abundant in unburnt thicket, whereas granivores were most abundant in burnt thicket. Changes in thicket bird community composition following the fire were minor and are likely to be short-lived as thicket shrubs re-sprout vigorously after fire resulting in rapid recovery of vegetation and thus bird habitat structure.

New populations and a conservation assessment of Ecbolium hastatum Vollesen

Background: Ecbolium hastatum Vollesen is currently known from only three collections in southern Mozambique and has not been relocated since 1970.Objectives: To document two new populations and a small range extension for this poorly known species, and to provide a much-needed assessment of its conservation status.Method: The new populations were found by the first author (W.M.) while conducting floristic surveys of coastal thicket vegetation between Inhassoro and Vilanculos in December 2016, and during ongoing surveys by the second author (A.M.) of coastal thicket between Ponta de Ouro and Inhassoro. No voucher specimens were collected for the northern population, but photographs of key features were taken and compared with specimens in online herbaria. A voucher specimen was taken for the southern population.Results: Two new populations and a northern range extension for E. hastatum are recorded. The species is assessed as Endangered EN B2ab(iii) according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria. Only one of the five known localities for this species is protected.Conclusion: The conservation assessment of this species highlights the importance of coastaldune thicket for range-restricted species in southern Mozambique.

Transformation of ecosystems glacial lakes in Ukrainian Carpathians

The sizes of glacial lakes of the Ukrainian Carpathians without surface water runoff (Brebeneskul, Nesamovyte – the last 130 years, Verhne Ozirne, Nyzhne Ozirne – the last 50 years) and surface water runoff lakes Dogyaska (the last 30 years) has not substantial changes. The lakes Maricheyka and Vorozheska considerably decreased in area (20–40 % of previous squares), obviously, due to the erosion of rocky moraines-damages. Comparison of photos lakes Nesamovyte (1935–2008) has not showed changes of the outlines of the water area, the sedge-sphagnum alloy and the coastal thickets of the debris. The small glacial lakes Breskul has reduced its bed, because the sedge-sphagnum alloy overgrown with ray herbs, but the open water area is stable during the last 67 years. There are some increase alkalinity water of Brebeneskul and Verhne Ozirne and acidification of the Nesamovyte during the last 60 years. Unidirectional changes in the acid-alkaline balance of glacial lakes waters are not noted. The shrub covered decreases its area in basins of the all glacial lakes of Ukrainian Carpathians every year as a result of the cuttings of tourists for the campfires. For example, the number of the hearths in the Nesamovyte basin has decreased from 7 in the 2001 to the 80 in the 2017 years. The most intense in this process is in the basins of Nesamovyte and Brebeneskul. The number of tourists stopping for a night in the basins of high mountain lakes increased by 7–10 times according to the calculation of foci traces during 2001–2017 years. The clogging of shores and water areas of the glacial lakes and the formation of random garbage increases in the last two decades. The number of the oligosaprobic crustaceans species decrease and mesosaprobic are growing, appear polisabrobic species. The saprobic status of water lakes with the greatest recreational influence (Nesamovyte, Brebeneskul, Dogyaska) has a tendency to increase during the last 17 years. The loss of stenobiontic crustaceans species from glacial lakes (Streblocerus serricaudatus (Fischer, 1849), Mixodiaptomus tatricus (Wierzejski, 1883) and some others), the penetration of non-typical hydro- and amphibiontic species into highlands waters (Pohlia nutans (Hedwig) Lindberg, 1879, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758), Simocephalus vetulus (O. F. Müller, 1776) and others), and the increase in the rate of mass, mezosaprobic and eurybionts species in the total number of water groups are noted. Verhne Ozirne was the last untouched glacial lake of the Ukrainian Carpathians, but after the introduction of its basin to the Ramsar Convention there was laid a path there and today we will observe intensification of tourist and pasture influence on its ecosystem. The most anthropogenic negative influence has recreation (clogging, cutting, trampling, automotourism and other factors). Mountain tourism is one of the most dangerous types of anthropopression in high-altitude areas, as it is in the lakes located on permanent tourist routes and water catchments which is the place for overnight tourists, the degradation of populations and groups of mountainous species of hydrobionts has been noted. Moderate pastoral influence (up to thirty heads of cattle per hectare per day) does not make significant changes from the hydrobionts communities of the glacial lakes. The most effective mechanism for preventing the negative processes of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems of the glacial lakes of the Ukrainian Carpathians is to determine the buffer number of tourists visiting basins of unique aquatic glacial ecosystems of Ukraine and the strict control over compliance by visitors with the rules of conduct regulated by environmental organizations.

Population Structure, Genetic Diversity, and Evolutionary History of Kleinia neriifolia (Asteraceae) on the Canary Islands.

Kleinia neriifolia Haw. is an endemic species on the Canarian archipelago, this species is widespread in the coastal thicket of all the Canarian islands. In the present study, genetic diversity and population structure of K. neriifolia were investigated using chloroplast gene sequences and nuclear SSR (simple sequence repeat). The differentiation among island populations, the historical demography, and the underlying evolutionary scenarios of this species are further tested based on the genetic data. Chloroplast diversity reveals a strong genetic divergence between eastern islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote) and western islands (EI Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife), this west–east genetic divergence may reflect a very beginning of speciation. The evolutionary scenario with highest posterior probabilities suggests Gran Canaria as oldest population with a westward colonization path to Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and EI Hierro, and eastward dispersal path to Lanzarote through Fuerteventura. In the western islands, there is a slight decrease in the effective population size toward areas of recent colonization. However, in the eastern islands, the effective population size increase in Lanzarote relative to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. These results further our understanding of the evolution of widespread endemic plants within Canarian archipelago.

Indian Ocean coastal thicket is of high conservation value for preserving taxonomic and functional diversity of forest-dependent bird communities in a landscape of restricted forest availability

The Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Forest is extremely biodiverse but is threatened by anthropogenic land-use change. In South Africa, remnant forest patches are divided into highly restricted but protected indigenous forest (IF) and abundant but unprotected coastal thicket/dense bush (DB), which likely represents secondary/regenerating IF. We tested the hypothesis that DB had value for conserving forest-dependent avian taxonomic and functional diversity, as (a) DB is situated with in the forest-anthropogenic land-use mosaic and (b) birds maintain diverse ecosystem functions and are sensitive to environmental change given their varied biological traits. We conducted 149 and 112 fixed-radius point-count surveys of avian communities in 99, and 24, patches of DB and IF, respectively, at each location recording microhabitat vegetation structure. We compared vegetation characteristics and taxonomic species richness between vegetation classes, and tested the breadth of functional trait-space and for significant associations with vegetation structures at each survey location, using RLQ analysis. Vegetation classes differed significantly, but floral species overlap and vegetation structures in DB closely resembled regenerating IF habitat. Specialist ground-nesting and insect-gleaning species corresponded to taller, more diverse IF structures. Other biological traits and total species richness overlapped broadly across both classes, but IF had significantly higher mean species richness. Given the relatively high taxonomic and functional diversity of the avian community in the abundant DB, the scarcity of IF, and the proximity of DB to the anthropogenic land-use mosaic, we recommend allocating suitable DB patches to the Protected Area Network, which may simultaneously help preserve avian taxonomic and functional diversity, facilitate colonisation throughout the fragmented landscape and provide ecosystem services to anthropogenic land uses.

Modern soil phytolith assemblages used as proxies for Paleoscape reconstruction on the south coast of South Africa

South Africa continues to receive substantial attention from scholars researching modern human origins. The importance of this region lies in the many caves and rock shelters containing well preserved evidence of human activity, cultural material complexity and a growing number of early modern human fossils dating to the Middle Stone Age (MSA). South Africa also hosts the world's smallest floral kingdom, now called the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR), with high species richness and endemism. In paleoanthropological research, improving our capacity to reconstruct past climatic and environmental conditions can help us to shed light on survival strategies of hunter–gatherers. To do this, one must use actualistic studies of modern assemblages from extant habitats to develop analogies for the past and improve paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Here, we present a phytolith study of modern surface soil samples from different GCFR vegetation types of the south coast of South Africa. In this study, the phytolith concentration and morphological distribution are related to the physicochemical properties of soils, the environmental conditions and the characterization of the vegetation for the different study areas. Our results show that phytolith concentration relates mostly to vegetation types and the dominant vegetation rather than to the type of soils. More abundant phytoliths from Restionaceae and woody/shrubby vegetation are also noted from fynbos vegetation and grass phytoliths are a recurrent component in all the vegetation types in spite of being a minor component in the modern vegetation. The grass silica short cells from these plants, however, suggest a mix of C3 and C4 grasses in most of the vegetation types with a major presence of the rondels ascribed to C3 grasses. The exceptions are riparian, coastal thicket and coastal forest vegetation, which are characterized by the dominance of C4 grass phytoliths.

Baphia vili(Leguminosae:Papilionoideae), a new species from coastal thicket in the Republic of the Congo and Gabon

Abstract Cheek M., Kami E. & Kami T.: Baphia vili (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae), a new species from coastal thicket in the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. — Willdenowia 44: 39–44. 11 March 2014. — Version of record published online ahead of inclusion in April 2014 issue; ISSN 1868-6397; © 2014 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.44.44106 Baphia vili Cheek is described as a new species from coastal thicket on white sand in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). It is distinguished from other species of the genus by its small, glossy, shallowly cordate leaves and is unusual in its winged fruit. Its taxonomic placement near B. letestui Pellegr. is discussed. It is assessed as Vulnerable using the IUCN standard. Based on observations of the species near Pointe Noire in the months of October, December and July, an account of its phenology is presented.

Soil nematode population studies of some selected plantation crops and uncultivated coastal thicket

The study was conducted on citrus, plantain and pineapple plantations on the Teaching and Research Farm of the School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast. The survey also covered undisturbed coastal thicket near the site of the study. The aim of the survey was to identify types and population levels of plant parasitic nematodes in soils of the different plantation crops and to find out whether the populations and nematode species differed from those in soils of undisturbed vegetation. The investigations were carried out from April to July 1993. Nematodes were extracted from 100 ml soil samples by an improvised Baerman’s Tray technique and the mean recorded. Nematode counts were determined from 1ml aliquots repeated tree times. Three genera, namely Rotylenchulus, Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus as endo-parasites, Tylenchus (semi-endoparasitic) and eight ecto-parasitics forms which included Xiphimena, a known virus vector, were identified. Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus and Tylenchus occurred in all the plots studied. Hemicyclophora and Xiphimena were the least genera and occurred in low numbers. Plantain supported the greatest number of genera and also the highest nematode populations. There were positive correlations between crop types, soil pH, soil moisture and nematode numbers. Similarly, significant differences were observed between means of initial nematodes numbers at the beginning and end of the season.

Fire Effects on the Point Reyes Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa phaea) at Point Reyes National Seashore, 10 Years After the Vision Fire

Abstract The 1995 Vision Fire burned 5000 ha and destroyed 40% of the habitat of the Point Reyes Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa phaea). Surveys immediately post-fire and in 2000 showed that only 0.4 to 1.7% of Mountain Beavers within the burn area survived. In 2000, dense, ground-hugging Blue-blossom Ceanothus (Ceanothus thrysiflorus) appeared to make coastal scrub thickets much less suitable for Mountain Beavers even though the number of burrows at our 11 study sites had returned to 88% of pre-fire numbers. In 2005 (10 y post-fire), the habitat appeared to be better for Mountain Beavers; Blue-blossom Ceanothus had diminished and vegetation more typical of northern coastal scrub, such as Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis) overstory with a lower layer of herbaceous vegetation, had greatly increased; but the number of Mountain Beaver burrows had declined to 52% of pre-fire numbers and there was little change in the number of sites occupied between our 2000 and 2005 surveys. With the expected successional ...

Dune vegetation and coastal thicket plant communities in threatened limestone fynbos of Andrew’s Field and Tsaba-Tsaba Nature Reserve, Struisbaai, Western Cape

The coastal thicket and dune vegetation of Andrew’s Field and Tsaba-Tsaba Nature Reserve was classified using Braun-Blanquet procedures and TWINSPAN. The vegetation was sampled using 74 randomly stratified sample plots. The floristic composition, cover- abundance of each species, and several environmental variables were recorded in each sample plot. Six plant communities were identified, namely, Rhus glauca - Euclea racemosa low to tall closed thicket community; Chrysanthemoides monilifera - Solanum africanum low closed dune shrub community; Chrysanthemoides monilifera - Ehrharta villosa var. maxima low to high closed dune shrub community; Ehrharta villosa var. maxima low to short closed dune grassland community; Ammophila arenaria low to short closed dune grassland community; and Arcthotheca populifolia - Thinopyrum distichum low to short open beach community. These were subdivided into eight subcommunities and four variants. All communities, sub-communities and variants were described and ecologically interpreted. The distribution of the communities, sub-communities and variants can mainly be ascribed to differences in landform, rockiness of the soil surface the degree of protection / exposure of the vegetation to the dominating winds of the area.

Checklist of plant species of the coastal fynbos and rocky head­lands, south of George, South Africa

A checklist of vascular plants and cryptograms was compiled for the fynbos and rocky headland communities of the coastal region south of George The area studied is a 12 km stretch of steep sandstone cliffs forming alternating bays and headlands situated between Glentana and Wilderness. The plant communities of the natural vegetation inhabiting the coastline are a mixture of coastal thicket, riparian thicket, fynbos and rocky headland types. The extent of natural vegetation has been reduced by the spread of agricultural land and urban development and is under further threat from the spread of naturalised alien invader species, particularly Acacia cyclops. The checklist records the occurrence of 271 taxa including 16 alien species (6% of taxa). Of the flowering plant species recorded, 6% were regional or local endemics.