Herbarium Material Research Articles

A Study of the Teucrium L. Genus in the Azerbaijan Flora Based on Herbarium Materials

A Study of the Teucrium L. Genus in the Azerbaijan Flora Based on Herbarium Materials

Enhancing Taxonomic Skills in West Africa and Supporting the Growth of GC Herbarium (Ghana)

Training the next generation of environmental scientists is critical to the future of life on Earth as acknowledged in 2021 by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG, Kew) in Our Manifesto for Change. RBG, Kew is also committed to strengthening capacity in the most biodiverse tropical countries by sharing expertise and collections, to enhance the global conservation effort. Developing training programmes to enhance taxonomic capacity in Africa and meeting the demand for early career in-country taxonomists was identified as the first step to accelerate the documentation and conservation of African plant diversity. Two years ago, RBG, Kew, in collaboration with the University of Ghana and the Ghana Herbarium (GC) and with support from the Schroder Charity Trust and Mallinckrodt Foundation, developed a tailored “Plant Taxonomy Skills for Ecology and Conservation” training course. This was planned to run in Africa, South America and Asia, alternating each year. The pilot was organised in Ghana, Africa in 2022. Participants for this 5-week course were selected from over 260 applicants. Delivered in a hybrid format, the course started with 3 weeks of online lectures, pre-recorded by 15 plant scientists and curators at RBG, Kew, as well as online interactive sessions. This was then followed by 2 weeks of in-person training in Ghana, including a 1-day field trip for practical collecting tips. The training covered herbarium curation techniques as well as concepts and skills needed for taxonomic revisions such as nomenclature, taxonomy, analysis of herbarium specimens, databasing, geo-referencing, preparation of morphological descriptions, diagnosis and identification keys as well as building distribution maps and red listing. The in-country teaching team included a curator-botanist, a plant taxonomist, a science education coordinator from RBG, Kew and two professors from University of Ghana. The course ended with a written assignment in the form of a taxonomic revision. A short survey was sent out to all course participants two years after the course to gather impacts of the training on their careers and uncover the most positive and negative aspects of the course. The course provided many positive outcomes: 15 plant taxonomists from eight African countries were trained, and jointly produced a taxonomic revision of 28 species of Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae) from Ghana (Williams et al. 2024). Additionally, The African Taxonomists Network was initiated by the course participants with a mission of ‘Fostering the next generation of taxonomists to bridge the generational gap and revitalize the relevance of taxonomy in Africa for the future.’ This network now has over 60 members, meets regularly online, and has a large presence on social media. Furthermore, the course also resulted in the awarding of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT) Biodiversity Challenge grant to the GC Herbarium in 2022. This grant enabled acquiring essential plant collecting equipment and herbarium materials, either by sourcing them in Ghana or from abroad. The GC herbarium, founded in 1952, contains ~85,000 collections of plant and algae specimens from Ghana and across West Africa with high historical, teaching and research value. This collection is vital to enhancing in-country taxonomic capacity. Therefore, the improvement and upgrade supported by the grant, as well as its recognition, are essential. Another rewarding impact of the course is strengthening of links between RBG, Kew and African institutions of higher education. These links have quickly developed into a larger partnership and were the first step towards a long-term collaboration. The ultimate objective of this collaboration has been to create the necessary conditions, both in infrastructure and human capacity to deliver the Flora of Ghana. This will be achieved by implementing a project to support the maintenance and growth of the GC herbarium in addition to taxonomic capacity building and teaching. The participants benefited from the course by engaging with mentors, networking and exchanging ideas, forming links with individuals with similar research interests and obtaining additional training and career progression opportunities. In the feedback survey, all participants reported that this course made them consider a career or future studies in plant taxonomy and 80% of the participants reported securing a new job or a student position in plant taxonomy two years after the course. In addition, all participants listed several positive impacts of the course on their career such as confidence in producing a taxonomic revision, gaining herbarium management skills and opportunities for new collaborations. This course has been subsequently successfully run in South America (Bolivia) and Asia (Indonesia), with expectations of similarly positive outcomes, and is already planned to return to Africa (Kenya) in 2025.

A new species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico

Background: Pitcairnia is the third largest bromeliad genus in Mexico with 57 species and ca. 82.5 % endemism, and is characterized mostly by zygomorphic, ornithophilous flowers of diurnal anthesis in several hues of red, orange, or yellow, whereas white or green flowers are uncommon. Moreover, there are just a few species with nocturnal anthesis in Megamexico. One of them is documented and discussed here. Questions: Is the Pitcairnia with campanulate, fragrant flowers of nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca different from other species with similar characters native to Mexico and the Neotropics and what is its conservation status? Studied species: Pitcairnia abundans, P. lokischmidtiae, P. zapoteca. Study site and dates: Oaxaca, Mexico, 2016-2024. Methods: Live plants, herbarium material, protologues, and high-resolution images of herbarium specimens, both of the new taxon and of morphologically similar taxa, were studied and compared against each other. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN criteria. Results: Pitcairnia zapoteca is similar but different at the species level from P. lokischmidtiae from Jalisco; both share campanulate flowers of nocturnal anthesis and a musky or frutal fragances. The conservation status of the new taxon is assessed as DD. Conclusions: Pitcairnia zapoteca is a new species, only known from the type locality in the state of Oaxaca and only one of three Mexican species with campanulate, white, yellowish or greenish flowers of nocturnal anthesis. The assessment the true conservation status of the new taxon requires detailed exploration of the SE portion of Oaxaca.

Floristic findings of <i>Vaucheria</i> (Xanthophyceae) in Armenia and Azerbaijan

Based on herbarium material and the author’s collections, new records of three Vaucheria species from seven localities in the South Caucasus are presented. V. canalicularis and V. racemosa are newly recorded in Armenia. New localities in Azerbaijan are cited for V. dichotoma.

Plastome phylogenomics and new fossil evidence from Dominican amber shed light on the evolutionary history of the Neotropical fern genus Pecluma.

Molecular studies based on chloroplast markers have questioned the monophyly of the fern genus Pecluma (Polypodioideae, Polypodiaceae), which has several species of Polypodium nested within it. We explored the delimitation of Pecluma and its biogeographic pattern by evaluating the phylogenetic position of four Polypodium species not sequenced thus far and integrating the first fossil evidence of Pecluma. Using herbarium material, we applied a genome-skimming approach to obtain a phylogenetic hypothesis of Polypodioideae; assessed the combination of character states observed in the fossil from Miocene Dominican amber using a previously published phylogeny of Polypodioideae based on four plastid markers as framework; calculated divergence times; and conducted an ancestral area estimation. Within Polypodioideae, Pecluma was recovered as sister to Phlebodium. Three of the newly sequenced species-Polypodium otites, P. pinnatissimum, and P. ursipes-were recovered with maximum support within the Pecluma clade, whereas P. christensenii remained within Polypodium. The closest combination of character states of the fossil was found within Pecluma. Our biogeographic analyses suggest an Eocene origin of the genus in South America, with several subsequent Oligocene and Miocene colonization events to Mexico-Central America and to the West Indies. Although the circumscription of Pecluma is still challenging, our results elucidate the origin and age of the genus. The newly described fossil, Pecluma hispaniolae sp. nov., supports the hypothesis that the epiphytic communities of the Greater Antilles exhibit a constant generic composition since the Miocene. We propose new combinations (Pecluma otites, Pecluma pinnatissima, and Pecluma ursipes) to accommodate three species previously classified in Polypodium.

New approaches in the fern genus Pteris (Pteridaceae) from Brazil

Background and aims: Pteris is widely distributed with ca. 65 species in the Tropics. In Brazil, 24 species were recognized and five of them are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. The objective of the present paper is to re-evaluate the taxonomy of Pteris occurring in Brazil, based on new morphological evidence of old and recent specimens deposited in herbaria, analysis of types, and observations in the field. M&M: The new approaches are based on morphological data such as SEM images of the spores and from the examination of herbarium collections mainly from SP and RB Herbaria. Results: Four species are being recognized in the present paper (P. lata, P. organensis, P. praealta, and P. sericea). For two of them, two new combinations into Pteris are presented: P. organensis and P. praealta. A key to distinguishing the newly recognized species and its relative taxa, as well as descriptions, illustrations, and comments are presented in this paper. Conclusions: By reviewing herbarium materials, mainly observing the morphology of the spores, and collecting more specimens in the field, it was possible to recognize three species (Pteris lata, P. organensis, and P. praealta) in Brazil and also verify the correct application of the name Pteris sericea to the Brazilian plants. All these names had been previously synonymized in previous studies. After this study, 27 species of Pteris are recognized in Brazil.

The ferns of Calilegua National Park, Jujuy, Argentina: A look through their spores. Second part

This work is part of a bigger project to study the spore morphology of isosporous ferns growing in the Calilegua National Park (CNP), in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. This park belongs to the phytogeographic region of the Yungas, where climatic and terrain conditions are optimal for the growth of ferns. The aim of this work is to present the morphology of the spores of 53 taxa corresponding to 6 families of isosporate ferns that grow in this protected area. The study was carried out with herbarium material and field trips. The families studied are Hymenophyllaceae, Ophioglossaceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae and Woodsiaceae. According to the spore aperture type, 24 taxa are monolete and 29 trilete. The spores are yellowish, light to dark brown or brown greenish. The largest spores belong to Pleopeltis tweediana and the smallest to Polyphlebium angustatum. The ornamentation observed were echinae, folds, wings, reticles, cristae, verrucae or rugulae. The spores of 35 species are illustrated for the first time under the light microscope and five species with scanning electron microscope. An identification key of the spores is also provided. The morphological characteristics of the spores allowed the identification of 16 species, contributes to spore bank analysis, aero and palaeopalynological studies and taxonomic identifications.

Molecular evidence for the origin of the little-known hybrid Potamogeton ×vilnensis

A combined study of morphology, stem anatomy, and the genetic markers (ITS1-ITS4 region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and rpl20-rps12 intergenic spacer of chloroplast DNA) was used to verify the identity of hybrid Potamogeton ×vilnensis Galinis previously recognized as P. gramineus × P. praelongus. Authentic herbarium material and newly collected specimens morphologically similar to the hybrid from the locus classicus (SE Lithuania) were used for comparative morphological, anatomical and molecular analyses. The study proved the paternity of P. lucens and P. praelongus and excluded the involvement of P. gramineus in hybridization and identity with P. ×angustifolius. This hybrid formula is shared with plants recorded in the Czech Republic and Denmark under the name P. ×jutlandicus Zalewska-Galosz. The site in Lithuania, known since 1961, is the first natural habitat of long-lived hybrid between P. lucens and P. praelongus whose origin has been confirmed by molecular markers. The scarce records of this taxon indicate that the knowledge of the hybrid species of Potamogeton and their distribution is insufficient and that more extensive regional studies, including molecular methods, are needed.

Taxonomic Spectrum of the Species Belonging to the PotentillaL. Genus of the Rosaceae Family in the Nakhchivan Flora

The presented article provides information on the systematic composition of the species belonging to the Potentilla L. genus, which is spread in flora. During the comparative analysis of the collected herbarium materials and literature sources, it was found that the Potentilla genus of the Rosaceae family is represented by 17 species in the territory of Nakhchivan, and information about the current status of those species is reflected in the article. The article also studied the ecological groups, geographical elements, and altitude zones of species belonging to the genus PotentillaL. of the Rosaceae family.

A new insight on the genus Pteridium (Dennstaedtiaceae) in Europe based on a revision in the flora of Slovakia

BackgroundThe genus Pteridium Gled. ex Scop. was thought to be monotypic with the cosmopolitan species P. aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. for many years. However, morphological variations among these plants in different regions have been noted since the 1940’s, leading to the description of new taxa later. Molecular investigations, while not resolving all taxonomical questions within the genus, have highlighted its rich genetic diversity globally, confirming the status of several previously described species and subspecies. This wealth of data has prompted revisions of the Pteridium genus in regional floras, with Northern Eurasia serving as a central arena for such studies in the last 30 years. Recent data suggest that the European flora comprises a single species, P. aquilinum, with two subspecies, P. a. subsp. aquilinum and P. a. subsp. pinetorum (C.N. Page & R.R. Mill) J.A. Thomson. However, their distribution within the continent remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the representation and distribution of Pteridium taxa in Slovakia with an attempt to describe natural ranges of P. aquilinum subspecies based on herbarium materials and citizen science data within Europe for a whole.ResultsIt is confirmed that the genus Pteridium is represented by the single species with two mentioned subspecies in the flora of Europe, as well as in the flora of Slovakia. The distribution of these subspecies is mapped in the country. Additionally, we discuss the ranges of these subspecies for a whole, and we evidence the growth of P. aquilinum subsp. pinetorum within the Netherlands, Czechia, Austria, Hungary and Romania for the first time. Also, two new combinations of taxa from the Asian part of Russia are offered.ConclusionOur study is a significant contribution in the present knowledge about the distribution and taxonomy of P. aquilinum, however it also shows that many questions concerning this taxon and its infraspecific taxa remain open. Additional field investigations and herbarium processing should be carried out for detailed explorations of biological and ecological peculiarities of the mentioned subspecies, and for the clear understanding of their regional distribution. Such explorations also might become a basis for new syntaxonomic revisions.

Ten new species and notes on the genus Psoralea L. (Psoraleeae, Fabaceae) from South Africa

Background and aims – Following detailed phylogenetic and biogeographic studies of the tribe Psoraleeae, the genus Psoralea L. was shown to have been derived out of Otholobium C.H.Stirt. As Psoralea has nomenclatural priority, Otholobium has been subsumed into Psoralea, whereby two broad subgeneric groups are aligned with the previous descriptions of the separate genera, but some problems of placement of a few species remain unresolved. Work is ongoing to study and describe the nearly 20 undescribed species that will have to be considered before sectional groups can be established. In this paper we describe ten new species, including several putative taxa already recognized in regional floras, based on historic specimens and more recent field collections. Material and methods – Standard practices of herbarium and field taxonomy have been applied to study herbarium material available at B, BLFU, BM, BOL, BR, E, GRA, J, JRAU, K, KEI, L, LE, LINN, M, MO, NBG, NH, NU, NY, OXF, P, PRA, PRC, PRE, PRU, S, SAM, SCHG, SRGH, TCD, Z, ZT, and US. Additional material was provided from fieldwork by the authors and collaborators. Key results – Ten new species of Psoralea from southern Africa are described: Psoralea crista C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. fulva C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. luteovirens C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. nubicola C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. oreopola C.H.Stirt., P. pallescens C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. papillosa C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. prompta C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. schutteae C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, and P. vlokii C.H.Stirt. & Muasya. Conclusion – The newly described species, all restricted to South Africa, increases the number of Psoralea species to 129. These species arise from expanded fieldwork into previously under-collected areas, as well as from better refinement in species delimitations in the leafless ‘aphylla’ and pinnately-leaved species complexes.

Early Eocene infructescences from Argentine Patagonia expand the biogeography of Malvoideae.

Fossil infructescences and isolated fruits with characters of Malvoideae, a subfamily of Malvaceae (mallow family), were collected from early Eocene sediments in Chubut, Argentina. The main goals of this research are to describe and place these fossils systematically, and to explore their biogeographical implications. Fossils were collected at the Laguna del Hunco site, Huitrera Formation, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina. They were prepared, photographed, and compared with extant and fossil infructescences and fruits of various families using herbarium material and literature. The infructescences are panicles with alternate arrangement of fruits. They bear the fruits on short pedicels that are subtended by a bract; the fruits display an infracarpelar disk and split to the base into five ovate sections interpreted as mericarps. Each mericarp is characterized by an acute apex and the presence of a longitudinal ridge. The isolated fruits show the same features as those on the infructescences. The fossils share unique features with members of the cosmopolitan family Malvaceae, subfamily Malvoideae. The fossils have a unique combination of characters that does not conform to any previously described genus, justifying the erection of a new genus and species, Uiher karuen. This new taxon constitutes the first known Malvoideae reproductive fossils of the Southern Hemisphere, expanding the distribution of Malvoideae during the early Eocene.

Centranthus pontecorvi (Valerianaceae) a new species from Sardinia

The species of Centranthus (Valerianaceae) belonging to C. sect. Nervosae are investigated. They are currently represented by C. trinervis from southern Corsica and C. amazonum from central-eastern Sardinia. In addition, a new isolated population has been discovered in southwestern Sardinia, which is morphologically and ecologically very differentiated from the other two known species. This population can be treated as new species, named C. pontecorvi, growing on screes constituted by Cambrian metacarbonates, localized in the Sulcitano-Iglesiente biogeographic sector. For each species, a detailed description and a new illustration based on living and herbarium materials are provided. Information on typification, synonymy, phenology, ecology, distribution, conservation status, and a list of examined herbarium specimens is also given. Furthermore, an updated identification key utilising the diagnostic traits of these three species has been elaborated.

Friedmannodendron rodriguesiana, a new segregate of Dombeya Cav. (Dombeyoideae, Malvaceae), endemic to Rodrigues

ABSTRACT Dombeya rodriguesiana F.Friedmann is an endemic species to Rodrigues (Mascarene Archipelago, Indian Ocean). This species faces severe threats and is currently represented by at least two living individuals. We sequenced a second sample of this species to confirm that its phylogenetic placement renders Dombeya Cav. paraphyletic and, thus, its placement in Dombeya needs revision. The second sample was extracted from a cultivated clone of the last wild individual of D. rodriguesiana. Sequences from this individual for six markers (one nuclear, five plastid) were analyzed using the largest molecular dataset available on Dombeyoideae and Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Study of all known herbarium material of D. rodriguesiana, and other relevant material, allowed for a new morphological evaluation and description. Our results demonstrate that D. rodriguesiana is closely related to the Malagasy endemic genus, Andringitra Skema. We found that the unique combination of characters of a persistent epicalyx with a persistent perianth provides the synapomorphy for these two sister taxa, independent of the significant morphological differences between them (e.g. flower size, number, arrangement, sex expression). Furthermore, we describe useful field characters to differentiate D. rodriguesiana from the superficially similar D. ferruginea Cav. To maintain a meaningful classification that reflects monophyletic groups in the Dombeyoideae, we propose the establishment of a new genus and combination to accommodate this rare species.

Utilising bryophyte herbarium material as a source of fungal novelty: a case study presenting new records of Bryobroma gymnomitrii (Döbbeler) Döbbeler on Gymnomitrion Corda in Britain and North America

ABSTRACT Introduction Bryophyte herbarium material often contains inadvertently collected bryophilous fungi preserved with their host plant tissues, providing snapshots of the biotic aspects of bryophyte ecology in space and time. During an ongoing project to study bryophilous fungi on leafy liverworts in the genus Gymnomitrion, new records of the bryophilous ascomycete Bryobroma gymnomitrii (≡ Bryomyces gymnomitrii) were discovered in herbarium material from areas in which the fungus was previously unknown. While many host vouchers were screened, the fungus was observed in only five collections. Using B. gymnomitrii as a case study, some of the advantages and limitations associated with the utility of bryophyte collections for bryo-mycological analyses are considered. Methods More than 400 herbarium specimens from across Europe and North America were screened for the presence of fungi by different researchers at the following four herbaria: ALA, BBSUK, NMW and OSC. Key results and conclusions Bryobroma gymnomitrii appears to be specific to Gymnomitrion concinnatum and G. corallioides, forming gregarious, black perithecioid fruitbodies on the lower parts of host shoots. The study expands the known distribution of the fungus from a stronghold in northern and northeastern Europe to include the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. One of the host bryophytes, G. corallioides, is threatened by deterioration of its high-altitude Arctic-montane habitats, especially along the southern parts of its range, including Britain and Ireland. Our work supports the concept that research utilising herbarium material may provide valuable, unexpected outcomes, with bryophytes as important sources of fungi that have been inadvertently collected in the past.

Species of plants cultivated in the botanical garden of Odesa I. Mechnykov National University (based on MSUD materials)

The basis for primary monitoring studies of regional flora is the analysis of literary sources and herbarium materials. Areas where the primary concentration of new, introduced plants was carried out are often botanical gardens. The value of botanical gardens also lies in the fact that here, as a rule, comprehensive scientific work with new species is carried out. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze specimens of plant species that are stored in historical (name) herbarium collections of MSUD and collected during the period of formation and development of the botanical garden at Odesa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov. Four herbarium collections we studied the Higher Women’s Pedagogical Courses, Novorossiysk University, the collection of P.S. Shesterikov, E.E. Lindemann. A synopsis of the discovered species and forms of plants is given. The collectors are: Oleksandr Nordman (1 herbarium specimen), Mykola Zelenetskyi (39), Lidia Basarska (five), Petro Shesterikov (2), Ludvig Rishavi (12), Yakiv Valts (1). In total, 60 herbarium sheets of species and forms of plants from various collectors, mainly from the period of the middle of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, were found. They represent 45 species and forms from 16 families; another specimen identified only to genus. The largest number of species belong to the Cupressaceae family — 8 species and one genus. And also the Pinaceae family: 17 species and forms. The vast majority of detected species are trees or shrubs. Currently, 22 of the noted species can be found in Odesa. Moreover, 12 of them (54.55%) are found «alone» in a narrow range of ecotopes of the city, which are elements of general, limited, and special purpose plantations. 15 of them are still components of the territory of the ONU botanical garden — 68.18%; seven species (31.82%) occur «everywhere». Among the samples found are representatives of important groups of plant species. Yes, Ginkgo biloba L. is a rare plant from the list of sozophytes for the Odesa region, and has the category «exotic». Also, the species Amorpha fruticosa L. is a species with a high invasive capacity. In addition, it is a «transformer» that is «actively and massively represented in certain areas».

Species Suaeda Forssk. of the Aral-Balkhash region flora in the collections of the Herbarium (AA)

In the article a complete list of specimens of species of the genus Suaeda Forssk. ex J.F. Gmel. of the Aral-Balkhash region, stored in the herbarium fund of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction (Almaty, Kazakhstan) was provided. Suaeda species are divided into 5 sections (Schanginia C.A. Mey, Lachnostigma Iljin, Conosperma Iljin, Physophora Iljin, Heterosperma Iljin). The aim of the research was to critically study the specimens of species of the genus Suaeda of the Aral-Balkhash region, available in the Herbarium (AA) for further revision of the genus. This territory includes 5 floristic regions (14 — Aral Sea, 15 — Kyzylorda, 16 — Betpakdala, 17 — Muyunkum (Moiynkum) and 18 — Balkhash-Alakul.). During the screening of species of the genus within the study region, 240 herbarium specimens were reviewed, belonging to 15 species. A comparison of the representation of species in the collection fund of the Herbarium with the data of literary sources was carried out. Floristic areas have been identified in which, despite the availability of information about the presence of the studied species on their territory, there is no herbarium material. At the same time, floristic areas are noted in which the presence of certain species of Suaeda was not previously cited in literary sources, but they are present in the collections of the Herbarium. The degree of study of each region was determined for the further compilation of the current expedition route in order to replenish the herbarium fund. The paper presents a synopsis of the studied group of species with an information block of herbarium labels for each taxon. The features of the distribution of Suaeda species of the Aral-Balkhash region in 5 floristic regions with an indication of the number of specimens for each taxon are revealed.

Seed morphology of the paleotropical tribe Paropsieae (Passifloraceae, Malpighiales), and paleobotanical implications

The fossil record of the diverse subfamily Passifloroideae (>750 species and 17 genera) is relatively poor. Despite the distinctiveness of its leaves (glandular and often emarginate), most of the fossils from this group have been described from seeds. Fossil seeds have been recovered from Europe, and North and South America. A lack of information on seed morphology for all the genera and tribes of this subfamily has prevented a tribe-level identification of the fossils and a better understanding of their biogeographic patterns. The Passifloroideae is divided into three tribes: Passifloreae with 10 genera, Paropsieae with six genera and the monotypic Jongkindieae. This study provides new descriptions for 15 species from 5 genera from the mostly Afrotropical tribe Paropsieae based on herbarium material, and introduces an online seed database and a key for 100 species of Passifloroideae compiled from literature and direct observations. Our study shows a low morphological diversity among the seeds of Paropsieae in comparison to a much larger diversity within Passifloreae. Some rare morphologies are only present in Passifloreae and can be used to assign seeds to this tribe. Within the Paropsieae, Androsiphonia has seed that are very distinct from those in the other genera in the tribe and also from the rest of the subfamily. The genus Paropsia exhibits two main morphotypes, while the genera Barteria, Paropsiopsis and Smeathmannia have very similar seeds with a highly conserved morphology. These results suggest that living or fossil Paropsieae cannot be identified confidently based solely on seed characters.

Assessment of weed species composition of Cabbage family plants (Brassicaceae) of ruderal and segetal habitats of the Ussuriysk urban district of the Primorsky Territory

The data on the species composition of weeds from the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae) that grow stably in the territory of the Ussuriysk urban district of the Primorsky Territory and dominate in agrocenoses are given in the article. Objectives of the study are: to summarize data on the most widespread (background) plant species of natural and adventive flora of the Cabbage family of ruderal and segetal habitats of the Ussuriysk urban district of the Primorsky Territory; to note the species listed in the "Black Book of Flora of the Far East" and growing within the limits of the urban district; to cite the species composition of herbaceous plants of the Cabbage family found in the Ussuriysky Nature Reserve. Field studies were conducted using the traditional route-reconnaissance method in 2010–2023. Phenological observations, geobotanical descriptions of identified habitats, collection, identification of herbarium material and photographing of objects from growing sites were carried out. Of the 23 species of Brassicaceae cited in the paper, ten are invasive in the ecosystems of the Far Eastern Federal District: Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., Mey. et Scherb., Berteroa incana (L.) DC., Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., Bunias orientalis L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Hesperis matronalis L., Lepidium densiflorum Schrad., Thlaspi arvense L., Turritis glabra L., Velarum officinale (L.) Reichenb. Most of them, with the exception of B. juncea, C. bursa-pastoris and Th. arvense, are classified as plants that do not cause significant damage at this stage of development. Ruderal habitats are also sites of biodiversity conservation. In the V.L. Komarov Ussuriysky Nature Reserve, 16 species of Cabbage, of which Barbarea orthoceras, B. incana, and Th. arvense are segetal, were identified on the territory of the Ussuriysk Urban District.

Toward a Revision of the Genus Orthosia (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae: Asclepiadeae)

This paper summarizes the present knowledge of the genus Orthosia Decne., based on the study of herbarium material, type specimens, digital images, field observations, and Sanger sequencing of 101 accessions for six chloroplast markers. The results of these analyses encourage a rather narrow species circumscription in most cases. A total of 55 species are recognized, nine of which are new to science. Additionally, incomplete material from some remote areas points to the existence of a handful of yet undescribed species. For some species, morphological and molecular results are incongruent, also indicating the need for future studies. All accepted species are described and illustrated, and their distributions are provided. Nine species and two subspecies are newly described, 13 new combinations and two new synonyms are proposed, and 12 names are lectotypified and one is neotypified.