Massif De La Hotte Research Articles

Three New Gesneria Species (Gesneriaceae) Support Parc National Pic Macaya (Haiti) as an Important Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract— The Caribbean Islands are a biodiversity hotspot characterized by a high taxonomic diversity and endemicity, suggesting that many species have yet to be discovered. Unfortunately, many of these undescribed species may go extinct before they are described because of the drastic habitat loss in these oceanic islands. In this study, we describe three new plant species of Gesneria (Gesneriaceae) that are endemic to the Massif de la Hotte in southwest Haiti, a region recently affected by extensive deforestation. Elliptical Fourier analyses of leaf shapes and DNA sequencing of five nuclear genes were used to support the species delimitations. Gesneria flava is a tall shrub with large yellow flowers, leafy sepals, and rugose leaves. Gesneria × cornuta is a hybrid between Gesneria bicolor and the newly described Gesneria flava and is morphologically intermediate between its parents. Its hybrid origin is further supported by the presence of alleles from both parents for all five nuclear genes sequenced. Finally, Gesneria radiata is a saxicolous herb with radially symmetrical corollas. The three new species described here are limited to a single mountain range in the Caribbean, the Massif de la Hotte. These recent discoveries reflect the high endemicity of this region and exemplify the urgency to conserve the remaining primary forest of Haiti in order to protect its biodiversity.

A revised circumscription and clarification of the taxonomic position of Miconia tetrazygioides (Melastomataceae: miconieae): an endemic to the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

An investigation of the type material of Miconia tetrazygioides indicates that this species, only known from the type gathering (Ekman H10684), is conspecific with the recently described M. cineana. The two differ vegetatively in no significant characters, showing only a slight difference in the range in variation of leaf width, shape, apex, and margin. The species has been poorly collected, with only a total of five gatherings known, and flowers have yet to be collected; it is endemic to the Massif de la Hotte, of Haiti, occurring in rak bwa from 930 to 1300 m. DNA nucleotide sequences indicate that the species is related to those of the M. decorticans clade, which have moderate-sized to large flowers with more or less constricted hypanthia/calyces. Traditionally, most species of the M. decorticans clade were included within Tetrazygia or Pachyanthus. In contrast the reproductive parts, e.g., calyx, hypanthium, ovary, and fruit, of M. tetrazygioides (incl. M. cineana) are quite small, and its hypanthia/calyces are not constricted, which is why it was originally circumscribed under Miconia rather than the other two mentioned genera.

Miconia rufinervis (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), an enigmatic endemic of the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

An updated description of this enigmatic species, an endemic to the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti, is provided, and the presence of axillary inflorescences is reported for the first time. Miconia rufinervis likely belongs within the Caribbean clade of Miconieae; however, its placement within this clade is problematic, although it does show some features of Miconia sect. Calycopteris. Axillary inflorescences are present in M. rufinervis, although these are quite uncommon within the Caribbean clade. Finally, the species is distinctive in the morphology of the multicellular hairs of its stems and leaves, i.e., they are elongate, eglandular, ferrugineous, and provided with numerous short, ascending side branches.

Selaginella ayitiensis and S. brigitteana (Selaginellaceae): two new species from Hispaniola Island

Two new species of Selaginella (i.e. S. ayitiensis and S. brigitteana) from Hispaniola Island are described. Illustrations are provided for both new species and their affinities are discussed. Selaginella ayitiensis was collected in the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti, and is characterized by its long-creeping stems, corrugate to bumpy leaf upper surfaces, broadly acute to obtuse or apiculate median leaf apices, and white megaspores. It is morphologically related to the “Selaginella flexuosa group”. Selaginella ayitiensis differs chiefly from S. denudata and S. krugii (the only two other members of the “Selaginella flexuosa group” in the Greater and Lesser Antilles) by the shape of the median and lateral leaves apices. Selaginella brigitteana is known from different localities in the Dominican Republic and Haiti; it can be distinguished by its long-creeping, 2–4-branched stems, coriaceous leaves with the upper surfaces glossy, the median leaves with broadly hyaline, long-ciliate margins, and short-acuminate apices tipped by 2 or 3 cilia, and light yellow to cream megaspores. Selaginella brigitteana differs from S. leonardii, with which it has been confused in the past, by its broadly ovate median leaves with rounded, non-auriculate, and glabrous outer bases, submarginal and marginal stomata along proximal ½ of outer halves of the laminae, and with the upper surfaces glossy, comprising rounded and rectangular to elongate cells, many of which are papillate.

Two new Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Hispaniola, Greater Antilles

Two new species of Buthidae scorpions of the genus Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 are herein described from the Greater Antillean island of Hispaniola. One of them belongs to the "crassimanus" species-group and is known from an adult pair collected at Massif de la Hotte, in southwestern Haiti. The other belongs to the "quisqueyanus" species-group and is known from a single adult female from a high peak in the Central Range (= Cordillera Central), in northwestern Dominican Republic. Moreover, two fossil taxa from this island are retained as junior synonyms of Tityus geratus Santiago-Blay, 1988†.

Miconia abscondita(Melastomataceae: Miconieae), A New Species from the Massif De La Hotte, Haiti: Rediscovered in Herbaria After Being Hidden for Nearly Nine Decades

In the course of a taxonomic revision of several clades of Greater Antillean Melastomataceae, we discovered a previously undescribed species, Miconia abscondita, from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti. Miconia abscondita is based on a vegetative collection by Swedish botanist, E. L. Ekman, which was made in 1926. This new species is a member of the Mecranium clade, a group well supported on the basis of both morphological and molecular data, but which is highly embedded within the phylogenetic structure of the genus Miconia. Miconia abscondita is clearly placed within the Mecranium clade on the basis of DNA sequence data, and this placement also is supported by the form of its hairs and, especially, the pattern of stem indumentum; however, it matches no currently described species. Miconia abscondita is thus described, illustrated, and compared with putatively related and/or phenetically similar species. The discovery of M. abscondita brings to 25 the number of recognized species within the Mecranium clade and to 11 the number of species occurring in the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti, a region of exceptional biodiversity that is under continuous threat from anthropogenic pressure.

Taxonomic studies in the Miconieae (Melastomataceae). XIII. Systematics of Miconia subcompressa, a Hispaniolan endemic comprised of three eco-geographic subspecies

The pattern of morphological variation in Miconia subcompressa, a species endemic to the mountains of southern Hispaniola, is assessed by a consideration of numerous herbarium specimens (many collected by the authors) and a phenetic (Principal Components) analysis of 14 vegetative characters, and morphological entities are compared with a phylogenetic hypothesis based on nrDNA-sequence variation (ITS, ETS) including several accessions of this species (from across its geographic and elevational range) as well as related species of Miconia sect. Chaenopleura, especially those of the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti. Our morphological data, incorporating recently collected herbarium material, indicate that the populations of M. subcompressa from the Monteada Nueva region (= Loma Trocha de Pey) are diagnosable morphologically from those of the Massif de la Selle and Massif de la Hotte, and these plants are described here as Miconia subcompressa subsp. beverlyana. Additionally, this study supports the recognition of the populations from moist pine forest/cloud forest habitats of the Massif de la Hotte, occurring mainly from 1450–2300 m, as M. subcompressa subsp. plumieri (= M. plumerii, sic). Finally, Miconia subcompressa may be paraphyletic, as preliminary molecular evidence suggests that M. xenotricha may have arisen within its phylogenetic structure.

<I>Miconia cineana</I> (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), a New Species from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti, Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

Abstract We describe a new species, Miconia cineana (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti. Although this species has been known from sterile collections since the early 1980s, its phylogenetic position was unknown, although it was presumed to be closely related to species of Pachyanthus s. l. The phylogenetic reconstruction presented here, based on a recent collection of the species, clearly places M. cineana in a clade comprised of Cuban species of the polyphyletic genera Tetrazygia s. l. and Pachyanthus s. l. Thus, M. cineana represents the sole Hispaniolan member of an otherwise Cuban clade, and an uncommon biogeographic pattern in melastomes. Miconia cineana, although described here from sterile specimens, is easily distinguished from the other species of this clade using vegetative morphology, as well as phylogenetic placement. This study highlights the utility of molecular data when coupled with morphology, allowing for the discovery of an unrecognized species in a region ...

A New <i>Ornithidium</i> (Orchidaceae: Maxillariinae) from the Massif de la Hotte of Haiti

A new species of Ornithidium from the Massif de la Hotte, one of the last remaining orchid-rich regions of Haiti, is described and illustrated. Collected in the 1980s by Donald D. Dod whose original specimen has been lost and whose live plants only just recently flowered, the new species is closely related to O. coccineum based on both morphology and molecular sequences. It is distinguished from the latter by shorter apical leaves, globose pseudobulbs and longer sepals.

Sites for priority biodiversity conservation in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot

The Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot is exceptionally important for global biodiversity conservation due to high levels of species endemism and threat. A total of 755 Caribbean plant and vertebrate species are considered globally threatened, making it one of the top Biodiversity Hotspots in terms of threat levels. In 2009, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) were identified for the Caribbean Islands through a regional-level analysis of accessible data and literature, followed by extensive national-level stakeholder consultation. By applying the Vulnerability criterion, a total of 284 Key Biodiversity Areas were defined and mapped as holding 409 (54%) of the region’s threatened species. Of these, 144 (or 51%) overlapped partially or completely with protected areas. Cockpit Country, followed by Litchfield Mountain - Matheson’s Run, Blue Mountains (all Jamaica) and Massif de la Hotte (Haiti) were found to support exceptionally high numbers of globally threatened taxa, with more than 40 such species at each site. Key Biodiversity Areas, building from Important Bird Areas, provide a valuable framework against which to review the adequacy of existing national protected-area systems and also to prioritize which species and sites require the most urgent conservation attention.

Two new species of Miconia sect. Sagraea (Melastomataceae) from the Macaya Biosphere Reserve, Haiti, and twelve relevant new species combinations

The Sagraea clade (Melastomataceae, tribe Miconieae) is briefly characterized, typified, and formally treated as a section within Miconia. In addition, two new species of Miconia sect. Sagraea, endemic to the floristically diverse Massif de la Hotte of southwestern Haiti and discovered during the course of a systematic revision of the Caribbean species of this section, are here described and illustrated. Miconia hottensis and M. navifolia, morphologically similar and possible sister species, are compared to each other and to the widespread Caribbean species M. capillaris and the southwestern Dominican Republic endemic M. tetraptera; these four species share rectangular stems with four low ridges or wings and minute, short-stalked, peltate or pseudopeltate hairs and likely form a clade.

Taxonomic Revision of Hispaniola Tiger Beetles in the Genus Brasiella Rivalier, 1954 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae)

The Brasiella tiger beetle fauna on Hispaniola, the second largest island of the Greater Antilles, has more species diversity than currently recognized as all populations previously have been assigned to the insular endemic Brasiella dominicana (Mandl). A comparative study of adult morphology, particularly male genitalic and female abdominal characters, for available Brasiella specimens from populations on Hispaniola, proposes eight additional new species also endemic to this island. Except for three sympatric species in the Sierra de Baoruco in southern Dominican Republic occurring in different habitats, all the Brasiella on Hispaniola appear to be allopatric. Most species occur in the major mountainous regions of Hispaniola. Two species, however, are known only from river floodplains in the southern coastal plain of the Dominican Republic. Brasiella dominicana (Mandl) and Brasiella ocoa, new species, occur along river floodplains emanating from the eastern end of the Cordillera Central in the Dominican Republic. Two new Brasiella species, Brasiella bellorum, and Brasiella philipi, occur in the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic, the former species from central portions, and the latter species from north slopes of this mountain range, respectively. Three new Brasiella species, Brasiella rawlinsi, Brasiella iviei, and Brasiella youngi, are isolated in the Sierra de Baoruco, Dominican Republic, where each occupies a different habitat along an altitudinal gradient. The two new Brasiella species in Haiti are Brasiella darlingtoniana, in the Massif de la Selle, and Brasiella davidsoni, in the Massif de la Hotte. All nine Brasiella species on Hispaniola, along with Brasiella viridicollis (Dejean) and its two subspecies on Cuba, belong to the viridicollis species group of the genus Brasiella based on criteria presented in earlier published phylogenetic studies of Brazilian and West Indian tiger beetles. The subspecies Brasiella viridicollis fernandozayasi (Kippenhan, Ivie and Hopp) may represent a distinct species within this species group, whereas removal of Brasiella wickhami (W. Horn) from this species group seems warranted based on evidence presented. A general overview of species relationships for the Brasiella on Hispaniola are discussed, along with the current and ancestral geographic distributions of the Brasiella viridicollis species group in the West Indies.

Badiera subrhombifolia (Polygalaceae), a new species from Hispaniola

Badiera subrhombifolia is newly described from Hispaniola, where it co-occurs with B. fuertesii and B. penaea. Badiera subrhombifolia lacks the long peduncle of the former species and the scabrous leaves of the latter; it is also often distinguishable by subrhomboid, triplinerved leaves. This new species is a near endemic to high montane forests of the “south island” of Hispaniola, i.e., the Massif de la Hotte, Massif de la Selle, and Sierra de Bahoruco.

Continued survival of Hispaniolan solenodon Solenodon paradoxus in Haiti

The Hispaniolan solenodon Solenodon paradoxus, one of only two surviving native Hispaniolan land mammals, has declined drastically in Haiti and has only been recorded from the Duchity region of the Massif de la Hotte in recent decades. Previous studies have been pessimistic about the probability of even short-term survival of this relict population, predicting its likely extinction by the start of the 21st century because of a range of anthropogenic threats. However, new surveys (sign surveys and interviews with villagers and subsistence farmers) and the discovery of three dead solenodons confirm the continued survival of the species in the Duchity region, apparently across a greater geographic area than previously recognized. This may reflect a cull on dogs around the Duchity region. Given the lack of any targeted mammal conservation research in Haiti for almost 2 decades, immediate further investigation is required into solenodon distribution, habitat utilization, density, and interaction with introduced predators across the region. The solenodons of the Massif de la Hotte may represent a distinct taxon, making the establishment of an effective research and conservation programme for this population an urgent priority.

Taxonomic studies in the Miconieae (Melastomataceae). IX. Calycogonium formonense, a new species from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

Calycogonium formonense, a new species, is here described from the floristically diverse Massif de la Hotte of southern Haiti. It is compared to C. hispidulum, to which it is likely related. Although the genus Calycogonium is not monophyletic, C. formonense and C. hispidulum are probably related to other species, e.g., C. calycopteris, C. heterophyllum, and C. reticulatum, that exhibit reduced inflorescences and 4-merous flowers having hypanthia with four conspicuous lobes separated by longitudinal grooves and external calyx lobes that are flattened parallel to the floral radii. These distinctive species may form a clade. Calycogonium formonense is distinguished from C. hispidulum by its smaller leaves with the tertiary veins not raised on the abaxial surface, with entire margins (i.e., margin without elongate multicellular hairs), and usually solitary flowers.

A new species of Illicium subsection Parviflora (Illiciaceae) from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

Abstract Guerrero, A., W. S. Judd & A. B. Morris (Department of Botany, 220 Bartram Hall, P.O. Box 118526, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, U.S.A.; wjudd@botany.ufl.edu). A new species of Illicium subsection Parviflora (Illiciaceae) from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti. Brittonia 56: 346–352. 2004.— Illicium hottense, a new species, is here described from the floristically diverse Massif de la Hotte of southern Haiti. It is compared to related species, especially I. ekmanii, with which it has previously been confused. Illicium hottense and I. ekmanii are members of Illicium subsection Parviflora, a group that comprises four species, all endemic to peninsular Florida (I. parviflorum) or the Greater Antilles: Cuba (I. cubense) and Hispaniola (I. ekmanii, and I. hottense). The subsection is characterized by its distinctive laminar-carnose, ovoid stamens; all have trisyncolpate pollen. Illicium hottense is similar to I. ekmanii and I. parviflorum in having flowers with ten to thirteen carpels and s...

Rediscovery of Ossaea alloeotricha, an endemic of the high-elevation Massif de la Hotte, Haiti, and its transfer to Miconia (Melastomataceae: Miconieae)

Abstract Rediscovery of Ossaea alloeotricha, an endemic of the high-elevation Massif de la Hotte, Haiti, and its transfer to Miconia (Melastomataceae: Miconieae). Brittonia 56: 159–165. 2004.—Ossaea alloeotricha, described by Urban on the basis of material with very immature flowers, has been re-collected (in flower and fruit) in the cloud forests and moist forests dominated by Pinus occidentalis in the vicinity of Pic le Ciel, 2150 m, on Morne Formon of the Massif de la Hotte (western group), Haiti. The mature flowers of this species have broadly elliptic to suborbicular petals with rounded, asymmetrically notched apices, clearly indicating a placement in Miconia, not Ossaea or Leandra (which have acute to acuminate petals); the species is here transferred to Miconia (sect. Cremanium). Miconia alloeotricha is provided with an expanded description and compared with M. desportesii, M. monciona, M. sphagnicola, and M. tetrandra, the other species of Miconia sect. Cremanium occurring in Hispaniola (Dominican...

Electrophoretic and Morphological Variation in Eleutherodactylus glaphycompus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) of Hispaniola

The distribution of the Haitian frog Eleutherodactylus glaphycompus is larger than pre- viously believed due to confusion of museum specimens with E. bakeri. It occurs throughout the Tiburon Peninsula in areas of exposed limestone at elevations of 576-1480 m. Widely separated populations of E. glaphycompus have a similar advertisement call (an explosive snap) not found in other Hispaniolan species, although some geographic variation is present. However, large genetic distances and considerable differences in body size between populations of E. glaphycompus on the northern and southern slopes of the Massif de la Hotte indicate that it may comprise more than one species. The habitat preference and elevational limits of E. glaphycompus may be factors responsible for limiting gene flow in this species. Two closely related species sympatric with E. glaphycompus, E. bakeri and E. heminota, occupy a wider range of elevations and show comparatively little geographic protein variation.

A New Salvia (Labiatae) from Hispaniola

Salvia paryskii, a yellow-flowered member of sectionEkmania, is described and illustrated from the narrow ridge connecting Pic Formon and Pic Macaya in the Massif de la Hotte of Haiti. The new species is compared to its closest relative,S. tuerckheimii, and differs primarily in its obovate leaves and denser inflorescences. Included is a brief discussion of the vegetation of this remote area of Parc National Pic Macaya.

Floristic Study of Morne La Visite and Pic Macaya National Parks, Haiti

A floristic and vegetational survey of two recently established national parks in the poorly known mountains of southern Haiti, i.e. Parc National Pic Macaya (in the Massif de La Hotte) and Parc National Morne La Visite (in the Massif de La Selle), clearly documents the rich and highly endemic nature of the tracheophyte (especially angiosperm) flora of the parks, and confirms E.L. Ekman's early reports of the region's flora. This study resulted in the recollection of most of the region's described endemic species, along with the discovery of several new angiosperms, i.e. Wallenia formonensis, Ilex blancheana, Micropholis polita subsp. hotteana, Mecranium revolutum, Meriania parvifolia, M. brevipedunculata, Miconia macayana, Ossaea woodsii, Lobelia hotteana, Salvia sp., Rhytidophyllum sp., Pilea sp., and Ditta sp. One new combination, Garcinia barkeriana, is made. A total of 470 species of tracheophytes (including 367 angiosperms, but excluding orchids), 99 mosses, and 63 liverworts was collected in Parc National Pic Macaya, and of these, 136 vascular plants (ca 29%) are endemic to Hispaniola. The vegetation of the park may be divided into two major types. A very diverse wet forest on limestone occurs from ca 800 to 1250 m alt. At higher elevations this forest is replaced by a complex mosaic of pine forest and cloud forest, both of which contain many local endemics. A total of 325 species of tracheophytes (including 262 angiosperms, but excluding orchids), 76 mosses, and 19 liverworts was collected in Parc National Morne La Visite, and of these, 112 vascular plants (ca 34%) are endemic to Hispaniola. The plant communities occurring in the La Visite region may be placed in two general categories: pine forest and cloud forest. The former occupies the bowl-shaped plateau of the Massif de La Selle while the latter occurs on the steep more or less north facing slopes along the edge of the plateau and in the major ravines dissecting it. The forests of both parks are being despoiled by cutting and burning by the local inhabitants. Protection of the forested localities remaining in the parks is mandatory to preserve the region's many endemic species and natural beauty.