Misiones Province Research Articles

LEGO: Linked electronic government ontology

E-government services are subject to a growing level of complexity, which requires a disruptive approach that better support the citizen needs concerning the government administration. Nowadays, available information technologies facilitate the description and online execution of administrative tasks, saving time and reducing possible errors. These technologies reduce administrative costs but require a complex electronic government system. We propose using semantic technologies to describe the e-government organisational units and services in the Open Government Data and Services context. The use of semantics improves government management, service delivery and decision-making processes. This article presents an extension of related work, introducing the evolution of the Ontology for Electronic Government (EGO): integrating other existing ontologies, supporting new features to describe e-government services and widening the usage scenarios. This extension enables the use in a real scenario with four use cases: the electronic government in the Province of Misiones (Argentina). However, the use in the domain of electronic government in a provincial context is also a proof of concept that this approach is general enough to expand into superior domains of countries that adopt the republican system of government with the division of government into the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Specificity of fleas associated with opossums in a landscape gradient in the Paranaense Rainforest Ecoregion.

The degree of host specificity of fleas varies from highly specific (monoxenous) to opportunistic (polyxenous). Specific parasite-host associations can be observed among some flea families and tribes and mammalian orders, such as fleas of the tribe Tritopsyllini (Ctenophthalmidae, Doratopsyllinae) and opossums (Didelphimorphia). Specimens of the family Didelphidae are common hosts of fleas of the genus Adoratopsylla (Ewing, 1925). In northern Argentina, Adoratopsylla (Adoratopsylla) antiquorum antiquorum (Rothschild, 1904) and Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia (Wagner, 1901) were recorded preferentially parasitizing opossums. In order to study parasite/host relationships, fleas were collected from opossums captured in different environments in the Paranaense Rainforest ecoregion, northern Misiones province between 2016 and 2018. A total of 287 fleas were collected from 110 opossums. The fleas were identified as Pulicidae: Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835); Rhopalopsyllidae: Polygenis (Polygenis) rimatus (Jordan, 1932), Polygenis (Polygenis) roberti roberti (Rothschild, 1905); Ctenophthalmidae: A. (T.) i. intermedia, A. (A.) a. antiquorum, Adoratopsylla (Adoratopsylla) antiquorum ronnai (Guimarães, 1954). We report for the first time in Argentina a male specimen of A. (A.) a. ronnai collected on Didelphis albiventris (Lund, 1840) (Didelphidae), and male and female specimens of P. (P.) r. roberti collected on Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826), and we describe the expansion of the geographic and host distribution of fleas to the Paranaense Rainforest ecoregion. Our records reinforce the specific association between Adoratopsylla and Polygenis fleas and didelphid opossums, mentioned in the literature for the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in Brazil. Furthermore, we observed that flea communities in opossums change in a landscape gradient, with invasive cat fleas and euryxenous fleas common in anthropized areas, and endemic fleas common in natural areas. Our results underline the importance for public health and veterinary medicine the analysis of flea circulation between wild and urban environments due to the risk of pathogen transmission.

Dynamics of past forest cover changes and future scenarios with implications for soil degradation in Misiones rainforest, Argentina

Misiones rainforest is one of the most threatened subtropical forests worldwide. Anthropogenic pressure by agriculture and forestry expansion continues transforming landscapes with negative consequences on ecosystem service provision, such as soil erosion control. Understanding how land use and land cover change (LUCC) management, policies, and social factors influenced in the past, allows decision-makers to anticipate potential effects on future land use and soil loss, contributing to the sustainable planning and management of productive activities. We developed three spatially explicit scenarios for Misiones province by 2030 using the Dinamica EGO modeling platform: 1) Business as Usual (BAU), 2) Low Deforestation (ALTlow), and 3) High Deforestation (ALThigh), based on different international and domestic socioeconomic contexts. We used land cover data from 2002 to 2015 as well as biophysical, social-infrastructure, political-administrative factors, and legal restrictions to estimate changes that may occur by 2030. We analyzed magnitude, intensity, and spatial pattern of future forest cover changes through transition rates and a cellular automata allocation model. Moreover, we used the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine soil water erosion and soil loss tolerance in each scenario. Our results revealed that around 19% of the remaining native forest would be transformed into either agriculture or cultivated forest by 2030 for all scenarios. In addition, and contrary to that trend, the ALTlow scenario showed a recovery of 3% of native forest. Regarding soil erosion, our study indicated that the mean annual soil loss by 2030 would range from 12.03 to 19.15 t. ha−1.year−1 for ALTlow and ALThigh scenarios, respectively. Additionally, between 21% and 31% of Misiones province showed soil loss values higher than tolerance. Our work shows that a 10% decrease in the deforestation rate, compared to the current rate, would lead not only to a recovery of native forest cover, but also to a reduction in soil loss of about 4.5 Mt.yr−1 by 2030. This study demonstrates the suitability of the applied model to simulate future LUCC processes and provides inputs for decision-making involving natural resource management and the potential impacts of these decisions on ecosystem services. Finally, our results highlight the need for appropriate policies and regulations, especially, in terms of land use change restrictions in areas of high erosion risk.

Immune response to co-administration of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and yellow fever vaccines: a randomized non-inferiority trial among one-year-old children in Argentina

BackgroundIn yellow fever (YF) endemic areas, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and YF vaccines are often co-administered in childhood vaccination schedules. Because these are live vaccines, we assessed potential immune interference that could result from co-administration.MethodsWe conducted an open-label, randomized non-inferiority trial among healthy 1-year-olds in Misiones Province, Argentina. Children were randomized to one of three groups (1:1:1): Co-administration of MMR and YF vaccines (MMR1YF1), MMR followed by YF vaccine four weeks later (MMR1YF2), or YF followed by MMR vaccine four weeks later (YF1MMR2). Blood samples obtained pre-vaccination and 28 days post-vaccination were tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella, and for YF virus-specific neutralizing antibodies. Non-inferiority in seroconversion was assessed using a -5% non-inferiority margin. Antibody concentrations were compared with Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsOf 851 randomized children, 738 were correctly vaccinated, had ≥ 1 follow-up sample, and were included in the intention-to-treat population. Non-inferior seroconversion was observed for all antigens (measles seroconversion: 97.9% in the MMR1YF1 group versus 96.3% in the MMR1YF2 group, a difference of 1.6% [90% CI -1.5, 4.7]; rubella: 97.9% MMR1YF1 versus 94.7% MMR1YF2, a difference of 3.3% [-0.1, 6.7]; mumps: 96.7% MMR1YF1 versus 97.9% MMR1YF2, a difference of -1.3% [-4.1, 1.5]; and YF: 96.3% MMR1YF1 versus 97.5% YF1MMR2, a difference of -1.2% [-4.2, 1.7]). Rubella antibody concentrations and YF titers were significantly lower following co-administration; measles and mumps concentrations were not impacted.ConclusionEffective seroconversion was achieved and was not impacted by the co-administration, although antibody levels for two antigens were lower. The impact of lower antibody levels needs to be weighed against missed opportunities for vaccination to determine optimal timing for MMR and YF vaccine administration.Trial RegistrationThe study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03368495) on 11/12/2017.

Purification and characterization of a fungal laccase expressed in Kluyveromyces lactis suitable for baking.

Laccase enzyme can replace chemical additives to improve texture properties and the volume of bread. Laccase encoding gene from Phlebia brevispora, a native fungus from Misiones, Argentina, was expressed in the generally recognized as safe yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. To improve laccase activity, medium conditions were optimized. The use of iron sulfate at a concentration of 1mM led to optimum laccase activity (1289 U·L-1 ) on the fourth day of incubation. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the molecular mass of purified laccase was about 180kDa. Optimum pH for the enzyme was 4 and optimum temperature was 40°C. Laccase exhibited high stability at low pH and high temperature. The application of recombinant laccase to bread decreased hardness, gumminess, and chewiness and increased bread volume. Based on these results, recombinant laccase from P. brevispora with improved yield is a good option for application as an improver of the physicochemical quality of bread at the industrial level. Besides, it will allow us to advance toward our goal of developing healthy alternatives for the bakery industry. No previous work has been reported concerning the heterologous expression of the laccase gene native to the province of Misiones, Argentina, with an aim for application in baking. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Healthy bakeries became a trend in recent years. The use of the laccase enzyme increases the specific volume and decreases the hardness of bread, being thus an alternative for the replacement of chemical additives in the bakery industry.

Aletheia, a new replacement name for Aenigma (Luer) Szlach. & Kolan. (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) with new combinations

The generic name Aenigma Keller (2017a: 59) was established by the author with two twining species Aenigma patens Keller (2017a: 60) and A. micrantha Keller (2017a: 64) both from Misiones Province, Argentina, belonging to Apocynaceae. In the same year, Keller & Liede-Schumann (2017b) noticed that Bosse (1932: 27) has published a red algae genus, Enigma. To avoid phonetic homonym, the two authors published a replacement name Topea and established a new subtribe Topeinae Keller & Liede (2017b: 134) based on phylogenetic results. Szlachetko et al. (2022: 23) presented new phylogenetic research of Andinia-complex and they decided to elevate the former Andinia subgen. Aenigma (Luer) Karremans & Mark Wilson (2017: 121) to generic rank, namely Aenigma (Luer) Szlachetko & Kolanowska. A new later homonym is made because of unawareness.

First fossil record of Bibimys Massoia, 1979 (Rodentia, Cricetidae) from the Early Holocene in Argentina

ABSTRACT Argentinian fossil records of Bibimys have been well documented in a Late Pleistocene palaeontological site and several Late Holocene archaeological sites in Buenos Aires province. However, the specimen reported here is the first fossil record of this genus from the Early Holocene in Argentina. It was recovered in a fluvial unit dated at 9990 ± 140 yr B.P. from Doll creek, southwestern Entre Ríos province, Argentina. At present, this genus is distributed in the distal area of the Paraná River Delta in the province of Entre Ríos, represented by the species B. torresi, and in the province of Misiones, northern Corrientes, and eastern Chaco and Formosa, represented by the species B. chacoensis. The specimen described here is a contribution to the palaeobiogeography of the genus and to a better understanding of the fossil sigmodontine fauna that inhabited the southwest of the province of Entre Ríos in the recent past.

GobLin: The GNU/Linux Operating System for Governments

Public administration must be at the forefront of innovation and technological paradigms. The Directorate of Management Modernization and Electronic Government of the province of Misiones, created a GNU/Linux operating system distribution, specially designed for public administration. The objective of this operating system is to provide an "all-in-one" package, containing all the applications that a government office may need, without unnecessary applications. This makes it easier for IT administrators and users to install and maintain the IT infrastructure. This distribution was built by redesigning the integration of the components of a robust and mature operating system, resistant to failures and widely used in Internet services, which guarantees the stability of execution of the systems. It is also a secure system that does not include telemetry compilation which sells user information to enterprise servers, ensuring security, data privacy and user activities. It is built with free software programs, including the latest versions of office productivity applications. The result is a specialized distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system that is stable, where the included programs will not become obsolete because they will be continuously updated with the latest available versions. Everyone can copy it, distribute it and adapt it to their own needs. It is not necessary to pay any cost for the installed software nor for its future updates.

Risk areas for the occurrence of leprosy in border countries of South America - Brazil and Argentina.

The aim was to analyze the spatial association and relative risk (RR) of leprosy cases diagnosed in southern Brazil and in the Argentinean province of Misiones during 2010 to 2016. This ecological-type epidemiological study analyzed data from the Health Ministries of both countries. The analysis included frequency measures, spatial autocorrelation, RR cluster analysis and map construction. A hyperendemic occurrence was identified in all study regions, in the state of Paraná 71.2% of the municipalities were hyperendemic and in Misiones, Argentina 41.2%. The GI* statistical analysis showed clusters of high incidence rates in the state of Paraná and low-risk clusters in much of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, both in Brazil. The analysis indicated an area with RR equal to 3.87 - (p < .0001) when considering the entire territory and an RR of 2.80 - (p < .0001) excluding the state of Paraná, with the number of departments of Misiones, Argentina included in the risk clusters increasing significantly. The findings indicate a high probability of similar illness in adjacent areas, according to their relative position in space, as the occurrence of the disease is influenced by neighboring clusters.

Redescription of immature stages of Culicoides paraensis (Goeldi) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), vector of the Oropouche virus

Oropouche fever is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Oropouche virus (OROV). It has two distinct transmission cycles, with the anthropophilic biting midge Culicoides paraensis (Goeldi) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) being the primary vector in the urban cycle. Species identification of Culicoides typically has been carried out on the basis of morphological characters, but molecular tools applied to taxonomy can provide rapid and efficient methods to the identification of vector species. The aim of this work was to obtain the first DNA barcode for C. paraensis collected in Argentina and redescribe the larvae and pupae of this species. Nested PCR amplification was applied in this study to increase the DNA amplification, because the material was preserved in alcohol 70% for a long period of time. The immature stages of C. paraensis are fully described from material collected in Misiones province, Argentina. Both stages are compared with their most similar congeners. This COI sequence complements the identification based on morphological characters and the values of genetic distance between the analysed species show that this sequence is useful to discriminate between species of the Culicoides genus.

Ubicación y Caracterización de la Plintita de Misiones (Argentina)

Plinthite (Gr. Plinthos, brick) is a residual soil that occupies 60 million hectares on the planet. The Province of Misiones (Argentina) is the border zone of South America where this soil appears, locally called in its cemented state or petroplinthite as itácurú (stone toad in the Guarani language). Four centuries ago, it was used in the form of blocks cut from nearby deposits for the construction of the Jesuit reductions since 1601 in Loreto. Since then, there is a time jump until it is used in the construction of Coastal Route No. 2. In view of its potential and in the absence of systematic studies, this report aims to promote this mining resource for the restoration of reductions, constructions allegorical and road use. To this end, prospecting has been carried out in search of new deposits and others previously exploited that have been detected and evaluated; some used by the Jesuits. The location, size and approximate power of each of the explored deposits are presented, as well as the geotechnical values. The experimental results of the physical-mechanical properties and the effects on the properties of the different drying/wetting cycles carried out are presented and analyzed.

Odonata from Iberá Wetland System (Corrientes, Argentina) Are Regional Biogeographic Schemes Useful to Assess Odonata Biodiversity and Its Conservation?

Regionalization schemes reflect different macroscale distribution patterns and show large areas characterized by a common natural history, resulting in similar associations of biotic and abiotic features. Freshwater biota and terrestrial biota do not respond in the same way to environmental variables. The Iberá Depression, one of the largest wetlands in South America, is recognized in many schemes either as a functional unit or as an area with an ecotonal character. We used the distributional data of 128 species of Odonata, from a total of 103 collection sites from Corrientes and Misiones provinces, to test if Iberá functions as an ecological and functional unit, based on the Odonata distribution patterns. In addition, we tested if their distribution patterns fit into the most widespread regionalization schemes (hydrological basins, biogeographical provinces and ecoregions) used in Argentina. The Iberá Depression was not recovered as a functional unit; its sub-basins are more related to external basins than to each other. Neither the ecoregion nor the biogeographical schemes are suitable to explain the distribution patterns of the Odonata. The Odonata seem to respond to the availability of particular wetlands (e.g., ponds, streams, rivers, swamps, etc.), or to specific physical characteristics, such as the type of sediment, the availability of oxygen, etc., instead of to biogeographical or ecoregional schemes.

Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants against Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae, group B Streptococcus (GBS), infects and causes severe diseases in humans and numerous animal species, including fish, given its ability to cross the host-specific barrier. The emergence of antibiotic resistant GBS strains makes it necessary to look for alternatives to treat and prevent infections that it produces. The aim of the present study was to determine the antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of medicinal plants from Misiones province, northeast Argentina, against GBS from humans and fish. We used human Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC® BAA-611™ and tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC® 51487™ strains. Minimum Inhibitory Dose (MID) was determined by the disc diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), MBC/MIC ratio, drug synergism with commercial antibiotics, and resistance assays were determined with extracts that showed antibacterial activity. Medium Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) was determined by the Artemia salina assay. For ethanolic and aqueous Eugenia uniflora L. extracts, we obtained a MID = 0.5 mg.disc-1. For both extracts of Eugenia uniflora L., the MIC and MBC values were 1 mg.mL-1 and 5 mg.mL-1, respectively. The MICI (MBC/MIC ratio) = 5 qualified the action of these extracts as bacteriostatic. The drug synergism assay with ampicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin combination and extracts showed indifference. The LD50 of the aqueous extract was 0.82 mg.mL-1 indicating moderate toxicity. This work is a first step to identify chemical compounds in native medicinal plants of Misiones, Argentina, that could mean an alternative for the treatment of Streptococcus agalactiae infections.

Human hookworms from Argentina: Differential diagnosis of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale in endemic populations from Buenos Aires and Misiones

Hookworm infection is endemic in many countries throughout the world; however, the information about the prevalence of each species, Necatoramericanus and Ancylostomaduodenale, is inaccurate in many South American countries. We aimed to determine the prevalence of human hookworm species by combining the results of both microscopy and PCR among endemic populations in Argentina, represented by natives and immigrants. A total of 140 serial fecal specimens were obtained from natives in the province of Misiones and an immigrant community living in the province of Buenos Aires. Samples were examined using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) and one flotation technique (screening tests) and specific PCRs for N. americanus and A. duodenale. We characterized samples containing N. americanus by sequencing a fragment of the cytochrome b gene. The observed hookworm prevalence as assessed by the screening tests and PCR were 24.3% and 32.8%, respectively. PCR positive samples were identified as N. americanus. PCR had 100% sensitivity compared with 73.9% of screening tests. A total of 12 samples from individuals with hookworm-infected household members were positive only by PCR. N. americanus sequences showed 90.5% identity, being more similar to each other than to any of the sequences obtained from GenBank. This is the first study that provides molecular data and characterization of N. americanus in Argentina. The complementary use of FECT and one flotation technique to screen hookworm infections, followed by PCR to differentiate the species contribute to produce better prevalence estimates.

Los archivos municipales y los libros de actas de sesiones municipales: sus potencialidades para el estudio de los territorios nacionales a partir del caso de Misiones (1880-1920)

The paper proposes an approach on the potentialities of the municipal books of minutes as sources for the study of diverse historiographical problems within the framework of the national territory`s regime. For that purpose, it focuses in the municipal archives located in the current province of Misiones, that hold documentations of greater antiquity regarding this period. Firstly, the general characteristics of these sources are presented, addressing both their most favorable and unfavorable aspects. Afterwards, the documentation held in these archives is presented, indicating its current accessibility and conservation. Lastly, several historiographical problems that could benefit from consulting these sources are appointed.

Changes in the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Misiones provinces (Argentina) over the last two decades.

The aim of this study was to determine changes in the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight and obesity in Argentine children and adolescents over the last two decades, and analyze their relationship with family socioeconomic conditions. We compared data in two cross-sectional studies (C) of schoolchildren (n: 4971) aged 4 to 13 years from three provinces: Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Misiones. C1 was carried out between 2005 and 2009 and C2 between 2010 and 2019. Anthropometric (body weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfolds) and socioeconomic data of both studies were obtained in the same schools by the same investigators, using a similar methodology. The prevalence of nutritional status and the frequency of family socioeconomic conditions were calculated by province and C. Data were analyzed by chi square test, categorical principal component analysis and generalized linear model. The prevalence of undernutrition decreased in C2 in Buenos Aires and Misiones and remained constant in Mendoza. At the same time, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased in the three provinces, around 13% in Buenos Aires and 9% in Mendoza and Misiones. Similarly, fat mass increased in C2. Undernutrition was associated with inadequate family socioeconomic conditions only in C1. This 14-year follow-up study shows a decreasing trend in the prevalence of undernutrition and an increasing trend in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and fat mass in the child and adolescent population of Argentina. Also, a marked deterioration in family socioeconomic conditions was found, but its relationship with the changes in nutritional status remains to be elucidated.

Taxonomy and valve morphology of Humidophila species (Bacillariophyceae) from aerophilous habitats in northeastern Argentina, with the description of four new species

During a survey of the diatoms present in aerophilic microhabitats associated with waterfalls in Misiones Province (Argentina), mainly within IguazĂş National Park (N.P.), seventeen taxa belonging to the genus Humidophila have been recorded. Previously, only six species of the genus have been reported for all of Argentina. Of the seventeen taxa considered here, four exhibit a unique combination of features and are proposed as new species. These are H. iguazuensis sp. nov., H. lagartiensis sp. nov., H. misionera sp. nov. and H. sebastianii sp. nov. An additional six previously-described species (H. arcuatoides, H. contenta, H. nienta, H. parallela, H. platensis and H. subtropica) are reported. Of these previously-described taxa, only H. contenta has been reported previously from Argentina, so the occurrences of the others in the region expand their known geographic distributions. One taxon has been tentatively identified (as Humidophila aff. biscutella) and the remaining six taxa observed are presumed to be new but remain unidentified at the species level because they occurred in small numbers and could not be sufficiently documented for formal description. This is currently the largest concentration of Humidophila taxa reported in a relatively small geographic region anywhere in the world. Morphological features among the species of the genus are discussed, and we describe the structure of the features associated with longitudinal tubes in the genus. We also present and describe the ecological and biogeographic distributions of Humidophila species.

The exotic snail Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda, Achatinidae, Rumininae) in Argentina: new records, range extension, and areas of origin of Argentine populations

The decollate land snail Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), native to the Mediterranean region, has been introduced across several countries worldwide. We report here three new records for R. decollata in Argentina, two from Córdoba Province and the first one from Misiones Province, which also constitutes the northernmost record for the country, extending its northeastern distribution range. Species-specific identification was achieved based on anatomical, conchological, and molecular information. DNA data showed that different haplotypes are present in Argentina, which originated from distinct source areas along the native range.

Amauropelta yabotiensis (Thelypteridaceae), a new species from Biosphere Yabotí Reserve (Misiones, Argentina) and its taxonomic relationships.

The Yabotí Biosphere Reserve (Prov. Misiones, Argentina) with 221,155 ha, represents one of the southernmost relicts of the Paranaense forest. Currently, a project is being developed in the area to inventory and describe the ferns and lycophytes. As a result of these studies, we identify a new species of Amauropelta, A. yabotiensis. Within this genus, it belongs to the group of species with uncinate hairs and presents a unique combination of diagnostic features, including the type of pubescence on the rhizome scales, the shape of the fronds and segments and type of venation. Here, we described and illustrated the species and we analyzed its taxonomic affinities and geographic distribution. Additionally, we provided a distribution map and a key to distinguish it from other Amauropelta species from Misiones province. With this new finding, we highlighted the importance of the Yabotí Reserve as a reservoir of biodiversity in the region.

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

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