Native Geographic Range Research Articles

An alternative subgeneric classification of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Cotyledonoideae) globally: a nomenclatural and taxonomic review, with a new status for K. subg. Pubescentes

In the most recently presented global synopsis of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Cotyledonoideae), which was published in 2003 by Bernard Marie Descoings (1931–2018), only two sections, K. sect. Kalanchoe [geographically widespread] and K. sect. Bryophyllum [geographically naturally limited to Madagascar, but with some species and nothospecies naturalised elsewhere], were recognised in the genus. Three years later, Descoings changed his views on the infrageneric classification of Kalanchoe when, in 2006, he published the subgenus name K. subg. Calophygia for a rather disparate group of species from virtually across the entire natural geographical distribution range of the genus. In this regard, Descoings built on and expanded the kalanchooid infrageneric concept that Sijfert Hendrik Koorders (1863–1919) put forward for Kalanchoe almost 90 years earlier. Apart from recognising K. subg. Calophygia in 2006, Descoings additionally upheld the autonymic K. subg. Kalanchoe and K. subg. Bryophyllum, both of which he recognised at the rank of section in 2003. The infrageneric classification of Kalanchoe that recognises primary diversity in the genus at the rank of subgenus, rather than at that of section, is now firmly entrenched. Following on from Descoings recognising three subgenera in 2006, the subgenus classification of Kalanchoe has recently been expanded with the publication of a further four subgenus names, in 2018 (K. subg. Kitchingia), in 2020 (K. subg. Fernandesiae), in 2023 (K. subg. Alatae), and in 2024 (K. subg. Pubescentes). The most up-to-date subgenus classification of Kalanchoe is presented here, with five subgenera recognised. With the exception of the geographically widespread K. subg. Kalanchoe, the four other subgenera are naturally endemic to Madagascar.

Laboratory Management of Mammalian Hosts for Ixodes scapularis -Host-Pathogen Interaction Studies.

Due to their hematophagous life cycle, hard-bodied ticks including the genus Ixodes are a potential vector for numerous pathogenic organisms including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and infectious prions. The natural geographic range of several hard tick species, includig Ixodes scapularis, has expanded over recent decades. Consequently, there is an ongoing need to maintain, feed, and propagate ticks for host-pathogen interaction studies to better understand and mitigate their impact on human and animal health. Artificial membrane feeding of hard ticks has advanced in recent years, has study design advantages, and should be used, when possible, to reduce animal use, but it also has several limitations that require the continued use of mammalian hosts including mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits. In this overview, we discuss the best management practices for these relevant species with respect to biosafety, health, and optimal host comfort when used in studies that depend on tick feeding. The capsule-jacket method is preferred over the ear sock-E-collar method of tick feeding on rabbit hosts because of better host health, comfort, and increased study versatility.

Identifying the generalizable controls on insect associations of native and non-native trees.

Trees growing outside their native geographic ranges often exhibit exceptional growth and survival due in part to the lack of co-evolved natural enemies that may limit their spread and suppress population growth. While most non-native trees tend to accumulate natural enemies over time, it remains uncertain which host and insect characteristics affect these novel associations and whether novel associations follow patterns of assembly similar to those of native hosts. Here, we used a dataset of insect-host tree associations in Europe to model which native insect species are paired with which native tree species, and then tested the model on its ability to predict which native insects are paired with which non-native trees. We show that native and non-native tree species closely related to known hosts are more likely to be hosts themselves, but that native host geographic range size, insect feeding guild, and sampling effort similarly affect insect associations. Our model had a strong ability to predict which insect species utilize non-native trees as hosts, but evolutionarily isolated tree species posed the greatest challenge to the model. These results demonstrate that insect-host associations can be reliably predicted, regardless of whether insect and host trees have co-evolved, and provide a framework for predicting future pest threats using a select number of easily attainable tree and insect characteristics.

Climate change will likely facilitate invasion of Asian orchid Eulophia graminea into new areas

Climate change plays an increasing role in the global biodiversity crisis. Alteration in local climatic conditions not only can negatively affect native biodiversity but also can accelerate the introduction and spread of invasive species. In this study the ecological niche modelling approach was used to evaluate possible changes in the distribution of suitable niches of invasive orchid Eulophia graminea within its native (Asia) and non-native geographical range (America, Australia). We mapped the current potential range of this species and analysed three various projections of future climate (for 2100) each with four different climate change scenarios (SSPs). Calculated niche overlap indexes indicated low similarity of niches occupied by native and invasive populations of E. graminea and Australian populations seem to be the most unique, while American and Asian groups share partially similar niches. The occurrence of the American population of E. graminea was correlated especially with the temperature seasonality, while the Asian and Australian populations with annual precipitation and precipitation of the wettest quarter. As indicated in our analyses within Asia and America, E. graminea does not occupy all climatically suitable niches. On the other hand, in Australia the species studied already occupies all appropriate niche space. Climate change will likely be favorable for species studied to expand its range if the biotic components of its niche space (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi) will respond similarly. The most significant range expansion is predicted to occur in Australia which is interesting considering the marginally suitable habitats that E. graminea currently occupies.

A comprehensive framework for the delimitation of species within the Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex, a global pest-species group.

Identifying cryptic species poses a substantial challenge to both biologists and naturalists due to morphological similarities. Bemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex containing more than 44 putative species; several of which are currently among the world's most destructive crop pests. Interpreting and delimiting the evolution of this species complex has proved problematic. To develop a comprehensive framework for species delimitation and identification, we evaluated the performance of distinct data sources both individually and in combination among numerous samples of the B. tabaci species complex acquired worldwide. Distinct datasets include full mitogenomes, single-copy nuclear genes, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, geographic range, host speciation, and reproductive compatibility datasets. Phylogenetically, our well-supported topologies generated from threedense molecular markers highlighted the evolutionary divergence of species of the B. tabaci complex and suggested that the nuclear markers serve as a more accurate representation of B. tabaci species diversity. Reproductive compatibility datasets facilitated the identification of at least 17 different cryptic species within our samples. Native geographic range information provides a complementary assessment of species recognition, while the host range datasets provide low rate of delimiting resolution. We further summarized different data performances in species classification when compared with reproductive compatibility, indicating that combination of mtCOI divergence, nuclear markers, geographic range provide a complementary assessment of species recognition. Finally, we represent a model for understanding and untangling the cryptic species complexes based on the evidence from this study and previously published articles.

Notes on the nomenclature of the genus name Vereia, the earliest-published synonym of Kalanchoe, and the species published in Vereia (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)

At the rank of genus, at least seven names have been published for taxa that are today included in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae). Kalanchoe is the earliest validly published and legitimate name that must be used for the ca. 200 tetramerous-flowered taxa recognised in the genus. Kalanchoe has a wide natural geographical distribution range that stretches from Madagascar and some of the nearby Indian Ocean islands, through most of sub-Saharan Africa and the northern parts of North Africa to the Middle, Near, and Far East, more or less south of the latitude of 35⁰ N. The nomenclature of the genus name Vereia, for which five different spellings have been recorded, is reviewed here. Vereia is the earliest synonym of Kalanchoe. Notes are provided on the natural geographical distribution range of K. crenata, the accepted name of the type, V. crenata, of the genus Vereia. The species names published in Vereia are assigned to species in Kalanchoe.

Mycorrhizal communities of Vanilla planifolia in an introduction area (La Réunion) under varying cultivation practices

Societal Impact StatementVanilla is one of the most valuable spices in the world. In Madagascar and La Réunion, the world's leading producers, vanilla is of great economic and cultural importance. Like all orchids, vanilla plants associate with mycorrhizal fungi in their roots forming mutualistic associations that allow them to grow and thrive. Understanding the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi adapted to vanilla cultivation, particularly in the Indian Ocean islands where they have never previously been studied, is becoming a necessity for maintaining vanilla crops in these regions in the face of climate change and the emergence of new pathogens.Summary The vanilla orchid (Vanilla spp.) is one of the most valuable cultivated plants worldwide. As with all orchids, vanillas form mycorrhizal associations with fungi in their roots, but their fungal partners have not been investigated outside their native geographic range in Central America. We investigated the whole fungal and mycorrhizal associations in cultivated vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) by sequencing the fungal ITS‐2 marker in the terrestrial and aerial roots using a metabarcoding approach. We selected plants cultivated in three conditions (i.e., cultivation under shade house, in openfield, or in the understory) in one locality of La Réunion island (Indian Ocean) and tested for a possible effect of cultivation practices on fungal communities. Cultivated vanillas in La Réunion mainly associate with Tulasnellaceae (75 OTUs) and Ceratobasidiaceae (8 OTUs). Among the seven most abundant Tulasnellaceae, six are similar to fungi detected in the roots of cultivated vanillas in Central America or in the roots of native orchids in La Réunion. Cultivation practices impacted both total fungal and mycorrhizal community compositions with no clear effect on fungal richness. Notably, Tulasnellaceae and Ceratobasidiaceae were scarce in aerial roots, except in the traditional cultivation in the forest understory. These results shed light on the geographical origins of mycorrhizal fungi of cultivated vanillas in La Réunion and show that they form a pool of both locally and globally distributed fungal partners. These mycorrhizal communities vary according to cultivation practices, and their potential roles in plant nutrition and resistance against pathogens await further attention.

Regeneration dynamics in mixed mountain forests at their natural geographical distribution range in the Western Rhodopes

Mixed mountain forests consisting of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) are among the most productive and stable forest ecosystems in Europe. Their southeasternmost geographical distribution range is located in the Western Rhodopes, where they have high economic, recreational, and ecological value. In the past, shelterwood cuttings dominated forest management practices in these forests and were mainly aimed at maintaining and reproducing conifers. During the past two decades, single-tree and group-tree selection systems have been promoted as alternative management approaches to support the conversion of spruce-dominated stands to close-to-nature mixed forests of fir, beech, and spruce. However, the natural regeneration dynamics in these stands are barely known, and their dependence on microsite and management effects needs to be better understood.The objective of this study was to investigate ecological factors under management regimes of different intensity (“single-tree”-selection and “group-tree”-selection) that influence the regeneration processes in mixed mountain forests in the Bulgarian Rhodopes. Data on regeneration and microsite conditions were collected on 105 systematically distributed plots (25 m2/100 m2) in four 100–120 years old stands located in the regional forest district of Smoljan, Bulgaria (1580–1650 m a.s.l.). We relied on generalizeds linear mixed models to analyse for each species the (1) size-dependent regeneration density and (2) height increment in dependence on management practices, competing vegetation, as well as soil and light conditions.Our study revealed an overall high potential for recruitment in the Western Rhodopes. Regeneration density was highest in fir (median 12800 N ha-1), followed by spruce (median 1600 N ha-1) and beech (median 1200 N ha-1). Fir benefited most from “single-tree” selection cuttings, while “group-tree” selection cutting tended to promote beech and fir but also spruce. Competing ground vegetation was detrimental for seedling density of all species. Annual height increment increased with plant size, was lowest in spruce, and similar in fir and beech. Sapling increment was driven by light, whereas seedlings did not react to increased radiation. Browsing was species-specific and was highest in beech (15–30 %), followed by fir (5–10 %) and spruce (<1 %). It was not a crucial factor in impeding tree recruitment. We conclude that frequent harvest activities of low intensity which consider advanced regeneration are a promising approach to successfully convert the formerly spruce-fir-dominated forests to climate-adapted fir-beech-(spruce)-mixed stands.

A review and analysis of the use of epithets in infrageneric, species, and infraspecific names in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae): trends in the plant naming game

Given recent wide-ranging international debates in the scientific press and on social media platforms on, especially, aspects of the ethics of historically published and currently used biological nomenclature, an analysis is presented of trends in the use of epithets in the scientific names of Kalanchoe taxa (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae). Kalanchoe, in which about 200 taxa are recognised at various taxonomic ranks, has a wide natural geographical distribution range in Madagascar and on some Indian Ocean Islands, in southern, eastern, and northern Africa, and in the Near, Middle, and Far East. A comprehensive database of epithets published at infrageneric, species, and infraspecific ranks in Kalanchoe over a period of 270 years—1753 to the present—was compiled and analysed to establish tendencies in the selection of epithets. The 370 epithets published to date were classified under: (1) plant characteristics; (2) the celebration of people (eponyms); (3) place names (toponyms); and (4) ‘other’ (habitat features, an ethnic group, etc.). Names derived from plant characteristics are the most commonly used in the naming of kalanchoes. However, since the early 1900s and continuing to the present, naming taxa after people is the preferred option. Lists of gender-based eponymic, toponymic, and ‘other’ epithets, with their derivations, used in the validly published names of kalanchoes are provided. We point out that one epithet used in the genus is contentious. We briefly reflect on the derivation of the genus name Kalanchoe.

Callus Culture of &lt;i&gt;Aralia cordata&lt;/i&gt; Thunb.: Obtaining, Selection of Cultivating Conditions, Somatic Embryogenesis Induction

Introduction. Cell cultures spreads widely in different areas of biology, biotechnology and agriculture. Aralia cordata is a perennial herbaceous plant, which has been listed in Red book of the Russian Federation. Pharmaceuticals which are based on raw materials of Aralia ssp. have valuable types of pharmacological activity and are widely used in oriental medicine. A serious obstacle for resumption of the natural populations is the presence of the period of morphophysiological dormancy in the seeds of the plants, which requires a long-time stratification process. Limitation of the natural geographic range and the combination of biological activities useful for humans make Aralia cordata Thunb. prospective object for in vitro introduction.Aim. The aim of the study is obtaining of the viable cell culture of Aralia cordata Thunb., investigation of the somatic embryogenesis conditions.Materials and methods. Pieces of the leaves of Aralia cordata intact plant from Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences were used as a primary explants. Pieces of leaves were sterilized in a 2 % benzalkonium chloride solution for 5 minutes, induction of primary callogenesis was carried out on Murasige – Skoog medium. Nutrient media with different constituents were discovered for choosing one for long-time cultivation of calli. Induction of somatic embryogenesis was carried out on the nutrient media with high auxins content. Ethanol extracts from the intact plant and calli cultures were assayed with HPTLC PRO SYSTEM (CAMAG AG, Switzerland).Results and discussion. After two weeks of cultivation, the formation of primary callus was observed on the surface of the explants. The Linsmaier – Skoog medium with a reduced amount of sucrose (20 g/l) was recognized as the most suitable medium for long-term maintenance of cultures. Embryoid structures of Aralia cordata have been obtained, now we are continuing to collect analytics data about this process. Qualitative analysis of the extracts showed that callus cultures accumulate triterpene glycosides, their composition is close to that of the intact plant.Conclusion. A viable strain of callus culture of Aralia cordata Thunb. was obtained, a nutrient medium for long-term cultivation of calli was established. Somatic embryoids have been obtained, and their further development is currently being monitored. A preliminary phytochemical study showed that the composition of the chemical components of calli is close to that of an intact plant.

Choice of forage plants by the giant honey bee Apis laboriosa Smith in a captive condition outside their native geographic range

The giant honey bee, Apis laboriosa, is native to the central and eastern Himalayas, Hengduan, Arakan, Annamite and adjoining mountain ranges of Southeast Asia. The present work documented forage plants of A. laboriosa in a captive condition outside its natural geographic range for 09 months and tested their choice based on the abundance of the forager bees on flowers. The study was conducted by introducing a combless colony of A. laboriosa in a climate control greenhouse. A total of 68 plant species of 34 families were offered, out of which the foragers accepted the floral rewards from 28 species of 20 plant families. The foragers collected pollens and nectar from 10 and 18 plant species, respectively. A maximum number of foragers visited Mesua ferrea for pollen (16.94 ± 1.25 foragers/flower/hour) and Indigofera sp. for nectar (9.60 ± 1.24 foragers/flower/hour). Tukey’s Multiple Comparison test showed significant variation in the abundance of foragers on some plants. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference in the number of foragers at different time intervals of a day except for the nectar plants Cucumis sativus and Indigofera sp. The study also showed that the choice of the foragers was not associated with floral colours and plant family, but possibly dependent on some common cues of the forage plants resulting from convergent evolution. Foraging from plants of low altitudes also indicated that they can forage from plants outside their native geographic range.

Retrospective use of integrative taxonomy in classical biological control: The unintentional introduction of the weevil Rhinusa dieckmanni to North America

A seed-feeding weevil introduced to North America (NA) as a biological control agent of the invasive toadflax Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill., identified then as Gymnetron antirrhini “Dalmatian host race” and subsequently confirmed as established, was revealed through our study to be a separate species, i.e., Rhinusa dieckmanni (Behne) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This weevil species was presumed to be endemic in its native range, with a distribution restricted to Mount Rila in southwestern Bulgaria. We conducted a comprehensive study of seed-feeding weevils associated with L. dalmatica, L. dalmatica ssp. macedonica (Griseb.) D.A. Sutton, L. genistifolia (L.) Mill., and L. grandiflora Desf. across a broad geographic area of their native range. Those results revealed that all four host plants were used by R. dieckmanni and thus the native geographic range of the species is wider than expected, encompassing the Balkans and the Anatolian Plateau. Our observations suggest that phenotypes of this weevil are highly variable and dependent on the seed capsule size of the Linaria host population. The haplotype network based on mitochondrial COII, 16S genes, and nuclear EF 1-α gene genealogy confirmed the conspecific nature of geographically distant weevil populations, that is, R. dieckmanni phenotypes utilizing L. genistifolia, L. dalmatica, and L. grandiflora for larval development. Specimens collected from L. dalmatica in the northwestern USA shared the same haplotypes as samples from L. dalmatica ssp. macedonica in southwestern North Macedonia, supporting the known introduction history of the North American population. Females from these populations have relatively short rostrums, which may limit their reproductive success on North American invasive L. dalmatica with larger seed capsules.

Parasite diversity and community structure of translocated Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) in South Africa: Testing co-introduction, parasite spillback and enemy release hypotheses.

Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) is one of several freshwater fish species that have been translocated beyond its natural geographic range in South Africa. The present study investigated the parasitic communities of two translocated populations (one in the Riviersonderend River, Western Cape and the other from the Great Fish River, Eastern Cape) as well as its native source population from Gariep Dam, Free State. A total of nine, seven, and eight parasitic taxa were found to parasitise various organs of C. gariepinus from the three populations, respectively. The diversity and abundances of parasitic species in the two translocated populations were similar, but distinct community assemblages were observed. Parasite community composition from the Great Fish River was similar to that of the source population from Gariep Dam, whereas the parasitic community from C. gariepinus in the Riviersonderend River was distinct from that of Gariep Dam. This, together with the introduction history into the Western Cape, suggests that translocated C. gariepinus is sourced from various systems across South Africa, or that suitable intermediate hosts are present in the recipient ecosystems to sustain host-specific co-introduced parasitic taxa of C. gariepinus. In total, the resilience of 11 specialist parasite species of C. gariepinus is demonstrated in their persistence upon co-introduction into the two novel environments with their host, and support for the enemy release hypothesis is confirmed in the loss of known parasite taxa in translocated populations. The presence of the co-invasive fish lice Argulus japonicus Thiele, 1900 is reported from C. gariepinus in Gariep Dam and the Asian tapeworm Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) was found from translocated C. gariepinus in the Riviersonderend River, Western Cape and lastly, a suspected case of parasite spillback from an unknown native host is reported.

Species distribution modelling of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC.: Present distribution and impacts of potential climate change

Species distribution modelling (SDM) is an important tool to examine the possible change in the population range and/or niche-shift under current environment and predicted climate change. Monotheca buxifolia is an economically and ecologically important tree species inhabiting Pakistan and Afghanistan in dense patches, and species range is contracting rapidly. This study hypothesize that predicted climate change might remarkably influence the existing distribution pattern of M. buxifolia in the study area. A total of 75 occurrence locations were identified comprising M. buxifolia as a dominant tree species. The Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm was utilized to perform the SDM under current (the 1970s–2000s) and two future climate change scenarios (shared socioeconomic pathways: SSPs 245 and 585) of two time periods (the 2050s and 2070s). The optimal model settings were assessed, and simulation precision was assessed by examining the partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (pAUC-ROC). The results showed that out of 39 considered bio-climatic, topographic, edaphic, and remote sensing variables which were utilized in the preliminary model, 6 variables including precipitation of warmest quarter, topographic diversity, global human modification of terrestrial land, normalized difference vegetation index, isothermality, and elevation (in order) were the most influential drivers, and utilized in all reduced SDMs. A high predictive performance (pAUC-ROC; >0.9) of all the considered SDMs was recorded. A total of about 67,684 km2 of geographical area was predicted as suitable habitat (p > 0.8) for M. buxifolia, and Pakistan is the leading country (with about 54,975 km2 of suitable land area) under the current climate scenario. Overall, the existing distribution of the tree species in the study area might face considerable loss (i.e. rate of change %; −27 to −107) in future, and simultaneously a northward (high elevation) niche shift is predicted for all the considered future climate change scenarios. Hence, development and implementation of a coordinated conservation program is required on priority basis to save the tree species in its native geographic range.

Evaluating coevolution in a horizontally transmitted mutualism.

Many interspecific interactions are shaped by coevolution. Transmission mode is thought to influence opportunities for coevolution within symbiotic interactions. Vertical transmission maintains partner fidelity, increasing opportunities for coevolution, but horizontal transmission may disrupt partner fidelity, potentially reducing opportunities for coevolution. Despite these predictions, the role of coevolution in the maintenance of horizontally transmitted symbioses is unclear. Leveraging a tractable insect-bacteria symbiosis, we tested for signatures of pairwise coevolution by assessing patterns of host-symbiont specialization. If pairwise coevolution defines the interaction, we expected to observe evidence of reciprocal specialization between hosts and their local symbionts. We found no evidence for local adaptation between sympatric lineages of Anasa tristis squash bugs and Caballeronia spp. symbionts across their native geographic range. We also found no evidence for specialization between three co-localized Anasa host species and their native Caballeronia symbionts. Our results demonstrate generalist dynamics underlie the interaction between Anasa insect hosts and their Caballeronia symbionts. We predict that selection from multiple host species may favor generalist symbiont traits through diffuse coevolution. Alternatively, selection for generalist traits may be a consequence of selection by hosts for fixed cooperative symbiont traits without coevolution.

FINDING OF THE MUD CRAB &lt;i&gt;DYSPANOPEUS SAYI &lt;/i&gt;(S. I. SMITH, 1869) (BRACHYURA: XANTHOIDEA: PANOPEIDAE) IN THE SEA OF AZOV

The mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi (S.I.Smith, 1869) was recorded in the waters of the European part of Russia in the coastal zone of the Kazantip Peninsula (Shelkovitsa bay) on the northern coast of the Kerch Peninsula and near the Arshintsevskaya Spit (Kerch) in August 2022 for the first time. The species natural geographic range is located along the entire Atlantic coast of North America and the invasion range includes the coastal waters of the Atlantic coast of Europe, the northern part of the Mediterranean Sea and the western part of the Black Sea. Discovered in the Black Sea off the coast of Romania in 2009, D. sayi has significantly expanded its distribution area in the Azov-Black Sea basin for the past 10 years. The most likely spread of this species by anthropogenic means as a result of intake, transportation and discharge of ballast water by marine transport vehicles, but the option of colonization from existing areas of settlement by transfer of crab larvae with marine currents cannot be excluded. The presence of females with eggs and different-sized crab specimens may indicate the presence of already established populations of mud crab D. sayi in the coastal areas of the Sea of Azov. D. sayi is an active invasive species inhabiting transitional waters between continental water bodies and the sea. Therefore, it is important to monitor the distribution of this crab in order to predict consequences for local species and ecosystems.

Reinstatement of Aloe longibracteata (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a maculate aloe from northeastern South Africa

Aloe longibracteata (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a South African endemic aloe, which in the past has been regarded as belonging in the synonymy of A. greatheadii var. davyana, is reinstated as an accepted species. It differs from A. davyana var. davyana, which recently has been separated from A. greatheadii, in several reproductive morphological characters, most notably the fewer-branched inflorescences, much longer bracts, and the larger flowers and fruit, as well as the more densely-leaved rosettes. Aloe longibracteata is comprehensively compared to A. davyana var. davyana, illustrated, and a map of its natural geographical distribution range is provided. The typification of the name A. longibracteata is clarified and resolved, inter alia through designating an epitype.

Forensic Genetic Analyses of Melanistic Iguanas Highlight the Need to Monitor the Iguanid Trade.

Simple SummaryThe illegal pet trade remains an ongoing, substantial threat to wild populations, especially small insular populations, and can even lead to extinction. Fraudulent activity within the global reptile trade is known to occur, but its identification through forensic applications depends on knowledge of diversity within wild populations. In this study, we assessed the geographic origin of melanistic iguanas (Iguana iguana), which are only found in nations that have never authorized legal export of live animals. Analysis of genetic data from two pet iguanas in the USA flag these as originating from Saba or Montserrat, from which no export permits have ever been issued, confirming their illegal origin. Despite the international trade in I. iguana, in which tens- if not hundreds of thousands of specimens are traded each year, only a handful of individuals have been genetically assessed. Our work highlights the utility of applying forensic genetic techniques to this trade in order to track and discourage illegal activity.Lizards within the Iguana iguana species complex are among the most common reptilian pets, with the widest natural geographic range among iguanids. Deep phylogenetic divergence distinguishes multiple mitochondrial clades, and several taxonomic changes have recently been proposed. These small populations, typically island endemics, are threatened by numerous factors, including the international pet trade. Recent investigations reveal the absence of required CITES permits for lawful export of animals, providing evidence of ongoing illegal trade. Additional monitoring of trade in iguanas can be achieved through the application of forensic molecular techniques. In this study, two captive melanistic iguanas were genotyped for molecular markers for which geographic distributions of alleles have been established. Mitochondrial sequencing indicates that both animals carry a haplotype known to originate from the islands of Saba and Montserrat, populations taxonomically proposed to be Iguana melanoderma. Genotypes at 15 microsatellite loci are equally consistent with this origin, given the results of a principal component analysis. This first forensic genetic assessment within the extensive I. iguana pet trade highlights the presence of illegal activity. The need for additional forensic assessments of pet-trade iguanas is evident, especially given that their value is driven by variety and rarity, which is further intensified by recent taxonomic changes.

Kalanchoe gideonsmithii (K. subg. Kalanchoe; Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a further new species endemic to the Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism in KwaZulu-Natal, eastern South Africa

The endemic South African species Kalanchoe gideonsmithii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is described from KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern-most province of the country. The entire natural geographical distribution range of the species falls within the species-rich Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism. Kalanchoe gideonsmithii is related to K. rotundifolia and K. decumbens, but differs from both by having most plant parts, including the flowers, bluish purple-infused. The leaves of K. gideonsmithii are narrowly oblong, like those of K. decumbens, but longer and of greater diameter than those of the latter species. In contrast, the leaves of K. rotundifolia are mostly oblanceolate to obovate to round in outline. The reproductive morphology of K. gideonsmithii is constant in terms of the size and shape of the corolla tube and lobes, with the distal part of the corolla tube and proximal part of the corolla lobes invariably becoming tightly twisted post-anthesis, as in K. decumbens and K. rotundifolia. At the level of the ovary the corolla tubes of K. gideonsmithii are generally dark orange- to purplish blue-infused, rather than somewhat to distinctly green-infused, as is usually the case in K. rotundifolia and, to a lesser extent, K. decumbens. The upper part of the corolla tube is consistently bright orange-red, with the centres of the adaxial surface of the corolla lobes a similar colour, or sometimes very slightly yellowish-infused in the centre. Kalanchoe gideonsmithii presents a combination of vegetative and reproductive morphological characters that warrants its recognition at species rank, especially following the recent description of the ‘rotundifolioid’ K. waterbergensis and the reinstatement of K. decumbens, also a relative of K. rotundifolia.

Northern Provenances of Silver Fir Differ with Acclimation to Contrasting Light Regimes

Phenotypic differentiation of Abies alba was identified among selected provenances originating from the northern edge of this species’ natural geographic range. We posited that although the seed sources of the study populations were not geographically distant, progenies would differ with respect to growth, needle pigment concentration, and values of photochemical parameters in response to contrasting light conditions. Potted seedlings of six provenances were grown for two seasons under low light (LL, 40% of full irradiance) or high light (HL, 100% of full irradiance). The results showed that the provenances differed in diameter at root collar (DRC) and in relative growth rates of height (RGR). Seedlings grown in full light had a greater mean value of DRC than those in LL. LL increased total needle chlorophyll (Chltot) and carotenoid concentrations compared with HL, and Chltot was modified by the provenance of the seedlings. The provenance “Syców”, localized at the northern limit of the species range, showed the lowest value of maximal electron transfer rate (ETRmax) and lower values of growth parameters compared with the other study provenances. Relative growth rate, Chltot, and non-photochemical quenching of fluorescence (NPQ) were correlated with some climatic characteristics of seed stands and formed clusters indicating the local adaptation of the study populations. These results provide evidence of low intraspecific A. alba differentiation in terms of growth dynamics, photochemical capacity, and tolerance to different light regimes. The intraspecific diversity found in our study among the northern lead populations could be, however, important for the natural expansion of this species further north and for the selection of provenances to be used in the programme of the A. alba restoration in the Sudety Mountains, southern Poland, where decline of this species has been observed.