Number Of Endemic Taxa Research Articles

Contributions to the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli)

In this study, in order to determine the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli), 767 plant samples were collected and observed from 74 different localities by the field studies carried out in Beyağaç and its close surroundings in the years 2017 and 2018. The results of examination of the collected plant samples and evaluation of the observed plants, it was determined 362 species and totally 363 plant taxa, belonging to 63 families and 228 genera. Of 363 vascular plant taxa, 3 taxa belong to Pteridophyta division, 360 taxa to Magnoliophyta division. Of the Magnoliophyta division, 4 taxa belong to Gymnospermae subdivision and 356 taxa to Angiospermae subdivision. Of the Angiospermae subdivision, 312 taxa belong to Dicotyledonae classis and 44 taxa to Monocotyledonae classis. The phytogeographical spectrum of the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) as follows: Mediterranean elements 115 taxa (31.6%), Irano-Turanian elements 13 taxa (3.6%), Euro-Siberian elements 20 taxa (5.5%) and multi-regional or unknown origin 216 taxa (59.3%). The largest ten families in flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) as follows: Fabaceae 43 taxa (11.8%), Asteraceae 42 taxa (11.5%), Lamiaceae 28 taxa (7.7%), Caryophyllaceae 27 taxa (% 7.4), Brassicaceae 24 taxa (6.6%), Poaceae 16 taxa (4.4%), Boraginaceae 14 taxa (3.8%), Apiaceae 13 taxa (3.6%), Asparagaceae 11 taxa (3.0%), and Plantaginaceae 10 taxa (2.7%). The largest ten families constitute 64% of the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli). The largest ten genera in the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) as follows: Alyssum L. 8 taxa (2.2%), Silene L. 7 taxa (1.9%), Medicago L. 6 taxa (1.6%), Salvia L. 6 taxa (1.6%), Cerastium L. 5 taxa (1.4%), Euphorbia L. 5 taxa (1.4%), Muscari Mill. 5 taxa (1.4%), Teucrium L. 5 taxa (1.4%), Veronica L. 5 taxa (1.4%), and Vicia L. 5 taxa (1.4%). The number of endemic taxa in the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) are 39 (10.7%). Their threat categories were given according to “Red Data Book of Turkish Plants”. It is found 21 taxa in LC category, 4 taxa in NT category, 5 taxa in VU category, 6 taxa in EN category and 2 taxa in CR category.

The explorations on the flora of Tunceli (Turkey)

The study was carried out until 2018 intermittently, on condition that majority in 2014. The study area is located between Erzincan, Malatya, Elazığ and Bingöl cities in the Eastern Anatolia. Its whole is placed in the Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region and, in B7 and B8 squares according to Davis’ Grid System. During the study, 2950 samples were collected and 1559 of them were identified. The identification of these samples resulted 74 families, 386 genera and 922 taxa. The distribution of taxa by phytogeographic regions is as follows; Irano-Turanian elements 397 (43.1 %), Mediterranean elements 20 (2.2 %), Europe-Siberian elements 40 (4.3 %), East Mediterranean elements 14 (1.5 %), Euxine element 13 (1.4 %), Hyrcano-Euxine elements 3 (0.3 %), Sarmatian 1 (0.1 %), the cosmopolite or unknown distribution 434 (47.1 %). The number of endemic taxa is 150 (endemism ratio 16.3 %).

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ENDEMIC TAXA OF VELLIANGIRI HILLS, A PART OF SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

The present exploration based on the floristic studies carried out shows that there are about 121 endemic taxa of flowering plants in Velliangiri hills belonging to 34 families have been recorded and are listed. Out of the plants listed, the dominant families are Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Orchidaceae.From the list of the endemic plants in the study, it is indicated that the phylo-genetically advanced families such as Orchidaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae are the most diversified families on the basis of their number of genera and species. The herbs and shrubs are better represented than the trees in the list. A large number of endemic taxa (about 20 species) are known only by their type collection, which could not be recollected or relocated even after repeated field explorations. It seems that either these taxa are vanished from their localities or alternatively, that species misidentification has occurred.

COĞRAFİ BİLGİ SİSTEMLERİ (CBS) İLE KAHRAMANMARAŞ'TA (TÜRKİYE) ASTRAGALUS TÜR DAĞILIMI VE ZENGİNLİĞİNİN KONUMSAL ANALİZİ

The aim of this study is to determine the species richness of the genus Astragalus in Kahramanmaraş and to present the updated distribution information with the help of Geographic Information Systems in a conservation point of view. In this study, country flora, recently published articles on the province of Kahramanmaraş, checklists, regional flora studies in the province, section revisions of Astragalus and the plant samples collected from the field surveys in Kahramanmaraş were used. According to the results of the field studies supported by the literature, 95 plant taxa belonging to the genus Astragalus are listed together with their valid names and previous synonyms. The number of endemic taxa in Kahramanmaraş is 37 (39%). In the plant list, the largest sections of the genus Astragalus are Rhacophorus with 23 taxa, Onobrychium with 8 taxa, Dasyphyllium, Malacothrix, Myobroma, Proselius and Pterophorus with 6 taxa for each. The distribution of the taxa to the phytogeographical regions is as follows; 56 taxa (59%) Irano-Turanian element, 28 taxa (30%) Multi-regional or unknown origin, and the rest; 6 taxa (6%) is an element of the Eastern Mediterranean, 4 taxa (4%) of the Eastern Mediterranean (mountain) element and 1 taxon (1%) of the Euro-Siberian element. IUCN threat categories of endemic taxa were determined. As a result, totally 11 taxa are in threatened categories according to IUCN (4 taxa in CR, 2 taxa in EN and 5 taxa in VU category) and the remaining 26 taxa are in lower threat categories (NT and LR). According to the distribution of the species produced based on the grid system, (J13) in Çağlayancerit, (D4, E4 and G8) in Göksun, (I10) in the place between Ekinözü and centre district, and (K10) in the centre district of Kahramanmaraş were determined as the richest squares in terms of number of taxa in the conservation point of view. These areas are very important in terms of conservation biology as they are the most intense areas of steppic conditions, livestock and grazing pressure.

Bioclimatic characterization of the world areas of Endemism identified for Mammals.

Areas of endemism (AoE) are identified by the congruence of two or more geographic distribution areas. They represent patterns of distribution resulting from ecological and evolutionary processes and constitute the basic units of biogeographic regionalizations; however, they are not usually environmentally characterized. The 54 world areas of endemism identified for terrestrial mammals were bioclimatically characterized by climate and biome type, using two diversity indices. The climatic characterization shows that tropical climates, mainly Aw (equatorial savannah with dry winter) and Af (equatorial rainforest, fully humid) were the most frequent; included in 32 areas of endemism. The most frequent biomes were the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, which grow at low altitudes. Most of the endemic taxa are located in lowlands, frequently from 0 to 1,000 m of altitude. Our results suggest that AoE are concentrated in tropical latitudes; however, we did not find any correlation between the homogeneity of the climate or the biome and the number of endemic taxa within each AoE. Therefore, we suggest that these AoE could have been mainly shaped by tectonic events, combined with environmental influence.

The indigenous vascular flora of the forest domain of Anela (Sardinia, Italy).

The importance of mountains for plant diversity and richness is underestimated, particularly when transition zones between different bioclimates are present along altitudinal gradients. Here we present the first floristic data for a mountain area in the island of Sardinia (Italy), which exhibits Mediterranean bioclimates at the bottom and temperate bioclimate at the top. We discovered a very high floristic richness, despite the fact that the number of endemic taxa is not high and the number of exclusive taxa is very low. Many of the detected taxa are at their range periphery and/or ecological margin. We conclude that climate transition zones in Mediterranean mountains and especially on islands are key areas regarding plant biodiversity and should be better investigated and protected.

El conocimiento florístico actual del Noroeste de México: desarrollo, recuento y análisis del endemismo

Antecedentes: El conocimiento florístico del Noroeste (NO) de México tuvo un gran impulso por parte de botánicos norteamericanos hasta la primera mitad del siglo XX.Pregunta: ¿Las exploraciones botánicas realizadas, histórica y recientemente en el área de estudio, son adecuadas para documentar de forma robusta su composición y estructura florística?Sitio de Estudio: El NO de México incluye los estados de Baja California, Baja California Sur y Sonora.Métodos: Los autores son los responsables de los herbarios incluidos en la compilación (BCMEX, HCIB, SD, y USON), cada uno dedicado a documentar la flora de las tres entidades de interés desde hace tres décadas Los datos florísticos fueron obtenidos principalmente del recuento de las bases de datos de los herbarios avocados a esta región (aprox. 110,000 registros), además de la incorporación de información de bibliografía previa e información reciente, producto del trabajo de campo de los autores. Las bases de datos consultadas se componen de 27,117 sitios de colecta.Resultados: La base de datos final obtenida se compone de 5,865 taxones a nivel de especie y categorías menores. Por entidad, Sonora es la más biodiversa con 3,762 taxones, Baja California tiene 2,583 y Baja California Sur consigna 2,070. Al compararse con el centro y sur del país, el NO Mexicano es relativamente pobre en especies, pero la proporción de taxones endémicos es relevante. Este último análisis muestra dentro de la región a 941 especies, de las cuales 294, 391 y 79 se encuentran restringidos a Baja California, Baja California Sur y Sonora, respectivamente; y 177 se comparten entre las entidades. La región comprende 18 géneros endémicos, incluidos en 10 familias.Conclusiones: Con base en la compilación del presente estudio se puede considerar la existencia de una excelente plataforma de conocimiento florístico para esta región, pero aún existen áreas geográficas, que incluyen todo tipo de topografía, todavía inaccesibles que pueden incrementar la flora total y endémica. Ante los riesgos actuales, es prioritario establecer programas de protección para sus especies exclusivas, ya que gran parte de las mismas tienen una distribución restringida.

Hotspots within a global biodiversity hotspot - areas of endemism are associated with high mountain ranges

Conservation biology aims at identifying areas of rich biodiversity. Currently recognized global biodiversity hotspots are spatially too coarse for conservation management and identification of hotspots at a finer scale is needed. This might be achieved by identification of areas of endemism. Here, we identify areas of endemism in Iran, a major component of the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot, and address their ecological correlates. Using the extremely diverse sunflower family (Asteraceae) as our model system, five consensus areas of endemism were identified using the approach of endemicity analysis. Both endemic richness and degree of endemicity were positively related to topographic complexity and elevational range. The proportion of endemic taxa at a certain elevation (percent endemism) was not congruent with the proportion of total surface area at this elevation, but was higher in mountain ranges. While the distribution of endemic richness (i.e., number of endemic taxa) along an elevational gradient was hump-shaped peaking at mid-elevations, the percentage of endemism gradually increased with elevation. Patterns of endemic richness as well as areas of endemism identify mountain ranges as main centres of endemism, which is likely due to high environmental heterogeneity and strong geographic isolation among and within mountain ranges. The herein identified areas can form the basis for defining areas with conservation priority in this global biodiversity hotspot.

Sex Determination of the Canary Island ChiffchaffPhylloscopus canariensisUsing Morphological Traits and Molecular Sexing

The Canary Islands hold an exceptional number of endemic taxa including six endemic bird species. Over the last few decades, a plethora of information has emerged about colonisation, diversification and extinction of birds in the Canary Islands demonstrating certain evolutionary processes occurring on this oceanic archipelago. However, advances in studies of the biology and ecology of these taxa have been very limited. To discriminate male and female individuals is an important issue in many studies of avian ecology such as dispersal and parental care. Here I provide a rapid, low-cost and robust method for sex determination in the endemic Canary Island Chiffchaff Phylloscopus canariensis. This method was built using eight morphological traits, and sex determination is based on molecular markers from 207 individuals. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) correctly classified 98.1% of the grouped cases. The most explanatory variables obtained in the DFA were the tarsus, wing, and tail lengths. In addition, a MANOVA analysis showed that males were significantly larger than females in all measured traits. Overall, the method proposed is highly efficient and accurate for sexing this endemic bird species in the hand.

An island called India: phylogenetic patterns across multiple taxonomic groups reveal endemic radiations

Island systems from around the world have provided fascinating opportunities for studies pertaining to various evolutionary processes. One recurring feature of isolated islands is the presence of endemic radiations. In this regard, the Indian subcontinent is an interesting entity given it has been an island during much of its history following separation from Madagascar and currently is isolated from much of Eurasia by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south. Not surprisingly, recent molecular studies on a number of endemic taxa from India have reported endemic radiations. These studies suggest that the uniqueness of Indian biota is not just due to its diverse origin, but also due to evolution in isolation. The isolation of India has generated some peculiarities typically seen on oceanic islands. However, these patterns might be confined to, groups with low dispersal ability.

Age and origin of Australian Bennelongia (Crustacea, Ostracoda)

South-western Australia holds an exceptional number of endemic taxa and has been recognized as a biodiversity hotspot at a global scale. We report a much higher diversity in the genus Bennelongia (Ostracoda) in Western than in eastern Australia. Using mitochondrial COI sequence data for phylogenies, relative age estimates, lineage-through-time plots, and reconstructions of ancestral distributions, we test four hypotheses that might explain the higher diversity and endemicity in Western Australia. (1) We find no evidence for ancient relictualism as most Bennelongia species are probably of Miocene age. (2) There are also no apparent links to vicariant events: speciation has mostly taken place in Western Australia and has been ongoing through the evolutionary history of Bennelongia. (3) Dispersal has apparently not negatively affected Western Australian Bennelongia endemicity although these ostracods produce drought-resistant eggs. We report one case of recent long distance dispersal in B. dedeckkeri with genetically identical populations occurring more than 2,000 km apart. (4) Since speciation has been ongoing, there is no evidence of recent explosive speciation through genetic isolation. The underlying mechanisms of Bennelongia speciation thus remain elusive, although speciation has mostly occurred during a period of increasing aridification of Australia.

The endemic vascular flora of Peloritani Mountains (NE Sicily): Plant functional traits and phytogeographical relationships in the most isolated and fragmentary micro-plate of the Alpine orogeny

This study is aimed at (1) producing a complete and updated inventory of the endemic vascular flora of Peloritani Mountains, (2) defining the geographical limits of Peloritani, regarded here as a biogeographical district and (3) highlighting possible paleogeographic connections with other Mediterranean lands. The heterogeneity analysis of the endemic flora was performed by means of contingency tables, through the χ2 test. The endemic flora of this area consists of 129 specific and infraspecific taxa, of which 15 are restricted to the Peloritani Mountains. The analysis of habitats revealed that endemic taxa are most abundant on cliffs, rangelands, woods and garrigues. A large number of surveyed taxa are endemic to central-southern Italy and Sicily, while the number of endemic taxa in common with Calabria, Etna and Aeolian Islands turned out to be rather low, in spite of the geographical proximity. The endemic flora of Peloritani allows to emphasize palaeogeographical relationships not only with the neighbouring Mediterranean territories, but also with currently remote ones, such as southern Spain, Sardinia and Corsica. The phytogeographical framework substantiates the hypothesis that the Peloritani floristic district coincides with the limit given to Peloritani Mountains by structural geologists.

Chironomidae from Gough, Nightingale and Tristan da Cunha islands

The resurrection of trans-oceanic dispersal is the most striking aspect of a major shift in historical biogeography toward a more even balance between vicariance and dispersal explanations. Molecular dating of lineage divergences favors oceanic dispersal over tectonic vicariance as an explanation for disjunct distributions in a wide variety of taxa. Although many oceanic islands harbor a disproportionately high biodiversity and number of endemic taxa, the chironomid fauna of the South Atlantic islands of Gough, Nightingale and Tristan da Cunha apparently consists of 6 species only: Telmatogeton goughi sp. n. (described as male and female), Limnophyes minimus (Meigen), Smittia sp. (described as female), Thalassosmittia christinae sp. n. (described as female), Clunio jonesi sp. n. (described as male) and Allocladius lusciniolus Sæther et Andersen (described as female). Except for the marine T. goughi and C. jonesi the other species are parthenogenetic. Limnophyes minimus and A. lusciniolus dominate the chironomid fauna. Telmatogeton goughi is close to T. sanctipauli (Schiner). Thalassosmittia christinae differs from T. thalassophila (Bequaert et Goetghebuer) by having hairy eyes and antenna with subapical seta. Clunio jonesi differs from C. africanus and C. gerlachi by having ultimate flagellomere as long as the 4 preceding segments and gonostylus with only 1–2 apical spines. Allocladius lusciniolus differs from other known females of the genus by having 1–5 setae apically on M 1+2 .

THE FLORA OF HEKIMDAG (BOZDAG), ESKISEHIR

In this study the flora of Eskisehir Hekimdag (Bozdag) were investigated. According to Davis's grid system, the research area lies in B3 square. The plant samples collected in this region and determined that there are 59 families, as well as 467 species and subspecies taxa belonging to 219 genera. The phytogeographical distribution is as follows: 49 Mediterranean, 31 Euro-Siberian, 19 Irano- Turanian, 6 Euxin and 362 unknown or other-regional elements. The largest families are Asteraceae (50), Fabaceae (38), Lamiaceae (24), Poaceae (21) and Liliaceae (18) in terms of the number of species and subspecies included. Genera represented by the highest number of species are Centaurea (7), Alyssum (6), Silene, Astragalus, Trifolium, Lathyrus ve Campanula (5) . The number of endemic taxa within the study area is 41 (10.86%). 13 taxa are new records for the B3 squ

Levels of endemism are not necessarily biased by the co‐presence of species with different range sizes: a case study of Vilenkin and Chikatunov's models

AbstractAim To illustrate problems in the methods proposed by B. Vilenkin and V. Chikatunov to study levels of endemism and species–area relationships.Location The study used data on the distribution of tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) on the Aegean Islands (Greece).Methods A total of 32 islands and 170 taxa (species and subspecies) were included in this study. Levels of endemism were evaluated both as the proportion of endemic taxa, and according to the methods proposed by Vilenkin and Chikatunov, which are based on the number of non‐endemic taxa and various relationships with area. A model of the species–area relationship proposed by these authors was also analysed.Results The number of endemic taxa was positively correlated with the number of taxa with different distribution types, but this positive correlation did not influence the estimation of the level of endemism. In fact, the commonly used estimate of endemicity as a percentage was strongly correlated with the endemism values calculated according to the method of Vilenkin and Chikatunov. The usual power function fitted the species–area relationship as well as the most complicated method of Vilenkin and Chikatunov.Main conclusions As hypothesized by Vilenkin and Chikatunov, the number of endemic taxa was influenced both by the number of taxa of other biogeographical ranks, and by an island's area. However, explanations for the positive relationship between the number of endemic taxa and taxa of different biogeographical ranks are equivocal. Importantly, this relationship did not necessarily influence the level of endemism, which could be expressed adequately by percentages. The method proposed by Vilenkin and Chikatunov to estimate the species–area relationship cannot be clearly justified on theoretical grounds and is of questionable practical utility.

Dispersal is fundamental to biogeography and the evolution of biodiversity on oceanic islands

AbstractVicariance biogeography emerged several decades ago from the fusion of cladistics and plate tectonics, and quickly came to dominate historical biogeography. The field has since been largely constrained by the notion that only processes of vicariance and not dispersal offer testable patterns and refutable hypotheses, dispersal being a random process essentially adding only noise to a vicariant system. A consequence of this thinking seems to have been a focus on the biogeography of continents and continental islands, considering the biogeography of oceanic islands less worthy of scientific attention because, being dependent on stochastic dispersal, it was uninteresting. However, the importance of dispersal is increasingly being recognized, and here we stress its fundamental role in the generation of biodiversity on oceanic islands that have been createdin situ, never connected to larger land masses. Historical dispersal patterns resulting in modern distributions, once considered unknowable, are now being revealed in many plant and animal taxa, in large part through the analysis of polymorphic molecular markers. We emphasize the profound evolutionary insights that oceanic island biodiversity has provided, and the fact that, although small in area, oceanic islands harbour disproportionately high biodiversity and numbers of endemic taxa. We further stress the importance of continuing research on mechanisms generating oceanic island biodiversity, especially detection of general, non‐random patterns of dispersal, and hence the need to acknowledge oceanic dispersal as significant and worthy of research.

Areas of endemism of vascular plants in the Eastern Alps in relation to Pleistocene glaciation

AbstractAim The central aim of this paper is to localize areas of endemism of the vascular plant flora in the Eastern Alps. Moreover, causes for location and limits of the areas of endemism are assessed.Location The study area includes the Eastern European Alps and adjacent lowland areas.Methods Analyses were based on 288 vascular plant taxa endemic to the study region, scored in 115 operational geographic units, which were predominantly mountain ranges. For each of these units, number of endemic taxa, range down weighted endemism, environmental variables, elevation of the last glacial maximum ice sheet, and elevation of the snowline during the last glacial maximum, were estimated. To evaluate the relationships between the geographical areas, the presence/absence matrix of endemics in areas was used to calculate phenograms and cladograms. Values from the range down weighted endemism superimposed on phenograms and cladograms were used to indicate areas of endemism. Linear regressions between richness in endemism and environmental as well as palaeo‐environmental variables were used to infer causes of the observed patterns of endemism.Results The endemic taxa of the Eastern Alps show a very uneven distribution, the majority being confined to one or few mountain ranges. High levels of endemism are found in the southern, southeastern, easternmost, and northeastern Eastern Alps. Trees obtained from phenetic and cladistic methods were largely congruent. Seven areas of endemism were clearly delimited, all in regions that are regarded as glacial refugia. Two of them are located on siliceous, four on calcareous bedrock. Not all endemic taxa, however, grow in the areas of endemism. Therefore, enlargement areas are suggested. Linear regression showed a significant correlation between high endemism and low glacial ice cover, but not with other environmental variables.Main conclusions Vicariance resulting from Pleistocene glaciations is the most important factor causing distributional patterns of endemic plants and the formation of areas of endemism. Mapping values of weighted endemism onto trees facilitated delimitation and definition of the areas of endemism. Because of their strong dependence on siliceous bedrock and the resulting disjunct distributional patterns of some taxa in the Southern Alps, the inclusion of a few operational geographic units with high levels of endemism was not supported by the analyses. Despite post‐vicariant dispersal that causes problems in analyses of areas of endemism, the circumscription of areas of endemism in the Eastern Alps was possible to a satisfactory extent. Other methodological approaches, however, which include concepts of post‐vicariant dispersal and that allow overlap of areas of endemism would be highly useful.

Notes on the Poaceae of the Robinson Crusoe (Juan Fernández) Islands, Chile

Abstract Poaceae in the Robinson Crusoe (=Juan Fernandez) Islands number 53 species in 32 genera, of which 9% of the species are endemic, 9% indigenous, and 81% adventitious. The endemic taxa (and their conservation status) are: Agrostis masafuerana (rare), Chusquea fernandeziana (not endangered), Megalachne berteroana (not endangered), M. masafuerana (not endangered), and Podophorus bromoides (extinct). Megalachne and Podophorus are endemic genera. Comparisons with Poaceae in the Bonin and Volcano Islands, Canary Islands, Galapagos Islands, and Hawaiian Islands show different levels of endemism: number of endemic taxa, respectively, 5, 10, 12, 40; percent specific endemism, 8, 6, 21, 19. No endemic genera occur. Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avena barbata and Hordeum murinum are noxious weeds in the Robinson Crusoe Islands. Many adventives are shared among floras of the archipelagos, with the highest ties of Robinson Crusoe being to the Canaries (53% of total Poaceae known in Juan Fernandez) and the Hawaiian Is...

Réflexions sur la biodiversité: richesse, originalité et endémicité floris tiques

In order to ordinate some territories according to the abundance of their endemic taxa, their floristic richness (number of taxa per unit of area), originality (number of endemic taxa per unit of area), and endemicity (percent of endemic taxa) are studied. Some causes of the inequalities between the different territoiries are briefly discussed.

New Taxa and Nomenclatural Notes on the Flora of the Marojejy Massif, Madagascar: I. Capparaceae: A New Species of Crateva

A new species of Crateva L. is described from the Marojejy Massif in northeast Madagascar. It differs from previously described species in having simple obovate leaves with a rounded apex. The species is deciduous and flowers soon after the leaves emerge, indicating that it is a member of section Siccoruba Jacobs. The Marojejy Massif is an isolated upland area in northeastern Madagascar in the province of Antsiranana. Located between Andapa, to the west, and Sambava, to the east, the massif rises out of undulating lowlands to a vast upland area mostly above 800 m to its highest point at 2137 m, Marojejy Est. It is bounded by the valleys of the Androranga River on the north and the Lokoho River on the south. Marojejy is the easternmost of the satellite upland regions that surround Tsaratanana, which lies approximately 100 km to the northwest and at 2876 m is the center of the northern highlands. The upland areas that occur in closest proximity to Marojejy include Betsomanga (ca. 1250 m) ca. 25 km to the north, Andramanalana (2260 m) 40 km to the west, and For&t D'Anjanaharibe (ca. 1850 m) ca. 40 km to the southwest. A large number of endemic taxa have been reported from Marojejy (Humbert, 1955), but it is unclear what percentage of these also occur on the scattered peaks between Marojejy and Tsaratanana, as most remain very poorly explored. The central portion of the massif and some of the surrounding lowland areas comprise a 50,000-ha protected area, the Reserve Int6grale No. 12, which was established 31 December 1927. The massif consists mostly of uplifted gneiss, and the topography is extremely rugged with numerous peaks in the reserve above 1500 m. Marojejy and the Foret d'Anjanaharibe comprise most of the watershed for the Andapa region, one of Madagascar's most important rice-producing areas. Prevailing winds come from the southeast, and the northern portion of the reserve is somewhat drier than the southern and eastern flanks of the massif. The lowland portions of the reserve consist of a mosaic of evergreen tropical forest, with a canopy 30--60 m tall and secondary growth in areas of cyclone disturbance dominated by Afromomum angustifolium K. Schumann and several species of bamboo. The steep slopes of the central massif between 500 and 1000 m are also mostly forested, except for exposed areas of gneiss and the most extreme slopes. Above 1000 m, a variety of vegetation types occur, depending on slope, exposure, and depth of soil. More sheltered valleys are covered with wet, medium-height forest (the sylve d lichens of Humbert, 1955), whereas wind-swept ridges below about 1700 m have a dense cover of shrubs and occasional trees to 5 m. The uppermost reaches of the numerous peaks have an open, primarily herbaceous vegetation with numerous Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and Orchidaceae and scattered patches of shrubs up to about a meter tall primarily composed of Rubiaceae, Ericaceae, and Symphonia microphylla (Cambessades) Bentham & Hooker ex Vesque (Clusiaceae). Henri Humbert collected intensively in the area from 1948 to 1950, discovering many new taxa and clearly demonstrating that the massif is a center of endemism within northeastern Madagascar (Humbert, 1955). However, Humbert's published accounts of his collecting were not comprehensive, and the author began a new effort to inventory the region thoroughly with four collecting trips in 1988 and 1989. Since that time intensive collecting has continued, and the results will be summarized in a checklist of the Marojejy Massif (Miller, Rakotomalaza, Raharilala, and Rakotondrainibe, in prep.). These recent efforts have yielded many new discoveries that will be named in this series, although a species of Ardisia Swartz (Myrsinaceae) has been previously published based on these collections (Miller & Pipoly, 1993). The genus Crateva L. (see G6mez, 1953, for notes on the correct orthography of the generic name) consists of eight species widely distributed in the tropics (Jacobs, 1964), with three reported from Madagascar. Although Hadj Moustapha (1965) recognized four species, Jacobs (1964) pointed out that Crateva humblotii (Baillon) Hadj-Moustapha was a confused name robably based on Capparis humblottii Baillon and specimens referable to C. excelsa Bojer and C. obovNovoN 8: 167-169. 1998. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.131 on Sat, 15 Oct 2016 04:19:22 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms