Floristic Region Research Articles

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

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

Pollinator shifts despite hybridisation in the Cape's hyperdiverse heathers (Erica, Ericaceae).

Interrogating the ecological and geographic factors that influence population divergence dynamics can reveal why some groups of organisms diversify more prolifically than others. One such group is the heathers (Erica, Ericaceae), the largest plant genus in the Cape Floristic Region. We study Erica abietina, a highly variable species complex with four subspecies differing in geographic range, habitat and pollination syndrome. We test for population differentiation, hybridisation, introgression and pollinator-driven divergence using genotyping-by-sequencing on samples across the entire distribution. We find five variably distinct genetic groups, with one subspecies comprising two independent lineages that are geographically isolated and occur on different soil types. Phylogenetic analysis suggests two independent shifts between bird and insect pollination, with accompanying genetic divergence. However, for one pair of populations with different pollinators, we uncover several individuals of hybrid origin at a site of sympatry. These results suggest that floral differentiation driven by divergent selection acts in concert with geographic isolation to maintain reproductive isolation and promote speciation. Our investigations reveal a highly dynamic system whose diversity has been shaped by a variety of interacting forces. We suggest that such a system could be a model for much of the diversification of the Cape flora.

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

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

Genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships of a widespread East Asia herb, Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk. (Apiaceae) based on genomic SNP data generated by dd-RAD sequencing.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most prevalent form of genomic polymorphism and are extensively used in population genetics research. Using dd-RAD sequencing, a high-throughput sequencing method, we investigated the genome-level diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships among three morphological forms of the widely distributed taxon Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk., which is native to East Asia. Our study aimed to assess the species status of C. japonica according to its genetic structure and genetic diversity patterns among 66 naturally distributed populations, comprising 26C. japonica f. japonica, 36C. japonica f. dissecta (Y. Yabe) Hara and 4C. japonica f. pinnatisecta S. L. Liou accessions. Based on genomic SNP data generated by dd-RAD sequencing, we conducted genetic diversity, principal component, neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic, admixture clustering, and population differentiation analyses. The findings revealed the following: (1) 5,39,946 unlinked, high-quality SNPs, with mean π, H O, H E and F IS values of 0.062, 0.066, 0.043 and -0.014, respectively, were generated; (2) population divergence was unaffected by isolation through distance; (3) six main distinct regions corresponding to geographic locations and exhibiting various levels of genetic diversity were identified; (4) pairwise F ST analysis showed significant (P < 0.05) population differentiation in 0%-14% of populations among the six regions after sequential Bonferroni correction; and (5) three migration events (historical gene flow) indicated east‒west directionality. Moreover, contemporary gene flow analysis using Jost's D, Nei's G ST, and Nm values highlighted the middle latitude area of East Asia as a significant contributor to genetic structuring in C. japonica. Overall, our study elucidates the relatively low genetic differentiation and population structure of C. japonica across East Asia, further enhancing our understanding of plant lineage diversification in the Sino-Japanese Floristic Region.

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

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

Eco-evolutionary origins and diversification in a megadiverse hotspot: Arthropods in the Greater Cape Floristic Region.

The Greater Cape Floristic Region at the southern tip of Africa is a global megadiversity hotspot. The region's biodiversity has been driven by a long history of topographic, climatic, and sea level change coupled with geological uplift, and without being exposed to any major climate events such as glaciations since the breakup of Gondwana. Among arthropods, this long history has led to the survival of many ancient lineages, manifested by much disparity followed by considerable speciation in more recent times, with the emergence of many cryptic species flocks. There is much convergence among the various taxa and functional groups in how they have responded to the various environmental filters of the past. There has also been the development of a great many morphological, behavioral, and microhabitat specialisms, associated with both topography and particular habitats, as well as interactions with other organisms. Morphological and molecular advances are elucidating how this megadiversity came about. There are indications that among the arthropod fauna, especially species that are small-sized and have cryptic lifestyles, many more taxa remain to be discovered. Here, we review the eco-evolutionary trends that have occurred in this region and that have resulted in such remarkable arthropod diversity. Conservation of the arthropod fauna requires recognition of this historical biogeography and ecology. Instigation of approaches over wide areas is required so as to encompass all this diversity.

Projections on the Spatiotemporal Bioclimatic Change over the Phytogeographical Regions of Greece by the Emberger Index

Unquestionably, the rapidly changing climate and, therefore, alterations in the associated bioclimate, constitute an alarming reality with implications for daily practice and natural capital management. This research displays the present and projected bioclimate evolution over Greece’s phytogeographical regions. For this purpose, ultrahigh-resolution computation results on the spatial distribution of the Emberger index’s Q2 classes of bioclimatic characterization are analyzed and illustrated for the first time. The assessments are performed over the reference period (1970–2000) and two future time frames (2021–2040; 2041–2060) under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. By 2060 and under the extreme RCP8.5, intense xerothermic trends are demonstrated owing to the resulting significant spatial evolution mainly of the Arid–Hot, Semi-Arid–Very Hot, Semi-Arid–Hot, and Semi-Arid–Temperate Q2 classes, respectively, over the phytogeographical regions of Kiklades (up to 29% occupation), Kriti and Karpathos (up to 30%), West Aegean Islands (up to 26%), North East (up to 56%), and North Central (up to 31%). The RCP8.5 long-term period exhibits the strongest impacts over approximately the right half of the Greek territory, with the bioclimate appearing more dry–thermal in the future. In conclusion, the Emberger index provides an in-depth view of the Greek area’s bioclimatic regime and the potential alterations due to climate change per phytogeographical region.

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

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

New perspectives, additions, and amendments to plant endemism in a North African flora

BackgroundEndemism is essential in biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation tasks. Based on herbarium specimens kept in some local herbaria, many published literature, and available information, we compiled a comprehensive list and an updated assessment of the Egyptian endemic and near-endemic taxa. The application of quantitative approaches to the distribution patterns, conservation status, and habitat preference of endemic taxa in Egypt was provided. Comparisons of the near-endemic taxa with other neighbouring flora were explained. For each taxon, the distribution patterns, most preferable habitat, biological spectrum, and taxa among 14 phytogeographical regions (Operational Geographical Units; OGUs) of Egypt were determined.ResultsIn this study, 19 endemics (out of 70) and 76 near-endemics (out of 181) are newly added taxa. Differentiation indices represented the taxonomic degrees of differentiation among endemic taxa. Two different indices were used to assess endemism: single-region endemic taxa (SRET) and multiple-region endemic taxa (MRET). Most endemic and near-endemic taxa were recorded from the mountainous Sinai (S) and the Mareotis sector of the Mediterranean coastal land (Mm). Generally, the most represented families in endemic and near-endemic areas were Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae. More than 60% of the endemic taxa occurred in the sandy plains, wadis (desert valleys), and rocky plains and mountains. Applying hierarchical cluster analysis to the occurrences of 70 endemic taxa in the 14 studied OGUs revealed five main floristic groups (I–V), each characterized by certain OGUs. We provided eight groups of near-endemic taxa that represented their extension in neighbouring countries.ConclusionsThe presented data will help to fill the gap in our knowledge of endemism, provide baseline information to understand biogeographical processes and facilitate further cooperation toward conservation purposes.

A taxonomic revision of GarciniasectionGarcinia (Clusiaceae) in Thailand.

GarciniasectionGarcinia (Clusiaceae) is revised for Thailand with three species and one variety, i.e., two native species: G.celebica and G.exigua, and one cultivated species: G.mangostanavar.mangostana. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key to the species are presented, along with notes on distributions, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. The section is recognized by its terminal inflorescences of simple cymes, or sometimes a solitary flower; flowers with 4 sepals and 4 petals; male flowers often with a pistillode, and stamens united into a single 4-lobed or 4-angled bundle, and with 2-thecous anthers; usually multilocular ovaries and stigmas with distinct or weak lobes and smooth or rough; and fruits with a smooth surface. Three associated synonyms of G.celebica: G.ferrea, G.basacensis, and G.hombroniana, are lectotypified here in a second-step. In Thailand, Garciniacelebica is found in a very wide variety of habitats, at elevations of 0-1,500 m amsl., and is known to be naturally distributed in all floristic regions. G.exigua is found in dry evergreen forest on limestone hills and in littoral dry evergreen forest on limestone hills, at elevations of 50-100 m amsl. in Krabi Province, the peninsular region. G.mangostanavar.mangostana is found only in cultivation. Garciniaexigua has a conservation status of Vulnerable [VU B2ab(iii)] and the other two species have a conservation status of Least Concern [LC]. The fleshy pulp surrounding the seeds of two species, G.celebica and G.mangostanavar.mangostana is edible and has a sweet-sour taste.

Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae).

Estimates of the number of vascular plant species currently under threat of extinction are shockingly high, with the highest extinction rates reported for narrow-range, woody plants, especially in biodiversity hotspots with Mediterranean and tropical climates. The large genus Erica is a prime example, as a large proportion of its 851 species, all shrubs or small trees, are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa. Almost two hundred are known to be threatened and a further hundred are 'Data Deficient'. We need to target conservation efforts and research to fill the most problematic knowledge gaps. This can be especially challenging in large genera, such as Erica, with numerous threatened species that are closely related. One approach involves combining knowledge of phylogenetic diversity with that of IUCN threat status to identify the most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. We present an expanded and improved phylogenetic hypothesis for Erica (representing 65% of described species diversity) and combine this with available threat and distribution data to identify species and geographic areas that could be targeted for conservation effort to maximise preservation of phylogenetic diversity (PD). The resulting 39 EDGE taxa include 35 from the CFR. A further 32 high PD, data deficient taxa are mostly from outside the CFR, reflecting the low proportion of assessed taxa outside South Africa. The most taxon-rich areas are found in the south-western CFR. They are not the most phylogenetically diverse, but do include the most threatened PD. These results can be cross-referenced to existing living and seed-banked ex situ collections and used to target new and updated threat assessments and conservation action.

Deciphering Pteronia's evolution in the Cape Floristic Region: A comprehensive study disputes polyploid deficiency and affirms diploid radiation.

The Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, accommodating over 11 000 plant species, notable degree of endemism, and substantial diversification within limited plant lineages, a phenomenon ascribed to historical radiation events. While both abiotic and biotic factors contribute to this diversification, comprehensive genomic alterations, recognized as pivotal in the diversification of angiosperms, are perceived as uncommon. This investigation focuses on the genus Pteronia, a prominent representative of the Asteraceae family in the GCFR. Employing NGS-based HybSeq and RADSeq methodologies, flow cytometry, karyology, and ecological modeling, we scrutinize the intricacies of its polyploid evolution. Phylogenetic reconstructions using 951 low-copy nuclear genes confirm Pteronia as a well-supported, distinct clade within the tribe Astereae. The ingroup displays a structure indicative of rapid radiation likely antedating polyploid establishment, with the two main groups demarcated by their presence or absence in the fynbos biome. Genome size analysis encompasses 1293 individuals across 347 populations, elucidating significant variation ranging from 6.1 to 34.2 pg (2C-value). Pteronia demonstrates substantially large genome sizes within Astereae and phanerophytes. Polyploidy is identified in 31% of the studied species, with four discerned ploidy levels (2x, 4x, 6x, 8x). Cytotypes exhibit marked distinctions in environmental traits, influencing their distribution across biomes and augmenting their niche differentiation. These revelations challenge the presumed scarcity of polyploidy in the Cape flora, underscoring the imperative need for detailed population studies. The intricate evolutionary history of Pteronia, characterized by recent polyploidy and genome size variation, contributes substantially to the comprehension of diversification patterns within the GCFR biodiversity hotspot.

Redefining the megagenus Erica L. (Ericaceae): the contributions of E. G. H. Oliver and I. M. Oliver (née Nitzsche) to taxonomy and nomenclature.

The megagenus Erica L. (Ericaceae), as it is recognised today, includes 851 species of evergreen shrubs or small trees, the majority of which are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. From the first descriptions in Linnaeus's Genera plantarum, a succession of authors ascribed the steadily accumulating numbers of known species to various of a total of 72 different genera. Until the latter half of the twentieth century, so called 'minor genera' such as Philippia Klotzsch and Blaeria L. were still recognised for many African species. The now uncontroversial inclusive circumscription of Erica, and a substantial proportion of its currently recognised species diversity, was conceptualised, described, and illustrated by the South African botanists E. G. H. ('Ted') Oliver and Inge M. Oliver in a succession of works published from 1964 to the present day. We review the historical development of generic delimitation in Erica sens. lat., focusing on the contribution of the Olivers to the current state of systematic knowledge of the genus, and presenting an overview and complete lists of literature and of taxa that they authored.

Assessment of the prospects for using pharmacopoeial plants of the Trans-Baikal territory

The work represents a preliminary stage of resource studies of the Daurian part of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The XIVth edition of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (2018) includes 102 species of medicinal plants, of which 30 species are found in the Trans-Baikal Territory. Using methods of approximate evaluation of the stocks of medicinal raw materials, we tentatively divided pharmacopeial species into three utilization groups: ten species can be harvested for the needs of the regional pharmacies, eight species can be collected for domestic use by local population, and only five widespread species (Pinus sylvestris L., Betula pendula Roth, Padus avium Mill., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., Ledum palustre L.) can be used as a resource for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry of the Russian Federation. The remaining species Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Sprengel, Vaccinium myrtillus L., Carum carvi L., Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott are found in sporadic locations, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Rhodiola rosea L., Convallaria keiskei Miq. is included in the 2017 Red Data Book of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Harvesting of these species is prohibited. It has been established that for the resource studies the most promising are 15 medicinal plant species, and the most promising locations are Yablonovay Range and Argun Dauria floristic regions due to the greatest diversity of pharmacopoeial medicinal plants there.

Geographic patterns and climatic drivers of the mean genus age of liverworts in North America

Phylogenetic niche conservatism posits that species tend to retain ancestral ecological traits and distributions, which has been broadly tested for lineages originating in tropical climates but has been rarely tested for lineages that originated and diversified in temperate climates. Liverworts are thought to originate in temperate climates. Mean lineage age reflects evolutionary history of biological communities. Here, using regional liverwort floras across a long latitudinal gradient from tropical to arctic climates in North America, we test the age-component of the temperate niche conservatism hypothesis. Mean genus age (MGA) was estimated for each of 76 regional floras of liverworts. We related MGA to climatic variables for North America as a whole and for its eastern and western parts separately, and used variation partitioning analysis to assess the relative importance of temperature- versus precipitation-related variables and of climate extremes versus seasonality on MGA. We found that older genera of liverworts tend to concentrate in humid regions of intermediate temperatures in the range of 10 °C–20 °C, from which liverworts have adapted to and diversified into more arid, colder, and hotter regions, supporting the temperate niche conservatism hypothesis. We also found that across North America the MGA of liverwort assemblages is more strongly affected by precipitation-related variables than by temperature-related variables, and is more strongly affected by climate extremes than by climate seasonality. Geographic patterns of the MGA of liverworts are consistent with the temperate niche conservatism hypothesis, rather than the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis, the latter of which is broadly supported by angiosperms.

Анализ распределения видов флоры по высотным поясам бассейна реки Аргун

The Argun River is the largest river in the Sunzha basin. It originates on the Main Caucasian Ridge near the Chokismta-Matura peak (3189.7 m) in Georgia (historical region of Khevsureti). Before crossing the Lateral Ridge, it receives a large right tributary of the Andaki River (31 km long), whose sources are also on the Main Ridge near the Mal. Barbalo peak (3136 m). The length of the Argun River is 148 km, the total area of the basin is 3390 km2, it flows into the Sunzha River, a right tributary of the Terek River. In the upper reaches before the confluence with the right tributary, the Sharo-Argun River is historically called Chanty-Argun. Materials and methods. Materials and methods of research. Flora species and floristic complexes with different habitats within the Argun River basin were selected as the object of study. The material for the study was obtained during expeditionary trips for observations and herbarium collections in the period 2020–2023 in various altitudinal zones of the Argun River basin. Results and discussion. As a result of the research carried out in the Argun. Results. River basin, we recorded three groups of floras in the study area: plain-foothill, mid-mountain and high-mountain, the uneven distribution of floristic complexes in which made it possible to distinguish 6 floristic regions; More than half of the flora territory is located in the protected area system (2 reserves of republican significance, one of federal significance), 116 species are listed in the Red Books of the federal and regional levels, and another 16 species are proposed for protection. Discussion. The presence of narrow-local endemics in the flora also emphasizes its originality. It is advisable to include the entire Itum-Kalinsky floristic region in the territory of the Sovetsky biological reserve. Thus, many “Red Book” species, most of which are found only in this area, will be taken under real protection. These are Astracantha denudata, Berberis vulgaris, Сeltis glabrata, Cerasus incana, Cladochaeta candidissima Clenmatis integrifolia, Colutea orientalis, Cotynus coggygria, Crambe grandiflora, Dianthus daghestanicus, Ephedra procera, Fumana procumbens, Galanthus caucasicus, Gentiana grossheimii, Hippophaer hamnoides, Iris pumila, Gladiolus tenuis, Juniperus oblonga, Mandenovia komarovii, Medicago daghestanica, Notholaena maranthae, Omphalodes rupestris, Scabiosa rotata, Stipa caucasica, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, Xanthobrychys majorovii. Conclusions. The total number of flora elements is significantly greater than the number of species in this area, since many of them are ecologically flexible and can be found in two or three vegetation zones, less often in four. Most species are confined to the steppe and forest zones, where the highest percentage of ruderal-segetal and alien species is observed, i.e. the quantitative composition is associated with anthropogenic impact on natural phytocenoses. The least number of species is in the subnival zone, where only petrophytes live, mostly endemics and subendemics.

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

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

Selection of succulent species to be used on green roofs according to phytogeographic regions: Türkiye example

The objective of this study was to determine the succulent plant species that can be used on green roofs to be recommended for 3 phytogeographic regions in Türkiye. Three phytogeographic regions in Türkiye and the succulent taxa found in the natural flora of these regions were chosen as the study material. In the study, firstly, literature search was conducted. Then, family, endemism, hairiness, climate, altitude and habitat status of succulent species obtained from the literature were determined. In line with the information obtained in the last stage, taxa that can be recommended for green roofs in 3 different phytogeographic regions are listed. As a result of the study, it was determined that Saxifraga spp. and Sempervivum spp. in cool climates, Umbilicus spp. and Rosularia spp hot climates that the genera are the genera with the highest number of taxa. Also, ranked in both cool and warm climates, Sedum spp. and Rosularia spp. first in terms of the species richness of its genera The findings of this study are of importance in terms of helping the selection of the right succulent species that can be used on green roofs for countries located in similar phytogeographic regions around the world.

Uncertainty in consensus predictions of plant species' vulnerability to climate change

AbstractAimVariation in spatial predictions of species' ranges made by various models has been recognized as a significant source of uncertainty for modelling species distributions. Consensus approaches that combine the results of multiple models have been employed to reduce the uncertainty introduced by different algorithms. We evaluate how estimates of habitat suitability, projected using species distribution models (SDMs), varied among different consensus methods relative to the variation introduced by different global climate models (GCMs) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) used for projection.LocationCalifornia Floristic Province (California, US portion).MethodsWe modelled the current and future potential distributions of 82 terrestrial plant species, developing model predictions under different combinations of GCMs, RCPs, time periods, dispersal assumptions and SDM consensus methods commonly used to combine different species distribution modelling algorithms. We assessed how each of these factors contributed to the variability in future predictions of species habitat suitability change and aggregate measures of proportional change in species richness. We also related variability in species‐level habitat change to species' attributes.ResultsAssuming full dispersal capacity, the variability between habitat predictions made by different consensus methods was higher than the variability introduced by different RCPs and GCMs. The relationships between species' attributes and variability in future habitat predictions depended on the source of uncertainty and dispersal assumptions. However, species with small ranges or low prevalence tended to be associated with high variability in range change forecasts.Main ConclusionsOur results support exploring multiple consensus approaches when considering changes in habitat suitability outside of species' current distributions, especially when projecting species with low prevalence and small range sizes, as these species tend to be of the greatest conservation concern yet produce highly variable model outputs. Differences in vulnerability between diverging greenhouse gas concentration scenarios are most readily observed for end‐of‐century time periods and within species' currently occupied habitats (no dispersal).

Woody flora of Karumpuliyuthu Hill, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India: a checklist

Qualitative field surveys were conducted to record the woody plant (tree, shrub, and liana) wealth in Karumpuliyuthu Hill, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu. All the recorded species were confirmed with regional floras. The qualitative field survey allowed us to record 42 species in 32 genera and 19 families. The family Fabaceae had a large number of species (13 species) in the study area. The present study adds valuable information about the occurrence of 42 woody plant species in a tropical thorn forest ecosystem. The woody plant community is dominated by native plants, and only three are introduced. Nearly half of the recorded species produce fleshy fruits, thus providing food to small mammals and birds.