Botanical Exploration Research Articles

Salvia gibbosa, S. gracilicaulis and S. ruizii (Lamiaceae), three new species from Peru

Peru is the second American country in terms of species richness of the genus Salvia but such diversity seems to be stabilized when compared with that in other American countries with continuous findings of new Salvia species. This is probably an artifact reflecting the need to intensify the study of the genus in the country and several taxonomic novelties are predicted. In fact, recent botanical explorations in northern Peru have led to the discovery of three new species unmatched with any of the known salvias, which are here consequently supported as new additions to the Peruvian Flora: Salvia gibbosa, S. gracilicaulis and S. ruizii. Descriptions, diagnostic characters, photographs and a distribution map are presented to support the proposal of these new species.

Más de 100 adiciones a la flora de Sinaloa: la contribución de nuevas exploraciones y la ciencia ciudadana a la investigación botánica

Background: Sinaloa is one of the states with the lowest number of botanical collections in Mexico, but with the highest number of observations on the iNaturalist/iNaturalistMX platform. In 2021, the floristic list of Sinaloa was published, but since then new explorations and discoveries have been made. Questions: How many and which vascular plant species should be added to the list of Sinaloa? What sources of information support them? Species studied: Vascular plants. Study site and years: Sinaloa, Mexico (2021-2024). Methods: Literature, herbaria, digital repositories, iNaturalistMX and botanical explorations were reviewed. Richness analyses were performed with species added by recent explorations and compared with collection databases and iNaturalistMX. Results: 130 species were added to the flora of Sinaloa, including three families (Podocarpaceae, Simaroubaceae and Symplocaceae) and 18 genera. Podocarpaceae and Simaroubaceae were also recorded for the first time for the Sierra Madre Occidental. The main sources of information were iNaturalistMX, recent collections and literature omissions. Ninety-two of the 130 additions have at least one record in iNaturalistMX, of which 31 are unique records. The areas with the most species added coincide with regions underrepresented in collections, historically considered low in richness due to collection biases. Conclusions: The flora of Sinaloa is far from completely known and collection biases have produced misinterpretations in the patterns of its richness. The use of iNaturalistMX and recent explorations allowed us to identify new areas rich in biodiversity.

Retrospective Approach to the Endemic Dianthus fruticosus L. ssp. fruticosus on Serifos Island (Cyclades, Greece).

The carnation Dianthus fruticosus L. ssp. fruticosus (Caryophyllaceae) is a range-restricted perennial, endemic plant that grows on cliffs, rocks, ravines, terraces, and boulders on Serifos Island in the Cyclades in the Aegean archipelago (Greece), possessing an impressive, aesthetic blossoming during the dry season. This indigenous carnation of Serifos has attracted the interest of naturalists and scientists. Specimens of this subspecific taxon from the island of Serifos (Greece) were collected during botanical explorations in preindustrial times by the French naturalist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1702) and in the late eighteenth century by the English Professor of Botany at the University of Oxford John Sibthorp (1787). Those specimens, documented in relevant publications and labelled with different names (i.e., Caryophyllus Graecus arboreus and Caryophyllus arboreus Seriphius in the early eighteenth century and Dianthus fruticosus in the early nineteenth century), are related to aspects of vegetation history, linking the past to the present and (most probably) to the future. Today, a thorough understanding of the in situ development and functionality of this endemic carnation is still required, as is a framework of its sustainability and management in small-scale insular habitats. The timeless perception of the emblematic wild carnation Dianthus fruticosus ssp. fruticosus, which is still growing on inland and coastal sites of Serifos and neighboring islands in the Cyclades (Greece), is also a reminder that a native plant is often a repository to which local communities may look when crafting their identity.

Blakea cubarralensis (Melastomataceae: Pyxidantheae): a new species from Colombia

A new species of Blakea (Melastomataceae) from the department of Meta, Colombia is described and illustrated here, with comments on its etymology, distribution and habitat, phenology, conservation status and taxonomic affinities. Blakea cubarralensis sp. nov. is readily distinguished by its floral bracteoles that are longer than the calyx lobes, the outer pair ovate-elliptic with a long-acuminate apex and 3-nerved, the lobed calyx, the anther connective prolonged into a blunt knob and the ovary 12-locular. The new species is categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List. This novelty highlights the importance of sub-andean forests and the need to conserve and increase botanical explorations in them.

<i>Cestrum amithii</i> (Solanaceae), nueva especie de San Luis Acatlán, Guerrero, México

Background: One specimen collected in Yoloxóchitl (San Luis Acatlán, Guerrero, Mexico) was initially reviewed by Michael Nee, who suggested that it could be a new species of the genus Cestrum, and commissioned to the first author to describe it. Questions: Do Cestrum populations from San Luis Acatlán, Guerrero, correspond to a new species for science? Studied species: Cestrum sp. nov. Study site and dates: Yoloxóchitl, Municipality of San Luis Acatlán, Guerrero; 2023-2024. Methods: The specialized bibliography on the genus Cestrum was examined, from which a list of species with similar morphology to the studied species was compiled, all of which were examined using high resolution digital photographs. A botanical exploration was carried out, locating three populations. A morphological analysis was conducted with the collected material. Results: Cestrum amithii is defined as a new species for science. This new species presents many differences in terms of floral and foliar characters from the other species of the genus. The most outstanding is its spathaceous calyx, which is markedly asymmetrical and large, with evident ribs and two to three lobes. C. amithii is known only from Yoloxóchitl, Guerrero, where it grows in sub-deciduous tropical forest vegetation, at elevations of 530-630 m asl. It is associated with seasonal streams and creeks. Conclusions: With this new discovery, the number of Cestrum species in the flora of Guerrero state increases to 16.

<i>Hechtia cerrostlatilpae</i> (Hechtioideae; Bromeliaceae), a new species from Morelos, Mexico

Background: As a result of botanical explorations carried out for the project Bromeliaceae of Mexico, we collected plants of the genus Hechtia within the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, in Xochipala, municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico. However, this plant does not resemble any known species. Question: Do the Hechtia populations in Xochipala correspond to an undescribed taxon? Studied species: Species of Hechtia previously reported from Morelos and all the taxa with greater morphological similarity to the new proposed taxon. Study site and date: Xochipala, municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico, 2023. Methods: Our research involved field work, review of herbarium specimens, protologues, and type material of all the species of Hechtia distributed in Morelos, in the neighboring states of Puebla and Guerrero, and of the most morphologically similar taxa. Results: After a careful and detailed review of the living material and herbarium specimens, we conclude that those plants belong to an undescribed taxon that we propose here. A morphological description, images, and a distribution map of Hechtia cerrostlatilpae are included, as well as an identification key and a list of examined specimens of all Hechtia species known from the state of Morelos. Conclusions: The discovery of a new species of Hechtia in Xochipala, Morelos, Mexico increases the plant diversity of Morelos, particularly at the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve. Hechtia cerrostlatilpae presents unique vegetative and floral characters that allow its recognition as a new species within the genus.

Hechtia marabascoensis (Hechtioideae; Bromeliaceae), a novelty from Colima and Jalisco, Mexico

Recent botanical explorations carried out in the states of Colima and Jalisco, Mexico, led to the discovery of a novelty of Bromeliaceae: Hechtia marabascoensis which is described and illustrated. The proposed taxon is compared to H. chamelensis, H. pacifica, and H. reticulata, species with the most similarities. A morphological description, images, and a distribution map of the new species are included, as well as an identification key and a list of examined specimens of all Hechtia species known to date from the states of Colima and Jalisco.

Noteworthy collections from the Alabama flora (U.S.A.)

From continued botanical exploration in Alabama, noteworthy collections representing seventeen taxa are included. Thirteen of these taxa are reported new to Alabama while the remaining four are significant for historical considerations. Each taxon cited below is vouchered into the University of West Alabama Herbarium (UWAL) with duplicates to be distributed.

Ethnobotany in Angola: The contribution of late 19th century christian missionaries to the knowledge of medicinal wild plants

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAngola has an extraordinary plant diversity and a great ethnobotanical potential. However, there is a general lack of information about the first botanical explorations in the country and their contribution to the knowledge of the medicinal flora. Aim of the studyThe main aim of this study was to unveil the ethnobotanical legacy of José Maria Antunes and Eugène Dekindt, priests of the first Catholic mission in Huíla (Angola) and shed light on their contribution to the knowledge of medicinal wild plants of the country, including information on the uses, plant parts used, and preparation methods documented in the late 19th century. The findings are discussed considering recent ethnobotanical studies to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the historical and traditional uses of plants in Angola over the last two centuries. Materials and methodsBased on the information available in manuscripts and on the study of botanical collections preserved in herbaria of Portugal and Angola, we extracted relevant information about the species used in traditional medicine by the rural population of Huíla, the health conditions treated, and the mode of preparation and application. ResultsOur results revealed that Antunes and Dekindt conducted the first ethnobotanical study in Huíla, and documented a large number of medicinal wild plants. From these, we report 191 medicinal species, including 25 endemic and four introduced species, belonging to 56 plant families and 146 genera. Fabaceae family presents the highest richness of medicinal plants (39 taxa), followed by Rubiaceae (13), Asteraceae (10), and Apocynaceae (9). The illnesses reported were classified into 15 different categories, with the highest number of species (49) corresponding to unspecific conditions, such as general pains, chills, and fever. Thirty-seven species were reported for respiratory diseases, 31 for musculoskeletal problems, and 30 for digestive issues. Leaves were the most used plant part for medicinal purposes (84 species). Infusion was the most frequently described preparation method (40 species), followed by maceration (24 species), and powdering (36 species). ConclusionsThe legacy of Antunes and Dekindt's work improves our understanding of Angola's botanical richness and traditional uses of plant resources. Our findings highlight the presence of unique medicinal resources in Angola, especially among endemic species, which hold the potential to improve the quality of life of rural communities. Moreover, our research underscores the lack of knowledge of medicinal species, emphasizing the risk of losing valuable historical information.

Pyotr Kostromitinov’s wood collection from Fort Ross: evidence of the early botanical exploration of northern California

Summary Systematic attribution of the wood samples collected in 1830 by Pyotr Kostromitinov, the Manager of Fort Ross, a Russian settlement on the Pacific coast of northern California, has been carried out. As some wood samples belong to the taxa that had not been described at the time of their collection, their labels provide interesting evidence for the first steps of botanical exploration of an exotic flora by the Russian colonists who were not professional naturalists. Particularly, Garrya has been recognized by them as Viburnum, Lyonothamnus as Arbutus, and Torreya as Taxus. In contrast, different species of Ceanothus have been referred not only to this genus, but also to Rhamnus and Laurus. The meanings of some Russian vernacular plant names mentioned in the published historical documents have been clarified. For instance, lavr (laurel) was used not only for California laurel Umbellularia californica, but also for some Ceanothus species (probably C. velutinus). The reference of the vernacular name chaga to Sequoia sempervirens has been confirmed. Unlike most early wood collections, Pyotr Kostromitinov’s samples are made of thin stems and branches with no conspicuous surfaces showing their wood appearance. Such pieces are hardly suitable for demonstration of aesthetic or technical properties of timber. Pyotr Kostromitinov’s samples likely represent one of the earliest cases of collecting wood as objects of particular interest for botany and, more generally, for natural history. It was an important novelty for the 1830s, as the botanical exploration of woods did not have any sufficient conceptual background in those times.

Clinopodium eplingianum (Lamiaceae), a new species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Recent botanical exploration in grasslands in northwestern Oaxaca have revealed a Clinopodium (Lamiaceae) taxon that cannot be referred to any of the current described species. This plant is most similar to C. hintoniorum from northeastern Mexico, in Nuevo Léon, in general habit and architecture; however, it can be easily distinguished by leaf blade shape and width, calyx teeth shape and length, lack of tufts of hairs between them and a distinction in the relative proportion between calyx and corolla tube. This new species represents an addition to the flora of Oaxaca and to the biogeographic province of Sierra Madre del Sur, being endemic to these two areas. The taxon is here presented as C. eplingianum in honor to Carl Epling, the most prominent scholar in the study of American Lamiaceae. Morphological description, distribution map and illustration of the species are provided.

An ecological perspective on Joseph Rock’s (1884–1962) plant collection activities in China

Abstract In the early 20th century, numerous western botanists, often referred to as ‘plant hunters’, embarked on ambitious expeditions to China, playing a crucial role in the study of botany and botanical diversity. Despite their contributions, comprehensive assessments of their explorations are lacking. To bridge this gap, this article focuses on the work of Joseph Charles Francis Rock, a notable figure in that era. Our work revisits Rock’s botanical expeditions within the broader context of botanical diversity conservation. It outlines his historical experiences in collecting plants in China and enumerates the species composition and phenotypic traits of the plants he collected. Additionally, it also analyzes the spatial distribution of the species, the completeness of his collection and the α- and β-diversity of the plants he collected. Our findings reveal that Rock led four major botanical expeditions in China between 1922 and 1933, amassing a total of 28 184 sheets and 16 608 numbers across 204 families, 1081 genera and 4231 species. His focus was predominantly on ornamental species, which exhibit a variety of flower colors and inflorescences. His collection work spanned 5 provinces, 35 cities and 72 counties, with a notable concentration in the Hengduan Mountains, a current biodiversity hotspot. This study not only reconstructs Rock’s botanical legacy but also offers valuable historical data and fresh analytical insights for understanding contemporary plant diversity. It contributes to the ongoing discourse on the importance of preserving plant diversity as a cornerstone of environmental sustainability.

What remains to be discovered: A global assessment of tree species inventory completeness

AbstractAimRecent unprecedented efforts to digitise and mobilise biodiversity data have resulted in the generation of ‘biodiversity big data’, enabling ecological research at scales previously not possible. However, gaps, biases and uncertainties in these data influence analytical outcomes and the validity of scientific research and conservation actions. Here, we estimated tree species inventory completeness globally and identified where future surveys should focus to maximise regional inventories.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe analysed spatial patterns in sampling effort of tree species occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity and Information Facility (GBIF) and estimated global tree species inventory completeness for 100 × 100 km grid cells (sampling units) and ecoregions. We also identified forested areas for future botanical exploration, by examining the spatial overlap between inventory completeness, remaining natural habitat and protected areas and degrees of forest modification by anthropogenic pressure (forest integrity).ResultsSpatial patterns in sampling effort and tree species inventory completeness were unevenly distributed around the world. Only 35% of ecoregions and 18% of sampling units can be considered well surveyed, most of which were concentrated in the Global North, including Europe, North America and Australia. Large areas in species‐rich tropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia, remained poorly documented. Moreover, our results showed that many areas with low inventory completeness overlapped with ecoregions retaining less than 50% of natural habitat and protected land area, as well as sampling units with low forest integrity.Main ConclusionsDue to limitations in biodiversity data, simply sampling more will not necessarily lead to increasing knowledge. We illustrated how gaps in these data can be used to improve existing knowledge by identifying priority areas for future surveys. With ongoing anthropogenic impacts and escalating rates of biodiversity loss, limited resources should be allocated to strategically survey regions likely to yield new knowledge and improve biodiversity representativeness.

Role of Forest Officers in Botanical Exploration in India

No Abstract.

A Resume of Botanical Explorations and Floristic Studies in the Central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh

No Abstract.

Botanical Exploration in Hamirpur District (U. P.) with Special Reference to Mahoba Aquatics

The paper includes an account of the vegetation of the Hamirpur District in South Uttar Pradesh as observed by the authors during three seasonal visits during 1961-62. The District has a large number of picturesque artificial lakes and water reservoirs and the aquatic flora has been given particular attention. The information gathered in this connection has been summarised in a table. The paper also includes an enumeration of more than 400 species of flowering plants and ferns which were gathered during the three collection tours.

Pteridophytes of Godavari Region

This article deals with the Pteridophyte Flora of East and West districts of Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. Botanical Explorations were undertaken in the Polavaram and Rampa agency tracts and in all 30 species of Pteridophytes representing 22 Genera and 14 Families are enumerated.

Botanical Results of the Joint Scientific Expedition to the Great Nicobar Island

The results of an extensive and intensive botanical exploration, conducted in the Great Nicobar Island during a Joint Scientific Expedition in 1966 are summarised in this paper. Notes on the topography, geology, soil and climate are given. The vegetation and flora are dealt under (1) Mangrove forat, (2) Beach forest, (3) Littoral forest, (4)Tropical Evergreen forest and (5) Riverine vegetation. An enumeration of plants, collected during the expedition is appended. Notes on plants of economic importance are given at the end.

A Contribution to the Flora of Pakhal and Surrounding Regions in Narasampet Taluk, Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh

The paper presents a detailed account of the flora of the Pakhal Reserve Forest and the surrounding regions in Narasampet Taluk, Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh. Intensive botanical explorations were carried out by the authors in the region during the years 1960-63.As a result of the explorations 254 species of plants belonging to 198 genera and 70 families have been collected and recorded for the region. The paper contains an enumeration of the above species.

Observations on the Vegetation of Eastern Kumaon Bordering the Nepal Frontier

The paper describes some of the observations made during a botanical exploration tour of Eastern Kumaon bordering the Nepal Frontier and includes a list of plants collected with brief botanical notes. Among the plants collected are specimens of Triosteum hirsutum Wall., a rare member of Caprifoliaceae, Stylophorum lactucoides Benth. & Hook. f. of the Papaveraceae rarely collected in the past, Osmunda regalis L. and Thesium himalense Royle.