Plant Nomenclature Research Articles

Innovations in plant classification and nomenclature

Innovations in plant classification and nomenclature

Progress with the trial phase for registration of new plant names

In a spirit of co-operation and to publicise this proposed innovation in plant nomenclature widely in southern Africa, this note has been submitted simultaneously to the following botanical journals: Bothalia , South African Journal of Botany , Forum Botanicum and SAB - ONET News . A trial phase for the registration of new plant names in South Africa, co-ordinated by the International Association of Plant Taxonomy in Berlin, is introduced. Registration can be effected by publishing a new name in an accredited journal or series or by submitting it to the national Registration Office established for this purpose.

(97‐100) Proposals regarding the nomenclature of fossil plants

The rules governing the nomenclature of fossil plants have long been unsatisfactory. Partly due to semantic disagreement, partly owing to the problems inherent in the fragmentary nature of fossils in general, and partly perhaps as a consequence of different traditions developing in various branches of palaeobotany, it has so far been impossible to produce a set of provisions that would reconcile past and current nomenclatural practices of palaeobotanists with the tenets of the nomenclatural Code. Recently, Fensome & Skog (in Taxon 46: 557-562. 1997) have produced two proposals that aim at rectifying this situation (but see comments below). In parallel, the botanical representatives in the International Committee of Bionomenclature tried to reformulate the rules on plant fossil nomenclature in the BioCode drafts. The results of their efforts, in which they were encouraged by expert feedback from several palaeobotanists, is not however directly relevant to the BioCode (the zoological rules, surprisingly, do not single out animal fossils by giving them any kind of special treatment), but falls fully within the jurisdiction of the botanical Code. It is therefore logical that we present our conclusions here, in a purely botanical context. We completely agree with Fensome & Skog (l.c.) on the inappropriateness of the present definition of form-genera in Art. 3.3, which introduced an unnecessary element of taxonomic judgement into fossil plant nomenclature. Deletion of Art. 3.3, as proposed by Fensome & Skog, is also a part of our own set of proposals. We must however comment on some of the implications of their second proposal, Prop. (05), with which we partly disagree.

Typification and the names of fossil plants – a review and discussion

SummaryFensome, R. A., Jansonius, J. & Skog, J. E.: Typification and names of fossil plants – a review and discussion. – Taxon 47: 695‐702. – ISSN 0040‐0262.The rules surrounding the designation of nomenclatural types to fossil plant taxa, including the definitions of the various kinds of type and the related requirements for valid publication, are found in several provisions of the International code of botanical nomenclature. In part because of the necessarily piecemeal nature of these rules, problems and ambiguities in interpretation have arisen that merit discussion. These problems and ambiguities include: the definition of the term lectotype; the use of isotypes and epitypes; the appropriate treatment of macrofossil types that are represented by more than one specimen; the application of Article 37.4 and the citation of collectors' names; the nature of the type of a generic name; the definition of “original material”; and the imperative to indicate the repository of a type. In our view, the increasing rate of change of the Code, which would reach a climax with the possible introduction of a BioCode, is also promoting ambiguities, and hence potential instability in plant nomenclature.

A bioclimatic classification of Chile: woodland communities in the temperate zone

The results of application of a global bioclimatic classification to Chile are presented. A total of 140 weather stations are assigned to bioclimatic belts on the basis of temperature and rainfall regime. In view of these assignements and of phytosociological data, a zonation of Chile into four major bioclimatic regions (Tropical, Mediterranean, Temperate and Boreal) is proposed. For the Temperate region, we discuss the distribution of the various climax forest communities with respect to bioclimatic belt. It is suggested that increased knowledge of the phytosociology of Chile will improve understanding of the climate of the different parts of the country. Nomenclature: Plant nomenclature follows Marticorena et al. (1985) for Chilean species.

Mini-essays: Using Writing for Fun and Creativity

Good written communication skills are essential for the success of our graduates. To promote good writing, students in Ornamental Plant Identification classes have been required to write mini-essays, one-page responses to real-world scenarios. Student's responses have been good and their writing has been very acceptable. The mini-essays were, however, just assignments to complete. In an attempt to get students truly involved and passionate about their writing, assignments were designed to illicit creative, fun responses. Students were asked to explain concepts to fourth graders. This brought responses that ranged from exercises where kids were to stick out their tongues to imitate humming birds, to a short play demonstrating the importance of plant nomenclature. Another assignment asked students to complete a story about the famous detective, Hortus paradoxa. Student responses were incredibly creative, and some of the best writing I have ever seen. In addition, students had fun. It seems clear that, if students know that it is OK to be creative, they will greatly exceed your expectations. Just be prepared to have lots of fun while learning. Samples of the assignments, responses, and what is next will be presented.

Bacterial plant pathology: cell and molecular aspects

1. Bacteria as plant pathogens 2. Bacterial structure and function 3. Taxonomy of plant pathogenic bacteria classification, nomenclature and identification 4. Plant pathogenic bacteria in the environment 5. The infection process 6. Compatible interactions: the hypersensitive response 7. Bacterial virulence and plant disease 8. Genetical analysis of plant pathogenic bacteria 9. Disease control Index.

Encyclopedia of perennials: a gardener's guide

This encyclopedia aims to provide professional horticulturalists and serious amateur gardeners with complete, easily accessible information on the most popular types of garden plants. This volume details all the important varieties - more than 450 genera comprising over 3000 species - of herbaceous perennials. It also incorporates a number of reader aids including: rules of plant nomenclature; glossary; discussion of propagation techniques with diagrams; and pest management.

The origins and implications of late prehistoric plant husbandry in northern Japan

Introduction Processes of acculturation and assimilation in contact situations have been the subject of considerable interest to North American and Japanese prehistorians alike. In the latter case, research has emphasized the transition, beginning about 1000 BC, to the wet-rice-focussed Yayoi (Akazawa 1981, 1986) (see TABLE1 for plant nomenclature used in this paper). The spread of agriculture to northeastern Japan is usually viewed as a northeastward progression of a frmtier that reached northern Tohoku by the Middle Yayoi (FIGURES 1 & 2). However, the situation is more complex than this, in our view, and involves a spatial and cultural dichotomy between Hokkaido and northern Tohoku on the one hand and southern Tohokusouthwestern Japan on the other. Furthermore, we interpret Ainu culture (as distinct from the Ainu biological population) of Hokkaido and Sakhalin to be an outcome of a long period of social interaction along this boundary.

Late-Glacial and Early Holocene Vegetational History at the Kolarik Mastodon Site, Northwestern Indiana

Analyses of pollen and plant macrofossils from the Kolarik Mastodon Site provide important refinements of the late-glacial and early Holocene vegetational record for northwestern Indiana. The record spans the period from> 12,000 to 9500 years B.P. Regional vegetation from> 12,000 to at least 11,000 years B.P. consisted of open, spruce-dominated forest or woodland. Both black and white spruce were present locally, along with aspen, fir and tamarack. The mastodon recovered from the site was associated with this vegetation. Vegetation of the region between 11,000 and 9500 years B.P. consisted of pine, spruce and hardwoods (oak, ash, hickory, hornbeam). Macrofossils indicate local presence of jack pine, white pine, tamarack, spruce, fir, alder and birch (probably paper birch). A radiocarbon date from a wood sample indicates that the upper boundary of the spruce-herb pollen zone in the region may be as young as 10,800 years B.P., 1000 years younger than suggested by previous studies in northern Indiana. The age discrepancy may result from carbonate contamination of bulk lake sediments. INTRODUCTION We present results of pollen and macrofossil studies of sediments collected during excavation of mastodon and other vertebrate remains from the Kolarik Site (Ellis, 1981) in Starke Co., Indiana (Fig. 1). These studies provide the basis for reconstructions of vegetation and environment associated with the vertebrate assemblage. In addition, our studies contribute new information on the late-glacial and early Holocene vegetational history of northwestern Indiana and provide chronological and taxonomic refinements of the regional pollen stratigraphy. Bailey (1972) has provided a general outline of postglacial vegetational development in northwestern Indiana. Bailey's studies are based on pollen and radiocarbon stratigraphy of two lakes in LaPorte County, 55 km N of the Kolarik Site (Fig. 1). Because these lakes are in areas of calcareous till, the sediments are susceptible to contamination by dead Paleozoic carbonate, making the radiocarbon dates of bulk lake sediments subject to significant error (Bailey, 1972; Ogden, 1967). The availability of radiocarbon dates based on plant macrofossil samples in clear stratigraphic association with the pollen sequence at the Kolarik Site provides an opportunity to test and refine the regional chronology. In addition, identification of macrofossils from bulk sediments at the Kolarik Site permits identification of palynologically indistinguishable taxa (e.g, species of spruce, pine and birch) and documents the presence of palynologically silent taxa (e.g, aspen, tamarack, herbs, aquatic macrophytes). These identifications form the basis for a more detailed understanding of regional and local vegetational change.2 SITE DESCRIPTION The study site is situated on the property of Andrew Kolarik immediately N of the Starke Co.-Pulaski Co. line in Starke Co. (Bass Lake 7.5' Quadrangle, T32N, R2W, Sec. 36, SE 1/4, SW 1/4, SE 1/4, SW 1/4) (Fig. 1). Elevation of the site is 218 m above mean sea level. 1Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello 83209. 2Vascular plant nomenclature after Fernald (1950).

Phytochemistry and plant taxonomy — an essay on the chemotaxonomy of higher plants

Modern methods of plant classification and plant nomenclature are outlined. It is proposed that taxonomists should make greater efforts to conserve existing plant names, for the benefit of phytochemists and other users. Chemotaxonomic principles are considered and some examples are provided to show the importance of chemical evidence in taxonomic revision. The value of chemical characters in the classification of plants below the specific level is also emphasized.

Diets of Four Wild Ungulates on Winter Range in Northcentral New Mexico

Wild horses, mule deer, elk and pronghorn diet botanical compositions were determined using fecal analysis on low elevation winter range in northcentral New Mexico during a year with near normal precipitation the previous growing season. Common winterfat (Eurotia lanata) was an important species in all ungulate diets. All ungulates consumed a high component of shrubs (over 31%). Wild horses, which are considered grazers, consumed diets comprised of over 69% forbs and shrubs. Dietary similarity between ungulate pairs was highest for wild horses and elk (71%) and lowest between elk and pronghorn (53%). Common use appears advantageous on this range because wild horses and elk use grasses which receive little use by mule deer and pronghorn. Information is lacking on winter food habits of wild ungulates using low elevation winter ranges in northcentral New Mexico. Wild ungulates using these ranges include pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadersis), and wild horses (Equus cabalus). These ranges are typically grazed by cattle (Ovis aries) and sheep (Bos taurus) during the winter. They receive little use by livestock during the summer because livestock are moved to higher elevations. Pronghorns are the only ungulates that use low elevation ranges throughout the year. Knowledge of forage selection by the different wild ungulates using the low elevation winter ranges would permit more accurate forage allocation to the different species and would be helpful for decisions regarding habitat manipulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the botanical composition of pronghorn, mule deer, elk, and wild horse diets on a low elevation winter range in northcentral New Mexico during the winter of 1980 when precipitation the previous growing season was near normal (109% of the mean). A secondary objective was to determine dietary overlap among the species. There was no fencing or topographic barriers that differentially affected wild ungulate access to various parts of the range studied. STUDY AREA AND METHODS.-This study was conducted in the San Antonio Mountain area in northcentral New Mexico during the winter of 1980. Rolling plains and mountain foothills typify the topography. Elevations range from 2,134 to 2,439 m above sea-level. A low shrub-shortgrass vegetation type dominates the study area. The primary plant community on the study is a common winterfat (Eurotia lanata) - blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) community. Other important plant communities include fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) - western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) and rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) - blue grama communities. A few scattered big sagebrush (Atremisia tridentata) - blue grama communities occur on the southern edge of the study area. Plant nomenclature follows Scott and Wasser (1980). Fecal analysis was used to determine the botanical composition of ungulate diets. Sampling was conducted bi-weekly. Samples involved a composite of fecal material by species from each of 30 defecations at each location where ungulates were observed. The number of samples

Plant Classification and Nomenclature in Ndumba, Papua New Guinea Highlands

Traditionally, the terms and have designated little more than the study of plant and animal utilization. In the past two decades, however, the ways in which the components of given biological environments are locally perceived and categorized have received increasing attention. Not only has the study of ethnobiological classification been recognized as essential to a wide variety of ethnographic concerns (cf. Frake I+2; Bulmer I967), but the discovery of possible universals in folk classification systems promises to enrich our understanding of human cognitive processes as well (Berlin et al. I973; Brown I977). The paucity of comprehensive studies of particular ethnobiological classification systems, however, has meant that generalizations have necessarily been based largely on a few well-described cases, most notably Hanunoo ethnobotany (Conklin I954), Kalam ethnozoology (Bulmer I967, I974) and Tzeltal Maya ethnobotany (Berlin et al. I974) and ethnozoology (Hunn I977). This paper provides an outline of the folk classification of plants in Ndumba, a New Guinea Highlands society. It is intended as a contribution to the ethnographic literature from a region in which ethnobotanical research has concentrated almost exclusively on plant utilization and related issues.2 Aside from its possible value to regional specialists, this description allows a critical assessment of ethnobiological proposed 'tuniversals, especially those by Berlin and his colleagues (Berlin et al. I973; Berlin I976). Following a brief sketch of the environment and culture of Ndumba, I will describe the more formal aspects of their view of the plant world following Berlin's suggested terminology and typologies to facilitate such an assessment. It will be seen that Ndumba plant classification deviates from Berlin's proposed general principles in a few particulars that are, for the most part, proba61y explainable in terms of the dynamic properties of classification systems.

Anogeissus Groves on Abandoned Village Sites in the Mole National Park, Ghana

Anogeissus Groves on Abandoned Village Sites in the Mole National Park, Ghana

The taxonomy and evolution of weeds

Summary:Taxonomy describes and classifies (i.e. maps) the diversity of nature. The most useful classifications are those that permit the delimitation, and subsequent identification, of species in such a way that they exhibit genetic differences and ecological preferences. However, all classifications have limitations for weed scientists. Genetic variation within species may be just as important as differences between species to the development of weed control practices. Because traditional concepts, such as species, variety and ecotype, cannot fully reflect the products of evolutionary processes, alternative taxonomic or para‐taxonomic representations of variation are considered. The dependence of plant nomenclature on these inherently limited taxonomic concepts is also discussed, and ways are suggested of minimizing the resultant degree of instability in the scientific names of weeds. The evolutionary responses of weeds to changing conditions suggest that although selection within populations is important, changes in the species composition of a weed flora may be a more common response to selection. Recombination through hybridization can be particularly significant, especially in the evolution of weeds which are genetically close to the crop species.

Index Herbariorum. Part I. The Herbaria of the World. Sixth edition. Compiled by K. Holmgren Patricia and Keuken. Wil [Regnum Vegetable no. 92.] Oosthoekj Scheltema & Holkema, Utrecht. [For the International Association for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature.] 30 October 1974 Pp. vii + 397. Price Dutch Guilders F 65.00 [US $25.00; about £10.83

Index Herbariorum. Part I. The Herbaria of the World. Sixth edition. Compiled by K. Holmgren Patricia and Keuken. Wil [Regnum Vegetable no. 92.] Oosthoekj Scheltema & Holkema, Utrecht. [For the International Association for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature.] 30 October 1974 Pp. vii + 397. Price Dutch Guilders F 65.00 [US $25.00; about £10.83]. - Volume 7 Issue 1

Principal features in the development of plant systematics and nomenclature

Principal features in the development of plant systematics and nomenclature

Ornamental Teaching Gardens: Design, Development, and Use

The teaching gardens at the University of Florida's (UF) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) were developed as an outdoor teaching laboratory to provide on-site plant collections for hands-on learning activities. The educational value of the gardens is witnessed daily by demonstrated landscape design principles and visible plant nomenclature. This is EDIS document FE469, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, UF/IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published January 2004. 
 https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe469

Book review

Book review Index to Plant Chromosome Numbers for 1966.— Robert Ornduff. Regnum Vegetabile 55:1–112, International Bureau for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature, Utrecht, Netherlands, 1967. Price $6.00. Systematic Biology, Volume 17, Issue 3, September 1968, Pages 336–337, https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/17.3.336 Published: 01 September 1968

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature adopted by the Tenth International Botanical Congress, Edinburgh, August 1964. Prepared and edited by J. Lanjouw and others. 402 pp. International Bureau for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature, Utrecht. December 1966. 40.00 Dutch Guilders (£4).

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature adopted by the Tenth International Botanical Congress, Edinburgh, August 1964. Prepared and edited by J. Lanjouw and others. 402 pp. International Bureau for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature, Utrecht. December 1966. 40.00 Dutch Guilders (£4).