Species Of Eriocaulaceae Research Articles

Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats, India

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Eriocaulon sanjappae (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India

A new species of Eriocaulaceae, Eriocaulon sanjappae is described from the southern Western Ghats, India. It is morphologically close to E. rajendrababui, in having glabrous, connate male sepals and non‐appendaged seeds but differs by its smaller leaves and peduncles, hemispherical heads, oblong involucral bracts, hairy receptacles, non‐glandular male petals, hairy female sepals and elliptic, brownish‐yellow seeds. A detailed description, illustration and photographic images are provided. The morphological differences with relevant species are discussed. The status of the new species is provisionally assessed here as ‘Critically Endangered' (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

<strong>Novelties from the Serra Nova State Park (Minas Gerais, Brazil): two new endemic species of Eriocaulaceae</strong>

Two new micro-endemic species of Eriocaulaceae are described from the Campos Rupestres of Serra Nova State Park, a conservation unit located in the Espinhaço Range in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Herein we provide descriptions, illustrations, photographs and maps, together with notes on morphology, distribution, phenology, taxonomy, and conservation. Paepalanthus ferrugineus is distinguished mainly by the reddish-brown involucral bracts, surpassing the floral disc, with the apex attenuate and tufted adaxially, tufted sepals and hairy petals. Syngonanthus polyaxis is easily differentiated by the inflorescence architecture with three morphologically distinct axial parts. Both species are considered Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Effects of heat stress and seaweed-derived biostimulants on the germination of Comanthera mucugensis, an endemic plant of fire-prone Campos rupestres of Chapada Diamantina (Brazil)

Fires are common in Chapada Diamantina and reach large extensions of Campos rupestres, where there is a high number of endemic species, among which Comanthera mucugensis stands out. However, the effect of high temperatures on the seeds of this species is unknown (or alternatives to mitigate thermal stress). The present study evaluated the effects of heat stress and the effect of aqueous and polysaccharide extracts from seaweeds Agardhiella subulata and Hypnea pseudomusciformis, and κ-carrageenan on germination and post-seminal development of C. mucugensis seeds. The seeds were exposed to four high-temperature levels: 40, 45, 50, and 55 °C. Subsequently, they were germinated in germitest paper moistened with distilled water, aqueous and polysaccharide extracts from seaweeds and κ-carrageenan in different concentrations: 10, 1 and 0.1 mg ml−1. The seeds of C. mucugensis were heat tolerant up to 50 °C. The high concentration of aqueous and polysaccharide extracts was efficient in mitigating the thermal stress on seeds stressed at 45 and 50 °C. In a condition of non-stress and low thermal stress (40 °C), the low concentration of extracts and κ-carrageenan improved the frequency of germination and post-seminal development of the seeds. It is the first report on the effects of heat on seeds of Eriocaulaceae species from Chapada Diamantina.

<strong><em>Paepalanthus mellosilvae</em> (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from the Mantiqueira Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil </strong>

Paepalanthus mellosilvae is here described and illustrated as a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the Atlantic Forest domain in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The new species is known from a single locality in the Mantiqueira Range, growing along trails through cloud forests. According to the IUCN criteria, it is suggested here as critically endangered. Paepalanthus mellosilvae is compared to P. harmsii, a morphologically similar species also growing in the Mantiqueira Range, being mainly distinguished by the presence of a rhizome, narrower leaves, more numerous scapes, narrower capitula, sparsely pilose involucral bracts, and obdeltate floral bracts. Additional comments on the taxonomy, morphology, and distribution of the species, along with illustrations are provided. The specific epithet is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Renato de Mello-Silva.

Three New and Endemic Species of Eriocaulaceae from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract—Three new species of Eriocaulaceae, endemic to the Serra da Canastra in Minas Gerais state, are described. Paepalanthus petraeus is assigned to P. ser. Paepalanthus, differing within the series by its thickened stem accumulating leaf sheaths, linear leaves, and numerous scapes shorter or equaling the leaf height and bearing capitula with brown involucral bracts. Paepalanthus sinuosus belongs to P. subsect. Polyactis and is distinguished by few scapes in lax fascicles, more than twice as long as the leaves, which are patent to slightly recurved, and light brown involucral bracts with acute apex. Syngonanthus culcitosus, within S. sect. Syngonanthus, is unique due to its elongate and branched stem forming dense mats, simple inflorescences, cream-colored involucral bracts equaling the length of the floral disc, and gynoecium with nectariferous appendages. Comparisons with the most similar species are provided for each new taxon. Maps, photographs, and illustrations are presented, together with comments on phenology, distribution, habitat, and morphology. Paepalanthus petraeus and P. sinuosus are likely to be assessed as Critically Endangered, and S. culcitosus as Vulnerable, according to IUCN criteria.

Paepalanthus fabianeae (Eriocaulaceae): A New Microendemic Species from a Morphologically Coherent Clade

Abstract—We describe and illustrate Paepalanthus fabianeae, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the central portion of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Previous phylogenetic evidence based on analyses of nuclear (ITS and ETS) and plastid (trnL-trnF and psba-trnH) sequences revealed P. fabianeae as belonging to a strongly supported and morphologically coherent clade containing five other species, all of them microendemic, restricted to the Espinhaço range. Due to the infrageneric classification of Paepalanthus being highly artificial, we preferred not assigning P. fabianeae to any infrageneric group. Paepalanthus fabianeae is known from two populations growing in campos rupestres (highland rocky fields) in the meridional Espinhaço Range. The species is characterized by pseudodichotomously branched stems, small, linear, recurved, and reflexed leaves, urceolate capitula, and bifid stigmas. Illustrations, photos, the phylogenetic position, and a detailed description, as well as comments on habitat, morphology, and affinities with similar species are provided. The restricted area of occurrence allied with threats to the quality of the habitat, mainly due to quartzite mining, justifies the preliminary classification of the new species in the Critically Endangered (CR) category using the guidelines and criteria of the IUCN Red List.

Typifications of Eriocaulaceae for the species present in the Argentinean Flora

As part of a revision of the Argentinean species of Eriocaulaceae, seven names were identified that required typification. As a result, five names in the genus Eriocaulon L. are lectotypified and one is epitypified, and one name in the genus Syngonanthus Ruhland is lectotypified. A note about the inability to typify Eriocaulon arechavaletae is provided.

Seed morphology and post‐seminal development in Leiothrix Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae, Poales)

The genus Leiothrix (Eriocaulaceae) is restricted to South America, where most species occur in the Espinhaço mountain chain in Brazil. Seed ornamentation has a distinctive origin in the family and in most species of Leiothrix the seed coat has a striated pattern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological aspects of seeds of Leiothrix as well as the post‐seminal development. Leiothrix seeds are elliptical or oval, the seed coat has a primary sculpture of isodiametric or hexagonal cells with concave periclinal walls and straight or sinuose anticlinal walls. Most species also have a secondary sculpture, which forms the striate ornamentation and this may be continuous or discontinuous with isolated, connected or cruciform annular striae. A comparative table of seed characters shows that most of them corroborate the current circumscription of the subgenera of Leiothrix. The seed coat striae expand with wetting and may help in seed imbibition during germination. Leiothrix seeds show a high germination rate and the post‐seminal development pattern is similar to that described for other species of Eriocaulaceae.

Distribution and conservation of Eriocaulaceae in Espírito Santo, Brazil

In order to evaluate the diversity and conservation of Eriocaulaceae in Espírito Santo state, a detailed geographical distribution of the species is provided based on herbarium specimens and field expeditions. Twenty‐two species were recorded, half of them belonging to Paepalanthus. Fourteen species are typical from sand dunes and eight occur only in montane grasslands. Most of the species are recorded from conservation‐priority areas. Thirteen conservation units have records of Eriocaulaceae, and the majority of the species occur in at least one of these conservation units. The low floristic similarity of the conservation units in the state suggests each unit as fundamental and irreplaceable for the conservation of Eriocaulaceae. The main threat to the Eriocaulaceae species is the ongoing conversion of habitats for cultivation of species of economic interest.

<p><strong>Taxonomic and morphological notes on a tiny new species of <em>Paepalanthus </em>(Eriocaulaceae) from central Brazil</strong></p>

We describe and illustrate Paepalanthus campanulatus, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (Goiás, Brazil). The species is known from a single population with many individuals growing under rocks and in small caves, sometimes upside down attached to the top of the cave. The new species is mainly distinguished by its usually tiny, unbranched stem bearing a fasciculate inflorescence composed of mostly glabrous, campanulate capitula surrounded by whitish hyaline involucral bracts. Due to its very restricted distribution, the species may be considered endangered. It is compared with Paepalanthus albidus and P. subtilis, the morphologically most similar species. We provide details on the leaf and scape anatomy of these species, as well as comments on the distribution, habitat, ecology, and morphological variation, along with line drawings and photos of the new species.

Morphology and biological notes of Macrosiagon octomaculata (Gerstaecker) triungulinid and a summary of the knowledge on immature stages of the genus (Ripiphoridae)

Species of Macrosiagon Hentz are known to be wasp and bee parasitoids. Here, we present information on Macrosiagon octomaculata (Gerstaecker, 1855), including eggs and triungulinids, found on Paepalanthus polyanthus (Bong.) Sano (Eriocaulaceae) blooming in restinga habitat on Santa Catarina Island, South Brazil. This is the first record of an Eriocaulaceae species playing an important role in the Macrosiagon bionomics and the first accurate record of Ripiphoridae for southern Brazil, Santa Catarina state. In the study area, P. polyanthus attracted an inordinate number of insect species and one Thynnidae wasp was captured with a triungulinid on its wing. Eggs and triungulinids were also found on one plant of P. polyanthus and associated with M. octomaculata. We provide descriptions of the female reproductive organs as well as the morphology of the triungulinid of M. octomaculata. A detailed examination of the triungulinid revealed novelties that complement information from previous publications regarding the Ripiphoridae. We also compare triungulinids of M. octomaculata with those of other species, and provide a table summarizing comparative characters. Finally, we provide a table with current information on the recorded host species and immatures of Macrosiagon.

Paepalanthus calvescens (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from Espírito Santo, Brazil

Paepalanthus calvescens is a new species of Eriocaulaceae, herein described and illustrated. The species is endemic to Espírito Santo state, restricted to a small, unique and endangered habitat composed of quartzitic patches within a primarily granitic area. The indument of leaves, spathes, and scapes is crucial to recognize the taxon as a distinct entity along with the shape and pilosity of other floral and vegetative structures. The species is compared to P. capixaba, the morphologically most similar species occurring in the Espírito Santo state. The new species is also compared to P. spathulatus and P. calvus, which, although occur far from the occurrence site of P. calvescens, share morphological similarities. Comments on the species distribution and conservation, as well as details of morphological variation and photos are provided.

Eriocaulon idukkianum, a new tuberous species of Eriocaulaceae from southern Western Ghats, India

Eriocaulon idukkianum, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the southern Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated. The new species is remarkable by the presence of a rootstock with a terminal tuber and seeds without appendages. The closest relative of this species is probably E. tuberiferum, a taxon known from Kolhapur, Nashik and Satara districts of Maharashtra.

Paepalanthus modestus (Eriocaulaceae), a new dimerous species from Goiás, Brazil, with notes on leaf and scape anatomy

Paepalanthus modestus, a new species of Eriocaulaceae with dimerous flowers, is described and illustrated. The species is placed in P. [unranked] Dimeri based on floral and vegetative characters. A detailed comparison with P. harleyi and P. oxyphyllus is given. The hemispherical mature capitula, the relatively short involucral bracts slightly surpassing the floral disc, and the vestiture of leaves, scapes, and floral parts distinguish P. modestus. Large populations of the species occur on rocky soils in the municipalities of Alto Paraíso de Goiás and Teresina de Goiás, Brazil. Some of these populations were found in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, and the species is considered endangered according to the IUCN criteria. Anatomical details of leaves and scapes, along with photos and comments on etymology, morphological variation, and ecological aspects related to fire tolerance are provided.

Eriocaulon parvicephalum (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, India

Eriocaulon parvicephalum, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from Western Ghats of India, is described and illustrated. The new species is closely allied with E. palghatense but differs in having acuminate spathe lobes, eglandular petals in the male flower, and two rectangular seed coat appendages per cell. Phylogenetic analyses using the ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA, and psbA–trnH and trnL–F intergenic spacer regions of chloroplast DNA support the status of E. parvicephalum as a new species.

Eriocaulaceae in the Brazilian Amazon and the use of Species Distribution Modelling in its conservation

Abstract Following a survey in herbaria in Brazil and abroad, complemented by a survey of the literature and searches of biodiversity data, 66 taxa of Eriocaulaceae have been identified in the Brazilian Amazon, as defined by the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia and Roraima. Six genera of Eriocaulaceae were found in the Amazon with the following taxon numbers: Comanthera (3 taxa), Eriocaulon (10), Paepalanthus (15), Rondonanthus (2), Syngonanthus (35) and Tonina (1). Of this total, 25 taxa present distributions in the states of the Amazon and other Brazilian states (considered as widely distributed) and the remaining 41 taxa are restricted to the Amazon Rainforest biome. The distribution data for 31 species were used for Species Distribution Modelling, due to the low number of occurrence points reported for the other taxa, 17 of those are known from a single location. The overlap of these models indicates areas from Amapá, Amazonas, Pará and Roraima where modelled species are most likely to occur. These data can further contribute to the location of new populations of species of Eriocaulaceae. New detection of Eriocaulaceae species can assist in filling the gaps on their geographic distribution and ecology, contributing to the protection or restoration of priority areas set aside for their conservation.

A field full of green stars: Paepalanthus multistellaris (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from Minas Gerais, Brazil

We describe and illustrate Paepalanthus multistellaris, a remarkable new species of Eriocaulaceae from the northern Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species is known from a single population growing between the campos rupestres and veredas in the municipality of Botumirim. This new species is placed into P. subsect. Actinocephaloides, and is characterized by its long, ascending stem, scapes arranged in a fasciculate, umbel-shaped inflorescence, and green involucral bracts surpassing the flowers. Illustrations, photos, and a detailed description, as well as comments on habitat, morphology, and affinities with similar species are provided. The species is considered Critically Endangered, according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Seed morphology and post-seminal development in species of Comanthera (Eriocaulaceae)

<p><em>Comanthera brasiliana</em>, <em>C</em>. <em>magnifica</em> y <em>C</em>. <em>suberosa</em> (Eriocaulaceae) forman parte de la lista de especies amenazadas de extinción en Brasil, debido a su alto grado de endemismo y a la recolecta indiscriminada. Estas tres especies junto con <em>C</em>. <em>brunnea</em> y <em>C</em>. <em>linearis</em> constituyen el clado de <em>Comanthera</em><strong> </strong><em>magnifica</em>. Se estudió la germinación, la morfología de semillas y el desarrollo post-seminal de las cinco especies, buscando caracterizar morfológica y anatómicamente las semillas y estadios posteriores a la germinación, así como generar datos que ayuden en la conservación de estas especies. Se recolectaron semillas maduras en los “campos rupestres” de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Fueron puestas a germinar cuatro repeticiones de 15 semillas para cada especie en cajas de Petri con papel filtro humedecido con agua destilada, a 25 ºC y luz fluorescente. Para el estudio morfológico de las semillas fue usado microscopía electrónica de barrido. Para la anatomía del desarrollo post-seminal, cada estado del desarrollo fue incluido en historresina, cortado con un micrótomo rotativo y analizado con microscopía de luz. Forma y tamaño de las semillas, así como las estructuras de la cubierta seminal permiten diferenciar las especies; a partir de estos caracteres desarrollamos una clave de identificación.<strong> </strong>Las semillas germinan en altos porcentajes (> 90 %) y rápidamente (< 7 días). La germinación ocurre a través de la protrusión del eje embrionario. Aproximadamente cuatro días después de germinar aparece la primera hoja, seguida por la raíz adventicia; después de 10-15 días se desarrollan la segunda hoja y nuevas raíces adventicias. En condiciones naturales estas especies habitan en suelos derivados de cuarcita y poseen semillas diminutas (tipo polvo) que germinan y se desarrollan rápidamente, incluso más rápido que en otras Eriocaulaceae de suelos mésicos. Estos datos pueden ayudar en la obtención de plántulas de las especies estudiadas, contribuyendo en la conservación de las mismas.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>

ERIOCAULON BIAPPENDICULATUM, A NEW SPECIES OF ERIOCAULACEAE FROM THE SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Eriocaulon biappendiculatum, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the southern Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated. The new species is close to Eriocaulon nairii but differs in having 5–17 peduncles, free male sepals, and both continuous ribbon-like and setiform appendages on the seeds.