Ultimate Segments Research Articles

First record of Rhaphidopteris (Gymnospermae) from the Lower Jurassic of the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, NW China

Abstract Newly discovered foliage of Rhaphidopteri s zhouii sp. nov. from the Lower Jurassic Sangonghe Formation at the Haojiagou section in the Junggar Basin of Xinjiang, northwestern China, is investigated based on morphological characters and cuticular structure. The new species has anisotomically divided leaves and linear ultimate segments with a single vein; amphistomatic cuticle, with epidermal cells that are similar both on the upper and lower surfaces but more regular on the upper surface; stomata that are distributed densely on the lower cuticle and sparsely and confined to two bands near the lateral margin on the upper cuticle; and anomocytic stomata that are longitudinally oriented with four to six subsidiary cells of irregular shape and size. This is the first report of the genus Rhaphidopteris from Xinjiang. The gross morphology and epidermal characters of the new species improves our understanding of the morpho-heterogenus Rhaphidopteri s.

Resurrection of Tectaria cadieri from T. ingens (Tectariaceae) Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Abstract— We demonstrate that Tectaria cadieri (Tectariaceae) is a distinct species in Vietnam after long being placed under the synonymy of T. ingens. Morphologically, T. cadieri is similar to T. ingens, T. setulosa, and T. trichotoma in their large fronds (up to 0.8‐2 m long), 3-pinnate laminae, fully free veins, and sori in two rows on ultimate segments. However, our observations show that T. cadieri differs from these species in the presence of linear, membranaceous stipe scales. Our analyses of five plastid regions (atpB, ndhF plus ndhF-trnN, rbcL, rps16-matK plus matK, and trnL-trnF) show that T. cadieri is not closely related to T. ingens, T. setulosa, nor T. trichotoma. Rather, T. cadieri is closely related to T. multicaudata, a morphologically distinct species with anastomosing veins. Along with a detailed description and illustrations for T. cadieri, we provide morphological comparisons and comments on the relationships between T. cadieri and morphologically similar species.

Ovule-bearing structures of Karkenia Archangelsky and associated leaves of Sphenobaiera Florin from the Lower Cretaceous of Mongolia

Ovule-bearing structures of Karkenia are recorded from the Cretaceous of Central Mongolia for the first time. A new species, Karkenia archangelskiana, described from the Aptian–Albian Huhteeg Formation of the Baganuur coal mine, is an elongated cylindrical ovule-bearing structure consisting of a central axis and helically arranged pedicellate ovules which are rare in the basal part of the structure, and gradually more numerous towards its apex. Some ovules face the pedicel with their micropylar end, but others seem to be erect. Four membranes are preserved in the ovules: outer and inner cuticles of the integument, the nucellar cuticle, and the megaspore membrane. Numerous isolated seeds/ovules were found in the same specimens that yielded ovule-bearing structures and may represent more mature units of K. archangelskiana. Fragments of the secondary xylem were discovered in association with K. archangelskiana. They show some similarities with the structure of the mature trunk or branch ginkgoalean wood. Ovule-bearing structures of K. archangelskiana were found in association with numerous remains of wedge-shaped leaves described as a new species Sphenobaiera krassilovii. This species is peculiar in possessing narrow segments, one vein in the ultimate segments, and stomata scattered irregularly over both surfaces. In addition, ovule-bearing structures of Karkenia mongolica from the Lower Cretaceous of southeastern Mongolia were revised. For the first time, a megaspore membrane structure of the K. mongolica ovules was studied. The species diagnosis is emended by adding such features as the presence of papillae on the subsidiary cells of some stomatal apparatus, and the data concerning the megaspore membrane structure.

Abrodictyum inexpectatum, an unexpected new fern species (Hymenophyllaceae, Polypodiidae) for Madagascar, as revealed by an integrative approach

The fern genus Abrodictyum (Hymenophyllaceae) is thought to have at least seven species in the Afro-Malagasy region. But morphological re-examination of uncommon specimens, comparison with supposedly related taxa, and a new molecular phylogenetic analysis clearly led to recognize an additional species for Madagascar. We here describe this new species as Abrodictyum inexpectatum sp. nov. Morphologically, the new species differs from the closely related and sympatric A. franceae by its smaller size, narrower ultimate segments and the plane fronds in the wild, vs. crispate for A. franceae. We provide a modified key to all eight species of Abrodictyum now recognized in the Afro-Malagasy region.

Myriopteris grusziae: A New Species from Texas and Oklahoma Segregated from the Chihuahuan Desert Taxon M. scabra (Pteridaceae)

Abstract— Myriopteris scabra (until recently called Cheilanthes horridula) is a xeric-adapted fern species, endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is one of the most recognizable ferns in North America due to the unusual nature of the indument present on its adaxial leaf surfaces. This consists of rigid, multicellular trichomes with glassy, needle-like apices and compact conical bodies that are partially embedded in the leaf surface to form swollen, pustulate bases. Despite the seemingly distinctive nature of M. scabra, published chromosome counts indicate that collections assigned to this taxon encompass both diploids (n = 29) and tetraploids (n = 58). Here we investigate this case of cryptic diversity by integrating data from cytogenetic and spore analyses, observations of sporophyte morphology, and geographic distributions. Myriopteris scabra s.l. is shown to comprise two genetically disparate, morphologically recognizable taxa that exhibit little or no geographic overlap. The tetraploid taxon is described as a new species, M. grusziae, which completely supplants diploid M. scabra in the northeastern portion of its range (central Texas and south-central Oklahoma). This presumed allotetraploid is most like M. scabra but differs in having ultimate segments with adaxial trichomes that are longer, more flexible, mostly linear, and superficially attached. In addition, tetraploid M. grusziae has larger, more abundant scales that largely conceal the dark, sclerified leaf rachises, and it produces consistently larger spores than diploid M. scabra. We hypothesize that M. grusziae is an allotetraploid hybrid that acquired half of its chromosomes from M. scabra. However, the identity of the other diploid parent has yet to be resolved.

Prangos munzurensis (Apiaceae), a new species from East Anatolia, Turkey

A new species, Prangos munzurensis (Apiaceae), is described and illustrated from Tunceli Province, Eastern Turkey. The new species is related to Prangos heyniae, P. abieticola, and P. denticulata and differs from them in the number of rays, length of bracts, indumentum of petals, ultimate segments of leaves, stylopodium features, fruit morphology and anatomy, and distributional range. It also differs from P. ferulacea in presence of furrows between blocks of inner mesocarp, number of umbel rays, and puberulous petals. A comprehensive description of the morphological and carpo-anatomical features, photographs, and data on the geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, and conservation status are also provided. In addition, P. munzurensis is recognized as a separate species by molecular analysis of nrITS/ETS.

Sinocarum muliense (Apiaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China

Sinocarum muliense (Apiaceae), is proposed as a new species from Sichuan, southwest China. It is most similar to S. cruciatum var. linearilobum, but can be distinguished by having globose (versus torulos) roots, ultimate segments of blade 8.0–30.0 × 0.3–1.2 mm (versus 5–20 × 1–2 mm), purple (versus greenish‐white) petals with acute (versus obtuse) apex.

Cyclorhizapuana (Apiaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China.

A new species, Cyclorhizapuana J. Zhou & Z.W. Liu (Apiaceae) from Sichuan Province of China, is described and illustrated here. Morphological comparisons with congeneric species revealed that it is distinguished by its slender habit, sparse annular scars, 4-pinnatisect leaf blade with ultimate segments linear (2–4×0.5–1 mm), subequal rays, oblong fruits with slightly thickened ribs, obconic stylopodium and slightly concave seed face. A molecular analysis based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences indicated that C.puana is genetically distinct from the other two species of the genus. A distribution map, as well as an updated key, are provided for the species of Cyclorhiza.

A new alpheid shrimp, Alpheus mannarensis sp. nov. (Crustacea; Decapoda; Alpheidae) from Gulf of Mannar, Southern India.

A new species of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798, A. mannarensis sp. nov. is described and represented based on the materials collected from the shallow and rocky reefs, Gulf of Mannar (Thoothukudi waters), Southern India. This is the first report of Alpheus species from the Gulf of Mannar region. The new species is assigned to the Alpheus brevirostris group, and is distinguished from other species of this group by the combination of the following features: rostral ridge lower than orbital hood in lateral view and postrostral carina not extended to the middle of the carapace, palm of major chela with a transverse groove near the base of dactylus, the ultimate segment of the third maxilliped slender, fingers of minor chela of male slightly longer than palm, the first carpal segment of second pereiopods shorter than second segment, merus of third pereiopods slender and unarmed, dactylus of third pereiopods slender and subspatulate, and unique colour patterns of longitudinal light lines on the reddish body.

Uncovering phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of water dropwort using phenotypic traits and SNP markers.

The water dropworts Oenanthe linearis Wall. ex DC. and O. javanica (Blume) DC. are aquatic perennial herbs that have been used in China as vegetables and traditional medicines. However, their phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity are poorly understood. Here, we presented the phenotypic traits and genome-wide DNA marker-based analysis of 158 water dropwort accessions representing both species. The analysis revealed that Oenanthe linearis was readily segregated into linear-leaf and deep-cleft leaf water dropworts according to their leaf shapes at flowering. Oenanthe javanica was classified by clustering analysis into two clusters based mainly on the morphological characteristics of their ultimate segments (leaflets). A set of 11 493 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms was identified and used to construct a phylogenetic tree. There was strong discrimination between O. linearis and O. javanica, which was consistent with their phenotype diversification. The population structure and phylogenetic tree analyses suggested that the O. linearis accessions formed two major groups, corresponding to the linear-leaf and deep-cleft leaf types. The most obvious phenotypic differences between them were fully expressed at the reproductive growth stage. A single-nucleotide polymorphism-based analysis revealed that the O. javanica accessions could be categorized into groups I andII. However, this finding did not entirely align with the clusters revealed by morphological classification. Landraces were clustered into one group along with the remaining wild accessions. Hence, water dropwort domestication was short in duration. The level of genetic diversity for O. linearis (π = 0.1902) was slightly lower than that which was estimated for O. javanica (π = 0.2174). There was a low level of genetic differentiation between O. linearis and O. javanica (Fst = 0.0471). The mean genetic diversity among accessions ranged from 0.1818 for the linear-leaf types to 0.2318 for the groupII accessions. The phenotypic traits and the single-nucleotide polymorphism markers identified here lay empirical foundation for future genomic studies on water dropwort.

A new species of Xerobion Nevsky, 1928 (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea, Aphididae) from Kazakhstan, with a key to apterous viviparous females of the genus

A new species Xerobion ulytavicum Kadyrbekov sp. n. from host plant Galatella biflora is described from Karaganda region (Kazakhstan). New species differs from the most similar X. caspicae Bozhko, 1963 by the shape of the ultimate rostral segment, the ratio of the length of the siphunculi and the cauda (0.4–0.75 vs 0.7–1.0, respectively), the proportion of frontal setae to the diameter of the third antennal segment at the base (1.0–1.2 vs 0.7–1.0) and a hair on the trochanter of hind legs to the diameter of the trochanter-femoral suture (0.5–0.6 vs 0.25), as well as a host plant belonging to another genus. A key to apterous viviparous females of all known species of the genus Xerobion is given.

Tongoloa arguta (Apiaceae), a new species from southwest China

A new species Tongoloa arguta (Apiaceae) is described and illustrated in this article. The new species grows in alpine bushes and meadows in south-western China. It resembles T. silaifolia, but differs from the latter by the length of the stem, ultimate segments of leaf and rays of the umbel. Phylogenetic analysis, based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, is provided, as well as comparative morphology between related species.

Jamesonia ×intermedia: A New Hybrid Between J. biardii and J. insignis (Pteridaceae) from Brazil

This paper describes and illustrates a new hybrid, Jamesonia 3intermedia, from Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The hybrid, most of whose spores are aborted, shows intermediate morphology between its putative parents (J. biardii and J. insignis) in lamina dissection, shape of the ultimate segments, and pubescence of the adaxial surface of the pinnae and rachises.

<p><strong>Notes on the genus <em>Zeravschania </em>(Apiaceae) with description of two new species from Afghanistan and Iran</strong></p>

Two species of Apiaceae are described as new to science: Zeravschania khorasanica from the Khorasan Province, eastern Iran, and Z. podlechii from the Ghor Province, central Afghanistan. Zeravschania khorasanica is related to Z. regeliana and Z. scabrifolia, but differs in rigid remains of petioles and sheaths, deeply laciniate ultimate segments of leaves, and broad-keeled ribs of mericarps. Zeravschania podlechii differs from other species of the genus in multiple stems, short internodes, dichotomous branching, and an unusual life form (сushion plant). In addition, Z. knappii is transferred to the genus Dichoropetalum on the basis of morphological evidence.

Application of morphometric study to discriminate Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn subsp. pinetorum (C. N. Page & R. R. Mill 1995) J. A. Thomson in Poland

Abstract Pteridium aquilinum subsp. pinetorum is one of two morphologically distinct taxa of the genus Pteridium identified in Poland. In order to confirm their distinctively recognizable morphology, nine features defining each of these taxa were subjected to a morphometric analysis. These features, including taxonomic characters of vegetative structures, were measured or counted for their most comprehensive descriptions. The measurements were also expressed as ratios of two characters (length of the first and second pairs of leaflets) to prevent the size of fronds from influencing the results. Unique features of bracken, such as: frond and pinnae shape and orientation; basal pinna structure; ultimate segment of pinnae and pinnula shape and size; frond expansion sequencing; frond lamina texture, shape and pubescence were treated descriptively. Canonical discriminant analysis was employed for a morphometric study of quantitative characters. On their basis, two taxa – P. aquilinum subsp. aquilinum and P. a. subsp. pinetorum were determined.

Credit risk management and business intelligence approach of the banking sector in Jordan

Banking segment is one of the ultimate key segments that support the sustainable economic progress in Jordan. Hence, banks in Jordan are considered as tremendously significant financial establishme...

Chamaesium jiulongense sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from Sichuan, China

Chamaesium jiulongense X. L. Guo & X. J. He, a new species of Apiaceae from Mt Haite in Jiulong County, Sichuan Province, China, is described. The new species differs from other Chamaesium species by its ultimate segments of the leaves which are 1–3‐lobed, rarely entire, with a narrow, minutely incised, pale brown margin, as well as by the presence of leaf‐like bracts, bracteoles longer than flowers, pubescent styles and oblong fruit with obsolete calyx. Morphological and micromorphological characters of the new species are provided and illustrated.

Gleichenia-like Korallipteris alineae sp. nov. macrofossils (Polypodiophyta) from the Miocene Landslip Hill silcrete, New Zealand

ABSTRACTPartial fossil frond impressions of a Gleichenia-like fern are described and figured from specimens recovered from the early Miocene Landslip Hill silcrete deposit, Gore Lignite Measures, Southland, New Zealand. The fronds are at least bipinnate, with the pinnae (β costae) bearing opposite pairs of ultimate leaflets; ultimate segments opposite to alternate, laterally directed, ovate, slightly recurved, apices rounded obtuse. The sori are solitary per ultimate segment and there are 5–16 sporangial base scars per sorus. However, because of the difficulty of assigning Gleichenia-like partial fronds to genus, or even to Gleicheniaceae, the fossils are assigned to the fossil fern genus Korallipteris as a new species, K. alineae. Comparison with living and Cenozoic Gleichenia-like macrofossils suggests that the fossil shows morphological resemblance to the extant species G. inclusisora and G. microphylla. The macrofossils are discussed in terms of their possible palaeoenvironmental setting, together with abundant, potentially associated dispersed Gleicheniaceae fossil spores recovered from interbedded lignites. Assuming K. alineae is gleicheniaceous, it probably grew as a pioneer coloniser species in a periodically flooded/disturbed open deltaic riverine environment.

Phylogeny of the fern subfamily Pteridoideae (Pteridaceae; Pteridophyta), with the description of a new genus: Gastoniella

As the second most genera-rich fern family, Pteridaceae contain more than 1000 species contributing to ca. 10% of extant leptosporangiate fern diversity. The subfamily Pteridoideae is one of the five subfamilies often recognized. The circumscription of Pteridoideae has not been clear. A large number of species have not yet been included in any molecular analyses before. In this study, DNA sequences of six plastid loci of 154 accessions representing ca. 87 species in 14 genera of Pteridaceae subfam. Pteridoideae and four accessions representing two species in subfam. Parkerioideae and one species of subfam. Adiantoideae as outgroups were used to infer a phylogeny using maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony. Our analyses show that (1) Pteridoideae is monophyletic and the newly defined subfamily is composed of 14 genera including a newly described genus; (2) Pteridoideae is resolved into four strongly supported monophyletic clades: the Pteris clade, the Actiniopteris+Onychium clade, the JAPSTT clade, and the GAPCC clade, these being supported by not only molecular data but also morphological features and distribution information; (3) Onychium is confirmed as monophyletic and accessions of Onychium are resolved into two strongly supported clades, the O. cryptogrammoides clade and the O. siliculosum clade; and (4) Accessions of the traditionally defined Anogramma are resolved as paraphyletic in relation to Cerosora, Cosentinica, and Pityrogramma. Three species traditionally treated in Anogramma are in fact more closely related to Cerosora and Pityrogramma than they are to Anogramma. Gastoniella Li Bing Zhang & Liang Zhang, gen. nov. is described to accommodate these species and three new combinations are provided. Three currently known species of Gastoniella are distributed in the Ascension Island in South Atlantic Ocean, central Mexico, and tropical America, respectively. The new genus is distinct from Anogramma s.s. in having ultimate segments linear not obviously broadening toward the upper portion.

New species of the bristletail families Ateluridae and Lepismatidae (Zygentoma) from Abkhazia and Adygea

Four new species of the bristletail families Ateluridae (Atelura abkhazica sp. n. and Nipponatelurina caucasica sp. n.) and Lepismatidae (Lepisma xylophila sp. n. and L. adygei sp. n.) are described. Atelura abkhazica sp. n. differs from the other species of the genus Atelura in a smaller size, smaller number of ovipositor divisions, in the presence of apical sensory cones on the male parameres, which are absent in the other species of the genus, and in a fewer number of lateral pegs on urotergite X. The genus Nipponatelurina comprises two species (N. kurosai Mendes et Machida, 1994 and N. caucasica sp. n.). The distinguishing features of N. caucasica sp. n. include a significant number of short minute thin cilia on the head capsule, a longer ultimate segment of the maxillary palp, and a fewer number of setae at the posterior margin of urosternites IV–VII. Lepisma xylophila sp. n. differs from L. saccharinum and L. chlorosoma in the distribution of epidermic pigment and in the urotergites chaetom. Lepisma adygei sp. n. is most closely related to the synanthropic species L. saccharinum, but differs in the size of the body, color of scales on the upper surface of the body, and in the structure of the labial palps, urotergite X, ovipositor, and parameres.