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Editorial
Changing perceptions of tree resistance research
Plants are threatened in a globalised world because people are transporting pests and pathogens around the planet at unprecedented rates. Natural resistance to pests and pathogens has never been more important. In this special issue of Plants, People, Planet we focus on resistance found in tree populations. This has long...Buggs, Richard J. A.
tree resistance, globalisation, tree pests, tree diseases, plant health, and tree pathogens
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Journal article
The pitfalls of biodiversity proxies: Differences in richness patterns of birds, trees and understudied diversity across Amazonia
Most knowledge on biodiversity derives from the study of charismatic macro-organisms, such as birds and trees. However, the diversity of micro-organisms constitutes the majority of all life forms on Earth. Here, we ask if the patterns of richness inferred for macro-organisms are similar for micro-organisms. For this, we barcoded samples...Ritter, Camila D. ; Faurby, Søren ; Bennett, Dominic J. ; Naka, Luciano N. ; ter Steege, Hans …
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Journal article
Phytochemical Analysis of Tephrosia vogelii across East Africa Reveals Three Chemotypes that Influence Its Use as a Pesticidal Plant
Tephrosia vogelii is a plant species chemically characterized by the presence of entomotoxic rotenoids and used widely across Africa as a botanical pesticide. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to establish the presence and abundance of the bioactive principles in this species across three countries in East Africa: Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi....Mkindi, Angela G. ; Tembo, Yolice ; Mbega, Ernest R. ; Medvecky, Beth ; Kendal-Smith, Amy …
deguelin, chemotype 3, botanical insecticides, spatial-temporal variation, and rotenoids
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Journal article
Floral Odors and the Interaction between Pollinating Ceratopogonid Midges and Cacao
Most plant species depend upon insect pollination services, including many cash and subsistence crops. Plants compete to attract those insects using visual cues and floral odor which pollinators associate with a reward. The cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, has a highly specialized floral morphology permitting pollination primarily by Ceratopogonid midges. However,... -
Journal article
A comparison of coffee floral traits under two different agricultural practices
Floral traits and rewards are important in mediating interactions between plants and pollinators. Agricultural management practices can affect abiotic factors known to influence floral traits; however, our understanding of the links between agricultural practices and floral trait expression is still poorly understood. Variation in floral morphological, nectar, and pollen traits...Prado, Sara Guiti ; Collazo, Jaime A. ; Stevenson, Philip C. ; Irwin, Rebecca E.
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Journal article
Improved standardization of transcribed digital specimen data
There are more than 1.2 billion biological specimens in the world’s museums and herbaria. These objects are particularly important forms of biological sample and observation. They underpin biological taxonomy but the data they contain have many other uses in the biological and environmental sciences. Nevertheless, from their conception they are almost... -
Journal article
The endemic plants of Mozambique: diversity and conservation status
An annotated checklist of the 271 strict-endemic taxa (235 species) and 387 near-endemic taxa (337 species) of vascular plants in Mozambique is provided. Together, these taxa constitute c. 9.3% of the total currently known flora of Mozambique and include five strict-endemic genera (Baptorhachis, Emicocarpus, Gyrodoma, Icuria and Micklethwaitia) and two...Darbyshire, Iain ; Timberlake, Jonathan ; Osborne, Jo ; Rokni, Saba ; Matimele, Hermenegildo …
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
Multiple ecosystem services from field margin vegetation for ecological sustainability in agriculture: scientific evidence and knowledge gaps
Background Field margin and non-crop vegetation in agricultural systems are potential ecosystem services providers because they offer semi-natural habitats for both below and above ground animal groups such as soil organisms, small mammals, birds and arthropods that are service supplying units. They are considered as a target area for... -
Journal article
Seed contaminants: An overlooked pathway for the introduction of non-native plants in Sardinia (Italy).
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Journal article
Colourful cones: how did flower colour first evolve?
Angiosperms that are biotically pollinated typically produce flowers with bright and contrasting colours that help to attract pollinators and hence contribute to the reproductive success of the species. This colourful array contrasts with the much less multicoloured reproductive structures of the four living gymnosperm lineages, which are predominantly wind pollinated,...Rudall, Paula J
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Journal article
Characterisation of phenylethanoid glycosides by multiple‐stage mass spectrometry
Rationale: Although phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) occur widely in plants, their characterisation by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is less well studied than other phenolic glycosides such as flavonoid glycosides. The multiple‐stage mass spectrometry (MSn) experiments required to improve the annotation of common verbascoside‐type PhGs are described here. Methods: Deprotonated, ammoniated and...Kite, Geoffrey C.
Chemical analysis, Multiple-stage mass spectrometry, Mass spectrometry, and Phenylethanoid glycosides
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Journal article
Ternstroemia guineensis (Ternstroemiaceae), a new endangered cloudforest shrub with neotropical affinities from Kounounkan, Guinea, W. Africa.
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Journal article
Afrothismia kupensis sp. nov. (Thismiaceae), Critically Endangered, with observations on its pollination and notes on the endemics of Mt Kupe, Cameroon
The achlorophyllous mycotroph Afrothismia kupensis (Thismiaceae), formerly misidentified either as A. pachyantha or as A. gesnerioides, is described from Mt Kupe in South West Region, Cameroon and assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN (2012) categories and criteria. It is threatened by forest clearance due to small-holder agriculture. Mt Kupe,...Cheek, Martin ; Etuge, M. ; Williams, S.A.
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
Inversodicraea koukoutamba and I. tassing (Podostemaceae), new waterfall species from Guinea, West Africa.
Two new species of and , both from the Republic of Guinea, are described as new to science, increasing the number of species known in this African genus to 32, making it the most species-diverse among African . Both species are remarkable, among other features, for their styles. is only...Cheek, M. ; Molmou, D. ; Jennings, L. ; Magassouba, S. ; van der Burgt, X.
Waterfalls, Conservation, Dams, Guinea, OMVS, World Bank, Bafing River, Extinct, and Hydroelectricity
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Journal article
Three new threatened Keetia species (Rubiaceae—Vanguerieae), from the forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
Keetia sp. A, of the Flora of Tropical East Africa, based on Mabberley & Salehe 1496, is formally named as Keetia davidii following the discovery of a second specimen, also from the Ukaguru Mountains of the Eastern Arc of Tanzania. This small tree or shrub is assessed as Endangered using...Cheek, Martin ; Bridson, D.
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Journal article
Three new combinations in African Cyperus (Cyperaceae)
Background – During the past decade several molecular phylogenetic studies tackled the complex relationships within tribe Cypereae. Based on these studies, previously accepted segregate genera such as Pycreus were sunk into the genus Cyperus. Recently, while revising the West African species of Cyperus, three taxa previously placed in Pycreus were...Larridon, Isabel ; Reynders, Marc
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Journal article
Justicia gigantophylla (Acanthaceae), an endangered litter-gathering species from southern Cameroon
Background and aims – The taxonomic status of Duvernoia gigantophylla Lindau from southern Cameroon is considered in relation to the wider Justicia extensa-laxa complex of tropical Africa. Its unusual litter-gathering habit (currently unique in Acanthaceae) is also discussed.Methods – This study was based on normal practices of herbarium taxonomy and...Smith, Harry J. ; Moran, Con ; Lachenaud, Olivier ; Darbyshire, Iain
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Journal article
Two new species of Tetrathylacium (Salicaceae) from Ecuador
Two new species from Pastaza Province Ecuador, Tetrathylacium longirachis and T. sarayakuorum are described and illustrated, one species name previously placed in synonymy, T. nutans is recognized as a distinct species and illustrated. In doing so we increase the number of accepted species in the genus from two to five...Santamaría-Aguilar, Daniel ; Liesner, Ronald L. ; Monro, Alexandre K.
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
A Preliminary Evaluation of The Karst Flora of Brazil Using Collections Data
Karst is defined as landscapes that are underlain by soluble rock in which there is appreciable water movement arising from a combination of high rock solubility and well-developed secondary (fracture) porosity. Karsts occupy approximately 20% of the planet’s dry ice-free land and are of great socioeconomic importance, as they supply...Bystriakova, Nadia ; Alves De Melo, Pablo Hendrigo ; Moat, Justin ; Lughadha, Eimear Nic ; Monro, Alexandre K.
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Journal article
Molecular and morphological evidence for a new species of Siphocranion (Lamiaceae) from the Sino-Vietnamese border
Siphocranion is an oligotypic genus of Lamiaceae, with two species mainly distributed in subtropical China and one of them found also in northeastern India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Based on field investigation, morphological comparison, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of Siphocranion from the Sino-Vietnamese border is described as S....Chen, Ya-Ping ; Zhu, Xin-Xin ; Zhao, Fei ; Feng, Hui-Zhe ; Paton, Alan …
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Book chapter
Aloe lomatophylloides
Aloe lomatophylloides (Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a medicinal plant endemic to Rodrigues Island, an islet 108 km2 north east of Mauritius. Only a few individuals can be found in the natural reserves of Rodrigues Island. Phytochemical screening results have indicated that the plant contains anthraquinones and flavonoids common to other Aloes with...Soulange, Joyce Govinden ; Lobine, Devina ; Sanmukhiya, Mala Ranghoo ; Howes, Melanie J.R. ; Chazot, Paul
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Book chapter
Aloe macra
The present chapter reviews the botany, phytochemistry, and biological properties of Aloe macra (Xanthorrhoeaceae), a critically endangered medicinal plant endemic to Reunion Island (France). Similarly to all Mascarene Aloes, A. macra is rich in anthraquinones and flavonoids namely apigenin and isoorientin. Interestingly, isoorientin has been detected in A. macra only,...Soulange, Joyce Govinden ; Sanmukhiya, Mala Ranghoo ; Lobine, Devina ; Lavergne, Christophe ; Howes, Melanie J.R. …
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Book chapter
Aloe purpurea
Aloe purpurea (Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a threatened species endemic to Mauritius Islands. Leaf parts are used in folk medicine to treat minor ailments and are used as an antispasmodic. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound healing attributes of A. purpurea have been tested and have been linked to the presence of many...Sanmukhiya, Mala Ranghoo ; Soulange, Joyce Govinden ; Lobine, Devina ; Howes, Melanie J.R. ; Chazot, Paul
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Book chapter
Aloe tormentorii
This chapter describes the botanical and phytochemical profiles of Aloe tormentorii (Xanthorrhoeaceae), a severely threatened endemic medicinal plant from the Mauritius Islands. Leaf extracts are rich in anthraquinones, flavonoids including 4-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid (not present in other Mascarene Aloes). A. tormentorii leaf extracts have been validated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and...Lobine, Devina ; Sanmukhiya, Mala Ranghoo ; Soulange, Joyce Govinden ; Pynee, Kersley ; Howes, Melanie J.R. …
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Journal article
Drivers of bromeliad leaf and floral bract variation across a latitudinal gradient in the Atlantic Forest
Aim Understanding the complex interaction and relative contributions of factors involved in species and trait diversification is crucial to gain insights into the evolution of Neotropical biodiversity. Here, we investigated the drivers of morphological variation in bromeliads along a latitudinal gradient in a biodiversity hotspot. Location Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Taxon...Neves, Beatriz ; Zanella, Camila M. ; Kessous, Igor M. ; Uribbe, Fernando P. ; Salgueiro, Fabiano …
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Journal article
A phylogenomic analysis of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae)
Nepenthaceae is one of the largest carnivorous plant families and features ecological and morphological adaptations indicating an impressive adaptive radiation. However, investigation of evolutionary and taxonomic questions is hindered by poor phylogenetic understanding, with previous molecular studies based on limited loci and taxa. We use high-throughput sequencing with a target-capture...Murphy, Bruce ; Forest, Félix ; Barraclough, Timothy ; Rosindell, James ; Bellot, Sidonie …
Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Book
Field Guide to the Plants of the Falkland Islands
Situated in the South Atlantic, some 500 km from mainland South America, the Falkland Islands are a remote archipelago formed of two larger islands (East and West Falkland) and over 500 smaller islands. This book is the output from a collaboration between scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and...Heller, Thomas ; Upson, Rebecca ; Lewis, Richard
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Journal article
Thermal niche traits of high alpine plant species and communities across the tropical Andes and their vulnerability to global warming
Aim The climate variability hypothesis (CVH) predicts that locations with reduced seasonal temperature variation select for species with narrower thermal ranges. Here we (a) test the CVH by assessing the effect of latitude and elevation on the thermal ranges of Andean vascular plant species and communities, and (b) assess tropical...Cuesta, Francisco ; Tovar, Carolina ; Llambí, Luis D. ; Gosling, William D. ; Halloy, Stephan …
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Journal article
Why mountains matter for biodiversity
Mountains are arguably Earth's most striking features. They play a major role in determining global and regional climates, are the source of most rivers, act as cradles, barriers and bridges for species, and are crucial for the survival and sustainability of many human societies. The complexity of mountains is tightly...Perrigo, Allison ; Hoorn, Carina ; Antonelli, Alexandre
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Journal article
Field Margin Vegetation in Tropical African Bean Systems Harbours Diverse Natural Enemies for Biological Pest Control in Adjacent Crops
Non-crop vegetation around farmland can be valuable habitats for enhancing ecosystem services but little is known of the importance of field margins in supporting natural enemies of insect pests in tropical agriculture. This study was conducted in smallholder bean fields in three elevation zones to assess the importance of field...Mkenda, Prisila A. ; Ndakidemi, Patrick A. ; Stevenson, Philip C. ; Arnold, Sarah E. J. ; Belmain, Steven R. …
ecosystem service, parasitoids, pest regulation, predators, and non-crop vegetation
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Journal article
Genomic basis of European ash tree resistance to ash dieback fungus
Populations of European ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) are being devastated by the invasive alien fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which causes ash dieback. We sequenced whole genomic DNA from 1,250 ash trees in 31 DNA pools, each pool containing trees with the same ash dieback damage status in a screening trial and...Stocks, Jonathan J. ; Metheringham, Carey L. ; Plumb, William J. ; Lee, Steve J. ; Kelly, Laura J. …
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Journal article
Phylogenetic comparative methods improve the selection of characters for generic delimitations in a hyperdiverse Neotropical orchid clade
Taxonomic delimitations are challenging because of the convergent and variable nature of phenotypic traits. This is evident in species-rich lineages, where the ancestral and derived states and their gains and losses are difficult to assess. Phylogenetic comparative methods help to evaluate the convergent evolution of a given morphological character, thus...Bogarín, Diego ; Pérez-Escobar, Oscar A. ; Karremans, Adam P. ; Fernández, Melania ; Kruizinga, Jaco …
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Journal article
A novel phylogenetic infrageneric classification of Baccharis (Asteraceae: Astereae), a highly diversified American genus
We present the hitherto most comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for Baccharis. Our results confirm that subtribe Baccharidinae is a monogeneric group and support a broad circumscription of Baccharis as monophyletic with the inclusion of all genera that have been previously segregated from it (Baccharidastrum, Baccharidiopsis, Heterothalamulopsis, Heterothalamus, Lanugothamnus). We provide comprehensive...Heiden, Gustavo ; Antonelli, Alexandre ; Pirani, José Rubens
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
Resolving relationships in an exceedingly young Neotropical orchid lineage using Genotyping-by-sequencing data
Poor morphological and molecular differentiation in recently diversified lineages is a widespread phenomenon in plants. Phylogenetic relationships within such species complexes are often difficult to resolve because of the low variability in traditional molecular loci. Furthermore, biological phenomena responsible for topological incongruence such as Incomplete Lineage Sorting (ILS) and hybridisation...Alejandro Pérez-Escobar, Oscar ; Bogarín, Diego ; Schley, Rowan ; Bateman, Richard M. ; Gerlach, Günter …
Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
The Plant DNA C‐values database (release 7.1): an updated online repository of plant genome size data for comparative studies
In recent decades, interest in plant genome size (i.e. the total amount of DNA in the unreplicated haploid nucleus; Greilhuber et al., 2005) has been growing exponentially as the biological, evolutionary and ecological significance of this key biodiversity trait is increasingly recognized (e.g. see reviews by Greilhuber & Leitch, 2013;...Pellicer, Jaume ; Leitch, Ilia J.
algae , flow cytometry, C‐values, land plants, and plant DNA C‐values database
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Journal article
Species limits in butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): reconciling classical taxonomy with the multispecies coalescent
Species delimitation is at the core of biological sciences. During the last decade, molecular‐based approaches have advanced the field by providing additional sources of evidence to classical, morphology‐based taxonomy. However, taxonomy has not yet fully embraced molecular species delimitation beyond threshold‐based, single‐gene approaches, and taxonomic knowledge is not commonly integrated...Matos‐Maraví, Pável ; Wahlberg, Niklas ; Antonelli, Alexandre ; Penz, Carla M.
Insect Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
Thermal Time and Cardinal Temperatures for Germination of Cedrela odorata L.
Thermal time models are useful to determine the thermal and temporal requirements for seed germination. This information may be used as a criterion for species distribution in projected scenarios of climate change, especially in threatened species like red cedar. The objectives of this work were to determine the cardinal temperatures...Sampayo-Maldonado, Salvador ; Ordoñez-Salanueva, Cesar ; Mattana, Efisio ; Ulian, Tiziana ; Way, Michael …
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Journal article
Evolutionary convergence or homology? Comparative cytogenomics of Caesalpinia group species (Leguminosae) reveals diversification in the pericentromeric heterochromatic composition
The Caesalpinia Group includes 225 species and 27 monophyletic genera of which four occur in Northeastern Brazil: Erythrostemon (1 sp.), Cenostigma (7 spp.), Libidibia (1 sp.), and Paubrasilia (1 sp.). The last three genera are placed in different clades in the Caesalpinia Group phylogeny, and yet they are characterized by... -
Journal article
Unlocking the properties of plants and fungi for sustainable development
Humans have been using biodiversity for hundreds of thousands of years, but at no time in our history has it been more crucial to accelerate our exploration of the useful properties of the species that inhabit the world around us.Antonelli, Alexandre ; Smith, Rhian J. ; Simmonds, Monique S. J.
fungi, properties, sustainable development, biodiversity, SDGs, and plants
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Journal article
Notes on Mucuna (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) in Thailand: fruits of M. oligoplax re-assessed, and a revised key to species with lamellate fruits
Fruiting material of a Mucuna from Peninsular Thailand with distinctive lamellae proved to be conspecific with M. oligoplax, which was previously thought to have fruit almost lacking lamellae. A revised description and a distribution map for M. oligoplax are presented. This finding also necessitates revision of the key to Mucuna...Wilmot-Dear, Christine ; Fortune Hopkins, Helen ; Leeratiwong, Charan
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Journal article
Cartography of Wounds
Following in the footsteps of two Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) servicemen in the Somme Department of northern France during 1916, the authors draw comparisons between the wounds inflicted on men and those sustained by the botanical landscape – tracing a parallel ‘cartography of wounds’. Although the events described may...Wearn, James ; Martin, Jenny
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Journal article
914. Centaurea africana.
Hind, Nicholas
Etymology, Vernacular names, Cultivation, Centaurea africana, Conservation status, Descriptors, Habitats, and Phenology
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Journal article
Incorporating intraspecific variation into species distribution models improves distribution predictions, but cannot predict species traits for a wide‐spread plant species
The most common approach to predicting how species ranges and ecological functions will shift with climate change is to construct correlative species distribution models (SDMs). These models use a species’ climatic distribution to determine currently suitable areas for the species and project its potential distribution under future climate scenarios. A... -
Journal article
Role of phytochemicals as nutraceuticals for cognitive functions affected in ageing
Cognitive decline can occur with normal ageing and in age‐related brain disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, with limited pharmacological therapies available. Other approaches to reduce cognitive decline are urgently needed, and so the role of dietary interventions or nutraceuticals has received much attention in...Howes, Melanie‐Jayne ; Perry, Nicolette S.L. ; Vásquez‐Londoño, Carlos ; Perry, Elaine
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Journal article
Clarification on the typification of Salix sphenophylla A.K. Skvortsov subsp. pseudotorulosa A.K. Skvortsov (Salicaceae)
The typification of Salix sphenophylla subsp. pseudotorulosa is clarified and the correct typification of this taxon is made.Stepanova, Nina ; Poluektov, Sergey ; Belyaeva, Irina
Salix sphenophylla subsp. pseudotorulosa, typification, Salix sphenophylla, and Salicaceae
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Journal article
Lipid Thermal Fingerprints of Long-term Stored Seeds of Brassicaceae
Thermal fingerprints for seeds of 20 crop wild relatives of Brassicaceae stored for 8 to 44 years at the Plant Germplasm Bank—Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank—were generated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and analyzed in relation to storage stability. Relatively poor storing... -
Journal article
Aloidendron (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) consists of six species, not seven: Aloe sabaea is a true aloe
As part of a revised generic classification of Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319) sensu lato (Grace et al. 2013), Aloidendron (Berger 1905: 56) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9) was established to accommodate six tree aloe species that Berger (1905) previously placed in two sections, Aloe sect....Smith, Gideon
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Journal article
Characterization of Hymenopteran Parasitoids of Aphis fabae in an African Smallholder Bean Farming System through Sequencing of COI ‘Mini-Barcodes’
Parasitoids are among the most frequently reported natural enemies of insect pests, particularly aphids. The efficacy of parasitoids as biocontrol agents is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. For example, hyperparasitoids can reduce the abundance of the primary parasitoids as well as modify their behavior. A field study was conducted... -
Journal article
Synsepalum chimanimani (Sapotaceae), a new species from the Chimanimani Mountains of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with notes on the botanical importance of this area
Synsepalum chimanimani S.Rokni & I.Darbysh., sp. nov., a small tree endemic to the forests of the southern foothills of the Chimanimani Mountains of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, is described and illustrated. The differences in morphology and distribution between the new species and the related S. kaessneri and S. muelleri, with which...Rokni, Saba ; Wursten, Bart ; Darbyshire, Iain
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
Species richness and distribution of the largest plant radiation of Angola: Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae)
Frazão, Raquel ; Catarino, Silvia ; Goyder, David ; Darbyshire, Iain ; Magalhães, M. Filomena …
Nature and Landscape Conservation, Ecology, and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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Journal article
Continued Adaptation of C4 Photosynthesis After an Initial Burst of Changes in the Andropogoneae Grasses
Abstract C4 photosynthesis is a complex trait that sustains fast growth and high productivity in tropical and subtropical conditions and evolved repeatedly in flowering plants. One of the major C4 lineages is Andropogoneae, a group of ∼ 1,200 grass species that includes some of the world's most important crops and...Bianconi, Matheus E ; Hackel, Jan ; Vorontsova, Maria S. ; Alberti, Adriana ; Arthan, Watchara …
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Conference paper (published)
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s Seed Information Database (SID): A compilation of taxon-based biological seed characteristics or traits
The Seed Information Database (SID) is one of the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew's strategic databases in the public domain (http://data.kew.org/sid). SID is a compilation of taxon-based information on a range of biological seed characteristics or traits for about 52,564 seed plant taxa. Assembling and mobilizing such data involved challenges...Liu, Udayangani ; Cossu, Tiziana Antonella ; Dickie, John
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Journal article
Flagellum Removal by a Nectar Metabolite Inhibits Infectivity of a Bumblebee Parasite
Plant phytochemicals can act as natural ‘‘medicines’’ for animals against parasites [1–3]. Some nectar metabolites, for example, reduce parasite infections in bees [4–7]. Declining plant diversity through anthropogenic landscape change [8–11] could reduce the availability of medicinal nectar plants for pollinators, exacerbating their decline [12]. Existing studies are, however, limited... -
Journal article
Assessing seed desiccation responses of native trees in the Caribbean
Native trees from the Caribbean were tested for seed desiccation responses, by adapting the “100-seed test” protocol. Ninety-seven seed lots of 91 species were collected in the Dominican Republic and tested for germination immediately after collecting, and after drying and moist storage. Seed desiccation sensitivity was assessed as a continuous... -
Journal article
An Annotated Checklist to Vascular Flora of the Ica Region, Peru—with notes on endemic species, habitat, climate and agrobiodiversity.
The ephemeral and fragmented nature of plant communities in the desert region of Ica, Peru have contributed to the poor documentation of its flora. This study provides the first comprehensive checklist and analysis of the vascular plants and habitats of the region, based on over 1800 herbarium collections, site-specific vegetation...Hyperaridity, Tillandsia, Agrobiodiversity, Cacti, El Niño, Desert flora, Dry forest, Fog ecosystem, Monocots, Grasses, Habitat restoration, and Huarango
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Journal article
Missing names from the Fungal Name Repositories found in the literature related to Chinese fungi
Fungal taxonomy has a history of more than 260 years, with authors publishing over 475,000 names. Three online Fungal Name Repositories were established to manage registration of new names. During data collection for a project to develop a modern Checklist of Fungi in China and the first Redlist assessment of...Wang, Ke ; Wang, Yong-Hui ; Zhao, Ming-Jun ; Kirk, Paul ; Yao, Yi-Jian
Plant Science and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics