scholarly journals Syzygium (Myrtaceae): Monographing a taxonomic giant via 22 coordinated regional revisions

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berhaman Ahmad ◽  
Claudia Baider ◽  
Benedetta Bernardini ◽  
Edward Biffin ◽  
Fabian Brambach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Taxonomic Impediment ◽  
Flora Malesiana ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework ◽  
The Many ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Old World Tropics ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Type Information

Syzygium Gaertn. is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world. Unpublished but extensive recent herbarium surveys suggest 1200‒1800 species distributed throughout the Old World tropics and subtropics (Table 1). Until recently, Syzygium exemplified a recurring taxonomic impediment among megadiverse genera, wherein few taxonomists worked on the group in any sustained manner, a majority of the herbarium specimens remained undetermined or misidentified, few if any attempts were made to look at the genus globally, and limited or no molecular studies were available to provide a predictive phylogenetic context of the genus. The situation with Syzygium has slowly begun to change as allied genera have been absorbed into the genus (Biffin et al., 2006; Craven & Biffin, 2010), and predictive phylogenetically-based infrageneric classifications are emerging. Taxonomic outputs on Syzygium also have been increasing across its range with the description of new species, resolution of nomenclatural and typification issues, and some regional revisions being initiated or updated. However, virtually all regional treatments (which some areas lack) need urgent revision because they are severely outdated, have limited molecular sampling and are error-ridden. We are coordinating a genus-wide taxonomic update of Syzygium through a series of 22 regional revisions, including 9 in the Flora Malesiana region (Figure 1). Each treatment will include a phylogenetic framework with species descriptions, type information, synonymy, distributions, ecological notes, and keys. Field images (Figure 2) and/or line drawings will be included with the goal of every species being illustrated. This working group has been formed to encourage a coordinated effort to document this unwieldy taxonomic giant and regional botanists working on the group are encouraged to be involved. A robust taxonomy of the genus is a prerequisite for testing the many complex questions about evolution and ecology that Syzygium could help address.

scholarly journals Syzygium (Myrtaceae): Monographing a taxonomic giant via 22 coordinated regional revisions

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berhaman Ahmad ◽  
Claudia Baider ◽  
Benedetta Bernardini ◽  
Edward Biffin ◽  
Fabian Brambach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Taxonomic Impediment ◽  
Flora Malesiana ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework ◽  
The Many ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Old World Tropics ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Type Information

Syzygium Gaertn. is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world. Unpublished but extensive recent herbarium surveys suggest 1200‒1800 species distributed throughout the Old World tropics and subtropics (Table 1). Until recently, Syzygium exemplified a recurring taxonomic impediment among megadiverse genera, wherein few taxonomists worked on the group in any sustained manner, a majority of the herbarium specimens remained undetermined or misidentified, few if any attempts were made to look at the genus globally, and limited or no molecular studies were available to provide a predictive phylogenetic context of the genus. The situation with Syzygium has slowly begun to change as allied genera have been absorbed into the genus (Biffin et al., 2006; Craven & Biffin, 2010), and predictive phylogenetically-based infrageneric classifications are emerging. Taxonomic outputs on Syzygium also have been increasing across its range with the description of new species, resolution of nomenclatural and typification issues, and some regional revisions being initiated or updated. However, virtually all regional treatments (which some areas lack) need urgent revision because they are severely outdated, have limited molecular sampling and are error-ridden. We are coordinating a genus-wide taxonomic update of Syzygium through a series of 22 regional revisions, including 9 in the Flora Malesiana region (Figure 1). Each treatment will include a phylogenetic framework with species descriptions, type information, synonymy, distributions, ecological notes, and keys. Field images (Figure 2) and/or line drawings will be included with the goal of every species being illustrated. This working group has been formed to encourage a coordinated effort to document this unwieldy taxonomic giant and regional botanists working on the group are encouraged to be involved. A robust taxonomy of the genus is a prerequisite for testing the many complex questions about evolution and ecology that Syzygium could help address.

The liverwort genus Drepanolejeunea subgenus Rhaphidolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta) in Thailand

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 522 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
JANEJAREE INUTHAI ◽  
SAHUT CHANTANAORRAPINT ◽  
RUI-LIANG ZHU
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
Species Descriptions

An account of the Drepanolejeunea subgenus Rhaphidolejeunea in Thailand has been updated based on herbarium specimens and recent collections from field surveys. Five species of Drepanolejeunea, i.e. Drepanolejeunea commutata, D. fleischeri, D. siamensis, D. spicata, and D. yunnanensis are recognized. Of these, Drepanolejeunea commutata, D. fleischeri, and D. yunnanensis are newly reported for Thailand. A key to species, descriptions, distribution ranges and illustrations of each species are provided. The ecology and geographical distribution of the species are noted. Additionally, Drepanolejeunea longicruris is excluded from the country.

Taxonomic revision of Sabicea subgenus Anisophyllae (Ixoroideae, Rubiaceae) from Tropical Africa, with four new species

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 293 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
LISE A. ZEMAGHO ◽  
SIGRID LIEDE-SCHUMANN ◽  
OLIVIER LACHENAUD ◽  
STEVEN DESSEIN ◽  
BONAVENTURE SONKE
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Tropical Africa ◽  
Center Of Diversity ◽  
Infraspecific Taxa ◽  
Group A ◽  
Species Descriptions

A taxonomic revision of Sabicea subgenus Anisophyllae (Rubiaceae), a group restricted to Central and East Africa, is presented here. This work, based on a study of herbarium specimens and field observations in Cameroon and Gabon, includes a survey of the morphological features of the group, a key to the species, descriptions of all the taxa, and IUCN conservation status assessments. Fifteen species are recognised, four of which are described as new (Sabicea mapiana, S. ndjoleensis, S. parmentierae, S. sciaphilantha), three former varieties are raised to species rank (S. crystallina, S. jacfelicis, S. tersifolia), and one species previously sunk into synonymy is restored (S. bequaertii). Two new infraspecific taxa are also described, Sabicea crystallina subsp. engongensis and S. sciaphilantha subsp. hirsuta. The group has its center of diversity in Gabon, where 10 of the 15 species occur, three of them being endemic to the country.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Dioon (Zamiaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 442 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-290
Author(s):  
JESSICA E. HERNÁNDEZ-TAPIA ◽  
JAIME JIMÉNEZ-RAMÍREZ ◽  
ANDREW P. VOVIDES
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Diagnostic Characters ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Botanical Gardens ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
Distribution Line ◽  
Total Species

Cycads are a group of plants in the order Cycadales, comprising ten genera, and with a worldwide distribution. Very few taxonomic revisions are available for the genera in this order, and the present one is intended to provide a revision of the current knowledge in the genus Dioon. The revision was based on bibliographic research and analysis of herbarium specimens, including live specimens found in different botanical gardens and greenhouses. Sixteen species are recognized for the genus. This study includes morphological descriptions, maps with species distribution, line drawings of diagnostic characters, and a key to the species. Detailed taxonomic notes for each species, as well as information on their distribution and habitat is provided, including the uses and common names when available. Fifteen of the total species are distributed in Mexico and one species is found in the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. Therefore, the genus is endemic to Megamexico II.

Notes relating to the Flora of Bhutan: XXIX. Acanthaceae, with special reference to Strobilanthes

1994 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. I. Wood
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Himalayan Region ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
The Many ◽  
Gregarious Flowering ◽  
The Himalaya ◽  
Inflorescence Type ◽  
Made In

Various problems and issues in the Acanthaceae of Bhutan and the Himalaya are considered. The typification of Thunbergia grandiflora is discussed, and T. lacei and T. clarkei are reduced to synonomy. A new species of Eranthemum, E. erylhrochilum, is described, and the characters which separate it from its allies are listed. A new combination, P. gomezii, is made in Phlogacanthus. The genus Echinacanthus is reviewed and redefined. One group of species placed in it is moved to a new genus, Clarkeasia. which contains one species with two recognized varieties. The Chinese species, Strobilanthes lofuensis, is moved to Echinacanthus pending a thorough review of the three Chinese species in the genus. A wide-ranging discussion of Strobilanthes is presented, and Bremekamp's division of the genus into some fifty segregate genera is criticized and rejected. Various characters used in dividing the genus including life form (with particular attention to the gregarious flowering of the many plietesial species), anisophylly, inflorescence type, calyx development, corolla shape, pollen and seeds are discussed and reassessed. Although pollen is of minor value in subdividing the genus in the Himalayan region, it is possible to recognize 17 distinct groups of species at infrageneric level. These groups are described and discussed with the hope that they will help towards the reclassification of the Strobilanthes group as a whole. Keys are provided for most groups covering species from outside the Himalayan region as well. Thirty-five individual species of Strobilanthes are discussed, of which 17 are described as new. SEM photographs and line drawings illustrate the new species and various aspects of the genus discussed in the paper.

scholarly journals Merremia cissoides (roadside woodrose).

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiola Areces-Berazain
Keyword(s):  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Old World ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Tropical America ◽  
Weedy Species ◽  
Old World Tropics

Abstract Merremia cissoides is a climbing weed native to tropical America that has been introduced to several Old World countries, presumably as an ornamental. It typically grows in disturbed areas and has been reported as a weed of several crops within its native range. However, it is not as widespread and common as other weedy species of Merremia. In several countries outside its native range, its occurrence has only been documented from one or few herbarium specimens. Nonetheless, the species is considered to be increasingly naturalized in the Old World tropics. It is invasive in Florida (USA) and Cuba.

scholarly journals From Field Observations and Plant Specimens to a Trans-continental Knowledge Base: Efficient, semantically rich integration of highly heterogeneous plant phenological data

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Stucky ◽  
John Deck ◽  
Ramona Walls ◽  
Robert Guralnick
Keyword(s):  
Data Integration ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Plant Phenology ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Complex Data ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Phenological Data ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Data Integration System ◽  
The Many

Ideally, an information system that automates the integration of disparate datasets should be able to minimize the loss of information from any one dataset, achieve computational complexity suitable for working with large datasets, be flexible enough to easily incorporate new data sources, and produce output that is easily analyzed and understood by data users. Achieving all of these goals within highly heterogeneous and highly complex data domains is a major challenge. In this talk, we present the results of our recent efforts to develop such a system for data about plant phenology. Our data integration system, which is built around the Plant Phenology Ontology, currently supports semantically fine-grained integration of phenological data from both field observations and herbarium specimens. We show that even with a heavily axiomatized ontology and sophisticated, machine-reasoning-based data analysis, it is possible to implement a high-throughput data integration pipeline capable of processing millions of individual records in a matter of minutes while running on modest, server-class hardware. Success requires careful ontology design and judicious application of machine reasoning techniques. We also discuss some of the many challenges that remain for designing efficient, general-purpose data integration systems.

scholarly journals The Reptile Database: Curating the biodiversity literature without funding

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Uetz
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Publication ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Initial Release ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Species Type ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Type Information ◽  
Name Changes

The Reptile Database (RDB) curates the literature and taxonomy for about 14,000 species and subspecies of reptiles (Uetz et al. 2021). Together with a few other databases, the RDB curates the literature for about 70,000 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. While it acts as a current name list for extant reptile taxa, including synonymies, it also collects images (currently ~18,000, representing half of all species), type information, diagnoses and descriptions, and a bibliography of 62,000 references, most of which are linked to online sources. The database is also extensively cross-referenced to citizen science projects (iNaturalist), the NCBI taxonomy, the IUCN Red List, and several others, and serves as data provider (for reptiles) for the Catalogue of Life. A major challenge for the Reptile database is the consistent curation of the literature, which requires the addition of about 2000 papers a year, including about 200 new species descriptions and numerous taxonomic changes. For instance, during the past five years, almost 1000 species changed their names, in addition to the ~900 species that were newly described, i.e., almost 20% of all reptile species were described or changed their name within just a half decade! While the database can keep track of name changes, it remains a largely unsolved problem of how these name changes can or should be translated into related databases such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which keeps track of the literature independently (but exchanges data with the RDB). Some sites use the web services of the RDB to update their taxonomy, such as Calphotos or iNaturalist, but many do not or have not been able to implement automated name tracking. The RDB also works with the Global Assessment of Reptile Distributions (GARD Initiative) to keep track of range changes. After GARD published a collection of ~10,000 range maps for reptiles in 2017, more than half of these maps have changed in area size by more than 5% since the initial release. The database has developed several avenues for streamlining and optimizing curation of the literature, e.g., (semi-) automated requests for publications, species descriptions, and photos from authors, but the process is far from fully automated. Questions remain: how can taxonomic databases develop, share, and exchange better tools for curation? Can we standardize data collection and processing? How can we automatically exchange data with other data sources? How can we optimize the process of scientific publication to streamline databasing and automated information extraction?

A revision of the genus Digitaria Haller (Paniceae: Poaceae) in Australia.

Brunonia ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
RD Webster
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
New Species ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Alphabetical Order ◽  
Delta System ◽  
Anatomical Characters ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Scanning Electron

The DELTA computer system is used in the presentation of a revision of the genus Digitaria in Australia. Thirty-eight species are recognized, new species being D. imbricata, D. lanceolata, D. minima and D. oraria. Methods used in the production of the computerized taxonomic output are described. Characters used in the keys and descriptions are discussed and where necessary illustrated by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Species are grouped into sections and a key is given to these categories. Section descriptions are listed in alphabetic order. Two keys for the species are given. The first is a standard morphological key and the second is based entirely on vegetative and anatomical characters. Species descriptions are listed in alphabetical order. It is concluded that the DELTA system provides an efficient means of accumulating, storing, editing, manipulating and presenting classical taxonomic data.

A revision of the genus Trithrinax (Cryosophileae, Coryphoideae, Arecaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ÁNGELA CANO ◽  
MATHIEU PERRET ◽  
FRED W. STAUFFER
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Literature Research ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Status Assessment ◽  
Species Descriptions

The palm genus Trithrinax is revised and three species and four varieties are accepted (T. brasiliensis var. brasiliensis, T. brasiliensis var. acanthocoma, T. campestris, T. schizophylla var. schizophylla and T. schizophylla var. biflabellata comb. nov.). This taxonomic treatment presents detailed and complete description of all taxa, based on the studies of natural populations in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the morphological analysis of herbarium specimens (including all available types) and an exhaustive literature research. Illustrations are presented for all taxa and identification keys to the species and varieties are proposed. Species descriptions include updated distribution maps, information about their ecology, taxonomic notes and a compilation of common names and uses. The conservation status assessment reveals an important level of threatening for all taxa, ranging from vulnerable (VU) to endangered (EN), mainly due to the decline of the area of occupancy and the quality of habitat.

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