Who threatens who? Natural hybridization between Lotus dorycnium and the island endemic Lotus fulgurans (Fabaceae)

In contrast to its creative role in plant evolution, hybridization may be a cause for concern in efforts to preserve rare and endangered species. Threats can be more acute when population sizes are unequal and when barriers to introgression are weak. Lotus fulgurans is an endangered Balearic Islands endemic shrub related to the widespread Mediterranean species Lotus dorycnium. Both species are morphologically distinct when they grow together. However, morphologically intermediate individuals have been observed on the island of Minorca, in a single, narrowly localized, and apparently stable hybrid zone. Morphological and molecular markers suggest that gene flow between these two Lotus specie…

A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin

A new species of Plumbaginaceae, Limonium irtaensis, is described and illustrated from the Western Mediterranean basin (Iberian Peninsula). The new species is triploid (2n = 26) and shows a papillate stigma and pollen with a fine reticulate exine (B type). A detailed morphological description is given, and its main diagnostic characters are compared with the related species. Conservation status has been assessed according to the IUCN protocol.

Partial Sequence Homogenization in the 5S Multigene Families May Generate Sequence Chimeras and Spurious Results in Phylogenetic Reconstructions

Multigene families have provided opportunities for evolutionary biologists to assess molecular evolution processes and phylogenetic reconstructions at deep and shallow systematic levels. However, the use of these markers is not free of technical and analytical challenges. Many evolutionary studies that used the nuclear 5S rDNA gene family rarely used contiguous 5S coding sequences due to the routine use of head-to-tail polymerase chain reaction primers that are anchored to the coding region. Moreover, the 5S coding sequences have been concatenated with independent, adjacent gene units in many studies, creating simulated chimeric genes as the raw data for evolutionary analysis. This practice…

Euphorbia Nurae P. Fraga & Rosselló (Euphorbiaceae), a New Species from Minorca (Balearic Islands)

Abstract FRAGA-ARGUIMBAU, P. & J. A. ROSSELLO (2011). Euphorbia nurae P. Fraga & Rossello (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from Minorca (Balearic Islands). Candollea 66: 181–190. In English, English and French abstracts. Euphorbia nurae P. Fraga & Rossello (Euphorbiaceae sect. Cymatospermum (Prokh.) Prokh.) is described as a new species from coastal sites of Minorca (Balearic Islands). Morphological features suggest that Euphorbia exigua L., Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. and Euphorbia sulcata Loisel. are the most closely related taxa, but the new species can be easily discriminated by several morphological characters.

Amplification, contraction and genomic spread of a satellite DNA family (E180) in Medicago (Fabaceae) and allied genera

†Background and Aims Satellite DNA is a genomic component present in virtually all eukaryotic organisms. The turnover of highly repetitive satellite DNA is an important element in genome organization and evolution in plants. Here we assess the presence and physical distribution of the repetitive DNA E180 family in Medicago and allied genera. Our goals were to gain insight into the karyotype evolution of Medicago using satellite DNA markers, and to evaluate the taxonomic and phylogenetic signal of a satellite DNA family in a genus hypothesized to have a complex evolutionary history. †Methods Seventy accessions from Medicago, Trigonella, Melilotus and Trifolium were analysed by PCR to assess …

RAPD differentiation between Borderea pyrenaica and B. chouardii (Dioscoreaceae), two relict endangered taxa

As currently circumscribed, the genus Borderea Mieg. comprises two narrowly distributed European taxa, Borderea pyrenaica (Bub.) Mieg. and B. chouardii (Gaussen) Heslot. An accumulation of facts such as that both species share a very close overall morphology, that only a single population of Borderea chouardii is known, and that they live in contrasting environments has led some authors to suggest that B. chouardii is a mere ecotype of the more widespread B. pyrenaica. We tested this hypothesis using RAPD markers in four populations of Borderea, three of them identified as B. pyrenaica and the other one representing the only known population of B. chouardii. Eleven out of twenty assayed pri…

Taxonomy of the genusBrimeura (Hyacinthaceae)

A taxonomic reevaluation of two little-knownBrimeura taxa,B. fontqueri (Pau)Speta andB. duvigneaudii (L. Llorens)Rossello et al., has been made.Brimeura fontqueri, described from the Iberian peninsula, has been put into synonymy ofB. amethystina (L.)Salisb., since it could not be distinguished on morphological, anatomical or cytogenetic grounds.Brimeura duvigneaudii, from the Balearic Islands, is closely related toB. amethystina and has 2n=28 chromosomes. It differs from the latter by its naked bulbs lacking dark cataphylls, and its narrower leaves and whitish corollas. Accessory chromosomes are reported for the first time in the genus. Karyological instability (with chromosome numbers rang…

The never-ending story of geologically ancient DNA: was the model plantArabidopsisthe source of Miocene Dominican amber?

Studies characterizing geologically ancient DNA in plants are rare, and all have reportedly obtained plastid DNA sequences from Miocene fossils in a remarkable state of preservation. Recently, a group made the extraordinary claim of having amplified a geologically ancient Miocene plastid DNA fragment (the rbcL gene) from Dominican amber nuggets, and the organismal source of this DNA was identified as Hymenaea protera (Fabaceae), the plant that produced the fossilized Dominican amber. Assuming that the Miocene sequence is error-free, reanalysis of the sequence indicates it is probably a technical artifact or an rbcL pseudogene. Furthermore, BLAST similarity searches and phylogenetic analyses…

Index Balearicum (III). Catàleg comentat de les plantes vasculars descrites de les Illes Balears. Addicions (2008-2016) i correccions

Aquesta compilació inclou actualitzacions nomenclaturals i taxonòmiques per al catàleg de plantes vasculars descrites de les Illes Balears. Aquesta actualització inclou plantes descrites entre 2008 i 2016 a més de correccions per a altres tractades en treballs anteriors.

Reticulation or divergence: the origin of a rare serpentine endemic assessed with chloroplast, nuclear and RAPD markers

Species of Armeria from the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula have been postulated to undergo extensive reticulate evolution based on ITS sequences as well as morphometric, eco-geographical evidence and crossing experiments. The hypothesis that a rare serpentine endemic (A. villosa subsp. carratracensis) originated from a cross between another serpentine tolerant endemic (A. colorata) and a widespread limestone species (A. villosa subsp. longiaristata) is tested with molecular markers. Sequences from two chloroplast regions [trnL (UAA)-trnF (GAA) and trnD (GUC)-trnT (GGU)], from nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS-1 + 5.8S + ITS-2) as well as RAPD data are used. Variation in chloroplast and nuc…

Nuclear and chloroplast DNA variation in Cephalaria squamiflora (Dipsacaceae), a disjunct Mediterranean species

Cephalaria squamiflora is a chamaephyte restricted to rupicolous habitats in islands of the Western (Balearic Islands, Sardinia) and Eastern Mediterranean (Crete and few Aegean islands). Four narrowly distributed races (subspp. squamiflora, mediterranea, ebusitana, balearica) have been described to encompass the morphological variation within the species. We have used nuclear ribosomal ITS and cpDNA sequences to assess how the patterns of molecular differentiation are related to taxonomic and geographic boundaries. Extensive intragenomic ITS variation was detected in samples from all territories, the average sequence divergence among cloned ribotypes was 1.339%. The parsimony network of clo…

Cotoneaster Majoricensis L. Sáez & Rosselló (Rosaceae), a New Species from Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Abstract Saez, L. & J. A. Rossello (2012). Cotoneaster majoricensis L. Saez & Rossello (Rosaceae), a new species from Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Candollea 67: 243–253. In English, English and French abstracts. A new species from the northern mountains of Mallorca (Balearic Islands), Cotoneaster majoricensis L. Saez & Rossello (Rosaceae), is described and illustrated. It belongs to section Cotoneaster Medik. and is morphologically close to Cotoneaster tomentosus (Aiton) Lindl. and Cotoneaster raboutensis K. E. Flink & al., differing however by various morphological characters. Data on taxonomic relationships, ecology, and conservation status of this new apparently narrow-ranged endem…

Temporal frames of 45S rDNA site-number variation in diploid plant lineages: lessons from the rock rose genus Cistus (Cistaceae)

The perception that the turnover of 45S rDNA site number in plants is highly dynamic pervades the literature on rDNA evolution. However, most reported evidences come from the study of polyploid systems and from crop species subjected to intense agronomic selection. In sharp contrast with polyploids, the evolutionary patterns of rDNA loci number in predominantly diploid lineages have received less attention. Most studies on rDNA loci changes lack explicit temporal frames, and hence their dynamics could not be assessed. Here, we assess the temporal patterns of rDNA site evolution in Cistus, an entirely diploid lineage. We assessed the number and chromosomal position of 45S rDNA loci in Cistus…

A new annual species of Bellium (Asteraceae) from the Balearic Islands

A new species, Bellium artrutxensis (Asteraceae: Astereae), is described from the therophytic pastures of southern Minorca (Balearic Islands). The analysis of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences showed that the new taxon was closely related to Bellium bellidioides , but differed with regard to the annual lifespan, the absence of epigeal stolons, and the presence of a patent eglandular indumentum on the leaves. The new taxon shows morphological features that are well suited for the colonization of dry environments with a marked summer drought, and may be of adaptive significance. The new species is diploid (2 n = 18) and shows up to two accessory chromosomes in root…

Hybridization studies inSilene subgen.Petrocoptis (Caryophyllaceae)

Silene subgenusPetrocoptis comprises sexual diploid taxa and it is restricted to calcareous cliffs in the Iberian peninsula. Artificial crosses involvingSilene pyrenaica (Bergeret)Mayol etRossello (≡Petrocoptis pyrenaica (Bergeret)Walp.),Silene laxipruinosa Mayol etRossello andS. montserratii subsp.crassifolia (Rouy)Mayol etRossello (≡P. crassifolia Rouy) were attempted to assess the extent of barriers developed within the subgenusPetrocoptis. Usually, intraspecific crosses involving allopatric populations were successful, suggesting that geographically isolated populations are not genetically isolated. Cross-compatibility was noted among the polymorphicS. pyrenaica, which developed fertile…

Why Nuclear Ribosomal DNA Spacers (ITS) Tell Different Stories in Quercus

The molecular systematics of Quercus (Fagaceae) was recently assessed by two teams using independently generated ITS sequences. Although the results disagreed in several remarkable features, the phylogenetic trees for either hypothesis were highly supported by bootstrap resampling. We have reanalyzed the ITS sequences used by both teams (eight taxa) to reveal the underlying patterns of this divergence. Within species, conspicuous length and G + C% divergence were evident in most sequence comparisons. In addition, a high rate of substitutions and deletions involving highly conserved motifs in both ITS spacers were present in a set of sequences. This was coupled with a less thermodynamic stab…

<i>Limonium marisolii</i> L. Llorens (Plumbaginaceae) revisited

A new triploid agamic species, L. leonardi-llorensii , is described from coastal populations of South-West Mallorca. The new species is closely related, on morphological grounds, to the endemic L. marisolii L. Llorens, from which it could be distinguished by several morphological characters (leaves without papillae, longer calyx, more flowers per spikelet) and by a different chromosome number ( 2n = 26, L. leonardi-llorensii ; 2n = 27, L. marisolii ). The relationships between both species are discussed, and it is suggested that both taxa might share some common evolutionary history despite their divergent chromosome number. The origin of L. marisolii from L. leonardi-llorensii through chro…

Impact of polyploidy on fertility variation of Mediterranean Arundo L. (Poaceae)

International audience; Failure of seed production in the genus Arundo L. (Poaceae) is often attributed to polyploidy. This study tested the impact of two ploidy levels (2n = 12 and 18x) on the fertility of four Mediterranean Arundo. Viable pollen was screened from its production to its germination, and seed occurrence was monitored in admixture or isolated conditions. In addition, insights on restructuration of polyploid genornes were analysed using molecular cytogenetics. Our results show that high ploidy levels do not automatically induce failure of sexual reproduction. The two ploidy levels are able to produce viable pollen and seed set depending on species and cultural conditions. The …

The Norway spruce genome sequence and conifer genome evolution

Conifers have dominated forests for more than 200 million years and are of huge ecological and economic importance. Here we present the draft assembly of the 20-gigabase genome of Norway spruce (Picea abies), the first available for any gymnosperm. The number of well-supported genes (28,354) is similar to the >100 times smaller genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, and there is no evidence of a recent whole-genome duplication in the gymnosperm lineage. Instead, the large genome size seems to result from the slow and steady accumulation of a diverse set of long-terminal repeat transposable elements, possibly owing to the lack of an efficient elimination mechanism. Comparative sequencing of Pinu…

Seed isozyme variation in Petrocoptis A. Braun (Caryophyllaceae).

Abstract The electrophoretic patterns of seven isozyme systems (ADH, AMY, AAT, GDH, LAP, MDH, and SOD) obtained from dormant seeds from 44 accessions belonging to 12 Petrocoptis taxa were compared in order to clarify taxonomic relationships within the genus. Overall, electrophoretic zymograms showed the presence of up 28 electromorphs, of which 26 were polymorphic among accessions. Mantel tests revealed a moderate level of correlation between the geographic distance matrix and several dissimilarity matrices based on the isozyme data ( r =0.3052–0.3376). The electrophoretic profiles of seed isozymes did not match closely the analytical taxonomic framework drawn from morphology. Many electrom…

Unique Epigenetic Features of Ribosomal RNA Genes (rDNA) in Early Diverging Plants (Bryophytes)

Introduction: In plants, the multicopy genes encoding ribosomal RNA (rDNA) typically exhibit heterochromatic features and high level of DNA methylation. Here, we explored rDNA methylation in early diverging land plants from Bryophyta (15 species, 14 families) and Marchantiophyta (4 species, 4 families). DNA methylation was investigated by methylation-sensitive Southern blot hybridization in all species. We also carried out whole genomic bisulfite sequencing in Polytrichum formosum (Polytrichaceae) and Dicranum scoparium (Dicranaceae) and used available model plant methyloms (Physcomitrella patents and Marchantia polymorpha) to determine rDNA unit-wide methylation patterns. Chromatin structu…

Genetic variability in a narrow endemic snapdragon (Antirrhinum subbaeticum, Scrophulariaceae) using RAPD markers

Antirrhinum subbaeticum is an endangered species inhabiting fragmented limestone cliffs. In the last 3 years, a drastic population decline has been observed in three of four known populations and the estimated number of surviving individuals is now close to 400. A RAPD study was conducted to evaluate the levels of genetic variation present in this species to improve conservation guidelines. Thirty-nine polymorphic products identified 66.1% of the samples by unique RAPD multilocus profiles. A cluster analysis grouped the samples into two broad groups corresponding to northern or southern provenances. AMOVA analysis showed that only 17.7% of the genetic diversity was partitioned within popula…

New Method of DNA Isolation from Two Food Additives Suitable for Authentication in Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays

Locust bean gum and guar gum are galactomannans used as additives (E 410 and E 412, respectively) in the food industry as stabilizing agents. Analytical discrimination between the two additives in gums and foods is now feasible by molecular techniques. However, only complex and time-consuming DNA isolation protocols are available to date. We have developed simple improved protocols to obtain enough DNA suitable for PCR amplification from a few milligrams of commercial E 410 and E 412 additives (containing more than 75% polysaccharides). The suspension of additives in water or 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5, efficiently recovers DNA suitable for authentication in PCR assays. However, the Tris method…

<i>Limonium carvalhoi (Plumbaginaceae)</i>, a new endemic species from the Balearic Islands

ROSSELLO, J.A., L. SAEZ & A.C. CARVALHO (1998). Limonium carvalhoi (Plumbaginaceae), a new endemic species from the Balearic Islands. Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 56(1): 23-31. Limonium carvalhoi Rossello & L. Saez is described from a single salt marsh locality in southwest Majorca. Morphologically, L. carvalhoi is ciose to L. inexpectans, L. migjornense and L. magallufianum , all Balearic endemics. The new species has an apomictic breeding system and shows a single pollen/stigma combination (B/papillate type). Chromosome number ranges from 2n = 24 to 2n = 26. Based on the occurrence of a long metacentric chromosome in all cells examined, it is suggested that the original chromosome complement …

The taxonomy of Galium crespianum J.J. Rodr. (Rubiaceae), a Balearic Islands endemic revisited

Abstract Galium crespianum J.J. Rodr. is a perennial plant inhabiting cliffs and crevices on the Balearic Islands. Although it was described from the mountains of Mallorca, several populations from the islands of Eivissa and Formentera have been traditionally considered as belonging to the same species. A careful comparison of specimens from the western and eastern Balearics revealed several discriminant features in gross morphology (robustness and habit of the stems, presence or absence of hairs at the internodes and leaves, waxiness of stems and leaves, shape of the inflorescence, flower colour and scent) and stem anatomy. In addition, several mutations in the ribosomal ITS sequences dist…

Typification of Dactylis ibizensis (Poaceae) and inference of the ploidy level of the type specimen

A new species of Agrostis (Gramineae) in the A. alpina complex

Abstract A new species of Agrostis L. ( A. barceloi ) is described from the northern mountains of Mallorca (Balearic Islands). The new taxon belongs to sect. Agrostis and is mainly related to A. alpina Scop. and A. schleicheri Jord. & Verl. on morphological grounds. However, A. barceloi differs from A. alpina by its narrowly-lanceolate inflorescence, with panicle branches erect during and after anthesis, non-scabrid leaves, and by smaller lemmas and others. The new species is distinguished from A. schleicheri by the smaller spikelets, lemma, palea, and anthers. In addition, A. barceloi is tetraploid (2 n =28), and differs cytologically from the diploid A. alpina (2 n =14) and the hexaploid …

Limonium ilergabonum (Plumbaginaceae), a new species from northeastern Iberian Peninsula

A new species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae), L . ilergabonum sp. nov. , is described from the inland gypsum soils of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula (Flix, Tarragona province, Spain). The new species is closely related to the Iberian L. hibericum on morphological traits as assessed by multivariate ordination analysis (PCA), but it can be distinguished by the narrower leaves, inflorescence shape, and longer calyx. Limonium ilergabonum shows mixoploidy (2 n = 18, 2 n = 27), irregular pollen shapes, low levels of pollen stainability, and a single pollen-stigma combination morph (B type). All evidences suggest that L . ilergabonum is a polyploid relict species with an apomictic breeding syste…

A new Biscutella (Brassicaceae) species from the western Balearic Islands

Abstract A new diploid species, Biscutella ebusitana is described from coastal cliffs of the western Balearic islands. It is related to B. sempervirens L. and B. montana Cav. from which it can be distinguished by a combination of vegetative (shape, size, petiole and hairs of leaves, petiolate leaves) and reproductive features (shape of inflorescence, calyx indument). Earlier Balearic records of B. frutescens Coss. should be referred to B. ebusitana .

The taxonomic status of <i>Scilla beirana</i> Samp. (<i>Hyacinthaceae</i>)

ALMEIDA DA SILVA, R.M., F.B. CALDAS & J.A. ROSSELLO (1998). The taxonomic status of Scilla beirana Samp. (Hyacinthaceae). Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 56(2): 253-260. Populations of Scilla beirana Samp. were sampled in NW Portugal and compared with its relatives S. ramburei Boiss, and S. peruviana L. Leaf and scape anatomy, morphology, chromosome number and idiogram were identical in S. beirana and S. ramburei, but differed from S. peruviana. Diagnostic characters previously used to discriminate S. beirana (width of leaves and flower number) showed continuous, but not clinal, variation, and failed to provide a clear-cut basis for identification and no other morphological attributes were found t…

Karyology of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) species from the Balearic Islands and the western Iberian Peninsula

Somatic chromosome numbers, conventional karyotype features and idiograms are reported for 27 Limonium species inhabiting the Western Mediterranean basin (Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands). The chromosome numbers of Limonium barceloi (2n = 36), L. ejulabilis (2n = 24), L. inexpectans (2n = 26), L. interjectum (2n = 24), and L. scopulorum (2n = 25) were determined for the first time. In addition, new aneuploid and/or polyploid cytotypes are reported in L. alcudianum (2n = 26), L. bonafei (2n = 26), L. camposanum (2n = 26), L. companyonis (2n = 26), L. dufourii (2n = 26), L. geronense (2n = 36), L. marisolii (2n = 54), L. migjornense (2n = 50), and L. pseudodictyocladon (2n = 16). A…

Testing Taxonomic and Biogeographical Relationships in a Narrow Mediterranean Endemic Complex (Hippocrepis balearica) using RAPD Markers

Analyses of RAPD profiles from 17 populations of the Hippocrepis balearica complex revealed a highly structured geographic pattern, not only among continental–insular areas but also within the eastern Balearic islands. In marked contrast to previous morphometric results, a clear separation between continental and insular samples was found, and intermediates between H. balearica and H. valentina samples were not detected. Molecular data indicated that western and eastern Balearic populations of the complex (H. grosii and H. balearica) were more closely related to each other than to continental populations (H. valentina). Multivariate analyses of the RAPD data clearly indicated that the simil…

Inter- and intraspecific hypervariability in interstitial telomeric-like repeats (TTTAGGG)n in Anacyclus (Asteraceae).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Interstitial telomeric repeat (ITR) sites, consisting of tandem repeats of telomeric motifs localized at intrachromosomal sites, have been reported in a few unrelated organisms including plants. However, the causes for the occurrence of ITRs outside of the chromosomal termini are not fully understood. One possible explanation are the chromosomal rearrangements involving telomeric sites, which could also affect the location of other structural genome elements, such as the 45S rDNA. Taking advantage of the high dynamism in 45S rDNA loci previously found in Anacyclus (Asteraceae, Anthemideae), the occurrence and patterns of variation of ITRs were explored in this genus wit…

Chromosome numbers in plant taxa endemic to the Balearic Islands

Mitotic chromosome numbers are reported from 20 vascular plant taxa that are endemic to the Balearic Islands and poorly known cytogenetically. The chromosome numbers of Arenaria grandiflora L. ssp. glabrescens (Willk.) G. Lopez & Nieto Feliner (2n = 44), Dianthus rupicola Viv. ssp. bocchoriana L. Llorens & Gradaille (2n = 30), Solenopsis minuta (L.) C. Presl. ssp. balearica (E. Wimm.) Meikle (2n = 28), Romulea asumptionis Font Quer & Garcias Font (2n = 56), Scutellaria balearica Barcelo (2n = 22) and Galium balearicum Briq. (2n = 22) have been determined for the first time. A new chromosome number was found in two populations of Helictotrichon crassifolium (Font Quer) Holub (2n = c. 98) sug…

Phylogeographical structure in the coastal speciesSenecio rodriguezii(Asteraceae), a narrowly distributed endemic Mediterranean plant

Aim Our goals were (1) to assess the levels of chloroplast DNA variation in a narrowly distributed plant restricted to continental islands, (2) to ascertain whether a phylogeographical structure is present in plants restricted to coastal linear systems, and (3) to interpret the results in the light of the known palaeogeography of these islands. Location The Eastern Balearic Islands (Majorca and Minorca) in the Western Mediterranean Basin. Methods Sampling included 134 individuals from 28 populations of Senecio rodriguezii covering the entire range of the species. Sequences of the chloroplast genome (trnT-trnL spacer) were obtained and parameters of population genetic diversity and substruct…

Patterns of genetic variability and habitat occupancy in Crepis triasii (Asteraceae) at different spatial scales: insights on evolutionary processes leading to diversification in continental islands.

International audience; Background and Aims Archipelagos are unique systems for studying evolutionary processes promoting diversification and speciation. The islands of the Mediterranean basin are major areas of plant richness, including a high proportion of narrow endemics. Many endemic plants are currently found in rocky habitats, showing varying patterns of habitat occupancy at different spatial scales throughout their range. The aim of the present study was to understand the impact of varying patterns of population distribution on genetic diversity and structure to shed light on demographic and evolutionary processes leading to population diversification in Crepis triasii, an endemic pl…

New conservation viewpoints when plants are viewed at one level higher. Integration of phylogeographic structure, niche modeling and genetic diversity in conservation planning of W Mediterranean larkspurs

Protection and management of closely related endangered species and subspecies at a very narrow regional scale is the origin of multiple dysfunctional conservation decisions. These include artificially increased IUCN risk assessment categories and derived consequences: poor effectiveness in allocating public and private funds or repeat of unnecessary actions/facilities. Data provided by the revisited study of a group of W Mediterranean larkspurs (Delphinium ser. Fissa), including new data on demography, niche modeling, genetic diversity and phylogeography, contributed to a new and wider analysis of causes of threat. Although current IUCN Red List regulations did not allow for assessments at…

Phylogenetic analysis informed by geological history supports multiple, sequential invasions of the Mediterranean Basin by the angiosperm family Araceae

Despite the remarkable species richness of the Mediterranean flora and its well-known geological history, few studies have investigated its temporal and spatial origins. Most importantly, the relative contribution of geological processes and long-distance dispersal to the composition of contemporary Mediterranean biotas remains largely unknown. We used phylogenetic analyses of sequences from six chloroplast DNA markers, Bayesian dating methods, and ancestral area reconstructions, in combination with paleogeographic, paleoclimatic, and ecological evidence, to elucidate the time frame and biogeographic events associated with the diversification of Araceae in the Mediterranean Basin. We focuse…

High and uneven levels of 45S rDNA site-number variation across wild populations of a diploid plant genus (Anacyclus, Asteraceae)

The nuclear genome harbours hundreds to several thousand copies of ribosomal DNA. Despite their essential role in cellular ribogenesis few studies have addressed intrapopulation, interpopulation and interspecific levels of rDNA variability in wild plants. Some studies have assessed the extent of rDNA variation at the sequence and copy-number level with large sampling in several species. However, comparable studies on rDNA site number variation in plants, assessed with extensive hierarchical sampling at several levels (individuals, populations, species) are lacking. In exploring the possible causes for ribosomal loci dynamism, we have used the diploid genus Anacyclus (Asteraceae) as a suitab…

Taxonomic remarks on Scilla anthericoides Poir. (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a neglected species from Algeria

Scilla anthericoides is a neglected name traditionally considered as Urginea maritima var. anthericoides. Based on recent field observations of living plants completed by karyological analyses, we promote again this taxon at species rank, under the genus Charybdis. It differs from other species of Charybdis maritima aggregate by many characters of flowers, fruits, bulbs, leaves and by ploidy level. It is endemic to the regional hotspot Kabylias-Numidia-Kroumiria in north-eastern Algeria. It is a threatened species that has been assessed as vulnerable.

<i>Limonium vigoi (Plumbaginaceae)</i>, a new tetraploid species from the Northeast of the Iberian Península

SAEZ, L., A. CURCO & J.A. ROSSELLO (1998). Limonium vigoi (Plumbaginaceae), a new tetraploid species from the Northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 56(2): 269-278. A new tetraploid agamic species, Limonium vigoi, is described from coastal populations of the Northeast of the Spain (Ebro delta). The new species is related, on morphological grounds, to L. girardianum (Guss.) Fourr. and L. grosii L. Llorens, from which it could be easily discriminated by its retuse leaves, the basal ones usually withered at anthesis, the very short (or even absent) leaf apiculum, the denser and longer (up to 0.7 mm) hairs of the calyx tube and the deeper colour of the corolla. In addition…

Study of the Evolutionary Relationships among Limonium Species (Plumbaginaceae) Using Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Molecular Markers

The genus Limonium, due to the patchiness of the natural habitats of its species as well as the high frequency of hybridization and polyploidy and the possibility of reproduction by apomixis, provides an example of all the principal mechanisms of rapid speciation of plants. As an initial study of evolution in this genus, we have analyzed intra- and interspecific variability in 17 species from section Limonium, the largest in the genus, based on RFLPs of cpDNA and nuclear rDNA ITS sequences. In the cpDNA analysis, 21 restriction enzymes were used, resulting in 779 fragments, 490 of which were variable and 339 parsimony informative. L. furfuraceum exhibited two relatively divergent cpDNA hapl…

Concerted Evolution of Multigene Families and Homoeologous Recombination

The dynamism of genomes is one of the most thoroughly documented paradigms in the genomic era, envisaged by the cytogenetic school during middle decades of the twentieth century. Such dynamism refers not just to the evolutionary changes that take place across deep time but also to the myriad changes at different levels (from SNPs to large structural rearrangements) that shape and adjust genomes over a smaller time scale. This chapter reviews two of the many forces that provide genome dynamism in plants. These two forces, concerted evolution of multigene families and homoeologous recombination of hybridized genomes, in principle contribute to shape the plant genomes through opposite effects …

Relationships of the Woody Medicago Species (Section Dendrotelis) Assessed by Molecular Cytogenetic Analyses

†Background and Aims The organization of rDNA genes in the woody medic species from the agronomically important Medicago section Dendrotelis was analysed to gain insight into their taxonomic relationships, to assess the levels of infraspecific variation concerning ribosomal loci in a restricted and fragmented insular species (M. citrina) and to assess the nature of its polyploidy. †Methods Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used for physical mapping of 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA genes in the three species of section Dendrotelis (M. arborea, M. citrina, M. strasseri) and the related M. marina from section Medicago. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) was used to assess the genomic …

On the status of <i>Statice dianiae</i> Pau (<i>Plumbaginaceae</i>)

An apomictic Limonium with a single pollen-stigma combination (B type), Limonium interjectum , is proposed as a new species to replace the invalid name Statice dianiae Pau. The new species has a restricted distribution on the sea costs of eastern Spain (Alicante Province). It shows a striking morphological similarity to L. virgatum (Willd.) Fourr. and L. girardianum (Guss.) Girard; on this basis it is suggested that L. interjectum is a hybrid derived from the two species.

Identification of two additives, locust bean gum (E-410) and guar gum (E-412), in food products by DNA-based methods.

Locust bean gum (E-410) and guar gum (E-412) are high molecular weight galactomannans used by the food industry as versatile food additives. The compounds, although chemically closely related, do not have the same functional properties when used in foods, and the substitution or unadvertised addition of either could change the desired qualities of the product. Analytical discrimination between E-410 and E-412 is technically difficult since they only differ in their galactose: mannose ratios, being 1 : 4 and 1 : 2 for locust bean gum and guar gum, respectively. A qualitative DNA-based method is reported for the authentication of additives E-410 and E-412 in finished food products (ice cream,…

Evolutionary site-number changes of ribosomal DNA loci during speciation: complex scenarios of ancestral and more recent polyploid events.

Genes encoding ribosomal RNA are universal key constituents of eukaryotic genomes, but the number of loci varies between species. We assessed the evolutionary trends in site-number changes of rDNA loci during speciation in a lineage of the cabbage family, characterized by complex scenarios of polyploidy. Our results suggest the existence of constrictions to burst loci amplification in the 5S rDNA family in polyploids and an overall trend to further reduce their number. The 45S rDNA site change in polyploids tells a different story, implying loci amplification in most of the polyploid entities.

Can Extensive Reticulation and Concerted Evolution Result in a Cladistically Structured Molecular Data Set?

Hierarchy is the main criterion for informativeness in a data set, even if no explicit reference to evolution as a causal process is provided. Sequence data (nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS) from Armeria (Plumbaginaceae) contains a certain amount of hierarchical structure as suggested by data decisiveness (DD) and distribution of tree lengths (DTL). However, ancillary evidence suggests that extensive gene flow and biased concerted evolution in these multi-copy regions have significantly shaped the ITS data set. This argument is discussed using parsimony analysis of four data sets, constructed by combining wild sequences with those from different generations of artificial hybrids (wild + F1, F2, a…

Interstitial Telomeric-like Repeats (ITR) in Seed Plants as Assessed by Molecular Cytogenetic Techniques: A Review.

The discovery of telomeric repeats in interstitial regions of plant chromosomes (ITRs) through molecular cytogenetic techniques was achieved several decades ago. However, the information is scattered and has not been critically evaluated from an evolutionary perspective. Based on the analysis of currently available data, it is shown that ITRs are widespread in major evolutionary lineages sampled. However, their presence has been detected in only 45.6% of the analysed families, 26.7% of the sampled genera, and in 23.8% of the studied species. The number of ITR sites greatly varies among congeneric species and higher taxonomic units, and range from one to 72 signals. ITR signals mostly occurs…

Second-step typification of Statice insignis, basionym of Limonium insigne (Plumbaginaceae)

Cosson (1852: 177) described Statice insignis (Plumbaginaceae Juss.), providing a detailed description of this species, reporting several localities of provenance and indicating a pertinent gathering by the French traveler and plant collector Eugène Bourgeau: “In salsuginosis Hispaniae australioris, in regno Granatensi ad urbem Vera (E. Bourgeau, pl. Esp. n. 1442) et ad oppidula Santa-Fe et Roqueta (E. Bourgeau, 1851)”.

Phylogeny of snapdragon species (Antirrhinum; Scrophulariaceae) using non-coding cpDNA sequences

Antirrhinum is an Old World genus of up to 25 perennial taxa, mainly located in the western Mediterranean basin. A molecular analysis of 24 taxa of Antirrhinum was undertaken using cpDNA sequences from the trnT (UGU)-trnL (UAA) 5' exon region. The Kimura two-parameter model was chosen to calculate pairwise nucleotide divergence values between cpDNA sequences, and a bootstrapped neighbor-joining dendrogram was constructed from the nucleotide divergence distance matrix. Eighteen sites were variable across the studied samples and the position of 7 indels, ranging from 1 to 7 bp, was inferred from the sequence alignment. Several trnT-trnL sequences are identical in: some members of subsection K…

Chromosome numbers in Hieracium and Pilosella species (Asteraceae) from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

Mitotic chromosome numbers are reported from 16 Hieracium and two Pilosella species from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands that are little known cytogenetically. The chromosome numbers of Hieracium aragonense Scheele (2 n = 27, 36), H. compositum Lapeyr. (2 n = 27), H. murcandidum G. Mateo (2 n = 27), H. spathulatum Scheele (2 n = 27), H. segurae Mateo (2 n = 27), H. teruelanum Mateo (2 n = 27), H. valentinum Pau (2 n = 27), Pilosella pseudovahlii (De Retz) Mateo (2 n = 18), and P. tardans (Peter) Sojak (2 n = 36) were determined for the first time. New cytotypes were detected in H. cordifolium Lapeyr. (2 n = 27) and H. loscosianum Scheele (2 n = 36). The karyo- type of the stu…

Nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) concerted evolution in natural and artificial hybrids of Armeria (Plumbaginaceae)

Nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences from artificial hybrids and backcrosses between Armeria villosa ssp. longiaristata and A. colorata were studied to assess the possible effects of concerted evolution in natural hybrids. F1 artificial hybrids show the expected pattern of additive polymorphisms for five of the six variable sites as estimated from direct sequences. However, homogenization of polymorphism is already observed in the F2, and is biased towards A. colorata except for one site. In backcrosses, an expected tendency towards homogenization of polymorphic sites in the direction of the recurrent parent is observed for five sites, although this does…

Salt drying: a low-cost, simple and efficient method for storing plants in the field and preserving biological repositories for DNA diversity research.

Although a variety of methods have been optimized for the collection and storage of plant specimens, most of these are not suited for field expeditions for a variety of logistic reasons. Drying specimens with silica gel in polyethylene bags is currently the standard for field-sampling methods that are suitable for subsequent DNA extraction. However, silica-gel repositories are not readily available in remote areas, and its use is not very cost-effective for the long-term storage of collections or in developing countries with limited research budgets. Salting is an ancient and traditional drying process that preserves food samples by dehydrating tissues and inhibiting water-dependent cellula…

A new subspecies ofArenaria grandiflora (Caryophyllaceae) from the Rif mountains (Northern Morocco)

A new subspecies,A. grandiflora subsp.gomarica (Caryophyllaceae), is described from the mountains of northern Morocco. The new taxon is tetraploid and has been confused in the past either with the Balearic endemicA. grandiflora subsp.glabrescens or with the widespreadA. grandiflora subsp.grandiflora, which is also present in the African continent. Detailed morphological analysis showed that plants from the Rif mountains are closely related toA. grandiflora subsp.glabrescens, but differ from it in having a longer calyx, smaller seed size, and a glandular indument on pedicels, leaves and calyx.Arenaria grandiflora subsp.gomarica can be distinguished from all infraspecific taxa of theA. grandi…

New chromosome numbers for plant taxa endemic to the Balearic Islands

Mitotic chromosome numbers are reported from 25 vascular plant taxa, endemic to the Balearic Islands that are poorly known cytogenetically. The chromosome numbers ofAnthyllis vulneraria subsp.balearica (2n=12),Cymbalaria fragilis (2n=56), andPolygonum romanum subsp.balearicum (2n=40) were determined for the first time. A new chromosome number was found in several populations ofAnthyllis hystrix (2n=70) suggesting that this species is decaploid, in contrast to an earlier work reporting a higher ploidy level (2n=12x=84). The new chromosome number 2n=32 was reported inHypericum hircinum subsp.cambessedesii. It is suggested that the previous count (2n=40) could be explained by the presence of a…

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers detect a single phenotype in Lysimachia minoricensis J.J. Rodr. (Primulaceae), a wild extinct plant

Lysimachia minoricensis is a Mediterranean (Balearic Islands) endemic that is extinct in the wild but extant in botanical gardens. Previously, no variation at 22 isozyme loci was revealed in more than 150 analysed plants. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to examine genetic variation among five individuals from each of eight botanical garden accessions (40 plants). No polymorphisms were detected at 201 amplified bands. This is the first report of RAPD monomorphism in a nonapomictic vascular plant. The lack of detectable genetic variation suggests that an extremely reduced gene pool was recovered in the field before its extinction. Although the screening of other geno…

Typifications of the Linnaean name Equisetum hyemale and E. ×moorei (Equisetaceae)

The lectotypes of the names Equisetum hyemale Linnaeus (1753: 1062) and E. ×moorei Newman (1854: 19) (Equisetaceae) are designated. Previously, a neotype for E. hyemale was selected by Hauke in 1962 from a specimen kept at LINN. However, this typification is rejected since there are two original elements that may contribute to a correct lectotypification of the name. Therefore this choice is ineffective and should be rejected. An illustration from Mattioli (1586) is designated as the lectotype. On the other hand, in order to avoid any ambiguity in the interpretation of the lectotype, an epitype is also selected. A lectotype for E. ×moorei, the putative hybrid between E. hyemale and E. ramos…

<p><strong>A new type designation of <em>Thymus microphyllus</em>, basionym of <em>Micromeria</em> <em>microphylla</em> (Lamiaceae)</strong></p>

Micromeria Bentham (1829: sub t. 1282) (Lamiaceae) is a monophyletic and taxonomically intricate genus, represented by nearly 70 species. These are distributed from the Macaronesian-Mediterranean region to southern Africa, India, and China (Morales 1991b, Govaerts 1999, Harley et al. 2004, Bräuchler et al. 2005, 2008; Puppo & Meimberg 2015, Puppo et al. 2014, 2015).

Genetic diversity ofNarcissus tortifolius, an endangered endemic species from Southeastern Spain

AbstractIn this work, we analyzed inter-simple sequence repeat markers from 10 populations (298 individuals) spanning the whole distribution range of the endemic Narcissus tortifolius. We assessed genetic variation levels and distribution by estimates of genetic diversity, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal coordinates and Bayesian methods. N. tortifolius showed moderate genetic diversity at intrapopulation level and low genetic differentiation of populations. In general, Almerian populations showed slightly higher levels of genetic diversity than Murcian populations. Our results indicate that habitat fragmentation has not caused genetic depauperation in N. tortifolius but di…

Is homoploid hybrid speciation that rare? An empiricist’s view

Is homoploid hybrid speciation that rare? An empiricist’s view

Limonium albuferae (Plumbaginaceae), a new polyploid species from the Eastern Iberian Peninsula

A new species from Limonium (Plumbaginaceae), L. albuferae sp. nov., is described from the saline-sandy soils in the saltmarshes of the Eastern Iberian Peninsula (Devesa Albufera, Valencia province, Spain). The new species is triploid (2n = 26) and is closely related to the Western Mediterranean L. girardianum from which it morphologically differs by the major robustness, and overall dimensions of leaves, inflorescences, spikes and spikelets, and by the comparative smaller size of the outer and middle bracts.

<strong>Nomenclatural types of <em>Hieracium</em> (Asteraceae) species described from the Balearic Islands (Spain) and several related taxa</strong>

A nomenclatural revision of the genus Hieracium in the Balearic Islands (Spain) is presented and the typification of five names: H. aragonense Scheele, H. balearicum Arvet‑Touvet, H. elisaeanum Arvet-Touvet ex Willkomm, H. majoricanum Arvet-Touvet and H. microscapum Arvet-Touvet, is discussed. The names are lectotypified using specimens preserved at COI, GRM, and P herbaria. Several comments for the names H. cataractarum Arvet-Touvet & Huter and H. praecox subsp. brachypus Freyn in Porta & Rigo are also provided.

Helianthemum scopulicolum (Cistaceae), a new species from Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Rupicolous plants coming from a single Balearic locality are described as a new species, Helianthemum scopulicolum. The plant is diploid (2n=20) and belongs to Helianthemum subgenus Helianthemum sect. Helianthemum. On morphological grounds, Helianthemum scopulicolum is related to some members of the H. apenninum aggregate, notably H. apenninum s.l., H. asperum and H. violaceum. However, the new species can be distinguished on the basis of leaves green, shining, glabrescent on the adaxial surface, deciduous short bracts, glabrescent inner sepals lacking long setae and pink-purple flowers.

Early evolutionary colocalization of the nuclear ribosomal 5S and 45S gene families in seed plants: evidence from the living fossil gymnosperm Ginkgo biloba

In seed plants, the colocalization of the 5S loci within the intergenic spacer (IGS) of the nuclear 45S tandem units is restricted to the phylogenetically derived Asteraceae family. However, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) colocalization of both multigene families has also been observed in other unrelated seed plant lineages. Previous work has identified colocalization of 45S and 5S loci in Ginkgo biloba using FISH, but these observations have not been confirmed recently by sequencing a 1.8 kb IGS. In this work, we report the presence of the 45S–5S linkage in G. biloba, suggesting that in seed plants the molecular events leading to the restructuring of the ribosomal loci are much o…

<p><strong>Type designation of the Lamarck’s name <em>Buxus balearica</em> (<em>Buxaceae</em>)</strong></p>

The Lamarck’s name Buxus balearica is discussed and neotypified from a specimen preserved at MA collected in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). In addition, the lectotypes of B. longifolia and B. balearica f. granatensis, currently treated as two heterotypic synonyms of B. balearica, are designated from original material preserved at G-BOIS and MA, respectively

Better the devil you know? Guidelines for insightful utilization of nrDNA ITS in species-level evolutionary studies in plants.

The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal 18S–5.8S–26S cistron continue to be the most popular non-plastid region for species-level phylogenetic studies of plant groups despite the early warnings about their potential Xaws, which may ultimately result in incorrect assumptions of orthology. It has been gradually realized that the alternative target regions in the nuclear genome (lowcopy nuclear genes, LCNG) are burdened with similar problems. The consequence is that, to date, developing useful LCNG for nonmodel organisms requires an investment in time and eVort that hinders its use as a real practical alternative for many labs. It is here argued that ITS sequences, desp…

Plagiochasma appendiculatumLehm. & Lindenb. (Marchantiales, Aytoniaceae), a species new to the European bryophyte flora

Abstract The liverwort Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. & Lindenb. is reported for the first time in Europe from Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The species is described and illustrated and its distribution and ecology are discussed. Plagiochasma appendiculatum differsfromP. rupestre (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Steph., the only species of the genus known at present in Europe, by characters such as the bright green or green-yellowish thallus and the orbicular and obtusescale appendages which are markedly constricted and folded at the base.

<p><strong>Typification of two Gandoger’s names in <em>Rhamnus </em>(Rhamnaceae)</strong></p>

Gandoger’s names for Rhamnus bourgaeana and R. hispanorum (Rhamnaceae) are typified. A neotype is selected for R. bourgaeana, and a specimen preserved at M is designated as the lectotype of R. hispanorum.

Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles in thyme under reduced irrigation conditions

The nanotechnology is a relatively new technology that has recently entered the field of agriculture. Nanotechnology covers the integration or manipulation of individual atoms, molecules or molecular masses to a diverse array of structures allowing the production of new characteristics and traits of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of TiO2 nanoparticles on quantitative traits (plant height, number of branches, dry weight of shoots and roots) and the essential oil content of thyme under different levels of field capacity. Our results showed that the application of TiO2 nanoparticles had significant effects on thyme growth, while the essential …

Karyological observations on plant taxa endemic to the Balearic Islands

Mitotic chromosome numbers are reported from 35 vascular plant taxa endemic to the Balearic Islands that are poorly known cytogenetically. The chromosome numbers of Chaenorhinum rodriguezii (2n = 14), Coristospermum huteri (2n = 22), Carduus ibicensis (2n = 26), Filago petro-ianii (2n = 26), Ononis crispa ssp. zschackei (2n = 30), and Ophrys bertolonii ssp. balearica (2n = 36) were determined for the first time. New chromosome numbers are reported in Pimpinella bicknellii (2n = 22), Calamintha rouyana (2n = 46), Vicia bifoliolata (2n = 14), and Teucrium asiaticum (2n = 30). A new diploid cytotype (2n = 16) was found in Ranunculus paludosus ssp. barceloi, which is restricted to populations f…

Different spore structures in sympatric Isoetes histrix populations and their relationship with gross morphology, chromosome number, and ribosomal nuclear ITS sequences

Abstract Traditionally, megaspores have supplied the most relevant character for the taxonomy of Isoetes at several systematic levels, including discriminant features usually used in species identification and diagnosis. Isoetes histrix Bory is a terrestrial circum-Mediterranean quillwort characterized by dark, shiny, and persistent phyllopodia with megaspore sporangia completely covered by a velum and tuberculate megaspores. Specimens of this species from Sardinian temporary wetlands showed the sympatric presence of two kinds of individuals with correlated variation in size, ornamentation, and radial ridges of megaspores, and in ornamentation of microspores. However, they showed the same d…

A new species of Armeria (Plumbaginaceae) from southern Spain with molecular and morphometric evidence on its origin

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Incomplete sequence homogenization in 45S rDNA multigene families: intermixed IGS heterogeneity within the single NOR locus of the polyploid species Medicago arborea (Fabaceae)

† Background and Aims Ribosomal sequences have become the classical example of the genomic homogenization of nuclear multigene families. Despite theoretical advantages and modelling predictions that support concerted evolution of the 45S rDNA, several reports have found intragenomic polymorphisms. However, the origins and causes of these rDNA polymorphisms are difficult to assess because seed plants show a wide range of 45S rDNA loci number variation, especially in polyploids. Medicago arborea is a tetraploid species that has a single 45S rDNA locus. This feature makes this species a suitable case study to assess the fate of ribosomal IGS homogenization in polyploid species showing nucleolu…

Leaf shape variation and taxonomic boundaries in two sympatric rupicolous species of Helichrysum (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae), assessed by linear measurements and geometric morphometry

Quantifying and understanding the causes of population differentiation in plants are critical for assessing the taxonomic structure of species, as the level of differentiation among populations may correspond to incipient speciation. Using linear and geometric morphometric approaches, phenotypic variation and associations between leaf traits and geographic and environmental characteristics were investigated in Helichrysum crassifolium and the widespread and sympatric Helichrysum pendulum: two species exhibiting conspicuous leaf variation in size and shape. The morphometric results show that both species have distinct patterns of leaf shape variation. However, overlapping values link the ran…

Typification of the linnaean name statice limonium (Plumbaginaceae)

Conserved Organisation of 45S rDNA Sites and rDNA Gene Copy Number among Major Clades of Early Land Plants

Genes encoding ribosomal RNA (rDNA) are universal key constituents of eukaryotic genomes, and the nuclear genome harbours hundreds to several thousand copies of each species. Knowledge about the number of rDNA loci and gene copy number provides information for comparative studies of organismal and molecular evolution at various phylogenetic levels. With the exception of seed plants, the range of 45S rDNA locus (encoding 18S, 5.8S and 26S rRNA) and gene copy number variation within key evolutionary plant groups is largely unknown. This is especially true for the three earliest land plant lineages Marchantiophyta (liverworts), Bryophyta (mosses), and Anthocerotophyta (hornworts). In this work…

Seed germination and reproductive features of Lysimachia minoricensis (Primulaceae), a wild-extinct plant.

Lysimachia minoricensis is one of the few Mediterranean endemic plants (Minorca, Balearic islands) that has gone extinct in the wild but which persists as extant germplasm or cultivated plants in several botanical gardens. Reproductive features (seed set, number of seeds per capsule, seed weight) and germination responses to constant temperatures, sea water and dry-heat pre-treatments were investigated to determine the extent to which they may have influenced the extinction of the species. Seed set in Lysimachia is not dependent on pollinators, suggesting a functional selfer breeding system. Most plants produced a large mean number of fruits (23.2) and seeds (466), and the mean production o…

Nuclear rDNA instability in in vitro-generated plants is amplified after sexual reproduction with conspecific wild individuals

Using micropropagation through tissue culture has become the most used approach worldwide for mass production for the conservation of endangered species. However, the screening of somaclonal variations generated using in vitro culture is usually restricted to the first generation of micropropagated plants, when they have not yet been released in the field. Accordingly, the fate of genetically modified regenerants after sexual reproduction is usually not assessed and changes in the genetic structures of species are unknown. In this work, we assess the cytogenetic stability of two rDNA gene families in the offspring of experimental crosses between accessions generated after in vitro culture a…

Dissimilar molecular and morphological patterns in an introgressed peripheral population of a sand dune species ( Armeria pungens , Plumbaginaceae)

Introgression is a poorly understood evolutionary outcome of hybridisation because it may remain largely undetected whenever it involves the transfer of small parts of the genome from one species to another. Aiming to understand the early stages of this process, a putative case from the southernmost border of the Armeria pungens range from its congener A. macrophylla is revisited following the discovery of a subpopulation that does not show phenotypic signs of introgression and resembles typical A. pungens. We analysed morphometrics, nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS and plastid DNA (trnL‐trnF) sequences, genome size, 45S and 5S rDNA loci‐FISH data and nrDNA IGS sequences. Within the study site, mo…

Molecular phylogeography ofThymus herba-barona(Lamiaceae): Insight into the evolutionary history of the flora of the western Mediterranean islands

Thymus herba-barona is endemic to Majorca, Corsica, and Sardinia. In order to gain insight into its evolutionary history, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogeography of the species using sequences of the trnT-trnL intergenic spacer from 106 individuals belonging to 15 populations. We detected high within-species genetic diversity and strong among- population differentiation, but no evidence for phylogeographic structure. A haplotype network supported the occurrence of three main clades, the ancestral one being geographically restricted to the Gennargentu massif in Sardinia, while the two derived ones were relatively widespread. Coalescent-based analyses indicated deep divergence ti…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 36

In the moss flora of Uruguay there are recorder ten species of genus Fissidens (Matteri, 2004). Three of them (F. macrobryoides, F. prionocheilos and F. vitreo-limbatus) are species incertae because the type material for the names not was located (Purssel, 2007). As part of project "Studies on Bryophytes in the Cone Sur (Systematic and Phylogeny)" some specimens recently collected in Uruguay were determinate as Fissidens asplenioides a no previously species recorded in this country. The presence of F. asplenioides in Uruguay complete the distribution range of the species in the cone Sur (is present in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay). However, within the Neotropical region th…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 35

Department of Botany, University of Stellenbosch, SouthAfrica1. Brachythecium laetum(Brid.) Schimp.Contributors: S. Huttunen, M. S. Ignatov and T.Korvenpa¨a¨Finland: La¨nsi-Turunmaa, Houtskari, on east andsouth shore of island Nataholm, 60u15945.3060N21u19911.960W, in rich deciduous forest withCorylusavellanaL. understory and some calcareous soils, 13August 2008, leg. Turkka Korvenpa¨a¨, det.M.S.Ignatov in August 2012 (original det. Brachytheciumcampestre) (TUR116496).The specimen ofBrachythecium laetumwas notedby M. S. Ignatov in connection with studies onFinnish material of B. campestre(Mu¨ll.Hal.) Schimp.from the Turku University Herbarium (TUR).Additional collections were searched for …

Phenolic metabolites from 5,000-year-old coprolites of Myotragus balearicus, an extinct insular bovid

Abstract To date, the identification of polyphenols in the archaeological and palaeontological record has been limited. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the presence of flavonoid and phenolic metabolites from non-mineralised coprolites belonging to a non-human mammal species. Myotragus balearicus is the last species of a bovid lineage that became extinct during the Holocene in the western Mediterranean basin. In this work, we characterize the phenolic metabolites of M. balearicus coprolites for the first time. The chemical analysis of coprolites revealed the presence of flavonoids, such as flavones and flavonols. Moreover, the detection of conjugates of hydroxyphenylvaleric, hydroxyp…

Data from: Partial sequence homogenization in the 5S multigene families may generate sequence chimeras and spurious results in phylogenetic reconstructions

Multigene families have provided opportunities for evolutionary biologists to assess molecular evolution processes and phylogenetic reconstructions at deep and shallow systematic levels. However, the use of these markers is not free of technical and analytical challenges. Many evolutionary studies that used the nuclear 5S rDNA gene family rarely used contiguous 5S coding sequences due to the routine use of head-to-tail PCR primers that are anchored to the coding region. Moreover, the 5S coding sequences have been concatenated with independent, adjacent gene units in many studies, creating simulated chimeric genes as the raw data for evolutionary analysis. This practice is based on the tacit…