Amparo Acebey

Species richness and habitat diversification of bryophytes in submontane rain forest and fallows of Bolivia

An analysis of corticolous bryophyte diversity on whole trees in primary rain forest and 4-15-y-old fallows at 500-650 m in the Alto Beni, Bolivia, showed a significantly decreased diversity of bryophyte families and moss species in the fallows. However, liverwort diversity was scarcely lower in the fallows, except in the very young (4 y old) ones. Fallows had a significantly higher percentage of smooth mat species (72%), which may reflect the warmer, drier microclimate in the fallows. About half of the bryophyte species of the rain forest had re-established in the 10- 15-y-old fallows. The majority of these are ecological generalists and sun epiphytes; a small minority are shade epi- phytes. Re-establishment of ecological specialists is slower than that of generalists. Species richness in the primary forest is highest in the canopy; in the fallows it is highest in the understorey due to striking shifts of species and specialized growth types (rough mats, fans, tails) towards lower heights on the trees in the fallows. These shifts corre- spond well with measured changes in air temperature and air humidity in the fallows as compared with the forest.

Ecoregional distribution of potentially useful species of Araceae and Bromeliaceae as non-timber forest products in Bolivia

In Bolivia, the plant families Araceae and Bromeliaceae offer numerous non-timber products, including ornamental plants, medicines, foods, and fibers. The economic potential for the utilization of these resources depends critically on the distribution of potentially useful species in different ecoregions in Bolivia. We conducted both a bibliographical revision of uses and ecological field work at 43 sites in the Bolivian Andes and lowlands to assess the potential for sustainable use as suggested by the Rapid Vulnerability Assessment method. The ecological criteria used for the evaluation were abundance (frequency), life form, geographical distribution, and habitat preference. We found that Bolivia has a striking number of potentially useful species of both families but that their potential use differs among ecoregions. Araceae were most species-rich and frequent in the humid lowland and montane forests. In these ecoregions, this family has a particular local importance mainly as traditional medicines and a great potential as ornamental plants. In contrast, economically useful bromeliads are best represented in seasonally dry forest habitats, especially for the production of fibres. Many species of bromeliads, which also occur in humid montane forests, although rare, are potentially important for commercialisation as ornamental species. This study shows that the uses of Araceae and Bromeliaceae are manifold and could be greatly increased through efficient management, although with different strategies according to the different ecoregions.

A Decade of New Pteridophyte Records for the State of Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract Veracruz, with 542 recorded species, is the third richest state in Mexico in terms of total fern diversity. Field work, herbarium studies, and a revision of literature during the last decade revealed 22 new state records. Five of these belong to Elaphoglossum, four are filmy ferns, and three are grammitids. Most of the new taxa were collected in the endangered humid montane and pine-oak forests of the central and Los Tuxtlas area during recent research projects. Another 13 species, mainly within Elaphoglossum and Selaginella, have been published as new records in the literature. Whereas several of these might possibly be confirmed in the future, others form part of poorly known species complexes that require specific studies, and we consider them as doubtful or unverified. Our study highlights the need of more fern inventories in remote and mostly unexplored areas, as well as revisions of national and local herbaria, both of which may reveal additional species new to science or range extensions.

Thelypteris Tuxtlensis (Thelypteridaceae), a New Species in Subgenus Goniopteris from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

ABSTRACT We describe and illustrate Thelypteris tuxtlensis, a new species in subgenus Goniopteris (Thelypteridaceae), from the biogeographic region of Los Tuxtlas, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. This species appears to be most closely related to T. hatchii and T. biolleyi.

Werauhia noctiflorens (Bromeliaceae), una nueva especie del sureste de México y Belice

ABSTRACT Werauhia noctiflorens T. Krömer, Espejo, López-Ferrari & Acebey (Bromeliaceae), a new species from the states of Chiapas and Veracruz in Mexico and the Toledo District in Belize, is described and illustrated. The new taxon has a simple, secund inflorescence, with white to greenish white flowers, large sepals and petals to 3.3 and 5.5 cm, respectively, and fusiform and rostrate capsules. Werauhia noctiflorens is compared to the similar taxa W. macrochlamys (Mez & Wercklé) J. F. Morales, W. pittieri (Mez) J. R. Grant, and W. vanhyningii (L. B. Smith) J. R. Grant.