Ana Claudia Araújo

Diversity of Cyperaceae in Brazil

Diversity of Cyperaceae in Brazil) The purpose of this catalogue was to combine the available data from publications, theses, databases, and herbarium specimens from around 120 Herbaria, and colections sampled in Brazilian vegetation during the last 15 years to produce the most complete list, as possible as, of Cyperaceae species for Brazil. We catalogued ca. 1,700 names for 678 species in 42 genera occurring in Brazil. These values represent ca. 15 percent of the species and 40 percent of the genera found in the world. Both subfamilies of Cyperaceae are found in Brazil with Cyperoideae being the most diverse at both generic and specific levels. Although lower species were recorded for the tribes Cryptangieae, Sclerieae, and Trilepideae, these tribes represent a much higher percentage of the worlds totals for genera and species. The most diverse genera are Rhynchospora (157 spp.), Cypents (101 spp.), Scleria (82 spp.) and Eleocharis (69 spp.). Fifteen genera have one species in Brazil, although five of them are monospecific. The most species-rich regions in Brazil are the North and Southeast. There are no genera endemic to Brazil. There are, however, around 200 endemic species, of which 40 are in the genus Rhynchospora. Taxonomic and nomenclatural problems found are pointed under the species. For each catalogued species, the principal synonyms, bibliographic references, distribution within Brazils five regions, vegetation type, and citation of selected material examined are provided.

A Preliminary Molecular Phylogeny of the Rhynchosporeae (Cyperaceae)

The tribe Rhynchosporeae comprises the genera Rhynchospora and Pleurostachys and has never been studied using molecular techniques. The objective of this study was to use an analysis of trnL-F sequences to evaluate the hypothesized taxonomic divisions within the Rhynchosporeae including the monophyly of the genera and the soundness of the subgenera and sections. A total of 44 ingroup species were studied, 41 of Rhynchospora representing 22 of Kükenthal’s 28 sections, and three of Pleurostachys. Five outgroup species from other genera were also included. The cladistic analysis of 50 trnL intron and trnL-F intergenic spacer sequences resulted in 16 trees and a strict consensus tree. The Rhynchosporeae form two well-supported primary clades with several well-supported smaller clades, many of which agree with previously hypothesized sections. Pleurostachys is embedded within the second primary clade.

Levantamento taxonômico de Cyperus L. 1. subg. Anosporum (Nees) Clarke (Cyperaceae-Cypereae) no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

This research included a review of the literature, study of hebarium specimens, collection and observation of populations in the field. Taxonomic decisions were based on external morphology, and resulted in the recognition of fourteen taxa, eleven species and three varieties. Analytical keys for species and varietes, descriptions, illustrations and data on their geographical distribution, habitat and phenology are provided.

Specular microscopy to determine corneal endothelial cell morphology and morphometry in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) in vivo.

INTRODUCTIONnThe purpose of this study was to measure cell density, average area, and morphology of corneal endothelium of chinchillas in different age groups.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThe corneal endothelium was studied with a contact specular microscope. Thirty chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) were evaluated, and 30 male chinchillas were divided into three groups of 10 chinchillas each, by age: Group 1 (2-4-month-old), Group 2 (48-month-old), and Group 3 (10xa0years of age). Data are presented as endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell area, and pleomorphism.nnnRESULTSnEndothelial cell density decreases and an increase in endothelial cell area and pleomorphism were observed with age, in the corneas of normal chinchillas. For Group 1 chinchillas, the mean cell density was 3.423 cells per mm(2) . The mean ECD for Group 2 chinchillas was 2.650 cells per mm(2) . The mean ECD for Group 3 chinchillas was 2.124 cells per mm(2) . The average area for Group 1 chinchillas was 350.5xa0μm(2) . The average area for Group 2 chinchillas was 442.15xa0μm(2) . The average area for Group 3 chinchillas was 583.64xa0μm(2) . The pleomorphism for Group 1 was 70.05%. The pleomorphism for Group 2 was 65.18%, and the pleomorphism for Group 3 was 62.28%.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe results suggested that chinchilla corneal endothelium undergoes age-related changes. Moreover, with advancing age, the mean cell area increased and cell density decreased.

New unicapitate species of Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae) from South America

Resolution of species delimitations in theRhynchospora globosa complex has revealed three species new to science from South America:R. bracteovillosa, R. leucoloma, andR. melanocarpa. Each species is described and illustrated and its geographical distribution discussed.

Cyperaceae Raddianae: a nomenclatural and taxonomic study of the Cyperaceae published in G. Raddi’s Agrostografia brasiliensis

SummaryA study of the 26 Cyperaceae published in G. Raddi’s Agrostografia brasiliensis is presented. Several new synonyms and a re-evaluation of some taxa described by G. Raddi are proposed. The first citation of Fimbristylis pilosa Vahl for Brazil is reported. The new combination, Pleurostachys pilulifera (Bertol.) Longhi-Wagner, Baldini & A. C. Araújo is made.

Taxonomic novelties in Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae) from South America

SummaryTwo new species of Rhynchospora, R. acanthoma and R. rupestris, are described and illustrated. Their geographical distributions are discussed. The status of R. exilis and its synonymy is clarified.

A synopsis of Rhynchospora sect. Pluriflorae (Cyperaceae)

A taxonomic revision of Rhynchospora sect. Pluriflorae revealed 22 species. Nine species are endemic to Brazil, one to Cuba, and another to Bolivia. Of the 22 species, seven were new to science and have been described and published. Two new lectotypes are designated here for R. consanguinea and R. consanguinea var. subrigida . A new name, Rhynchospora albobracteata, is also proposed. A key to species, information on types, illustrations, and discussions of geographic distributions and taxonomy are presented.

Scleria rubrostriata, a new species of Cyperaceae from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

SummaryA new species is here described: Scleria rubrostriata A. C. Araújo & N. A. Brummitt, a herb from the Atlantic forest of Espírito Santo State, south-eastern Brazil. A key to the sections of Scleria and to the American species of Scleria sect. Schizolepis is provided, and an illustration of the new species and comparison to similar taxa are given.ResumoUma nova especie é aqui descrita: Scleria rubrostriata A. C. Araújo & N. A. Brummitt, uma erva nativa da Floresta Atlantica do Sudeste brasileiro, no Estado do Espírito Santo. A chave taxonomica para identificação das seções de Scleria e das espécies americanas de Scleria sect. Schizolepis são fornecidas, bem como a ilustração do novo taxon e dados comparativos com taxa relacionados.

Flora fanerogâmica da Serra do Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brasil: Cyperaceae

Foi realizado o levantamento das especies de Cyperaceae na Serra do Ouro Branco da Cadeia do Espinhaco, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com base em coletas realizadas no local e revisao de herbarios. Foi confirmada a ocorrencia dos seguintes generos por ordem de riqueza especifica: Rhynchospora (20 especies), Bulbostylis (11), Eleocharis e Scleria (tres especies cada), Cyperus e Lagenocarpus (duas especies cada), Cryptangium, Fimbristylis, Lipocarpha, Machaerina e Trilepis (uma especie cada), totalizando 46 especies. Este trabalho apresenta chaves para a identificacao dos generos e especies, descricoes e ilustracoes das mesmas, alem de dados sobre sua distribuicao geografica geral e habitats preferenciais na area estudada, bem como um glossario da terminologia morfologica usada em Cyperaceae.