Ana Juan

Patterns of variability and gene flow in Medicago citrina , an endangered endemic of islands in the western Mediterranean, as revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)

Medicago citrina is an endangered western Mediterranean endemic that grows only on small islets of the Balearic archipelago and off the eastern Spanish coast. Only 10 isolated subpopulations are currently known (four from Ibiza, three from Cabrera, two from Columbretes and one from an offshore islet in northern Alicante province), constituting a severely fragmented genetic system. Data were analysed with the unweighted pair‐group method using arithmetic averages (upgma) and principle coordinates analysis (pcoa), revealing several distinct groups. Genetic diversity indices indicated that Ibizan subpopulations had the highest genetic variability (Neis index: 0.1463; Shannons index: 0.228), whereas the lowest variability was found in Alicante (Neis index: 0.035; Shannons index: 0.050) and Cabrera (Neis index: 0.068; Shannons index: 0.104). These latter populations show the highest FST values (FST = 0.548) revealing high differentiation between them. Columbretes subpopulations formed a defined single group, although it also included some Ibizan samples. The smallest FST values, obtained between Ibiza and Columbretes (FST = 0.185), are not correlated with geographical proximity, but appear to be related to the geologically recent volcanic origin of the Columbretes islands (300 000 years ago). According to the distribution of the Ibizan samples in the dendrogram and the FST values, the best hypothesis is to regard the Ibizan subpopulations as the centre of genetic diversity of the currently known subpopulations. Our results suggest migratory scenarios from Ibiza to Columbretes based mainly on zoochory probably by seabirds. Finally, recommendations are provided for management strategies to facilitate the conservation of this endangered species.

Molecular phylogenetics of subfamily Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA regions, including a new taxonomic arrangement

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The taxonomic arrangement within subfamily Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) has been a matter of controversy in recent decades: several new taxonomic treatments have been proposed, based exclusively on plastid DNA sequences, and these have resulted in classifications which are to a great extent contradictory. Some authors have recognized only a single genus Ornithogalum for the whole subfamily, including 250-300 species of variable morphology, whereas others have recognized many genera. In the latter case, the genera are inevitably much smaller and they are better defined morphologically. However, some are not monophyletic as circumscribed. METHODS Phylogenetic analyses of Ornithogaloideae were based on nucleotide sequences of four plastid regions (trnL intron, trnL-F spacer, rbcL and matK) and a nuclear region (ITS). Eighty species covering all relevant taxonomic groups previously recognized in the subfamily were sampled. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed. The molecular data were compared with a matrix of 34 morphological characters. KEY RESULTS Combinations of plastid and nuclear data yielded phylogenetic trees which are better resolved than those obtained with any plastid region alone or plastid regions in combination. Three main clades are found, corresponding to the previously recognized tribes Albuceae, Dipcadieae and Ornithogaleae. In these, up to 19 clades are described which are definable by morphology and biogeography. These mostly correspond to previously described taxa, though some need recircumscription. Morphological characters are assessed for their diagnostic value for taxonomy in the subfamily. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the phylogenetic analyses, 19 monophyletic genera are accepted within Ornithogaloideae: Albuca, Avonsera, Battandiera, Cathissa, Coilonox, Dipcadi, Eliokarmos, Elsiea, Ethesia, Galtonia, Honorius, Loncomelos, Melomphis, Neopatersonia, Nicipe, Ornithogalum, Pseudogaltonia, Stellarioides and Trimelopter. Each of these has a particular syndrome of morphological characters. As a result, 105 new combinations are made and two new names are proposed to accommodate the taxa studied in the new arrangement. A short morphological diagnosis, synonymy, details of distribution and an identification key are presented.

The reproductive ecology of Medicago citrina (Font Quer) Greuter (Leguminosae): a bee-pollinated plant in Mediterranean islands where bees are absent

The reproductive ecology of Medicagocitrina was studied in the Columbretes archipelago (Mediterranean Sea), where bees are absent. The flowers were self-compatible, homogamous, nectar producers, depended on large floral visitors for tripping and pollination. Several characteristics of the reproductive biology of M.citrina indicate an adaptation to an isolated environment characterised by scarcity of appropriate pollinators. As a result of this scarcity, fruit and seed set under natural conditions were significantly lower compared to hand-pollination treatments. The main flower visitors were mostly flies and blowflies, with Eristalis tenax (Syrphidae) and Calliphoravicina (Calliphoridae) being the most efficient pollinators. We argue that because M. citrina faces pollen limitation in the small islets of Columbretes, it presents an interesting case study of pollination related to island endemism and diversity.

Genetic structure and phylogeography in Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa around the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, based on AFLP and plastid markers

The Spanish populations of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa are restricted to coastal dune habitats of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Here, we investigate the genetic structure in this taxon and the possible existence of detailed phylogeographic structure associated with the Strait of Gibraltar using data from amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and plastid markers for 14 populations in three regions: Andalusia, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands. Principal coordinate analysis (PCOA) data revealed a lack of clear genetic structure in J. oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa based on AFLP. The highest AFLP genetic diversity was found in Andalusia. Plastid markers revealed 14 haplotypes, only two of them were shared among the regions. Andalusian populations had the highest number of exclusive haplotypes. Our results support Andalusia as a reservoir of genetic diversity for J. oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa, and, as for other gymnosperms, this area could be considered as a genetic refugium. The frequent presence of common and exclusive haplotypes in Andalusia might indicate the colonisation of the Spanish Mediterranean coast from the Atlantic populations. Colonisation of these new areas could be promoted by biological factors, such as the existence of long-lived individuals or potential for seed dispersal. Finally, the Strait of Gibraltar did not constitute a natural barrier to the expansion of this species along the coast, as identical haplotypes are found on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Taxonomic revision of Ornithogalum subg. Ornithogalum (Hyacinthaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

As a part of a taxonomic revision of the Iberian and Balearic taxa of Ornithogalum, the results concerning O. subg. Ornithogalum are reported. Quantitative and qualitative characters were studied in detail, and they were evaluated for the taxonomy of the three accepted taxa: O. baeticum Boiss., O. bourgaeanum Jord. & Fourr. and O. divergens Boreau. A complete description is presented of all accepted species, and data on their nomenclature, biology, ecology, and distribution are also included. Relationships to other European taxa of the subgenus are also discussed. Moreover, a neotype is designated. Finally, a key is provided to facilitate identification.ResumenEn el marco de una revisión de las especies ibéricas y baleares de Ornithogalum, se presentan los resultados correspondientes a los táxones de O. subg. Ornithogalum. Se estudian con detalle y se evalúa cualitativamente y cuantitativamente el valor taxonómico de los caracteres morfológicos de los tres táxones considerados: O. bourgaeanum Jord. & Fourr., O. baeticum Boiss. y O. divergens Boreau. Para cada especie se presenta una descripción completa, y se ofrecen datos sobre su nomenclatura, biología, ecología y distribución. Se discuten asimismo sus relaciones con otras especies europeas del subgénero. Además, se designa un neotipo. Finalmente se aporta una clave para facilitar la identificación de los táxones aceptados.

New insights into seminal and stomatal morphology and their contribution to the taxonomy of the Old World succulent perennial Salicornioideae

Seminal and stomatal morphology of three succulent halophyte genera (Sarcocornia, Halocnemum and Arthrocnemum) around the Mediterranean basin and surroundings areas were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations showed well-different seminal coat ornamentations among the studied taxa. Both Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Halocnemum strobilaceum do not show trichomes. Conversely, the species Sarcocornia perennis and S. fruticosa can be easily identified by the presence of long curved hairs against papillae or short conic hairs, respectively. Because most of the herbarium vouchers of Sarcocornia lack seeds, and thus the permanency of seeds on plants is quite short, an alternative vegetative character as stomata was also studied using SEM and light microscope. The detailed stomatal morphological features were analysed for the first time to infer taxonomic relationships among these perennial halophytes. Stomata are constantly paracytic for the four studied species, but two morphotypes were identified related to the level arrangement of guard cells, named as sunken and prominent stomata, respectively. Sunken stomata are found in A. macrostachyum, H. strobilaceum and S. fruticosa, whereas prominent stomata are only characteristic for S. perennis. Besides, we have found somehow relationships among the ecology of these plants based on the frequency of floodings and the observed morphology and density of stomata. Nonetheless, each observed morphotype is a stable character, without any influence of climate or environmental conditions. As a result, seminal coat ornamentation and stomata morphology are the two most reliable characteristics for discriminating Mediterranean halophytes taxa, especially related to Sarcocornia taxa.

Solenopsis (Lobeliaceae): A genus endemic in the Mediterranean Region

The genusSolenopsis (Lobeliaceae) is revised on the basis of morphological and biogeographical features, and a new taxonomic arrangement is proposed. Seven taxa (six species and one additional subspecies) are accepted, of which three are proposed as new combinations:Solenopsis bivonae, S. corsica, andS. minima. For all accepted taxa nomenclatural types, descriptions, distribution areas and identification keys are provided.

Notas sobre plantas alicantinas.

que por su rareza o novedad resultan destacables para la flora de la provin-cia de Alicante.En esta ocasion se incluyen 16 plantas, parte de las cuales se consideran degran interes, dado que constituyen su primera referencia para la flora alicantinao bien amplian el area de distribucion conocida de taxones hasta ahora restrin-gidos a territorios proximos. Para todas ellas se aportaii datos sobre su compor-tamiento ecologico, fitosociologico y corologico, que coinpletan los datos queactualmente se disponen sobre las mIsmas.MATERIAL Y METODOSEl material citado en el presente trabajo se encuentra depositado en el her-bario ABH de la Universidad de Alicante

Taxonomic status of Ononis tridentata (Fabaceae) from Morocco, resolved by multivariate morphometric analyses

In this study, we present the results of morphological studies on the SW Mediterranean Ononis tridentata aggregate, in order to establish the identity and taxonomic status of the only known Moroccan population. By using multivariate morphometric techniques (principal component analysis and discriminant analysis), we examined the diagnostic potential of 14 morphological characters. Moroccan individuals of O. tridentata are well characterised by their long inflorescence axis and calyx lobes frequently toothed among other distinguishing characters. As the Moroccan population is distinct in multivariate morphometric space and occupies an isolated geographical distribution, we recommend the taxonomic status of subspecies: O. tridentata subsp. mauretanica (Maire) Agulló, Juan, M.A. Alonso, Terrones & M.B. Crespo stat. nov.

Nomenclatural notes on Sarcocornia perennis (Mill.) A. J. Scott (Amaranthaceae)

Abstract GUILLÓ, A., M. Á. ALONSO, A. JUAN & M. B. CRESPO (2011). Nomenclatural notes on Sarcocornia perennis (Mill.) A. J. Scott (Amaranthaceae). Candollea 66: 331–335. In English, English and French abstracts. Some nomenclatural comments are reported on Sarcocornia perennis (Mill.) A. J. Scott (≡ Salicornia perennis Mill.) (Amaranthaceae), a plant widely distributed in the saline areas of Western Europe and the Mediterranean basin. On the one hand, historical data on related taxa, including pre-Linnaean polynomials, are discussed. On the other, a neotype is selected to fix the use of the name, and a list of synonyms is also presented.