André Vito Scatigna

Stemodia cipoensis (Plantaginaceae): A New Species from Serra Do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract The Serra do Cipó, part of the central portion of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil, is known to have been extensively investigated over the past three decades, especially because of the “Flora da Serra do Cipó” project. Nevertheless, some areas have been poorly collected as the efforts were largely concentrated near the roads. Various new species, in several families, have been recently discovered in the campos rupestres of the Serra do Cipó. Here we report the discovery of a new species of Stemodia (Plantaginaceae) from the northwestern slopes. We describe and illustrate the new species based on morphological and micro-morphological evidence, provide information on its taxonomy, habitat, geographical distribution, and conservation status, along with a key to distinguish it from the related species. Stemodia cipoensis is similar to S. harleyi, S. lobata, and S. stellata, being characterized by the presence of long, stiff, curved, eglandular trichomes. It has been assessed as CE (critically endangered) under criteria B1ab(iii) and B2ab(iii), following IUCN guidelines.

Buchnera carajasensis (Orobanchaceae), a new species from the canga vegetation of the Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil

SummaryBuchnera carajasensis is described and illustrated. Information on its conservation status, taxonomy, habitat, geographic distribution, and phenology, along with a key to the Buchnera species found in Pará, is provided. The new species had previously been confused with B. tenuissima, a Mexican species, and is also similar to B. palustris, but exhibits differences in the inflorescence shape, in the indumentum, and in reproductive traits. The new species is apparently endemic to ironstone outcrops of the Serra dos Carajás, northern Brazil, and is assessed as Endangered in accordance with the IUCN criteria.

The rediscovery of Philcoxia goiasensis (Plantaginaceae): lectotypification and notes on morphology, distribution and conservation of a threatened carnivorous species from the Serra Geral de Goiás, Brazil

SummaryWe report the rediscovery of Philcoxia goiasensis, a rare carnivorous plant that was until recently only known from the type collection. We lectotypify the species and provide an updated description along with notes on morphology, distribution and conservation. We also present refined illustrations and the first known photographs of P. goiasensis in the wild. It was recently collected in two locations in the Northeast of Goiás, Brazil and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Microsatellite Markers for Studies with the Carnivorous Plant Philcoxia minensis (Plantaginaceae)

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for the critically endangered carnivorous species Philcoxia minensis (Plantaginaceae) for further population genetic studies aiming at its conservation. Methods and Results: We identified 29 clones containing 40 microsatellites from a genomic enriched library. A total of 27 primer pairs were developed and evaluated in 30 individuals of a natural P. minensis population. Seventeen markers successfully presented amplification products within the expected size range, of which 12 were polymorphic. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.03 to 0.65 and from 0.00 to 0.77, respectively. Positive transferability with the related species P. bahiensis was observed for the same 17 markers. Conclusions: The 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers are suitable for studies in genetic diversity and structure, mating system, and gene flow in P. minensis and also may be useful for similar issues regarding the related species P. bahiensis.

Stemodia perfoliata (Plantaginaceae): A 200 year old new species from the Caatinga of Minas Gerais, Brazil

A new species of Stemodia (Plantaginaceae) from the Caatinga of northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described and illustrated. Stemodia perfoliata was first collected by Auguste de Saint-Hilaire, ca. 200 years ago, and remained unnamed until now. The new species is characterized by the connate-perfoliate leaves, a unique feature in the genus. We provide notes on morphology, geographic distribution and conservation status of S. perfoliata, along with a key to differentiate it from the similar species that occur in Brazil: S. durantifolia, S. hyptoides, S. maritima, S. palustris and S. stricta.

Two New Species of the Carnivorous Genus Philcoxia (Plantaginaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract The genus Philcoxia (Plantaginaceae) was published less than 20 yr ago, based on three species, and its circumscription has been broadened more recently with the description of two additional species. Here we report the discovery of two new species from the Brazilian Cerrado, bringing the number of currently known species of Philcoxia to seven. We describe and illustrate the new species and provide notes on their taxonomy, morphology, habitat, geographic distribution, phenology, and conservation status, along with a key to all species of the genus. Philcoxia maranhensis is characterized by the non-peltate, cordiform leaves and glandular-pubescent bracts, and is endemic to the Chapada das Mesas, southwestern Maranhão; Philcoxia courensis is characterized by a more developed underground system and is endemic to the Chapada dos Veadeiros, northern Goiás. Both species are assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Flora of the cangas of Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil: Orobanchaceae

This is a taxonomic study of the representatives of Orobanchaceae from the cangas of Serra dos Carajás, Pará state, Brazil. We recorded Buchnera carajasensis and B. longifolia in Serra dos Carajás, but only the former occurs in areas of canga and will be treated in this work. Here we present a detailed description, photographs and notes on morphology, distribution and phenology of this species.

An interactive key for Brazilian genera of Plantaginaceae Juss

Here we present an interactive key for the Brazilian genera of Plantaginaceae, using Xper3 plataform, based on morphological data from literature and herbarium material. Seventeen genera, 26 characters and 77 character states were included, in addition to photos and descriptions of taxa and characters. This tool can be constantly updated, is easy to understand and suitable for both specialists and general public, and allows taxa identification even in the absence of some characters. The final version of our key will be available online for public use.

Flora of the cangas of the Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil: Linderniaceae

This is a taxonomic study of the species of Linderniaceae from the cangas of the Serra dos Carajas, state of Para, Brazil. Three species of Lindernia were recorded: L. brachyphylla, L. crustacea and L. diffusa, the first being restricted to South America and the two others with pantropical distribution. Here we present detailed descriptions, illustrations, photographs and notes on morphology, distribution and phenology of these species.