Cèsar Blanché

Contribution to the knowledge of the pharmaceutical ethnobotany of La Segarra region (Catalonia, Iberian Peninsula).

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the region known as La Segarra, situated at the north east of the Iberian Peninsula, in the inner plains of Catalonia, with an area of 720 km2 and a population of 17000. Working with 29 people, data on uses of 142 species belonging to 54 botanical families were obtained and presented, of which 13 uses corresponding to nine plant species were previously unreported.

Ethnobotanical study in River Tenes valley (Catalonia, Iberian Peninsula)

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the River Tenes valley, in an area of 260 km2 not far from the city of Barcelona. Although this setting might suggest that the area was unsuitable for research of this kind, the variety of microclimates--which implies a rich flora--and the existence of small villages and isolated houses made it possible to obtain valuable information. We obtained data on 209 species belonging to 60 families and here we present our findings on the properties, preparations and uses.

Reproductive biology, genetic variation and conservation of the rare endemic dysploid Delphinium bolosii (Ranunculaceae)

Abstract Delphinium bolosii C. Blanche and Molero (Ranunculaceae), is a very rare endemic plant known from only two populations in Catalonia, having fewer than 1500 individuals. A biological survey of this species included: (a) reproductive biology, comprising pollination ecology, breeding systems, seed set and pollen viability; and (b) enzyme electrophoresis to measure genetic variation within and between two populations. A trend to increasing self-pollination rates (up to 20%) and to low levels of genetic variation (1.6–1.7 alleles per locus), together with high rates of nectar robber visits are reported. The hypothetic evolutionary relationships (chromosomal changes and geographic isolation) of this species with its related widespread ancestor Delphinium fissum are also discussed. The main threats to this species are catastrophic events (especially as soil erosion), human impact activities (both agriculture and tourism) and decreasing pollination. The small populations and low genetic variation reinforce its endangered status. Some conservation measures are suggested, including in-situ and ex-situ strategies.

Conservation biology of the Pyrenean larkspur (Delphinium montanum): a case of conflict of plant versus animal conservation?

Abstract Delphinium montanum is a larkspur endemic to the Pyrenees. It has c. 4000 individuals and is classified as vulnerable following the IUCN categories. Pollination ecology results demonstrated that it is strictly dependent on pollinator activity (mainly bumblebees) to set seeds. Genetic diversity estimated by allozyme variation at 7 loci showed quite high levels of variation related to its polyploidy. Predation by Pyrenean chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra pyrenaica ), first detected in 1993, caused a continuous loss of >90% of seed set in a protected area. The maintenance of high genetic diversity suggests the buffer effect of polyploidy and seed bank strategy to counter animal grazing, but long-term effects on conservation are expected. These results stressed: (1) the need for a plan to monitor this animal–plant interaction; and (2) the need to monitor closely the population number of individuals of certain protected animal species in Natural Reserves, particularly if ecological competition has been disturbed by human intervention.

Breeding systems in tribe Delphinieae (Ranunculaceae) in the western Mediterranean area

Summary The breeding system of 30 populations belonging to 20 species of Aconitum, Delphinium and Consolida ( Delphinieae, Ranunculaceae) in the western Mediterranean area was studied and its relation with life-span and systematic position is discussed. To assess the breeding system we measured seed set in response to different pollination treatments. We performed greenhouse tests for agamospermy, spontaneous self-pollination, induced self-pollination, geitonogamy, cross-pollination and, in some cases, insect exclusion tests in the field. Morphological characters like stamen number, pollen production, ovule production and pollen: ovule ratio (P/O) were quantified. Most species are facultative xenogamous and partially self-compatible. P/O ratios were rather consistent with the observed xenogamy, although there is no relation between P/O values and selfing rates. P/O ratio was positively correlated with seed weight, but is heavily influenced by one species. A trend towards increased autogamy in annuals, especially in subgenus Staphisagria, was detected. In these taxa xenogamy and insect pollination are evolutionary primitive, and autogamy is derived. Similar reproductive patterns in closely related taxa suggest that only slight differentiation occurred after primary strain diversification of this group.

Population genetics and conservation priorities for the critically endangered island endemic Delphinium pentagynum subsp. formenteranum (Ranunculaceae)

Isozyme electrophoresis was used to evaluate levels of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the critically endangered (CR) perennial larkspur, Delphinium pentagynum subsp. formenteranum (Ranunculaceae), endemic to the island of Formentera (Balearic Islands, Spain). There is only one known population for this taxon, containing only 480 individuals. Moderate values of diversity were detected (P = 40.7%, A = 1.6 and He = 0.180), within the range observed in other surveyed larkspurs, but higher than most island endemics. Moderate levels of inbreeding were detected, probably as a consequence of the populations genetic structuring (biparental inbreeding). Threats to this taxon are mainly anthropogenic (fires, grazing, pathway works, and building pressures), although given that only one population exists, stochastic risks cannot be ignored. Conservation of D. pentagynum subsp. formenteranum requires in situ strategies, such as implementing a monitoring program and establishing a ‘botanical reserve’, and ex situ strategies, such as collection and long-term storage of seeds.

Las cubetas arreicas al sur de Bujaraloz (Valle del Ebro). Contribución a su estudio fitocenológico

Se preenta un estudio de la vegetacion y condiciones mabientales de algunas de las lagunas saladas situadas en la comarca de Los Monegros. Se reconocen 13 asociaciones y 11 subasociaciones. Por ultimo, se sugieren algunas medidas para la conservacion de estos enclaves.

Conservation assessment of Aquilegia paui (Ranunculaceae): a case study of an extremely narrow endemic.

The extremely rare Aquilegia paui (Ranunculaceae) was described in 1920 but was not found again until 1999, when it was discovered in the Parc Natural dels Ports in Tarragona Province, Spain. This species had been confused with the widespread A. vulgaris and consequently its taxonomic and conservation status had been misinterpreted. Based on the limited range of A. paui and the level of disturbance of its habitat we recommend that it is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We summarize the conservation actions available for such extremely narrow endemic plant species and make appropriate recommendations for the conservation of A. paui .

Genetic Diversity Within and among Disjunct Populations of the Mediterranean Island Endemic Delphinium pictum and D. requienii (Ranunculaceae)

Allozyme diversity was assessed in 13 populations of Delphinium pictum and D. requienii, two short-lived and closely related insular Mediterranean endemics. While D. pictum has scattered distribution in Corsica, Sardinia and Majorca, D. requienii is found in a few small populations restricted to the Hyères Archipelago. Eleven enzyme systems were assayed, and 15 loci were resolved. Both species harboured moderate levels of genetic diversity, comparable to the values expected for endemic plants. All genetic parameters suggested higher diversity in D. pictum (A = 1.93, P = 40, He = 0.106) than in D. requienii (A = 1.30, P = 26.7, He = 0.096); FIS values revealed higher inbreeding in D. requienii. Although the two species did not harbour species-specific alelles in the surveyed loci, the UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic similarity index supported divergence between them. These results, together with significant morphological similarity and evidence of successful hybridization between the species, support the hypothesis of a recent speciation event. The moderate levels of both genetic variability and population divergence observed for D. pictum are likely attributable to its ability to establish seed banks. Given that the allozyme variation detected for D. pictum was significantly partitioned among islands, we suggest the implementation of conservation programs throughout its distribution range, and not only in Corsica as it occurs nowadays. Management strategies are also desirable for D. requienii to maintain population size and control inbreeding.

Shift towards autogamy in the extremely narrow endemic Aquilegia paui and comparison with its widespread close relative A. vulgaris (Ranunculaceae)

Aquilegia paui is an extremely narrowly endemic species from the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. It is restricted to a few populations with a reduced number of individuals living in summit rock cliffs. It is studied and compared to the widespread Aquilegia vulgaris to assess differences in their breeding system and pollination ecology, expected by their differences in flower morphology and by their habitat divergence. Pollinator exclusion experiments showed the capacity of A. paui to reach a full seed set in the absence of pollinators, whereas A. vulgaris notably reduced its reproductive success under these conditions. At the same time, no insect visits were detected in A. paui, whereas A. vulgaris was frequently visited, mainly by bumblebees and flies. Thus, an evolutionary shift toward autogamy in A. paui is discussed in relation to enhanced reproductive assurance. Additionally, we address reproductive isolation mechanisms that nowadays keep A. paui and A. vulgaris separated in spite of their ability to intercross and the existence of contact areas.