José Floriano Barêa Pastore

Polygala minarum (Polygalaceae), a new species endemic to southern Minas Gerais, Brazil

SummaryA new species, Polygala minarum (Polygalaceae) subgenus Polygala series Nudicaules, is described from Lavras, Serra de Carrancas and São Sebastião do Paraíso in the south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The infrageneric placement and its conservation status are assessed and its habitat and phenology are discussed. The new species is compared with its morphologically allied species, P. fontellana, P. poaya, and P. nudicaulis. Illustrations, photographs, and a distribution map are also provided.

Polygala veadeiroensis (Polygalaceae), a new species of Polygala endemic to Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

Summary. A new species, Polygala veadeiroensis (Polygalaceae) subgenus Polygala section Timutua DC. series Timoutoideae, is described from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil. The infrageneric placement and its conservation status are assessed and its habitat and phenology are included. The new species is compared with its morphologically allied species, P. carphoides and P. cuspidata. Illustrations, photos of floral parts under magnification, and a distribution map are also provided.

A Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomic Notes in Caamembeca (Polygalaceae)

Abstract Caamembeca (Polygalaceae) is a genus of 13 species endemic to South America. The genus is morphologically distinctive, e.g. supported by the putative morphologic synapomorphy of paired glands in a stipular position and on the rachis. However, its monophyly has not been robustly tested as only four species have been included in previous phylogenetic analyses. We present a phylogenetic analysis of 11 species based on nrITS, matK, the trnL intron, and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer. Relationships among Caamembeca species are discussed, and three new combinations are made, Caamembeca amazonensis, Caamembeca autranii, and Caamembeca formosa, providing an improved understanding of the genus.

Flora das cangas da Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brasil: Polygalaceae

Apresenta-se um estudo floristico das especies de Polygalaceae ocorrentes nas cangas da Serra dos Carajas (Para). Sao apresentadas descricoes, chaves taxonomicas, ilustracoes e comentarios taxonomicos dos taxons. Neste estudo foram encontradas seis especies distribuidas em quatro generos: Bredemeyera divaricata, B. floribunda, Caamembeca spectabilis, Polygala adenophora, Securidaca diversifolia e S. rivinifolia, nenhuma delas endemica da regiao ou do estado do Para.

Preliminary synopsis of the genus Hebecarpa (Polygalaceae)

SummaryAs traditionally circumscribed, the genus Polygala has been shown to be non-monophyletic, and most of the necessary generic combinations have been made for the New World species. The genus Hebecarpa, though, still needs to be addressed, as only eight species have been transferred. Even though over 65 names within Polygala are referable to Hebecarpa, preliminary study indicates that more than half the names are likely not worthy of taxonomic recognition, but careful revisionary study is necessary for fully sorting out the species and accurate synonymisation. To make the most accurate names available for modern workers, we here transfer 11 names (and associated synonyms) which we think most likely reflect discreet evolutionary lineages (species), bringing the total number of Hebecarpa species to 19. Forty-one additional names in Polygala that are attributable to Hebecarpa are enumerated but left for synonymisation or transfer after more study.

Monnina goiana (Polygalaceae), a Well-known but Misidentified Brazilian Species

Abstract A new species, Monnina goiana , is described based on a re-interpretation of the name M. martiana, and a key for the Brazilian species of Monnina is presented. The identity of M. martiana is discussed.

Asemeia ovata (Polygalaceae): Quantitative determination and evaluation in silico of identified substances by HPLC-DAD

BACKGROUND In Brazil, the Asemeia genus has 19 species (12 endemic) and 2 varieties (both endemic) and some of them are found in semi-arid Bahia. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to quantitatively determine identified substances by HPLC-DAD in Asemeia ovata extracts and to predict their biological activities in silico. METHOD The quantification method by HPLC-DAD has been validated according to the guidelines of the International Conference of Harmonization. The prediction in silico activities was made by Target Fishing methods (TF), followed by docking by the program DOCK 6.7 and assessment of interaction profiles for Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler server. RESULTS It was possible to identify and quantify using HPLC-DAD substances: rutin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and trans-ferulic acid. The ChemProt 2.0 server was selected for TF method, which has shown potential activity of compounds on molecular targets such as Carbonic anhydrase 12, epidermal growth factor receptor and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2. CONCLUSION This work provides new results for the species both from a biological and chemical point of view, and has interesting potential to be discovered with the prospect of further studies.

Development, structure and function of bracteal nectaries in Caamembeca laureola (A.St.Hil & Moq.) JFB Pastore (Polygalaceae)

We conducted anatomical studies on glands of the Polygalaceae aiming at characterizing the morphology and function of the inflorescence glands of Caamembeca laureola (A.St.Hil & Moq.) JFB Pastore. Glucose was detected using Glicofita Plus®, and insect visitors were observed along the entire reproductive axis. Standard techniques on plant anatomy were used for observation under light and scanning electron microscopies. Gland exudation starts at anthesis, and the secretory activity continues up to the fruiting stage. The presence of glucose in the glands allows for their identification as extrafloral nectaries. The secretory tissue in the gland occupies the medullar region and is surrounded by phloem. Xylem is observed only at nectary base. The vascular bundle supplying this structure is the same one that supplies the flower bract, located at the side opposite the nectary. Our study thus lays groundwork for the investigation on the morphology of the glands found on the reproductive axis in the Polygalaceae. These glands are named as bracteal nectaries, the first such report for the entire family. This thus brings up new data and interpretations regarding the role that such structures play in the studied group and also attributes diagnostic value to the character.