Raquel Lüdtke

Characterizing Polygala L. (Polygalaceae) Species in Southern Brazil Using ISSR

The genus Polygala is one of the seven Polygalaceae genera that occur in the Brazilian flora, covering approximately 110 species. During the taxonomic review of Polygalaceae in Southern Brazil, difficulties were found when classifying species with very similar morphology, and morphological data alone could not clarify these interspecific relationships. In this context, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers were used in an attempt to characterize the genetic diversity and relationships among Polygala species. Nine Polygala species were analyzed using six selected ISSR primers that generated a total of 75 bands (100% polymorphic). The relationships were evaluated by dendrograms using the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages algorithm. The use of ISSR to solve the taxonomic problems was very useful for the Brazilian Polygala species. This is the first report of a molecular characterization of the Brazilian Polygala species to successfully group the different species. The ISSR results are in agreement with the morphological evidence of a new Polygala species from Southern Brazil.

Nota sobre a ocorrência de pétalas reduzidas em espécies de Polygala L. subgênero Hebeclada (Chodat) Blake (Polygalaceae) da Região Sul do Brasil

The number of petals in the flowers is a taxonomic character used in the circumscription of the subgenera of Polygala. Until now, the corolla of the species of subgenus Hebeclada was described having tree petals, one inferior and central called carina and two lateral adnated to the staminal sheath. Among the 12 subgenera of Polygala, the occurrence of trimerous corolla was only known in subgenera Polygala and Hebeclada. This paper presents the discovery of pentamerous corolla in species of Polygala subgenus Hebeclada, presenting photos and additional comments about this reduced petals unknown for the subgenus until this moment.

Erratum to: Genomic DNA extraction from herbarium samples of Cunila D. Royen ex L. (Lamiaceae) and Polygala L. (Polygalaceae)

Herbarium collections represent an important source of rare and foreigner species being an alternative for molecular studies. The present study tested a simple DNA extraction method from herbarium tissues of several ages, as well different PCR methods. The DNA degradation appears to be more related to the condition of exicates than the year in which it was dried.

Polygala riograndensis (Polygalaceae), a New Species from Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Polygala riograndensis Lüdtke & Miotto (Polygalaceae) is a new species from the Brazilian flora. This species is included in the subgenus Polygala L., which has the largest number of species in the Brazilian territory. Polygala riograndensis is closely related to P. campestris Gardner, but it is set apart mainly by the stems sinuate, capsules winged, leaves petiolate and glabrous, and by the crest of the keel with 6 to 7 lobes that are simple or bifid. This species was recognized during the revision of the genus Polygala in Rio Grande do Sul state. Morphological description, illustration, and observations about habitat and distribution are presented.

A New Species of Polygala (Polygalaceae) from Southern Brazil

Abstract A new species is recognized here as part of the taxonomic revision of the Polygalaceae in southern Brazil. Polygala densiracemosa Lüdtke & Miotto belongs to Polygala L. subg. Polygala, which comprises around 88 species and 22 varieties in Brazil, being the best represented subgenus of Polygala in the Brazilian flora. Polygala densiracemosa can be confused with P. campestris Gardner and P. linoides Poir. by the resemblance of the flowers, fruits, and seeds and by the similar geographical distribution. However, P. densiracemosa is distinguished by a generally caespitose habit and dense racemes. The new species is described and illustrated, observations on habitat and distribution are provided, and differences among related taxa are discussed.

Polygala altomontana (Polygalaceae), a new species from southern Brazil

SummaryPolygala is the largest genus in the family Polygalaceae, with about 110 species and 30 varieties. Polygala altomontana is a new species described from southern Brazil and is placed in the subgenus Polygala characterised by flowers with a crested keel. P. altomontana occurs in the high grasslands in Paraná and Santa Catarina states and has a prostate habit, leaves opposite, rarely alternate, fleshy and glandular, white flowers, persistent corolla and narrowly winged fruits with a persistent style and stigma. This species was recognised during a revision of the Polygalaceae for southern Brazil. A description, illustrations and observations on habitat and geographic distribution are presented.ResumoO gênero Polygala é o mais rico dentro da família Polygalaceae, abrangendo cerca de 110 espécies e 30 variedades. Polygala altomontana é uma nova espécie, descrita para a região sul do Brasil, e está incluída no subgênero Polygala, caracterizado por apresentar flores com carena cristada. P. altomontana é encontrada nos campos de altitude dos estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina e apresenta um hábito prostrado, folhas opostas raramente alternas, carnosas, glandulosas, flores brancas, corola persistente, fruto estreitamente alado, estilete e estigma persistentes no fruto. Esta espécie foi reconhecida durante a revisão da família Polygalaceae na região sul do Brasil. São fornecidas descrições morfológicas, ilustração, observações sobre hábitats e distribuição geográfica.