Richard K. Rabeler

Suprageneric nomenclature in the Caryophyllaceae

Through our work on the nomenclature of the Caryophyllaceae in preparing our treatments for the Generic flora of the southeastern United States (Rabeler, in prep.) and for The families and genera of the vascular plants (Bittrich, in prep.) we uncovered a number of problems involving the suprageneric names being used in the Caryophyllaceae. Given the increased interest in higher-level relationships in the Caryophyllidae that has arisen from the application of molecular (e.g., Giannasi & al., 1992) and cladistic methods (e.g., Rodman & al., 1984; Rodman, 1990; Hershkovitz, 1991) and from questions about relationships within the Caryophyllaceae (e.g., Gilbert, 1987; Hershkovitz, 1991), we feel that it is appropriate to present an overview of validly published suprageneric names.

(1737) Proposal to conserve the name Heliosperma against Ixoca (Caryophyllaceae, Sileneae)

Heliosperma (nom. cons prop.) comprises 15—20 taxa, most of them endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. DNA sequences from the chloroplast (rps16 intron, psbE-petG spacer) and the nuclear genome (ITS and four putatively unlinked RNA polymerase genes) are used to elucidate phylogenetic relationships within Heliosperma, and its position within Sileneae. Three main lineages are found within Heliosperma: Heliosperma alpestre, H. macranthum and the H. pusillum-clade. The relationships among the lineages differ between the plastid and the nuclear trees. Relative dates are used to discriminate among inter- and intralineage processes causing such incongruences, and ancient homoploid hybridisation is the most likely explanation. The chloroplast data strongly support two, geographically correlated clades in the H. pusillum-group, whereas the relationships appear poorly resolved by the ITS data, when analysed under a phylogenetic tree model. However, a network analysis finds a geographic structuring similar to that in the chloroplast data. Ancient vicariant divergence followed by hybridisation events best explains the observed pattern. The morphological and taxonomical diversity in the H. pusillum-group is possibly ecology-induced, and is not correlated with the molecular data. Phylogenetic patterns regarding the origin of Heliosperma are complicated, probably influenced by reticulate and sorting events. At least two ancient lineages have been involved in its evolution, one most closely related to Viscaria/Atocion and the other to Eudianthe/Petrocoptis. Atocion and Viscaria are sister genera, most species-rich on the Balkans, and including six/three species. Phylogenies do not support their traditional classification, and provide a framework for a taxonomic revision. Atocion compactum is found in three different positions in the chloroplast tree, and in a single clade in the nuclear gene trees. Using relative dates we demonstrate that hybridisation with subsequent chloroplast capture is a feasible explanation for the pattern observed. This, and other observed reticulate patterns, highlights the importance of hybridisation in plant evolution.

Pseudostellaria sierrae (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from California

Pseudostellaria sierrae is described as new from northern California. Glabrous stems and leaves, a V-shaped apical notch in each ligulate petal, five yellow anthers, and seeds with minute projections on each tubercle are features useful in distinguishing P sierrae from P. jamesiana (Torrey) W. A. Weber & R. L. Hartman, the congener widely distributed in the western United States. Pseudostellaria sierrae is found in mixed oak or conifer

Untangling phylogenetic patterns and taxonomic confusion in tribe Caryophylleae (Caryophyllaceae) with special focus on generic boundaries

Assigning correct names to taxa is a challenging goal in the taxonomy of many groups within the Caryophyllaceae. This challenge is most serious in tribe Caryophylleae since the supposed genera seem to be highly artificial, and the available morphological evidence cannot effectively be used for delimitation and exact determination of taxa. The main goal of the present study was to re-assess the monophyly of the genera currently recognized in this tribe using molecular phylogenetic data. We used the sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the chloroplast gene rps16 for 135 and 94 accessions, respectively, representing all 16 genera currently recognized in the tribe Caryophylleae, with a rich sampling of Gypsophila as one of the most heterogeneous groups in the tribe. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. The results show that most of the large genera of Caryophylleae are not monophyletic. As a result, we propose a new classification system matching both molecular phylogenetic and morphological evidence. The main taxonomic conclusions include: (1) the description of three new genera, (2) treating five small genera as synonyms, (3) resurrecting the genus Heterochroa with six species, and (4) proposing 23 new combinations plus 2 replacement names at the specific level. As a result, we recognize 14 genera in Caryophylleae. A diagnostic key to all genera of Caryophylleae is provided.

Lectotypification of the Enigmatic Sagina fontinalis (Caryophyllaceae)

ABSTRACT  Examination of the protologue of Sagina fontinalis (Caryophyllaceae) revealed that at least two gatherings were mentioned, making it necessary to select a lectotype.

Identifications and Typifications of Rosa (Rosaceae) Taxa in North America Described or Used by E. W. Erlanson, 1925–1934

Abstract.  During her main publication period at the University of Michigan from 1926 to 1937, E. W. Erlanson described 18 new Rosa L. species and varieties (Rosaceae), most from the midwestern United States. The majority were grown and hybridized at the University of Michigan Botanical Garden, where she collected many specimens for the University of Michigan Herbarium (MICH) over a period of years. Some living collections were hers, but most were from others who sent living plants usually without voucher specimens. For this reason and the inability until recently to use sheets as types from living collections under specific circumstances, type selections were at times inappropriate. Nevertheless, seven (almost half) of the cited holotypes here are in MICH, in addition to three lectotypes designated here, as well as isotypes and isolectotypes. A total of 40 taxa with either type data or in synonymy are identified in 10 categories of Rosa species, subspecies, and nothospecies following the Flora of North America treatment. Lectotypes are designated here for the following 19 names: R. acicularioides Schuette, R. acicularis Lindl. var. bourgeauiana Crép., R. arkansana Porter, R. blanda Aiton fo. carpohispida Schuette, R. blanda var. glandulosa Schuette, R. blanda var. hermannii Erlanson, R. blanda var. nuda Schuette, R. blanda var. subgeminata Schuette, R. californica Cham. & Schltdl., R. carolina L. var. aculeata (Schuette) Erlanson, R. carolina var. litoralis Erlanson, R. deamii Erlanson, R. gemella Willd., R. nitida Willd., R. carolina var. inermis Schuette, R. carolina var. sepalorelevata Schuette, R. pensylvanica Michx., R. ×rudiuscula (Greene) Erlanson, and R. suffulta Greene var. valida Erlanson. One neotype is designated, R. palustris. In addition, holotypes of the following taxa are identified for the first time: R. blanda var. setigera Crép., R. blanda var. hispida Farw., and R. blanda fo. alba (Schuette ex Erlanson) Fernald.

Publication of the combination Spergularia diandra (Caryophyllaceae): Discovery of an earlier indelible autographic label

The name Spergularia diandra, representing a plant native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Africa eastward to central Asia and introduced sparingly to North America, was validly published via an autographic labeldistributed in 1851, predating other commonly seen citations of this combination.

Rediscovery of the Types of Euphorbia sparsiflora (Euphorbiaceae) and Gutierrezia ionensis (Asteraceae) at MIN

Abstract.  Type specimens of two names (Euphorbia sparsiflora A. Heller, Euphorbiaceae, Gutierrezia ionensis Lunell, Asteraceae) have been discovered, superseding recent lecto- and neotypifications.

EREMOGONE CLIFTONII (CARYOPHYLLACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM CALIFORNIA

ABSTRACT Eremogone cliftonii is described as new from northern California. Petal and capsule lengths and presence or not of pubescence or a bloom on vegetative structures are features useful in distinguishing this novelty from E. aculeata and E. kingii var. glabrescens, the congeners found in the region. Eremogone cliftonii occurs in open or forested areas on decomposing granite.

Cometeae, the Correct Name for the Tribe Pterantheae (Caryophyllaceae)

Ruiz, H. & Pav6n, J. 1798. Systema vegetabilium florae peruvianae et chilensis. G. de Sancha, Madrid. Spruce, R. 1871. Equatorial-American palms. J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 11: 175-181. Steele, R. 1982. Flowers for the king: the expedition of Ruiz and Pavon and the flora of Peru. Duke University Press, Durham, North Carolina. Wallace, R. 1908. Notes of a botanist on the Amazon & Andes [R. Spruces diary ed.], 2. Macmillan, London.