Botanica Complutensis (ISSN 0214-4565, ISSN-e 1988-2874) is journal published once a year. Founded in 1968 by the Phytography lecturer Francisco Bellot Rodríguez, under the name Trabajos de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, with volume 14 (1989) it changed its name to Botanica Complutensis. It includes Botany articles in Spanish, and English mainly.
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Contribution to the flora of the Selvagens archipelago (Portugal) (I)
Plant specimens obtained by the authors from several expeditions to the Selvagens Islands (2004-2021), complemented by the study of herbarium specimens, led to the identification of several new species records for the Selvagens archipelago, namely the taxa currently considered as Canary Islands endemics Trisetaria lapalmae and Polycarpaea divaricata. Other new taxa records for the Selvagens Islands include Convolvulus siculus subsp. elongatus and the grasses Bromus rigidus and Phalaris minor. Notes on Misopates salvagense, Asplenium marinum, Spergularia diandra and Rostraria pumila are also included. Comments on taxa include distribution, ecology, taxonomy, nomenclature, conservation, and historical data. Results are discussed in the light of habitat restoration, following Nicotiana glauca near eradication and rodent eradication. These aspects are also discussed considering the historical evolution of knowledge on the Selvagens vascular flora.
Miguel Pinto da Silva Menezes de Sequeira
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Colonización del Lago de la Casa de Campo (Madrid) por el fitoplancton
The Casa de Campo Lago was dessicated in 2018 and its phytoplankton colonization was studied over an annual cycle after its reflooding at the beginning of the next year, along with factors controlling its dynamics. The more frequent phytoplankton morphotype in early colonization was that of flagellates, with taxa richness being roughly constant, but overall biomass remained low. From June onwards, both biomass and richness steeply increased, being dominated by chlorococcalean green algae and Cyanophytes. Dissolved organic carbon and organic nitrogen were the main physico-chemical factors controlling biomass. The scanty data available from other years suggested that zooplankton was negligible as control factor for phytoplankton. The main source for phytoplankton colonization was the Valchico wetland, and that process seemingly took place by duck zoochory.
Algunos líquenes interesantes para la Península Ibérica
The presence of 25 species was reported during a survey carried out in the municipality of O Rosal (Pontevedra, NW Spain). Among them, Arthonia anglica and A. ligniaria are new records for the Iberian Peninsula, while Rinodina colobinoides and Usnea erinacea are new records for Spain. In addition, Agonimia opuntiella, Cliostomum griffithii, Coppinsiella ulcerosa, Lecanora barkmaniana, Micarea synotheoides, Physcia vitii, Reichlingia zwackhii, Rinodina biloculata, R. excrecens, R. conradii and R. pyrina are recorded for the first time in Galicia. Another 10 species included in this publication are new records for the province of Pontevedra
Atlas of alien plants of Madrid, III. Papaveraceae-Urticaceae
In this third part of the atlas of alien plants of Madrid, the orders Ranunculales, Proteales, Buxales, Saxifragales, Vitales, Zygophyllales, Fabales and Rosales have been included. Taxa introduced outside urban areas, naturalised or not, and those naturalised in urban areas are considered. Ninety taxa with certain or probable presence are analysed, and 22 others of doubtful presence or status are discussed. Of the taxa analysed, 82 are alien in Madrid (48 naturalised and 34 without evidence of being so, although 7 of them naturalised in nearby localities) and 8 in nearby localities (7 naturalised and 1 without evidence of being so). Half of the species are rare, and another 20% are scarce. Three species are abundant, with expanding populations, Gleditsia triacanthos, Robinia pseudoacacia and Ulmus pumila, the latter with invasive behaviour. Four cultivated archaeophytes, Vitis vinifera, Medicago sativa, Prunus amygdalus and Ficus carica, are widely naturalized, although without an expansive tendency. Four other species appear scattered, without being abundant but seem to be expanding: Papaver somniferum subsp. somniferum, Berberis aquifolium, Spartium junceum and Prunus cerasifera var. atropurpurea. Another 16 species appear scattered throughout the region, occasionally naturalized, but with no apparent expansive trend.
Diversity of terricolous lichens in Montes de Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha, España)
We here report the results of a study in which the diversity of terricolous lichens colonizing the slopes of forest roads and soils in Montes de Toledo is analyzed. In total, 103 species have been identified, 14 are recorded for the first time in Castilla-La Mancha and another 32 are new records from Montes de Toledo. Slopes inside Quercus pyrenica forests or located near riverbeds harbor the highest species richness. In the most humid slopes, we highlight the presence of some species which are more frequent in the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula (Cladonia ciliata, C. gracilis, C. scabriuscula, C. uncialis, Inoderma epigaeum, Lepraria rigidula, Peltigera venosa, Psoroma hypnorum, Trapeliopsis pseudogranulosa). Whereas in the most exposed areas, we underline the presence of very rare Mediterranean species (Cladonia dimorpha, Leptogium terrenum, Toninia toepfferi, Trapeliopsis gymnidiata, T. wallrothii). In conclusion, under Mediterranean climate conditions, the slopes of forest roads constitute important habitats for terricolous lichen species.
Copyright (c) 2022 Botanica Complutensis
Effect of storage on the physiological quality of seeds of a tropical tree with conservation interest: Licania arborea Seem
Licania arborea is a timber tree, important in traditional medicine. In Mexico, it is classified as an endangered species, so immediate conservation actions are required. Viability, humidity and germination in storage period (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) were determined. Freshly harvested seeds exhibited 90 ± 5% viability, 78.7 ± 3.5% humidity and 55 ± 0.6% germination, decreasing considerably according to the storage periods. Seed sowing must be done immediately after harvest, because storage can affect the physiological capacity of the seed.
Chorological novelties for some lichens in Castilla-La Mancha region. I
New chorological data of six species of macrolichens are presented. Ephebe lanata, Peltula omphaliza, Physcia albinea, Placidium michelii and Umbilicaria crustulosa are recorded for the first time in Castilla-La Mancha, while Teloschistes chrysophthalmus is only referenced at the beginning of the 20th century.
Floristic diversity of Quercus suber woodlands in Kabylia (northeastern Algeria). Checklist and brief analysis
The Quercus suber woodlands found in Algeria are of limited expansion, but of high ecological importance, and they are mainly located in the northeastern part of the country. The objective of this paper was to present the floristic diversity of the cork oak woodlands in Kabylia (northeastern Algeria), by describing the taxonomical (at families, genera, species and subspecies ranks), biological and chorological diversity of the vascular flora. Overall, 311 vascular plant taxa were recorded in the investigated area, of which 29 are endemics and Algerian law protects eight taxa. Biological spectrum revealed ecological features and anthropic pressure, while chorological spectrum provided information in climatic terms. The presence of 34 plant taxa with high value that are range-restricted and/or endemics in these woodlands is especially significant, as well as three threatened or near threatened species. Accordingly, measures for protection of floristic diversity are recommended.
Preliminary checklist of the lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)
A preliminary checklist of lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of Castilla-La Mancha is presented. A total of 5064 records have been compiled from 204 publications. The number of taxa ascends to 832, of which 820 are species and 12 infraspecific taxa. Of these 763 are lichenized and 69 correspond to lichenicolous fungi.
Taxonomic revision of Sapindaceae in Tunisia, with new additions to national flora and the whole north Africa
A taxonomic revision of the family Sapindaceae (order Sapindales) in Tunisia is presented. Field surveys were carried out during the last 10 years, allowing to identify 5 taxa of which 2 (Acer monspessulanum subsp. monspessulanum and A. monspessulanum subsp. martinii) are native, whereas the other 3 (A. negundo, Dodonaea viscosa, and Sapindus saponaria) are alien for the Tunisian flora. A. monspessulanum subsp. martinii, A. negundo, and Dodonaea viscosa are new records at national level, with Dodonaea representing a new genus for the Tunisian flora, whereas Sapindus saponaria is new for the whole North Africa. Information about nomenclature (accepted names, main synonyms, and types), morphology, chromosome number, chorology, occurrence in Tunisia, ecology (phenology and habitat), and taxonomic annotations are provided for each taxon, as well as original photos were prepared. Diagnostic keys at species and infraspecific ranks are also given.
Functional aspects of Pistia stratiotes, an invasive plant of Al Jawahir (Fez) wadi lentic habitats
Excessive growth of invasive alien aquatic plants threatens local ecosystems and has both ecological and economic impacts. This work highlights morphological and functional aspects of Pistia stratiotes L., first reported in Fez in 2012. The total photosynthetic surface of a Pistia plant is highly correlated (R2=0.72) to the product of the length and maximum width of the external leaf. The total biomass of Pistia was highly related (R2=0.71) to plant size and averaged 67.54±26.35 g dw.m-2. Its peak does not necessarily co-occur with flowering and/or high production of stolons. The total nitrogen and phosphorus mineralomasses correspond to 11.46±4.55 kg N.ha-1 and 0.83±0.33 kg P.ha-1. The biomass and mineralomasses of Pistia, estimated under these invasive conditions, ranks it among the least productive Moroccan wetland plants.
Preliminary survey of macrofungal diversity in El Monte de Villoria (Salamanca, Spain).
Habitat fragmentation, the edge effect, geographic isolation, and agricultural and livestock pressure are some of the threats faced by many Mediterranean ecosystems. As an example of this, El Monte of Villoria, where three areas with a predominance of different species of the Quercus genus (holm oak, holm oak and Pyrenean oak, and cork oak) have been studied. The macrofungal diversity of this forest has been studied as an approach to get to know the health status of these fragmented ecosystems, obtaining values lower than those expected that indicate a good state of conservation. A total of 186 taxa have been registered distributed in different study plots, with a distribution of them conditioned by the different dominant tree species in each of this plots, reaching greater alpha diversity in the cork oak plot and less in the holm oak and Pyrenean oak. Despite this, El Monte acts as a refuge for biodiversity in an area of high intervention of the natural environment and its conservation should be prioritized.
Rediscovering of Chara braunii (Characeae, Charophyta) in Madeira (Macaronesian region, Portugal)
Chara braunii C.C. Gmelin (Characeae, Charophyta) was found in Madeira Island (Portugal) in a water channel in an agricultural area. This constitutes the first record of that species since 1944 in the Macaronesian region (Azores, Madeira and Canary archipelagos).
New taxa to the flora of Madeira archipelago islands (Portugal)
73 new references for 72 taxa of vascular plant are here reported for the Madeira archipelago. 55 not previously recorded for Desertas Islands, 12 to Porto Santo Island and 6 for Madeira Island. Of the 72 taxa, 28 are xenophytes, and 10 are new taxa to the flora of the archipelago (of these 9 are xenophytes). Their native status, taxonomy and distribution are briefly discussed.
Copyright (c) 2021 Botanica Complutensis
Functional ecology of three fern species in the alpine region of Slovenia
This paper discusses the variation of two foliar functional traits: Specific Leaf Area (SLA) and Leaf Dry Matter Content (LDMC) within three different fern species: Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Asplenium scolopendrium and Polypodium vulgare in mountainous and hilly locations placed in the alpine region of Slovenia. The differences observed within species were highly significant and suggest that ecological features, especially habit and niche breadth, influence SLA and LDMC. Furthermore, although there were some slightly significant differences within mountainous and hilly locations, low statistical power makes it difficult to draw conclusions. Thus, we suggest increasing the number of species of each habit, as well as increasing the sample size of mountainous and hilly locations, in order to elucidate how these foliar functional traits vary as an adaptation to different environmental conditions.
Contributions to the knowledge of the phenology of flowering in wetlands of Berisso, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Contributions to the knowledge of blooming fenology in wetlands of Berisso, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A study of the phenology of blooming was carried out in an area of wetlands of Berisso, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The composition of the vegetation and the analysis of season vegetation was studied by means of fortnightly visits to the site of study. Forty-nine families and one hundred and eighteen species of Angiosperms were recorded. The botanical families with a major wealth of species were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Verbenaceae and in a decreasing order: Lamiaceae y Oleaceae. The reproductive period begins in July and the major floral offer occurs in the months of November and December. Events observed as a response to metheorological phenomenon are the extension of life cycle of herbaceous plants susceptible to freezing temperatures, the anticipation and the repetition of the blooming phase in herbaceous and woody species. According to data of the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional the average minimum temperature during the studied lapse (2016-2018) was of 12°C, recording an increase of 2°C, in relation to the period spanning from 1980 to the 31st december of 2016. Besides it was observed since last decade, the decrease in the number of days with freezing temperatures due to first frosts delay and decreasing in number of days with freezing temperatures along with episodes of asincronic termoperiodism.
Epipremnum aureum (Araceae) roots associated simultaneously with Glomeromycotina, Mucoromycotina and Ascomycota fungi
Only a small number of aroids are examined for their symbiosis with glomeromycotean arbuscular mycorrhizal (GAM) fungi and the ascomycetous dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. Therefore we examined the aerial and terrestrial adventitious roots of Epipremnum aureum for the endophytic association and the soils for GAM spores. The aerial roots of E. aureum were free from fungal structures, whereas the terrestrial roots were colonized by GAM, fine root endophyte (FRE), and DSE fungi. The major portion of the terrestrial roots was colonized by FRE fungi followed by GAM and DSE fungi. The colonization pattern was a complex of Arum-Paris and intermediate types. Spores of Acaulospora, Funneliformis, Rhizophagus, Rhizophagus and Sclerocystis were isolated from the root zone soils. The results show that E. aureum can establish symbiosis with a wide range of endophytic fungi and FRE symbiosis is reported for the first time in aroids.
The Betic-Rifean endemism Antirrhinum australe, chorological novelty for the province of Seville
The presence of Antirrhinum australe Rothm (Plantaginaceae) is confirmed in the province of Seville, being represented by two populations located on the edge of its distribution in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Within the phenotypic dimorphism that A. australe presents in the hairiness of its vegetative organs, all studied individuals are characterized by stems and leaves largely devoid of trichomes. Reproductive success is apparently high (fruit set > 80%), but the geographic and ecological marginality of these populations seem to be important risk factors for their conservation, without clear signs of demographic recruitment. We argue that these populations can be useful for the comparative study of morpho-functional traits of interest in the genus, from an ecological-evolutionary perspective.
Effect of light, temeprature and competence in the gametophytic phase of two forest ferns: Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis
Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis are forest ferns that live together frequently. Spore viability and speed in germination, together with gametophyte development are cues for the competitive success of ferns in a certain habitat. Monospecific and mixed spore cultures were established, and kept at 10º, 15º and 20 ºC, and at low light intensity, from 1.8 to 1.0 µmol m-2 s-1, the latter at 20 ºC. Total germination percentages and time (T50), were registered in each case. In addition, gametophyte development and sexual expression was studied in both species. Final germination percentages were generally high, slightly higher in cultures with mixed spores. However, temperature clearly affected germination time that was shorter in Dryopteris at all tested temperatures. Cultures at low light intensities rich high germination percentages, decreasing markedly at 1 µmol m-2 s-1, notably in Athyrium. Sexual expression in mixed cultures, on soil at 20 ºC and 50 µmol m-2 s-1, was similar after three and six months. Athyrium showed high percentages of female gametophytes promoting sporophytic outcrossing, while Dryopteris showed a high number of apogamous sporophytes.
Gametophytic phase of the Indonesian ferns Amblovenatum immersum (Blume) Mazumdar and Christella subpubescens (Blume) Holttum (Thelypteridaceae)
The gametophytic generation of Amblovenatum immersum and Christella subpubescens (Thelypteridaceae), including spore germination, morphological development of the gametophytes, major vegetative features and reproduction strategies, was studied. For both species, the spore germination was of the Vittaria type and the developmental pattern was of the Drynaria type. Adult gametophytes were cordate and hairy, with unicellular and secretory hairs located in the margins and both the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the prothalli. C. subpubescens has another type of acicular hairs only in the margin of the prothallus. Gametangia were of the normal type described for leptosporangiate ferns. In A. immersum all the gametophytes were female. In C. subpubescens the gametophytes produced at first instance female gametangia and then became bisexual with time. Antheridiogen activity was observed in both species, suggested by the presence of small young ameristic gametophytes with antheridia surrounding well-developed female ones.
Checklist of the lichens and lichenicolous fungi of Sierra Nevada (Spain)
A checklist of lichens and lichenicolous fungi of Sierra Nevada (Granada, southeast Spain) is presented, fruit of the collecting field trip carried out by the Spanish Lichen Society (SEL), complemented with literature references. The authors identified 194 taxa (171 lichens and 23 lichenicolous fungi). As a result of these identifications, 46 lichens and nine lichenicolous fungi are reported for the first time in Sierra Nevada. To date, the catalogue includes 551 taxa (528 lichens and 23 lichenicolous fungi). We confirm both the scarce presence of terricolous lichens in the cryoromediterranean belt and the absence of alpine belt terricolous lichens.
Habitat differentiation and geographic separation of Isoetes velata populations in central Iberian Peninsula
Populations of Isoetes velata were studied in order to provide more information on their habitat and distribution in the Western and Northwestern Iberian Peninsula. Habitat together with morphology of megaspores were used as diagnostic features. The form I. velata subsp. velata f. lereschii is considered here as a synonym of I. velata subsp. asturicense and therefore only two taxa remain within the species: I. velata subsp. velata and I. velata subsp. asturicense. Intermediate individuals have been found in the Western Central System. The differentiation within the I. velata group appears to be the result of gradual genetic divergence after isolation. Palaeobotanical data confirm the presence of I. velata subsp. asturicense in Late Glacial lake sediments in northwestern Spain. Cluster classification of the soft-water vegetation with Isoetes velata subsp. asturicense revealed two main groups in the Spanish Central System. A single association, the Sparganio angustifolii-Callitrichetum fontqueri which includes Iberian Atlantic stands of Sparganium angustifolium and Isoetes velata subsp. asturicense, is here recognized. Besides, a variant of the association with Eleocharis acicularis is identified in shallow temporary waters in the Western Sierra de Gredos.
Macro- and microevolutionary perspectives on Seynesiella juniperi, a fungus in the Venturiales (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota)
The present work represents the first comprehensive phylogenetic study of the dothideomycete genus Seynesiella. The genus belongs into the family Cylindrosympodiaceae within the order Venturiales, based on a phylogeny reconstructed with five loci. The high genetic diversity found within the type species, S. juniperi, points towards cryptic speciation, with up to five distinct species that might be associated to different Juniperus hosts. Combining phylogenetics and multi-locus delimitation analyses, together with more detailed measurements of ascospores, will be fundamental for a better understanding of species boundaries and the biogeographic history of the delimited species, as well as for revealing more specific fungal-plant association patterns.
Revision of Cranfillia opaca in New Caledonia
Cranfillia opaca is a fern species present in New Caledonia, for which a great variation in morphology is reported. Some other species such as Blechnum deplanchei have been proposed, but those were later synonymized with C. opaca. In this work, we have studied this taxon at both the morphological and the anatomical level, as well as its ecology and geographical distribution. We found differences between C. opaca s.s. and B. deplanchei in the morphology of the sterile and fertile fronds, in several morphoanatomical features such as trichome shape, length, and distribution, and length and/or shape of different structures of sporangia and spores. The distribution of both taxa was also different, but they are sympatric at some localities. The differences identified in this study support the recognition of both taxa, and the combination of Cranfillia deplanchei (Baker) Vázquez Ferreira & Gabriel y Galán, which we propose here. A new taxonomic description is provided for both species.
Study of the Gametophytic phase of Diplazium caudatum (Athyriaceae, Polypodiopsida) from Spain
The gametophytes of the Athyriaceae are not very well known, such as Diplazium caudatum. The aim of this work is to analyze the gametophytic phase of this species, which includes germination study, morphological development and reproductive phase. Spores belonging to two different sporophytes from La Gomera, Spain, were mixed and sown in multisporic cultures. Plates have been cultured in chambers with nutritive agar at 25ºC and 12 hours photoperiod. The germination was registered every three days, and the main vegetative and reproductive development was checked throughout the observational period. The germination rate reached a maximum of 58%. The spore germination followed a Vittaria pattern meanwhile prothallial development followed an Adiantum type. Regarding sexual expression, all gametophytes developed archegonia and later some of them developed antheridia becoming bisexual.
Diversity and distribution of Icelandic ferns (Polypodiopsida)
In this paper a comprehensive list of Icelandic ferns (Polypodiopsida sensu PPG I) is presented alongside detailed distribution maps (5×5 km grid). Apart from general characteristics of the local range, details on ecology and conservation status are provided, including most common habitat types for each species, altitudinal range and a local red list status assessment according to IUCN criteria. The most important bibliography records for each species are also listed.
Plants used as saponiferous by rural communities from (West of Antioquia-Colombia)
In this work a botanical identification was carried out, taking advantage of the knowledge associated with a series of traditional practices on soap substitute plants in rural communities of the municipality of Peque (West of Antioquia); which were found in intervened forest and forest succession areas. This investigation started of ethnographic research techniques rapid rural surveys and participator complemented with audiovisual record (photography and video), semi-structured interviews, direct observation and participant taking of samples botanic, format, field notes and taxonomic identification. The methodological and investigative process shows as achievement four botanical families, four genera and five species, four are of American origin, being in a native state, while the fat grass (Melinis minutiflora) is of African origin and naturalized in American lands; in addition to ethnobotanical aspects regarding the use and management of these local resources as a contribution to the knowledge and dissemination of the country's biodiversity and the knowledge associated with it; where this type of knowledge and their respective practices still resist disappearing.
A synopsis of the fern family Blechnaceae in Santa Catarina, Brazil: reviewing Sehnem’s 1968 flora
We reviewed the fern family Blechnaceae in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, in order to update the work done by Sehnem in Flora Ilustrada Catarinense. Ten genera and 21 species in the family have been recognized. In this work, descriptions and identification keys for the species are presented, as well as comments and a comparative list of Sehnem’s nomenclature and the current state-of-the-art in Blechnaceae nomenclature.
Chorological novelties of the genus Cladonia in Toledo province (Spain)
Cladonia gracilis subsp. gracilis and Cladonia uncialis subsp. biuncialis are newly recorded to Toledo province. Furthermore, the distribution of C. macilenta and C. diversa is extended in this province. The habitats and distribution of these species in the Iberian Peninsula are discussed.
Atlas of alien plants of Madrid, II. Nymphaceae-Gramineae
In this second part of the atlas of allochthonous flora of Madrid, the Orders Nymphaeales, Magnoliales, Laurales and as well as Monocots plant are included. It has been considered the taxa introduced out of urban areas, parks or gardens, naturalized or not. A total of 101 taxa are analyzed and references to other 39 are included. Of the analyzed taxa, 58 are allochthonous in Madrid (49 naturalized, 8 without evidence of being so and one without specific known localities) and 9 in nearby localities (8 naturalized and 1 without evidence of being so). Another 11 are allochthonous in Madrid and could be naturalized, but there is no evidence of this; 5 appear in gardens and 6 are suspected of their possible presence due to their use in crops or extensive sowing. In 18 taxa there are discrepancies between authors on whether or not they are allochthonous; in this work it has been considered that they are not. Finally, it is proposed to exclude 5 taxa from the allochthonous flora of Madrid. Among the taxa included, Arundo donax is one of the most aggressive invasive plant in the world, Arundo donax. Some taxa are ancient introductions with stabilized or declining populations. There are very few references to naturalized cereals, which may be due to their low persistence. Some species are neocolonizers, like Limnobium laevigatum, the most recently detected, or Cortaderia selloana, in expansion.