Recent botanical surveys in the Balearic Islands, with special emphasis on the Pityusic archipelago (Ibiza and Formentera), have led to the discovery of several new non-native succulent species. Four species are newly recorded for both the Balearic Islands and the Euromediterranean area (Euphorbia lamarckii complex, Kalanchoe beharensis, Mesembryanthemum pallens and Yucca filifera). Six represent new records for the Balearic Islands (Dracaena trifasciata, Euphorbia tirucalli, Gasteria carinata, Graptopetalum paraguayense, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi and Kleinia anteuphorbium) and for 20 taxa the known distribution within the archipelago is expanded, primarily to Ibiza and Formentera. These findings highlight the ongoing introduction of non-native succulents in the Balearic archipelago and their potential threat to the islands' biodiversity, since some taxa display invasive traits in the recorded localities.
A new dwarf Melocactus from Cura & ccedil;ao in the Netherlands Antilles is distinguished from previously named taxa, The plant is unlike any other Melocactus species so far recorded, especially in its spination. Morphological characters separate it from the other species in that island group. To date, no flowers or fruit have been recorded.
Richard Bradley's Historia Plantarum Succulentarum or The History of Succulent Plants, published in five parts beginning between 1716 and 1727, was the first book printed in Britain devoted to succulent plants. It describes and illustrates 50 species. The plants were identified by Gordon Rowley in 1958, with an update in 1964. These identified taxa, together with current accepted names, are presented here. Since Rowley's publication, much more information on both Bradley and the Historia has come to light. An update on information about the Historia, its illustrations and Bradley's biography are also detailed.
A new and disjunct occurrence of Parodia haselbergii was discovered in the south of the state of Paran & aacute;, Brazil, being the northernmost occurrence of this taxon to date. Data on its geographic distribution, ecology and habitat are provided. A neotype is designated for the species.
Rhipsalis boanova Zappi & N.P.Taylor is described as a new red-flowered species in R. subgenus Phyllarthrorhipsalis, from a single site in Bahia state, Brazil. Notes on six other Rhipsalis species are appended.
