This contribution provides a critical synopsis of Acalypha species in the West Indies, with a focus on the region's endemic species. It includes a comprehensive nomenclatural revision, primarily based on the study of type specimens. In total, 107 names associated with West Indian Acalypha are compiled, recognising 36 native species, 28 of which are endemic, including the nearly endemic A. chamaedrifolia. Additionally, five species are identified as introduced, while four are considered dubious and excluded. Lectotypes are designated for 41 names, and four names are proposed as new synonyms. We also present the first identification key for Acalypha at a regional scale, provide updated country-level distribution data for each species, and offer a comprehensive index of all published names, cross-referenced with the currently accepted names.

The seeds of 121 species belonging to 38 genera of the subtribe Angraecinae (Orchidaceae) were studied in terms of their morphological characteristics under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This study provided new data about the seed micromorphology of 17 genera and 100 species. Ten qualitative traits of the seed coat were analyzed, of which four were common for all the examined samples: elongated testa cells, anticlinal zone, curved transverse anticlinal walls, and sunken and narrow-to-not visible periclinal walls. These features are consistent with the epiphytic life-form of the genera studied. However, variation among genera was observed with reference to the seed shape, the morphology of the apical and the basal poles, the arrangement of the medial cells, the morphology of the longitudinal anticlinal walls, and the presence of testa extensions. A cluster analysis was performed, and two large groups were segregated according to the seed shape. Within a genus, all the examined species showed the same pattern of seed coat, except in Diaphananthe, Mystacidium, and Rhipidoglossum. On the other hand, the variation in the seed coat observed in Angraecum sensu lato supported its segregation into different genera. Our results perfectly fitted with recent taxonomic proposals.

Developmental changes in the anatomy along with the maturation from ovaries to fruits and ovules to seeds were analyzed in two terrestrial species of the related genera Anacamptis and Serapias (Orchideae, Orchidaceae), using light and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that the proliferation of the placentae and the differentiation of the ovules are well developed at the beginning of the anthesis. After fertilization of the ovules, a cavity of free air space is formed surrounding the embryo, contributing to the later buoyancy of seeds in both genera. At the last days of their development, the seeds showed slanting ridges in the periclinal walls of the testa cells. Raphides were observed in the valves, formed by packed needles composed of calcium oxalate, which contribute to avoiding herbivory. Lignification observed in the endocarp cells of the placenta and in the testa cells can be related to protecting the ovules and embryos. Terrestrial orchids need a faster maturation to ensure the efficacy of fertilization due to seasonal environmental changes in temperate areas, so developmental changes during the maturation of fruits and seeds take place in a shorter time than in epiphytic orchids.

This paper presents a critical nomenclatural review of Acalypha species of continental Africa and the islands of Cape Verde, Saint Helena, and S & atilde;o Tom & eacute; and Pr & iacute;ncipe. It is based mainly on the study of type specimens and is the first step towards a comprehensive taxonomic monograph of the genus in Africa. In total, 275 names and designations related to Acalypha from continental Africa were compiled, and 70 native species are accepted. Lectotypes for 83 names are designated, and a new combination is proposed. Acalypha haplostyla, previously considered a synonym of A. petiolaris, is here treated as an accepted species. A further five names are proposed as synonyms for the first time. The country-level geographical distribution of each species is indicated. Introduced, uncertain, and excluded species are treated in separate sections. A comprehensive index to all published names, cross-referenced to the currently accepted names, is also provided.

The seed morphology of three species belonging to the genus Bromheadia was analyzed under light and scanning electron microscopy. The seeds of B. cecieliae and B. truncata were studied for the first time. Differences in the qualitative and quantitative characteristics between the terrestrial B. finlaysoniana and the epiphytes B. cecieliae and B. truncata were observed, which were in concordance with the life form. Due to the variability of the seed shapes, a new methodology is proposed to analyze the distance between the embryo and the testa cells, with the aim of demonstrating the presence of air space within the seed. The method is compared to previous formulae used to measure free air space. Furthermore, a new measurement, the angle in twisted testa cells of epiphytic orchids, is proposed, to evaluate the degree of torsion in medial cells. Although the wide distribution of B. finlaysoniana could be related to the great buoyancy of their seeds in contrast to the limited distribution of B. cecieliae, we consider that environmental factors are more influential than the buoyancy of seeds when understanding the distribution of these taxa. Future studies on seeds morphology in orchid genera with terrestrial and epiphytic taxa will provide new insights into this research.

Endocarpic trichomes have been analyzed in fruits of 267 species from 80 genera of the orchid tribe Vandeae, using light and scanning electron microscopy. They have been observed for the first time in 56 genera and confirmed in the rest. The present study describes their microstructure in Vandeae and suggests a standardization for its terminology. Endocarpic trichomes are unicellular, thin, tightly cylindrical, hollow, with an obtuse apex and an expanded foot. The outer surface shows a helicoidal micro-ornamentation, usually covered by waxes. Perforations of the walls have been mainly observed at the outer surface in the foot, and the basal and apical regions. The inner wall is formed by helicoidal thickenings which are responsible for the movement of the endocarpic trichomes. These are present in all the species studied of Vandeae, irrespectively of the life form.

Background and aims – The genus Eulophia (Orchidaceae) is revised for Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. The aims are: to present a morphological characterization of the main vegetative and reproductive features of Eulophia to clarify the delimitation of the taxa within the genus in the studied countries; to provide an updated identification key and an updated checklist of the genus with nomenclatural data, distribution maps, ecological information, and preliminary conservation status. This revision may serve as a basis for future studies of the genus in other regions of Africa. Material and methods – Relevant material kept in BM, BR, FHI, HBG, K, MA, P, and WAG was examined, using standard practices of herbarium taxonomy. Vegetative and reproductive structures were analysed. MapMaker was used to produce the distribution maps. Key results – A total of 24 species are recognised in the study area. The variability of perennating organs, leaves, sepals and petals, lip (including ornamentation), spur, and anther cap are described and depicted, and were found to be informative for species recognition. A taxonomic treatment is given with an identification key, synonymy, distribution maps, preliminary conservation status, and specimen citations. Eulophia galeoloides is neotypified, E. brevipetala, E. leonensis, E. penduliflora, and Lissochilus elatus are lectotypified. According to our study, we consider E. parvula a synonym of E. pyrophila. E. sordida is considered as a doubtful species in the study area.

Se estudia Festuca hystrix Boiss. y Festuca reverchonii Hackel en la Península Ibérica. Se aporta una descripción detallada para ambos tazones, incorporando caracteres de micromorfología epidérmica hasta el momento no estudiados.

The occurrence of epidermal crystals in the species of the genusAcalypha(Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) is described and analyzed. The epidermal surface of 190Acalyphaspecimens, belonging to 110 species and subspecies, was studied with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the elemental composition of the found crystals was examined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that 96.4 % of the studied species have epidermal crystals, mainly located on the leaf surface, but also on the bracts and flowers. The crystals exhibit significant variation, and four types of crystals are recognized: prismatic, styloids, stellate, and druses, which are, respectively, designated with Ac, Bc, Cc and Dc letters. We have not found any reference to stellate crystals in the angiosperm morphological or anatomical literature, and druses are observed and described under SEM inAcalyphafor the first time. The elemental composition of the crystals shows that all of them exhibit typical peaks of calcium. We discuss the possible taxonomic importance of crystals, due to the association that some of these types of crystals have with groups of closely morphologically related species. We have not found a relation between the presence or the type of crystals and the habitat or distribution of the species that present them. We do not know other genera of Euphorbiaceae where the presence of crystals is so widespread, so we propose that they should be considered as a distinctive feature of this genus.

A series of notes on nomenclature and taxonomy, new records and critical taxa for the orchid flora of Equatorial Guinea is presented. Mariarisqueta divina Guinea is lectotypified and isotypes of Angraecum henriquesianum Ridl. and A. quintasii Rolfe are provided. A new subspecies in the genus Eulophia is described. The genera Phaius and Plectrelminthus are first recorded and 20 taxa reported as new for Equatorial Guinea. Habenaria clarencensis Rolfe is synonymised to H. bracteosa Hochst. ex A. Rich. Four taxa are excluded due to misidentifications, one genus and four species need to be confirmed in Equatorial Guinea.

On the taxonomic status of Festuca cordubensis DevesaPalabras clave: Festuca, Poaceae, flora vascular, taxonomía, Córdoba.Keywords: Festuca, Poaceae, vascular flora, taxonomy, Cordoba.

Qualitative micromorphological characters of seeds were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy for 95 species of 34 genera, belonging to the subfamilies Vanilloideae, Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae (Orchidaceae) from the Gulf of Guinea countries. Three genera ( Dinklageella , Platylepis and Rhipidoglossum ) and 69 species were studied for the first time. Vanilla shows a pattern of seed coat distinct to the rest of the studied taxa. Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae show variation in several features: seed shape, orientation of testa cells, morphology of anticlinal walls, cell corners, shape and ornamentation of the periclinal walls and presence of waxes. Two main patterns have been observed: one with parallel medial cells along the longitudinal axis, thin and straight anticlinal walls, with no raised and no thickened cell corners, wide periclinal walls and lack of waxes, for the terrestrial orchids of the subfamily Orchidoideae, the tribes Tropidieae, Nervilieae, Collabieae, Cymbidieae and the subtribe Malaxidinae (Epidendroideae); the other one showed twisted medial cells, thickened anticlinal zone with prominent ridges, raised and thickened cell corners, narrow-to-not visible periclinal walls and presence of waxes, in epiphytic orchids of Vandeae, Podochileae and Dendrobiinae (Epidendroideae). In the epiphytic genera Ansellia and Graphorkis (Cymbidieae) and in Liparis epiphytica (Malaxideae), thickened anticlinal walls and presence of waxes also occurred but parallel medial cells along the longitudinal axis and wide periclinal walls have been observed. This study confirms the diagnostic value of the qualitative features of the seed coat in Orchidaceae and suggests a probable relation with adaptations to habitat for seed dispersal.

Se presenta un catálogo actualizado de las especies y táxones infraespecíficos de la familia Orchidaceae en Guinea Ecuatorial, obtenido a partir de testimonios de herbario y revisión bibliográfica. Nuestros resultados indican la presencia de 225 táxones más 12 que requieren confirmación en el conjunto del territorio (Annobón, Bioko y Río Muni), incluidos en 43 géneros y 10 tribus pertenecientes a las subfamilias Vanilloideae, Orchidoideae y Epidendroideae. Se aportan 88 táxones más en el catálogo de Río Muni respecto a publicaciones precedentes. La tribu Vandeae es la más representada, con 118 táxones. Atendiendo al hábito, 53 táxones son terrestres, seis son trepadores y 166 son epífitos. La mayor riqueza de orquídeas se manifiesta en la isla de Bioko y en las provincias occidentales de Río Muni. De las 31 especies descritas sobre materiales ecuatoguineanos, seis son consideradas endemismos de Guinea Ecuatorial.

Seeds of 21 taxa of the genera Dactylorhiza (incl. Coeloglossum), Gymnadenia (incl. Nigritella) and Pseudorchis were examined by light microscope and SEM. Qualitative and quantitative characters were analyzed. In Dactylorhiza, the seeds are fusiform, but some populations of D. viridis show clavate seeds. According to the ornamentation of the periclinal walls, 3 types of seeds are recognized in this genus. The considerable variation in the seed coat ornamentation pattern in the taxa belonging to majalis, maculata, and praetermissa groups of the genus Dactylorhiza is congruent with the genetic processes that occurred during the history of this genus. Gymnadenia shows clavate seeds with stout and straight to slightly curved anticlinal walls, although these are straight to wavy in some taxa considered previously as Nigritella. These taxa also show low values of seed length. Pseudorchis has fusiform seeds without ornamentation in the periclinal walls and fine anticlinal walls. Our study supports the inclusion of the former genus Coeloglossum in Dactylorhiza.

Seed micromorphology of 19 taxa of the genus Ophrys have been studied using SEM and light microscope. Quantitative data (length and width of seed and embryo, number of testa cells along the longitudinal axis, volume of seed and embryo, and percentage of free air space), as well as qualitative characters (seed shape, features of the anticlinal and periclinal walls, ornamentation and colour) were analysed. All the seeds are fusiform, with an asymmetrical basal pole, the periclinal walls of the medial cells have parallel and transverse to slanting ridges, and raised anticlinal walls. Statistical analyses show two large clusters according to the volumes of seed and embryo. Our results support the monophyly of the genus and their recent diversification, however, seed features are not congruent with the recognition of sections and groups within Ophrys.

Qualitative and some quantitative micromorphological characters of leaf blades, lemmas and paleas were examined using scanning electron microscopy for 29 species of Festuca subgenus Festuca , including the first observations on members of sections Amphigenes , Dimorphae and Cataphyllophorae. The aim of this study was to survey these features in the subgenus Festuca , to assess their taxonomical value. The observed patterns are compared with current taxonomic proposals based on molecular studies. The characters show important taxonomic value, mainly of the abaxial lemma. Characters showing the greatest variation are shape of long cells, shape of the periclinal walls, thickness of anticlinal walls, presence of prickles and abundance of silica bodies. The principal characters of the leaf-blade surfaces include the type and shape of short cells. Two different surface patterns were observed on the lemma, one, long cells rectangular to elongated, with flat to slightly convex periclinal walls and thickened anticlinal walls, for the sections Amphigenes and Dimorphae , and another, long cells rectangular to square, with concave periclinal walls and unthickened anticlinal walls, for the remaining sections. This study confirms the taxonomic value of micromorphological characters in the subgenus Festuca , and that abaxial lemma surface appears to be the most useful.

This study presents a comprehensive revision of the genus Sarcocornia (Chenopodiaceae) on the Iberian Peninsula based on macromorphological, micromorphological and phylogenetic data, and considering caryological, ecological and biogeographical information. Three species of Sarcocornia have been identified on the Iberian Peninsula: Sarcocornia perennis (Miller) A.J. Scott, Sarcocornia fruticosa (L.) A.J. Scott and Sarcocorniaalpini (Lag.) Rivas-Martínez. Several authors have proposed that S.alpini is a specific and subspecific rank of S. perennis. Fuente, Rufo and Sánchez-Mata have recently described a new species, Sarcocornia hispanica. The micromorphological and molecular studies (sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region) indicate that there is a broad diversity within Sarcocornia in the Western Mediterranean. This article proposes a new species (Sarcocornia pruinosa) and subspecies (S. alpini subsp. carinata) in view of the new data.

Seed micromorphology of 24 taxa of the genera Anacamptis and Orchis was examined under light and scanning electron microscopy. Seed qualitative characters appear very useful at the supraspecific level in the subtribe Orchidinae. Based on our observations, the sculpturing of the periclinal walls of the medial testa cells, the seed shape and several features of the anticlinal walls of the apical cells showed variability between the studied taxa, with special relevance of the first character. According to this factor, we found one type of seed for Anacamptis and two for Orchis. The taxonomic value of seed coat characters is compared with the last taxonomic proposals for the genera Anacamptis and Orchis.

Micromorphological features of the leaf-blade, lemma, and palea were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for 64 species of the genus Festuca L. occurring in the Iberian Peninsula. The objective of the study was to survey these characters for the first time in the whole of the genus Festuca in this region, to assess their taxonomic value, and to compare the variation with recent DNA sequence-based phylogenies. The principal features include the frequency, shape, and distribution of silica bodies, short cells, crown cells, and prickles, and the morphology of long cells. The abaxial lemma surface shows the most important taxonomical and phylogenetic characters. The variation observed was consistent with the subgenera and sections identified in molecular studies.