The Chapada Diamantina (CD) clade (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) comprises 26 species distributed among six genera (Agrianthus, Arrojadocharis, Bishopiella, Lasiolaena, Semiria, and Stylotrichium) endemic to the high elevations of the Espinha & ccedil;o Range in Brazil. We aimed to clarify phylogenetic relationships within the CD clade, which shows low genetic differentiation, high morphological variation, and unclear species delimitation. The DNA sequences of four plastid (psbA-trnH, trnC-petN, trnY-rpoB, and trnL-trnF with trnL intron) and three nuclear markers (ITS and low-copy regions gsh1 and shmt) allowed the construction of a dataset with 96% of the species described for the clade. Our results confirm that the CD clade is monophyletic and originated during the Pliocene (5.1 Mya), with subsequent diversification in the Pleistocene (2.5 Mya). Phylogenetic analysis also confirmed Bishopiella and Semiria as monotypic genera, a broader circumscription of Agrianthus including Arrojadocharis and two species of Lasiolaena, and that Lasiolaena and Stylotrichium are sister groups. In addition, four potential hybrids were detected, possibly providing evidence that reticulate evolution has occurred in the CD clade. Further studies with endemic and sympatric species with recent radiation could benefit from approaches combining phylogenetic trees and non-tree-like results, as well as nuclear markers, to propose improved explanations for the underlying evolutionary mechanisms generating diversity.

The Catolesia clade (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae, Gyptidinae) comprises four genera (Bahianthus, Catolesia, Lapidia, and Morithamnus), mostly confined to the Espinhaço mountain range of Eastern Brazil. Although this lineage is statistically well supported in molecular phylogenetic studies, recent findings point to Disynaphia praeficta being currently placed in the Catolesia clade, making Disynaphia paraphyletic. We analysed, scored, and mapped 102 leaf anatomical characters from all species of the Catolesia clade and selected outgroups to test the placement of D. praeficta into this clade, proposing a new monotypic genus and a taxonomic synopsis for the Catolesia clade, besides standardising descriptive anatomical terminology. We recovered several homoplasies and synapomorphies circumscribing all lineages sampled in our study, including Disynaphia s.s. and the remaining sampled outgroups. Our results also corroborated the placement of D. praeficta within the Catolesia clade with high statistical support. The cuneate to truncate lamina base was recovered as a synapomorphy supporting the Catolesia clade, whereas a petiole with three vascular bundles, ducts distributed throughout the lamina, and collenchyma sheath cell extensions were recovered as synapomorphies supporting Nadia praeficta (B.L. Rob.) A.V.F. Guterres and R.F. Almeida as a new monospecific genus. We demonstrated how highly informative leaf morphoanatomical characters are for the systematics of Eupatorieae and Asteraceae, besides demonstrating that leaf morphoanatomical characters provide a robust phylogenetic signal for generic delimitation within Eupatorieae, even if characterised as homoplasies.

Abstract This study analyzes the leaf morphoanatomy of representatives of the Chapada Diamantina clade (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) to identify anatomical characters that aid in the taxonomic delimitation of the group. Leaves from 16 species across six genera were examined, focusing on epidermis, mesophyll, vascular system, and trichomes. The results indicate adaptations to the Campo Rupestre environment, including a thick cuticle, high trichome density, stomatal crypts, and multiseriate parenchyma, suggesting a hypodermis of ground meristem origin and sclerenchyma sheath extensions. We scored 27 structural characters and mapped them onto the most recent phylogenetic tree recovered for the clade. The positioning of secretory ducts in the midrib may represent a synapomorphy of the clade. The presence of isobilateral mesophyll and sclerenchyma fibers in Agrianthus and Arrojadocharis reinforces their phylogenetic proximity. Semiria sp. nov. and Semiria viscosa share convergent anatomical traits, but key structural differences support their generic separation. Additionally, Bishopiella elegans is distinguished by homogeneous mesophyll and absence of mechanical support tissues, whereas Lasiolaena and Stylotrichium exhibit revolute margins and multistratified hypodermis. These findings highlight the relevance of leaf anatomy in taxonomic and evolutionary studies, supporting previous phylogenetic hypotheses and emphasizing the importance of integrating morphoanatomical and molecular data in the classification of Asteraceae.

Lessingianthus is one of the largest genera of tribe Vernonieae (Asteraceae). In Brazil, it stands out for its high diversity, with 88 endemic species that occur predominantly in the Cerrado phytophysiognomies. This study aims to provide a taxonomic treatment of the species of Lessingianthus in the state of Bahia, including identification keys, descriptions, taxonomic notes, distribution maps, and illustrative plates. The data was collected in field expeditions to various regions of Bahia and in visits to herbarium collections. The occurrences of twenty-five species were documented for the state, of which six represented new records. All the new records are from the cerrado phytophysiognomy, indicating a high potential for further discoveries of the genus Lessingianthus in yet unexplored areas.

In the previous studies of Calea in Bahia, some specimens were treated as C. candolleana but their morphology was called “particularly distinct”. Detailed studies on the currently accepted species and these specimens demonstrated that they represent two new species. Calea flagelliformis resembles C. candolleana, but differs from the latter by the villous (vs. pubescent to hispid) indumentum of stems, leaves and peduncles, and sessile (vs. petiolate, 1.5–4 mm) leaves. Calea nakajimae differs from C. candolleana by the lanceolate or ovate (vs. elliptic) leaf limb, and pappus scales 0.5–1.2 mm long (vs. 0.2–0.3 mm long). These new species are described, illustrated, mapped, and their conservation status and taxonomic affinities are discussed.

Abstract Asteraceae is one of the most diverse families in the world, especially in mountainous regions such as Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The objectives of this work were to carry out a floristic survey of Asteraceae in the municipality of Barra da Estiva, discuss the distribution of species found, and analyze the similarity between the Asteraceae diversity in Barra da Estiva and other previously evaluated areas. Herbaria were reviewed, and three field trips were carried out. Barra da Estiva houses 98 species of Asteraceae grouped into 46 genera and 13 tribes. The tribes Vernonieae (34 spp.) and Eupatorieae (24 spp.) were the most diverse, especially the genera Baccharis (7 spp.) and Lepidaploa (7 spp.). A matrix of species presence/absence for different phytophysiognomies was elaborated according to the rendered species list and previous Asteraceae surveys in Chapada Diamantina. Although previous research considered the Chapada Diamantina a single phytogeographic unit, our results suggest its possible subdivision into two bioregions: ‘Piemonte da Diamantina’, including areas of the extreme northeast, and Central-South Chapada, encompassing areas from the central-south region.

During a taxonomic review of Stomatanthes (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) in South America, we identified that it was necessary to carry out several nomenclatural acts according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. After analyzing protologues, type materials and examining about 400 specimens, deposited in 45 herbaria, Seven lectotypes were indicated and six new synonyms were proposed.

Historically, Eupatorium oblongifolium (Spreng.) Baker is a species that has undergone several recombinations, synonymizations and description of varieties, but no review work has been developed with the aim of solving its taxonomic and nomenclatural problems. Therefore, during the taxonomic review of the genus Stomatanthes (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) in South America, we found it necessary to propose adjustments, as recommended by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICNB). After analyzing protologues, type materials and approximately 50 specimens stored in 17 herbaria, a new name, typifications, synonymizations, and updates in the description and geographic distribution and conservation status of the species were proposed.

Abstract Lepidaploa bracteospinoflava is a new species of Asteraceae from the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species was discovered in the high-altitude grasslands of Desengano State Park. It is characterized by the whitish sericeous on the abaxial leaf surface with prominent yellowish veins and involucral bracts with yellowish spines. We presented morphological comparisons among closely related species within the genus Lepidaploa, a dichotomous identification key for species in Rio de Janeiro state, illustrations, and a geographic distribution map. Lepidaploa bracteospinoflava is critically endangered due to its limited distribution, with an Area of Occupancy (AOO) of 3.000 km². The species is known from a single location, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change. Field expeditions in Desengano State Park and surrounding areas are encouraged to locate additional populations. This discovery highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration and conservation efforts in critical biodiversity hotspots in Brazil.

The Northern Coast of Bahia state (NCB) encompasses the northernmost stretch of the state coastline and harbors restinga ecosystems of exceptional biodiversity, ecological, and cultural importance. Despite previous floristic surveys, non-arboreal restingas remain under-sampled, limiting the understanding of their composition and ecological dynamics. This study aimed to document angiosperm diversity in these habitats and assess the distinctiveness of their floristic communities. Field surveys were conducted in the non-arboreal restingas of Mata de S & atilde;o Jo & atilde;o and Entre Rios municipalities. Specimens were collected, photographed, and deposited at the ALCB Herbarium. Data from nine other Brazilian restingas were included in similarity (ANOSIM) and clustering (UPGMA) analyses using beta diversity indices. A total of 245 species, 174 genera, and 76 families were recorded, with Fabaceae (28 spp.), Rubiaceae (18 spp.), and Myrtaceae (16 spp.) being the most representative families. The genera Chamaecrista, Myrcia, and Cyperus were the most species-rich. While Bahia's floristic communities showed general similarity, the NCB restingas were markedly distinct from the southern coast, showing stronger affinities with Sergipe state restingas. This pattern suggests a phytogeographic block shaped by shared climatic and geomorphological conditions, as well as endemic species. Despite their richness, NCB's non-arboreal restingas remain insufficiently studied and increasingly threatened by rapid anthropogenic expansion.

The "Serra da Concórdia" is part of the Atlantic Forest phytogeographical domain in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro and it has a predominant phytophysiognomy of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. This region underwent intense habitat loss and fragmentation during the 19th century, due to coffee plantations and later pastures. With the decline of these activities, the areas were abandoned, triggering secondary succession. In 2002, the "Parque Estadual da Serra da Concórdia" was established in this region to preserve the remaining forest fragments. The updated list of vascular plants recorded in this protected area, published in the "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil", is presented here, along with information on richness, endemism, and conservation status. The "Parque Estadual da Serra da Concórdia" houses 231 vascular plant species, of which 90% are angiosperms, 10% ferns and lycophytes, and 27% endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Ten species are threatened with extinction, three are categorized as Endangered, and seven as Vulnerable. Although there have been expeditions in the "Parque Estadual da Serra da Concórdia", they have been limited, resulting in a low number of records and the species richness for a protected area. This is notable considering the 2,130 Brazilian native vascular plant species recorded in the semideciduous seasonal forest of Rio de Janeiro. Our data indicates that floristic inventories of Brazilian protected areas could help highlight gaps in flora knowledge and support the proposal of effective conservation actions.

Wedelia is the largest genus of Ecliptinae (Heliantheae, Asteraceae), comprising about 110 species. The Brazilian Cerrado is a highly threatened phytogeographic domain, which harbors the richest flora in the world among other savannas. A new subshrubby species of Wedelia was revealed occurring in the central part of Cerrado and is herein described as W. tenuinervia. This new species resembles W. foliacea in vegetative traits but differs mainly by having leaves with brochidodromous venation, pistillate ray flowers, glandular trichomes on the abaxial surface of the leaf blade, corolla lobes and apical anther appendages, phyllaries abaxial surface strigillose and disc cypselae 4–5-angled, keeled at the angles, without basal scars or elaiosomes, and carpopodium inconspicuous (vs. acrodromous venation, neuter ray flower, abaxial surface of the leaf blade, corolla lobes and apical anther appendage lacking glandular trichomes, phyllaries abaxial surface setose or glabrescent, and disc cypselae biconvex, not keeled, with basal scars or elaiosomes, and carpopodium in two plates or one shallowly lobed). Among the species with pistillate ray flowers, W. tenuinervia can be morphologically related to W. oligocephala, differing mainly by the membranaceous leaf blades with flat margins, brochidodromous venation, and solitary capitula (vs. subcoriaceous leaf blades with revolute margins, acrodromous venation and capitula in dichasia). Illustrations, comments, a preliminary conservation status, and the typification of W. foliacea’s synonyms are proposed.

We present a molecular phylogeny for the subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) based on three plastid (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnQ-rps16) and two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) markers. The results of the phylogenetic reconstruction were utilised as a topological constraint for a subsequent divergence dating analysis and ancestral range reconstructions. We sampled 41 species and 40 genera (72%) of Ecliptinae and two species of Montanoa (as outgroups) to elucidate the generic relationships between the genera of this subtribe. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses were performed for the combined molecular dataset. The divergence dating analysis was performed using a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock with BEAST v1.8.4 and calibrated using a single secondary calibration point from a recently published chronogram for the family. The ancestral range reconstructions focusing on continents (i.e., South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) and biomes (Dry forests, Altitudinal grasslands, Savannas, and Rainforests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the genera of Ecliptinae are grouped into five clades, informally named the Monactis, Oblivia, Blainvillea, Wedelia, and Melanthera clades. The most recent, common ancestor of Ecliptinae was widespread in the North and South American dry forests at 8.16 Ma and mainly radiated in these regions up to the Pleistocene. At least eight dispersal events to South America and four dispersal events from North America to Africa, Asia, and Oceania took place during this period in all five informal clades of Ecliptinae. At least 13 biome shifts from dry forests to rainforests were evidenced, in addition to ten biome shifts from dry forests to altitudinal grasslands and savannas. These results corroborate the mid-late Miocene to early Pleistocene radiation of Ecliptinae in tropical dry forests. Future studies should aim to sample the remaining 14 unsampled genera of Ecliptinae to position them in one of the five informal clades proposed in this study.

Here we publish two novelties in Randia, a description of a new species (R. muricata) and the establishment of R. sulbahiana as a new name for Sphinctanthus insignis. Randia muricata is distinguished by a set of features, such as its muricate fruits, and the discolor venation on abaxial surface of the leaf blades, puberulent. The muricate fruits is an uncommon feature among species in this genus. R. sulbahiana is characterized by the facultative presence of thorns, linear or filiform calyx lobes, and the acute apex of corolla lobes. We provide descriptions, illustrations, figures, an assessment of conservation status, and distribution map of both species. A dichotomous key to distinguish Brazilian’s species of Randia is also provided.

Myrtaceae has ca. 6,000 species, distributed into 140 genera with Pantropical distribution. The family is one of the five most representative flowering plants in species richness in Brazilian restinga and is also of great importance for the maintenance of the ecological cycles of this vegetation. However, few studies focus on Myrtaceae in restinga, mainly in the State of Bahia, which has the country's largest coastal extension. This study aims to present the first taxonomic study of Myrtaceae from the restinga of the State of Bahia, Brazil. A total of 10 field trips were performed from September 2016 to April 2019, and the most relevant herbaria of Brazil were consulted. A total of eight genera and 85 species of Myrtaceae were identified in the Bahian restinga. Myrcia was the most representative genus with 42 species, followed by Eugenia (23 spp.), Psidium (seven spp.), Campomanesia (five spp.), Myrciaria (four spp.), Neomitranthes (two spp.), and Blepharocalyx and Calycolpus (a single species each). Two of them represented new species to science, and four presented the first records to the studied area. The distribution patterns among the Brazilian biomes and the restinga phytophysiognomies are discussed, also a checklist, identification keys, and photographic plates are provided.

Encounters between flowers and invertebrates are key events for the functioning of tropical forests. Assessing the structure of networks composed of the interactions between those partners leads to a better understanding of ecosystem functioning and the effects of environmental factors on ecological processes. Gathering such data is, however, costly and time-consuming, especially in the highly diverse tropics. We aimed to provide a comprehensive repository of available flower-invertebrate interaction information for the Atlantic Forest, a South American tropical forest domain. Data were obtained from published works and "gray literature," such as theses and dissertations, as well as self-reports by co-authors. The data set has ~18,000 interaction records forming 482 networks, each containing between one and 1061 interaction links. Each network was sampled for about 200 h or less, with few exceptions. A total of 641 plant genera within 136 different families and 39 orders were reported, with the most abundant and rich families being Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae. Invertebrates interacting with these plants were all arthropods from 10 orders, 129 families, and 581 genera, comprising 2419 morphotypes (including 988 named species). Hymenoptera was the most abundant and diverse order, with at least six times more records than the second-ranked order (Lepidoptera). The complete data set shows Hymenoptera interacting with all plant orders and also shows Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera to be important nodes. Among plants, Asterales and Fabales had the highest number of interactions. The best sampled environment was forest (~8000 records), followed by pastures and crops. Savanna, grasslands, and urban environments (among others) were also reported, indicating a wide range of approaches dedicated to collecting flower-invertebrate interaction data in the Atlantic Forest domain. Nevertheless, most reported data were from forest understory or lower strata, indicating a knowledge gap about flower-invertebrate interactions at the canopy. Also, access to remote regions remains a limitation, generating sampling bias across the geographical range of the Atlantic Forest. Future studies in these continuous and hard-to-access forested areas will yield important new information regarding the interactions between flowers and invertebrates in the Atlantic Forest. There are no copyright restrictions on the data set. Please cite this data paper if the data are used in publications and teaching events.

Climbers germinate on the ground but need external support to sustain their stems, which are maintained attached to supports through modified organs, that is, climbing mechanisms. Specialized climbing mechanisms have been linked to higher diversification rates. Also, different mechanisms may have different support diameter restrictions, which might influence climbers' spatial distribution. We test these assumptions by linking climbing mechanisms to the spatiotemporal diversification of neotropical climbers. A dataset of climbing mechanisms is presented for 9071 species. WCVP was used to standardize species names, map geographical distributions, and estimate diversification rates of lineages with different mechanisms. Twiners appear concentrated in the Dry Diagonal of South America and climbers with adhesive roots in the Chocó region and Central America. However, climbing mechanisms do not significantly influence the distribution of neotropical climbers. Also, we found no strong support for correlations between specialized climbing mechanisms and higher diversification rates. Climbing mechanisms do not strongly impact the spatiotemporal diversification of neotropical climbers on a macroevolutionary scale. We argue that the climbing habit is a synnovation, meaning the spatiotemporal diversification it promotes is due to the sum effect of all the habit's traits rather than isolated traits, such as climbing mechanisms.

We describe Pterolepis xaxa (Melastomateae, Melastomataceae), a new species collected in “caatinga rupestre” at Licínio de Almeida, Bahia, Brazil. Pterolepis xaxa resembles the recently described Pterolepis haplostemona , both representing the only two species in the genus that are haplostemonous (i.e., with the stamens equal in number to the petals). Apart from flowers with a single whorl of stamens, P. xaxa can also be recognized by intercalycine projections consisting of a very short central axis topped with 2–3 trichomes, and white petals (vs. intercalycine projections lacking trichomes at the apex and magenta or lilac petals in P. haplostemona ).

Background and Aims: Bahia is one of the Brazilian states with the greatest diversity of orchids. Species restricted to microhabitats or forming small populations, being subject to local suppression, have been reported for restingas of the state. The north coast of Bahia has recently been exposed to intense anthropic pressures, including disordered occupation of land and predatory tourism. In order to encourage the adoption of regional conservation strategies, we carried out a survey of the orchid flora in the Parque Natural Municipal da Restinga de Praia do Forte (PNMR Praia do Forte), a fragment of restinga on the north coast of the state. Methods: Field work was conducted monthly from September 2016 to December 2017, and in July 2020 and August 2022, by employing the walking survey method. We consulted collections of the herbaria ALCB, HRB, HUEFS, and RB in person, as well as digital images of type specimens deposited in European herbaria and the Environmental Information Reference Center database. Phenological and distribution data of the species in the phytophysiognomies of PNMR Praia do Forte were mostly obtained in the field. Key results: Orchidaceae is represented by 14 genera and 16 species in the PNMR Praia do Forte, most of which are native to the Neotropics (14 spp., including eight endemic to Brazil), mainly terrestrial (six spp.), occurring exclusively in restinga forest formations (eight spp.). Epistephium williamsii, Gomesa barbata, Oeceoclades maculata, Pachygenium parvum, Polystachya concreta and Prescottia leptostachya (restricted to Bahia state) form small populations (<50 individuals). Conclusions: The orchid flora of the PNMR Praia do Forte, especially the aforementioned species, requires the attention from managers, in order to implement possible management and conservation actions and prevent them from being suppressed locally. We suggest greater surveillance actions in the park and environmental education actions among local residents and tourists.