Distribution pattern in the rupiculous genus Orthophytum (Bromelioideae/Bromeliaceae) reveals high microendemicity in different types of rocky outcrops.

This study aimed to recognize the biogeographic patterns, richness, and diversity levels of the Brazilian endemic genus Orthophytum and identify their biotic components through a parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE), to better understand the evolutionary history of this group and develop strategies for the conservation of its species. We prepared a database for the 54 currently known species of Orthophytum, including their geographical locations as obtained from digital databases of the principal herbaria of Brazil, Europe, and the USA. A parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used to delimit the areas of endemism based on two grids' sizes (1º x 1º and 2º × 2º).

Leaf and stem micromorphology of Jacquemontia evolvuloides (Moric.) Meisn. (Convolvulaceae) populations: New insights for taxonomic classification using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Morphoanatomical studies can provide useful and relevant information to support taxonomic groupings. Jacquemontia evolvuloides shows great morphological variability, which has led to numerous taxonomic classifications. To determine if anatomical characters can be used to recognize operational taxonomic units within populations of that species, we analyzed the leaves and stems of 22 populations using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Microsatellite loci for Orthophytum ophiuroides (Bromelioideae, Bromeliaceae) species adapted to neotropical rock outcrops.

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Orthophytum ophiuroides, a rupicolous bromeliad species endemic to neotropical rocky fields. These microsatellite loci will be used to investigate population differentiation and species cohesion in such fragmented environments. The loci were tested for cross-amplification in related bromeliad species.

Molecular phylogeny of the Brazilian endemic genus Orthophytum (Bromelioideae, Bromeliaceae) and its implications on morphological character evolution.

The saxicolous genus Orthophytum (∼60 species, Bromeliaceae) is endemic to eastern Brazil and diversified in xeric habitats of the Atlantic Rainforest, Caatinga and campos rupestres. Within the genus, two main groups are discerned based on the presence or absence of a pedunculate inflorescence, which are further subdivided into several morphological subgroups. However, these systematic hypotheses have not yet been tested in a molecular phylogenetic framework.

A new combination in Lapanthus (Bromeliaceae).

A new combination, Lapanthus vidaliorum (O.B.C.