Kåre Arnstein Lye

Norwegian University of Life Sciences · Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management (INA)

Transverse sections of the fruit walls and seeds from all four genera of family Cyperaceae tribe Trilepideae were investigated using SEM and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) to determine the presence of different elements in different parts of the fruit wall and in phytin globules of the aleurone layer of the seed. This is a novel systematic...

Transverse sections of the pericarp or fruit wall of 28 species and 30 taxa from all genera of family Cyperaceae tribe Scirpeae sensu Goetghebeur (1998) were investigated using SEM and X-ray analysis to study cell types and presence of different elements. Two genera described after my analyses were completed (Calliscirpus and Rhodoscirpus) are excl...

The bramble Rubus sulcatus is a rare although previously widespread plant in coastal regions from Oppegård near Oslo to Stryn in Sogn og Fjordane; it is now known to occur in four parishes only. It is a native species and grows mainly in rough grassland, along roads, fences, in forest-margins and on sea-shores. This bramble can grow in somewhat col...

The ability of taxa to cross/hybridize is useful information for plant systematists and breeders. Crossability reflects reproductive isolation and the biological species concept stresses the need for reproductive isolation between species to maintain morphological distincness. For plant breeders knowledge on crossing ability facilitate selection of...

The Railway Bramble Rubus horrefactus (previously R. tuberculatus) is a very rare plant only known from a single locality in Norway, viz. the middle part of the Oslofjord (Moss parish in Østfold fylke). Here the author found the plant for the first time in July 2000 along the shore of the fjord together with large amounts óf timber stored for use i...

Flag-moss Discelium nudum has been considered a rare moss in Norway and given conservation status as near threatened (NT) in the Norwegian redlist of 2010. In the 18th century (1834-1899) it was collected from twenty parishes (kommunar) in Norway, in the 19th century it was collected from 9 parishes, while after the year 2000 it has been recorded f...

Smaller White-moss Leucobryum juniperoideum was found in Fredrikstad as new to Norway by the author in October 2014. The locality is an south-north directed 20-60 m wide side valley or corridor between two small rounded mountains; the highest point only 116m tall. L.juniperoides grows mainly on east-facing steep rocks, but also on stones and on tre...

Carex cespitosa L. (Cyperaceae) has been traditionally regarded as widespread in Europe, being reported from most countries. However, its distribution is currently overestimated due to the ambiguous use of the name C. cespitosa, together with frequent taxonomic confusion, mainly with the closely related C. elata All. and C. nigra (L.) Reichard. We...

Puccinia rhodosensis sp. nov. is described on Tragopogon crocifolius from Rhodes, Greece. It differs from all other rust species on Tragopogon in having teliospores with completely smooth walls. SEM photos are provided for telia and teliospores.

A new species, Mapania pallescens Lye, is described from medium altitude rain forests (340–430 m) in two districts in western Gabon. Only two localities are known, and the plants were collected in 2003 and 2005. In Gabon large areas of forests are subject to logging every year and the plants must therefore be considered as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU). Mapani...

Frullania bolanderi is in Europe known from Norway, Sweden and Russia only. The ecology of F. bolanderi in 16 Norwegian localities is described in some detail, while its ecology in Sweden and Russia is given from literature. Frullania bolanderi has a wide ecological amplitude growing on many different trees, often in shady ravines near streams and...

In Scandinavia, Thamnobryum neckeroides is at present known from one locality in Norway (Hof, Vestfold) and one in Sweden Due to its rareness it must be considered as endangered, but it is likely that careful search will result in the discovery of new localities. The species is superficially intermediate between Thamnobryum alopecurum and Isotheciu...

Phylogeographic studies in the high mountains of Africa are hampered by the limited material available, resulting in insufficient knowledge of taxonomic variation within and among closely related species. Here, we address genetic and morphological variation in three grass species, of which one (Deschampsia angusta) has been reported as narrowly end...

Cyperus inselbergensis Lye is described from northern Gabon and adjacent Cameroun. It has a very characteristic ecology as it grows in seasonally wet, shallow soils on or close to inselbergs. The species belongs to Cyperus subgen. Kyllinga and is most similar to C. triceps, but differs in its hemispherical inflorescence, smaller spikelets, differen...

Scleria aurantiaca Lye is described from eastern Gabon. It is superficially similar to S. nyassensis, but probably more closely related to S. adpresso-hirta, which has a more similar nutlet and hypogynium. The scientific name is derived from the bright orange ring of the hypogynium. The fruit of S. aurantiaca has both micro- and nano-papillae, whic...

A minute new species of Kyllinga, i.e. K. carinalaevis Lye & Mesterházy, from Benin in west tropical Africa is described. It is one of three or four annual species of the genus, and the characters separating it from two other annual species are given. The species is ephemeral and occurs in a vegetation type which belongs to a Nanocyperion associati...

Aim Based on extensive range-wide sampling, we address the phylogeographical history of one of the most widespread and taxonomically complex sedges in Europe, Carex nigra s. lat. We compare the genetic structure of the recently colonized northern areas (front edge) and the long-standing southern areas (rear edge), and assess the potential genetic b...

Premise of the study: The Ibero-North African Carex sect. Phacocystis river-shore group is a set of perennial helophytic species with poorly defined taxonomic boundaries. In the present study, we delimited the different taxonomic units, addressed the phylogeographic history, and evaluated the drivers of differentiation that have promoted diversifi...

The taxonomy of species belonging to Solanum section Solanum (sometimes referred to as the Solanum nigrum complex or black nightshades) is known to be difficult and has resulted in extensive synonymy. Yet, these species play a significant role in nutrition and food security, especially in developing countries. The amplified fragment length polymorp...

Framework species are indigenous tree species planted in a mixed stand to accelerate natural regeneration of forest and encourage biodiversity regeneration. In this study we used the framework species method to make multipurpose tree gardens to provide traditional healers with woody species used for medicine and other needs like food and firewood....

This paper provides new combinations for 16 species of Bulbostylis Kunth ex C. B. Clarke originally described as Abildgaardia Vahl. The new combinations are: Bulbostylis abbreviata (Lye) Lye, B. acutispicata (Lye) Lye, B. afromicrocephala Lye, B. angustispicata (Lye) Lye, B. capitata (Lye) Lye, B. densiflora (Lye) Lye, B. lacunosa (Lye) Lye, B. lax...

Extracts from three plants; Hallea rubrostipulata, Vernonia adoensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum, were tested for antioxidant activity using three assays 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and total phenol content) and anti-plasmodial activity using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) on Plasmodium...

A new very rare species, Fuirena somaliensis, is described from the lowlands of South Somalia below 150 m. The new species belongs to the F. ciliaris complex and has bulliform inner perianth-segments and thus a similar adaptation to buoyancy and dispersal by water as four other African species.

A micro-morphological analysis of leaf epidermis (adaxial and abaxial sides) of fifteen taxa of Carex section Phacocystis was carried out using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three taxa were epistomatic (C. nigra var. nigra, C.nigra var. juncea and C. subspathacea), seven taxa were hypostomatic (C. acuta, C. bigelowii ssp....

Solanum scabrum Miller has been reported almost exclusively from cultivation as a vegetable for human consumption. However, molecular and morphological data indicate that a wild taxon exists in Uganda. This wild taxon was previously identified as the poisonous S. nigrum L., but local people use its leaves as food. This taxon is here described as a...

The objective of this study was to analyse antioxidant activity (AA) in fruits and vegetables from Uganda and to investigate whether AA in traditional food is sufficiently high to prevent oxidative stress and thus combat disease. We used the FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) procedure. The results showed great variation in AA, ranging from 7...

The importance of leaf anatomical characters in the taxonomy of Ugandan Festuca species was investigated. In particular, leaf cross sections were studied for variation in disposition of the sclerenchyma tissue to determine whether this is as taxonomically useful as is implied in much of the literature. Also the leaf epidermis was investigated for t...

The authors report on the environmental control of flowering and sex modification in a range of arctic-alpine Carex species. The majority of species studied have a dual floral induction requirement consisting of a primary induction in short day (SD) and/or low temeprature and a secondary induction by long days (LD) and higher temperature. In nature...

In Blyttia 1/2009 Often et al. reported a new locality for Utricularia australis at UMB Campus, ås, Akershus. One additional occurrence, also with profuse flowering, was found in an artificial forest pond at Krosser in Kroer, ås. Later in autumn three other populations of an ausfralis-like Utricularia were found, two in the UMB area and one more in...

The need for cultivating cattle feed in Uganda's Kaliro District has become urgent because the natural grazing areas are rapidly declining. The aim of this study was to generate information that would lead to the development and cultivation of livestock feed in the farming system. The specific objectives were (1) to describe cattle husbandry practi...

The structure and growth of the seedling, as described in the literature, is discussed for both monocotylar Dicotyledones and for Monocotyledones (several Apiaceae, Ranunculaceae and Gesneriaceae; species of Combretum, Peperomia, Cyclamen, Corydalis and Pinguicula, and also anomalous syncotylar examples of Impatiens, Butomus, Agave, Cordyline, Dios...

Eriocaulon crassiusculum sp. nov. is described from the Kefa province in southwestern Ethiopia. Illustrations are provided for habit as well as details of flowers (including pollen) and seeds. The new species is most closely related to E. transvaalicum, a widespread species in southern and eastern Africa.

Nine new species and one new variety of Abildgaardia are described and illustrated from East Africa, viz. Abildgaardia macrostachya Lye, A. rhizomatosa Lye, A. cru–ciformis Lye, A. pallescens Lye, A. tanzaniae Lye, A. densecaespitosa Lye, A. trabecular (C. B. Clarke) Lye var. microglumis Lye, A. elegantissima Lye, A. subumbel–lata Lye and A microel...

Two new species and three new subspecies of Abildgaardia are described from East Africa, viz. Abildgaardia afroorientalis Lye, A. microcarpa Lye, A. hispidula (Vahl) Lye ssp. halophila Lye, A. hispidula (Vahl) Lye ssp. intermedia Lye, and A. densa (Wall.) Lye ssp. afromontana Lye. Thirteen new combinations are made, viz. A. erratica (Hook, f.) Lye,...

Four new subgenera, nineteen new species, two new subspecies and two new varieties of Cyperus L. are described, viz. subgen. Aristomariscus Lye, subgen. Bulbomariscus Lye, subgen. Xerocyperus Lye, subgen. Micromariscus Lye, Cyperus micromariscus Lye, C. boreochrysocephalus Lye, C. crassivaginatus Lye, C. kyllingaeformis Lye, C. cremeomariscus Lye,...

One new form of Fuirena Rottb., one new subspecies of Schoenoplectus Palla and one new variety of Carex L. are described from East Africa, viz. Fuirena leptostachya Oliv. f. nudiflora Lye, Schoenoplectus lateriflorus (Gmel.) Lye ssp. laevinux Lye and Carex bequaertii De Wild. var. maxima Lye. In addition, the following new combinations are made: Fu...

The two genera Anosporum Nees and Sorostachys Steudel, both with a congested inflorescence and an eucyperoid culm– and leaf–anatomy, are reestablished. They have previously been placed in Cyperus s.l. Anosporum contains three distinct species, two of which are found in Africa. Sorostachys contains two species, one of which is found in Africa. Three...

One new species, three new subspecies and two new varieties of Ascolepis Steudel and one new species of Isolepis R. Br. are described from East Africa, viz. Ascolepis lineariglumis Lye, A. lineariglumis Lye var. pulcherrima Lye, A. protea Welw. ssp. rhizomatosa Lye, A. protea Welw. ssp. atropurpurea Lye, A. protea Welw. ssp. chrysocephala Lye, A. p...

The distinctness of the species Festuca claytonii, F. elgonensis and F. pilgeri (endemic species in East Africa) was assessed by comparison to the widespread narrow-leaved species F. abyssinica, F. chodatiana and F. richardii. The six species were analysed using 56 morphological characters and 375 AFLPs. Principal components and discriminant analys...

A total of 59 plants from 30 populations of 15 species of Carex sect. Phacocystis (including Carex bicolor as outgroup) from eastern Canada and northern Europe were investigated for genetic differentiation of taxa using AFLP. Seven species were studied with material from both Europe and America, three species were investigated with North American m...

The four tropical African broad-leaved species Festuca africana, F. simensis, F. engleri and F. mekiste were analysed by morphological methods and compared to the European broad-leaved species F. altissima and F. gigantea. 31 qualitative and 31 quantitative morphological characters were measured and analysed by UPGMA, PCA, DA and box plots. F. afri...

We conducted a study on how Acacia sieberiana respond to repeated burning in the Kidepo National Park in northeastern Uganda. The study was conducted to understand effects of common burning regimes (early dry season, late dry season, and no burn [control]) in the area on Acacia sieberiana. The three treatments were applied for three consecutive yea...

Several studies indicate that a plant-based diet protects against the development of some serious diseases. It is assumed that the antioxidant content in food is an important reason for this protection. Dietary plants contain several hundred antioxidants, many of which are believed to act in a synergistic way to protect the body against oxidative s...

The phenology of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) within three selected districts, that is, Kampala, Migyera and Nakasongola were studied for 1 year (2002). Flowering is partly dependent on mean annual rainfall. In all the habitats, flowering occurs throughout the year, but wit...

Abstract The diversity and distribution of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) were studied from a region of high mean annual rainfall (Entebbe) to a region of lower annual rainfall (Kafu). Eighty-eight species belonging to 45 genera and nine tribes of the family Asteraceae were i...

For reasons of the problems of establishment of some Ugandan trees in certain environments, we investigated the influence of temperature and light on germination and seedling growth of two locally threatened medicinal trees, Hallea rubrostipulata and Sarcocephalus latifolius, to facilitate their establishment. Field and controlled laboratory experi...

The North American and amphi-Beringian Carex stylosa has previously been reported once from Europe, in 1934 in Nordreisa municipality, Troms province, Northern Norway. The record has been considered dubious due to misidentification or to mixing of labels or plants, and it has variously been accepted or rejected in floristic works since it was publi...

For the first time amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting is applied to classify tropical African Festuca species. Five afro-alpine narrow- and two afro-montane broad-leaved species from Uganda and Ethiopia are compared to ten European grass species. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) accounts for 62.5% with its first thre...

Cyperus hirtus Thunb. from South Africa is lectotypified and shown to belong to Fimbristylis squarrosa Vahl. Misidentification of this plant and misapplication of its name by Kükenthal in 1936 has resulted in American botanists using Bulbostylis hirta (Thunb.) Svenson (e.g., in Flora Mesoamericana) for the pantropical taxon Bulbostylis hispidula (V...

Frugivory patterns of the chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda were studied between June 2000 and August 2001. Chimpanzee feeding habitats, movement, group size and food eaten were assessed using focal and scan sampling. It was found that fruits were scarce during the dry season, when chimpanzees appeared and moved in large groups over...

The bipolar sedges Carex canescens, C. echinata, C. lachenalii and C. magellanica (including C. paupercula) were analysed by amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The genetic variation of Carex populations from northern Europe was compared with those from the farthest locations in the Southern Hemisphere (i.e. Australia, New Zealand and...

Two rust species, Aecidium mellerae on Mellera lobata and A. senecionis-jacksonii on Senecio jacksonii, are described as new to science. One rust species is reported as new to Uganda, viz. Puccinia isolepidis on Isolepis fluitans, previously known from Ethiopia only. With the new records the rust flora of Mt. Elgon consists of 98 species in 13 gene...

We present here an inventory of the edible plants of Bulamogi, Uganda, and related aspects of exploitation of wild food plants (WFPs) by the local community. The edible plants consist of 105 species distributed in 77 genera and 39 families. Most of the edible plants are herbaceous (70.7%) and are cultivated (49.1%). Some introduced food plants have...

A new species to science, Hypolytrum subcompositus is described from Kodmin in South West Cameroon. The species is distinct from other African species and appears to have no close relatives. It is a fairly large perennial with a short erect rhizome with many crowded leaves at its end, and (below the leaves) 1–3 lateral culms carrying reduced leaves...

Cyperus microcristatus, a new species from western Cameroon, is described and illustrated. Its taxonomic affinities are discussed. Cyperus microcristatus is most similar to C. densicaespitosus (syn. Kyllinga pumila) in general appearance, but differs in its more perennial habit, its smaller spikelets and glumes, which are more prominently winged. N...

A new species, Cyperus rheophyticus, is described from seasonally submerged habitats in forest streams and rivers in South West Cameroon (500–1350 m). Cyperus rheophyticus is most similar to C. brevifolius ssp. brevifolius (syn. Kyllinga brevifolius), a less slender species with a stronger rhizome, larger spikeiets and glumes with a spinose keel; a...

Between June 2000 and August 2001 observations were made on food types, plant species and parts consumed by chimpanzee in relation to various habitats in the Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR), Uganda. Factors influencing their occurrence as well as their activity patterns were also assessed. The chimpanzees of the BFR spent 80% of their daytime feeding...

This paper reports on the phenological patterns of figs in Budongo Forest, Uganda, and how it relates to chimpanzee food availability in different seasons. In addition, we analysed the dung of chimpanzees to understand the composition of fruits in their diet. The aim of our study was to assess Ficus phenology and how it affects chimpanzee diet. Fif...

Hypolytrum pseudomapanioides D. A. Simpson & Lye, from Kodmin in south-western Cameroon, is described and illustrated.

This study was carried out in Bulamogi, Uganda, with the main objective of determining preferred firewood species, their harvesting and consumption patterns. Data collected through household and key-informants interviews, using open- and close-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, showed that 48 plant species in 36 genera and 20 fami...

In this paper, we present an inventory and the mode of use of plants to treat cattle. This study was carried out in Bulamogi county of Uganda, using methods consisting of semi-structured interviews employing a checklist of questions, questionnaires, direct observations, and biological inventories. Farmers employ both traditional and western medicin...

We present here an inventory of the medicinal plants of Bulamogi county in Uganda, including their medicinal use, preparation and administration modes. Fieldwork for this study was conducted between June 2000 and June 2001 using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and participant observation as well as transect walks in wild herbal plant co...

A new rare species, Scleria afroreflexa. is descriped from an upland area (1500 m) of South west Cameroon. It is most similar to S. sheilae Rayn., another rare species only known from one collection from a rocky habitat at 800 m near Yaounde in southeastern Cameroon. S. afroreflexa differs, however, in its more dense inflorescence with reflexed bra...

Traditional medicine (TM) in Bulamogi (Uganda) is holistic, providing treatments for physical illnesses as well as psycho-spiritual ones. People use it to prevent and eliminate the effects of witchcraft, to appease spirits and to cure chronic illnesses. The traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) are numerous and have extensive experience of trad...

Lye, K. A.: A new species of Cyperus subg. Pycreus (Cyperaceae) from Somalia. — Willdenowia 26: 233–236. 1996. — ISSN 0511-9618. Cyperus micropelophilus is described as a species new to science, illustrated, and compared to C. pelophilus and C. pseudohildebrandtii.

Eight new species and one new subspecies of Cyperus subgen. Cyperus (including Mariscus) are described, illustrated and mapped, viz. C. densibulbosus, C. scabricaulis, C. pluricephalus, C. baobab, C. micromedusaeus, C. gypsophilus, C. somalidunensis, C. recurvispicatus and C. rotundus ssp. divaricatus.

Bulbostylis somaliensis Lye (Cyperaceae) is described from Somalia. It is closely related to B. hispidula (Vahl) R. Haines, but differs in its smaller achenes as well as in the shape and surface structure of the achenes. The major diagnostic characters are the non-triangular achene and the outermost cells to the pericarp, which have several papilla...

A new species, Cyperus altomicroglumis Lye, is described from southern Somalia. It is similar to C. haspan L. and C. denudatus L.f., but has wider and more prominently compressed spikelets, larger and more greyish glumes, and an achene which is minutely papillose rather than tuberculate.

Cyperus medusaeus Chiov., an endemic species of coastal Somalia, was described from a sterile specimen. Its identity is confirmed by comparing transverse-sections of leaf-blades of both the type specimen and a recently collected fertile specimen. It is related to C. jeminicus Rottb. and C. celans Kukkonen, all three species having glabrous roots wi...

Cyperus ossicaulis is described from Central Somalia. It is a rather striking species with slender yellowish terete culms with swollen bases covered by thin greyish white leaf-sheaths. The linear spikelets are also unusual in being 20 - 40 mm long and largely reflexed.

Eight new species of Abildgaardia subgen. Bulbostylis are described from tropical Africa, viz. Abildgaardia squarrosa, A. densiflora, A. acutespicata, A. angustespicata, A. lacunosa, A. microcephala, A. microrotundata and A. pluricephala.

Abildgaardia disticha from Estado da Bahia in Brazil is described as new. This species is unique in the tribe Abildgaardieae in having orthodistichous spikelets, and in several respects is intermediate between the subgenera Abildgaardia and Bulbostylis.

Two new subspecies, Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl ssp. pallescens Lye and F. miliacea (L.) Vahl ssp. macroglumis Lye, are described and illustrated from East Africa. In addition two new combinations are made, viz. F. complanata (Retzius) Link ssp. keniaeensis (Kükenthal) Lye and F. ferruginea (L.) Vahl ssp. sieberiana (Kunth) Lye.

One new species, five new subspecies and one variety of the genus Pycreus, are described from East Africa, viz. Pycreus micromelas Lye, P. sanguinolenlus (Vahl) Nees ssp. nairobiensis Lye, P. longistolon Kükenthal ssp. airofusca Lye, P. lanceolatus (Poiret) C. B. Clarke ssp. ugandensis Lye, P. flavescens (L.) Reichenb. ssp. laevinux Lye, P. flavesc...

Eight new species, one new subspecies and one new variety of Kyllinga are described from tropical Africa, viz. Kyllinga brunneoalba Lye, K. afropumila Lye, K, albogracilis Lye, K. aureovillosa Lye, K. alba–purpurea Lye, K. rhizomafragilis Lye, K. microbracleata Lye, K. afro–occidentalis Lye, K. erecta Schumacher ssp. albescens Lye, and K. melanospe...

Two new subgenera are described and illustrated. Cyperus subgen. Protocyperus has an eucyperoid culm–anatomy and digitate clusters of spikelets. It contains about 100 species. Cyperus subgen. Fimbricyperus has a chlorocyperoid culm anatomy and many stalked spikes giving the habit of a slender Fimbristylis. It is based on a single species, viz. Cype...

Seedlings of Nymphaea coerulea, N. lotus and Nuphar luteum were examined for monocoty-ledonous and dicotyledonous characters. The cotyledonary formation could be interpreted either as a single bilobed structure or as two separate cotyledons. However, the presence of an operculum and the recognition of a coleoptile and mesocotyl similar to those of...

During the years 1967–1968 and 1972, about 400 vegetation samples were investigated by qualitative plant-sociological methods at Hardangervidda. Homogenous samples were chosen subjectively and usually two samples, each 10 m2, were investigated in each locality. Cover in percent and frequency were noted for all species. Soil samples were collected a...