Gwilym P. Lewis’s research while affiliated with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and other places

Spirotropis (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) is a Neotropical genus of trees that has long remained circumscribed to just one species, S. longifolia. Evidence from previous molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and plastid loci and morphological features supports expanding its circumscription to encompass species from the polyphyletic Clathrotropis s.l. that are widely distributed in the Amazonian forests. Here, we reassess the evolutionary relationships of Spirotropis and Clathrotropis s.l. based on a new plastome-wide phylogenomic analysis of the genistoid legumes. The evolutionary histories of selected morphological characters were estimated through Bayesian stochastic mapping over a robust phylogeny of the Ormosieae clade in order to investigate synapomorphies that define an expanded concept of Spirotropis. The newly circumscribed genus Spirotropis was recovered as a well-supported monophy-letic group comprising five species: the type S. longifolia, three species added from Clathrotropis s.str. (S. nitida, S. paradoxa, S. rosea) and the newly described S. fusca endemic to Venezuela. These species are represented by trees with fragrant flowers and spirally twisted keel petals that grow from tropical lowland rain forests, including seasonally flooded forests, to montane forests. In this study, we present identification keys for the Ormosieae genera and the Spirotropis species, in addition to full taxonomic descriptions , illustrations, maps of geographic distribution, and comments on the morphological distinctiveness, nomenclature, and ecology of each species.

Despite significant advancements in legume (Leguminosae or Fabaceae) taxonomy, biogeography and phylogenetics, substantial knowledge gaps persist, limiting our ability to understand their diversity, evolutionary history and conservation needs. In this study we used a robust taxonomic backbone and information housed in publicly available biodiversity repositories to quantify global knowledge gaps within the legume family, focusing on the completeness of species inventory (Linnean shortfall), geographic coverage (Wallacean shortfall), and evolutionary representation (Darwinian shortfall). Our findings underscore that approximately 11% of legume species are yet to be described, with high concentrations in regions such as Iran, Northwestern China, Western Australia, Cape Provinces, and Northeast Brazil. The assessment of gaps in geographic coverage revealed that around 19.8% of legume species lack any occurrence record in public databases. Additionally, nearly 50% of species had fewer than ten occurrence records, and another 50% had incomplete geographic coverage relative to their known distributions. Significant geographic gaps were identified in Temperate Asia, particularly Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Furthermore, the limited availability of comprehensive DNA sequence data for key markers (ITS, matK , psbA , rbcL , trnL ), with 52.5% of species lacking sequences for these markers, poses challenges for accurate phylogenetic inference, especially for clades from poorly sampled regions like South America and Temperate Asia. Addressing these gaps requires integrative approaches that combine herbarium collection assessments, targeted fieldwork, enhanced data integration across repositories, and advanced phylogenetic techniques. By prioritising these strategies, we can accelerate the pace of species discovery and refine biogeographical and phylogenetic understanding for this ecologically and economically important group of plants.

Over the last two centuries, since the treatment of Leguminosae in Flora Brasiliensis, many new legume species and genera have been described, adding to the accumulated body of knowledge on species’ circumscriptions and distribution, published in monographs, taxonomic revisions and regional floristic treatments of specific Brazilian phytogeographic domains. The Flora do Brasil 2020 project was a collaborative effort conducted between 2008 and 2020 to meet the targets set by the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, an initiative of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The project aimed to inventory and revise the taxonomy of all plant species in Brazil, including Leguminosae. The monograph of the legume family was carried out by a team of 102 taxonomists (10% of the project’s total), who worked towards updating and verifying the taxonomy of these plants in an online platform. Information on the life forms, substrate, endemism level, and geographical distribution for all accepted taxa were provided, alongside morphological descriptions, identification keys, images of herbarium specimens and field photographs. In this work, we have extracted from the Flora do Brasil 2020 project the legume data consolidated on December 31st, 2020 to provide an overview of the species diversity of Leguminosae in Brazil and its distribution across phytogeographic domains. The results revealed that the family is represented by 220 genera, of which 19 are endemic, and a total of 2901 species (1576 endemic). After fully monographing 210 genera (95%), we showcased Leguminosae as the most diverse family in the country, representing 6% of the total vascular plant species documented in the Flora do Brasil 2020. The species are found in all phytogeographic domains, exhibiting a wide range of life forms. The Mata Atlântica and Caatinga domains together contain the largest number of endemic legume genera in Brazil, most of them monospe- cific. A discussion on the conservation status of the Brazilian legume species is also provided. Knowledge of the Brazilian flora is continuously advancing, particularly with regards to Leguminosae, demanding regular taxonomic and nomenclatural updates. Current collaborations have greatly improved our understanding of legume diversity and distribution, providing evidence to inform conservation prioritization and action for the Leguminosae in Brazil’s megadiverse flora.

Over the last two centuries, since the treatment of Leguminosae in Flora Brasiliensis, many new legume species and genera have been described, adding to the accumulated body of knowledge on species’ circumscriptions and distribution, published in monographs, taxonomic revisions and regional floristic treatments of specific Brazilian phytogeographic domains. The Flora do Brasil 2020 project was a collaborative effort conducted between 2008 and 2020 to meet the targets set by the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, an initiative of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The project aimed to inventory and revise the taxonomy of all plant species in Brazil, including Leguminosae. The monograph of the legume family was carried out by a team of 102 taxonomists (10% of the project’s total), who worked towards updating and verifying the taxonomy of these plants in an online platform. Information on the life forms, substrate, endemism level, and geographical distribution for all accepted taxa were provided, alongside morphological descriptions, identification keys, images of herbarium specimens and field photographs. In this work, we have extracted from the Flora do Brasil 2020 project the legume data consolidated on December 31st, 2020 to provide an overview of the species diversity of Leguminosae in Brazil and its distribution across phytogeographic domains. The results revealed that the family is represented by 220 genera, of which 19 are endemic, and a total of 2901 species (1576 endemic). After fully monographing 210 genera (95%), we showcased Leguminosae as the most diverse family in the country, representing 6% of the total vascular plant species documented in the Flora do Brasil 2020. The species are found in all phytogeographic domains, exhibiting a wide range of life forms. The Mata Atlântica and Caatinga domains together contain the largest number of endemic legume genera in Brazil, most of them monospecific. A discussion on the conservation status of the Brazilian legume species is also provided. Knowledge of the Brazilian flora is continuously advancing, particularly with regards to Leguminosae, demanding regular taxonomic and nomenclatural updates. Current collaborations have greatly improved our understanding of legume diversity and distribution, providing evidence to inform conservation prioritization and action for the Leguminosae in Brazil’s megadiverse flora.

Adesmia is the most species-rich genus in the informal Adesmia clade and temperate South America Leguminosae. The pollen morphology, ultrasculpture, and ultrastructure of 25 species of Adesmia were studied using light, scanning, and electron transmission microscopy to explore micromorphological data informative to the taxonomy of the genus. Additionally, a principal component analysis was performed to elucidate patterns of quantitative data variation among species concerning the most recent molecular data. We provide novel data about the genus, a comprehensive description of the pollen grains and sexine ultrasculpture, and descriptions of the exine ultrastructure. Furthermore, we suggest delimiting two pollen types based on the size of equatorial and polar axis dimensions to help in future palynotaxonomic studies and character optimisation focusing on pollen traits.

A taxonomic account of the papilionoid legume genus Mucuna Adans. in Africa, Madagascar, and the Indian Ocean islands is presented. Fifteen large herbaria that host representative collections of African specimens were visited and online databases consulted. A new phylogenetic analysis is also presented. Nineteen taxa are described and mapped. Twelve species and six infraspecific taxa (including autonyms, thus 15 terminal taxa) of Mucuna are present on the African mainland, where three species are representatives of Mucuna subg. Mucuna and the other nine are members of Mucuna subg. Stizolobium (P. Browne) Baker. In the Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands biodiversity hotspot, Mucuna is represented by six species, two of which (M. gigantea (Willd.) DC. and M. pruriens (L.) DC.) also occur on the African mainland. The other four species are endemic to Madagascar or adjacent islands and are representatives of Mucuna subg. Mucuna. The only representative of Mucuna subg. Stizolobium in Madagascar is M. pruriens. Our study suggests that the African mainland is the center of origin of Mucuna subg. Stizolobium. It is also revealed as the world’s most species-rich region in representatives of this subgenus, whereas on the other continents, subgenus Mucuna is the most diverse.

Societal Impact Statement Addressing the burning environmental crisis, we explore how the ‘extreme sport’ of paramotoring can enhance and accelerate scientific exploration with minimal environmental impact compared to off‐road vehicles. Our study demonstrates the scientific potential of paramotoring to access fragile desert ecosystems and investigate unrecorded habitats and species. Comparisons with 4 × 4s showed significant reductions in CO2‐eq emissions for longer missions and ninefold faster travel times. Unlike off‐road vehicles, which can damage the equivalent of over one football pitch in area per linear kilometre driven, paramotors cause minimal damage. Integrating extreme sports and science can accelerate data and specimen collection for more effective habitat conservation. This has the potential to spark discoveries and engagement across diverse communities. Summary In the face of an urgent climate and environmental crisis, we explore the potential of paramotoring to expand scientific reach and collection capability without the environmental harm associated with off‐road vehicles. In Peru's fog oasis desert, we brought together paramotor experts and scientists to conduct missions involving monitoring, plant sampling, surveying, sensor placement and transportation. We compared the environmental impact and time taken by paramotoring with surveys conducted using off‐road vehicles and walking. Shorter paramotor missions showed small differences in CO2 equivalents and time efficiency compared to off‐road vehicles. However, longer missions (28 km from base camp) revealed up to nine times faster travel and two thirds less CO2 equivalent emissions. Notably, off‐road vehicles left a substantial environmental footprint (700 to 8000 m² per km), whilst paramotors had a minimal impact, with a tiny surface ‘footprint’ of just a few square metres, representing orders of magnitude (1000 to 10,000) less environmental impact. With basic training in identification and sampling, paramotorists collected plant specimens that are invaluable for ongoing and future scientific study. Whilst logistical and safety challenges in transporting scientists via paramotors need further investigation, the benefits, especially compared to surface travel, are evident. Integrating extreme sports into scientific endeavour promises wider and more comprehensive exploration, new discoveries and increased engagement across diverse communities—and in summary—offers significant potential to address urgent environmental challenges.

Fluctuations in genomic repetitive fractions (repeatome) are known to impact several facets of evolution, such as ecological adaptation and speciation processes. Therefore, investigating the divergence of repetitive elements can provide insights into an important evolutionary force. However, it is not clear how the different repetitive element clades are impacted by the different factors such as ecological changes and/or phylogeny. To discuss this, we used the Neotropical legume genus Erythrostemon (Caesalpinioideae) as a model, given its ancient origin (~33 Mya), lineage‐specific niche conservatism, macroecological heterogeneity, and disjunct distribution in Meso‐ and South American (MA and SA respectively) lineages. We performed a comparative repeatomic analysis of 18 Erythrostemon species to test the impact of environmental variables over repeats diversification. Overall, repeatome composition was diverse, with high abundances of satDNAs and Ty3/gypsy‐Tekay transposable elements, predominantly in the MA and SA lineages respectively. However, unexpected repeatome profiles unrelated to the phylogeny/biogeography were found in a few MA ( E. coccineus , E. pannosus and E. placidus ) and SA ( E. calycinus ) species, related to reticulate evolution and incongruence between nuclear and plastid topology, suggesting ancient hybridizations. The plesiomorphic Tekay and satDNA pattern was altered in the MA‐sensu stricto subclade with a striking genomic differentiation (expansion of satDNA and retraction of Tekay) associated with the colonization of a new environment in Central America around 20 Mya. Our data reveal that the current species‐specific Tekay pool was the result of two bursts of amplification probably in the Miocene, with distinct patterns for the MA and SA repeatomes. This suggests a strong role of the Tekay elements as modulators of the genome–environment interaction in Erythrostemon , providing macroevolutionary insights about mechanisms of repeatome differentiation and plant diversification across space and time.