Marccus Alves’s research while affiliated with Federal University of Pernambuco and other places

O estudo investigou a distribuição de Marcgraviaceae nos estados quem compõem o Nordeste Oriental, formado por: Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba e Rio Grande do Norte, encontrando quatro gêneros e cinco espécies, em dois domínios fitogeográficos: Mata Atlântica e Caatinga. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a distribuição geográfica da família, por meio de pesquisas bibliográficas, análise de amostras em herbários e bases de dados, além de coletas de campo, bem como, apresentar dados sobre o estado de conservação das espécies encontradas. Destaca-se AL com a maior diversidade, apresentando cinco espécies, e PE tem a maior quantidade de amostras coletadas de Schwartzia brasiliensis, bem como, o estudo apresenta também novas ocorrências documentadas para a PB e AL, e a correção na identificação entre duas espécies de Marcgravia. Contudo, a falta de informações sobre o estado de conservação da maioria das espécies ressalta a necessidade de analisar sua distribuição geográfica e promover estratégias de proteção. As coletas em Unidades de Conservação e terras indígenas, evidenciam a importância dessas regiões, para a proteção de espécies vulneráveis da família.

During studies of Piperaceae in Northeastern Brazil, we found names lacking designated type material, among them Piper consanguineum. We revised the synonyms, protologues and bibliographies where names have been cited. A neotype has been designated for Piper consanguineum (Kunth) Steud., as well as a lectotype for Piper surinamense C. DC., which also had a syntype excluded from its name.

Uruguay occupies an area of special relevance for species of terrestrial orchids of the subtribe Spiranthinae because it is located in one of the largest continuous grassland regions of the Americas. The aim of this study is to provide a taxonomic study of Spiranthinae species from Uruguay. A total of 22 species distributed in seven genera were confirmed to the country, representing almost half of the species of terrestrial orchids in Uruguay. Cyclopogon (8 spp.), Skeptrostachys (5 spp.) and Brachystele (4 spp.) were the most representative. Additionally, a new synonym in Brachystele dilatata (=Brachystele waldemarii) is proposed. The group was found in all departments and ecoregions of the country, mainly in the southeastern (Maldonado: 10 spp., Rocha: 12 spp. Lavalleja: 10 spp.) and northeastern (Rivera: 11 spp., Tacuarembó 9 spp.) regions. Among the ecoregions, the “Serrano Forest” (17 spp.) and “Graben de la Laguna Merín” (14 spp.) were the most species-rich. Descriptions, illustrations, an identification key, and comments on geographical distribution of the species are provided. Keywords: southern cone; neotropics; monocots; Orchidoideae; systematics

Background – Waltheria marielleae is a new species of Malvaceae endemic to north-eastern Brazil that occurs only in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas, in areas of Atlantic Forest and Caatinga. It is characterized by cinereous leaves, axillary and sessile to subsessile inflorescences, pallid yellow corollas with apically eciliate petals and fan-plumose stigmas. Material and methods – DNA was extracted from leaf tissue and the markers matK , ndhF , and ITS were amplified using universal primers, with PCR products purified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed, including DNA sequences obtained from GenBank. Morphological studies were based on the analysis of specimens deposited in seven herbaria and specimens collected in Pernambuco state, Brazil. Results – Waltheria marielleae is morphologically and phylogenetically related to pantropical W. indica and W. ackermanniana , with these three species forming a well-supported clade. Overall, phylogenetic molecular analysis suggests the monophyly of Waltheria , with the two currently proposed sections also being monophyletic, and Melochia as its sister group. The new species is assessed here as Endangered, according to IUCN criteria. In addition, we formally present new occurrences of W. ackermanniana and W. rotundifolia . Conclusion – In this study, a complete morphological description, illustration, distribution map, and phylogenetic tree are provided for Waltheria marielleae . This species is compared with morphologically and phylogenetically related species ( W. ackermanniana , W. indica , and W. rotundifolia ) and an identification key to the species occurring in Alagoas and Pernambuco is provided.

Bahia state harbours an immense diversity of plant species with several cases of endemism, especially in the savanna wetlands, typical ecosystems where most Lentibulariaceae representatives occur. In this context, we aimed to improve the characterization of these savanna wetlands in terms of species richness of Lentibulariaceae, their phytogeographic patterns, endemism, forms of rarity, threats to their habitats, and conservation efforts. Herein we present the synopsis of the 42 species of Lentibulariaceae that occur in Bahia state, providing short diagnostic characterization, photographs of living specimens, updated geographic distribution displayed in maps, new records, and discussion concerning phytogeographic patterns, endemism, rarity, habitat characterization and current scenario of threats and conservation. Our results show a disjunct distribution and similarity in Lentibulariaceae species composition between savanna wetlands, corroborating previous hypotheses of vegetation connections during moister climatic conditions in the past. Moreover, differences in species composition among different restinga areas are consistent with biogeographical and paleomodelling studies pointing the São Francisco River as a geographic barrier influencing speciation and genetic diversity. Finally, we emphasize the situation of abandonment in some Protected Areas, lacking proper infrastructure, managers, management plans and board, and insufficient results for the effective conservation and protection of the environment and species.

A taxonomic study of the Justicieae tribe (Acanthaceae) for the Northeastern region of Brazil is presented. The collections of the main herbaria of the country and regional herbaria were analyzed. A total of 21 species and six genera were recorded: Anisacanthus (A. trilobus), Dicliptera (2 spp.), Harpo-chilus (2 spp.), Justicia (12 spp.), Pseuderanthemum (2 spp.), and Thyrsacanthus (2 spp.). The species are mainly recognized by the morphology of the seeds and androecium, flower color, shape of the corol-la, and the capsules. Several species are new records for the study area, P. modestum being first cited for the Northeastern of Brazil. Also, new records are reported for the state of Sergipe and Mato Grosso do Sul. Morphological descriptions, an identification key, illustrations, as well as taxonomic comments on the phenology, habitat, and taxonomic affinities, are provided. In addition, geographic distribution maps of all species in the study area are included.

Loganiaceae is a member of the Gentianales order and comprises about 460 species in 16 genera, being mainly distributed in the tropical regions of the world. The Brazilian Neotropical region is one of the centers of diversity for two of the richest genera of Loganiaceae, Spigelia and Strychnos, justifying floristic efforts to better understand family diversity in this region. This study aims to update the taxonomic knowledge about the Loganiaceae of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, providing an identification key, diagnostic characters of the species emphasizing vegetative features, illustrations and photos, distribution maps, and occurrence within Conservation Units. We analyzed collections from 18 local herbaria and conducted field expeditions to strategical locations of the state between 2017 to 2019. In total, we identified 16 species belonging to three genera: Mitreola (1), Spigelia (8) and Strychnos (7). As shown in previous studies, the morphology of the carpoatlas was determinant in the recognition of Spigelia species. In Pernambuco, Mitreola petiolata, Spigelia flemmingiana, S. laurina, S. scabra, Strychnos atlantica, S. divaricans, S. mattogrossensis, and S. trinervis were found only in the Atlantic Forest, while Spigelia alborubra, S. linarioides, S. pernambucensis, Strychnos gardneri, and S. rubiginosa were found only in the Caatinga domain. Spigelia anthelmia, S. polystachya, and Strychnos parvifolia have continuous distribution between both phytogeographic domains, presenting high morphological variability in these areas. Among the 16 loganiaceous species, 13 belong to 20 different Conservation Units spread over the two phytogeographic domains, highlighting the importance of maintaining these areas for the conservation of biodiversity in the state.

Justicieae is one of the largest tribes of Acanthaceae, composed of 2000 species distributed in 100 genera, with highest diversity in the neotropical region. Palynological studies containing several representatives of the tribe are rare, specially species from Northeastern Brazil. The present study aims to differentiate species and evaluate palynological characters in the light of a phylogenetic hypothesis of Justicieae. Eighteen species belonging to six genera were analyzed. Pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured and photographed under light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pollen grains are medium to very large in size, isopolar, planaperturate, subprolate, prolate to prolate spheroidal, and two-colporate to three-colporate, or with six pseudocolpi. The exine ornamentation is microreticulate to reticulate with areolae between the apertures in most species. Some species present a cavea in the mesocolpium. The pollen morphology of Justicia chamaedryoides, J. congrua, J. glaziovii, J. thunbergioides, J. sphaerosperma, Pseuderanthemum congestum, and P. modestum are here by described for the first time. A new combination is also proposed, Thyrsacanthus angustissimus.

The present study comprises the taxonomic treatment of the Lentibulariaceae species in Espírito Santo state, as a continuation of a series of studies focused on the Flora of Espírito Santo. Herein we present an identification key, morphological descriptions, illustrations, distribution map, list of analysed material and comments about taxonomy and distribution of the species. We confirmed the occurrence of 16 species in Espírito Santo state, of which four are new records and only three are not found in protected areas.