Plant Ecology and Evolution

20/11/2025

New analyses of the neotropical palm Chamaedorea elatior (Arecaceae) show that its solitary and cespitose forms differ clearly in leaf morphology, consistently separating into two groups across multiple statistical tests. This suggests they may represent distinct species.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.160648

04/11/2025

This phylogenetic study of Acridocarpus (Malpighiaceae) reveals that its current classification does not reflect true evolutionary relationships. It originated in East African and Malagasy rainforests about 43 mya and adapted repeatedly to Africa’s shifting dry biomes.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.158824

29/10/2025

New field data clarify the diversity of Pulsatilla in Kosovo, confirming five taxa and reporting the first records of P. halleri subsp. rhodopaea and P. vernalis. Misidentifications are corrected and threatened taxa are identified in the Balkans.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.167734

21/10/2025

Species distribution models predict Lippia turbinata and Salimenaea integrifolia (Verbenaceae) could expand their ranges by 2070 while Lippia alba may lose habitat. Contrasting responses show the need for species-specific conservation strategies to protect plant resources.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.157560

14/10/2025

A new orchid, Telipogon villonacoensis, is described from the Andes. Once thought restricted to southern Ecuador, it is now known from Colombia to Peru, which is an unusually wide range for the genus. This discovery sheds light on the hidden diversity of miniature orchids.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.157554

08/10/2025

A new species of carnivorous plant, Pinguicula panfetiae, has been described from eastern Cuba. Endemic to the slopes of the River Toa in the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, it differs from related species by its smaller white flowers and leaf shape.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.161641

29/09/2025

This taxonomic study of the genus Tragia (Euphorbiaceae) in Gabon recognizes 6 species in the country, including 2 newly described species, T. flagellata and T. sericea. The work also reports two species as new records for Gabon and provides updated identification tools.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.154149

24/09/2025

A new set of 48 nuclear microsatellite markers (14 polymorphic) was developed for Cola acuminata, an important African food tree. Results indicate high genetic diversity, and the markers also proved transferable to C. nitida.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.147801

18/09/2025

Hedgerows play a crucial ecological role in maintaining connectivity in the fragmented Atlantic Forest. This study showed hedgerows matched forest fragments in seed rain and litter, with even greater fruit richness, highlighting their role in biodiversity conservation.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.160271

12/09/2025

The allohexaploid genus Campeiostachys (StYH) originated from natural hybridization between tetraploid Roegneria (StY) and diploid Hordeum (H), with Roegneria as the maternal donor. The study also shows that C. purpuraristata belongs in the C. dahurica complex.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.153974

08/09/2025

Wild Vigna marina shows remarkable salt tolerance, surviving up to 20,000 ppm NaCl, outperforming commercial Vigna radiata varieties. Populations differ widely, making their conservation crucial for breeding salt-tolerant crops in a changing climate.

➡️ https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.161947

01/09/2025

Symmetry vs structure in naviculoid diatoms. This review shows how SEM & wall morphogenesis studies reshaped our understanding: structure, not symmetry, underpins true relationships. Valve shape and symmetry still matter but beware of overemphasising single traits.

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Background and aims – Over 40 years ago, I explored the use of symmetry and structure as taxonomic criteria for naviculoid diatoms, arguing that structure was the more informative character. This paper examines subsequent progress in the understanding and systematics of naviculoid diatoms with par...