Aristolochia quiricoana (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from southern Costa Rica

Background and Aims: Aristolochia is the largest genus in Aristolochiaceae and is widely distributed in the world. A recent synopsis of Aristolochia in Costa Rica recognized 19 species; nevertheless, recent botanical exploration in southwestern Costa Rica has revealed yet another new species of this genus. Methods: The new species resulted from fieldwork in Buenos Aires, Puntarenas Province. Specimens from several herbaria were examined, as well as the type material of the most morphologically similar species. Comments about its distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and morphological distinction from related species are provided. Key results: Aristolochia quiricoana, a member of Aristolochia series Thyrsicae, is described and illustrated from the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, where it is apparently endemic. It is similar to A. ornithorhyncha, from which it is distinguished by its shorter pedicels, wider, oblong perigone limbs with a shorter appendix, and a different floral color pattern. Conclusions: The new taxon described here represents the 22nd species documented in Aristolochia series Thyrsicae, as well as the 20th species of the genus from Costa Rica

RASGOS DE LOS FORÓFITOS DE GUAZUMA ULMIFOLIA Y SAMANEA SAMAN Y SU INFLUENCIA EN LA DISTRIBUCIÓN ESPACIAL, ABUNDANCIA Y DIVERSIDAD DE PLANTAS EPÍFITAS

Bark traits in phorophytes influence the establishment and spatial distribution of epiphytic plants. Given this, at the campus of the Universidad Técnica Nacional, in Atenas, Costa Rica, bark surface rugosity and water retention capacity of Guazuma ulmifolia and Samanea saman were evaluated. The diversity and similarity indices of epiphytic plants present in each phorophyte were analyzed. Thirty phorophytes, 15 from G. ulmifolia and 15 from Samanea saman, were marked and georeferenced and zoned according to the Johansson zone classification, and subsequently, the species that grow in each zone were inventoried. We registered 447 epiphytes, belonging to 9 families, 21 genera and 35 species. The phorophytes did not show a homogeneous distribution of epiphytes within their strata (stem and canopy) and the distribution of species by Johansson zone is different. Epiphytic species with host specificity were identified. A positive and highly significant correlation was determined between DAP and the abundance of epiphytes in S. saman.Los rasgos de la corteza en los forófitos influyen en el establecimiento y la distribución espacial de plantas epífitas. Ante esto, en el campus de la Universidad Técnica Nacional, sede Atenas, Costa Rica, se evaluó la rugosidad y la capacidad de retención de agua en la corteza de Guazuma ulmifolia y Samanea saman. Se analizó los índices de diversidad y similitud de plantas epífitas presentes en cada forófito. Se marcó y georreferenció 30 forófitos, 15 de G. ulmifolia y15 de Samanea saman, y se zonificaron según la clasificación de las zonas de Johansson, y posteriormente se inventariaron las especies que crecen en cada zona. Se registraron 447 epífitas, pertenecientes a nueve familias, 21 géneros y 35 especies. Los forófitos no mostraron una distribución homogénea de epífitas dentro de sus estratos (fuste y copa del árbol) y la distribución de especies por zona de Johansson es diferente. Se identificaron especies epífitas con especificidad de hospedero. Se determinó una correlación positiva y altamente significativa entre el DAP y abundancia de epífitas en S. saman

A new species of Casearia Jacq. (Salicaceae) from Central Panama and insights into its phylogenetic position within the genus

We describe here a new species of Casearia from Panama based on both morphological and molecular data. Casearia isthmica sp. nov. is restricted to the mid-elevation cloud forests of Central Panama and presents morphological similarities with two more widespread species, C. sanchezii from high elevation areas of El Salvador and Mexico and C. tremula from the Caribbean, Central America, and Northern South America. Casearia isthmica differs in presenting pedunculated and congested inflorescences with up to 20 flowers, as well as flowers with 12 stamens and a pubescent style. Phylogenetic analysis based on selected plastid (petD, trnK-matK, rpl16 and rps4-trnLF) and nuclear (GBSSI and ITS) markers shows that the new species belongs to subclade B3 of Casearia, a lineage that encompasses species from Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Results of the morphological and molecular analysis were congruent and allowed a broader understanding of this new taxon, especially regarding its relationships to other Casearia

Traits of the Guazuma ulmifolia and Samanea saman phorophytes and their influence on the spatial distribution, abundance and diversity of epiphyte plants

Los rasgos de la corteza en los forófitos influyen en el establecimiento y la distribución espacial de plantas epífitas. Ante esto, en el campus de la Universidad Técnica Nacional, sede Atenas, Costa Rica, se evaluó la rugosidad y la capacidad de retención de agua en la corteza de Guazuma ulmifolia y Samanea saman. Se analizó los índices de diversidad y similitud de plantas epífitas presentes en cada forófito. Se marcó y georreferenció 30 forófitos, 15 de G. ulmifolia y15 de Samanea saman, y se zonificaron según la clasificación de las zonas de Johansson, y posteriormente se inventariaron las especies que crecen en cada zona. Se registraron 447 epífitas, pertenecientes a nueve familias, 21 géneros y 35 especies. Los forófitos no mostraron una distribución homogénea de epífitas dentro de sus estratos (fuste y copa del árbol) y la distribución de especies por zona de Johansson es diferente. Se identificaron especies epífitas con especificidad de hospedero. Se determinó una correlación positiva y altamente significativa entre el DAP y abundancia de epífitas en S. saman.Bark traits in phorophytes influence the establishment and spatial distribution of epiphytic plants. Given this, at the campus of the Universidad Técnica Nacional, in Atenas, Costa Rica, bark surface rugosity and water retention capacity of Guazuma ulmifolia and Samanea saman were evaluated. The diversity and similarity indices of epiphytic plants present in each phorophyte were analyzed. Thirty phorophytes, 15 from G. ulmifolia and 15 from Samanea saman, were marked and georeferenced and zoned according to the Johansson zone classification, and subsequently, the species that grow in each zone were inventoried. We registered 447 epiphytes, belonging to 9 families, 21 genera and 35 species. The phorophytes did not show a homogeneous distribution of epiphytes within their strata (stem and canopy) and the distribution of species by Johansson zone is different. Epiphytic species with host specificity were identified. A positive and highly significant correlation was determined between DAP and the abundance of epiphytes in S. samanUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical (CIBET

Two new endemic species of Monstera (Araceae: Monsteroideae: Monstereae) from Golfito in southern Costa Rica

Monstera croatii M.Cedeño & A.Hay and M. gambensis M.Cedeño & M.A.Blanco (Araceae: Monsteroideae: Monstereae) are newly described and illustrated from cantón Golfito in the Pacific lowlands of southern Costa Rica. Notes are provided on how they can be differentiated from similar species. Monstera croatii is unique in the genus because it reaches its adult vegetative morphology while growing as a terrestrial plant on the forest floor, and climbs only to a very limited height before flowering. Monstera gambensis is one of the smallest species in the genus.Universidad de Costa Rica/[]/UCR/Costa RicaMissouri Botanical Garden/[]//Estados UnidosSociety of Systematic Biologists/[]/SSB/InglaterraUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Jardín Botánico Lankester (JBL)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical (CIBET

A new species of Stenospermation (Araceae) endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

A new species of Stenospermation (Araceae), S. coques sp. nov., endemic to the Isla del Coco National Park in Costa Rica is described and illustrated. A discussion about morphologically related species and their differences is also included

New records of Araceae for Costa Rica and Panama

Four species are documented for the first time for the Costa Rican flora: Anthurium curvispadix, Anthurium palosecense, Monstera integrifolia, Monstera spruceana. Two species are first documented for the Panamanian flora: Monstera costaricensis and Monstera epipremnoides.Universidad de Costa Rica/[]/UCR/Costa RicaMissouri Botanical Garden/[]//Estados UnidosSociety of Systematic Biologists/[]/SSB/InglaterraUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Jardín Botánico Lankester (JBL)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical (CIBET

Novedades para las aráceas costarricenses (Araceae) con notas nomenclaturales

Background and Aims: Araceae is a worldwide family of herbaceous plants, most notable for its striking morphological diversity and broad habitat diversity. It comprises eight subfamilies, 143 genera, and 3667 species. The Central American region has about 780 species, of which 262 are distributed in Costa Rica. In this contribution, we include four new aroid records for the Costa Rican flora belonging to the genera Anthurium, Philodendron, and Spathiphyllum. In addition, nomenclatural aspects of A. myosuroides are discussed. Methods: The new records resulted from fieldwork on Fila Anguciana, Cerro Turrubares, and Volcán Miravalles. The correct taxonomic identity of the species was confirmed based on literature and comparison with herbarium specimens, especially type specimens from the herbaria of the Universidad de Panama (PMA) and the Missouri Botanical Garden (MO), as well as consultation of the JSTOR Global Plants database and the collections of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris (P) online. Descriptions, taxonomic discussions, and figures of the morphological characteristics of the new records are provided. Key results: We present Anthurium roseospadix, A. myosuroides, Philodendron pseudauriculatum and Spathiphyllum dressleri as new records for the Costa Rican flora. Moreover, lectotypification for Pothos myosuroides is proposed. Conclusions: Considering the new records presented in this work, the aroid flora of Costa Rica now comprises 266 species, and the total species numbers for Anthurium, Philodendron, and Spathiphyllum increased to 94, 63, and 10, respectively.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Araceae es una familia de plantas herbáceas ampliamente distribuida en el mundo, es notable por su sorprendente diversidad morfológica y su vasta variedad de hábitats. La familia comprende ocho subfamilias, 143 géneros y 3667 especies. La región centroamericana posee alrededor de 780 especies, de las cuales 262 se encuentran en Costa Rica. En esta contribución, incluimos cuatro nuevos registros de aráceas para la flora de Costa Rica, pertenecientes a los géneros Anthurium, Philodendron y Spathiphyllum. Adicionalmente, se discuten aspectos nomenclaturales de A. myosuroides. Métodos: Los nuevos registros se realizaron mediante trabajo de campo en Fila Anguciana, Cerros Turrubares y Volcán Miravalles. La correcta identidad taxonómica de las especies se confirmó mediante la revisión de literatura y por comparación con especímenes de herbario, especialmente los ejemplares tipo provistos por los herbarios de la Universidad de Panamá (PMA) y el Jardín Botánico de Missouri (MO). También se consultó, en línea, la base de datos de JSTOR Global Plants y la colección del Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle de París (P). Se proporcionan descripciones, discusiones taxonómicas e ilustraciones de las características morfológicas de los nuevos registros. Resultados clave: Se presentan Anthurium roseospadix, A. myosuroides, Philodendron pseudauriculatum y Spathiphyllum dressleri como nuevos registros para la flora de Costa Rica. Además, se propone una lectotipificación para Pothos myosuroides. Conclusiones: Considerando los nuevos registros presentados en este trabajo, la flora de aráceas de Costa Rica ahora comprende 266 especies, donde la diversidad de Anthurium, Philodendron y Spathiphyllum aumentó a 94, 63 y 10 especies, respectivamente

A reappraisal of Neotropical Vanilla. With a note on taxonomic inflation and the importance of alpha taxonomy in biological studies

Despite the long-standing cultural importance and botanical interest in Vanilla, many taxa belonging to the genus remain poorly understood. Vanilla species generally have broad geographical and ecological distributions. Most species are found in multiple countries, while local endemics are rare. Many names proposed in the eighteen and nineteenth centuries remain cryptic and unused despite having priority over more recently proposed names. Relatively few Vanilla species have been well-documented, both locally and across their entire distribution range, while a significant portion of novelties have been proposed on the basis of very few specimens that are compared only with local floras. After careful inspection of the type materials, living plants, botanical illustrations, photographs and hundreds of additional herbarium specimens of Vanilla we tentatively recognize 62 species for the Neotropics. The taxonomy of Vanilla columbiana, V. hartii, V. inodora, V. karen-christianae, V. marowynensis, V. mexicana, V. odorata, V. phaeantha, V. planifolia, and V. pompona is revised. An updated typification, description, photographs, illustrations, list of studied specimens, distribution map, extent of occurrence and discussion is provided for each of the ten species. Taxonomic proposals include 28 new synonyms, 14 lectotypifications, and one neotypification. We stress on the importance of alpha-taxonomy for biological studies, emphasizing on the detrimental effects of taxonomic inflation and incorrect species determination on the inference of speciation rates, the understanding of biogeographical patterns, the correct estimation of ecological niches, seed dispersal studies, phylogenetic and genomic studies, and the assessments of conservation priorities, among others. Finally, the recently proposed genus Miguelia is placed under the synonymy of Vanilla.Universidad de Costa Rica/[814-C0-049]/UCR/Costa RicaFondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/[]/FONDECYT/PerúUniversidad Científica del Sur/[]/UCSUR/PerúUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Jardín Botánico Lankester (JBL

Floristic Inventory in a Forest Threatened by Agricultural Expansion in the Reserve of Centro Turístico Los Chocuacos, Costa Rica

[Introducción]: La expansión de monocultivos de palma africana (Elaeis guineensis) y piña (Ananas comosus), en Costa Rica, ha degradado en forma progresiva el entorno natural del país, particularmente la región del distrito de Potrero Grande de Buenos Aires. [Objetivo]: Se buscó evidenciar la importancia de la conservación en la reserva del Centro Turístico Los Chocuacos (CTLC), que conserva un mosaico de bosque, entre secundario y primario, de aproximadamente 30 años y la cual, está amenazada por el crecimiento de monocultivos. [Metodología]: En un área de 25 ha, se realizó un inventario florístico mediante recorridos aleatorios en el borde del bosque, los senderos, las áreas sin senderos, las quebradas y nacientes, donde se recolectaron especímenes botánicos en estado reproductivo, que fueron herborizados y depositados en el Herbario Luis A. Fournier Origgi de la Universidad de Costa Rica. [Resultados]: Se obtuvo una riqueza florística de 75 familias, 219 géneros y 266 especies. Se encontró un nuevo registro para el país del arbusto Eugenia veraguensis y una especie del género Aristolochia que en la actualidad está siendo descrita como una nueva especie para la ciencia. La forma de vida más representativa es árbol, con hábitat, principalmente presente terrestre. Las familias Fabaceae, Rubiaceae y Malvaceae fueron las que poseen mayor riqueza de especies. [Conclusiones]: Este estudio evidencia la importancia de los inventarios florísticos para aumentar el conocimiento de especies presentes en zonas poco estudiadas del trópico que están siendo afectadas por el desordenado cambio en el uso de la tierra.[Introduction]:The expansion of African palm (Elaeis guineensis) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) monocultures in Costa Rica has progressively degraded the natural environment of the country, standing out the region of the Potrero Grande district of Buenos Aires. [Objective]: This study aims to show the importance of conservation in the Centro Turistico Los Chocuacos (CTLC) reserve, which is a threatened area, and that conserves a forest, be- tween secondary and primary, of approximately 30 years. [Methodology]: In an area of 61.77 acres (25 hectares),a floristic inventory was performed by random walks along the forest edge, trails, river, waters springs, and areas not crossed by trails. The botanical specimens were collected in a reproductive state, botanized and deposited in the Herbarium Luis A. Fournier Origgi of the University of Costa Rica. [Results]: The CTLC reserve has a floristic wealth of 75 families, 219 genera, and 266 species. The results yield important data, such as a new record for Cos- ta Rica, Eugenia veraguensis, and a species of the genus Aristolochia, which is currently being described as a new species for science. The most representative life form is the tree, and the habit is mostly terrestrial. The Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, and Malvaceae families were the most representative in the study area. [Conclusions]: The study highli- ghts the importance of floristic inventories to increase knowledge of species present in poorly studied regions of the tropics that are also being affected by the disorderly land-use change.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Sociales::Facultad de Ciencias Sociales::Escuela de GeografíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biologí