A taxonomic synopsis of Heliotropiaceae and new combinations in Heliotropium from Thailand

A synopsis of Heliotropiaceae in Thailand is presented and, as part of this, the taxonomic history, identification keys, distribution maps, herbarium specimen citations and diagnostic characters are provided. Two genera and 12 species are recognised and four new combinations are proposed of Tournefortia under the genus Heliotropium, namely H. hookeri, H. intonsum, H. montanum and H. ovatum. Two species are newly recorded in Thailand: Euploca ovalifolia and H. hookeri. The neotype and lectotype are designated here for Tournefortia montana and T. boniana, respectively

Antimicrobial effects of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) essential oil against canine skin infection pathogens

Background and Aim: Catnip essential oils have antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast, and fungi; however, there is limited information regarding their antimicrobial activity against pathogens that cause canine skin infections. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of catnip essential oil and assay its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Malassezia pachydermatis, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum gallinae, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Materials and Methods: Catnip essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical constituents were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated using broth microdilution and time-kill tests. To evaluate the effect of catnip essential oil on microbial morphology and cell membrane integrity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and leakage studies were conducted. Results: GC–MS analysis revealed that the principal components of catnip essential oil were cis- and trans-nepetalactone (57.09% of peak area), trans-, cis-nepetalactone (39.69% of peak area), trans-caryophyllene (1.88% of peak area), and caryophyllene oxide (1.34% of peak area). The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration values determined by broth microdilution ranged from 0.0625 mg/mL to 4.0 mg/ mL. Time-kill testing showed that the germicidal effects of catnip essential oil were time and concentration-dependent, respectively. Environmental SEM and cell leakage analysis indicated that catnip essential oil disrupted the integrity of cell membranes in the tested microorganisms. Conclusion: Catnip essential oil has potential as an alternative antimicrobial against a wide range of canine skin infection pathogens, including S. pseudintermedius, M. pachydermatis, Mi. canis, Mi. gypseum, Mi. gallinae, and T. mentagrophytes

A re-examination of the life and work of A.F.G. Kerr and of his colleagues and friends

Arthur Francis George Kerr’s life is reviewed and related to a previously published account. Kerr’s collecting activity is analysed using an expanded version of the Thai Biogeography Group’s database of collections. 8,666 of the total 48,970 collections are Kerr’s and 3,178 are those of his colleagues and friends. Therefore, the total number of collections made by Kerr and his acquaintances is likely to be larger and more diverse than previously believed. Mapping of these data using GIS show that Kerr’s collecting activities focussed on particular regions of Thailand at particular times. Also large areas of the country remained unexplored by Kerr and his acquaintances: a pattern that, to some extent, persists to this day. The large, but dispersed, archive of Kerr’s photographs, maps, living collections and correspondence indicate that he was a skilled photographer (taking at least 3,000 images), cartographer (producing many hand-drawn maps) and exceptionally acute, accurate and detailed observer (filling numerous notebooks and leaving other records). It is clear that digitising these collections to form an on-line dedicated website is highly desirable to further progress on the flora of Thailand and surrounding countries and would form an unique record of the social history of early 20thC Thailand

Two New Combinations in Madhuca (Sapotaceae)

Volume: 8Start Page: 230End Page: 23

Notes on Smilax bockii and S. seisuiensis (Smilacaceae), two newly recorded species from Laos and Thailand.

Smilax bockii is proposed as an accepted name, and S. septemnervia is treated as a new synonym of S. seisuiensis. Smilax bockii and S. seisuiensis are reported as new records from Laos and Thailand, respectively. The lectotypes of S. bockii and S. stemonifolia are designated. Detailed descriptions, taxonomic notes, photographs and a distribution map are provided

A new species and three taxonomic changes in Piper (Piperaceae) from Thailand

A new species, Piper chiangdaoense from Doi Chiangdao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai province, Thailand, is described and illustrated. Piper trichostigma is raised to specific status and an epitype is selected. Piper maculaphyllum and P. rubroglandulosum are reduced to the synonymy of P. argyrites and P. betle, respectively. A lectotype for P. argyrites is selected

Pouteria malaccensis (Sapotaceae), new to Thailand

Volume: 80Start Page: 140End Page: 14

Correspondence

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A new species of Barringtonia (Lecythidaceae) from Peninsular Malaysia

Volume: 48Start Page: 201End Page: 20