Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Guatteria australis (Annonaceae)

Guatteria is the largest genus of Annonaceae, comprising ca. 300 species. The genus presents taxonomic problems, and the number of species has been overestimated. Taxonomic revision, description, comments and illustration of G. australis are presented here. As a result, 41 names have been placed in synonymy under G. australis, and three lectotypes are newly designated.

Relief influence on tree species richness in secondary forest fragments of Atlantic Forest, SE, Brazil

(Relief influence on tree species richness in secondary forest fragments of Atlantic Forest, SE, Brazil). The aim of this work was to explore the relationship between tree species richness and morphological characteristics of relief at the Ibiuna Plateau (SE Brazil). We sampled 61 plots of 0.30 ha, systematically established in 20 fragments of secondary forest (2-274 ha) and in three areas within a continuous secondary forest site, Morro Grande Reserve (9,400 ha). At each plot, 100 trees with diameter at breast height > 5 cm were sampled by the point centered quarter method, and total richness and richness per dispersal and succession class were obtained. The relief was characterized by the mean and variance of slope, elevation, aspect and slope location. There was no significant relationship between relief heterogeneity and tree species richness. Relief parameters generally did not affect tree richness, but elevation was particularly important especially in the continuous forest. Despite the limited range of altitudinal variation (150 m), species richness increases with elevation. The highest areas were also those with the largest forest cover and the lowest disturbance degree, which should contribute to the greater richness of those sites. Our results suggest an indirect influence of relief, due to the fact that deforestation is less intense in higher regions, rather than a direct influence of abiotic factors related to the altitudinal gradient.

Apocynaceae sensun strictum from the Mucuge Municipal Park, Bahia, Brazil, including the valid publication of two names in Mandevilla Lindl.

Apocynaceae sensun strictum from the Mucuge Municipal Park, Bahia, Brazil, including the valid publication of two names in Mandevilla Lindl. The flora of Rauvolfioideae and Apocynoideae, which together form Apocynaceae s.s., from the Mucuge Municipal Park, Chapada Diamantina, State of Bahia, Brazil, is presented. Eight species and five genera were recognized. Mandevilla is the most diverse genus, With four species: M. scabra (Hoffmans. ex Roem. & Schult.) K. Schum., M. tenuifolia (J.C. Mikan) Woodson, M. bahiensis (Woodson) M.F. Sales & Kinoshita-Gouvea, and M.microphylla (Stadelm.) M.F. Sales & Kinoshita-Gouvea, the last two are a new status and a new combination, respectively, whose names are being validly published here. The four remaining genera are each represented by one species: Couma rigida Mull. Arg., Stipecoma peltigera (Stadelm.) Mull Arg,, Temnadenia violacea (Veil.) Miers, and Himatanthus bracteatus (A. DC.) Woodson. Identification key, descriptions, comments and illustrations are presented for every species.