Perspectives in Plant Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Aug 1, 2021
Abstract The great heterogeneity of tropical systems challenges our understanding of how niche an... more Abstract The great heterogeneity of tropical systems challenges our understanding of how niche and neutral processes structure epiphyte communities. Dispersal, phorophyte identity and the environmental conditions created by phorophytes are the main determinants of vascular epiphyte structure and diversity. However, these forces comprise multiple causal factors that need to be decomposed to address the complex patterns of independent and confounded effects acting upon epiphyte communities. We tested the hypothesis that the environment created by phorophytes (size, bark characteristics, microenvironmental conditions, and substrate type) is more important than phorophyte species identity and space in determining the structure of epiphyte communities, with phorophyte size being a major determinant within the environmental component. We also expected larger phorophytes to exhibit greater epiphyte richness and diversity. The study was carried out on an inselberg within a semi-deciduous montane forest and a cloud forest in southeastern Brazil. Partial redundancy analysis was used to hierarchically decompose the relative abundances of vascular epiphytes into three components: association with particular phorophyte species, the environment created by phorophytes, and space (Moran’s eigenvector maps). Linear models were used to analyze the relationship between epiphytic diversity and richness with size descriptors. We show that neutral and niche-based processes act simultaneously on the dynamics of vascular epiphyte species, but distinctly on the inselberg and cloud forest. The potential for an epiphyte to occupy all favorable phorophytes was larger in the cloud forest due to the higher connectivity offered by trees. Abundance, richness and diversity of epiphytes increased with phorophyte size, probably due to an increase in the area, time of colonization or increase in microhabitat heterogeneity within phorophytes. Larger phorophytes are a major determinant of local environmental conditions and the spatial organization of epiphytes, as they promote their abundance and maintain their diversity in tropical systems.
A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described ba... more A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered through collaborative citizen science. Krenakanthus ribeiranus and its only congener K. roseolilacinus are endemic to the “João Pinto Center of Biodiversity”, a still poorly explored region with Campos Rupestres and associated vegetation in the Rio Doce Valley, in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The unusual combination of morphological characters of K. ribeiranus, highlighted by plant delicacy and almost all leaf and flower parts covered by uniseriate, hair-like trichomes, is illustrated and discussed in comparison with K. roseolilacinus, including leaf and seed anatomy, as well as pollen morphology. This micro-endemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered, reinforcing the need for strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. The morphology of the new species validates and strengthens the diagnostic flower characters used in the circumscription ...
Pitcairnia azouryi is a species of Bromeliaceae restricted to Atlantic Forest inselbergs of south... more Pitcairnia azouryi is a species of Bromeliaceae restricted to Atlantic Forest inselbergs of southeastern Brazil. Since the species was first described, populations of P. azouryi have been observed from three locations in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. Here we report four new populations discovered after extensive fieldwork during a period of three years on 21 inselbergs in the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With the discovery of these four new populations from the inselbergs Pedra Lisa, Pedra do Jacu, Pedra Três Irmãs e Pedra Parada Cristal (all located in the State of Espírito Santo), the number of locations where P. azouryi is known to occur has increased to seven. The analysis of these new samples allowed the evaluation of within species morphological variation, compared to the protologue description of plant height and leaf dimensions. We classify Pitcairnia azouryi as endangered (EN). This classification is based on the species' extension of occurrence (1,470 km 2), area of occupancy (ca. 53 km 2), number of known populations (7), and the fact that none of its occurrence sites are within a protected conservation areas.
Stigmatodon Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss is one of the most representative Bromeliaceae genera that gr... more Stigmatodon Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss is one of the most representative Bromeliaceae genera that grow on the steepest slopes of the inselbergs of southeastern Brazil. Inselberg environments are characterized as islands due to their restricted, disjunct distribution and geographical isolation. These features make these sites interesting models for evolutionary and population genetic studies. In this study we report, the cross-species transferability of nuclear microsatellite markers, originally developed for other Bromeliaceae, to four Stigmatodon species: Stigmatodon brassicoides, S. costae, S. goniorachis and Stigmatodon sp. nov. Twenty-four microsatellite markers were tested, and 12 of these were successfully amplified in the four studied species. In S. brassicoides and S. costae, 10 markers showed amplification with polymorphism, and in Stigmatodon sp. nov and S. goniorachis, all 12 markers showed polymorphisms. The number of alleles ranged from two to four in S. brassicoides; from two to three in S. costae; from two to six in Stigmatodon sp. nov; and from two to seven in S. goniorachis. H O values ranged from 0.05 (P2P19 locus) in S. brassicoides to 0.689 (VgA04 locus) in S. goniorachis. The set of amplified microsatellite markers described in this study will be a useful tool for addressing various evolutionary, ecological and conservation aspects of Stigmatodon species.
Vriesea Lindl. (Bromeliaceae) has its center of diversity in eastern Brazil, especially in the At... more Vriesea Lindl. (Bromeliaceae) has its center of diversity in eastern Brazil, especially in the Atlantic Rainforest domain. The present study extended the distribution of V. agostiniana to São Paulo state and V. saltensis to Espírito Santo state; they were previously considered endemic to single locations in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, respectively. Species descriptions, taxonomic comments, and new distribution maps are presented, contributing to our knowledge of the taxonomy and biogeography of Vriesea in southeastern Brazil.
During the taxonomic revision of the genus Stigmatodon, we found an unknown epilithic mat-forming... more During the taxonomic revision of the genus Stigmatodon, we found an unknown epilithic mat-forming species, morphologically close to S. belloi, on vertical granitic surfaces on inselbergs in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We described and illustrated the new species, including a comparative analysis of characters that distinguish it from similar species. We also provide data on habitat, ecology, geographical distribution and evaluation about its threat of extinction according to the criteria of the IUCN.
Resumo O Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) localiza-se na região serrana do estado do... more Resumo O Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) localiza-se na região serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro e representa uma importante unidade de conservação brasileira, guardando importantes ecossistemas da Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil. Apresenta-se um estudo florístico-taxonômico dos gêneros Edmundoa, Neoregelia e Wittrockia (Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae) no PARNASO, baseado em coletas de campo, materiais de herbário e bibliografia. Descrições foram feitas com base na variação morfológica observada em todos os exemplares provenientes da região. Foram encontrados 16 táxons, sendo Neoregelia o gênero mais rico, com 13 espécies, seguidos por Wittrockia (duas) e Edmundoa (uma), nenhum incluído em listas oficiais de espécies ameaçadas. No presente artigo são apresentadas chaves de identificação, descrições, informações sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários morfológicos e taxonômicos para os táxons.
Background and aims – Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae) is a monophyletic genus currently comprising 33 ... more Background and aims – Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae) is a monophyletic genus currently comprising 33 species, all endemic to rocky outcrops, mainly inselbergs, from the Atlantic Forest and campos rupestres of the Espinhaço range, Brazil. Material and methods – Our fieldwork in the inselbergs of the Atlantic Forest of the state of Espírito Santo led to the discovery of a new Stigmatodon species with a tubo-laciniate stigma type. Standard herbarium taxonomy practices were adopted to study the novelty. Morphological data were obtained from herbarium specimens and fresh material collected in the field. Key results – Stigmatodon lemeanus is here described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters and affinities of the new species are discussed, accompanied by notes on its ecology, geographic distribution, and conservation status. A key to the species of Stigmatodon from Espírito Santo state is provided. The novelty is similar to S. goniorachis from coastal inselbergs of Rio de Janeiro and S. at...
Mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions play a critical role in the diversification of flowerin... more Mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions play a critical role in the diversification of flowering plants. The spatiotemporal correlates of such interactions can be understood in a phylogenetic context. Here, we generate ddRAD-seq data for the highly diverse Vriesea-Stigmatodon lineage to test for correlated trait evolution among pollination syndromes and life form, habitat type, and altitude. Our results show that pollination syndromes are correlated with changes in life form and habitat type. The ancestor of the Vriesea-Stigmatodon lineage was likely bat pollinated, rock dwelling and inhabited open, mid-elevation forests. Transitions from bat to hummingbird pollination are correlated with transitions to the epiphytic life form in shaded habitats, whereas bat pollination is correlated with the rock-dwelling life form and open habitats. Our dated phylogenetic tree reveals independent origins of hummingbird pollination, occurring twice in Vriesea at c. 5.8 and 5.4 Mya. The timing for...
The authors describe, discuss, and illustrate three epilithic new species of Stigmatodon, S. ilha... more The authors describe, discuss, and illustrate three epilithic new species of Stigmatodon, S. ilhanus, S. itamarajuensis, and S. viridibracteatus, restricted to vertical rock walls in inselbergs located in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, Brazil, and propose a new combination, transferring the endemic Vriesea vexata from rupestrian fields in Minas Gerais state to Stigmatodon. The stigma morphology of Stigmatodon, which is one of the most important distinctive features of this genus, is reevaluated and illustrated, with the recognition of two new types, the convolute-blade type III (stigmadontoid type) and the tubo-laciniate type II. These new stigma types suggest a morphological bridge between the typical tubo-laciniate type I and the convolute-blade types I and II and represent a relevant progress in understanding the morphological boundaries of Stigmatodon.
Vascular epiphytes are a characteristic life form in many tropical regions and often occur growin... more Vascular epiphytes are a characteristic life form in many tropical regions and often occur growing on bare rocks. South America has the highest diversity. Here, we describe a neglected life form: hyperepilithics adapted and restricted to growing on vertical (inclination above 70°) and bare rock walls without having roots intruding the substrate. Hyperepilithics are in particular present on Brazilian inselbergs and dominated by highly specialized Bromeliaceae, mainly of the genera Stigmatodon, Tillandsia and Alcantarea, whereas Orchidaceae surprisingly has a low representation. An overview of this habitat, the life form hyperepilithics and a comparison with similar paleotropical habitats (mainly inselbergs in Western/Eastern Africa and India) are provided. Attention is drawn to hyperepilithics as a most promising and not yet exploited source for a sustainable urban ‘vertical gardening’, for example in tropical megacities.
The inselberg vegetation, in general, occurs in patches that vary in size, shape, number of plant... more The inselberg vegetation, in general, occurs in patches that vary in size, shape, number of plant species and are surrounded by a bare rock. The present study evaluated the species composition, structural analysis, and species-area relationships of vegetation patches on a neotropical inselberg in Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. A total of 69 vascular plant species, from 31 families, were sampled in 84 vegetation patches varying in area from 0.02 to 500 m2, totaling 0.33 ha. Fabaceae and Cactaceae were the most representative families. Vellozia plicata and Selaginella sellowii presented the highest relative frequencies, relative dominances and importance values and were the most successful in the colonization of the studied rocky outcrop. A linear regression showed a positive correlation between patch size and species richness. Phanerophytes were the predominant life-form, with small patches being less rich in species and dominated by Selaginella mats. Our results suggest ...
— The genus Stigmatodon occurs in vertical and bare granite slopes, typical of the inselbergs of ... more — The genus Stigmatodon occurs in vertical and bare granite slopes, typical of the inselbergs of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here, we present the first broad phylogenetic analysis focused on Stigmatodon, sampling a total of 83 terminals, including 16 of the 20 species of the genus and the morphologically similar species of Vriesea. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis using two plastid markers (matK and rps16-trnK) and the nuclear gene PHYC to infer phylogenetic relationships and reconstruct ancestral states for ecological and morphological characters. Our results suggest the monophyly of Stigmatodon as originally circumscribed is only possible with the inclusion of morphologically and ecologically similar Vriesea species. In addition, the morphological and anatomical traits led us to propose a new circumscription for the genus, combining eight species of Vriesea to Stigmatodon as S. andaraiensis, S. freicanecanus, S. lancifolius, S. limae, S. oliganthus, S. pseudoliganthus, S. vellozicolus, and S. zonatus. The stomata positioned above the ordinary epidermal cells, the adaxial water-storage parenchyma with axially elongated cells, the stamens positioned in two groups of three on each side of the corolla, and the tubo-laciniate stigma are exclusive to Stigmatodon in its new circumscription. These new morphological and phylogenetic results constitute a relevant contribution to the taxonomy and evolution of Bromeliaceae, one of the most diverse and ecologically important families of flowering plants of the Neotropics.
Stigmatodon enigmaticus is described and illustrated as a new lithophytic taxon from the quartzit... more Stigmatodon enigmaticus is described and illustrated as a new lithophytic taxon from the quartzitic Campos Rupestres within the biodiversity hotspot of the Atlantic Forest, in Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil. This puzzling new species presents floral features that are unique in the genus as they are associated with ornithophily, as in most Vriesea, contrasting with the chiropterous features of all previously known Stigmatodon species. It is assigned to the “S. limae group”, being most similar to S. vexatus, with which it is compared. Stigmatodon enigmaticus is a microendemic species and is here assessed as Critically Endangered due to its restricted habitat, reduced population size, and threats from invasive species. This finding adds to several others that reinforce the relevance of the currently unprotected Serra do Padre Ângelo as a priority for conservation.
The aim of the study was to investigate Pseudobombax aff. petropolitanum (PP) contribution on ann... more The aim of the study was to investigate Pseudobombax aff. petropolitanum (PP) contribution on annual fine litterfall, carbon content, and nutrient concentration, compared to other woody species (OS) on a neotropical inselberg in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Annual fine litterfall was systematic monthly collected (November 2011-October 2012) by means of 15 littertraps (0.25 m 2) placed in five transects, oven-dried (65 °C, 72 h), weighed, and C content and nutrients concentration (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were estimated. PP performed lower litterfall, C content, and nutrient concentration excepting higher K concentration, compared to OS. The results suggested that PP performed higher nutrient conservation, which indicated its potential in restoring degraded areas observed in the inselberg.
The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Despite that, this biome s... more The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Despite that, this biome still includes many areas that are poorly known floristically, including several protected areas, such as the "Floresta Nacional do Rio Preto" ("Flona do Rio Preto"), located in the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo. This study used a published vascular plant species list for this protected area from the "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil" as the basis to synthesise the species richness, endemism, conservation and new species occurrences found in the "Flona do Rio Preto". The published list of vascular plants was based on field expeditions conducted between 2018 and 2020 and data obtained from herbarium collections available in online databases. Overall, 722 species were documented for the "Flona do Rio Preto", 711 of which are native to Brazil and 349 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. In addition, 60 species are ...
The shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the... more The shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the num...
Perspectives in Plant Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Aug 1, 2021
Abstract The great heterogeneity of tropical systems challenges our understanding of how niche an... more Abstract The great heterogeneity of tropical systems challenges our understanding of how niche and neutral processes structure epiphyte communities. Dispersal, phorophyte identity and the environmental conditions created by phorophytes are the main determinants of vascular epiphyte structure and diversity. However, these forces comprise multiple causal factors that need to be decomposed to address the complex patterns of independent and confounded effects acting upon epiphyte communities. We tested the hypothesis that the environment created by phorophytes (size, bark characteristics, microenvironmental conditions, and substrate type) is more important than phorophyte species identity and space in determining the structure of epiphyte communities, with phorophyte size being a major determinant within the environmental component. We also expected larger phorophytes to exhibit greater epiphyte richness and diversity. The study was carried out on an inselberg within a semi-deciduous montane forest and a cloud forest in southeastern Brazil. Partial redundancy analysis was used to hierarchically decompose the relative abundances of vascular epiphytes into three components: association with particular phorophyte species, the environment created by phorophytes, and space (Moran’s eigenvector maps). Linear models were used to analyze the relationship between epiphytic diversity and richness with size descriptors. We show that neutral and niche-based processes act simultaneously on the dynamics of vascular epiphyte species, but distinctly on the inselberg and cloud forest. The potential for an epiphyte to occupy all favorable phorophytes was larger in the cloud forest due to the higher connectivity offered by trees. Abundance, richness and diversity of epiphytes increased with phorophyte size, probably due to an increase in the area, time of colonization or increase in microhabitat heterogeneity within phorophytes. Larger phorophytes are a major determinant of local environmental conditions and the spatial organization of epiphytes, as they promote their abundance and maintain their diversity in tropical systems.
A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described ba... more A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered through collaborative citizen science. Krenakanthus ribeiranus and its only congener K. roseolilacinus are endemic to the “João Pinto Center of Biodiversity”, a still poorly explored region with Campos Rupestres and associated vegetation in the Rio Doce Valley, in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The unusual combination of morphological characters of K. ribeiranus, highlighted by plant delicacy and almost all leaf and flower parts covered by uniseriate, hair-like trichomes, is illustrated and discussed in comparison with K. roseolilacinus, including leaf and seed anatomy, as well as pollen morphology. This micro-endemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered, reinforcing the need for strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. The morphology of the new species validates and strengthens the diagnostic flower characters used in the circumscription ...
Pitcairnia azouryi is a species of Bromeliaceae restricted to Atlantic Forest inselbergs of south... more Pitcairnia azouryi is a species of Bromeliaceae restricted to Atlantic Forest inselbergs of southeastern Brazil. Since the species was first described, populations of P. azouryi have been observed from three locations in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. Here we report four new populations discovered after extensive fieldwork during a period of three years on 21 inselbergs in the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With the discovery of these four new populations from the inselbergs Pedra Lisa, Pedra do Jacu, Pedra Três Irmãs e Pedra Parada Cristal (all located in the State of Espírito Santo), the number of locations where P. azouryi is known to occur has increased to seven. The analysis of these new samples allowed the evaluation of within species morphological variation, compared to the protologue description of plant height and leaf dimensions. We classify Pitcairnia azouryi as endangered (EN). This classification is based on the species' extension of occurrence (1,470 km 2), area of occupancy (ca. 53 km 2), number of known populations (7), and the fact that none of its occurrence sites are within a protected conservation areas.
Stigmatodon Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss is one of the most representative Bromeliaceae genera that gr... more Stigmatodon Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss is one of the most representative Bromeliaceae genera that grow on the steepest slopes of the inselbergs of southeastern Brazil. Inselberg environments are characterized as islands due to their restricted, disjunct distribution and geographical isolation. These features make these sites interesting models for evolutionary and population genetic studies. In this study we report, the cross-species transferability of nuclear microsatellite markers, originally developed for other Bromeliaceae, to four Stigmatodon species: Stigmatodon brassicoides, S. costae, S. goniorachis and Stigmatodon sp. nov. Twenty-four microsatellite markers were tested, and 12 of these were successfully amplified in the four studied species. In S. brassicoides and S. costae, 10 markers showed amplification with polymorphism, and in Stigmatodon sp. nov and S. goniorachis, all 12 markers showed polymorphisms. The number of alleles ranged from two to four in S. brassicoides; from two to three in S. costae; from two to six in Stigmatodon sp. nov; and from two to seven in S. goniorachis. H O values ranged from 0.05 (P2P19 locus) in S. brassicoides to 0.689 (VgA04 locus) in S. goniorachis. The set of amplified microsatellite markers described in this study will be a useful tool for addressing various evolutionary, ecological and conservation aspects of Stigmatodon species.
Vriesea Lindl. (Bromeliaceae) has its center of diversity in eastern Brazil, especially in the At... more Vriesea Lindl. (Bromeliaceae) has its center of diversity in eastern Brazil, especially in the Atlantic Rainforest domain. The present study extended the distribution of V. agostiniana to São Paulo state and V. saltensis to Espírito Santo state; they were previously considered endemic to single locations in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, respectively. Species descriptions, taxonomic comments, and new distribution maps are presented, contributing to our knowledge of the taxonomy and biogeography of Vriesea in southeastern Brazil.
During the taxonomic revision of the genus Stigmatodon, we found an unknown epilithic mat-forming... more During the taxonomic revision of the genus Stigmatodon, we found an unknown epilithic mat-forming species, morphologically close to S. belloi, on vertical granitic surfaces on inselbergs in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We described and illustrated the new species, including a comparative analysis of characters that distinguish it from similar species. We also provide data on habitat, ecology, geographical distribution and evaluation about its threat of extinction according to the criteria of the IUCN.
Resumo O Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) localiza-se na região serrana do estado do... more Resumo O Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) localiza-se na região serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro e representa uma importante unidade de conservação brasileira, guardando importantes ecossistemas da Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil. Apresenta-se um estudo florístico-taxonômico dos gêneros Edmundoa, Neoregelia e Wittrockia (Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae) no PARNASO, baseado em coletas de campo, materiais de herbário e bibliografia. Descrições foram feitas com base na variação morfológica observada em todos os exemplares provenientes da região. Foram encontrados 16 táxons, sendo Neoregelia o gênero mais rico, com 13 espécies, seguidos por Wittrockia (duas) e Edmundoa (uma), nenhum incluído em listas oficiais de espécies ameaçadas. No presente artigo são apresentadas chaves de identificação, descrições, informações sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários morfológicos e taxonômicos para os táxons.
Background and aims – Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae) is a monophyletic genus currently comprising 33 ... more Background and aims – Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae) is a monophyletic genus currently comprising 33 species, all endemic to rocky outcrops, mainly inselbergs, from the Atlantic Forest and campos rupestres of the Espinhaço range, Brazil. Material and methods – Our fieldwork in the inselbergs of the Atlantic Forest of the state of Espírito Santo led to the discovery of a new Stigmatodon species with a tubo-laciniate stigma type. Standard herbarium taxonomy practices were adopted to study the novelty. Morphological data were obtained from herbarium specimens and fresh material collected in the field. Key results – Stigmatodon lemeanus is here described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters and affinities of the new species are discussed, accompanied by notes on its ecology, geographic distribution, and conservation status. A key to the species of Stigmatodon from Espírito Santo state is provided. The novelty is similar to S. goniorachis from coastal inselbergs of Rio de Janeiro and S. at...
Mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions play a critical role in the diversification of flowerin... more Mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions play a critical role in the diversification of flowering plants. The spatiotemporal correlates of such interactions can be understood in a phylogenetic context. Here, we generate ddRAD-seq data for the highly diverse Vriesea-Stigmatodon lineage to test for correlated trait evolution among pollination syndromes and life form, habitat type, and altitude. Our results show that pollination syndromes are correlated with changes in life form and habitat type. The ancestor of the Vriesea-Stigmatodon lineage was likely bat pollinated, rock dwelling and inhabited open, mid-elevation forests. Transitions from bat to hummingbird pollination are correlated with transitions to the epiphytic life form in shaded habitats, whereas bat pollination is correlated with the rock-dwelling life form and open habitats. Our dated phylogenetic tree reveals independent origins of hummingbird pollination, occurring twice in Vriesea at c. 5.8 and 5.4 Mya. The timing for...
The authors describe, discuss, and illustrate three epilithic new species of Stigmatodon, S. ilha... more The authors describe, discuss, and illustrate three epilithic new species of Stigmatodon, S. ilhanus, S. itamarajuensis, and S. viridibracteatus, restricted to vertical rock walls in inselbergs located in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, Brazil, and propose a new combination, transferring the endemic Vriesea vexata from rupestrian fields in Minas Gerais state to Stigmatodon. The stigma morphology of Stigmatodon, which is one of the most important distinctive features of this genus, is reevaluated and illustrated, with the recognition of two new types, the convolute-blade type III (stigmadontoid type) and the tubo-laciniate type II. These new stigma types suggest a morphological bridge between the typical tubo-laciniate type I and the convolute-blade types I and II and represent a relevant progress in understanding the morphological boundaries of Stigmatodon.
Vascular epiphytes are a characteristic life form in many tropical regions and often occur growin... more Vascular epiphytes are a characteristic life form in many tropical regions and often occur growing on bare rocks. South America has the highest diversity. Here, we describe a neglected life form: hyperepilithics adapted and restricted to growing on vertical (inclination above 70°) and bare rock walls without having roots intruding the substrate. Hyperepilithics are in particular present on Brazilian inselbergs and dominated by highly specialized Bromeliaceae, mainly of the genera Stigmatodon, Tillandsia and Alcantarea, whereas Orchidaceae surprisingly has a low representation. An overview of this habitat, the life form hyperepilithics and a comparison with similar paleotropical habitats (mainly inselbergs in Western/Eastern Africa and India) are provided. Attention is drawn to hyperepilithics as a most promising and not yet exploited source for a sustainable urban ‘vertical gardening’, for example in tropical megacities.
The inselberg vegetation, in general, occurs in patches that vary in size, shape, number of plant... more The inselberg vegetation, in general, occurs in patches that vary in size, shape, number of plant species and are surrounded by a bare rock. The present study evaluated the species composition, structural analysis, and species-area relationships of vegetation patches on a neotropical inselberg in Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. A total of 69 vascular plant species, from 31 families, were sampled in 84 vegetation patches varying in area from 0.02 to 500 m2, totaling 0.33 ha. Fabaceae and Cactaceae were the most representative families. Vellozia plicata and Selaginella sellowii presented the highest relative frequencies, relative dominances and importance values and were the most successful in the colonization of the studied rocky outcrop. A linear regression showed a positive correlation between patch size and species richness. Phanerophytes were the predominant life-form, with small patches being less rich in species and dominated by Selaginella mats. Our results suggest ...
— The genus Stigmatodon occurs in vertical and bare granite slopes, typical of the inselbergs of ... more — The genus Stigmatodon occurs in vertical and bare granite slopes, typical of the inselbergs of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here, we present the first broad phylogenetic analysis focused on Stigmatodon, sampling a total of 83 terminals, including 16 of the 20 species of the genus and the morphologically similar species of Vriesea. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis using two plastid markers (matK and rps16-trnK) and the nuclear gene PHYC to infer phylogenetic relationships and reconstruct ancestral states for ecological and morphological characters. Our results suggest the monophyly of Stigmatodon as originally circumscribed is only possible with the inclusion of morphologically and ecologically similar Vriesea species. In addition, the morphological and anatomical traits led us to propose a new circumscription for the genus, combining eight species of Vriesea to Stigmatodon as S. andaraiensis, S. freicanecanus, S. lancifolius, S. limae, S. oliganthus, S. pseudoliganthus, S. vellozicolus, and S. zonatus. The stomata positioned above the ordinary epidermal cells, the adaxial water-storage parenchyma with axially elongated cells, the stamens positioned in two groups of three on each side of the corolla, and the tubo-laciniate stigma are exclusive to Stigmatodon in its new circumscription. These new morphological and phylogenetic results constitute a relevant contribution to the taxonomy and evolution of Bromeliaceae, one of the most diverse and ecologically important families of flowering plants of the Neotropics.
Stigmatodon enigmaticus is described and illustrated as a new lithophytic taxon from the quartzit... more Stigmatodon enigmaticus is described and illustrated as a new lithophytic taxon from the quartzitic Campos Rupestres within the biodiversity hotspot of the Atlantic Forest, in Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil. This puzzling new species presents floral features that are unique in the genus as they are associated with ornithophily, as in most Vriesea, contrasting with the chiropterous features of all previously known Stigmatodon species. It is assigned to the “S. limae group”, being most similar to S. vexatus, with which it is compared. Stigmatodon enigmaticus is a microendemic species and is here assessed as Critically Endangered due to its restricted habitat, reduced population size, and threats from invasive species. This finding adds to several others that reinforce the relevance of the currently unprotected Serra do Padre Ângelo as a priority for conservation.
The aim of the study was to investigate Pseudobombax aff. petropolitanum (PP) contribution on ann... more The aim of the study was to investigate Pseudobombax aff. petropolitanum (PP) contribution on annual fine litterfall, carbon content, and nutrient concentration, compared to other woody species (OS) on a neotropical inselberg in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Annual fine litterfall was systematic monthly collected (November 2011-October 2012) by means of 15 littertraps (0.25 m 2) placed in five transects, oven-dried (65 °C, 72 h), weighed, and C content and nutrients concentration (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were estimated. PP performed lower litterfall, C content, and nutrient concentration excepting higher K concentration, compared to OS. The results suggested that PP performed higher nutrient conservation, which indicated its potential in restoring degraded areas observed in the inselberg.
The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Despite that, this biome s... more The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Despite that, this biome still includes many areas that are poorly known floristically, including several protected areas, such as the "Floresta Nacional do Rio Preto" ("Flona do Rio Preto"), located in the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo. This study used a published vascular plant species list for this protected area from the "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil" as the basis to synthesise the species richness, endemism, conservation and new species occurrences found in the "Flona do Rio Preto". The published list of vascular plants was based on field expeditions conducted between 2018 and 2020 and data obtained from herbarium collections available in online databases. Overall, 722 species were documented for the "Flona do Rio Preto", 711 of which are native to Brazil and 349 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. In addition, 60 species are ...
The shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the... more The shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the num...
Uploads
Papers by Dayvid R.Couto