Pedro Acevedo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Pedro Acevedo

Biodiversity and Conservation

Acta Botanica Brasilica, 1990

The present paper analyzes the distribution of Serjania in Brazil, by comparing and contrasting t... more The present paper analyzes the distribution of Serjania in Brazil, by comparing and contrasting the species occuring in three major phytogeographic regions: the Atlantic coast, the planalto, and the Amazon basin. The Atlantic coast region has the highest percent (70%) of species endemic to the area, and shares many species with the planalto region. The planalto region shares most of its species with the Atlantic coast and the neighboring countries, but still has a 33% of endemic species to the area. The Amazon basin has only a 4% of species endemic to the area, with most of the reminder species widely distributed through-out the area.

Caribbean Journal of Science

"Issued: 16 April 1993." Incluye bibliografía e índice Contenido: pt. 1. A revision of ... more "Issued: 16 April 1993." Incluye bibliografía e índice Contenido: pt. 1. A revision of Serjania sect. Platycoccus

Caribbean Journal of Science

PhytoKeys, 2012

Th e new genus Alatococcus (Sapindaceae) is described from Espirito Santo, Brazil. Alatococcus se... more Th e new genus Alatococcus (Sapindaceae) is described from Espirito Santo, Brazil. Alatococcus seems to be closely related to Scyphonychium of northeastern Brazil, as they both share similar vegetative morphology, fl owers with zygomorphic calyx, fruits with indehiscent mericarps, and isopolar, tricolporate pollen grains. Th ey however diff er by the shape of the nectary disc, petal appendages, mericarps, and pollen shape and ornamentation. Th e new species Alatococcus siqueirae is described and illustrated.

PhytoKeys, 2011

Four new species of Sapindaceae from the Guianas, South America, are described, illustrated and c... more Four new species of Sapindaceae from the Guianas, South America, are described, illustrated and contrasted with their putative, relatives: Matayba ayangannensis Acev.-Rodr. a small shrub from Mt. Ayanganna, Guyana; and Paullinia degranvillei Acev.-Rodr., Paullinia oldemanii Acev.-Rodr., and Paullinia prevostiana Acev.-Rodr., three species of lianas from French Guiana.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2009

The economically important soapberry family (Sapindaceae) comprises about 1900 species mainly fou... more The economically important soapberry family (Sapindaceae) comprises about 1900 species mainly found in the tropical regions of the world, with only a few genera being restricted to temperate areas. The infrafamilial classification of the Sapindaceae and its relationships to the closely related Aceraceae and Hippocastanaceae-which have now been included in an expanded definition of Sapindaceae (i.e., subfamily Hippocastanoideae)-have been debated for decades. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of Sapindaceae based on eight DNA sequence regions from the plastid and nuclear genomes and including 85 of the 141 genera defined within the family. Our study comprises 997 new sequences of Sapindaceae from 152 specimens. Despite presenting 18.6% of missing data our complete data set produced a topology fully congruent with the one obtained from a subset without missing data, but including fewer markers. The use of additional information therefore led to a consistent result in the relative position of clades and allowed the definition of a new phylogenetic hypothesis. Our results confirm a high level of paraphyly and polyphyly at the subfamilial and tribal levels and even contest the monophyletic status of several genera. Our study confirms that the Chinese monotypic genus Xanthoceras is sister to the rest of the family, in which subfamily Hippocastanoideae is sister to a clade comprising subfamilies Dodonaeoideae and Sapindoideae. On the basis of the strong support demonstrated in Sapindoideae, Dodonaeoideae and Hippocastanoideae as well as in 14 subclades, we propose and discuss informal groupings as basis for a new classification of Sapindaceae.

Flowering Plants. Eudicots, 2010

and Thinouia) usually with multiple vascular cylinders. Leaves pinnately or ternately compound or... more and Thinouia) usually with multiple vascular cylinders. Leaves pinnately or ternately compound or palmate, or rarely simple, alternate, rarely opposite; proximal leaflets seldom reduced, reflexed, and covering the stem to resemble a pair of stipules (pseudostipules), distal leaflet in most arboreal and shrubby species rudimentary; stipules present only in climbing species, minute to large. Inflorescences axillary, terminal, pseudoterminal, cauliflorous or ramiflorous, thyrsopaniculate, racemose, spicate, or fasciculate, or flowers solitary. Flowers 5-merous, regular, or less often 4-merous and obliquely zygomorphic, bisexual or more often functionally unisexual by reduction (plants monoecious or rarely dioecious

Biological Invasions, 2014

A fundamental goal in invasion ecology is to identify and understand the factors explaining why s... more A fundamental goal in invasion ecology is to identify and understand the factors explaining why some alien species become invasive when others fail. In this study we gathered data on taxonomy, invasive status, invasion history, geographic distribution, and biological and ecological traits of 1,032 alien plant species occurring on different habitats in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. These data were used to evaluate the relative importance of habitat and species attributes in influencing the likelihood of alien plants to become naturalized and subsequently invasive on these islands. Our results showed that alien species were more likely to become naturalized if they grow in semi-natural habitats, have large native distribution ranges, long residence time, were introduced for horticulture and have mixed breeding systems. On the other hand, naturalized species were more likely to become invasive if they were introduced for horticulture, behave as weeds, have tolerance to different climatic life-zones, thrive in ruderal habitats, have mixed breeding systems with hermaphroditic flowers, reproduce vegetatively and produce small seeds. Whereas some of these parameters were important for both transitions, others were important for either naturalization or invasion. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of studying different stages of the invasion process in order to understand the mechanisms explaining successful invasions rather than baseline approaches of simply comparing invasive with natives or noninvasive alien species. Understanding the process by which alien species become naturalized or invasive could provide a more objective and accurate approach for managing and predicting biological invasions. Keywords Alien flora Á Biological invasions Á Caribbean Islands Á Invasive plants Á Invasive status Á Invasibility Á Puerto Rican archipelago Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (

The Botanical Review, 2008

Comparison of the common floristic elements between the West Indies and the surrounding continent... more Comparison of the common floristic elements between the West Indies and the surrounding continents shows a mosaic of affinities that are stronger to Central America and South America as a whole than with either one of them separately or with North America. However, since only 28% of the total West Indian seed plant flora is shared with other geographic regions of the world, the referred exercise is of limited value. Numerous tables are provided to show the distribution of genera throughout the archipelago. The application of phylogenetic studies into the service of biogeography is herein regarded as the next necessary step in elucidating the origins and affinities of the West Indian flora. Resumen El estudio comparativo de los elementos florísticos que existen en común entre las Indias Occidentales y los continentes circundantes muestran un mosaico de afinidades más cercanas a Centro América y Sur América en su totalidad, que con cualquiera de ellos por separado o con Norte América. Sin embargo, este estudio es de valor limitado ya que solo el 28% del total de la flora de plantas con semillas en las Indias Occidentales es compartido con otras regiones del mundo. En este estudio, se muestran numerosas tablas resumiendo los valores de endemismos, la distribución de los géneros dentro y fuera del archipiélago, así como los géneros más especiosos. La utilización de estudios filogenéticos al servicio de la biogeografía en las Indias Occidentales es considerado como el próximo paso esencial para la elucidación del origen y de las afinidades de la flora Antillana.

Biodiversity and Conservation

Acta Botanica Brasilica, 1990

The present paper analyzes the distribution of Serjania in Brazil, by comparing and contrasting t... more The present paper analyzes the distribution of Serjania in Brazil, by comparing and contrasting the species occuring in three major phytogeographic regions: the Atlantic coast, the planalto, and the Amazon basin. The Atlantic coast region has the highest percent (70%) of species endemic to the area, and shares many species with the planalto region. The planalto region shares most of its species with the Atlantic coast and the neighboring countries, but still has a 33% of endemic species to the area. The Amazon basin has only a 4% of species endemic to the area, with most of the reminder species widely distributed through-out the area.

Caribbean Journal of Science

"Issued: 16 April 1993." Incluye bibliografía e índice Contenido: pt. 1. A revision of ... more "Issued: 16 April 1993." Incluye bibliografía e índice Contenido: pt. 1. A revision of Serjania sect. Platycoccus

Caribbean Journal of Science

PhytoKeys, 2012

Th e new genus Alatococcus (Sapindaceae) is described from Espirito Santo, Brazil. Alatococcus se... more Th e new genus Alatococcus (Sapindaceae) is described from Espirito Santo, Brazil. Alatococcus seems to be closely related to Scyphonychium of northeastern Brazil, as they both share similar vegetative morphology, fl owers with zygomorphic calyx, fruits with indehiscent mericarps, and isopolar, tricolporate pollen grains. Th ey however diff er by the shape of the nectary disc, petal appendages, mericarps, and pollen shape and ornamentation. Th e new species Alatococcus siqueirae is described and illustrated.

PhytoKeys, 2011

Four new species of Sapindaceae from the Guianas, South America, are described, illustrated and c... more Four new species of Sapindaceae from the Guianas, South America, are described, illustrated and contrasted with their putative, relatives: Matayba ayangannensis Acev.-Rodr. a small shrub from Mt. Ayanganna, Guyana; and Paullinia degranvillei Acev.-Rodr., Paullinia oldemanii Acev.-Rodr., and Paullinia prevostiana Acev.-Rodr., three species of lianas from French Guiana.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2009

The economically important soapberry family (Sapindaceae) comprises about 1900 species mainly fou... more The economically important soapberry family (Sapindaceae) comprises about 1900 species mainly found in the tropical regions of the world, with only a few genera being restricted to temperate areas. The infrafamilial classification of the Sapindaceae and its relationships to the closely related Aceraceae and Hippocastanaceae-which have now been included in an expanded definition of Sapindaceae (i.e., subfamily Hippocastanoideae)-have been debated for decades. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of Sapindaceae based on eight DNA sequence regions from the plastid and nuclear genomes and including 85 of the 141 genera defined within the family. Our study comprises 997 new sequences of Sapindaceae from 152 specimens. Despite presenting 18.6% of missing data our complete data set produced a topology fully congruent with the one obtained from a subset without missing data, but including fewer markers. The use of additional information therefore led to a consistent result in the relative position of clades and allowed the definition of a new phylogenetic hypothesis. Our results confirm a high level of paraphyly and polyphyly at the subfamilial and tribal levels and even contest the monophyletic status of several genera. Our study confirms that the Chinese monotypic genus Xanthoceras is sister to the rest of the family, in which subfamily Hippocastanoideae is sister to a clade comprising subfamilies Dodonaeoideae and Sapindoideae. On the basis of the strong support demonstrated in Sapindoideae, Dodonaeoideae and Hippocastanoideae as well as in 14 subclades, we propose and discuss informal groupings as basis for a new classification of Sapindaceae.

Flowering Plants. Eudicots, 2010

and Thinouia) usually with multiple vascular cylinders. Leaves pinnately or ternately compound or... more and Thinouia) usually with multiple vascular cylinders. Leaves pinnately or ternately compound or palmate, or rarely simple, alternate, rarely opposite; proximal leaflets seldom reduced, reflexed, and covering the stem to resemble a pair of stipules (pseudostipules), distal leaflet in most arboreal and shrubby species rudimentary; stipules present only in climbing species, minute to large. Inflorescences axillary, terminal, pseudoterminal, cauliflorous or ramiflorous, thyrsopaniculate, racemose, spicate, or fasciculate, or flowers solitary. Flowers 5-merous, regular, or less often 4-merous and obliquely zygomorphic, bisexual or more often functionally unisexual by reduction (plants monoecious or rarely dioecious

Biological Invasions, 2014

A fundamental goal in invasion ecology is to identify and understand the factors explaining why s... more A fundamental goal in invasion ecology is to identify and understand the factors explaining why some alien species become invasive when others fail. In this study we gathered data on taxonomy, invasive status, invasion history, geographic distribution, and biological and ecological traits of 1,032 alien plant species occurring on different habitats in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. These data were used to evaluate the relative importance of habitat and species attributes in influencing the likelihood of alien plants to become naturalized and subsequently invasive on these islands. Our results showed that alien species were more likely to become naturalized if they grow in semi-natural habitats, have large native distribution ranges, long residence time, were introduced for horticulture and have mixed breeding systems. On the other hand, naturalized species were more likely to become invasive if they were introduced for horticulture, behave as weeds, have tolerance to different climatic life-zones, thrive in ruderal habitats, have mixed breeding systems with hermaphroditic flowers, reproduce vegetatively and produce small seeds. Whereas some of these parameters were important for both transitions, others were important for either naturalization or invasion. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of studying different stages of the invasion process in order to understand the mechanisms explaining successful invasions rather than baseline approaches of simply comparing invasive with natives or noninvasive alien species. Understanding the process by which alien species become naturalized or invasive could provide a more objective and accurate approach for managing and predicting biological invasions. Keywords Alien flora Á Biological invasions Á Caribbean Islands Á Invasive plants Á Invasive status Á Invasibility Á Puerto Rican archipelago Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (

The Botanical Review, 2008

Comparison of the common floristic elements between the West Indies and the surrounding continent... more Comparison of the common floristic elements between the West Indies and the surrounding continents shows a mosaic of affinities that are stronger to Central America and South America as a whole than with either one of them separately or with North America. However, since only 28% of the total West Indian seed plant flora is shared with other geographic regions of the world, the referred exercise is of limited value. Numerous tables are provided to show the distribution of genera throughout the archipelago. The application of phylogenetic studies into the service of biogeography is herein regarded as the next necessary step in elucidating the origins and affinities of the West Indian flora. Resumen El estudio comparativo de los elementos florísticos que existen en común entre las Indias Occidentales y los continentes circundantes muestran un mosaico de afinidades más cercanas a Centro América y Sur América en su totalidad, que con cualquiera de ellos por separado o con Norte América. Sin embargo, este estudio es de valor limitado ya que solo el 28% del total de la flora de plantas con semillas en las Indias Occidentales es compartido con otras regiones del mundo. En este estudio, se muestran numerosas tablas resumiendo los valores de endemismos, la distribución de los géneros dentro y fuera del archipiélago, así como los géneros más especiosos. La utilización de estudios filogenéticos al servicio de la biogeografía en las Indias Occidentales es considerado como el próximo paso esencial para la elucidación del origen y de las afinidades de la flora Antillana.