Pedro Fiaschi | Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC (Federal University of Santa Catarina) (original) (raw)

Papers by Pedro Fiaschi

Acta Botanica Brasilica, 2017

Resumo – [Estudo taxonômico do gênero Schefflera J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Araliaceae) na Região S... more Resumo – [Estudo taxonômico do gênero Schefflera J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Araliaceae) na Região Sudeste do Brasil]. O presente estudo visou oferecer uma contribuição à taxonomia das espécies do gênero Schefflera nativas na Região Sudeste do Brasil. O gênero está representado nessa região por 22 espécies: Schefflera angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. botumirimensis fornecidas descrições detalhadas, ilustrações, atualização nomenclatural e nove sinônimos novos, assim como dados sobre aspectos morfológicos, fenológicos, ecológicos e de distribuição geográfica de cada uma das espécies. Também foi preparada uma chave de identificação das espécies estudadas.

An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian B... more An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian Brazil was prepared based on maps depicting the known occurrences of the taxa. These include: S. angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. aurata Fiaschi, S. botumirimensis Fiaschi & Pirani, S. burchellii (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. calva (Cham.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. capixaba Fiaschi, S. cephalantha (Harms) Frodin, S. cordata (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. distractiflora (Harms) Frodin, S. fruticosa Fiaschi & Pirani, S. gardneri (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. glaziovii (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. grandigemma Fiaschi, S. kollmannii Fiaschi, S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. lucumoides (Decne. & Planch. ex Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin, S. malmei (Harms) Frodin, S. morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyermark & Frodin, S. racemifera Fiaschi & Frodin, S. ruschiana Fiaschi & Pirani, S. selloi (Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. succinea Frodin & Fiaschi, S. villosissima Fiaschi & Pirani, S. vinosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin & Fiaschi e S. aff. varisiana Frodin. Two centers of endemism associated with high-altitude areas were recognized: Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state and montane forests of Espírito Santo state. The geographic patterns found are discussed with regard to other groups of angiosperms, as well as to phytogeographic studies of the main extra-Amazonian Brazilian phytocoria. Some hypothesis concerning probable phylogenetic relationships among some taxa are analysed in the light of the observed distribution patterns.

Tovomita iaspidis, a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is described, illustrated, a... more Tovomita iaspidis, a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is described, illustrated, and its morphological affinities
with other species and its diagnostic characters are discussed. The new species is similar to Tovomita glazioviana, from
which it can be distinguished by having greenish patent petals and larger and reddish pistillode in the staminate flowers.
While T. glazioviana is found in the Atlantic Forest in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, T. iaspidis is so
far only known from two small remnant areas of montane forest in southern Bahia State, Brazil.

A new species of Stephanopodium (Dichapetalaceae) from tabuleiro forests in southern Bahia is her... more A new species of Stephanopodium (Dichapetalaceae) from tabuleiro forests in southern Bahia is here described and illustrated. This species, named Stephanopodium gracile because of its slender habit, is compared to S. blanchetianum and S.
organense. From these two species, S. gracile can be distinguished by the inflorescences on the apical portion of the leaf petiole, young branches with sparse short appressed trichomes, and glabrous leaves; from S. blanchetianum it differs also by leaf blades with an acuminate (vs. usually obtuse or rounded, and sometimes acute) apex.

Two new species of Oxalis L. sect. Polymorphae (Oxalidaceae) are here described and illustrated. ... more Two new species of Oxalis L. sect. Polymorphae (Oxalidaceae) are here described and illustrated. Oxalis colatinensis Fiaschi is similar to O. blackii Lourteig, from which it can be distinguished by the unbranched (vs branched) habit, leaves grouped in a single terminal whorl (vs multiple whorls), leaflet lamina with an evident (vs indistinct) reticulation, and the terminal lamina 2 – 6.6 × 1.7 – 3.8 cm (vs 1 – 2 (– 3) × 0.5 – 1.3 cm), with a rounded to slightly cordate (vs cuneate or obtuse) base. O. kollmannii Fiaschi is similar to O. neuwiedii Zucc., from which it can be distinguished by having leaves with petioles longer than the lamina (vs shorter), leaflet lamina with the apex acute and a somewhat rounded tip (vs apex usually acuminate), and symmetrical to very slightly asymmetrical (vs markedly asymmetrical) lateral leaflets. Comments on the geographic distribution, habitat preference,
etymology and conservation status of these two new species are also provided.

Plant Systematics and Evolution, 2010

The phylogenetic placement of Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo (Achariaceae) within Malpighiale... more The phylogenetic placement of Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo (Achariaceae) within Malpighiales was investigated with rbcL sequence data. This genus was recently created to accommodate Carpotroche apterocarpa Kuhlm., a poorly known species from the rainforests of Espírito Santo, Brazil. One rbcL sequence was obtained from Kuhlmanniodendron and analyzed with 73 additional sequences from Malpighiales, and 8 from two closer orders, Oxalidales and Celastrales, all of which were available at Genbank. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out with maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference; bootstrap analyses were used in maximum parsimony to evaluate branch support. The results confirmed the placement of Kuhlmanniodendron together with Camptostylus, Lindackeria, Xylotheca, and Caloncoba in a strongly supported clade (posterior probability = 0.99) that corresponds with the tribe Lindackerieae of Achariaceae (Malpighiales). Kuhlmanniodendron also does not appear to be closely related to Oncoba (Salicaceae), an African genus with similar floral and fruit morphology that has been traditionally placed among cyanogenic Flacourtiaceae (now Achariaceae). A picrosodic paper test was performed in herbarium dry leaves, and the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, a class of compounds usually found in Achariaceae, was detected. Pollen morphology and wood anatomy of Kuhlmanniodendron were also investigated, but both pollen (3-colporate and microreticulate) and wood, with solitary to multiple vessels, scalariform perforation plates and other features, do not seem to be useful to distinguish this genus from other members of the Achariaceae and are rather common among the eudicotyledons as a whole. However, perforated ray cells with scalariform plates, an uncommon wood character, present in Kuhlmanniodendron are similar to those found in Kiggelaria africana (Pangieae, Achariaceae), but the occurrence of such cells is not mapped among the angiosperms, and it is not clear how homoplastic this character could be.

The study of the family Cardiopteridaceae constitutes a contribution to the project “Flora of the... more The study of the family Cardiopteridaceae constitutes a contribution to the project “Flora of the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil”. The family is represented in the area by one species, Citronella paniculata (Mart.) Howard, which has been collected just in one montane forest at the study area. A description, illustrations and comments on the geographic distribution and habitat of this species are presented.

Plant Diversity and Evolution, 2010

Fiaschi, P., Santos, F.A.R., Westbrook, E. & Plunkett, G.M.: Taxonomic significance of pollen mor... more Fiaschi, P., Santos, F.A.R., Westbrook, E. & Plunkett, G.M.: Taxonomic significance of pollen morphology in Neotropical Schefflera (Araliaceae). -Plant Div. Evol. 128: 297-323. 2010. -ISSN 1869-6155.

The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an alti... more The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an altitudinal gradient on a mountain side in southern Bahia, Brazil. The study site is located at the east-west transition from tropical moist to semideciduous forests. A belt transect of one hectare (10 × 1000 m) was established running up the slope (from ca. 350 m to 750 m elevation). All included trees and lianas > 5 cm in diameter at breast height were numbered, collected, and measured. Density, dominance, frequency, and importance values (IV) were calculated for each species. We encountered 1400 individuals and 264 species of woody plants in 56 families. Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze had the highest IV, based on the dominance of a small number of trees. Discocarpus pedicellatus Fiaschi & Cordeiro and Ampelocera glabra Kuhlm. were the most frequent trees, with 90 and 86 individuals respectively. Ninety-six species were represented by a single individual. The Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the most diverse families with 37 and 31 species respectively. Cluster analysis and correspondence analysis (DCA) revealed that the composition of the forest along the uppermost 30 percent of the transect was distinct from the rest. The lower and upper forests can be considered respectively as semideciduous and moist forests. Although there are some well-marked floristic differences between these forests, both clearly belong to the southern Bahian sector of the Atlantic coastal forests.

Botanical Journal of The Linnean Society, 2008

Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo, a new genus of the tribe Lindackerieae (Achariaceae sensu lat... more Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo, a new genus of the tribe Lindackerieae (Achariaceae sensu lato) is created to accommodate Carpotroche apterocarpa Kuhlm, a species previously described based on incomplete floriferous and fruiting material from the rainforests of Espírito Santo state, eastern Brazil. The genus is defined by a unique set of character states, including leaves with Clusia-like venation and scaly trichomes, flowers with glabrous stamen filaments and three free styles, and indehiscent fruits with a smooth surface (sometimes with vertical ribs when dried). A description and illustration are provided, with comments on geographical distribution, phenology and generic relationships, and an emended key to neotropical genera of Lindackerieae. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157, 103–109.

The pantropical genus Schefflera is represented by ca. 300 species in the American tropics, but d... more The pantropical genus Schefflera is represented by ca. 300 species in the American tropics, but due to limited sampling of the
Neotropical species in previous phylogenetic studies of the genus, the monophyly of this group has remained tentative. To test this, an existing family-wide dataset of ITS and trnL–trnF sequences was expanded, and relationships were explored further by assembling new ITS and ETS datasets using a representative sampling from most of the morphological and geographical diversity of the group. These results were also used
to test an informal, morphology-based classification of Neotropical Schefflera . Results of the phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of Neotropical Schefflera , and its placement in the Asian Palmate clade of Araliaceae. Four clades were consistently recovered from all analyses, informally called the Calyptrate, Tremula, Jahnii, and Eastern South American clades, each of which corresponds closely to the previously recognized morphological groupings. The Eastern South American clade includes species from the Crepinella and Didymopanax groups, forming two geographically centered subclades (the Guayana Shield and Brazilian subclades, respectively). The composition of the Calyptrate clade overlaps considerably with the Neotropical elements of the Sciodaphyllum group, excluding S. tremula . That species, an Hispaniolan endemic, was instead sister to a Puerto Rican species from the Crepinella group ( S. gleasonii ), providing a third example of geographic structuring among Neotropical Schefflera species.

Biota Neotropica, 2009

A floristic study of three areas of montane Atlantic forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, was carrie... more A floristic study of three areas of montane Atlantic forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, was carried out. From 2004 to 2008 regular botanical collections were made, principally along trails in the interior of the forest fragments at: the Reserva Serra da Pedra Lascada (SPL), the Reserva Serra das Lontras (SLO) and the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra Bonita (SBO). The species richness of each area was compared to that of the other two, and together to other areas of Atlantic coastal forest in Bahia and southeastern Brazil. For all three areas, a total of 1129 species in 467 genera and 124 families were found. Trees represented 46.9% of the species, followed by herbs (20.1%), epiphytes (19.5%), and vines and lianas (13.5%). The families Araceae, Asteraceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, and Solanaceae showed the highest species richness for the three areas together. The genus Psychotria (Rubiaceae) had the highest number of species for all three areas (21 spp.), followed by Miconia (20 spp.), Solanum (20 spp.), Piper (19 spp.), Ocotea (16 spp.), Leandra (16 spp.), Peperomia (15 spp.), and Myrcia (14 spp.). The results confirm the high species diversity of angiosperms in southern Bahia and demonstrate for the first time the presence of species characteristic of montane regions of southeastern Brazil in this region.

Molecular phylogenetic studies have become a major area of interest in plant systematics, and the... more Molecular phylogenetic studies have become a major area of interest in plant systematics, and their impacts on historical biogeographic hypotheses are not to be disregarded. In Brazil, most historical biogeographic studies have relied on animal phylogenies, whereas plant biogeographic studies have largely lacked a phylogenetic component, having a limited utility for historical biogeography. That country, however, is of great importance for most biogeographic studies of lowland tropical South America, and it includes areas from a number of biogeographic regions of the continent. Important biogeographic reports have been published as part of phylogenetic studies,
taxonomic monographs, and regional accounts for small areas or phytogeographic domains, but the available information is subsequently scattered and sometimes hard to find. In this paper we review some relevant angiosperm biogeographic studies in Brazil. Initially we briefly discuss the importance of other continents as source areas for the South American flora. Then we present a subdivision of Brazil into phytogeographic domains, and we cite studies that have explored the detection of biogeographic units (areas of endemism) and how they are historically related among those domains. Examples of plant taxa that could be used to test some biogeographic hypotheses are provided throughout, as well as taxa that exemplify several patterns of endemism and disjunction in the Brazilian angiosperm
flora.

The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an alti... more The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an altitudinal gradient on a mountain side in southern Bahia, Brazil. The study site is located at the east-west transition from tropical moist to semideciduous forests. A belt transect of one hectare (10 × 1000 m) was established running up the slope (from ca. 350 m to 750 m elevation). All included trees and lianas ≥ 5 cm in diameter at breast height were numbered, collected, and measured. Density, dominance, frequency, and importance values (IV) were calculated for each species. We encountered 1400 individuals and 264 species of woody plants in 56 families. Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze had the highest IV, based on the dominance of a small number of trees. Discocarpus pedicellatus Fiaschi & Cordeiro and Ampelocera glabra Kuhlm. were the most frequent trees, with 90 and 86 individuals respectively. Ninety-six species were represented by a single individual. The Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the most diverse families with 37 and 31 species respectively. Cluster analysis and correspondence analysis (DCA) revealed that the composition of the forest along the uppermost 30 percent of the transect was distinct from the rest. The lower and upper forests can be considered respectively as semideciduous and moist forests. Although there are some well-marked floristic differences between these forests, both clearly belong to the southern Bahian sector of the Atlantic coastal forests.

Morphological studies of the pollen grains of 18 species of Schefflera from Southeastern Brazil w... more Morphological studies
of the pollen grains of 18 species of Schefflera from Southeastern Brazil were carried out: S. angustissima, S.
calva, S. capixaba, S. cordata, S. fruticosa, S. gardneri, S. glaziovii, S. longipetiolata, S. lucumoides, S.
macrocarpa, S. malmei, S. morototoni, S. selloi, S. spruceana, S. succinea, S. villosissima, S. vinosa e
Schefflera aff. varisiana. The pollen grains analysed are medium, rarely small, with triangular to subtriangular
amb, anguloaperturate, oblate spheroidal to prolate spheroidal, 3-colporate, and reticulate heterobrochate or
rugulate-reticulate ornamentation. Phylogenetic relationships among some of the studied species are discussed
based on the obtained results.

An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian B... more An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian Brazil was prepared based on maps depicting the known occurrences of the taxa. These include: S. angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. aurata Fiaschi, S. botumirimensis Fiaschi & Pirani, S. burchellii (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. calva (Cham.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. capixaba Fiaschi, S. cephalantha (Harms) Frodin, S. cordata (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. distractiflora (Harms) Frodin, S. fruticosa Fiaschi & Pirani, S. gardneri (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. glaziovii (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. grandigemma Fiaschi, S. kollmannii Fiaschi, S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. lucumoides (Decne. & Planch. ex Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin, S. malmei (Harms) Frodin, S. morototoni
(Aubl.) Maguire, Steyermark & Frodin, S. racemifera Fiaschi & Frodin, S. ruschiana Fiaschi & Pirani, S. selloi (Marchal)
Frodin & Fiaschi, S. succinea Frodin & Fiaschi, S. villosissima Fiaschi & Pirani, S. vinosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin &
Fiaschi e S. aff. varisiana Frodin. Two centers of endemism associated with high-altitude areas were recognized: Espinhaço
Range in Minas Gerais state and montane forests of Espírito Santo state. The geographic patterns found are discussed with
regard to other groups of angiosperms, as well as to phytogeographic studies of the main extra-Amazonian Brazilian
phytocoria. Some hypothesis concerning probable phylogenetic relationships among some taxa are analysed in the light of
the observed distribution patterns.

Brittonia, 2008

Four new species of the Didymopanax group of Neotropical Schefflera (Araliaceae) from the Brazili... more Four new species of the Didymopanax group of Neotropical Schefflera (Araliaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon are here described and illustrated. Two of these are mainly known from the surroundings of Manaus, Amazonas state (Schefflera ciliatifolia and Schefflera umbrosa). The first is distinguished by its ciliate leaflets, while the second is characterized by leaflets varying in shape from trilobed to entire. Schefflera plurifolia is known only from southern Amazonian forests, and is remarkable in its pinnately-compound leaflets. Schefflera dichotoma, only known from the type collected on “campinarana” forests from Upper Rio Negro, at the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira (Amazonas), is characterized by dichotomously branching inflorescences. Comments on the geographic distribution and ecology of the new species are provided, as well as an identification key to the species of the Didymopanax group found in Brazilian Amazonian rainforests and savannas. Quatro espécies novas do grupo Didymopanax de Schefflera (Araliaceae) da Amazônia brasileira são aqui descritas e ilustradas. Duas destas são conhecidas principalmente dos arredores de Manaus, Amazonas (Schefflera ciliatifolia and Schefflera umbrosa). A primeira é distinta por possuir folíolos com lâmina ciliada, enquanto na segunda os folíolos têm lâmina variando de inteira a trilobada. Schefflera plurifolia é conhecida apenas de florestas do Sul da Amazônia, sendo notável nesta a presença de folíolos compostos pinados. Schefflera dichotoma é conhecida apenas do material-tipo, coletado em florestas de “campinarana” do alto Rio Negro, em São Gabriel da Cachoeira (Amazonas), sendo caracterizada pelas inflorescências com ramificação dicotômica. Ilustrações e comentários acerca da distribuição geográfica e ecologia das espécies novas são fornecidos, assim como uma chave de identificação das espécies do grupo Didymopanax encontradas em florestas e savanas da Amazônia brasileira.

This study presents a taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the southeastern Brazilian speci... more This study presents a taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the southeastern Brazilian species of Schefflera. The genus is there represented by 22 native species: Schefflera angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. botumirimensis Fiaschi & Pirani, S. calva (Cham.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. capixaba Fiaschi, S. cordata (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. fruticosa Fiaschi & Pirani, S. gardneri (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. glaziovii (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. grandigemma Fiaschi, S. kollmannii Fiaschi, S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. lucumoides (Decne. & Planch. ex Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin, S. malmei (Harms) Frodin, S. morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyermark & Frodin, S. racemifera Fiaschi & Frodin, S. ruschiana Fiaschi & Pirani, S. selloi (Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. succinea Frodin & Fiaschi, S. villosissima Fiaschi & Pirani, S. vinosa (Cham. &
Schltdl.) Frodin & Fiaschi e S. sp. aff. varisiana Frodin. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, nomenclatural atualization and nine
new synonyms are presented. Also are included data concerning morphological, phenological and ecological features, as well as
the geographic distribution, and an identification key for the studied species.

Schefflera racemifera, a new species of Araliaceae from the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, is d... more Schefflera racemifera, a new species of Araliaceae from the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It resembles S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, from which it is distinguished by its leaves with 11 -14 (vs. 7 -10) leaflets and, in the inflorescences, by flowers racemosely (vs. umbellately) arranged in the primary (as opposed to the secondary) branches. It is so far known only from submontane rainforests in the vicinity of Santa Maria de Jetiba in the aforementioned state. Resumo. SchefJZera racemifera, uma especie nova de Araliaceae do estado do Espirito Santo, Brasil, e aqui descrita e ilustrada. Assemelha-se a S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, da qual e diferenciada essencialmente pelas folhas com 11 -14 (vs. 7 -10) foliolos, e nas inflorescencias, pelas flores agrupadas em racemos (vs. umbelas) ao longo dos ramos primarios (vs. secundarios). Schef.fera racemifera e conhecida apenas de florestas ombr6filas submontanas dos arredores de Santa Maria de Jetiba, no estado do Espiro Santo.

Acta Botanica Brasilica, 2017

Resumo – [Estudo taxonômico do gênero Schefflera J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Araliaceae) na Região S... more Resumo – [Estudo taxonômico do gênero Schefflera J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Araliaceae) na Região Sudeste do Brasil]. O presente estudo visou oferecer uma contribuição à taxonomia das espécies do gênero Schefflera nativas na Região Sudeste do Brasil. O gênero está representado nessa região por 22 espécies: Schefflera angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. botumirimensis fornecidas descrições detalhadas, ilustrações, atualização nomenclatural e nove sinônimos novos, assim como dados sobre aspectos morfológicos, fenológicos, ecológicos e de distribuição geográfica de cada uma das espécies. Também foi preparada uma chave de identificação das espécies estudadas.

An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian B... more An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian Brazil was prepared based on maps depicting the known occurrences of the taxa. These include: S. angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. aurata Fiaschi, S. botumirimensis Fiaschi & Pirani, S. burchellii (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. calva (Cham.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. capixaba Fiaschi, S. cephalantha (Harms) Frodin, S. cordata (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. distractiflora (Harms) Frodin, S. fruticosa Fiaschi & Pirani, S. gardneri (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. glaziovii (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. grandigemma Fiaschi, S. kollmannii Fiaschi, S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. lucumoides (Decne. & Planch. ex Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin, S. malmei (Harms) Frodin, S. morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyermark & Frodin, S. racemifera Fiaschi & Frodin, S. ruschiana Fiaschi & Pirani, S. selloi (Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. succinea Frodin & Fiaschi, S. villosissima Fiaschi & Pirani, S. vinosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin & Fiaschi e S. aff. varisiana Frodin. Two centers of endemism associated with high-altitude areas were recognized: Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state and montane forests of Espírito Santo state. The geographic patterns found are discussed with regard to other groups of angiosperms, as well as to phytogeographic studies of the main extra-Amazonian Brazilian phytocoria. Some hypothesis concerning probable phylogenetic relationships among some taxa are analysed in the light of the observed distribution patterns.

Tovomita iaspidis, a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is described, illustrated, a... more Tovomita iaspidis, a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is described, illustrated, and its morphological affinities
with other species and its diagnostic characters are discussed. The new species is similar to Tovomita glazioviana, from
which it can be distinguished by having greenish patent petals and larger and reddish pistillode in the staminate flowers.
While T. glazioviana is found in the Atlantic Forest in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, T. iaspidis is so
far only known from two small remnant areas of montane forest in southern Bahia State, Brazil.

A new species of Stephanopodium (Dichapetalaceae) from tabuleiro forests in southern Bahia is her... more A new species of Stephanopodium (Dichapetalaceae) from tabuleiro forests in southern Bahia is here described and illustrated. This species, named Stephanopodium gracile because of its slender habit, is compared to S. blanchetianum and S.
organense. From these two species, S. gracile can be distinguished by the inflorescences on the apical portion of the leaf petiole, young branches with sparse short appressed trichomes, and glabrous leaves; from S. blanchetianum it differs also by leaf blades with an acuminate (vs. usually obtuse or rounded, and sometimes acute) apex.

Two new species of Oxalis L. sect. Polymorphae (Oxalidaceae) are here described and illustrated. ... more Two new species of Oxalis L. sect. Polymorphae (Oxalidaceae) are here described and illustrated. Oxalis colatinensis Fiaschi is similar to O. blackii Lourteig, from which it can be distinguished by the unbranched (vs branched) habit, leaves grouped in a single terminal whorl (vs multiple whorls), leaflet lamina with an evident (vs indistinct) reticulation, and the terminal lamina 2 – 6.6 × 1.7 – 3.8 cm (vs 1 – 2 (– 3) × 0.5 – 1.3 cm), with a rounded to slightly cordate (vs cuneate or obtuse) base. O. kollmannii Fiaschi is similar to O. neuwiedii Zucc., from which it can be distinguished by having leaves with petioles longer than the lamina (vs shorter), leaflet lamina with the apex acute and a somewhat rounded tip (vs apex usually acuminate), and symmetrical to very slightly asymmetrical (vs markedly asymmetrical) lateral leaflets. Comments on the geographic distribution, habitat preference,
etymology and conservation status of these two new species are also provided.

Plant Systematics and Evolution, 2010

The phylogenetic placement of Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo (Achariaceae) within Malpighiale... more The phylogenetic placement of Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo (Achariaceae) within Malpighiales was investigated with rbcL sequence data. This genus was recently created to accommodate Carpotroche apterocarpa Kuhlm., a poorly known species from the rainforests of Espírito Santo, Brazil. One rbcL sequence was obtained from Kuhlmanniodendron and analyzed with 73 additional sequences from Malpighiales, and 8 from two closer orders, Oxalidales and Celastrales, all of which were available at Genbank. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out with maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference; bootstrap analyses were used in maximum parsimony to evaluate branch support. The results confirmed the placement of Kuhlmanniodendron together with Camptostylus, Lindackeria, Xylotheca, and Caloncoba in a strongly supported clade (posterior probability = 0.99) that corresponds with the tribe Lindackerieae of Achariaceae (Malpighiales). Kuhlmanniodendron also does not appear to be closely related to Oncoba (Salicaceae), an African genus with similar floral and fruit morphology that has been traditionally placed among cyanogenic Flacourtiaceae (now Achariaceae). A picrosodic paper test was performed in herbarium dry leaves, and the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, a class of compounds usually found in Achariaceae, was detected. Pollen morphology and wood anatomy of Kuhlmanniodendron were also investigated, but both pollen (3-colporate and microreticulate) and wood, with solitary to multiple vessels, scalariform perforation plates and other features, do not seem to be useful to distinguish this genus from other members of the Achariaceae and are rather common among the eudicotyledons as a whole. However, perforated ray cells with scalariform plates, an uncommon wood character, present in Kuhlmanniodendron are similar to those found in Kiggelaria africana (Pangieae, Achariaceae), but the occurrence of such cells is not mapped among the angiosperms, and it is not clear how homoplastic this character could be.

The study of the family Cardiopteridaceae constitutes a contribution to the project “Flora of the... more The study of the family Cardiopteridaceae constitutes a contribution to the project “Flora of the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil”. The family is represented in the area by one species, Citronella paniculata (Mart.) Howard, which has been collected just in one montane forest at the study area. A description, illustrations and comments on the geographic distribution and habitat of this species are presented.

Plant Diversity and Evolution, 2010

Fiaschi, P., Santos, F.A.R., Westbrook, E. & Plunkett, G.M.: Taxonomic significance of pollen mor... more Fiaschi, P., Santos, F.A.R., Westbrook, E. & Plunkett, G.M.: Taxonomic significance of pollen morphology in Neotropical Schefflera (Araliaceae). -Plant Div. Evol. 128: 297-323. 2010. -ISSN 1869-6155.

The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an alti... more The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an altitudinal gradient on a mountain side in southern Bahia, Brazil. The study site is located at the east-west transition from tropical moist to semideciduous forests. A belt transect of one hectare (10 × 1000 m) was established running up the slope (from ca. 350 m to 750 m elevation). All included trees and lianas > 5 cm in diameter at breast height were numbered, collected, and measured. Density, dominance, frequency, and importance values (IV) were calculated for each species. We encountered 1400 individuals and 264 species of woody plants in 56 families. Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze had the highest IV, based on the dominance of a small number of trees. Discocarpus pedicellatus Fiaschi & Cordeiro and Ampelocera glabra Kuhlm. were the most frequent trees, with 90 and 86 individuals respectively. Ninety-six species were represented by a single individual. The Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the most diverse families with 37 and 31 species respectively. Cluster analysis and correspondence analysis (DCA) revealed that the composition of the forest along the uppermost 30 percent of the transect was distinct from the rest. The lower and upper forests can be considered respectively as semideciduous and moist forests. Although there are some well-marked floristic differences between these forests, both clearly belong to the southern Bahian sector of the Atlantic coastal forests.

Botanical Journal of The Linnean Society, 2008

Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo, a new genus of the tribe Lindackerieae (Achariaceae sensu lat... more Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo, a new genus of the tribe Lindackerieae (Achariaceae sensu lato) is created to accommodate Carpotroche apterocarpa Kuhlm, a species previously described based on incomplete floriferous and fruiting material from the rainforests of Espírito Santo state, eastern Brazil. The genus is defined by a unique set of character states, including leaves with Clusia-like venation and scaly trichomes, flowers with glabrous stamen filaments and three free styles, and indehiscent fruits with a smooth surface (sometimes with vertical ribs when dried). A description and illustration are provided, with comments on geographical distribution, phenology and generic relationships, and an emended key to neotropical genera of Lindackerieae. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157, 103–109.

The pantropical genus Schefflera is represented by ca. 300 species in the American tropics, but d... more The pantropical genus Schefflera is represented by ca. 300 species in the American tropics, but due to limited sampling of the
Neotropical species in previous phylogenetic studies of the genus, the monophyly of this group has remained tentative. To test this, an existing family-wide dataset of ITS and trnL–trnF sequences was expanded, and relationships were explored further by assembling new ITS and ETS datasets using a representative sampling from most of the morphological and geographical diversity of the group. These results were also used
to test an informal, morphology-based classification of Neotropical Schefflera . Results of the phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of Neotropical Schefflera , and its placement in the Asian Palmate clade of Araliaceae. Four clades were consistently recovered from all analyses, informally called the Calyptrate, Tremula, Jahnii, and Eastern South American clades, each of which corresponds closely to the previously recognized morphological groupings. The Eastern South American clade includes species from the Crepinella and Didymopanax groups, forming two geographically centered subclades (the Guayana Shield and Brazilian subclades, respectively). The composition of the Calyptrate clade overlaps considerably with the Neotropical elements of the Sciodaphyllum group, excluding S. tremula . That species, an Hispaniolan endemic, was instead sister to a Puerto Rican species from the Crepinella group ( S. gleasonii ), providing a third example of geographic structuring among Neotropical Schefflera species.

Biota Neotropica, 2009

A floristic study of three areas of montane Atlantic forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, was carrie... more A floristic study of three areas of montane Atlantic forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, was carried out. From 2004 to 2008 regular botanical collections were made, principally along trails in the interior of the forest fragments at: the Reserva Serra da Pedra Lascada (SPL), the Reserva Serra das Lontras (SLO) and the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra Bonita (SBO). The species richness of each area was compared to that of the other two, and together to other areas of Atlantic coastal forest in Bahia and southeastern Brazil. For all three areas, a total of 1129 species in 467 genera and 124 families were found. Trees represented 46.9% of the species, followed by herbs (20.1%), epiphytes (19.5%), and vines and lianas (13.5%). The families Araceae, Asteraceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, and Solanaceae showed the highest species richness for the three areas together. The genus Psychotria (Rubiaceae) had the highest number of species for all three areas (21 spp.), followed by Miconia (20 spp.), Solanum (20 spp.), Piper (19 spp.), Ocotea (16 spp.), Leandra (16 spp.), Peperomia (15 spp.), and Myrcia (14 spp.). The results confirm the high species diversity of angiosperms in southern Bahia and demonstrate for the first time the presence of species characteristic of montane regions of southeastern Brazil in this region.

Molecular phylogenetic studies have become a major area of interest in plant systematics, and the... more Molecular phylogenetic studies have become a major area of interest in plant systematics, and their impacts on historical biogeographic hypotheses are not to be disregarded. In Brazil, most historical biogeographic studies have relied on animal phylogenies, whereas plant biogeographic studies have largely lacked a phylogenetic component, having a limited utility for historical biogeography. That country, however, is of great importance for most biogeographic studies of lowland tropical South America, and it includes areas from a number of biogeographic regions of the continent. Important biogeographic reports have been published as part of phylogenetic studies,
taxonomic monographs, and regional accounts for small areas or phytogeographic domains, but the available information is subsequently scattered and sometimes hard to find. In this paper we review some relevant angiosperm biogeographic studies in Brazil. Initially we briefly discuss the importance of other continents as source areas for the South American flora. Then we present a subdivision of Brazil into phytogeographic domains, and we cite studies that have explored the detection of biogeographic units (areas of endemism) and how they are historically related among those domains. Examples of plant taxa that could be used to test some biogeographic hypotheses are provided throughout, as well as taxa that exemplify several patterns of endemism and disjunction in the Brazilian angiosperm
flora.

The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an alti... more The purpose of this study was to attempt to detect a floristic transition in forest along an altitudinal gradient on a mountain side in southern Bahia, Brazil. The study site is located at the east-west transition from tropical moist to semideciduous forests. A belt transect of one hectare (10 × 1000 m) was established running up the slope (from ca. 350 m to 750 m elevation). All included trees and lianas ≥ 5 cm in diameter at breast height were numbered, collected, and measured. Density, dominance, frequency, and importance values (IV) were calculated for each species. We encountered 1400 individuals and 264 species of woody plants in 56 families. Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze had the highest IV, based on the dominance of a small number of trees. Discocarpus pedicellatus Fiaschi & Cordeiro and Ampelocera glabra Kuhlm. were the most frequent trees, with 90 and 86 individuals respectively. Ninety-six species were represented by a single individual. The Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the most diverse families with 37 and 31 species respectively. Cluster analysis and correspondence analysis (DCA) revealed that the composition of the forest along the uppermost 30 percent of the transect was distinct from the rest. The lower and upper forests can be considered respectively as semideciduous and moist forests. Although there are some well-marked floristic differences between these forests, both clearly belong to the southern Bahian sector of the Atlantic coastal forests.

Morphological studies of the pollen grains of 18 species of Schefflera from Southeastern Brazil w... more Morphological studies
of the pollen grains of 18 species of Schefflera from Southeastern Brazil were carried out: S. angustissima, S.
calva, S. capixaba, S. cordata, S. fruticosa, S. gardneri, S. glaziovii, S. longipetiolata, S. lucumoides, S.
macrocarpa, S. malmei, S. morototoni, S. selloi, S. spruceana, S. succinea, S. villosissima, S. vinosa e
Schefflera aff. varisiana. The pollen grains analysed are medium, rarely small, with triangular to subtriangular
amb, anguloaperturate, oblate spheroidal to prolate spheroidal, 3-colporate, and reticulate heterobrochate or
rugulate-reticulate ornamentation. Phylogenetic relationships among some of the studied species are discussed
based on the obtained results.

An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian B... more An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 26 species of Schefflera from extra-Amazonian Brazil was prepared based on maps depicting the known occurrences of the taxa. These include: S. angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. aurata Fiaschi, S. botumirimensis Fiaschi & Pirani, S. burchellii (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. calva (Cham.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. capixaba Fiaschi, S. cephalantha (Harms) Frodin, S. cordata (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. distractiflora (Harms) Frodin, S. fruticosa Fiaschi & Pirani, S. gardneri (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. glaziovii (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. grandigemma Fiaschi, S. kollmannii Fiaschi, S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. lucumoides (Decne. & Planch. ex Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin, S. malmei (Harms) Frodin, S. morototoni
(Aubl.) Maguire, Steyermark & Frodin, S. racemifera Fiaschi & Frodin, S. ruschiana Fiaschi & Pirani, S. selloi (Marchal)
Frodin & Fiaschi, S. succinea Frodin & Fiaschi, S. villosissima Fiaschi & Pirani, S. vinosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin &
Fiaschi e S. aff. varisiana Frodin. Two centers of endemism associated with high-altitude areas were recognized: Espinhaço
Range in Minas Gerais state and montane forests of Espírito Santo state. The geographic patterns found are discussed with
regard to other groups of angiosperms, as well as to phytogeographic studies of the main extra-Amazonian Brazilian
phytocoria. Some hypothesis concerning probable phylogenetic relationships among some taxa are analysed in the light of
the observed distribution patterns.

Brittonia, 2008

Four new species of the Didymopanax group of Neotropical Schefflera (Araliaceae) from the Brazili... more Four new species of the Didymopanax group of Neotropical Schefflera (Araliaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon are here described and illustrated. Two of these are mainly known from the surroundings of Manaus, Amazonas state (Schefflera ciliatifolia and Schefflera umbrosa). The first is distinguished by its ciliate leaflets, while the second is characterized by leaflets varying in shape from trilobed to entire. Schefflera plurifolia is known only from southern Amazonian forests, and is remarkable in its pinnately-compound leaflets. Schefflera dichotoma, only known from the type collected on “campinarana” forests from Upper Rio Negro, at the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira (Amazonas), is characterized by dichotomously branching inflorescences. Comments on the geographic distribution and ecology of the new species are provided, as well as an identification key to the species of the Didymopanax group found in Brazilian Amazonian rainforests and savannas. Quatro espécies novas do grupo Didymopanax de Schefflera (Araliaceae) da Amazônia brasileira são aqui descritas e ilustradas. Duas destas são conhecidas principalmente dos arredores de Manaus, Amazonas (Schefflera ciliatifolia and Schefflera umbrosa). A primeira é distinta por possuir folíolos com lâmina ciliada, enquanto na segunda os folíolos têm lâmina variando de inteira a trilobada. Schefflera plurifolia é conhecida apenas de florestas do Sul da Amazônia, sendo notável nesta a presença de folíolos compostos pinados. Schefflera dichotoma é conhecida apenas do material-tipo, coletado em florestas de “campinarana” do alto Rio Negro, em São Gabriel da Cachoeira (Amazonas), sendo caracterizada pelas inflorescências com ramificação dicotômica. Ilustrações e comentários acerca da distribuição geográfica e ecologia das espécies novas são fornecidos, assim como uma chave de identificação das espécies do grupo Didymopanax encontradas em florestas e savanas da Amazônia brasileira.

This study presents a taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the southeastern Brazilian speci... more This study presents a taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the southeastern Brazilian species of Schefflera. The genus is there represented by 22 native species: Schefflera angustissima (Marchal) Frodin, S. botumirimensis Fiaschi & Pirani, S. calva (Cham.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. capixaba Fiaschi, S. cordata (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. fruticosa Fiaschi & Pirani, S. gardneri (Seem.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. glaziovii (Taub.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. grandigemma Fiaschi, S. kollmannii Fiaschi, S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. lucumoides (Decne. & Planch. ex Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. macrocarpa (Cham. & Schltdl.) Frodin, S. malmei (Harms) Frodin, S. morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyermark & Frodin, S. racemifera Fiaschi & Frodin, S. ruschiana Fiaschi & Pirani, S. selloi (Marchal) Frodin & Fiaschi, S. succinea Frodin & Fiaschi, S. villosissima Fiaschi & Pirani, S. vinosa (Cham. &
Schltdl.) Frodin & Fiaschi e S. sp. aff. varisiana Frodin. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, nomenclatural atualization and nine
new synonyms are presented. Also are included data concerning morphological, phenological and ecological features, as well as
the geographic distribution, and an identification key for the studied species.

Schefflera racemifera, a new species of Araliaceae from the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, is d... more Schefflera racemifera, a new species of Araliaceae from the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It resembles S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, from which it is distinguished by its leaves with 11 -14 (vs. 7 -10) leaflets and, in the inflorescences, by flowers racemosely (vs. umbellately) arranged in the primary (as opposed to the secondary) branches. It is so far known only from submontane rainforests in the vicinity of Santa Maria de Jetiba in the aforementioned state. Resumo. SchefJZera racemifera, uma especie nova de Araliaceae do estado do Espirito Santo, Brasil, e aqui descrita e ilustrada. Assemelha-se a S. longipetiolata (Pohl ex DC.) Frodin & Fiaschi, da qual e diferenciada essencialmente pelas folhas com 11 -14 (vs. 7 -10) foliolos, e nas inflorescencias, pelas flores agrupadas em racemos (vs. umbelas) ao longo dos ramos primarios (vs. secundarios). Schef.fera racemifera e conhecida apenas de florestas ombr6filas submontanas dos arredores de Santa Maria de Jetiba, no estado do Espiro Santo.