Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Background and Aims: The main therapeutic sources of the traditional medicine of the Nasa ethnic group in the Colombian Andes is obtained from experts, midwives and traditional doctors (Thë’ Wala) located in the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes, which occupies an area of 25,400 hectares. Our ethnobotanical research is based on the hypothesis that Nasa traditional knowledge reveals crucial information about native species with therapeutic potential.Methods: All species collected were identified in the herbarium of the University of Cauca (CAUP). Total ailments were classified into 15 disease categories. The informant consensus factor (ICF) was employed to assess the degree and cultural relevance of the use of the taxa for the different disease categories. The use value (UV) index was applied to establish a consensus on the effectiveness of the species used to cure the different illnesses.Results: Our study reports 106 medicinal plants, belonging to 45 families. Asteraceae formed the most predominant family, followed by Lamiaceae. Ailments affecting the digestive system were the most frequently targeted group, making use of 26 plant species (24.5%). ICF values ranged between 0.96 and 1, with the highest values recorded for cancer and poisoning (1 each). Some plants are cultivated in the herb garden, or Tul, and others are collected in mountainous regions or in páramo (high moorland) areas, indicating the fragility of the pharmacopoeia in these regions. Conclusions: The findings of this study underline the importance of medicinal plants and their integral role in daily human activities and disease management of the Nasa ethnic group. Certain native species with high medicinal value, but sharply declining wild populations, ought to be studied for the purposes of resource assessment and conservation. Future research on the chemical composition and bioactivity of medicinal plants is needed.

Background and Aims: Some Magnolia species have a highly restricted distribution, making them highly vulnerable to extinction, considering the current degradation caused by human activities. Little is known about the effect of environmental variables and land use on their natural populations. Therefore, this study analyzes the distribution of two endangered Magnolia species, Magnolia jardinensis and M. yarumalensis, and their relationship with environmental variables and land cover. Methods: Field trips were carried out in the northwestern Andes of Colombia, where individuals of both species were georeferenced. In addition, herbarium records and global biodiversity databases (GBIF) were used to obtain additional information on location. topographic, vegetation cover, and climate data (WorldClim) were employed, including maximum temperature of the warmest month (Tmax), minimum temperature of the coldest month (Tmin), annual precipitation (PPT), precipitation of the wettest quarter (PTH), and precipitation of the driest quarter (PTS). Key results: The results indicate that the geographical distribution of these Magnolia species is restricted and with variations in altitudinal ranges (M. jardinensis: 1995.46-2667.49 m a.s.l.; M. yarumalensis: 1648.05-2759.59 m a.s.l.). Although both species are associated with humid and very humid environments, significant differences were observed between the precipitation of the sites where the two species grow (M. jardinensis: 2363.94 mm/year, 752.33 mm PTH, 384.73 mm PTS; M. yarumalensis: 2464.88 mm/year, 814.21 mm PTH, 356.25 mm PTS). Furthermore, it was evident that most trees grow in areas affected by human activities, such as secondary vegetation, clean pastures, and forest plantations. Conclusions: Restriction in distribution ranges and disturbance conditions where these species occur increase their risk of extinction, especially concerning increasing temperatures in the context of current climate change. Both magnolias could be considered species with extremely small populations.

Background and Aims: Recent studies have focused on resolving the systematics of the tribe Gonolobinae of the family Apocynaceae, as well as the controversial genus Matelea s.l. However, many species within Matelea s.l. have not been evaluated phylogenetically. This is the case of M. gonoloboides, previously recognized as the type species of Urostephanus, and other taxa with similar floral morphology. The aim of this study is to test the monophyly of Urostephanus, including some species with morphology similar to M. gonoloboides. Furthermore, we evaluate the taxonomic position of the Urostephanus clade within the subtribe Gonolobinae and compare morphology among related clades. Methods: To assess phylogenetic relationships within Gonolobinae, we downloaded sequences from four loci for 94 species of the subtribe from GenBank. We extracted DNA and sequenced the trnL-F intergenic spacer and rps16 intron from four species of Dictyanthus and six species of Matelea, which are considered to belong to Urostephanus. We reconstructed the phylogeny with Bayesian inference using the maximum clade credibility tree. Based on the phylogenetic pattern, we performed morphological comparisons between the clades Dictyanthus, Polystemma, and Urostephanus. Key results: Phylogenetic analysis recovered Urostephanus as monophyletic and sister to Dictyanthus. Based on this phylogenetic pattern and floral morphology, we resurrect the genus Urostephanus. We propose eight new combinations for the species included in the phylogeny, as well as for those that share floral morphological similarity. We designate two lectotypes. Finally, we discuss aspects of morphology between Urostephanus and closely related groups. Conclusions: The current circumscription of Matelea s.l. includes species with high morphological diversity. With the phylogenetic and morphological evidence among related taxa, we support the resurrection of Urostephanus, more than 120 years after its description. These results contribute to the resolution of the systematics of Gonolobinae in Mesoamerica.

Background and Aims: Quercus delgadoana and Q. meavei are threatened oak species restricted to the cloud forest in Mexico. To contribute to the knowledge for the conservation and propagation of these species, we evaluated seed germination and plumule emergence under controlled conditions. Methods: We analyzed the effect of the pregerminative treatment of natural conditioning (NC), which consists of burying the seeds in forest soil, exposing them to cycles of hydration and dehydration to accelerate and increase germination. Simultaneously, we included a Control group of acorns kept in refrigeration. Results: Germination began at three days (after burial) in Q. delgadoana and ended at 24 days. In Q. meavei it began at 13 days (added to 15 days of prior burial) and ended at 120 days. Total germination was significantly lower in seeds with NC compared to the Control. In Q. delgadoana, germination (mean ± S.E.) was NC=73.5±5.4% vs. Control=82.0±4.6%, and in Q. meavei, NC=35.4±6.7% vs. Control=62.0±7.7%. Plumule emergence was lower in the NC treatment compared to the Control in both species (Q. delgadoana, NC=60.0±5.0% vs. Control=66.5±4.5%; Q. meavei, NC=26.9±5.2% vs. Control=57.0±6.9%). Conclusions: The results indicate that the pregerminative treatment of NC does not significantly improve germination or emergence in Q. delgadoana and Q. meavei under controlled conditions. Seeds subjected to the NC treatment showed lower percentages of germination and emergence compared to the Control group, suggesting that this treatment is not effective for propagating these species. It is recommended to use conservation methods such as that utilized in the control group, and to explore other pregerminative treatments that might improve seedling establishment, especially in disturbed habitats.

Background and Aims: Macroalgae are primary producers of marine ecosystems, so the information regarding their species composition and distribution is necessary to develop conservation strategies and sustainable use of the coastal coastlines they inhabit. However, in different marine regions of Colombia, such as the Gulf of Morrosquillo, this knowledge is scarce, requiring a greater sampling effort and constant updating of data. Therefore, this work aims to provide an updated list of the macroalgae in the aforementioned region, based on published and unpublished biological records and recent sampling. Methods: Bibliographic information was compiled from historical records from 1976 to the present and complemented with sampling in one location in the Gulf of Morrosquillo. The taxa were organized and updated based on the most recent nomenclature, and the geographical affinity of the algal flora was determined using the Cheney index.Key results: The occurrence of 97 taxa classified in three classes, 15 orders, 32 families and 54 genera. Red algae, with 48 taxa, were the group that contributed the largest number of species, and the phycoflora of the region was of a mixed type according to the Cheney index. Six new annotated and illustrated records were reported for the Gulf: Antithamnionella breviramosa, Centroceras gasparrinii, Bostrychia tenella, Melanothamnus sphaerocarpus, Agardhiella ramosissima and Feldmannia mitchelliae.Conclusions: The inventory of macroalgae in the evaluated region was updated, showing a clearer historical panorama of the sampled areas, which suggests an extraordinary potential in the future discovery of new records that would increase the knowledge about the phycoflora of the Colombian Caribbean, particularly because the records of encrusting red algae, epiphytic and epizoic species are non-existent.

Background and Aims: Mammillaria is one of the most representative genera of Cactaceae. In the Bajío region, Mexico, approximately 70 species and nine subspecies are distributed, of which seven species and one subspecies correspond to M. ser. Leucocephalae. During recent explorations, individuals were found whose morphology does not match with the species described in the updated taxonomic treatments. The objective of this work is to characterize and describe a new species, based on morphological and environmental evidence. Methods: Field work was carried out in June 2022. Seven morphological characters were analyzed using Canonical Discriminant Analysis (ACD, by its Spanish acronym). Additionally, Pearson residuals were calculated for two environmental variables and significance was estimated with a chi-squared goodness of fit test. The area of occupancy and extent of occurrence were calculated to assign the conservation category according to the IUCN Red List criteria and categories. Key results: Mammillaria ariasii is described and illustrated, similar to M. hahniana, from which it differs by the number of radial spines, the length of the lower central spine and the color of the internal tepals of the perianth. The presence of extracellular crystals confirms its inclusion in M. ser. Leucocephalae. Mammillaria ariasii is characterized by living in haplic kastanozem soils and volcanic reliefs in an approximate area of occupancy of 28 km2 and an extent of occurrence of 345 km2. An identification key is provided in which it is compared to other members of Mammillaria ser. Leucocephalae. Conclusions: Mammillaria ariasii is a new species endemic to the Bajío. According to our results, it should be considered an Endangered species (EN). Although it is locally abundant, erosion and livestock farming must be taken into account as potential risk factors.

Background and Aims: The genus Bursera is very diverse and reaches its highest richness in Mexico. Given its relevance, current and prospective applications, and the recent surge in publications on it, it is necessary to analyze the advances in its knowledge. We present a review of the publications on ecology, natural history, evolution, uses, and management of the genus in Mexico, to analyze general trends in knowledge and detect those areas that need more research. Methods: Scopus and Lens databases were consulted, the period analyzed spanned from the first publication (1965) to 2022. Data were refined and integrated, and analyses were carried out with the bibliometrix library of R; publications were classified into 19 categories. Additionally, the distribution of species along an aridity gradient was analyzed to establish in which range the most (and least) studied species are found.Key results: The database included 216 publications published between 1965 and 2022. Starting in 2000 there is a clear increment in the number of publications. The key words Burseraceae, Mexico, and Bursera stand out, followed by dry forest and phylogeny. Studies on vegetation composition and structure, and those related to uses, were the most abundant, followed by those on floristics, distribution, evolution, succession, and interactions. Among emerging topics, functional traits, population ecology, and restoration ecology stand out. Only 16 species have ≥10 publications; those of the driest range are less studied. Conclusions: Despite recent advances in knowledge, there is still a wide set of topics and species that have not been studied; it is necessary to substantially increase research on them. Analyses on population genetics and dynamics have been mostly absent, and some interactions have received little attention.

Background and Aims: The subtribe Catasetinae (Orchidaceae) is composed of 354 species belonging to eight genera, Catasetum, Clowesia, Cyanaeorchis, Cycnoches, Dressleria, Galeandra, Grobya, and Mormodes, distributed in the Neotropics. The genus Cycnoches encompasses 34 species, of which eleven are known from Colombia. In this article, we report C. suarezii for the first time in this country, assess its extinction risk category following the guidelines of the IUCN, and propose strategies for its protection and conservation. Methods: The populations we report were encountered during botanical expeditions in the Andean-Amazonian foothills in the municipalities Florencia and El Doncello, department Caquetá. Threat categorization was based on the IUCN criterion B, which considers distribution data, number of records, and habitat conservation status. Finally, we conducted a review of conservation experiences developed with other orchids to propose strategies for the protection of C. suarezii and its habitat. Key results: We present the first record of C. suarezii for Colombia, with two populations found in the municipalities Florencia and El Doncello, department Caquetá. With this record, the richness of the genus in Colombia increases to twelve species. We propose the category Endangered (EN) at the global level due to the low number of populations and habitat deterioration caused by deforestation, which has exceeded 20% of the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) in the last two decades. Conclusions: Cycnoches suarezii is summed to the orchid flora of Colombia and the Andean-Amazonian foothills of the Caquetá department. We propose in situ, ex situ, and circa situm strategies for its conservation and that of its habitat.

Background and Aims: Tigridia sensu lato (Iridaceae) is an American genus with 52 species from Mexico and Guatemala; it belongs to Tigridieae, a monophyletic tribe endemic to America, which includes between 170 and 200 species. Botanical exploration in the state of Oaxaca allowed us to identify a new species for science; hence, the objective of this work was to name and describe it. Methods: Between 2018 and 2022, botanical collections of Tigridia were carried out in the municipality San Juan Teita, Tlaxiaco district, Oaxaca, whose morphological characteristics do not match with any previously known species. Therefore, it is formally described here and its relationships with the closest species are discussed. Its conservation status was assessed according to the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List. Key results: Tigridia gypsicola is described and illustrated as a new species for science, endemic to the state of Oaxaca, and a new combination for T. conzattii var. macropetala (≡ Ainea conzattii var. macropetala) is presented. The new species is morphological compared with Tigridia coerulea and T. conzattii var. macropetala. According to the IUCN criteria, its restricted distribution, specialized habitat and diverse risk factors, the category of Vulnerable species (VU, D2) is proposed. Conclusions: The description of this new species increases the knowledge of the richness of Tigridia and represents new challenges for the circumscription of the genus. Its gypsophilous habit increases to ten the number of species of angiosperms restricted to this soil type in the municipality San Juan Teita, thus we consider it to be necessary to implement strategies for the conservation of this area.

Background and Aims: The genus Jarava consists of 30-32 species distributed from Mexico to South America. Stipa and Jarava were not well delimited for many years, even Stipa disticha was considered as a synonym of J. pachypus in taxonomic treatments and catalogs. The objective of this study is to delimit the morphological characters, make the new taxonomic combination and mention the distribution for both species.Methods: Field collected material was gathered in 2020-2021. In addition, herbarium collections (CUZ, HSP, HUSA and USM) have been examined. To diagnose the species, taxonomic revisions, protologues and analysis of digitized types were utilized. For each species, morphological descriptions, images and a distribution map were made. Diagnostic characters of the Jarava species present in Peru were used to elaborate a dichotomous key.Key results: Javara disticha is presented as a new combination. The form of branching of the culms, width of the lower glumes, and size and indumentum of the anthoecia are the main taxonomic characters that allow the delimitation between J. disticha and J. pachypus. The two species are distributed in the lomas formations of southern Peru.Conclusions: With the new combination, six species of Jarava are present in Peru. Jarava disticha is distributed in the departments of Ica and Arequipa, while J. pachypus is endemic to southern Arequipa.