Explore the vast range of titles available.

Miconia turquinensis, a species previously known only from specimens with immature inflorescences (two collections, including the type), in vegetative condition (six other collections), or in fruit (three collections) is now known from flowering material collected by Fabian Michelangeli and the second author (among others) in the Sierra Maestra, near the summit of Pico Turquino, Cuba. A revised description of this species, including previously unknown floral characters, is presented, and the species is compared to M. remotiflora, also of the Sierra Maestra, and a putative close relative. The phylogenetic position of M. turquinensis within Miconia sect. Chaenopleura is confirmed morphologically, and M. remotiflora is placed in this section for the first time.

Miconia andinodomatia is proposed as a new species in the M. sect. Cremanium, from the mountains of Colombia, where it is widely distributed in the sub-Andean and Andean forests of the Western, Central, and Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia. Miconia andinodomatia is similar to several species, such as M. cremophylla, M. lehmannii, M. theaezans, M. tovarensis and M. turgida. However, it can be distinguished from all these by a combination of characters, including occurrence of leaf domatia, presence of a prominent interpetiolar line, and anthers with four terminal pores. The new species is herein formally described and illustrated, and its relationships to morphologically closely related taxa are discussed. An identification key to the species with leaf domatia placed in the Miconia III clade from Colombia is also provided. Additionally, comments about its distribution, ecology, habitat, floral biology, phenology, uses and conservation status are presented. Finally, the possible novel role played by domatia in the species is discussed.

The extent of specialization/generalization continuum in fruit–frugivore interactions at the individual level remains poorly explored. Here, we investigated the interactions between the Neotropical treelet Miconia irwinii (Melastomataceae) and its avian seed dispersers in Brazilian campo rupestre. We built an individual-based network to derive plant degree of interaction specialization regarding disperser species. Then, we explored how intraspecific variation in interaction niche breadth relates to fruit availability on individual plants in varying densities of fruiting conspecific neighbors, and how these factors affect the quantity of viable seeds dispersed. We predicted broader interaction niche breadths for individuals with larger fruit crops in denser fruiting neighborhoods. The downscaled network included nine bird species and 15 plants, which varied nearly five-fold in their degree of interaction specialization. We found positive effects of crop size on visitation and fruit removal rates, but not on degree of interaction specialization. Conversely, we found that an increase in the density of conspecific fruiting neighbors both increased visitation rate and reduced plant degree of interaction specialization. We suggest that tracking fruit-rich patches by avian frugivore species is the main driver of density-dependent intraspecific variation in plants’interaction niche breadth. Our study shed some light on the overlooked fitness consequences of intraspecific variation in interaction niches by showing that individuals along the specialization/generalization continuum may have their seed dispersed with similar effectiveness. Our study exemplifies how individual-based networks linking plants to frugivore species that differ in their seed dispersal effectiveness can advance our understanding of intraspecific variation in the outcomes of fruit–frugivore interactions.

A new section, Miconia sect. Miconiastrum, is recognized (and includes species previously placed in Calycogonium, Charianthus, Miconia, and Tetrazygia). Within this clade, the species of the Miconia bicolor complex are revised. For the nine species of the M. bicolor complex, descriptions, nomenclatural information (including four new names: Miconia karsticola, M. guajaibonensis, M. cajalbanensis, and M. maestrensis), specimen citations, and eco-geographical characterizations are presented, along with an identification key to members of the section. Miconia sect. Miconiastrum represents a monophyletic group within the Caribbean clade of tribe Miconieae (Melastomataceae) and the group is restricted to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. The clade is characterized by hypanthia strongly constricted in fruit, more or less reduced calyx teeth, obovate to spathulate petals, stamens dropping before the petals abscise, and leaves with globular-stellate to stellate hairs or peltate scales on the abaxial surface. Most species possess mite domatia formed from a dense tuft of elongate, multicellular, barbate, eglandular hairs in the axils of the midvein and major secondary veins, and they have seeds with smooth to slightly bulging testa cells. Within sect. Miconiastrum a large subclade, i.e., the M. bicolor complex, is diagnosed by 5- or less commonly 6-merous flowers with the petals abaxially papillose-granulose. All members of this clade, except for M. karsticola, also possess paniculate-cymose inflorescences of numerous flowers and abaxial leaf surfaces usually densely covered with well-developed stellate hairs or peltate scales. Within the M. bicolor complex, indumentum characters (as observed on the abaxial leaf surface), form of the calyx tube, size of the calyx lobes, and presence/absence of mite domatia are taxonomically significant. Se reconoce una nueva sección, Miconia secc. Miconiastrum (que incluye especies previamente conocidas bajo los géneros Calycogonium, Charianthus, Miconia, y Tetrazygia), y dentro de este clado se revisa la taxonomía de los miembros del complejo Miconia bicolor. Para las nueve especies del complejo M. bicolor, presentamos descripciones, información nomenclatural (incluyendo cuatro nombres nuevos: Miconia karsticola, M. guajaibonensis, M. cajalbanensis, y M. maestraensis), citaciones de especímenes, caracterizaciones ecogeográficas y una clave de los miembros de la sección. Miconia sect. Miconiastrum representa un grupo monofilético dentro del clado caribeño de la tribu Miconieae (Melastomataceae) y el grupo es restringido al sur de la Florida, Las Bahamas, Cuba y La Española. El clado se caracteriza por los hipantos fuertemente constringidos en el fruto, los dientes del cáliz ligera o extremadamente reducidos, los pétalos de aovados a espatulados, los estambres caducos antes de la absición de los pétalos, y las hojas con pelos estrellados, globular-estrellados, o escamas estrelladas peltadas en el envés de la hoja. La mayoría de especies poseen acarodomacios formados por un mechón de pelos alargados, multicelulares, barbados y eglandulares que se presentan en las axilas de la vena primaria con las venas secundarias mayores y también tienen semillas con las células de la testa lisas y ligeramente hinchadas. Dentro de la sect. Miconiastrum, un subclado grande, ej. el complejo M. bicolor, se distingue por sus flores 5- o menos común 6-meras, con los pétalos abaxialmente papiloso-granulosos. Todos los miembros de este clado, excepto M. karsticola, también poseen inflorescencias paniculadas de numerosas flores y el envés de la hoja cubierto por un indumento denso de pelos estrellados, globular-estrellados o escamas peltadas bien desarrolladas. Dentro del complejo M. bicolor los caracteres del indumento (del envés de la hoja), la forma del tubo del cáliz, el tamaño de los lóbulos del cáliz, y la presencia o ausencia de acarodomacios tienen un significado taxonómico.

In tropical forests of southern Ecuador, artisanal gold mining releases heavy metals that become xenobiotic with indefinite circulation and eventual bioaccumulation. Restoration and rehabilitation of degraded mining sites represent a major ecological, technological and economic issue. In this study, we estimate the capacity of two native woody plants to accumulate cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg), with the goal of developing effective strategies for phytoremediation of mining sites. Individuals of Erato polymnioides and Miconia sp., as well as their rhizospheric soils, were sampled from a natural zone (NZ) of montane cloud forest, used as a control, and a polluted zone (PZ) subjected to active gold mining. Concentrations of the four heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cd, Zn and Hg concentrations were higher in soils of PZ than NZ. Bioaccumulation (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) showed that Miconia sp. has potential for Cd and Zn phytostabilization, E. polymnioides has potential for Cd and Zn phytoextraction, and both species have potential for Hg phytoextraction. Despite the low productivity of these species, their adaptability to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region and the possibility of using amendments to increase their biomass could compensate for the effectiveness of these species in reclaiming soils contaminated by mining.

Miconia dependens (Pav. ex D. Don) Judd & Majure is reported as a new record for Peninsular Malaysia, with documented occurrences in the states of Pahang, Johor, and Selangor. This species has likely been overlooked in the region due to its morphological similarity to Miconia crenata (Vahl) Michelang. (syn. Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don), a widespread invasive weed in Malaysia. A comprehensive review of herbarium collections at KEP revealed no specimens matching M. dependens, and searches of online databases similarly yielded no records of the species in Malaysia, suggesting its recent introduction. This finding aligns with its first documented occurrence in Singapore in 2018. To aid in accurate identification, this study provides detailed morphological descriptions, diagnostic photographs, and comparative analyses with closely related taxa, emphasizing key distinguishing characteristics. These contributions aim to enhance taxonomic clarity and support future efforts in species identification and management.

The genus Miconia is used in traditional medicine, but there are few studies supporting the bioactive potential of Miconia crocea. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant, antimicrobial and antihaemolytic activities at four different phenological stages of M. crocea. The pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture and ash content were determined. Mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption. Vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and derivatives and phenols were determined by chromatography. Total anthocyanins were determined by spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays, and the antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Potassium was the predominant mineral (>1000 mg/100 g DW), while malic acid was the predominant organic acid. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, as among the phenolic compounds, m-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid were most abundant (>1000 mg/100 g DW). The optimal method for preparing the extract for antimicrobial and haemolytic activity, with a focus on phenols, involved using 50% ethanol, applying ultrasound for six minutes, and carrying out three extractions. The M0% extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (MIC: 7.8 mg/mL). Anti-haemolytic activity indicates biocompatibility. The results emphasise the bioactive and antimicrobial potential of M. crocea, suggesting its possible application in various industries. However, further research is needed in the form of in vivo studies.

Cell walls and protoplast may work together or distinctly in the establishment of the functional profiles of gall tissue compartments. This presumption is herein evaluated in three gall systems by immunocytochemical and ultrastructural analyses. The common storage tissues (CSTs) of leaf galls induced by Eriophyidae on Miconia ibaguensis leaves and by Ditylenchus gallaeformans on M. ibaguensis and M. albicans have rigid and porous cell walls due to their composition of pectins. Hemicelluloses in CST cell walls are scarcer when compared to the cell walls of the control leaves, being functionally compensated by rigid pectate gels. The typical nutritive tissues (TNTs) in galls induced by Ditylenchus gallaeformans are similar to promeristematic and secretory cells regarding their enriched cytoplasm, several mitochondria, and proplastids, as well as multivesicular and prolamellar bodies in cell membranes. The cytological features of the feeding cells of Eriophyidae galls indicate that they are not as metabolically active as the cells of the TNT in nematode galls. However, their cell wall composition suggests more plasticity and porosity than the cells of the TNT, which can compensate the less production of nutrients with more transport. The ultrastructural and immunocytochemical profiles of CST cells reveal functional similarities, which are independent of the taxa of the gall inducer or of the host plant. Despite their analogous functionalities, the protoplast and cell wall features of TNT cells of nematode galls and of the feeding cells of the Eriophyidae galls are distinct, and work out through different strategies toward keeping gall developmental site active.

Aim: We studied how the abundance of the highly invasive fruit-bearing tree Miconia calvescens DC. influences seed dispersal networks and the foraging patterns of three avian frugivores. Location: Tahiti and Moorea, French Polynesia. Methods: Our study was conducted at six sites which vary in the abundance of M. calvescens. We used dietary data from three frugivores (two introduced, one endemic) to determine whether patterns of fruit consumption are related to invasive tree abundance. We constructed seed dispersal networks for each island to evaluate how patterns of interaction between frugivores and plants shift at highly invaded sites. Results: Two frugivores increased consumption of M. calvescens fruit at highly invaded sites and decreased consumption of other dietary items. The endemic fruit dove, Ptilinopus purpuratus, consumed more native fruit than either of the two introduced frugivores (the red-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, and the silvereye, Zosterops lateralis), and introduced frugivores showed a low potential to act as dispersers of native plants. Network patterns on the highly invaded island of Tahiti were dominated by introduced plants and birds, which were responsible for the majority of plant-frugivore interactions. Main conclusions: Shifts in the diet of introduced birds, coupled with reduced populations of endemic frugivores, caused differences in properties of the seed dispersal network on the island of Tahiti compared to the less invaded island of Moorea. These results demonstrate that the presence of invasive fruit-bearing plants and introduced frugivores can alter seed dispersal networks, and that the patterns of alteration depend both on the frugivore community and on the relative abundance of available fruit.

Abstract We evaluated the phenology and reproductive phenological diversity of three sympatric species of Miconia in a gallery forest in the Chapada Diamantina mountains, Bahia, Brazil. The reproductive phenophases (bud, flower, immature fruit, and mature fruit) of M. alborufescens (N=38), M. holosericea (N=46), and M. prasina (N=44) were evaluated monthly, between June/2008 and June/2015. The Fournier index was used to assess the intensities of the reproductive phenophases; synchrony and seasonality were analyzed using circular statistics and the Rayleigh (Z) test. The Frideman and Wilcoxon tests were used to verify interannual variations in phenological patterns. Reproductive phenological diversity was measured by calculating the Shannon-Wiener index; ANOVA tested possible differences in the means of diversity among the different years. The reproductive phenophases of the studied Miconia species occurred sequentially (M. alborufescens, then M. holoserica, followed by M. prasina), in the transition between the dry and rainy seasons, with little overlap between them. In general, the species showed seasonal and synchronic phenological patterns, with some variations that coincided with El Niño and/or La Niña events, e.g., demonstrating changes in the periodicity, synchrony, and intensity of their phenophases. The intensity of fruiting, for example, showed increases during La Niña years. Reproductive phenological diversity appears to respond to climate changes resulting from El Niño events and periods of prolonged drought, with high Shannon-Wiener index values. The results also suggest that the effects of global climatic phenomena (El Niño and La Niña) that alter regional climatic seasonality can also cause variations in the reproductive phenological rhythms of the Miconia species studied. Resumo Neste estudo, avaliamos a fenologia e a diversidade fenológica reprodutiva de três espécies simpátricas de Miconia em uma floresta de galeria da Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil. As fenofases reprodutivas (botão, flor, fruto imaturo e fruto maduro) de M. alborufescens (N=38), M. holosericea (N=46) e M. prasina (N=44) foram avaliadas mensalmente, entre junho de 2008 e junho de 2015. O índice de Fournier foi utilizado para avaliar a intensidade das fenofases reprodutivas; a sincronia e a sazonalidade foram analisadas por meio de estatística circular e do teste de Rayleigh (Z). Os testes de Frideman e Wilcoxon foram empregados na verificação de variações interanuais dos padrões fenológicos. A diversidade fenológica reprodutiva foi mensurada pelo cálculo do índice de Shannon-Wiener; a ANOVA testou possíveis diferenças nas médias de diversidade entre os diferentes anos. As fenofases reprodutivas das espécies de Miconia estudadas ocorreram de forma sequencial (M. alborufescens, M. holoserica e M. prasina, respectivamente), na transição entre as estações seca e chuvosa, com pouca sobreposição entre as espécies. No geral, as espécies apresentaram padrões fenológicos sazonais e sincrônicos, com algumas variações que coincidiram com eventos de El Niño e/ou La Niña, e.g., demonstrando mudanças na periodicidade, sincronia e intensidade de suas fenofases. A intensidade da frutificação, por exemplo, apresentou aumento nos anos de ocorrência de La Niña. A diversidade fenológica reprodutiva parece responder às alterações climáticas decorrentes dos eventos de El Niño e a períodos de seca prolongada, com valores elevados do índice de Shannon-Wiener. Os resultados sugerem, ainda, que os efeitos de fenômenos climáticos globais (El Niño e La Niña), que alteram a sazonalidade climática regional, também podem causar variações nos ritmos fenológicos reprodutivos das espécies de Miconia estudadas.