Maarten Christenhusz

Plant Gateway · Research

Reconstructing evolutionary trajectories and transitions that have shaped floral diversity relies heavily on the phylogenetic framework on which traits are modelled. In this study, we focus on the angiosperm order Ranunculales, sister to all other eudicots, to unravel higher-level relationships, especially those tied to evolutionary transitions in...

Vascular plants are exceptional among eukaryotes due to their outstanding genome size diversity which ranges ∼2,400-fold, including the largest genome so far recorded in the angiosperm Paris japonica (148.89 Gbp/1C). Despite available data showing that giant genomes are restricted across the Tree of Life, the biological limits to genome size expans...

Grasses (Poaceae) comprise around 11,800 species and are central for human livelihoods and terrestrial ecosystems. Knowing their relationships and evolutionary history is key to comparative research and crop breeding. Advances in genome-scale sequencing allow for increased breadth and depth of phylogenomic analyses, making it possible to infer a ne...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Salicornia ramosissima (purple glasswort; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Caryophyllales; Chenopodiaceae). The genome sequence is 529.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 9 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 328.55 kilobase...

Angiosperms are the cornerstone of most terrestrial ecosystems and human livelihoods1,2. A robust understanding of angiosperm evolution is required to explain their rise to ecological dominance. So far, the angiosperm tree of life has been determined primarily by means of analyses of the plastid genome3,4. Many studies have drawn on this foundation...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Trifolium dubium (lesser trefoil; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae) as part of a collaboration between the Darwin Tree of Life and the European Reference Genome Atlas. The genome sequence is 679.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules....

We present a genome assembly from an individual Populus nigra subsp. betulifola (black poplar; Tracheophyta; Malpighiales; Salicaceae). The genome sequence is 413.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.73%) is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Mitochondrial and plastid genomes were also assembled. Three mitochondrial assemblies...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean clover; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae). The genome sequence is 483.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 309.28 kilobases and 144....

We present a genome assembly from an individual Trifolium fragiferum (strawberry clover; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae). The genome sequence is 512.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 298.57 kilobases and 139.15 k...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Scutellaria minor (Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Lamiaceae). The genome sequence is 341.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 14 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 376.64 kilobases and 152.59 kilobases in length,...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Chamaenerion angustifolium (fireweed; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Myrtales; Onagraceae). The genome sequence is 655.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 495.18 kilobases and 160.41...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Sherardia arvensis (field madder; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Gentianales; Rubiaceae). The genome sequence is 440.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 203.98 kilobases and 152.73 ki...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Misopates orontium (weasel’s snout; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Plantaginaceae). The genome sequence is 361.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The assembled mitochondrial and plastid genomes have lengths of 569.76 kilobases and 152.15...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Medicago arabica (the spotted medick; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae). The genome sequence is 515.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 324.47 kilobases and 125.07 kilo...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Polygonum aviculare (common knotgrass; Eudicot; Magnoliopsida; Caryophyllales; Polygonaceae). The genome sequence is 351.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 333.39 kilobases and 163...

We present a genome assembly from a diploid female Mercurialis annua (the Annual Mercury; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Malpighiales; Euphorbiaceae). The genome sequence is 453.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X chromosome. The organelle genomes have also been assembled, and th...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Ilex aquifolium (the English holly; Eudicot; Magnoliopsida; Aquifoliales; Aquifoliaceae). The genome sequence is 800.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 20 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The assembled mitochondrial and plastid genomes have lengths of 538.43 kilobases and 157.52...

Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge and minimizing extinction rates is the goal of several multilateral environmental agreements. Policy decisions require comprehensive, spatially explicit information on species’ distributions and threats. We present an analysis of the conservation status of 14,669 European terrestrial, freshwater and mar...

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Potentilla anserina (the silverweed cinquefoil; Streptophyta; eudicotyledons; Rosales; Potentilleae). The haploid genome sequence is 237 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into seven chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and are...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Pulicaria dysenterica (common fleabane; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Asterales; Asteraceae). The genome sequence is 833.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 9 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes were assembled and have lengths of 375.47 kilobases...

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Ballota nigra (black horehound; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Lamiaceae). The genome sequence is 1186.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Three mitochondrial chromosomes were assembled, with lengths of 148,17, 121,67 and 125,74 kilobase...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet; Eudicot; Magnoliopsida; Solanales; Solanaceae). The genome sequence is 946.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled, with lengths of 459.22 kilobases and 1...

The angiosperm Araripia florifera was originally described based on a fossil specimen including a few lobed leaves and floral buds. Although nothing was known of the internal structure of the flowers, based on the external similarity of the flower buds, it was compared with Calycanthaceae (Laurales). A new fossil from the type locality provides the...

We present a genome assembly from a Juncus effusus (soft rush; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Poales; Juncaceae). The genome sequence is 242.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome is 519.0 kilobases long, while the plastid genome is 175.1 kilobases long.

We present a genome assembly from an individual Geum urbanum (the wood avens; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Rosaceae). The genome sequence is 1,304.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and are 335.5 and 156.1 kilobases in l...

We present a genome assembly from a Linaria vulgaris specimen (the common toadflax; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Plantaginaceae). The genome sequence is 760.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into six chromosomal pseudomolecules. Two mitochondrial genomes were assembled, which were 330.8 and 144.0 kilobases long. The...

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Hedera helix (common ivy; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Apiales; Araliaceae). The genome sequence is 1,199.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 24 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and are 609.2 and 162.2 kilobases in len...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Sapindales; Simaroubaceae). The genome sequence is 939 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies are 661.1 kilobases and 161.1 kilobases lo...

Botanici Maarten Christenhusz en Rafaël Govaerts nemen u mee op een reis rond de wereld en presenteren in ware detective-stijl hoe plantenjagers soorten ontdekken waarvan men aannam dat ze niet meer voorkwamen. Vaak verdwenen planten van het toneel door introductie van grazers, bouwwoede, klimaatverandering, toerisme, te vaak maaien van weiden.

Nine new species in Australian Nicotiana section Suaveolentes are described, including N. clarksonii M.W.Chase & Christenh., N. erytheia M.W.Chase & Christenh., N. latifolia M.W.Chase & Christenh., N. latzii M.W.Chase, R.W.Jobson & Christenh., N. gibbosa M.W.Chase, D.D.Andrew & J.J.Bruhl, N. olens M.W.Chase & Christenh., N. praecipitis M.W.Chase &...

Orchis patens has previously been considered to consist of three widely disjunct populations in northern Italy, Algeria/ Tunisia and the Canary Islands. The last is already commonly treated as O. canariensis, but because the type of O. patens is from the Algerian populations, the name of the Italian taxon has been in doubt. We here review the taxon...

Heptacodium miconioides, also known as ‘the seven‐son flower’, is illustrated from a plant cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Originally from China, it was discovered in the early 20th Century, but was first introduced into western horticulture in the 1980s from plants grown at the Hangzhou Botanical Garden. A detailed description is pro...

The ‘pearl of the forest’, also known as ‘yin shan’ or the ‘giant panda of the plant kingdom’, Cathaya argyrophylla is illustrated here (t. 1051) from a tree cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The discovery and phylogenetics of this species are discussed, and its introduction into horticulture is presented. A detailed description is prov...

We present a genome assembly from an individual Scutellaria galericulata (the marsh skullcap; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Lamiaceae). The genome sequence is 328 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and have lengths of 326....

Giant genomes are rare across the plant kingdom and their study has focused almostexclusively on angiosperms and gymnosperms. The scarce genetic data that are available for ferns,however, indicate differences in their genome organization and a lower dynamism compared toother plant groups. Tmesipteris is a small genus of mainly epiphytic ferns that...

Asteraceae, the daisy family, are one of the most diverse families of angiosperms and are predominant in many ecosystems, including grasslands, deserts, savannas and high-elevation mountains. They are characterized by a peculiar inflorescence, the capitulum, which mimics a flower, but is actually made up of many tightly grouped florets. The capitul...

We present a genome assembly of an Arabidopsis thaliana specimen (thale cress; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Brassicales; Brassicaceae). The genome sequence spans 138 megabases. Most of the assembly (98.76%) is scaffolded into five chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes were also assembled and are 368.8 and 154.5 kilobase...

Background and aims Among the numerous pantropical species of the yam genus, Dioscorea, only a small group occurs in the Mediterranean basin, including two narrow Pyrenean endemics (Borderea clade), and two Mediterranean-wide species (D. communis and D. orientalis, Tamus clade). However, several currently unrecognized species and infraspecific taxa...

Although some authors previously questioned the circumscription of Nicotiana benthamiana, it has never been treated taxonomically as more than a single widespread, variable species. A recent study employing phylogenetic and population genetic analyses has demonstrated that N. benthamiana comprises five species that are geographically and morphologi...

One of the most commonly encountered and frequently cited laboratory organisms worldwide is classified taxonomically as Nicotiana benthamiana (Solanaceae), an accession of which, typically referred to as LAB, is renowned for its unique susceptibility to a wide range of plant viruses and hence capacity to be transformed using a variety of methods. T...

One of the most commonly encountered and frequently cited laboratory organisms worldwide is classified taxonomically as Nicotiana benthamiana (Solanaceae), an accession of which, typically referred to as LAB, is renowned for its unique susceptibility to a wide range of plant viruses and hence capacity to be transformed using a variety of methods. H...

Background and aims: The extent to which genome size and chromosome numbers evolve in concert is little understood, particularly after polyploidy (whole-genome duplication), when a genome returns to a diploid-like condition (diploidisation). We study this phenomenon in 46 species of allotetraploid Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae), which...

The vascular flora of Britain and Ireland is among the most extensively studied in the world, but the current knowledge base is fragmentary, with taxonomic, ecological and genetic information scattered across different resources. Here we present the first comprehensive data repository of native and alien species optimized for fast and easy online a...

For almost 30 years, there have been active discussions about the taxonomic impediment and the challenge this represents to address the current human-induced biodiversity crisis. From the start (Systematics Agenda 2000, 1994), the term ‘taxonomic impediment’ has been ambiguous, designating both the insufficiency and inadequacy of the resources put...

Nicotiana hesperis is illustrated from plants collected near the Billabong Roadhouse in north-western Western Australia, which were cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

The Australian species Nicotiana walpa is newly described here from plants collected at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia, and illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

The new species Nicotiana pila is described here from plants collected in the Little Sandy Desert of Western Australia. Seeds were germinated and plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which were used for the illustration. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana murchisonica is described here. It is illustrated from plants collected along the Murchison River and tributaries in Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

In this volume of Curtis's Botanical Magazine, we increase the number of species recognised in Nicotiana sect. Suaveolentes to 38, up from the 21 recorded in the Flora of Australia published 39 years ago, but we estimate the final number is likely to exceed 60. We examine the reasons why so many unrecognised species exist. Several Australian and Am...

Nicotiana rosulata is illustrated from plants grown from seeds collected near Leonora in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. The plants were cultivated in the quarantine house of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation of this species are discussed.

Nicotiana megalosiphon is illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which were grown from seeds collected near the bridge over the Mehi River near Moree, New South Wales, Australia. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology, etymology and cultivation are discussed. The two subspecies previously recognised within this taxo...

The Australian species Nicotiana hoskingii from the Planchonella Nature Reserve in New South Wales is newly described and illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana monoschizocarpa is illustrated from plants collected along the banks of the Daly River in the Northern Territory (Australia) and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana salina is described here and illustrated from plants collected at Weelhamby Lake, a salt lake in Western Australia, and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. We discuss its ecology and cultivation.

The new species Nicotiana insecticida, which is remarkable in its insect trapping abilities, is described here. It is illustrated from plants that were grown from seeds collected near the Minilya Roadhouse on the Northwest Coastal Highway in Western Australia, Australia. They were cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its distinguishing fea...

Plants collected in Towarri National Park in New South Wales were cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is illustrated here and described as the new species, Nicotiana notha. Its origin, cytology, taxonomic history, ecology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana truncata is illustrated from plants collected between Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta in South Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana exigua is illustrated from plants collected in New South Wales, Australia, at the Narran Lake Nature Reserve and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana ingulba is returned to species level here. It is illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which were grown from seeds collected in the Uluru‐Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology, etymology and cultivation are discussed.

Field studies of the inselberg flora of north-eastern Brazil have resulted in the discovery of much greater morphological diversity of the genus Ameroglossum, than previously envisaged. These enigmatic plants are endemic to isolated rock outcrops, which have long been surrounded by unsuitable habitat. The morphological forms are geographically isol...

Background and aims: Extant plant groups with a long fossil history are key elements in understanding vascular plant evolution. Horsetails (Equisetum, Equisetaceae) have a nearly continuous fossil record dating back to the Carboniferous, but their phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns are still poorly understood. We use here the most extensive p...

To address the polyphyly of Phaius and Calanthe in recent molecular studies, we recommend the merger of these genera along with Cephalantheropsis and Gastrorchis, which are embedded among the first two genera. Some authors have instead proposed to segregate new genera from both Phaius and Calanthe, but this results in generic concepts for which the...

Nicotiana section Suaveolentes is the largest section of Nicotiana and is a monophyletic group of allotetraploid species. Most of the species are endemic to Australia, but three species occur on islands in the South Pacific as far east as French Polynesia and one species is native to Namibia. Here, we present phylogenetic results based on genome sk...

Recent molecular evidence has confirmed that Meiostemon and Quisqualis are embedded in Combretum. While some of the species in the two former genera have already been transferred to Combretum, several combinations are still wanting. New combinations for these species in Combretum are therefore formalised here for taxa of Meiostemon and Quisqualis t...

Tiganophyton karasense, an evergreen dwarf shrub, is described as a new species. A new genus and family are also proposed for it in the order Brassicales. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data indicate that Tiganophyton is sister to Bataceae/Salvadoraceae, and all three sister to Koeberliniaceae. First realized to be undescribed in 2010, T. ka...

The 14th International Symposium on Tardigrada took place in Copenhagen, Denmark from 30 July to 3 August 2018. Approximately 140 participants, representing 28 countries from five continents attended the meeting, and there were 58 talks and 74 posters of which 20 were selected for the Symposium Proceedings published in this special issue. The studi...

Nicotiana section Suaveolentes is the largest section of Nicotiana and is a monophyletic group of allotetraploid species. Most of the species are endemic to Australia, but three species occur on islands in the South Pacific as far east as French Polynesia and one species is native to Namibia. Here, we present phylogenetic results based on genome sk...

Taxonomy faces some major challenges in the 21st Century (Godfray 2002). The threat to biodiversity comes largely from human overpopulation, but the impact of climate change is unprecedented (Pievani 2014) and increasingly a risk factor for many species. This makes it even more critical to rapidly catalogue our biodiversity to better protect it (Ma...

During field studies of the inselbergs of northeastern Brazil, two potentially new species of were discovered. They share morphological characters with several genera of Linderniaceae (Lamiales) such as Ameroglossum, Cubitanthus and Stemodiopsis, but the morphological differences are such that they do not make a good fit with any of the known gener...

In 1993, a shrub with yellow flowers reminiscent of but obviously distinct from Turnera was found near Mabura Hill in central Guyana, which was recollected in 2000. This paper offers a morphological description including leaf and wood anatomy and pollen morphology in addition to a phylogenetic analysis based on plastid DNA. Thanks to these studies,...

Horsetails (Equisetum, Equisetaceae) are one of the oldest groups of vascular plants with a nearly continuous fossil record dating back to the Carboniferous. Only a few studies have addressed relationships among and within the extant members of this fern genus. We here present the first complete phylogenetic analysis of one or more samples of all e...

Genetic structure in broadly distributed herbs may be shaped by past climate events, leading to distinct genetic lineages, and possibly to different Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs). We identified the potential glacial refugia, postglacial (re)colonization routes, contact zones and ESUs in the widespread but locally rare Silene nutans to propo...

Repetitive DNA has an important role in angiosperm genomes and is relevant to our understanding of genome size variation, polyploidisation and genome dynamics more broadly. Much recent work has harnessed the power of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies to advance the study of repetitive DNA in flowering plants. Herbarium collections provi...

Nicotiana gossei is the preferred species of Nicotiana used for chewing by native Australians. It was previously a widely traded commodity. We here describe and illustrate this formerly economically important species from plants collected in the Northern Territory of Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology, tradition...

Nicotiana faucicola is newly described and illustrated from plants collected in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana maritima is illustrated. Its ecology, cytology and horticultural use are discussed.

Nicotiana umbratica is described and illustrated from plants collected from the Pilbara Region of Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology, etymology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

This special issue highlights some of the wonderful species of native Australian tobacco (Nicotiana sect. Suaveolentes). We here present twelve species of this genus, four of which are new to science. Many Nicotiana species have a high ornamental value, and we hope that particularly the rarer Australian species will find a way into horticulture to...

Nicotiana yandinga is newly described here and illustrated from plants collected in the Gawler Ranges in South Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana occidentalis subsp. obliqua is a highly glandular and scented tobacco widespread in Australia. It is illustrated from plants collected along the Gascoyne River and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology, cytology and horticultural use are discussed.

Nicotiana benthamiana is described and illustrated from plants collected in northwestern Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is widely used as a laboratory plant in plant virus studies, and we also discuss its cytology, cultivation and natural ecology.

Nicotiana excelsior is a species restricted to central Australia. It is illustrated here from plants grown at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, from seeds collected at Kata‐Tjuta‐Uluru National Park in the Northern Territory. It is a very attractive species and makes an excellent horticultural subject. Its ecology, etymology, traditional use and cult...

Nicotiana burbidgeae is a spectacular species that is a narrow endemic from the northern part of South Australia. It is illustrated from plants collected near Dalhousie Springs (Witjira National Park) and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology, cytology and horticultural potential are discussed.

Nicotiana karijini is newly described here and illustrated from plants collected in the Pilbara region in Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, etymology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana gascoynica is newly described and illustrated from plants collected in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.

Nicotiana stenocarpa has long been considered a synonym of N. rosulata subsp. rosulata, to which it is only distantly related. It grows in the Goldfields area of Western Australia, often sympatrically with N. rosulata subsp. rosulata. The plant illustrated here was collected on the Leonora–Agnew Road in Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal...

Background. Agave sisalana is a cultigen from Mexico. In 1833 it was brought to Florida by Henry Perrine as an experimental crop. From there it was introduced to tropical Africa and Asia in the late 19th Century, where it became established as a fiber crop. Paradoxically, in the Yucatan it meanwhile evanesced from its already scanty presence. Becau...