14th Flora of Thailand Meeting
Scientific Programme
Tuesday, August 19
MORNING SESSION DICOT SYSTEMATICS (I) Chaired by John A. N. Parnell
The Araliaceae of Thailand
Hans-Joachim Esser & M. Jebb
Abstract: The Araliaceae are a predominantly pantropical family with ca. 50 genera and 1,400 species. A revision of this family for the Flora of Thailand was completed. 12 genera and 45 species are recognized for Thailand. Schefflera is by far the largest genus with 19 species. One new Thai taxon was discovered during the studies, Trevesia lateospina Jebb, that has been published already. Seven new synonyms and three new records for Thailand were established. Two genera (Brassaiopsis and Trevesia) show a peculiar leaf shape unique in flowering plants. Two of the most common species of Schefflera (S. elliptica complex) as well as the rare and unusual genus Arthrophyllum need to be studied in a wider context, so that not all systematic problems could be solved.
Phylogenetic revision of Thai Clusiaceae and Hypericaceae
Caroline Byrne, J. A. N. Parnell & K. Chayamarit
Abstract: This project aims to produce a phylogenetic revision for the Thai Clusiaceae and Hypericaceae. Thailand is a severely under collected country and to present has experienced one of the fastest rates of deforestation in the world. For this reason a significant amount of biodiversity has been lost and therefore it is vital to maintain and document the remainder of Thailand's flora. The Clusiaceae and Hypericaceae of Thailand have never been studied before and therefore additional data is essential. This project aims to provide phylogenetic trees for key members of the two families using molecular and morphological data, descriptions and distribution maps, and an innovative web-based key to these families. To date all of the available material at worldwide herbaria has been examined (2468 specimens), along with fresh specimens. All formal descriptions have been completed. Distribution maps for all genera have been completed using ArcGIS desktop software. Descriptions completed to date have been uploaded to the Linnaeus II software and images and distribution maps are being prepared for uploading. Fieldwork was carried out for a 10 week period from February to May 2007. During the fieldtrip, fresh plant material was collected and examined. A five day computer-based training course (BRAHMS) was also completed during the trip to Thailand. All of the above will contribute to the on-going Flora of Thailand Project.
Ericaceae of Thailand
Santi Watthana
Abstract: The taxonomic revision of the family Ericaceae has been revised in Thailand. There are 7 genera, 40 species and 7 varieties. Agapetes loranthiflora D. Don ex G. Don, A. setigera D. Don ex G. Don var. pseudo-verticillata Airy Shaw and Vaccinium ardisioides Hook.f. ex C. B. Clarke are newly recorded from Thailand.
Systematics of Polygonaceae in Thailand
Chortip Kantachot, P. Chantaranothai & D. A. Simpson
Abstract: The taxonomy of the family Polygonaceae in Thailand has been revised. Seven genera and 33 species with seven infraspecific taxa are recognised. Keys to genera and species, descriptions, vernacular names, distributions, ecological data and illustrations are presented. Five taxa, Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Czerep., Polygonum chinense var. paradoxum (Levi) A.J. Li, P. pubescens Blume, P. viscosum Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don and P. wallichii Meisn. are newly recorded in the country. Three unidentified taxa are probably species new to science. P. viscosum Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don has been lectotypified. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequencing of non-coding chloroplast DNA (trnL-F intergenic spacer) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions suggested that Polygonum s.l. is not monophyletic. Most taxa in section Persicaria form a distinct Glade. However, one species, Polygonum lapathifolium, falls outside the Persicaria Glade and forms a seprate Glade, together with P. plebeium of section Avicularia, that is sister to the rest of Polygonum.
Systematics of the family Vitaceae in Thailand: a morphological and molecular approach
Anna Trias Blasi, J. A. N. Parnell & K. Chayamarit
Abstract: This project aims to contribute to the elucidation of the relationships within the family Vitaceae in Thailand. A significant amount of biodiversity has already been lost in this country, indicating the necessity to increase the number of studies on the flora of the area. The Vitaceae have never been studied in the country and therefore additional data is much needed. With the recent collection of new DNA and herbarium samples a phylogeny for the Thai members of the family will be reconstructed to clarify its classification, using both morphological and molecular data. In addition, a taxonomic account will be produced, contributing to the ongoing Flora of Thailand project. Over 4,000 herbarium specimens from numerous worldwide-distributed herbaria have been examined. Preliminary generic keys and species descriptions have been produced, including line drawings and distribution maps.
Thai Leea revised (Leeaceae/Vitaceae)
Peter C. van Welzen
Abstract: Leea is a genus of herb-like shrubs to small trees. Because of its special floral structure it was classified in the monogenetic Leeaceae. Morphological characters already showed it to be related to the Vitaceae, which was confirmed by molecular research. APG united Leeaceae and Vitaceae under the Vitaceae, but directly recognised both entities on subfamily level (thus only a change in level). Typical for Leea are the special stipules that enclose the young leaf and fall off when the leaf matures. Also characteristic is the staminodial tube (lacking in the Vitaceae s.s., but these have a disc that might be homologous). Inside the corolla is a separate ring (connected with the corolla) on which the filaments are attached on the outside. The filaments bend over the ring and the anthers are inside the ring; the anthers are pulled halfway out when ripe and dehiscing. There are ten species in Thailand, differing in indumentum, flower colour, sizes, venation, and thorn presence. Some common species, like L. guineensis, L. indicum, and L. macrophylla, s are extremely variable and difficult to identify when in fruit. The talk will highlight distributions and species differences.
An update on the Apocynaceae in Thailand
David J. Middleton
Abstract: The Apocynaceae account for the Flora of Thailand was published in 1999. Since then new species of Pottsia, Wrightia and Kamettia have been described, new records of Trachelospermum and Chilocarpus have been published, and there have been changes in species delimitation in Kopsia. In addition molecular phylogenetic research into the Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae has led to changes in the family circumscriptions and some generic realignment. The effect that this research has had on our understanding of the Apocynaceae in Thailand will be presented.
AFTERNOON SESSION DICOT SYSTEMATICS (II)
Chaired by David A. Simpson
Taxonomic revision of Boea and allied genera (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand
Pramote Triboun & D. J. Middleton
Abstract: Boea and allied genera, Paraboea, Phylloboea and Trisepalum, are being revised for the Flora of Thailand. Species in these genera are primarily lithophytic and particularly diverse in limestone ranges from near sea level up to 2,000 m from the north down to the southwest and the Peninsula. 54 species have been enumerated: 3 species of Boea, 34 species of Paraboea, 1 species of Phylloboea and 16 species of Trisepalum. Some of these species have only been recently discovered and are added as new records and new species to the Thai flora. Phylloboea is a new generic record for Thailand. The taxonomic characters for the genera are provided and discussed.
The genus Aeschynanthus (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand
David J. Middleton
Abstract: There are approximately 160 species of the epiphytic Gesneriaceae genus Aeschynanthus. These are distributed from the Himalayas to southern China, and throughout Southeast Asia and Malesia to the Solomon Islands. Many of these species are currently only known from few specimens and restricted localities. The genus is gradually being revised on a geographic basis, beginning with the species in continental Asia and then moving onto the major floristic regions of Malesia. The genus will be introduced, the species in Thailand discussed, and the progress on research presented. In Thailand there are 20 species, three of them endemic and one of which is only known from one collection.
Morphological taxonomy of Vernonia (Asteraceae) in Thailand
Sukontip Bunwong & P. Chantaranothai
Abstract: Vernonia in Thailand has been studied. This genus belongs to tribe Vernonieae and subfamily Cichorioideae in Asteraceae. There are many phytochemical substances in Vernonia and it has been widely recorded for traditional medicine. In Thailand, Vernonia is the largest genus of the tribe and have diverse forms, viz. 20 species are herb, 3 woody shrubs, 5 woody scandents, and 2 tree species. The genus distributes throughout the country most of them confine to high elevations in northern part and seven species, V. calcarea, V. chiangdaoensis, V. doichangensis, V. kradungensis, V. namnaoensis, V. ngaoensis and V. sutepensis are endemic to Thailand.
Systematics of Blumea (Asteraceae: Inuleae) in Thailand
Pimwadee Pornpongrun?grueng, F. Borchsenius, H. Koyama & M. H. G. Gustafssson
Abstract: The present work on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Blumea in Thailand showed that there are 22 species of Blumea in the country. In the taxonomic revision, B. flava DC., B. hamiltonii DC. and B. macrostachya DC. are resuscitated and two taxa, B. membranacea DC. and B. laciniata DC. are renamed B. paniculata (Willd.) M.R. Almeida and B. sinuata (Lour.) Merr., respectively. The results from molecular phylogenetic studies based on sequences of cpDNA (trnL intron, trnL-F & psbA-trnH spacer) and nrDNA (ITS), indicated that the genus Blumea is monophyletic with the inclusion of two monotypic genera, the widespread Blumeopsis and the Philippine endemic Merrittia. Blumea comprises two main well supported clades and one isolated species (Blumea balsamifera) that may be sister-group to either of the main clades. The "Blumea lacera group" contains mostly annual species occurring in open vegetation. The "Blumea densfflora group" consists of perennial species from evergreen forest.
Podostemaceae of Thailand and Laos
Masahiro Kato & S. Koi
Abstract: Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses with recent collections discovered new or interesting taxa of Podostemaceae in Thailand and Laos. They include Paracladopus chanthaburiensis from southeastern Thailand. It is phylogenetically sister to P. chiangmaiensis, but morphologically very similar to Cladopus. Hydrobryum, characterized primarily by crustose roots with adventitious reduced shoots on the dorsal surface, include some species of Laos that have cylindrical, branched roots bearing elongate or reduced shoots. Therefore, a substantial redefinition of the genus is needed. As a result of recent and previous studies, we conclude that more than 35 species assigned to nine genera occur in Thailand, and 14 species of six genera occur in Laos. Thailand together with Laos shapes a center of distribution of the family in southeastern Asia.