No abstract

A new giant Vellozia species from the Ouro Branco range, Minas Gerais, is described and compared morphologically to the other dracenoid species. Leaf-anatomical characters and a unique suite of chemical constituents which help to separate the new species from V. compacta, sympatric in the range, are provided. Furthermore we discuss the circumscription of V. compacta and argue that this binomial is applied to a species complex in need of further taxonomic study.

The dispersion of palynomorphs in the atmosphere by wind plays an important role in the distribution of plant species and in gene exchanges among populations established on oceanic islands. In this study, we evaluated uninterrupted palynomorph rain for 19 months on Trindade Island (20°30 0 27 00 S-29°19 0 48 00 W) in the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil. The objective of the study was to assess, using Tauber-type samplers, the atmospheric palynomorph population on the island and distinguish species of local origin from those transported long distances. The expedition was transported to the island by the Brazilian Navy. Samples were subjected to acetolysis followed by analysis in light microscopy. Palynological and accumulation rate diagrams are presented. A total palynomorphs of 11 pteridophytes, 9 angiosperms, 3 fungi, and remains of various animals are described and illustrated. After each description, a brief comment on the frequency and possible origin of the palynomorph is presented. The composition of palynomorph rain reflects the organisms extant on Trindade Island, together with material transported over long distances by atmospheric circulation.