CONTENTS
ASPT News 73
People 77
Awards and Funding 77
Job Opportunities 78
Institutions 80
Organizations 80
Desiderata 81
Symposia and Meetings 81
Internet News 83
Deaths 83
Flora Projects 86
Book Reviews 87
New Books 92
New Map 96
Newsletters 96
ASPT NEWS
ASPT ELECTION:
The results of the 1995 election are as follows:
Christopher Haufler, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA is President-Elect; and Patricia D vila, Herbario Nacional, Departamento de Bot nica, Universidad Nacional Autcentsnoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico and Timothy Lowrey, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA are Council Members-At-Large.
ASPT AND NATIVE PLANT CONSERVATION:
The Federal Native Plant Conservation Initiative originated in May 1994 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between seven Federal agencies within the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior. The stated purpose of this MOU was "to conserve and protect our native plant heritage by ensuring that, to the greatest extent feasible, native plant species and communities are maintained, enhanced, restored, or established on public lands, and that such activities are promoted on private lands." A Committee including representatives from these agencies (and the U.S. Department of Defense, which signed on in late 1994) was established and other state, foreign, or private organizations were invited to participate as Cooperators, which ASPT and over 40 non-government organizations have now done.
The Committee held monthly meetings in the Washington, DC, USA area during 1994 and now meets on a bimonthly basis. Accom-plishments from the first year include: a $250,000 challenge grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which will fund 12 projects highlighting native plant restoration, genetic conservation, exotic weed control, natural area management, and environmental education; establishment of several working groups, which focus on topics of importance to the Initiative; the "Celebrating Wildflowers" public education program developed through the cooperation of member agencies; and the development of a strategic plan for the Initiative.
This plan has six major objectives: 1) bringing people and organizations together to share resources and talents in conserving native plants; 2) providing the public opportunities to enjoy, understand, and value native plants and plant communities; 3) ensuring conservation and restoration of native plants and natural plant communities through ecosystem-based management; 4) encouraging scientific research and technology development in support of native plant conservation; 5) encouraging practices that support appropriate and sustainable uses of beneficial plants; and 6) promoting development and use of coordinated databases that share information supporting native plant conservation.
The Initiative, which almost certainly has the philosophical support of most ASPT members, will succeed only through the continuing voluntary support of people and organizations committed to its goals. Its focus will gradually move to a more regional one, where it will require the knowledge and participation of plant taxonomists at the regional or grassroots level, to set priorities, evaluate results, and provide public education. Individuals in ASPT seeking further information or wishing to direct information to the Committee can contact: John H. Wiersema, USDA-SRA, SBML Bldg. 011A, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE:
The following changes affecting the 1994 issue of the ASPT Membership Directory have been reported. As before, only telephone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses are included.
Adams, Robert P.
telephone: 806/ 733-5558
fax: 806/ 733-5606
e-mail: rpadams@aol.com
Aedo, Carlos (Spain)
e-mail: aedo@ma-rjb.csic.es
Alice, Lawrence
telephone: 207/ 581-2982
fax: 207/ 581-2969
e-mail: io30202@maine.maine.edu
Anton, Ana M. (Argentina)
telephone: [54] 51/ 244009
fax: [54] 51/ 244009
e-mail: postmaster@imbiv.edu.ar
Applequist, Wendy L.
e-mail: wapplequ@iastate.edu
Aranda, Carmen Navarro (Spain)
telephone: [34] 91/ 3941769
fax: [34] 91/ 3941774
Ballenger, Julie
telephone: 706/ 568-2065
fax: 706/ 569-3133
Barnett, Lisa C.
e-mail: stridc.lbarnett@ic.si.edu
Bay, Dorothy C.
telephone: 314/ 577-5163
fax: 314/ 577-9596
Bradburn, Anne S.
e-mail: abradbu@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
Broome, C. Rose
e-mail: rbroome@nalusda.gov
Carr, Gerald
telephone: 808/ 956-8403
e-mail: gerry@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu
Choi, Byoung-Hee (South Korea)
telephone: 82-32-860-7695
fax: 82-32-874-6737
e-mail: bhchoi@munhak.inha.ac.kr
Clemants, Steven E.
telephone: 718/ 941-4044 ext. 234
fax: 718/ 941-4044 ext. 289
e-mail: clemants@panix.com
Corso, Steven
telephone: 313/ 763-2476
e-mail: sscorso@umich.edu
Crane, Charles
telephone: 409/ 845-4622
fax: 409/ 862-4733
e-mail: monosom@tamu.edu
Crane, Edmund H.
telephone: 515/ 294-7098
fax: 515/ 294-1337
e-mail: nedcrane@iastate,edu
Cropper, Hazel
telephone: 607/ 255-7987
e-mail: shc6@cornell.edu
Dixon, Barbara C.
telephone: 904/ 378-3626
Endress, Mary
e-mail: mendress@systbot.unizh.ch
Endress, Peter
e-mail: pendress@systbot.unizh.ch
Fay, Michael F. (United Kingdom)
telephone: [44] 181/ 332-5517
fax: [44] 181/ 332-5524
e-mail: m.fay@rbgkew.org.uk
Ferren, Wayne R.
e-mail: ferren@lifesci.1scf.ucsb.edu
Freid, Ethan
telephone: 513/ 529-4200
fax: 513/ 529-4243
e-mail: freide@miamiu.acs.muohio.edu
Fritsch, Peter
telephone: 919/ 684-3160
Gottlieb, Leslie
telephone: 916/ 752-2935
Hartman, Ronald
telephone: 307/ 766-2236
fax: 307/ 766-2851
e-mail: rhartman@uwyo.edu
Helliwell, Richard
telephone: 503/ 672-6601
Hibsch-Jetter, Carola
telephone: 509/ 335-3500
fax: 509/ 335-3517
e-mail: hibsch@wsunix.wsu.edu
Hils, Matthew
e-mail: hilsmh@hiram.edu
Hrusa, G. Frederick
e-mail: gfhrusa@ucdavis.edu
Hughes, Jonathan
telephone: 307/ 742-3843
e-mail: jfh@uwyo.edu
Hyvonen, Jaakko (Finland)
telephone: [358] 0/ 7084726
fax: [358] 0/ 7084830
e-mail: jaakko.hyvonen@helsinki.fi
Iokawa, Yu (Japan)
telephone: [81] 22/ 217-6689
fax: [81] 22/ 263-9206
Kim, Hyi-Gyun
telephone: 512/ 471-8854
Kim, Ki-Joong (South Korea)
telephone: [82] 53/ 810-2377
fax: [82] 53/ 815-3061
Koontz, Jason
telephone: 509/ 335-3066
fax: 509/ 335-3517
Kress, W. John
e-mail: mnhbo008@sivm.si.edu
Leyens, Teresa (Germany)
telephone: [49] 2302/ 48791
Linscott, Todd M.
telephone: 208/ 467-8763
fax: 208/ 467-1098
e-mail: tmlinscott@science.ncc.edu
Litt, Amy
telephone: 718/ 817-8677
fax: 718/ 562-6780
e-mail: alitt@nybg.org or litt@amnh.org
Marsden, Kim L.
telephone: 619/ 594-7827
McDonald, Charles B.
telephone: 505/ 761-4525
fax: 505/ 761-4542
Metsger, Deborah
e-mail: debm@rom.on.ca
Mione, Thomas
telephone: 203/ 832-2656
fax: 203/ 832-2946
Muoz, Juan de Dios (Argentina)
fax: [54] 43/ 975096
Nelson, Allan
telephone: 512/ 595-3803
Nesom, Guy L.
telephone: 409/ 294-1552
Owens, Gregory
telephone: 602/ 965-3414
fax: 602/ 965-6899
e-mail: aggao@asuvm.inre.asu.edu
Pax, Denise
e-mail: dpax@opie.bgsu.edu
Pinzl, Ann
telephone: 702/ 687-4810
Porter, J. Mark
telephone: 909/ 625-8767 ext. 299
fax: 909/ 626-7670
e-mail: porterj@cgs.edu
Prince, Linda M.
telephone: 919/ 962-6944
fax: 919/ 962-1625
e-mail: cannas@email.unc.edu
Pritchett, Daniel W.
e-mail: skypilots@aol.com
Reveal, James
fax: 301/ 317-9082
Schwarzbach, Andrea (Germany)
telephone: [49] 6131/ 392624
fax: [49] 6131/ 393524
e-mail: schwarzb@mzdmza.zdv.uni-mainz.de
Sim, Jeong Ki (South Korea)
fax: [82] 42/ 221-9717
Snow, Neil
telephone: 314/ 577-5169
Soltis, Doug
telephone: 509/ 335-5302
Soltis, Pam
telephone: 509/ 335-3533
e-mail: soltis@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu
Stein, Bruce
e-mail: bstein@tnc.org
Steiner, Kim E. (South Africa)
telephone: [27] 21/ 762-1166
fax: [27] 21/ 762-4151
e-mail: steiner@nbict.nbi.ac.za
Sun, Byung Yun (South Korea)
fax: [82] 652/ 70-3362
e-mail: sunby@mips.chonbuk.ac.kr
Tobe, John
telephone: 904/ 425-2776
Tucker, Gordon
e-mail: gtucker2@museum.nysed.gov
Tucker, Shirley
telephone: 805/ 893-3511
fax: 805/ 893-4724
Uhl, Natalie
e-mail: nwu1@cornell.edu
Valdespino, Ivan
telephone: 415/ 750-7198
fax: 415/ 750-7186
e-mail: ivaldesp@cas.calacademy.org
Vazquez, Antonio
telephone: 608/ 238-8076
Wagner, Warren L.
e-mail: mnhbo050@sivm.si.edu
Windler, Donald
e-mail: e7b2win@toe.towson.edu
Yokoyama, Jun (Japan)
telephone: [81] 22/ 217-6689
fax: [81] 22/ 263-9206
e-mail: j23066@cctu.cc.tohoku.ac.jp
SYSTEMATIC BOTANY MONOGRAPHS:
Two new volumes of Systematic Botany Monographs (SBM) are scheduled to appear soon. One of these volumes, Volume 46, is being published with a generous subsidy from Walter L. Meagher, who has been a major benefactor of this important monographic series. Please consider ordering: Lavin, Matt & Mario Sousa S. 1995. Phylogenetic Systematics and Biogeography of the tribe Robinieae (Leguminosae). SBM Vol. 45: 165 pp. ISBN 0-912861-45-2. US orders: $21; non-US orders: $22. Available in August.
and
Evans, Randall J. 1995. Systematics of Crysophila (Palmae). SBM Vol. 46: 70 pp. ISBN 0-912861-46-0. US orders: $9; non-US orders: $10. Available in October.
Terms: Payment in US currency must precede shipment. Not available as exchange. No discounts allowed on single orders. No refunds. Price is postpaid. Make checks payable to "American Society of Plant Taxonomists" and send with order to: Systematic Botany Monographs, University of Michigan Herbarium, North University Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1057, USA. (fax: 313/ 763-0369; e-mail: chra@umich.edu). Standing order customers receive a 10% discount beginning with the current volume and are billed with shipment. Non-US orders only: Visa and Mastercard accepted; include account number, expiration date, and signature. Information about previously published volumes and instructions for contributors may be obtained by writing to the editor, Christiane Anderson, at the above address.
PEOPLE
Dr. Elizabeth A. Friar has been appointed Research Scientist in plant molecular genetics/systematics at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA, USA. Her appointment is effective 1 November 1995. Dr. Friar, currently Research Associate with the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona, received a BA in Biology from Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA, and a PhD from the University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. Her doctoral research focused on genetic variability and evolution in woody bamboos. Dr. Friar's current research involves examining the effects of rapid change in population size and structure utilizing molecular techniques to determine the genetic variability of several species in the Hawaiian silversword alliance. At the Garden, Dr. Friar will continue her other current research on conservation genetics of local southwest floras and provide support in the Garden's graduate program in speciation, molecular evolution, and population genetics.
The Association of Systematics Collections presented its 1995 Award for Service to Dr. Patricia K. Holmgren, Director of The New York Botanical Garden Herbarium, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to systematics collections and the field of botany.
Dr. Joe Leverich has succeeded Meredith Lane as editor of the Plant Science Bulletin, which is published by the Botanical Society of America. He may be contacted at the following address: Dr. Joe Leverich, Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, 3507 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103-2010, USA. (telephone: 314/ 977-3903; fax: 314/ 977-3658; e-mail: leverich@sluvca.slu.edu).
In late June 1995, Gilberto Morillo was elected curator of the forestry herbarium (MER) at the Universidad de Los Andes in Merida, Venezuela. For the past few years he served as curator of the herbarium in the Facultad de Farmacia (MERF) of the same university. Earlier, he was employed by the Herbario Nacional de Venezuela (VEN) in Caracas. He requests that all correspondence be sent to him at the following address: Gilberto Morillo, Curador, Herbario MER, Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Los Andes (U.L.A.), Ccentsdigo Postal 5101-A Merida, Edo. Merida, Venezuela. (telephone: [58] 74/ 40-11-11 ext. 1523; fax: [58] 74/ 40-15-03).
Dr. Guy L. Nesom, for many years curator of the Herbarium at the University of Texas at Austin (TEX-LL), recently moved to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, USA. His new address is: Dr. Guy L. Nesom, Lee Drain Bldg., Texas Regional Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA. (telephone: 409/ 294-1552).
Dr. Shirley Tucker recently moved from Louisiana State University to the University of California at Santa Barbara. Her new address is: Dr. Shirley Tucker, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. (telephone: 805/ 893-3511; fax: 805/ 893-4724).
AWARDS AND FUNDING
Graduate students in plant systematics are eligible for the Delzie Demaree Travel Award, a $250 stipend to help defray expenses related to attendance at the Annual Missouri Botanical Garden Systematics Symposium (see "Symposia and Meetings"). The application should include a letter from the applicant telling how symposium attendance will benefit his/her work and a letter of recommendation sent by the applicant's major professor. Please mail letters of application by 31 August 1995 to: Donna M. E. Ware, Herbarium, Biology Department, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Curatorial Assistant (Horticultural Assistant). Longwood Gardens, Inc., the world's premier horticultural display garden, has an outstanding employment opportunity for an horticultural taxonomist. Responsibilities include identifying plants, especially cultivars; continuing development of computerized plant records, mapping, and labeling programs; and teaching botany and plant taxonomy. Duties include processing data for plant accessions, plant record changes, maps, and labels. Applicants should have a PhD in Botany or Plant Sciences with experience and interest in systematics of cultivated plants, be proficient in database computer software (knowledge of CAD would be helpful), and should be able to interact with a diverse staff on plant-identification and plant-records related issues. We offer an excellent starting salary and an outstanding benefits package. Please mail your résumé with salary requirements to: Mr. Kiran Taunk, Business Division Manager, Longwood Gardens, Inc., P.O. Box 501, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. EOE.
Assistant to the Convening Editor. The Missouri Botanical Garden aggressively seeks an Assistant to the Convening Editor for the Flora of North America Organizational Center. Responsibilities include editing to assure scientific accuracy, consistency, and compliance with format; acting as liaison with family editors, regional coordinators and illustrator; providing information to editors and other project participants; and some administration. The job requires a PhD in plant taxonomy, editorial experience, and familiarity with word processing and databases. Excellent benefits are offered. Please submit a curriculum vitae and names and addresses of three references to: Human Resources Division, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Early applicants will receive priority consideration. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Manager of Scientific Collections, University of Connecticut. The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut seeks a full-time Collections Manager to maintain and curate collections of plants and vertebrates used in research and teaching. The principal responsibility will be to manage a herbarium collection with particular strength in the flora of New England and the Neotropics. The Collections Manager also will be responsible for collections of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The successful applicant will be expected to actively increase holdings in the herbarium through field collections and exchanges with other institutions. Other duties will include placing current specimens and new acquisitions for all collections into a computer data base, managing loans to and from all the collections, facilitating use of the collections by faculty and graduate students, supervising student volunteers and employees working in the collections, and carrying out other departmental duties as appropriate. Salary negotiable. Applicants should have an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in botany or a related field, experience in the management of natural history collections, knowledge of computer data-base management, and an interest in collection-based research. Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, reprints of relevant publications, and three letters of recommendation to: Gregory J. Anderson, Head, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-3043, USA. Review of applications will begin 15 September 1995 and continue until the position is filled. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities.
Plant Curator. The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a curator beginning 1 January 1996 for the Plant Resources Center, which consists of the combined TEX-LL herbaria. Experience in curating a large herbarium is necessary. A PhD, knowledge of microcomputers and databasing, and research experience in the southwestern USA and Mexico are preferred. The Curator is expected to carry out the day to day activities of the herbarium, assist students and visitors, and maintain the quality of the collections. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names, addresses and phone numbers of three referees by 15 September 1995 to: Director, Plant Resources Center, Department of Botany, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78713, USA. The University of Texas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Plant Systematist. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, invites applications and nominations for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor/Assistant Plant Systematist position in either the Department of Pomology or the Department of Vegetable Crops. This position has the probability of extension to 11-month employment. The full-time position will include an appointment in the California Agricultural Experiment Station (70%) and teaching responsibilities commensurate with the proportion of the position allocated to Instruction and Research (30%). Candidates must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in Botany, Plant Biology, or a related field with training and emphasis on systematics, taxonomy, and evolution. Applicants should send (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) transcripts if less than five years since graduation, (3) copies of published and in-press articles, (4) a description of current and projected research interests relative to this position, (5) a summary of teaching interests and experience, and the names and addresses of at least three references from whom letters of reference may be requested to: Prof. F. A. Bliss, Chair, Systematist Search Committee, Department of Pomology, Wickson Hall, University of California, Davis, CA 95616. Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials must be received by September 30, 1995 to be assured full consideration. The University of California is interested in candidates who reflect the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Postdoctoral Research Associate-Molecular Phylogenetics. The successful candidate for this position will research the evolution of wheat by cloning, sequencing, and conducting phylogenetic analysis of low-copy-DNA sequences from the nuclear genome of wheat. Experiments will address general aspects of molecular evolution and polyploid evolution in plants. Required: PhD in genetics, phylogenetics, population genetics, or related field; experience in molecular biology and/or phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data. Preferred: A strong record of research productivity as evidenced by publication. Salary: $24,500 per year. (The position is funded for two years). Applicants should submit: 1) a letter of application describing research activity; 2) transcripts of university work; 3) current curriculum vitae; and 4) names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Please send all materials to: Dr. Luther Talbot, c/o Kathy Jennings, Department of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-0312, USA. Screening will begin 1 October 1995. ADA/AA/ EO/Vet. Pref.
The Plant Biotechnology Center of Baylor University recently moved off campus. The new address is: Dr. Robert P. Adams, Director, Plant Biotechnology Center, Baylor University, P.O. Box 669, Gruver, TX 79040, USA. (telephone: 806/ 733-5558; fax: 806/ 733-5606; e-mail: rpadams@aol.com).
Telephone and fax numbers for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama changed in early June 1995. The number "2" was added to the beginning of each existing number. Thus, STRI's switchboard is now 227-6922 and the fax number for the Tupper Research Center is now 232-5978. The country code remains 507.
The 1995 Association of Systematics Collections (ASC) Annual Meeting, hosted jointly by the University of California, Berkeley and the California Academy of Sciences, was held from 30 June-2 July 1995 and featured a day-long workshop on "Natural History Collections on the Information Superhighway," a half-day session on ASC long-range planning, and another half-day on partnership with the National Biological Service. Details from this meeting should appear in the August issue of the ASC Newsletter. The 1996 Meeting will be held in Beltsville, MD (see "Symposia and Meetings").
The ASC continues to be a visible and effective voice on governmental issues relating to systematics collections or biodiversity. In the current governmental climate, the fate of biological science and scientific collections at the national level depends on the advocacy provided to Federal agencies and the legislative process by individual scientists, scientific institutions, and organizations like ASC. ASC's presence in Washington, DC allows for regular monitoring of and informative input into Federal activity on matters affecting systematics collections. ASC also supports the interests of its institutional members in state, local, or institutional matters. Members of ASPT representing herbarium collections should seek institutional membership in and support the activities of ASC. Institutional dues are based on the size and prominence of the collections, currently $6000 per year for large internationally active institutions, $2300 for major regional institutions, and $750 for small institutions. These amounts reflect a 20% increase for 1995, the first dues increase in six years. Any ASPT member with an interest in the issues affecting systematics collections can track the progress of these issues through the ASC Newsletter and ASC's "Washington Initiative."
Among current issues being monitored by ASC are the following:
a. Fish and Wildlife Service import-export regulations under the Lacey Act. ASC was instrumental in getting an exemption to these regulations for shipment of herbarium specimens of non-special status species to and from "accredited" scientific institutions and individuals.
b. National Biological Service authorization and funding. It is no secret that the existence of this agency and its programs are in real jeopardy.
c. Negotiations of the UNIDROIT Convention on the International Return of Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects. The concept of retroactivity and the inclusion of biological specimens as cultural objects are key concerns of ASC.
d. New proposed USDA-APHIS regulations on introductions of nonindigenous organisms. The treatment of unknown or poorly-known organisms under these regulations and the similar treatment of organisms introduced for controlled laboratory studies and those intended for release are areas of concern to ASC.
e. Reauthorization of Endangered Species Act. ASC is a member of the Endangered Species Coalition, which is playing the lead role in this effort. ASPT should consider joining this Coalition. John H. Wiersema, ASPT Represen-tative to ASC, USDA-SRA, SBML Bldg. 011A, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Gilberto Morillo is interested in the systematics of Neotropical Asclepiadaceae and Venezuelan Apocynaceae. He would appreciate receiving vouchered seeds (locality data are important) and/or flowers preserved in FAA for his revisionary and floristic studies. Please send material to: Gilberto Morillo, Curador, Herbario MER, Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Los Andes (U.L.A.), Ccentsdigo Postal 5101-A Merida, Edo. Merida, Venezuela. (telephone: [58] 74/ 40-11-11 ext. 1523; fax: [58] 74/ 40-15-03).
David L. Sutton is looking for information and specimens of Hygrophila lacustris (Acanthaceae). According to Godfrey and Wooten, Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States: Dicotyledons (1981), this species occurs from Florida and southwestern Georgia westward to southeastern Texas. Hygrophila polysperma is causing major problems in canals in south Florida, and information on the native species, or the genus in general, may be of value in evaluating species differences, and may provide some insights into potential control methods. If you have any information on this species, or would be able to send dried or living specimens, please contact: Dr. David L. Sutton, University of Florida IFAS, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA. (telephone: 305/ 475-8990; fax: 305/ 475-4125; e-mail: dlsu@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu).
The topic of the 42nd Annual Missouri Botanical Garden Systematics Symposium, which will be held 6-7 October 1995, is "A National Biological Survey." The symposium will be moderated by Nancy R. Morin (Missouri Botanical Garden) and includes talks by Anne Frondorf (National Biological Survey), Meredith Lane (National Science Foundation), Rahmona Thompson (East Central University, Ada, OK), Diana Lipscomb (George Washington University, Washington, DC), Jorge Sobercentsn Mainero (Universidad Nacional Autcentsnoma de Mexico, Mexico City), and Lorin Nevling (Illinois Natural History Survey). Registration is $45 ($35 for students). Further information may be obtained by writing: Systematics Symposium, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA.
The theme of the XIII Mexican Botanical Congress is "Diversidad vegetal de Mexico." The Congress will be held from 5-11 November 1995 at the Universidad Autcentsnoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico. For additional information, please contact: Dr. Daniel Pi[currency]ero, Director, Centro de Ecolog[exclamdown]a, UNAM, Apartado Postal 70-275, Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM C.P. 04510, Mexico, D.F., Mexico. (telephone: [52] 5/ 622 89 96; fax: [52] 5/ 622 89 95 or 616 19 76; e-mail: pinero@servidor.unam. mx or pinero@miranda.ecologia.unam.mx).
The first international conference on Restoration Ecology for Sustainable Development will be held 27-29 March 1996 at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland. There will be approximately 15 invited speakers from ten countries in Europe and overseas as well as contributed papers in the form of posters. The conference is open to anyone interested in environmentally sound approaches to ecosystem repair, and includes both basic science (plant and animal ecology, ecosystem science, mycorrhizal research, soil ecology, etc.) and application of ecological principles to ecosystem repair in various parts of the globe. The first circular describing the conference is available from the Organizing Committee at: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Geobotany Secretariat, Zurichbergstrasse 38, CH-8044 Zurich, Switzerland. (fax: [41] 1/ 632-12-15; e-mail: lee @umnw.ethz.ch).
"Global Genetic Resources: Access, Ownership and Intellectual Property Rights" will be the topic of the 1996 Annual Meeting of the Association of Systematics Collections (ASC), held in conjunction with the Beltsville Symposium at the Beltsville, MD, USA, Agricultural Research Center, from 19-22 May 1996. Scientists worldwide will explore issues related to ownership of and access to genetic resources and biological specimens around the world. Among the subjects discussed will be access to collecting and collections; the international distribution of germplasm; the exchange of scientific information on biodiversity; and current policies and trends related to ownership and exchange of genetic and biological resources. International experts will address subjects related to biological resources for comparative taxonomic study, including food and fiber crops, insects that are natural enemies of crop pests, and microorganisms like fungi, yeasts, and parasites. The ASC will also sponsor a 1 1/2 day, pre-symposium workshop on public affairs advocacy (18-19 May 1996). For more information about the pre-symposium workshop, please contact: Elaine Hoagland (telephone: 202/ 347-2850; fax: 202/ 347-0072; e-mail: mnhas001@sivm.si.edu). For more information about the symposium, please contact: Amy Y. Rossman (telephone: 301/ 504-5364; fax: 301/ 504-5810; e-mail: amy@fungi.ars-grin.gov).
The Geological Conservation Unit and the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, are organizing the Second International Symposium and World Congress on the Preservation of Natural Science Collections ("Natural Science Collections--A Resource for the Future") to occur from 20-24 August 1996 at St. Johns College, Cambridge.
The second Congress will continue the work of the first Congress by bringing leading figures in industry, research, education, and natural science museums together to discuss future developments and a joint cooperative approach towards the challenges presented by the preservation of natural history collections, and to look at the practical aspects of putting the strategies in place. The Congress is co-sponsored by several collections support organizations, including the Association of Systematics Collections and the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections. For more information, please contact: Chris Collins, Natural Sciences Congress `96, Geological Conservation Unit, Department of Earth Sciences, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EQ, England. (telephone: [44] 223/ 62522; fax: [44] 223/ 60779).
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia, in conjunction with the School of Botany at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia, are pleased to announce The First International Symposium on the Natural History and Biology of Proteaceae. The symposium will take place at the University of Melbourne from 22-25 September 1996. The aim of the symposium is to bring scientists together who share a common interest in elucidating various aspects of the biology of Proteaceae. One goal is to provide an open exchange of ideas, both domestically and internationally, of assorted aspects of Proteaceae. The symposium is organized around four primary areas of research, including: 1) systematics and taxonomy; 2) ecology; 3) physiology, morphology, and anatomy; and 4) paleobotany. It is hoped that the concerted effort of all participants will provide new information and syntheses into the natural history of the family as well as direct future research initiatives.
For more information, please contact: Andrew W. Douglas, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Ave., South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia (telephone: [61] 3/ 655-2361; fax: [61] 3/ 655-2350; e-mail: a.douglas@botany.unimelb. edu.au) or Peter Weston, Royal Botanic Gardens-Sydney, Mrs. Macquaries Rd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia (telephone: [61] 2/ 231-8142; fax: [61] 2/ 251-7231; e-mail: peter@ rbgsyd.gov.au).
The first Announcement for the XVth Congress of the Association pour l'[Delta]tude Taxonomique de la Flore d'Afrique Tropicale/ Association for the Taxonomic Study of the Flora of Tropical Africa (A.E.T.F.A.T.) is now circulating. The Congress will take place from 5-9 February 1997 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Its theme is "Plant Biodiversity in Africa: Its Use and Value to People." The Congress will include a workshop on the Convention on Biodiversity and a number of symposia. Registration is $275 and will cover lunches, tea and coffee, workshop proceedings, abstract, tours to the Great Dyke and the National Botanic Gardens, and a conference dinner. Pre- and post-Congress excursions are also being planned and are priced separately. Additional information may be obtained from: F. Nengomasha, Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. (telephone: [263] 4/ 303211 ext. 1481; fax: [263] 4/ 333407).
A very useful list of URLs for World Wide Web (WWW) sites of interest to botanists and ecologists recently was published by Anthony Brach in Herbarium News 15(4): 30-34 (1995). He invites additions and corrections, which may be sent to: Anthony R. Brach, Missouri Botanical Garden/Harvard University Herbaria (telephone: 617/ 495-3646; fax: 617/ 495-9484; e-mail: brach@oeb.harvard.edu).
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has a "News and Information" page on the World Wide Web. The site features a "What's New/What's Hot" section with the latest news from the AAAS, which publishes Science. There is also a"Science JOBNET" section, which is the on-line version of the Science classified advertising section. The following URL may be used: http://www.aaas. org/communications/newshome.htm.
The Smithsonian Institution now has a home page on the World Wide Web. It was "unveiled" to the public on 8 May 1995 by a "mouse-wielding" Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA). The Smithsonian home page leads to more than 1500 screens with information from all of the museums and bureaus that comprise the Smithsonian. To reach this Web site, use either of the following URLs: http://www.si.edu or http://www.si.sgi.com.
The Hawaii Biological Survey (HBS) World Wide Web server is now available as part of the Bishop Museum server. The following are features of the HBS server. Specimen Databases: Bishop Museum type specimens in entomology and botany (including algae and fungi) are now available (over 30,000 specimens from around the world), with vertebrate and other invertebrate types coming soon. Hawaiian specimens of selected vascular plants will also be available soon. Bibliographic Databases: An annotated bibliography of Hawaiian vascular plants (4000 citations) available now, with bibliographies for most Hawaiian organisms coming soon.
Taxonomic Authority Files: Species checklists for the 22,000 species of Hawaiian organisms will be posted, starting with terrestrial arthropods, snails, and flowering plants in the near future. Detailed Information and Images for Selected Taxa: The endemic damselfly genus Megalagrion is featured now, with more to come. Staff and Publication Lists: In some cases these include full text (e.g., "How many species are there in Hawaii?" as seen in USA Today). Information on Hawaiian Geology is also available, including a database on volcanic rock geochemistry organized by island. The following URLs may be used to reach these various sites and documents. Bishop Museum: http://www.bishop.hawaii.org; Hawaii Biological Survey: http://www.bishop.hawaii. org/bishop/hbs/hbsl.html; and Hawaiian Geology: http://www.bishop.hawaii.org/bishop/ geology/geology.html.
Silvia Margarita Botta de Miconi (1942-1994) died on 25 July 1994. She was a specialist in Verbenaceae and a research botanist with the Instituto de Bot nica Darwinion, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Field work and herbarium studies took her to Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay. Fellowships also permitted her to visit herbaria and study collections in France (1985, 1991), the USA (1989), and England (1991). (For a brief tribute, portrait, and list of publications see: E. R. Guaglianone & M. E. M[sterling]lgura de Romero, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 30: 251-252. 1995).
Roger Dechamps (?-1995) died on 6 January 1995, a few weeks after his retirement from the Musee royal de l'Afrique centrale, Tervuren, Belgium. He was well-known to wood collectors and anatomists. After working in the Congo, he joined the royal museum and built what had been a wood collection of 10,000 mostly African samples into a collection of 53,000 specimens from throughout the world. (Abstracted from: Hans Beeckman, I.A.W.A. Bull. 16: 103. 1995).
Josef Poelt (1924-1995), Emeritus Professor, Institut für Botanik, Universit>=t Graz, Graz, Austria, and a leading authority on the systematics of cryptogams especially lichens, died on 3 June 1995 at his home in Graz. Prof. Poelt was born on 17 October 1924 in the small village of P%cking in upper Bavaria. He studied botany in M&tm;nchen, completing his PhD in 1950 and his habilitation in 1959. In October 1965, after several years as Curator and Lecturer at M&tm;nchen, Poelt took a professorship at the Institut f&tm;r Systematische Botanik und Pflanzen-geographie, Freie Universit>=t, Berlin. In February 1972, he left this position to become Professor of the Institut f&tm;r Botanik, Graz. In October 1991, after almost 20 years as head of the Institut, he stepped down to become an Emeritus Professor. Even in retirement Prof. Poelt remained active, lecturing until June 1994 and conducting field work and systematic research until his death.
Prof. Poelt leaves an impressive body of systematic research reported in over 320 publications, which reflect his diverse interests in floristics, morphology, evolution, and classification. His flora Bestimmungsschl&tm;ssel Europ>=ischer Flechten (1969) is a standard reference for lichenology. His floristic interests, however, were not limited to Europe; Prof. Poelt traveled extensively, especially conducting field research and floristic studies on the lichens of the Himalayas. Although most of his publications are in this specialty--the systematics of lichen-forming fungi--many are on non-lichenized fungi and bryophytes, and a few on vascular plants. The significance of his scientific research has been recognized with numerous awards, including membership in the Bavarian Academy of Science, honorary membership in the Regensburg Botanical Society, foreign membership in the Linnean Society of London, corresponding memberships in the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Botanical Society of America, and Acharius Medals from the International Association of Lichenologists. Also, Prof. Poelt was President of the 4th International Mycological Congress, which was held in Regensburg, Germany in 1990.
Prof. Poelt was a capable and enthusiastic teacher. Over his long university career he trained many talented students, first in M&tm;nchen, and later Berlin and Graz. To these students and numerous colleagues and collaborators, he provided freely a fountain of ideas and research suggestions. Both his institution and his home were international meeting places where science and friendships flourished. Over time his scientific family grew to include many generations of students, all directly or indirectly influenced by Prof. Poelt's ideas. This large group of lichenologists and mycologists should be recognized as the "Poelt School."
In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Poelt was a devoted husband and loving father. After the early death of his wife, Christa, he cared for their young daughters. He is survived by these two daughters, Julia Poelt and Mag. Doris Poelt. Paula DePriest, Department of Botany, NHB-166, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560-0001, USA.
Dr. Calvin Ross Sperling (1957-1995), USDA-ARS Plant Exploration Officer, died on 20 May 1995 at his home in Silver Spring, MD, USA, after a prolonged battle with melanoma cancer. Calvin was born in Alexandria, MN, USA, and raised on a dairy farm in nearby Farwell. During his childhood he accompanied his father, a county agricultural inspector, on trips across Minnesota to identify and eradicate harmful weeds, spawning an early interest in plants and agriculture.
Calvin's involvement in botany and plant collecting intensified while he was an undergraduate student at North Dakota State University. During that period he undertook a five-year floristic survey and plant collection (> 5000 specimens) of the Minnesota flora. His active involvement in botanical collection continued while he pursued advanced degrees at Harvard University, where he was also a teaching assistant for courses in plant taxonomy, evolution, and the famous "Plants and Human Affairs" course taught by Prof. Richard Evans Schultes. Also during that time, he made four trips of 2-5 months' duration to South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil) to collect germplasm; study hummingbird behavior and hummingbird-pollinated plants; study Quechua ethnobotany and traditional agricultural systems, and floristics in Chinchero, Peru; and study the systematics and ecogeographic distribution of the Basellaceae, including the cultivation and uses of the Andean tuber crop, Ullucus tuberosus. While still a graduate student, Calvin was hired by the USDA-ARS as a consultant and research assistant to conduct extended ecogeographic field studies of wheat and its wild relatives in Israel and Turkey, and to do herbarium studies in England and Scotland. Under the direction of Prof. Rolla Tryon, Calvin wrote his dissertation on the systematics of the Basellaceae and received his PhD in 1987.
Upon graduation from Harvard, Calvin accepted a position as a research associate with the USDA-ARS Germplasm Services Laboratory in Beltsville, MD, USA, and in 1989 was appointed Plant Exploration Officer. As head of the Plant Exploration Office, he developed a rational means of establishing priorities for germplasm exploration based on gaps identified in the national collections when analyzed from a genepool perspective. While stationed at Beltsville, Calvin participated in three explorations to Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) to collect wild progenitors and primitive cultivars of food legumes, apricots, and apples, and one trip to Turkey to collect progenitors of food legumes. His participation resulted in over 1000 new germplasm accessions being added to the National Plant Germplasm System's collections. One example of the valuable accessions recovered on these trips is an unusual, smooth-skinned apricot that is thought to have significant breeding potential for the development of a new fruit variety. He also participated in three expeditions in Ecuador to survey and inventory wild crop genetic resources conserved in situ in protected areas. Between 1987 and 1994, he oversaw some 90 germplasm explorations to 40 countries. In addition to planning and coordinating ARS-funded plant explorations, his responsibilities also included research on wild relatives and progenitors of cultivated plants, and research on in situ conservation of crop genetic resources.
With time, Calvin's activities expanded to encompass broader international biodiversity conservation issues. In response to changing international views toward germplasm collecting, he developed new exploration guidelines incorporating ethics, cultural sensitivity, and equity issues into the national standards. These new guidelines served as a model for similar exploration guidelines adopted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and subsequently by many of its member nations.
Calvin was instrumental in developing prototype models for in situ conservation of wild and cultivated plants in Ecuador, Turkey, and Ethiopia. These innovative programs involved government genetic resources agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations. At the request of the World Bank, Calvin developed a proposal for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on behalf of the government of Turkey to establish a program of in situ conservation of crop relatives and forest tree species. The proposal, funded at US$5.1 million by the GEF, is the largest and most detailed effort to date by a country to conserve wild crop genetic resources in situ. Based on his demonstrated expertise in Turkey, Calvin was asked by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to lead an effort to conserve crop genetic diversity in Ethiopia. He led an international team that developed a model which changed traditional thinking by bringing the genebank to the farmers' seeds rather than the standard approach of bringing the seeds to the genebank. Through the establishment of Community Gene Banks, this project links farm communities and landraces with existing Ethiopian government genetic resource conservation efforts. The Ethiopia proposal, funded at US$2.5 million by the GEF, will be the first test case of bringing low-cost and low-technology seed storage capabilities to local communities and empowering farmers to control their own genetic resources. This pilot project is viewed as a model that might be applied throughout East and Sub-Saharan Africa. While pursuing various initiatives in foreign countries, Calvin also developed a plan for in situ conservation of crop relatives native to the USA, including native species such as cranberries, sunflowers, and wild rice.
Calvin lectured widely on plant exploration and the importance of conserving crop genetic diversity both at home and abroad. He was a recognized and sought-after source of information on little-known crops and crop varieties, and developed a wide following of people who soon learned that their most esoteric questions regarding food plants would be cheerfully and authoritatively resolved by making a call to Calvin Sperling. Calvin was also a skilled and prolific photographer who captured memorable images of the interesting people, plants, and places he encountered. Some of his pictures became well-known and they were published in (and sometimes on the covers of) numerous national magazines and books, both popular and scientific.
His many contributions and accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In 1993 he was the first recipient of the Richard Evans Schultes Award given by the Healing Forest Conservancy for his contributions to ethnobotany. In 1995 he received the N. I. Vavilov Medal for botany from the Vavilov Institute in St. Petersburg for his instrumental role in promoting genetic resources conservation in the former Soviet Union, and only ten days before his death, was awarded the prestigious Frank N. Meyer Medal for Plant Genetic Resources from the Crop Science Society of America.
Calvin had a great impact on many people in a short time. His leadership in giving new direction to plant exploration will have a beneficial influence on the future of international germplasm acquisition and exchange for years to come. His farsighted approach to crop genetic resource conservation serves as a guiding force for those of us who continue the work. Calvin's keen insight, thoughtful advice, and cheerful demeanor will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of interacting with him. Calvin is survived by his wife, Debra Gilmore, and three-year old son, Carl Sperling; a sister, a brother, and his parents. David E. Williams, USDA-ARS, National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
The fourth part of the Flora of Chiapas (1981-x) edited by Dennis E. Breedlove was recently printed (see "New Books"). All of the previously-published volumes are available for purchase. The flora now includes: Part 1. Introduction, by Dennis E. Breedlove; Part 2. Pteridophytes, by Alan R. Smith; Part 3, Malvaceae, by Paul A. Fryxell; and Part 4, Acanthaceae, by Thomas F. Daniel. Several other fascicles are in preparation. A new fascicle in the Listado B sico de la Flora Salvadorensis (1989-x), edited by Walter Berendsohn, was recently issued (see "New Books"). This ongoing project was described in ASPT Newsletter 7(2): 19-20 (1993). Further information may be obtained from the editor: Dr. Walter G. Berendsohn, Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Zentraleinrichtung der Freien Universit>=t Berlin, K%nigin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, D-1491 Berlin, Germany. (telephone: [49] 30/ 83006-0; fax: [49] 30/ 83006-186; e-mail: wgb@fub46.zedat. fu-berlin.de).
Cook, Frances E. M. 1995. Economic Botany Data Collection Standard. Prepared for the International Working Group on Taxonomic Databases for Plant Sciences (TDWG). Publication Sales, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. (telephone: [44] 181/ 332 5219; fax: [44] 181/ 332 5278). ISBN 0-947643-71-0. Paper. Pp. ix + 146. [ogonek]15, plus 15% postage & handling (Visa, M/C, & Amex accepted). This is a most interesting volume, whose aim is to provide a standardized system for the collection of data based on observations of the relationship between plants and people. Multilevel descriptors and terms are proposed in a technically accurate and precise manner. The book is intended for use by scientists, educators, and those involved in the collection and distribution of data on plant use, in order to facilitate the exchange of information using a common language. In the past, this discipline has suffered somewhat from the use of whatever terminology might be available to the investigator, regardless of his or her background and training. Thus, descriptions for ethnobotanical collections can range from miserable to excellent, and certainly the application of this new standardized system will help propel the level of future work towards a much higher quality. The volume was prepared for the International Working Group on Taxonomic Data Bases for Plant Sciences (TDWG), and the author is to be congratulated for this important achievement. Michael Balick, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA.
Freeman, John D. 1994. Text Annotations and Identification Notes for Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. Sida, Botanical Miscellany 11: i-iv, 1-54. Sida/Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 509 Pecan St., Fort Worth, TX 76102-4060, USA. (telephone: 817/ 332-4441; fax: 817/ 332-4112). ISSN 0833-1475. Paper. $20, plus $1 postage & handling. Since its publication in 1968, the Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas by Radford, Ahles and Bell has been the Bible of the industry, the key (pun intended) work needed to understand the Southeastern flora. Unfortunately, despite its long use by thousands of students at hundreds of institutions, "RAB" has never been seriously updated or corrected. Freeman's book, which started as a card file of problems/complaints discovered by his students during hands-on work with the flora, provides that much needed service.
The book consists of 607 separate entries, listed by the corresponding page of RAB. Of these entries, 215 note printing and spelling errors, while 265 are "inconsistencies"--you know, those irritating situations where the key and description just don't fit! Ninety-four are glossary additions and clarifications of terms, and 33 deal with nomenclature or authorship. While it is disappointing that additions to the flora are not included, Freeman and his students should not be faulted, since this was never their intention.
But, once you have it, what do you do with such an odd book? The best idea is to carefully examine each entry, pencilling in the ones that you find to be essential to the pain-free use of the manual. (Some of the defects found in the keys require too many changes to be rectified). You will then have the closest thing yet to a fully functional, updated, and corrected version of RAB. L. J. Davenport, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA.
Hind, D. J. N., C. Jeffrey, & G. V. Pope (eds.). 1995. Advances in Compositae Systematics. Publication Sales, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. (telephone: [44] 181/ 332 5219; fax: [44] 181/ 332 5278). ISBN 0-947643-73-7. Paper. Pp. ii + 469, illus. [ogonek]24, plus 15% postage & handling (Visa, M/C, & Amex accepted).
The volume was originally intended for publication at the time of the International Compositae Conference, Kew, July/August 1994. The included 17 papers and index are different from and additional to those presented at the conference that still await publication. Papers in the present work include a review of major developments since 1975 by Jeffrey and a brief study of the place and time of origin of the Asteraceae by DeVore and Stuessy making use of Dr. DeVore's studies of related families and her background in geology. The Jeffrey paper contains a few gems such as a suggested six subtribe Heliantheae (Pectidinae, Gaillardiinae, Coreopsidinae, Helianthinae, Eupatoriinae, & Madiinae). Other papers cover systematics, structure, or cytology of a diverse selection from eight or nine tribes, West African Vernonia, minus Baccharoides (Isawumi), cypsela hairs of the Nassauviinae (Freire & Katinas), Chrysopappus, Tomanthea, Stizolophus, and Centaurea of the Centaureinae (Gabrielian), Astereae cytology (Semple), Astereae of Paraguay (Soria & Zardini), Erigeron (Huber & Nilsson), Arnica chemistry and systematics (Willuhn et al.), Senecio squalidus (Abbott et al.), Mikania (Holmes), Filifolium (Mouradian), Serephidium (Ling Yeou-Ruenn), American (Ling Yeou-Ruenn) and North African Artemisia (Ouyahya) in the Anthemideae, and Tropical African Helichrysum (Mesfin Tadesse & Reilly). SEM surveys are provided for cypsela hairs of the Nassauviinae and cypsela surfaces of Helichrysum. Most synantherologists will find some valuable information in this volume, and various individual papers should be of particular value to students of the particular groups. Harold Robinson, Department of Botany, NHB-166, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560-0001, USA.
Pegler, D. N., T. LŒssoe, & B. M. Spooner. 1995. British Puffballs, Earthstars and Stinkhorns. An Account of the British Gasteroid Fungi. Publication Sales, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. (telephone: [44] 181/ 332 5219; fax: [44] 181/ 332 5278). ISBN 0-947643-81-8. Paper. Pp. 255, illus. (incl. color). [ogonek]30, plus 15% postage & handling (Visa, M/C, & Amex accepted).
When asked if I would be interested in reviewing a book on puffballs and related fungi I was somewhat reluctant since I have no in-depth knowledge of the group. Upon seeing the book my attitude did a complete turnabout. I wanted a copy of this marvelous book. Why am I so enthusiastic about what is basically a standard taxonomic treatment? Certainly the most immediately striking aspect of the book is the excellent photographs. In addition, the overall organization and layout of the book are excellent. It's easy to use, yet complete in its coverage. There are 17 pages of introductory material, presenting information on the subjects of form and structure, distribution and habitat, collection and examination, and folklore and uses. This last section covers four pages and is quite interesting. Next there is a key to the families and orders followed by the taxonomic coverage ordered by order and family. Keys are provided for families in each order, for genera in each family, and for the species in each genus. The keys require an understanding of the critical structures both microscopic and macroscopic that are used in the taxonomy of this group. For each taxon there is a list of synonyms, reference to selected descriptions and illustrations, a complete description, a listing of the diagnostic characters, a habitat statement, the distribution and frequency, other notes, a color photograph of the macroscopic fruitbody, line drawings of microscopic characters, and a distribution map.
Unfortunately, I did find some editorial errors. The page references given in the keys to orders and families on pages 19 and 20 are all incorrect. Also, some entries in the index have incorrect page numbers.
For those of us in the USA many of the common puffballs (at least in my experience) appear to be covered. While the treatment is "professional," the photographs and descriptions provide considerable information that the amateur should find useful. In short, this publication is a joy to use especially since information of this quality for this group of fungi is not generally available. David Farr, USDA-ARS, Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Perrine, John D. & David L. Gorchov. 1994. The "El Cielo" Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas Mexico: An Annotated Bibliography of the Botanical Literature. Sida, Botanical Miscellany 12: i-iii, 1-48. Sida/Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 509 Pecan St., Fort Worth, TX 76102-4060, USA. (telephone: 817/ 332-4441; fax: 817/ 33-4112). ISSN 0833-1475. Paper. $20 (plus $1 postage & handling).
In this book, the authors provide a comprehensive bibliographic list of the major botanical works focusing on the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, which is located between the parallels 23012' and 23003'N and the meridian 99018'W in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Reserve was established in 1987 under the Man and the Biosphere program of UNESCO and protects 1445.3 km2 of land containing some of the best-preserved tropical forest in Mexico. The area possesses five major types of vegetation. Of particular botanical importance is the montane mesophyll forest or cloud forest, a vegetation type possessing an unique mix of tropical and temperate elements.
The bibliography provides literature citations for 121 works produced between 1891 and 1994, which focus on the El Cielo Reserve and surrounding areas, primarily within the state of Tamaulipas. Most of the articles were produced in the 1980s and 1990s, but a substantial proportion were produced in the 1950s. Botanical topics include phytogeography, classification of vegetation, biodiversity (floristics and new species), ethnobotany, effects of forest disturbance, seed banks, and discussions on fungi, mosses, ferns, pines, orchids, grasses, and cacti. Many citations concern vegetation types with discussions on amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and butterflies. Additional topics include geology, archeology, and the conservation and utilization of natural resources. Notable citations include publications by Aaron Sharp on phytogeography, Marshall Johnston on floristics, Henri Puig and Rosa Bracho on the ecology of cloud forest, and Jerzy Rzedowski on biodiversity. The great value of this bibliography lies not only with its thoroughness (published articles, books, PhD dissertations, Master's and undergraduate theses, symposia, and unpublished materials are cited), but also in its presentation. For each citation, the authors provide a short English abstract or summary. The Spanish abstract for those works originally published in Spanish is also included. In addition, a description of any species lists or taxonomic keys found in each work is given.
The book represents a valuable reference for anyone interested in the tropical vegetation of Mexico and the El Cielo Reserve. Hopefully, such endeavors as this will encourage and facilitate further research in this area. Gregg Dieringer, Department of Biology, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, USA.
Stevens, Peter F. 1994. The Development of Biological Systematics. Antoine-Laurent de Jussieu, Nature, and the Natural System. Columbia University Press, 562 W. 113th St., New York, NY 10025, USA. ISBN 0-231-06440-3. Cloth. Pp. xxiii + 616, illus. $65, plus postage & handling.
This book is a detailed study of the development of the family classification of angiosperms, beginning with Jussieu, who published the first reasonably natural supergeneric classification of the group in 1789. Stevens investigates Jussieu's work on angiosperm relationships, emphasizing the way in which his "natural system" reflected his particular views of how different species of plant are related to one another, and how the views of Jussieu affected later systematists. The contents of the book fall roughly into three parts. The first few chapters, unquestionably the best, deal with Jussieu's system and his methodology, and how they are related to the methods and systems of his immediate predecessors, especially of Lamarck in his Flore fran[Omega]oise of 1778. After this, Stevens discusses the philosophies and methods of later systematists, especially as they relate to Jussieu's. A summary chapter and epilogue offer Stevens' overall view of the development and current state of plant systematics. More than 100 pages of appendixes, mostly dedicated to translations of several of Jussieu's most important papers, conclude the book. Clearly written, readable, and well-produced, the book meets the high standards of its publisher.
Stevens presents a lucid account of the taxonomic philosophies of Jussieu and his contemporaries, material that is not familiar or easily accessible to most modern systematists. His main conclusion is that Jussieu saw his "natural orders" (i.e., families in modern classifications) as segments artificially cut from a linear continuum of organisms, recognized only as an aid for the taxonomist in visualizing the whole continuum. Examples from Jussieu's classification showing overlapping character distributions in groups of genera transitional between adjacent families, together with quotations from his discussions indicating that it often scarcely mattered to him which of two families he placed a particular borderline genus in, amply support this thesis.
Associated with these chapters are the translations of four of Jussieu's seminal papers, grouped together as the first appendix. These clear, readable translations provide a valuable look at our taxonomic roots. Vagueness of literature citations, one of the chief demons of this early literature, has been thoroughly exorcised by Stevens. He has tracked down all of Jussieu's casual references, so the non-specialist may check the context of particular statements without combing much irrelevant literature. The biggest disappointment in this section was Stevens' failure to relate systematics to other branches of biology. The impact of other fields, apart from anatomy, is hardly mentioned, leaving an impression of the late eighteenth century as an era with a completely static view of plants, unaware that taxa may change through time, and without attempts at mechanistic explanations of biological relationships or patterns of variation. In fact, it was a period of active advance in the scientific understanding of plant relationships. Linnaeus' work on hybridization (based on the earlier work of Camerarius) led him to suggest in the early 1760s that many of the species in large genera had arisen by hybridization between related species. Although this model of speciation was largely displaced by Koelreuter, scientists continued to consider processes that might diversify life through time. In 1800, Lamarck published the first reasonably modern theory of organic evolution, explaining character distributions by a combination of similarity due to common ancestry and difference due to adaptive evolution, in the context of a mechanistic hypothesis that generated testable predictions. Although Linnaeus and Lamarck are both prominent figures in Stevens' early chapters, none of these ideas are even mentioned. Stevens' account of nineteenth century systematics is weaker than his treatment of Jussieu and his contemporaries. The science he describes remains static, concerned with the geometry of classifications and not with processes and mechanisms, but this is increasingly unconvincing as we enter the lifetimes of Darwin and Wallace. Furthermore, Stevens no longer analyzes distributions of characters and taxa in the classifications themselves; his conclusions in these chapters are drawn entirely from nineteenth century debates about methodology, associated with study of the diagrams provided in some taxonomic works. This is problematic for two reasons.
First, a large proportion of systematists (much larger than for scientists in other disciplines) work intuitively, almost unaware of the thought processes that lead to their classifications. For this reason, statements of methodology may not reflect the scientist's actual working methods. Our contemporary literature, for instance, is full of studies that embrace the buzzwords of the latest cladistic school without incorporating these concepts into their work.
Second, without careful analyses of classifications it is often difficult to be sure what some terms mean to particular scientists. For instance, Stevens emphasizes a belief in "continuity," but it is often unclear whether the scientists being discussed saw a linear continuum, a branched continuum, or a continuous series of organisms some of which are extinct and represented only by fossils.
The terms "affinities" and "relationships" are also obscured by the lack of analysis of the actual systems. Stevens tends to interpret these terms in their modern senses: to indicate the real biological relationships between taxa; yet he cites descriptions and diagrams of complex, reticulating affinities between taxa given by Alphonse de Candolle and J. D. Hooker in the 1870s and 1880s, long after both had accepted Darwin's views of evolution. Here, these terms clearly include many types of similarity, including multiple alternate hypotheses of genealogy, and probably also including superficial convergences that would be confusing to the casual observer trying to identify plants. The book closes with a summary of the development of modern systematics, concluding that it is a static discipline, bound by tradition and with little generalization and little grounding in theory, that has hardly changed since the time of Jussieu. How does Stevens arrive at this view? It largely stems from two tendencies, neither justified in this context. First, his views on systematics as a whole are extrapolated entirely from work on higher taxonomic levels: this despite citations from Bentham and others, stating that their work concentrates on the lower taxonomic levels because adequate data for reconstructing higher-level relationships is lacking. The "new synthesis" in the first half of this century, which established that evolution is driven by the same processes at all taxonomic levels and that these processes can be studied most directly at lower levels, strengthened this emphasis on infrageneric studies. However, Stevens does not consider this work.
Second, Stevens expects that progress in understanding taxonomic evolution will result in the alteration of systems, but the opposite is usually true. Scientific investigation begins with pattern recognition and proceeds to the modeling and testing of processes that might have produced the patterns. Since taxonomic systems reflect patterns of variation, the first step of the progression above, generalizations and experimental results based on study of these systems commonly alter our ideas of evolutionary processes without altering the taxonomic categories. Edgar Anderson, for instance, devoted much attention to taxonomic techniques and used them to test and refine new or controversial models of taxonomic evolution, yet the taxa he recognized and the techniques he used to define them resemble those of his contemporaries. Anderson's contributions lay in his interpretation of the evolutionary processes molding the entities he found in nature. More recently, studies showing the multiple origin of many allopolyploid species have affected our view of a whole category of taxa, without altering the boundaries of any of them. Many other examples could be cited; consider the important part that J. D. Hooker played in the writing of Darwin's Origin of Species, or the tremendous influx of data and ideas with which the biosystematic school helped to jump-start modern population biology in the 1940s and 1950s. The stability of family delimitations proves nothing about progress in understanding taxonomic evolution.
All will find specific points to question, but all will find much to interest and stimulate them in this book. Stevens' subject is interesting and topical, and his detailed and well-referenced discussions cover much literature that is hard to find and poorly reviewed by modern sources. Best of all, the translations of Jussieu are a must for anyone with an interest in the history of angiosperm taxonomy. Alan T. Whittemore, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA.
Ackerman, James D. 1995. An Orchid Flora of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden 73: 1-203. Scientific Publications Department, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA. (telephone: 718/ 817-8721; fax: 718/ 817-8842). ISBN 0-89327-394-5. Cloth. Illus. $35, plus postage & handling. This treatment covers 245 species in 65 genera.
Arnold, Harrison H. & Rae Dickson Chambers. 1993. Root, Leaf, Bud and Berry. A Collection of Plants from Central Pennsylvania. The Centre County Historical Society, 1001 East College Ave., State College, PA 16901, USA. ISBN not given. Paper. Pp. ix + 164, illus. Price not given. These essays written by Arnold and illustrated by Chambers appeared at irregular intervals in the Centre Daily Times from 1973-1981. Ms. Chambers reassembled and organized them as if they had been published over the course of a single year. This delightful glimpse of Nittany Valley wildflowers through the seasons should be of interest to anyone familiar with the flora of northeastern North America.
Berendsohn, Walter G. (compiler). 1995. Listado B sico de la Flora Salvadorensis. Monocotyledoneae 3: Agavaceae, Alliaceae, Aloaceae, Alstroemeriaceae, Anthericaceae, Asparagaceae, Bromeliaceae, Colchicaceae, Convallariaceae, Cyclanthaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Dracaenaceae, Heliconiaceae, Hemrocallidaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Juncaceae, Liliaceae, Melanthiaceae. Cuscatlania 1(9): i-iii, 1-17. Jardin Bot nico La Laguna, Urbanizacicentsn Industrial La Laguna, Antiguo Cuscatl n, Depto. La Libertad, Apdo. Post. 2260 C. G., San Salvador, El Salvador. ISSN 1017-8430. Paper. Price not given.
Breedlove, Dennis E. (ed.). 1995. Flora of Chiapas. Part 4. Acanthaceae by Thomas F. Daniel. Scientific Publications, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. ISBN 0-940228-35-1. Paper. Pp. 158, illus. (incl. color frontis-piece). $15, plus postage & handling. Twenty-nine genera and 131 species are treated.
Cavers, Paul (ed. & compiler). 1995. The Biology of Canadian Weeds. Vol. 3. The Agricultural Institute of Canada, Suite 907, 151 Slater St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5H4. (telephone: 613/ 232-9459; fax: 613/ 594-5190). ISBN 0-9690453-5-2. Paper. Pp. 344 + index, illus. C$25, plus postage. This is the third collected volume of accounts from the series on the "Biology of Canadian Weeds," which originally was published in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science. The series provides detailed biological, taxonomic, and economic information about species known to be weedy in Canada, as well as methods of control. Each account is written by one or more scientists who have worked with the species described. Each article provides a clear description of a species or related species of weeds, details of its economic importance, both beneficial and detrimental, a summary of Canadian legislation on the species, maps of Canadian distribution and details of distribution elsewhere in the world, as well as information on habitats occupied, means of reproduction, growth and development, and any hybridization that occurs with other species. In addition, the population dynamics and cultural, chemical, and biological control methods are described.
*Crisp, M. D. & J. J. Doyle (eds.). 1995. Advances in Legume Systematics. Part Seven. Phylogeny. Publication Sales, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. (telephone: [44] 181/ 332 5219; fax: [44] 181/ 332 5278). ISBN 0-947643-79-6. Paper. Pp. x + 371. [ogonek]21, plus 15% postage & handling (Visa, M/C, & Amex accepted).
Dransfield, J. & H. Beentje. 1995. Palms of Madagascar. Publication Sales, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. (telephone: [44] 181/ 332 5219; fax: [44] 181/ 332 5278). ISBN not given. Cloth. Pp. 508, illus. (incl. color). [ogonek]54.60, plus 15% postage & handling or $82, including postage and handling (Visa, M/C, & Amex accepted). Available in October 1995.
Eilers, Lawrence J. & Dean M. Roosa. 1994. The Vascular Plants of Iowa. An Annotated Checklist and Natural History. University of Iowa Press, 119 West Park Rd., Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. (telephone: 319/ 335-2000). Order from: University of Iowa Press, Publications Order Department, Oakdale Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. (telephone: 319/ 335-4645). ISBN 0-87745-463-9 (cloth), ISBN 0-87745-464-7 (paper). Pp. xi + 304, illus. $29.95 (cloth), $14.95 (paper), plus postage & handling. The checklist provides information on the 141 families, 673 genera, and 1958 taxa of vascular plants known to occur in Iowa.
Henderson, Andrew. 1995. The Palms of the Amazon. Oxford University Press, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA. (telephone: 800/ 451-7556 or 919/ 677-0977). ISBN 0-19-508311-3. Cloth. Pp. 362, illus. (incl. color). $105, plus postage & handling.
*Henderson, Andrew, Gloria Galeano, & Rodrigo Bernal. 1995. Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas. Princeton University Press, 41 William St., Princeton, NJ 08540, USA. ISBN 0-691-08537-4. Cloth. Pp. viii + 352 + 64 pls. (color). Price not given.
Hilliard, O. M. 1994. The Manuleae. A Tribe of Scrophulariaceae. Edinburgh University Press, 22 George Square, Edinburgh, Scotland. ISBN 0-7486-0489-8. Cloth. Pp. iv + 579, illus. (incl. color). Price not given. A treatment of 17 genera and 344 species that occur principally in the Cape Flora Region of southern Africa, but with outliers as far away as the Canary Islands, Arabia, and India.
*Hoch, Peter C. & A. G. Stephenson (eds.). 1995. Experimental and Molecular Approaches to Plant Biosystematics. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 53: [i]-xxii, 1-391. Department Eleven, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA. (telephone: 314/ 577-9534; fax: 314/ 577-9594; e-mail: dept11@mobot.org). ISBN 0-915279-30-4. Cloth. Illus. $60 (USA), $62 (non-USA), plus postage & handling.
Hyland, Bob (ed.). 1994. Shrubs. The New Glamour Plants. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Handbook #141. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, inc., 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA. (telephone: 718/ 622-4433). ISSN 0362-5850. ISBN 0-945352-86-7. Paper. Pp. 112, illus. (color). Price not given. A survey of native and exotic shrubs that would make nice additions to North American gardens.
Lamont, Eric E. 1995. Taxonomy of Eupatorium Section Verticillata (Asteraceae). Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden 72: 1-67. Scientific Publications Department, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA. (telephone: 718/ 817-8721; fax: 718/ 817-8842). ISBN 0-89327-391-0. Paper. Illus. $14, plus postage & handling.
Li, Xia & Nancy B. Crane. 1995. Electronic Style: A Guide to Citing Electronic Information. 4th printing. Mecklermedia, 20 Ketchum St., Westport, CT 06880, USA. (telephone: 203/ 226-6967). ISBN 0-88736-909-X. Paper. Pp. xi + 65. $14.95, plus postage & handling.
Luer, Carlyle A. 1995. Icones Pleuro-thallidinarum XI. Systematics of Lepanthes subgenus Brachycladium and Pleurothallis subgenus Aenigma subgenus Elongatia subgenus Kraenzlinella. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 52. Department Eleven, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA. (telephone: 314/ 577-9534; fax: 314/ 577-9594; e-mail: dept11@mobot. org). ISBN 0-915279-29-0. ISSN 0161-1542. Paper. Pp. 137, illus. (incl. color frontispiece). $21 (US), $21.50 (non-US), plus postage & handling.
Luer, Carlyle A. with Rodrigo Escobar R. 1994. Thesaurus Dracularum. A Monograph of the Genus Dracula. Fascicle 7. Department Eleven, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA. (telephone: 314/ 577-9534; fax: 314/ 577-9594; e-mail: dept11@ mobot.org). ISBN not given. $57, plus postage & handling. This is the final fascicle of a seven fascicle set, which Luer began publishing in 1988. Each fascicle includes 15 full-color reproductions of watercolor paintings by Stig Dalstr%m of species of Dracula (Orchidaceae) in natural size, accompanied by descriptions (translations into German by Fritz Hamer), black and white illustrations, and distribution maps. The fascicles are exceptional in that they are elephant folio size. The entire set or individual fascicles are available for purchase.
Nijhuis, Miep (ed.), with the Dutch Circle of Fuchsia Lovers. 1994. Fuchsias. The Complete Handbook. Cassell Publishers Ltd., Villiers House, 41/47 Strand, London W2CN 5JE, England. US distributor: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc., 387 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10016-8810, USA (telephone: 800/ 367-9692 or 212/ 532-7160. ISBN 0-304-34387-0. Cloth. Pp. 271, illus. (incl. color). $22.95, plus postage & handling. This is an English translation by Paul Foulkes of a work originally published in Dutch in 1985. There are some inconsistencies in the taxonomic treatment of wild taxa, but there are extensive notes on Fuchsia cultivars that would be difficult to find elsewhere.
Nilsson, Karen B. 1994. A Wild Flower by Any Other Name. Sketches of Pioneer Naturalists who Named Our Western Plants. Yosemite Association, P.O. Box 545, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA. (telephone: 209/ 379-2646). ISBN 0-939666-76-6. Paper. Pp. xii + 152, illus. $14.95, plus postage & handling. These sketches are verbal and visual. The portraits of botanists (and plants named in their honor) run the gamut from A (Rebecca Austin) to not quite Z (Nathaniel Wyeth).
*Pavlick, Leon E. 1995. Bromus L. of North America. Royal British Columbia Museum, 675 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1X4, Canada. Available from: Royal Museum Shop, Royal British Columbia Museum, 675 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1X4, Canada. (telephone: 604/ 356-0505; fax: 604/ 356-8197). ISBN 0-7718-9417-1. Paper. Pp. 160, illus. C$19.95, plus postage & handling.
*Rice, Elroy L. 1995. Biological Control of Weeds and Plant Diseases: Advances in Applied Allelopathy. The University of Oklahoma Press, 1005 Asp Ave., Norman, OK 73019, USA. (telephone: 405/ 325-5111). ISBN 0-8061-2698-1. Cloth. Pp. viii + 439, illus. $55, plus postage & handling.
Rundel, Philip W., Alan P. Smith, & F. C. Meinzer (eds.). 1994. Tropical Alpine Environments. Plant Form and Function. Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th St., New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. (telephone: 800/ 872-7423 or 914/ 937-9600). ISBN 0-521-42089-X. Cloth. Pp. xiv + 376, illus. $100, plus postage & handling. The tropical alpine environments discussed in this collection of 20 papers are principally African and Andean, although one paper focuses on the tropical alpine environment of New Guinea and two on Hawaii. The papers mostly were written by ecologists, but they provide much of interest for taxonomists studying Asteraceae, Bromeliaceae, and Campanulaceae. A chapter on "Anatomy of tropical alpine plants" was also contributed by Sherwin Carlquist.
Sathish Kumar, C. & K. S. Manilal. 1994. A Catalogue of Indian Orchids. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, 23-A, New Connaught Place, Dehra Dun, 248001 India. ISBN 81-211-0100-X. Cloth. Pp. iv + 162, illus. (incl. color). Price not given. Several introductory chapters precede an alphabetical enumeration of the Indian orchid flora, which includes 1441 species in 166 genera. Several taxonomic novelties are published in the Catalogue; the new genus, Seidenfadeniella Sathish, two new combinations, and two new species. The bibliography has 318 entries, many of them references to Indian literature not always found in western botanical libraries.
So, May-Ling. 1995. Mosses & Liverworts of Hong Kong. Biology Department, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Rd., Hong Kong (telephone: [852] 2339 7052; fax: [852] 2336 1400). ISBN 0-962-7350-78-8. Paper. Pp. 170, illus. (incl. color). US$30 (check or money order payable to: May-Ling So). Also available from: Kwok Leung ("Joseph") Yip, Department of Biological Sciences, 821A Rieveschl Hall, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 210006, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006, USA. (telephone: 513/ 556-9700; fax: 513/ 556-5299; e-mail: yipkl@ucunix.san.uc.edu). The author treats 100 species of moss and 56 species of liverwort in this bryoflora, which is richly illustrated with color photographs and SEM micrographs. Descriptions of habit, stem, leaves, and sporophytes are also included.
Stannard, Brian (ed.). 1995. The Flora of the Pico das Almas, Chapada Diamantina, Brazil. Publication Sales, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. (telephone: [44] 181/ 332 5219; fax: [44] 181/ 332 5278). ISBN not given. Pp. ca. 850, illus. (incl. color). [ogonek]36, plus postage & handling (Visa, M/C, & Amex accepted). Available 4 August 1995. This is a detailed account of the vascular plants of a single mountain in central Bahia, eastern Brazil. An area remarkable for its high plant diversity and spectacular flora, it was almost unknown botanically until the early 1970s, when a team of botanists from the Cocoa Research Institute (CEPEC), Itabuna, Bahia and from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew first collected there. Only one previous botanist, in 1913, had previously set foot on the mountain. The present book is a product of collaborative research, involving also the University of Sao Paulo (SPO), which has had a joint program with Kew, publishing many works on the campo rupestre vegetation in the mountains of eastern Brazil. Over 70 specialists worldwide have contributed to the volume. It includes keys and full descriptions of about 1100 species of vascular plants (over 130 species of which were first described from the mountain) and is profusely illustrated with line drawings and eight pages of colored habitat photographs. A checklist of the bryophytes is also included. The families best represented are Compositae, Melastomataceae, Orchidaceae, and Cyperaceae. The editor, Brian Stannard, has many years experience of campos rupestres of Brazil. There is also an extensive introductory chapter, in English and Portuguese, on the flora and its environment, by R. M. Harley, who pioneered floristic studies in the region. The book will be an essential item for biologists and students working in the mountains of eastern Brazil.
*Wagner, Warren L. & V. A. Funk (eds.). 1995. Hawaiian Biogeography. Evolution on a Hot Spot Archipelago. Smithsonian Series in Comparative Evolutionary Biology, Smithsonian Institution Press, Department 900, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0900, USA. ISBN 1-56098-462-7 (cloth), ISBN 1-56098-463-5 (paper). Pp. xvii + 467, illus. $45 (cloth), $25 (paper), plus postage & handling.
Williams, J. T. & V. Ramanatha Rao (eds.). 1994. Priority Species of Bamboo and Rattan. International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, International Development Research Centre, Regional Office for South Asia, 17 Jor Bagh, New Delhi 110 003, India. ISBN 81-86247-00-9. Paper. Pp. i + 68, illus. This slim volume includes notes on mostly southeast Asian species of bamboo that have economic potential ("priority" of the title).
Titles marked with an "*" will be reviewed in a future number of the ASPT Newsletter.
Editor. NEW MAP
Huber, Otto, Ganeshwar Gharbarran, & Vicki Funk. 1995. Vegetation Map of Guyana (Preliminary Version). Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana. Scale: 1,000,000. Available from: Carol Kelloff, Biological Diversity of the Guianas Program, c/o Department of Botany, NHB-166, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA. Folded copies: free; rolled copies shipped in a mailing tube: $5 (Checks should be made out to: Smithsonian-BDG Program). This map has 12 color vegetation types that roughly correspond with those for the Venezuelan vegetation map produced by O. Huber & C. Alaracon (Mapa de Vegetacicentsn de Venezuela, 1988). [See ASPT Newsletter 8(1): 32 (1994)].
Originally, I envisioned this column as noting a given newsletter only once in order to bring interesting publications to the attention of a wider audience. (Readers should consult Rudolph Schmid's column in Taxon for periodic notices of a number of systematic-related newsletters). However, changes in the editorship of two well-known newsletters have transformed these newsletters and I think of them as essentially being new publications. Hence, my decision to give Herbarium News and the Plant Science Bulletin (see below) second notices. Editor.
Gunn, Charles R. & Cathie Katz (eds.). 1995. The Drifting Seed 1(1): 1-10. May 1995. Dr. Charles R. (Bob) Gunn, 120 White Squirrel Lane, Brevard, NC 28712, USA (telephone: 704/ 883-9719) or Cathie Katz, P.O. Box 510366, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, USA. This is intended to be a semiannual (May & October) newsletter about seeds and fruits dispersed by the world's tropical currents. The newsletter promises to provide information about these "sea-beans," their parent plants and where they grow, how they travel, and the people who collect and study them. The first issue also features "Recent Literature Citations" and a list of individuals and institutions receiving the newsletter.
Leverich, Joe (ed.). 1995. Plant Science Bulletin 41(1): 1-24. Spring 1995. Business Office, American Journal of Botany, 1735 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210-1293, USA. (fax: 614/ 292-3519). ISSN 0032-0919. This is one of several well-established newsletters that recently changed editors. The PSB is distributed to members of the Botanical Society of America along with the society's research journal, American Journal of Botany. In format, the PSB is similar to the ASPT Newsletter with society news, commentary, announcements, book reviews, books received, etc. The concerns of the BSA are somewhat more catholic than those of the ASPT and as a consequence the contents of the newsletters are somewhat different.
Solomon, James C. (ed.). 1995. Herbarium News 15(4): 27-38. Herbarium News, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA. ISSN 0731-7824. Individual subscription: $9 (USA, Canada, & Mexico), $11 (outside USA, Canada, & Mexico). Institutional subscription: $16 (USA, Canada, & Mexico), $19 (outside USA, Canada, & Mexico). A recent change in editorship has reinvigorated this monthly newsletter. Regular features include: "News from Herbaria," "News and Notes," "Meetings and Workshops," "Funding Opportunities," "Network and Computer News," "Recent Literature," "Positions Available," and "Recent Loans." The last is a list of loans (organized by family, genus, & sometimes geographic region) with the name of the borrower and the borrower's institutional acronym, and the institutional acronym of the lender.
This is the end of ASPT Newsletter Volume 9(3), July 1995