ASPT NEWS
When I assumed the editorship of this newsletter in 1992, I chose (with the consent of the ASPT Council) to make it available both in a traditional published format that has been distributed with Systematic Botany and in an electronic format that has been posted on a Gopher Server maintained by the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) of the Smithsonian Institution. Perhaps the novelty of electronic publishing prevented us from embracing it completely three years ago. However, it now seems that electronic publication is the most cost effective and efficient way of publishing a newsletter. With this in mind, the ASPT Council decided to make the ASPT Newsletter a completely electronic publication beginning with volume 10. In conjunction with this change, the ASPT Council also decided to create an ASPT Web Page on the Internet.
Beginning in January 1996, the ASPT Newsletter will no longer be distributed as hard copy. It will be posted quarterly on a World Wide Web (WWW) Server maintained by the NMNH, Smithsonian Institution. The following URL will bring you directly to the ASPT Web Page and Newsletter
After serving as editor of the ASPT Newsletter for three years, I have decided that it is time to pass the baton. I think it is healthy for the Society to periodically inject new ideas and new enthusiasm into publications such as the newsletter and I am confident that the ASPT Council will find an excellent editor to replace me. While my foot race analogy is flawed (I have often felt I was running a marathon rather than a relay), I have done my best to provide a service to the Society. I expect the transition to be smooth and I encourage you to please keep the next editor of the ASPT Newsletter informed of the many exciting and interesting things that are happening in plant taxonomy.
ASPT MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY:
The ASPT Membership Directory has for several years been posted on the NMNH Gopher site (see above). The Directory is fully indexed and searchable. Each year, a new Directory is printed and distributed. Printing and postage have added considerably to the Society's expenses (money that can be devoted to more worthwhile causes). In order to take advantage of the new ASPT Web Page, the ASPT Council decided to post the Directory on the Web and print hard copy every other year. The electronic version of the directory will be updated quarterly by the ASPT Treasurer. It, too, can be found at the following URL:
ASPT WEB COMMITTEE:
The current ASPT Web Page was created to provide a simple URL for the ASPT Newsletter and ASPT Membership Directory. A list of the current officers of the ASPT can also be found at the ASPT Web Site. Dr. Shirley Tucker, ASPT President, is in the process of forming a committee to oversee further development of an ASPT Web Page. Interested members of the Society are encouraged to contact her.
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE:
The following changes affecting the 1994 issue of the ASPT Membership Directory have been reported:
Forero, Enrique (Colombia)
fax: [57] 1/368-1345
Herbarium Supply Company (John Ayers)
e-mail: Herbsupp@aol.com
Jarvie, James (Indonesia)
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard
University, c/o Herbarium Bogoriense,
Jalan Juanda 22, 16112, Bogor, Indonesia.
telephone: [62] (0)251/336538 (office)
telephone: [62] (0)251/335451 (home)
fax: [62] (0)25/325854 (LIPI Bogor)
e-mail: 0006486174@mcimail.com (InterNet) or jjarvie@server.indo.net.id
Stuessy, Tod F.
telephone: 213/744-3367
fax: 213/747-0204
e-mail: tstuessy@bcf.usc.edu
SYSTEMATIC BOTANY:
Dr. James R. Estes is the new editor of Systematic Botany. He succeeds Dr. Gerald Gastony, who served three years. Dr. Estes may be contacted at the following address: Dr. James R. Estes, Editor, Systematic Botany, Robert Bebb Herbarium, Department of Botany & Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA. (telephone: 405/325-6443; fax: 405/325-7503; e-mail: ab1076@ uokmvsa.edu).
Michael O. Moore will continue to serve as Managing Editor. His address is: Michael O. Moore, Herbarium, Department of Botany, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7271, USA. (telephone: 706/542-1823; fax: 706/542-1805; e-mail: mike@dogwood.botany.uga.edu).
Dr. Janet R. Sullivan was appointed book review editor for Systematic Botany. Beginning in 1996, all book reviews published by the ASPT will appear in Systematic Botany. The newsletter will continue to carry notices, but not reviews. Publishers (and potential reviewers) should contact Dr. Sullivan at the following address: Dr. Janet R. Sullivan, Department of Plant Biology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824-3597, USA. (fax: 603/862-4757; e-mail: janets@christa.unh.edu).
PEOPLE
Dr. Enrique Forero recently resigned his position as Director of the Institute of Systematic Botany, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, USA, to return to his native Colombia. Dr. Forero accepted an appointment as Professor of Botany at the Universidad Nacional in Bogota. His new address is: Dr. Enrique Forero, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional, Apartado 7495, Bogota, Colombia. (fax: [57] 1/368-1345).
Carolyn O'Malley was selected as executive director of the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ, USA, in late August 1995. Most recently Ms. O'Malley had been serving as the acting executive director of the Garden and prior to that as the Garden's Assistant Director.
This past summer, Prof. Sir Ghillean T. Prance, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, was knighted. This was also the occasion for the publication of a biography of Prance (see "New Books").
Dr. Ernest Small of the Biological Resources Division of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada received the Lawson Medal for 1995, the most prestigious award of the Canadian Botanical Association. This is given annually, either for a single outstanding contribution, such as a book, or in "recognition of cumulative, lifetime contributions to Canadian botany by a senior researcher, teacher or administrator." Dr. Small was honored for his career achievements in systematics, which include five books and more than 130 publications on the systematics of economic plants, most notably Cannabis and Medicago.
On 1 July 1995 Dr. Tod F. Stuessy retired as Professor of Plant Biology and Director of the Herbarium at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA and was appointed Professor Emeritus. Shortly thereafter, on 1 September 1995, he assumed the duties of Deputy Director for Research and Collections at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA. His new address is: Tod F. Stuessy, Deputy Director Research & Collections, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 9000 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA. (telephone: 213/744- 3367; fax: 213/747-0204; e-mail: tstuessy@bcf.usc.edu).
Dr. Stephen G. Weller was appointed the first occupant of the McBryde Chair of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), Lawai, Kauai, HI, USA. The Chair was established at the NTBG to support research on the native Hawaiian flora. The appointment is for a term of three years during which time Dr. Weller and his students will focus on the reproductive biology of Hawaiian plants. Dr. Weller will remain on the faculty of the University of California at Irvine while he holds the McBryde Chair.
AWARDS AND FUNDING
The American Philosophical Society announces the 1996 competition for research grants in forest botany (specifically, dendrology), silviculture, and the history thereof. Grants range from $1500 to ca. $5000. Eligible expenses include travel, $65 per diem toward the cost of room and meals, and consumable supplies not available at the applicants institution. Applicants are normally expected to have the doctorate, but proposals may be considered from graduate students who have completed all degree requirements but the dissertation. Deadline: 1 February 1996, for decision by May 1996. When writing for application forms, briefly (100 words or less) describe the proposed research and budget. Foreign nationals must state why there research can only be carried out in the USA. No telephone requests, please! Please address correspondence to: Michaux Fund Grants, American Philosophical Society, 104 S. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3387, USA.
The Award Committee of the Lawrence Memorial Fund invites nominations for the 1996 Lawrence Memorial Award. Honoring the memory of Dr. George H. M. Lawrence, founding Director of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, the Award ($1000) is given biennially to support travel for doctoral dissertation research in systematic botany or horticulture, or the history of the plant sciences, including literature and exploration. Major professors are urge to nominate outstanding doctoral students who have achieved official candidacy for their degrees and will be conducting pertinent dissertation research that would benefit significantly from travel enabled by the Award. The Committee will not entertain direct applications. A student who wishes to be considered should arrange for nomination by his/her major professor; this may take the form of a letter that covers supporting materials prepared by the nominee. Supporting materials should describe briefly but clearly the candidate's program of research and how it would be significantly enhanced by travel that the Award would support. Letters of nomination and supporting materials, including seconding letters, should be received by the Committee no later than 1 May 1996 and should be directed to: Dr. R. W. Kiger, Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890, USA. (telephone: 412/ 268-2434).
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Taxonomist, Flora of China. — The Missouri Botanical Garden seeks an individual to join its Research Division as a taxonomist for the Flora of China project. The selected individual will correspond with the Project's Co-Director in Beijing regarding deadlines, delivery of first drafts, reviews by authors and editorial committee, formatted volumes, author contracts, Chinese and Pinyin plant names, and visits to and from China; translate from Chinese all correspondence and make it available to the Co-Chair of the Editorial Committee and the Coordinator; enter Chinese names in formatted manuscripts; prepare the Pinyin and Chinese indices, and read proofs; prepare applications for supporting travel grants and organize the visits of Chinese authors; complete and update the Chinese taxonomic literature in conjunction with the Coordinator and Editorial Assistant; produce taxonomic treatments of certain groups when required; work with other research staff to make accounts and illustrations available on the Gopher and World-Wide Web; and develop a database in Chinese and English for addresses of all correspondents in China. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in taxonomy plus verbal and written command of the Chinese language. Knowledge in word processing, databases, and spreadsheets, plus knowledge of Chinese Star and related Chinese language programs is preferred. To apply, please submit curriculum vitae, along with three letters of reference: Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management Division, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA.
Editorial Assistant, Flora of China. — The Missouri Botanical Garden seeks an individual to join its Research Division as an Editorial Assistant for the Flora of China project. The selected individual will edit manuscripts according to guidelines; verify bibliographical citations; correspond with co-authors; prepare the scientific index; prepare the project's newsletter and maintain an up-to-date mailing list; develop a database regarding the novelties, nomenclatural changes, and distribution extensions of Chinese taxa; complete and update the Chinese taxonomic literature; produce taxonomic treatments; attend editorial committee meetings and take minutes; create accounts and illustrations, in collaboration with other research staff, and make them available on the Gopher and World-Wide Web. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in taxonomy, knowledge in word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. Editorial experience is preferred. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to: Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA.
Assistant Professor. — Applications are invited for an Assistant Professor of Biology from candidates attracted to a quality, undergraduate, residential, private college environment. The incumbent will be expected to develop excellence in teaching biology majors in the area of their expertise, as well as in a more general lower-level course for either majors or nonmajors. The department is open to consideration of several areas of specialty that would support and extend current interests and strengths. Particularly attractive are plant biologists who employ molecular, genetic, developmental, ecological, or evolutionary tools and perspectives in their research. The successful candidate will hold the PhD degree in Plant Biology or Botany and will be expected to teach two courses per semester and develop a research program that can involve under-graduates. Send vita, letter of application addressing teaching and research philosophies as they interface with undergraduates, three letters of recommendation, and a mini-description of two or three courses for junior and senior biology majors that you would like to offer, to: Dr. Derik Barkalow, Chair, Biology Depart-ment, Stetson University, DeLand, FL 32720, USA. Deadline for receipt of these materials is 24 November 1995. Startup date is 16 August 1996.
Vascular Plant Systematist. — The Department of Botany at Duke University invites applications for a vascular plant systematist as a tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured Associate Professor of Botany to begin September 1996. Expansion of the Duke University Herbarium (algae, fungi, bryophytes & vascular plants totaling over 700,000 specimens) into a new building is planned and applicants for the position should be prepared to assume a leading role with respect to the collections. Applicants must have an active research program and the ability to teach and direct research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Individuals with research interests that take advantage of the strengths of the collections (eastern North America, Neotropics) are encouraged to apply. A complete application includes a curriculum vitae, description of research goals and teaching interests, and three letters of reference, to be sent to: Professor Donald E. Stone, Department of Botany, Box 90338, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0338, USA. (e-mail: dstone@acpub.duke.edu). Applications received by 21 December 1995 are guaranteed consideration. Duke University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Plant Molecular Systematist. — The Department of Plant Biology, University of Maryland at College Park, invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track position, preferably at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin by September 1996. Candidates must have a PhD in biological sciences and a strong knowledge of plant diversity. The successful candidate is expected to complement existing programs in ecology and evolutionary biology and to establish an outstanding, externally-funded research program, which will use modern methods of molecular biology and computer analysis to resolve fundamental systematic problems for plants in an evolutionary context. Teaching responsibilities include a general course in biology and an advanced course in molecular systematics. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, copies of published and in-press works, a description of current and projected research interests, a summary of teaching interests and experiences, and names and addresses (including e- mail addresses) of four references to: Chair, Molecular Systematist Search, Department of Plant Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-5815, USA. Applications should be received by 15 December 1995.
Education Director. — The Frederik Meijer Gardens is a large, private botanical garden and sculpture museum newly opened in April 1995. The Gardens is seeking an experienced Education Director to head a department that includes an active docent program, science education for elementary schools, a community education series, horticulture therapy, and a library. Future plans include classes and graduate projects with area colleges and universities. Qualifications: Master of Science in Botany or Biology, with a strong plant systematics background. Must possess excellent communication skills, and administrative abilities. Experience in program and curriculum development is desired. Must know plants. Duties to include long-range planning and supervision of several employees and many volunteers. Grant writing experience is a plus, as developing the funding for new programming will be an important aspect of the position. Previous experience at a botanical garden or nature center, and teaching experience is desired. Please send resume to: Education Director, Frederick Meijer Gardens, 3411 Bradford NE, Grand Rapids, MI 491546, USA. EOE.
FELLOWSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS
Graduate Research Assistantships (PhD or MS). — The University of Hawaii announces the availability of graduate fellowships in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB), from NSF, the MacArthur Foundation, and the East West Center. The EECB Graduate Program is designed to provide the interdisciplinary, conceptual, and technical diversity required for comprehensive training in ecology, evolution, and/or conservation biology. We encourage interested students to write as soon as possible for an application package, to: Kenneth Kaneshiro (Chair) or Rosemary Gillespie (Vice Chair), Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology Program, University of Hawaii, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 409, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. (telephone: 808/956-8884; e-mail: gillespi@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu). The packet will include an application form, a list of the research areas of faculty participants, and eligibility information. During the preparation of their application, students are strongly encouraged to make direct contact with an EECB faculty member whose interests might overlap with their own. Deadline: 1 February 1996; assistantships commence August 1996.
Graduate Assistantships in Bryology. — Under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation PEET program, graduate assistant-ships (PhD or MS) are available at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, for students interested in the biology and systematics of liverworts. Each graduate assistant will be mentored by Drs. Raymond Stotler and Barbara Crandall-Stotler as a participant in a world-wide monographic study of the phylogenetically pivotal, cosmopolitan simple thalloid liverwort suborder Fossombroniineae. Each participant in the project will gain field experience and learn standard taxonomic methods as well as statistical methods for analyzing variation patterns, culture techniques, SEM, computerized image capturing and analysis, starch gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing protocols, and data networking via World Wide Web. The Plant Biology Depart-ment offers a selection of more than 40 graduate courses, including three in bryology, taught by 18 full- time faculty. In addition, doctoral student participants in the project will have the opportunity to spend one semester of their studies at the University of California at Berkeley, where they will participate in a course in phylogenetics, under the supervision of Dr. Brent Mishler. Each assistantship provides a monthly stipend, complete tuition, and partial payment of fees for the duration of graduate study. For application information and materials, contact: Dr. Raymond Stotler, Department of Plant Biology, Mail Code 6509, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6509, USA. (telephone: 618/536-2331; fax 618/453-3441; e-mail stotler@qm.c-plant.siu.edu). Assistantships commence August 1996.
Smithsonian Research Fellowships in History, Art, and Science. — The Smithsonian Institution announces its research fellowships for 1996 in the fields of History of Science and Technology, Social and Cultural History, History of Art, Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Materials Analysis. Smithsonian Fellowships are awarded to support independent research in residence at the Smithsonian in association with the research staff and using the Institution's resources. Under this program, senior, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships of three to twelve months, and graduate fellowships of ten weeks are awarded. Postdoctoral Fellowships are offered to scholars who have held the degree or equivalent for less than seven years. Senior Fellowships are offered to scholars who have held the degree or equivalent for seven or more years. The term is 3 to 12 months. Both fellowships offer a stipend of $25,000 per year plus allowances. Predoctoral Fellowships are offered to doctoral candidates who have completed preliminary work and examinations. The term is 3 to 12 months. The stipend is $14,000 per year plus allowances. (Predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior stipends are prorated for periods of less than 12 months).Graduate Student Fellowships are offered to students formally enrolled in a graduate program of study, who have completed at least one semester, and not yet been advanced to candidacy if in a PhD program. The term is 10 weeks and the stipend is $3000. The application deadline for all classes of Fellowships is 15 January 1996. For more information and application forms, please write: Smithsonian Institution, Office of Fellowships and Grants, 955 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 7000, Washington, DC 20560, USA. (e-mail: siofg@sivm.si.edu). Please indicate the particular area in which you propose to conduct research and give the dates of degrees received or expected.
Smithsonian Minority Internship Program. — Internships, offered through the Office of Fellowships and Grants, are available for students to participate in research and museum-related activities for periods of ten weeks during the summer, fall, and spring. U.S. minority undergraduate and beginning graduate students are invited to apply. The appointment carries a stipend of $250 per week for undergraduate and $300 per week for graduate students, and may provide a travel allowance. Deadline: 15 February 1996 for Summer (to begin after 1 June 1996), Fall (to begin after 1 October 1996), or Spring (to begin after 1 January 1997). For applications and/or information, please write: Smithsonian Institution, Office of Fellowships and Grants, 955 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 7000, Washington, DC 20560, USA. (e-mail: siofg@sivm.si.edu).
INSTITUTIONS
After more than a decade of near inactivity, the herbarium of the University of El Salvador (known as Herbario del Instituto Tropical de Investigaci¢n Cient¡fica, I.T.I.C.) announces a new beginning. El Salvador is currently recuperating from a period of internal armed conflict, from which the herbarium did not escape. A bomb was placed inside herbarium installations and many specimens and cabinets were damaged or completely destroyed. Under the direction of the new curator, Nohemy E. Ventura, MSc, the herbarium is back and ready to contribute to the study of plants. It has approximately 28,000 specimens and collecting is taking place throughout the country by staff members and university students. The collection includes all plant groups, as well as lichens and fungi. Loans will be made, provided the borrower is willing to pay the shipping costs. We are trying to update our herbarium library and the plant collection itself; therefore, we will accept donations of books, reprints and specimens, particularly those related to the Neotropics. We encourage anyone passing through the region to stop and visit us. We will try our best to assist with housing and other logistic needs. For further information, please contact either: Lic. Nohemy E. Ventura, Curator, Herbario, Escuela de Biolog¡a, Universidad de El Salvador, Ciudad Universitaria, San Salvador, El Salvador. (telephone: [503] 226-2072; fax: [503] 225-4208) or Carlos R. Ram¡rez, Plant Sciences PhD Subprogram, Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, CUNY, Bronx, NY 10468 USA. (telephone: 718/960-8658; fax: 718/960-8236; e-mail: crrlc@cunyvm.cuny.edu).
The Montgomery Foundation is a non-profit private operating foundation started by Eleanor Foster Montgomery Jennings in 1959. The major activities associated with Montgomery are carried out on a 120-acre site in the southern part of Coral Gables, FL, USA. The purpose of Montgomery is to promote the recognition of the "Montgomery" name in the botanical community by supporting research and education in tropical botany. This purpose is achieved, in part, by promoting on-site research of the extensive palm and cycad collections at Montgomery. The Montgomery Foundation currently has over 3000 palms representing more than 270 species and more than 2000 cycads representing over 145 species. We would like to encourage scientists and graduate students to consider utilizing our vast collection of cycads and palms for morphological, systematic, taxonomic, and other types of short-term and long-term on-site botanical studies. Guest house facilities on the property may be provided by Montgomery for a maximum two-week stay per visit during the study. Please briefly outline proposed on-site studies utilizing the collections and send them to: Dr. Terrence Walters, Executive Director, The Montgomery Foundation, 11901 Old Cutler Rd., Miami, FL 33156, USA (fax: 305/661-5984).
DESIDERATA
Dr. Sun Hang of the Kunming Institute of Botany wrote the ASPT that his herbarium can arrange for overseas botanists to visit Yunnan, China and nearby regions for plant expeditions. They can also offer some materials (e.g., chloroplast DNA, seeds, anatomy) for research. You may contact Dr. Hang at the following address: Dr. Sun Hang, The Keeper, Herbarium of Kunming Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, Peoples Republic of China. (telephone: 0871-5150660; fax: 0871- 5150227).
SYMPOSIA AND MEETINGS
The Society for the History of Natural History will hold its 10th International Conference from 11-12 April 1996 at Wadham College, Oxford, England. The title of the conference is Empires of Nature. Further information may be obtained by contacting: Jane Pickering, The University Museum, Parks Rd., Oxford, England OX1 3PW. (telephone: [44] 865/272950; fax: [44] 865/272970; e-mail: jane. pickering @oum.ox.ac.uk).
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will hold a symposium entitled "Plant Evolution and Conservation on Islands-A Global Pers- pective" on 4 May 1996. Topics include: phylogenetic patterns, floristic diversity, biology of rare plants, and conservation strategies. Speakers include: Ian Atkinson, Bruce Baldwin, Sherwin Carlquist, Sarah Chaney, Vicki Funk, J. R. Haller, and William Halverson. The keynote address will be given by Peter Raven. Post-symposium events include excursions to selected California Channel Islands. For details, please contact: Dieter Wilken, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA. (telephone: 805/682-4726 ext. 124; e-mail: wilken@ lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu).
The topic of The Monroe Wall Symposium of Rutgers University will be "Harnessing Biodiversity for Therapeutic Drugs and Foods: Developing Products for the 21st Century." The symposium should be of interest to natural products chemists. It will be held from 2-5 June 1996 at The Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. For further information, please contact: Keith Wilson, Office of Continuing Professional Education, Cook College, P.O. Box 231, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0231, USA. (telephone: 908/932-9271; fax: 908/932-1187).
The Sociedad Cubana de Botanica is sponsoring the V Simposio de Botanica in Havana, Cuba from 10-13 July 1996. For further information, please contact: Lic. Carlos Zavaro P‚rez, Dpto. Plantas Vasculares, Instituto de Ecolog¡a y Sistematica, Carretera de Varona, Km 3 1/2, C.P. 10800, A.P. 8010, Boyeros, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba (fax: (537) 333758 or 331325; e-mail: ecologia@ cenial.cu) or Lic. Rosa Rankin Rodr¡guez, Jard¡n Botanico Nacional, Carretera del Roc¡o Km 3 1/2, C.P. 19320, Calabazar, Boyeros, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba (fax: (537) 335350; e-mail: hajb@cenial.cu).
The Second International Symposium on Plant Life of South Asia will be held from 25-29 1996 at the Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Pakistan. The aim of the symposium is to promote research and exchange of scientific information related to the effective utilization of plant wealth of this region. All correspondence should be addressed to: Prof. Dr. M. Qaiser, Convener, Second International Symposium on Plant Life of South Asia, Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan. (telephone: [office] [92] 21/472828 or [residence] [92] 21/4968833; fax: [92] 21/ 4963373 or 4963124).
Monocots II and the 3rd International Symposium on Grass Systematics and Evolution will be held at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, over the week beginning 28 September 1998. If you wish to receive the second circular and registration form, please contact: Mrs. Karen Wilson, Monocots II, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Mrs. Macquaires Rd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. (telephone: [61] 2/231-8111; fax: [61] 2/251- 7231; e-mail: karen@rbgsyd.gov.au).
INTERNET NEWS
1. Several herbaria now have enough type specimen records on the Internet to demonstrate the usefulness of a distributed "type specimen register." The "Search Distributed Type Specimen Databases" menu item queries Gopher Servers at Harvard, The University of Texas (Austin), the Bishop Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences, as well as our own server, to return a combined list of type specimen records.
To avoid problems in search results in some WAIS indexing software, we suggest typing the entire search string in lowercase letters (including the Boolean operators). For example, search for "cedronella and breviflora" to find records with the name Cedronella breviflora.
As in all distributed data systems, the burden for being on line, up to date, and adequately indexed falls on each of the sites providing information. Since the distributed search uses the Gopher server's WAIS index, the usual list of first lines is returned. Each item can then be selected and viewed. The list of first lines would be easier to use if each record had the institution's acronym and type specimen's type status on the first line of the text record.
Let us know if there are other type specimen catalogs on gopher servers and we will add them to our search list.
2. We have also implemented a "Select a Dataset" option for each of our own type specimen catalogs. These searches will return a file of the records found rather than the usual Gopher/WAIS output of a list of first lines with access to one record at a time. This file can be browsed on the screen, printed, or downloaded.
Our aim is to deliver information in a usable form to the widest possible number of researchers with Internet connectivity who need access to this resource. In the absence of good knowledge of the number of users whose access to Internet information servers is limited to Gopher or text-only Web browsers, we are providing this reference on a Gopher server. — Ellen Farr, Department of Botany, NHB-166, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560-0001, USA. (e-mail: mnhbo001@sivm.si.edu).
DEATHS
Frits P. Jonker (1912-1995), the Dutch botanist/paleobotanist who died on 2 April 1995 will be remembered by most systematists for his monograph of the Burmanniaceae (1939) and his research with his wife Anneke on the Araceae of Surinam. However, he was much more than just a systematic botanist. Through Franz Florschtz he early on became acquainted with pollen analysis. From there he began to develop an interest in plant megafossils, publishing on subjects as diverse as abscission in Carboniferous Lepidodenrales, the enigmatic Prototaxites, and the Quaternary history of beech (Fagus) in W. Europe. So when he was appointed (1960) as Full Professor of "Special Botany" at the State University of Utrecht, he inevitably began to teach courses in paleobotany. By 1963, with the number of students on the increase, the quarters in the center of the city proved to be too cramped. It was then that the Subdepartment of Paleobotany and Pollen Morphology was relocated in Fort Hoofddijk, one of the unused fortresses on the edge of Utrecht. While the technicians generally had a car and the lecturers needed a moped to get there, Professor Jonker happily made his way to the "Fort" by bicycle. By the time I arrived in Utrecht in 1965, Frits had already gathered around him five permanent members of a teaching staff, a handful of postgraduates, and innumerable students. These were set to work on aeropalynology, recent pollen morphology, pollen analysis of Permo-Triassic, Tertiary or Holocene sediments, and Carboniferous, Jurrasic and Tertiary megafossils. The varied interests and life styles sometimes led to friction, which Frits always managed to resolve in a fatherly fashion. While he and Anneke did not have any children of their own, he devoted a lot of time to his students and staff members. One of the traditions he initiated was the Friday afternoon seminar by one of the students, postgraduates or members of staff who spoke on his or her current research, followed by Frits' evaluation of new literature, interesting conferences, etc. This made us aware of what other people were doing. To keep abreast of the literature, fulfill his teaching and other commitments, and keep his laboratory running required considerable organizational skills. This he clearly demonstrated when he took it upon himself to organize the Second International Palynological Conference in Utrecht in 1966. The Proceedings of this conference were published in the first three volumes of the Review of Paleobotany and Palynology, which was one of his brain-children. This journal has since become the leading international periodical in these fields. In recognition of these achievements, he was awarded the Gunnar Erdtman International Medal for Palynology in 1974. Although he could have continued in office for a few more years, he decided to retire in 1978 to make way for a younger element. He and Anneke moved south to the village of Asperen, where old friends and colleagues were always made welcome. Having been a father to so many of us, he was saddened that some of his pupils rarely came to see him. However, he was proud to think that a number of his prot‚g‚s now hold key academic positions in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Thus, while Frits Jonker may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on. — David K. Ferguson, Paleontological Institute, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Tem Smitinand (1920-1995) died 18 March 1995 in a Bangkok, Thailand hospital after a brief illness. Dr. Smitinand was associated with the Forest Herbarium (BKF) in Bangkok and was interested in the taxonomy of Cycadaceae, Dipterocarpaeae, and Orchidaceae. Dr. Smitinand joined Kai Larsen in part of the second Thai Danish Expedition (1961-1962) and was a member of the fourth (1964), fifth (1966), and sixth (1968) Danish expeditions. He also collected extensively on his own in Thailand. Perhaps Dr. Smitinand's most impressive publication was The Orchids of Thailand; A Preliminary List (1959-1960), which was published in six parts and coauthored with Gunnar Seidenfaden.
FLORA AND INVENTORY PROJECTS
BOOK REVIEWS
This volume contains the invited lectures from the Fifth International Symposium of the International Organization of Plant Biosystematists (IOPI), held in June 1992 in St. Louis, MO, USA. The theme of the symposium provided the title for this publication and brings some unity to the diverse topics covered. Following the organization of the symposium, Experimental and Molecular Approaches to Plant Biosystematics is divided into fours sections, each dealing with a different aspect of systematics. The first section, from a session organized by Barbara Schaal and Michael Clegg, explores a variety of applications of DNA data to plant systematics. Like all but the final section, it begins with a paper focusing on the role of fossils. Pamela Soltis et al., who with Michael Clegg pioneered analysis of fossil plant DNA, present a rather discouraging evaluation of its potential for biosystematics. The specialized conditions required for preservation of significant DNA sequences combined with problems of extraction, amplification, and contamination make it unlikely that fossil DNA will prove "more than a biological curiosity" in the foreseeable future. In another paper, Amy McRae provides an interesting discussion of transposable elements, segments of DNA that are able to move within the genome. Although fascinating from the perspective of molecular evolution (like fossil DNA), transposable elements are of limited systematic use due to problems with high levels of size polymorphism, high copy number, horizontal transmission, and species-specific genomic positions. The three remaining papers in this section offer more fruitful approaches. Konrad Bachmann, who has been studying the evolution of Microseris (Asteraceae) for two decades, reviews his recent studies of nuclear DNA markers in the genus. Using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Bachmann and his coworkers demonstrate very different patterns of genetic differentiation in species with different histories of dispersal and colonization. At the species level, RAPD data are of less value, mainly demonstrating the monophyly of individual species, whereas nuclear DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) proved phylogenetically and evolutionarily informative at this level. The value of rbcL sequence data for unraveling higher level relationships is discussed in a paper by Melvin Duvall et al. Here they concentrate on the monocotyledons included in the famous — or infamous — huge rbcL data set analyzed by the team headed by co-author Mark Chase. As has generally been the case with these data, the results presented here strongly support the monophyly of several large clades but most of the deeper relationships among these clades are only weakly supported. Within the monocots, the alliances supported by rbcL data are most consistent with Dahlgren's classification, but include such surprises as the basal position within the monocots of Acorus and the placement of Iridaceae with the Asparagales rather than the Liliales. It is clear from this and other papers that confirmation of these results and clearer understanding of relationships within the monocots, as well as the dicots, awaits both more thorough sampling and sequences from other, preferably more conservative, genes. In the final paper in this section, John Doebley summarizes his elegant use of quantitative trait locus (QLT) mapping, which combines molecular genetic markers with quantitative genetics, to begin unraveling the genetic and developmental bases for morphological evolution in maize. Though QLT mapping may currently be prohibitively difficult with wild plants that are not as well known genetically, Doebley ably demonstrates that it holds a key to answering that fundamental question: What is the genetic basis for morphological differences among species? Together, these three papers demonstrate the vitality molecular data are bringing to systematics at all levels.
The second section of the book deals with plant growth patterns, particularly branching, and systematics. Gar Rothwell integrates recent paleobotanical evidence to present an informative paper on the phylogeny of land plant branching patterns, arguing that the evolution of major growth forms can be understood on the basis of branching parameters: the ability of the sporophyte to branch, the position of branching, and number of embryonic growth poles. He then combines these parameters with determinacy of growth and the relationship between the sporophyte and gametophyte to describe six growth "models" that characterize the major land plant groups. Although these models may be useful mnemonic tools, I find they are mainly grades and their use obscures both the variation in the individual parameters that underly their evolution and the relationship among the plant groups they characterize. These problems are well demonstrated in the remaining papers in this section. Both the papers by Michael Proctor and Anthony Smith on branching patterns in bryophytes and by Andrian Bell (who organized this section) and Trevor Dines on Solanaceae branching patterns illustrate that different branching patterns can result from small, and probably simple, changes in development and are probably as much related to ecological constraints as to phylogeny. Similarly, Francis Hall‚'s short paper makes the important point that the overall growth form categorized as a single model can originate along several different developmental pathways, and even in such distantly related groups as flowering plants and corals. The potential for convergence in growth form is further illustrated by Donald Kaplan and Paul Groff, who describe a myriad of analogous growth forms shared by ferns and angiosperms. Finally, Michael Hutchings and Roy Turkington demonstrate the plasticity of branching patterns using their studies of the responses of clonal herbs to biotic and abiotic environmental factors. Overall, one is left with the conclusion, stressed by most of the authors, that while models may aid ecological interpretation, an evolutionary and systematic understanding of growth form requires focusing instead on the underlying developmental processes.
The third section, "Plant Reproductive Strategies," was organized by Andrew Stephenson. David Dilcher opens the section by summarizing the fossil history of angiosperm flowers and fruits, which has become much better understood in the last 15 years largely through his efforts and those of his students. The changes that characterize the first half or so of angiosperm evolutionary history, he argues, are adaptations to using abiotic and especially biotic pollen and seed vectors in ways that promote outcrossing and gene flow. The next four papers continue this ecological emphasis. In her paper, Johanna Schmitt reviews her work and that of others demonstrating that the expression of a plant's genotype often reflects interactions between the genotype and the environment, in both current and parental (especially maternal) generations. These multigenerational interaction effects can have profound evolutionary and ecological implications, and may complicate systematic studies aimed at separating genetically versus environmentally controlled traits. Another influence on the distribution of variation among plants is gene flow, which is the focus of the paper by James Hamrick et al. They discuss both indirect measures of gene flow based on the distribution of genetic variation among populations, usually determined from allozyme data, and direct measures based on changes in gene frequencies between adult and progeny generations, particularly through the appearance of foreign alleles or gametes in a genetically characterized population. Despite the difficulties, thoroughly discussed by Hamrick et al., that have limited the use of both types of measures, an increasing number of studies are showing that gene flow among populations of outcrossing plants often is extensive. The consequences of variation in pollen load size and of resource allocation within a plant on flower, fruit and seed production are explored in a pair of papers by Andrew Stephenson et al. and Oscar Rocha and Stephenson. These papers support the hypothesis that pollen and embryo competition, especially where resources limit fruit and seed production, may lead to non-random abortion of fruits and seeds. The relationship between these studies and systematics is not immediately clear, and making the connection between systematics and reproductive biology is left to Gregory Anderson. He is successful insofar as he shows that understanding breeding systems can be important for interpreting patterns of genetic and morphological variation within species and for evaluating the potential systematic importance of characters, both individually and as developmentally or ecologically correlated suites. Unfortunately, none of the papers in this section deals directly with breeding systems.
The final section in this volume, from the session organized by Michael Donoghue, relates phylogenetic analysis and population biology. In the first paper, Wayne Maddison explores the relationship between gene trees and species trees. He thereby connects population biology with phylogeny, showing that such population genetic parameters as gene flow and effective population size can be estimated using gene trees as an alternative to more traditional means (though Maddison himself admits that the traditional means are usually more efficient). He also argues that even when systematists are using morphological characters for phylogenetic analysis, they are really looking at gene trees because morphology is genetically determined. Models show that the probability an individual gene tree will conflict with the species' phylogeny depends on the relationship between the number of generations separating speciation events and effective population size. Therefore, Maddison argues, conflicts between characters, be they morphological or molecular, may be real, expected, even inevitable. David Baum and Kerry Shaw follow this theme and attempt to use it to develop a genealogical species concept. Drawing on coalescence theory from population genetics and arguing that species lie at the boundary between the reticulating genealogy of populations and the divergent genealogy at higher levels, they define a genealogical species as a basal (not including smaller taxa) group of organisms in which the genes follow the same phylogeny. Stated differently, a genealogical species is the smallest group of organisms that a strict consensus of gene trees shows to be monophyletic. They are quick to agree that operationally genealogical species will be fuzzy, their recognition potentially depending on the evolutionary rates of the sampled genes and the thoroughness of organismal sampling, but contend that this new species concept has theoretical value. As with the plethora of other species concepts, the value of the genealogical species concept will be subject to considerable debate (for the first salvo, see D. R. Frost & A. G. Kluge, Cladistics 10: 259. 1995). The next two papers, one by Lucinda McDade and the other by Loren Rieseberg and James Morefield, consider hybridization and phylogenetics. Though they differ in their emphases, both offer similar conclusions, that hybrids may be difficult to recognize using phylogenetic methods, particularly if a hybrid lineage has undergone much anagenic change following its origin. Rieseberg and Morefield present a combined phylogenetic and probabilistic approach (implemented in the computer program RETICLAD) that shows some promise for correctly identifying hybrids, especially with extensive sampling and the use of multiple gene trees. Still, it is reassuring that McDade argues from models of hybrid character state expression and her experiments with synthetic hybrids that although in a few cases the presence of undetected hybrids may be very disruptive, in most cases they will not greatly disrupt the overall topology of the tree. The section concludes with a paper by Stephen Weller et al. that applies information on the basal phylogenetic relationships among angiosperms to questions about the evolution of self- incompatibility. With the caveats that phylogenetic relationships are still poorly understood and detailed information on self- incompatibility is scanty, they conclude that self-compatibility was ancestral among angiosperms. Furthermore, sporophytic self- incompatibility apparently has evolved independently in each family where it has been found, and generally directly from self- compatibility rather than gametophytic self-incompatibility. These results do not support hypotheses that self-incompatibility was a major factor in the diversification of the angiosperms.
As the reader will have gathered, Experimental and Molecular Approaches to Plant Biosystematics covers a wide range of topics, and includes both reviews and new research. The title itself may be somewhat misleading. I expected most papers to deal with questions regarding the nature of species and their evolution, the traditional realm denoted by "biosystematics." Perhaps it is true, as Peters Hoch and Raven state in their introduction to the volume, that the term has evolved to mean "that collection of approaches to systematics that is important and productive for us at any given time and place." If so, biosystematics has lost its distinct meaning and the word might as well be abandoned. Regardless, the book's diversity is both a strength and a weakness. Few readers will want to read every paper, but there is something in the book for everyone. Despite the time lag between the symposium and the publication, most of the work is current, with many bibliographies citing papers published in 1993 and 1994. Though I would not advocate that every systematist buy the book, it should be in every institutional library so that everyone can read the sections appropriate to his or her interests. — Geoffrey A. Levin, Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 East Peabody Dr., Champaign, IL 61820, USA.
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.
Pavlick begins his treatise of North American bromegrasses with an introduction that precisely states his reasoning and methodology for his study which includes descriptions and distribution maps for 51 species. Only three species are excluded from the treatment, the reasons for which also being clearly stated. The description for the genus is buried in the introduction. Pavlick then divides the genus into five sections for which he does not provide descriptions. Curiously, however, just before he treats the species of section Ceratochloa, Pavlick has a lengthy discussion of inclusive polyploid complexes and the resulting morphological problems. There is no equivalent informative text for the other sections. The main body of the book begins with a key to the sections. This is followed by keys to the inclusive species of each section. Keys are bracketed with terminology that is explicit and detailed but not excessive. However, the couplets are not absolutely parallel and routinely not mutually exclusive. As a result, I would not recommend that a novice or student use these keys. Species descriptions are arranged alpha-betically within a section. Discussions of the characters are delightfully parallel and thorough. Again the terminology is precise but not heavy- handed. Interestingly, treatments of varieties and subspecies vary. Sometimes these lower taxa are identified using the species keys and other times there is a varietal or subspecific key below the species description. In either case, the species description includes a discussion of characteristics used to distinguish these taxa. An incredibly thorough habitat and distribution statement follows each species description. These statements are one of the true delights of the book. Pavlick also has a crisp, clean style of prose. Of the 51 species all but three are illustrated. Illustrations were produced by three artists and vary greatly in style and quality of reproduction. Unfortunately the fine lines of J. R. Janish's work are routinely lost or broken. Distribution maps are also variable. Species with broad ranges have easily read maps. For species with limited ranges, the distribution is not as easy to discern since a limited area of shading does not contrast against the base map. Unfortunately, the distribution statements and the corresponding maps do not always concur. The book ends with an extensive nomenclature chapter, an exhaustive bibliography, and a wonderful glossary. The joy of this book is Pavlick's use of words. The imagery that springs from his descriptions, distribution statements, and definitions are easily understandable and enviable. This aspect combined with the scope of the treatment makes this book a welcome addition to my library. — Rahmona Thompson, c/o Department of Biology, East Central University, Ada, OK 74820, USA.
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. This volume is third in a series of monographs that Rice has produced on allelopathy. The two earlier works published in 1974 and 1984 (Allelopathy, 1st and 2nd eds., Academic Press) are comprehensive treatments which explore all aspects of the subject from the biochemical basis for allelopathic interactions to applied allelopathy. In the current volume, Rice focuses specifically on allelopathic forms of biological control in agriculture and forestry. He considers allelopathy to include both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. Although presented as a synthetic review, this work would be more appropriately described as a compilation of 1500 papers published since the 1984 edition of Allelopathy. While it will prove useful to readers who wish to consult a current survey of the literature, Rice's third volume does not live up to the promise of its title. Problems in concept and organization weaken this volume. Rice defines allelopathy as "biochemical interactions between plants of all kinds, including the microorganisms [algae, fungi, and bacteria] typically placed in the plant kingdom" (p. 3). In addition to maintaining an outdated taxonomic view, this concept embodies an ambitious approach which spreads the discussion over too many diverse topics. Approximately half of the volume deals with plant-microorganism interactions, with the greater emphasis on plant disease. In my view, the framework of allelopathy does not have the capability for fully addressing the complex biochemical and genetic mechanisms that drive such phenomena as mycorrhizal associations, pathogenicity, and host-plant responses. The volume is organized by type of allelopathic interaction (e.g., crop-weed interactions). For each chapter, Rice uses an alphabetical format to discuss individual crop plants, assigning common names for better-known species and Latin names for less commonly known species. The criteria governing selection of a Latin versus a common name are not consistent — why sunflower in one chapter and Helianthus annuus in another? Easy access to information is not possible with this arrangement; use of the index is essential for locating a discussion either about a particular plant or an allelopathic effect. With no transition from one crop to the next, chapter discussions are lacking in continuity. Rice reviews each paper in the form of a short (and at times, awkwardly worded) abstract which he concludes with a brief interpretative statement. Unfortunately, this type of presentation fails to provide the critical discussions that one would expect from a monograph. The chapter conclusions are equally brief and superficial. I appreciate the effort that produced this volume. However, it falls short of Rice's goal to present a monographic treatment of applied allelopathy. I would have preferred an integrated discussion of current research trends balanced with his perspective on the successful agricultural applications of allelopathy. Without these, such assertions that "political clout" explains inadequate federal funding for biological control research have the angry sound of an unsubstantiated diatribe. With the growing emphasis on biotechnological solutions for pest control — e.g., herbicide- and insect-resistant transgenic plants, Rice's ability to both discuss and promote alternative biological control methods would be timely. — Laura A. Morrison, Department of Botany & Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-2902, USA. (Address beginning 1 November 1995: Department of Plant Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100 Israel).
NEW BOOKS
Arbo, Mar¡a Mercedes. 1995. Turneraceae — Parte I: Piriqueta. Flora Neotropica 67: Pp. 157. Scientific Publications Department, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA. (telephone: 718/817-8721; fax: 718/817-8842). ISBN 0-89327-392-2. Cloth. Illus. $22.50, plus postage & handling. — Forty-two species are treated. The text is in Spanish.
Churchill, Steven P., Henrik Balslev, Enrique Forero, & James L. Luteyn (eds.). 1995. Biodiversity and Conservation of Neotropical Montane Forests: Proceedings of the Neotropical Montane Forest Biodiversity and Conservation Symposium, The New York Botanical Garden, June 1993. Scientific Publications Department, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA. (telephone: 718/817-8721; fax: 718/817-8842). ISBN 0-89327-400-3. Cloth. Pp. 700, illus. $85, plus postage & handling. — Available December 1995.
Delgadillo M., Claudio, Bernardina Bello, Angeles C rdenas S. 1995. LATMOSS. A Catalogue of Neotropical Mosses. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 56: 1-191. 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 0-915279-35-5. ISSN 0161- 1542. Paper. Illus. (cover & frontispiece only). $20 (USA), $21 (non-USA), plus postage & handling.
Goodman, George J. & Cheryl A. Lawson. 1995. Retracing Major Stephen H. Long's 1820 Expedition: The Itinerary and Botany. The University of Oklahoma Press, 1005 Asp Ave., Norman, OK 73019- 0445, USA. (telephone: 405/325-5111). ISBN 0-8061-2703-1. Cloth. Illus. $38.50, plus postage & handling.
Hay, A., J. Bogner, P. C. Boyce, W. L. A. Hetterscheid, N. Jacobsen, & J. Murata. 1995. Checklist & Botanical Bibliography of the Aroids of Malesia, Australia, and the Tropical Western Pacific. Blumea Supplement 8: 1-161. Available from: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus, Publication Department, P.O. Box 9514, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. (fax: [31] 71/273511). ISBN 90-71236-25-0. Paper. Dfl. 50, plus postage & handling.
Heinen, H. Dieter, Jos‚ J. San Jose, & Hortensia Caballero Arias (eds.). 1995. Naturaleza y Ecolog¡a Humana en el Neotr¢pico/Nature and Human Ecology in the Neotropics. Scientia Guaian‘ 5: 1-425. Volume and/or subscription available from: Otto Huber, Apartado 80.405, Caracas 1080-A, Venezuela. (telephone/fax: [58] 2/977.2528; e-mail: ohuber@conicit.ve). ISBN 980-07-2625-X. ISSN 0798-1120. Paper. Illus. $US25, including air mail dispatch. — This volume contains 19 papers that are almost exclusively devoted to the ecology of the Venezuelan Amazon and the Orinoco region. The papers were presented originally at an international workshop, "Man in the Tropical Ecosystem," held in Caracas from 23-27 February 1993.
Johri, B. M. (ed.). 1995. Botany in India. History and Progress. Vol. II. Science Publishers, Inc., 52 LaBombard Rd. North, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA. ISBN 1-886106-05-3. Cloth. Pp. xxi + 480, illus. $80, plus postage & handling. — Vol. I in this two volume set was reviewed earlier by D. Wm. Stevenson [ASPT Newsletter
9(2): 61. 1995].
King, Robert M., Paul C. Janaske, & David B. Lellinger (compilers). 1995. Cassini on Compositae II. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 54: [i]-xii, 1-190. 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 0-915279-31-2. ISSN 0161-1542. Paper. Illus. $20 (USA), $22 (non-USA), plus postage & handling. — This volume contains facsimile reproductions of Henri Cassini's contributions to the [Nouveau] Bulletin des Sciences par la Soci‚t‚ Philomatique de Paris. Sixty-five papers and 11 reviews, originally published between 1812 and 1821, are presented. Most of the papers deal with the Compositae; some present new species or genera, while others discuss diverse botanical topics.
King, Robert M., Paul C. Janaske, & David B. Lellinger (compilers). 1995. Cassini on Compositae III. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 55: [i]-vii, 1-507 pp. 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 0-915279-32-0. ISSN 0161-1542. Paper. Illus. $40 (USA), $43 (non-USA), plus postage & handling. — Volume III is a compilation of all the writings of Henri Cassini as they appeared in the Journal de Physique, de Chimie, d'Histoire Naturelle et des Arts from 1813 to 1823 and in the Annales des Sciences Naturelles from 1827 to 1831. Many of the articles are on the Compositae, but there are articles on other families such as the Poaceae and Brassicaceae. A Tableau Synoptique des Synanth‚r‚es is presented that outlines Cassini's taxonomic treatment of the Compositae, with the main characters for the tribes and sections summarized.
Koeltz Scientific Books, USA now has a web site. The URL is
Langmead, Clive. 1995. A Passion for Plants from the Rainforests of Brazil to Kew Gardens. The Life and Vision of Ghillean Prance, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Lion Publishing plc, Sandy Lane West, Oxford, England. ISBN 0-75459-2962-1. Cloth. Pp. 201 + index, illus. Price not given.
Mabberley, D. J., C. M. Pannell, & A. M. Sing. 1995. Meliaceae. Flora Malesiana, Series I — Spermatophyta, Flowering Plants, Volume 12 — Part 1. Foundation Flora Malesiana. Available from: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus, Publication Department, P.O. Box 9514, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. (fax: [31] 71/273511). ISBN 90-71236-26-9. Paper. Pp. 407, illus. Dfl. 100, plus postage & handling.
Mori, Scott A. & Nadja Cunha. 1995. The Lecythidaceae of a Central Amazonian Moist Forest. Memoirs of The New York Botanical Garden 75. Scientific Publications Department, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, USA. (telephone: 718/817- 8721; fax: 718/817-8842). ISBN 0-89327-396-1. Paper. Pp. 55, illus. $12.50, plus postage & handling. — Available December 1995.
Rangel Ch., J. Orlando (ed.). 1995. Colombia. Diversidad Bi¢tica I. Clima. Centros de Concentracion de Especies. Fauna Reptiles, Aracnidos, Himenopteros. Editorial Guadalupe Ltda., Apartado 29765, Santaf‚ de Bogot D.C., Colombia. ISBN 958-608-112-5. Paper. Pp. 442, illus. Price not given.
Roalson, Eric H. & Kelly W. Allred (eds.). 1995. A Working Index of New Mexico Vascular Plant Names. Edition 1. New Mexico State University, Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 702: 1-254. ISBN not given. Paper. $5 (supplements mailed as they accrue) and Supplement 1:1 (August 23, 1995). [17 pp.]. ISBN not given. Paper. Both available from: Range Science Herbarium, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Box 3I, Rm. 202 Knox Hall, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA. (telephone: 505/646-1042; e-mail: kallred@nmsu.edu). — The editors view the Index as an ongoing project and they envision periodic supplements. In fact, within a month of publishing the Index the first supplement was issued. The editors chose Martin and Hutchins' A Flora of New Mexico (1980-1981) as the "starting point" for their Index. They also account for all names published in the earlier Flora of New Mexico (1915) by Wooton and Standley. The number of taxa treated in each catalog varies. The present work (excluding the addendum) recognizes 922 genera and 3433 species. After a brief introduction, notes on how to use the Index (including information on how to contribute corrections, changes, and/or clarifications), and lists of "Names Needing Verification," the editors present the nomenclatural information alphabetically by family, genus, and species [grouped in the following sequence: "Ferns and Fern Allies," "Gymnosperms," and "Angiosperms" (Dicots first and then Monocots). The editors also provide a "Statistical Summary," "Verifying References," and an "Index to Names of Families and Genera."
Steyermark, Julian A., Paul E. Berry, & Bruce K. Holst (general eds.). 1995-x. Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana. Timber Press & The Missouri Botanical Garden. Available from: 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). The following two volumes are now available:
Berry, Paul E., Bruce K. Holst, & Kay Yatskievych (volume eds.). 1995. Volume 1. Introduction. ISBN 0-88192-313-3. Pp. 319, illus. (incl. envelope with 2 maps). $52.50 (USA), $54.50 (non- USA), plus $3 handling fee per order (postage paid).
Berry, Paul E., Bruce K. Holst, & Kay Yatskievych (volume eds.). 1995. Volume 2. Pteridophytes, Spermatophytes (Acanthaceae- Araceae). ISBN 0-88192-326-5. Pp. 706, illus. $67.50 (USA), $69.50 (non-USA), plus $3 handling fee per order (postage paid). Timber Press, Inc., 133 S.W. Second Ave., Suite 450, Portland, OR 97204-3527, USA. (telephone: 503/227-2878 or 800/327-5680; fax: 503/227-3070; e-mail: orders@timber-press. com). — Please note the new e-mail address for ordering Timber Press books.
Turner, H. 1995. Cladistic and Biogeographic Analyses of Arytera Blume and Mischarytera gen. nov. (Sapindaceae) with Notes on Methodology and a full Taxonomic Revision. Blumea Supplement 9: 1- 230. Available from: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus, Publications Department, P.O. Box 9514, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-71236-27-7. Paper. Illus. Dfl. 100,00, plus postage & handling.
U.K. Systematics Forum Review 1994-95. Available from: Emma Watson, UK Systematics Forum, c/o The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd., London, SW7 5BD, England. (telephone: [44] 71/938 9522; fax: [44] 71/938 9531; e-mail: ew@nhm.ac.uk). — The U.K. Systematics Forum was set up in February 1994 and has been involved in several projects, all with the aim of promoting communication and coordination within the systematics community. These activities include: setting up a database of U.K. systematic expertise and current research; a national workshop to discuss criteria for priorities in systematic research and training; and a series of meetings aimed to coordinate the care of natural history collections within the U.K. As well as summarizing these activities, the report considers specific issues important to systematics and natural history collections. The report will also be available on the Internet, accessible from The Natural History Museum Home Page (URL:
NEW POSTER
SERIAL
NEWSLETTERS
Giles, Jonathan (ed.). 1995. OTS Liana. The Organization for Tropical Studies Newsletter. Summer/Fall 1995: 1-24. Available from: North American Office (NAO), Box 90630, Durham, NC 27708- 0630, USA. (telephone: 919/684-5774; fax: 919/684-5661; e-mail: nao@acpub. duke.edu). — The Organization for Tropical Studies, Inc. (OTS) is a nonprofit consortium of 54 universities and research institutions in the USA, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. This issue of the OTS newsletter includes, among other items, notices concerning the Las Cruces Biological Station [see ASPT Newsletter 9(1): 11. 1995]; student research at La Selva; and course application deadlines.
Goetghebeur, P. & D. A. Simpson (eds.). 1995. Cyperaceae Newsletter No. 14: 1-32. March 1995. Available from: D. A. Simpson, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. ISSN 0775-1400. Subscription (voluntary): œ6 (cash or bank draft) or US $8 (cash only). — This is an attractively packaged and very useful newsletter devoted to sedges. The main features are: "Research News," "Requests and Exchanges," "News and Notices," "Notulae Cyperoligicae" (i.e., short research notes), "New Names in Cyperaceae," and "Recent Publications in Cyperology." The formats of the last two items resemble those of the Index Kewensis and the Kew Index to Taxonomic Literature, respectively. "Recent Publications" are organized by subject, geography, and genus.
Richter, Gretchen (ed.). 1995. S&T Budget Battles 1(1): 1-6. August 1995. Available from: Directorate for Science and Policy Programs, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1333 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005, USA. (telephone: 202/326-6600; fax: 202/289-4950; e-mail:science_policy@aaas. org). — Although the Federal fiscal year runs from 1 October through 30 September, Congress and the President have yet to agree on a FY96 budget. The US Government is operating now on a continuing resolution. In the proposed House budget, all research and development (i.e., science) programs will be cut when compared to FY95 appropriations. This news-letter was designed to present an overview of actions various science and engineering organizations are taking in response to the federal science and technology (S&T) budget situation. It may be too late to influence FY96 budget decisions, but your access to Federally funded grants is affected by these budget deliberations.
This is the end of ASPT Newsletter Volume 9(4), October 1995
AMSIE '96, The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting and Science Innovation Exposition, will be held from 8-13 February 1996 at the Convention Center and The Hyatt Regency and Stouffers hotels in Baltimore, MD, USA. Program information is available on the AAAS Web Site:
Type Specimens. — Distributed search and dataset retrieval options have been added to the botanical Type Specimen Register menu on the Smithsonian's Natural History Internet Server
Rexford F. Daubenmire (1909-1995), a widely-recognized expert in plant ecology, died at his home in Mount Plymouth, FL, USA on 26 August 1995. Dr. Daubenmire was born in Coldwater, OH, USA on 12 December 1909. He received a bachelor's degree from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA in 1930; a master's degree from the University of Colorado in 1932; and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota in 1935. He taught at the University of Idaho for 10 years and then, in 1946, joined the Washington State University faculty. He remained at the university in Pullman for 29 years and became professor emeritus of botany after his retirement. Dr. Daubenmire's research involved classifying the forest and grassland vegetation of the Pacific Northwest. His classification scheme, once considered radical, emphasized the potential vegetation of an area, rather than what vegetation existed after human intervention. Two of his books, Plants and Environment: A Textbook of Plant Autecology (1947) and Plant Communities: A Textbook of Plant Synecology (1968) served as standard reference texts for university students. Dr. Daubenmire is survived by his wife and a daughter. — (Abstracted from The New York Times, 8 September 1995).
Dr. Michael J. Wynne of the University of Michigan will be the first scientist to visit St. Kitts (St. Christopher & Nevis), West Indies, under the auspices of the Tropical Island Biology program administered by Walter L. Meagher. The program fosters development of as many organismal inventories as possible so that this small-island (68 sq. miles with coral reefs, dry forest, rain forest, elfin forest, and volcanic craters) will be better known. Dr. William Buck (New York Botanical Garden) is coming to St. Kitts, under auspices of Tropical Island Biology, to collect mosses in March, 1996. Inquiries may be addressed to: P.O. Box 1088, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
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.
Agashe, Shripad N. 1995. Paleobotany. Plants of the Past, their Evolution, Paleoenvironment and Application in Exploration of Fossil Fuels. Science Publishers, Inc., 52 LaBombard Rd. North, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA. ISBN 1-886106-08-8. Cloth. Pp. vi + 359, illus. $55, plus postage & handling.
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. [1995]. Sustainable Forest Products: Opportunity Within Crisis. Available from: Michael B. Jenkins, Associate Director, World Environment and Resources Program, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, 140 South Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60603, USA. (telephone: 312/726-8000; e-mail: 4answers@macfdn.org). — The poster, designed as a matrix, is an attempt to describe the key players, issues, and external influences that affect the forest products industry. It was developed under the direction of the World Environment Resources Program of the MacArthur Foundation principally to assist the directors of that program make funding decisions around the issue of sustainable natural forest management.
Robert P. McIntosh, Editor of The American Midland Naturalist, has assembled back issues of the journal that are nearly complete from 1974 to 1981 and complete thereafter to 1993 except for one issue. He would like to make these available to institutions in developing countries that have need of such a journal. The sets are available for the costs of shipping (ca. $25 in the USA, higher overseas). If you are interested, please contact: Dr. Robert P. McIntosh, Editor, The American Midland Naturalist, Room 285 GLSC, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5645, USA. (telephone: 219/631-7481).
Correa, Mireya & Noris Salazar (eds.). 1995. Bolet¡n Informativo Red de Herbarios de Mesoam‚rica y el Caribe 1(1): [1-4]. September 1995. [Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama]. Available from: Mireya Correa (fax: [507] 232-5978; e- mail: stri.tivoli.corream@ic.si.edu) or Noris Salazar (fax: [507] 232-5978; e-mail: stri.tivoli. salazarn@ic.si.edu). — This bulletin is one of the results of a March 1995 meeting, "Reuni¢n T‚cnica para Diagnosticar el Estado Actual de los Herbarios en Am‚rica Central y el Caribe," held in Panama and is in large part a plea for more regional cooperation.