Lepismium

Abstract: Korotkova N., Zabel L., Quandt D. & Barthlott W.: A phylogenetic analysis of Pfeiffera and the reinstatement of Lymanbensonia as an independently evolved lineage of epiphytic Cactaceae within a new tribe Lymanbensonieae. — Willdenowia 40: 151–172, S1–S4. — Online ISSN 1868–6397; © 2010 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.40.40201 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Pfeiffera is a genus of epiphytic, terrestrial and epilithic cacti. Its acceptance, circumscription and closest relatives have been debated. In the context of a phylogenetic survey of epiphytic cacti, we have studied relationships in Pfeiffera, sampling eight of nine species and using sequence data from three group II introns (trnK, rpl16, trnG), four intergenic spacers (psbA-trnH, trnQ-rpsl6, rps3-rpl16, trnS-trnG) and the rapidly evolving gene matK of the plastid genome. Phylogenetic analyses revealed Pfeiffera to be polyphyletic, comprising two unrelated lineages, both highly supported. One clade includes the type species, P. ianthoth...

Abstract: Rhipsalis cereuscula Haw., Rhipsalis floccosa subsp. hohenauensis (F. Ritter) Barthlott et N. P. Taylor and Lepismium cruciforme (Vellozo) Miquel are obligatory epiphytes that occur frequently on tree trunks of remnant forests in Maringa, Parana state, Brazil. Morphological and anatomical analyses regarding the seedlings were carried out. The seedlings were prepared according to techniques of resin inclusions and histochemical tests. Seedlings were phanerocotyledonar and originated from seeds with operculum. The root was diarch and the hypocotyl presented transition root-stem structure. The cotyledons were sessile, reduced, with homogeneous mesophyll. The epicotyl (phylloclade) presented a lot of parenchyma and reduced vascular cylinder. The 3 studied species showed anatomical characteristics similar to those described for species of Lepismium and Rhipsalis as well as other cacti.