Department of Systematic Biology - Botany & Special.S. Symposium National Issue Herbarium - The Plant Press

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New Series - Vol. 6 - No. 2 April-June 2003

Botany Profile The Temperature of Southeast Asian Botany By Robert DeFilipps n 28-29 March, an enthusiastic remarks by Kress who announced the gonensis are believed to have been group of scientists convened in launching of the Smithsonian Botanical denizens of aquatic habitats (lots of fish the National Museum of Natural Exploration Fund, and by David Evans, fossils nearby) where they lived from OHistory in order to take the temperature Undersecretary for Science, who expressed 126-147 million years ago, and are mono- and feel the pulse of modern Southeast a hope that the ecious with a tepa- Asian botany. They found the subject to annual symposia loid perianth, 4- be in a mostly sustainable and thriving will continue for thecous anthers condition, though faced with some many years. The and monosulcate problems and desirous of additional much-awaited pollen, highly international cooperation to fulfill its presentation of dissected leaves many goals. the José Cuatrecasas Medal for Excellence that fork dichotomously at the apex, and The occasion was the Third Annual in Tropical Botany was conducted by hollow stems. Tracing of the morphologi- Smithsonian Botanical Symposium, and Laurence Dorr and the honored recipient cal characteristics of the plants puts the chosen subject was “Botanical Fron- of the medal was John Beaman, now them in a phylogenetic position some- tiers in Southeast Asia: from the Discov- working at the Royal Botanic Gardens, where between Ephedra and Amborella. ery of the Earliest Flowering Plants to the Kew. Beaman’s prolific research career has The ancient flowers of the Chinese Sequencing of the Rice Genome.” The spanned the realms of Mexican floristics, Archaefructus are actinomorphic, and speakers from around the world explored taxonomy of the Asteraceae, and most Dilcher explained that zygomorphy only numerous new developments in collabo- recently the complex plant communities of happened 60 million years after the rative biodiversity research, which Mount Kinabalu, Borneo and environs. evolution of flowers. He also reminded the audience of the important role of includes facets of paleobotany, floristic he nature of paleobotanical “cooperative evolution” between animals composition, ethnobotany, genome tech- research on the earliest known and angiosperms which has benefited nology and tropical forest structure. As flowering plants was discussed by human populations, as an intimate part of noted by W. John Kress, Head of Botany, TDavid L. Dilcher (University of Florida) the feeding of the world. these studies are operational within an and Ge Sun (Jilin University, China). The The next subject to be assayed was environmental framework that includes presentations revolved around the dis- the ethnobotany of tropical agrodiversity huge increases in land clearing, industrial covery of two species of Archaefructus, expansion, and surging population and forestry management, which was the earliest known flowering plants (angio- presented by Christine Padoch (New growth which often cause casualties in sperms), from geological strata where the the health of ecosystems. It is now pro- York Botanical Garden), who announced Jurassic and Cretaceous meet in the Yixian the regrettable absence of team-mate jected that in the future there will remain formation of Heilongjiang Province, north- less than 1 hectare of arable land per Kuswata Kartawinata of Jakarta, Indone- eastern China. The plants shared a strange sia. Padoch illuminated the endeavors of person in Southeast Asia (1 hectare = 2.5 world with feathered dinosaurs such as acres). local people in the community of Bagak Sinosauropteryx, and were not too far Sawah in Kalimantan, Indonesia, as “eco- After an opening reception on 28 away in time from another plant of the March at the United States Botanic system managers” due to the numerous Jurassic which had been named Prob- forms of plant cultivation they have Garden (one sponsor of the Symposium), lematospermum due to its puzzling (i.e., the whole day of 29 March was devoted practiced over the years. In the face of “problematic”) identity. much forest conversion, deadly forest to presentations by teams of speakers. The closed-carpelled ancient plants Continued on page 18 They were preceded by welcoming named Archaefructus sinensis and A. lian- Travel

Vicki Funk traveled to Mesquite, work on an upcoming book on the vines of Christian Feuillet traveled to Cayenne, Nevada (1/4–1/7) to present a paper at the Puerto Rico. French Guiana (2/13–3/5) to attend the International Biogeography Society; to W. John Kress traveled to Naples, Flora of the Guianas Advisory Board Pretoria, South Africa (1/7–1/25) to collect Florida (2/6–2/9) to speak at the Naples meeting and to conduct field work with Asteraceae specimens in the Free State Botanical Garden and to conduct fund members of the Passiflora Society Interna- and Lesotho and to present a talk at the raising for Botany; and to Durham, North tional. First International Meeting of Deep Carolina (2/21–2/22) to attend the 8th Warren Wagner traveled to Paris, Achene: The International Compositae Annual Ph.D. Career Symposium at Duke France (2/25–3/5) to attend a meeting for Alliance; to the University of Queensland, University. the Species Plantarum Project and to Brisbane, Australia (2/24–3/13) to work Robert Faden traveled to London, conduct research at the Paris Natural with colleagues on analyzing biodiversity England (2/8–3/13) to study specimens of History Museum. data from the Guianas and to collect Commelinaceae at the Royal Botanical Mark and Diane Littler traveled to Asteraceae with staff from the Queensland Gardens, Kew, in connection with work on Panama City, Panama (3/11–3/26) to Herbarium; and to the University of Hawaii the Flora of Tropical East Africa. conduct ongoing research at Bocas del at Manoa (3/12–4/2) to work with col- Alain Towaide traveled to Tempe, Toro. leagues on DNA data from the Asteraceae Arizona (2/13–2/15) to present a paper at Robert DeFilipps traveled to Dominica and to collect weedy Asteraceae. the annual conference of the Arizona (3/14–3/22) to attend meetings for prepara- Paul Peterson and Robert Soreng Center for Medieval and Renaissance tion of a Dominica National Biodiversity traveled throughout Argentina (1/8–2/15) Studies; to New York City, New York (2/21) Plan; for future plans of the Springfield to collect grass specimens. to present a paper at the annual meeting of Environmental Research Center; and to Pedro Acevedo traveled to Raleigh, the College of Arts of America; to Durham, consult on a planned visitors outpost at North Carolina (1/10) to attend a graduate North Carolina (2/22) to present a paper at Fond Melle. committee meeting for Alex Krings; to the Southern Association for the History Cayenne, French Guiana (2/13–3/2) to of Sciences and Medicine; to New York attend the Flora of the Guianas Advisory City, New York (3/17–3/21) to chair a panel Board meeting and to conduct field work; at the Biennial Meeting of the Society for and to Bronx, New York (3/17–3/18) to Textual Scholarship; and to Toronto, Canada (3/29) to chair a session at the annual meeting of the Renaissance Society The Plant Press of America. Laurence Skog traveled to Cayenne, New Series - Vol. 6 - No. 2 French Guiana (2/13–2/25) to attend the Flora of Guianas Advisory Board meeting Head of Botany and to work with colleagues on W. John Kress ([email protected]) Gesneriaceae; and to Sarasota, Florida (2/ 25–3/1) to do research at the Marie Selby EDITORIAL STAFF Botanical Gardens.

Co-Editors Gary Krupnick Visitors ([email protected]) Robert DeFilipps Victor Albert, Botanical Garden, Univer- Susanne Renner, University of Missouri, ([email protected]) sity of Oslo, Norway; Lamiaceae (1/16-1/ St. Louis; Melastomataceae, News Contacts 17). Hernandiaceae, Monimiaceae (3/7-3/9). MaryAnn Apicelli, Robert Faden, Ellen Farr, George Russell, Alice Tangerini, and Genevieve Kline, Northern Illinois Univer- Philomena Vieira, Museu Nacional, Brazil; Elizabeth Zimmer sity; Agrimonia (Rosaceae) (1/27). Ficus (Moraceae) (3/10-5/10).

The Plant Press is a quarterly publication Robert Raguso, University of South Francisco Morales, INBio; Apocynaceae provided free of charge. If you would like to be Carolina; Onagraceae phylogeny and (3/15-3/26). added to the mailing list, please contact Gary pollination biology (2/5-2/9). Krupnick at: Department of Systematic Ihsan Al-Shehbaz, Missouri Botanical Biology - Botany, Smithsonian Institution, PO Patricia Barlow-Irick, University of New Garden, St. Louis; Arabis (Brassicaceae), Box 37012, NMNH MRC-166, Washington, DC 20013-7012, or by e-mail: krupnick.gary@ Mexico; Cirsium, Carduus, Cnicus Flora North America (3/24-3/30). nmnh.si.edu. (Asteraceae) (2/10-2/14). Jun Wen, Field Museum, Chicago; Asian Web site: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/botany Charles Zartman, Duke University; and Pacific Araliaceae (3/24-3/30). Epiphyllous liverworts (2/10-4/30). Continued on page 7

Page 2 Botanical Frontiers in Southeast Asia Chair he world is currently in a state of conflict and natural environments and biodiversity. In fact in Laos, strife. Most immediate is the turmoil in the now less than 40 percent of the country is forested, Middle East, but violence and factionalism are down from 70 percent in 1940; in Cambodia, over 70 Tpresent in many places around the world. The economic percent of the timber export volume consists of With and environmental impacts of these conflicts are some- unreported logs; and in Vietnam all substantial forest times obvious and sometimes not. Political diplomacy cover could be lost by 2020 if the current rate of and interchange, concurrent with this increase in deforestation continues. With respect to marine A conflict, appear to have reached a significant nadir as habitats, it is predicted that as a result of anthropo- well. It is, therefore, important that as scientists and genic stresses in the form of pollution, sedimentation, educators we pursue and maintain dialog and discus- and direct physical alteration the complete destruction sion among scholars, citizens, and nations. In a time of of Southeast Asian coral reefs will take place by 2030. View irrationality, we need rational thought and discourse. In All of these predictions suggest that over the next a time of global uncertainty, we need concrete ideas for half-century Southeast Asia will experience one of the the future. In a time of confrontation and conflict, we most significant transformations on Earth in every need international collaboration. The 2003 Smith-sonian aspect of society and nature. It is therefore appropriate Botanical Symposium marked the third annual gathering and imperative that we review and evaluate the state of W. at our Museum of systematists and natural history the biodiversity research is this region. In fact over the John biologists with the purpose of discussing issues of last decade significant new biodiversity discoveries importance to us as scientists and as members of and advances have taken place in the plant sciences in Kress society. the tropical areas of Southeast Asia through the Our Symposium this year addressed environmental collaborative efforts of local and foreign scientists. issues in one of the fastest growing regions of the Exploration in many remote and poorly surveyed world: Southeast Asia. Why should we be focusing on regions in such countries as Laos, Cambodia, and botany in Southeast Asia? A few facts and predictions Myanmar is uncovering new taxa of plants and animals about the present state and future economic, social, and expanding the inventory of biodiversity. At the and environmental outlook for this region provide same time in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and ready answers to this question: the Philippines innovative field and laboratory investi- 1) The population of Southeast Asia was only one gations have led to great strides in our understanding third the size of Europe’s in 1950 (182 million of the ecological complexity of habitats as well as the compared to 547 million in Europe), but by 2050, evolutionary history and genetic diversity of plants in the population of Southeast Asia is projected to this region. Despite these innovations the increasing be 25 percent larger than Europe’s (786 million rate of destruction of pristine environments necessi- vs. 628 million). tates rapid conservation action throughout the region. As you will read in this issue of The Plant Press the By the year 2020, ASEAN will be one of the five 2) 2003 Smithsonian Botanical Symposium successfully largest economic powers in the world after brought together botanists from around the world for NAFTA, EU, China, and Japan. discussion and scientific exchange about the numer- 3) As a specific example of economic growth, Thai- ous new developments in our knowledge of plant land by 2005 will be the world’s fastest-growing diversity in Southeast Asia. Topics included recent vehicle exporter producing over 700,000 vehicles fossil discoveries of the earliest angiosperms, ethnobo- per year. tanical surveys and agricultural practices, systematics 4) By 2010, Vietnam will have 8.47 million new and floristics, forest structure, conservation, and fixed phones, 1.61 million mobile phone sub- breakthroughs in genome technology. The subjects scribers, and 770,000 local Internet subscrib- were diverse, but the results were unequivocal: the ers, which is an increase over today’s number of increase in scientific knowledge is keeping pace and 473 percent, 375 percent, and 962 percent, must continue to accelerate with economic growth and respectively, in each of those areas. social advancement in this region. At the end of the day we appreciated that speakers 5) Seven of the ten largest cities will be in Asia by the year 2050. Continued on page 10 6) As populations and economies increase, sup- plies of land, water and firewood are shrinking such that by 2020 Southeast Asia will have less than one hectare of arable land per person. Clearly these major changes in economic structure and social organization will have profound effects on

Page 3 and Leptophyllochloa micrantha (E. Dominica has recently caused some of the Staff Desv.) C.E. Calderón were located. Along endangered red-necked Amazona parrots the way the group visited the large glacier to seek food in the orange groves of the Research “Perito Moreno,” Mount Fitz Roy, Estancia island, while normally forest-dwelling Tucu Tucu, Lago Los Niños, Baños de agoutis and manicous (opossums) are Queñi, Paseo Pino Hachado, and Rio coming into towns to eat tannias and Robert Faden worked at the herbarium of Nahuéve. pineapples. the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew from 10 On 28 February, DeFilipps and Beverly February to 12 March. He continued his Wolpert (graduate student at George studies of tropical African Commelinaceae, Washington University) presented a primarily in connection with the Flora of lecture on “Medicinal Plants of Haiti” at Tropical East Africa and Flora Zambesi- the US Botanic Garden. Wolpert is aca, which collectively cover the area investigating the anthelmintic (vermifuge) between Ethiopia in the north and South characteristics of plants used in Haiti to Africa. This is the richest area for Com- expel intestinal hookworms. melinaceae worldwide. On this trip, the research focused on the paleotropical Gary Krupnick presented a seminar genus Cyanotis and cosmopolitan entitled “A Test of Southeast Asian Commelina. The highlights of the findings Conservation Hotspots and Ecoregions include the discovery that Cyanotis Using Taxonomic Data” to the Plant speciosa, which ranges from Tanzania to Conservation Alliance (PCA) in Arlington, southern South Africa and Madagascar, Virginia, on 12 March. The PCA is a may consist of five subspecies, three in consortium of ten federal government Africa and two in Madagascar. The member agencies and over 145 non-federal northernmost subspecies was found to Staff Activities cooperators representing various disci- differ from the others in having a bulbous plines within the conservation field. PCA base and will be described as a new works collectively to solve the problems Robert DeFilipps subspecies. The misunderstood Cyanotis visited Dominica on 14- of native plant extinction and native somaliensis, native to a very small area in 22 March. He attended group discussions habitat restoration. northern Somalia but possibly widespread conducted by Merle Shepard (Clemson in cultivation, was studied from herbarium University), director of the Springfield/ On 24 January, museum scientists Conrad John Kress specimens and liquid-preserved flowers. Archbold Science Center, regarding plans Labandeira (Paleobiology), Field collected, living material is being sent for revitalization of this important biologi- (Botany), Ted Schultz (Entomology) and Paula DePriest to the Smithsonian by Kew for further cal field research station at Springfield (Botany) discussed research on the variation in this species. Estate; attended group meetings with coevolution among a variety of plants and Additionally, a very old problem in Clayton Shillingford, president of the animals, in the program Coevolution, at

Commelina was solved. A somewhat Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Museum of Natural History mysterious and previously poorly defined concerning preparation of a comprehen- Film and Lecture Series. DePriest spoke Commelina that ranges from southern sive report on a biodiversity capacity about lichen, a unique mutualism between Somalia to northern Mozambique was development program for the environment fungi and algae. Ancient plant-insect determined to be a Madagascan species. of Dominica; and met with Fitz Shillingford, interactions were the focus of Laban- facilities manager of Emerald Pool, regard- deira’s talk. The tight fight between Paul Peterson and Robert Soreng visited ing the proposed development of a Heliconia plants and their hummingbird Argentina on 8 January to 15 February to scientific visitors outpost at Fond Melle. pollinators was illustrated in a talk by collect grasses in Patagonia. With the help DeFilipps obtained several young Kress. Finally, Schultz described how of students Manuel Belgrano (Darwinion) containerized specimens of “Pride of attine ants have mastered the art of and Nancy Refulio-Rodriguez (Rancho Burma” (Amherstia nobilis, Caesalpini- cultivation in their interactions with fungi Santa Ana Botanic Garden), Peterson and aceae), a tree producing racemes up to 3 and bacteria. The audience included Soreng traveled to Rio Gallegos (Provincia feet long with brilliant vermilion and yellow public visitors, staff, and visiting scien- Santa Cruz) then began collecting north flowers, for cultivation at his pandanetum tists. along the Andes through Provincias on Rosalie Estate. The parent tree in the Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and La Roseau Botanical Garden had apparently Pampa. They collected 486 numbers of been triggered to produce seeds by an grasses, 133 of these in silica for later unseasonably dry spell in the weather molecular studies. Many interesting some time ago, a fortuitous event since the species of Poa, Calamagrostis, Bromus, plants are said to rarely produce a pod Trisetum, and Festuca were found, and even in their native Myanmar (Burma). two endemics: Relchela panicoides Steud. Gradual deforestation in parts of

Page 4 Awards & Grants

Dan Nicolson and visiting botanist Alain Paul Peterson and Susan Pennington Exhibition Services and book are also Touwaide were awarded a grant from the (contractor) were awarded a grant from the planned. Smithsonian Women’s Committee to Smithsonian Women’s Committee to Elizabeth Zimmer digitize the text and illustrations from prepare an on-line exhibit and archive has been awarded a books from the Renaissance (15th and 16th exploring the life and work of botanist small grant from the Magnolia Society. The centuries) that deal with plants used for Mary Agnes Chase through the natural proposal for the grant was entitled medicinal purposes. The study aims to history of the grasses closely associated “Linking Cultural History with Natural build a prototype of a computerized data with her, introducing the public to a History: Population Genetic Surveys of base dealing with a limited number of pioneering woman scientist and assem- Magnolia virginiana (Sweet Bay Magno- plants selected on the basis of their bling a collection of material that would be lia).” historical significance. Texts and illustra- of significant interest to teachers, stu- tions will be digitized, original Latin texts dents, scientists, and historians. Re- will be translated into English, and the nowned botanist, illustrator and author, material will be provided with relevant Mary Agnes Chase (1869-1963) devoted 70 historical data. This program complements years to studying grasses, the family of Towaide’s database on texts and illustra- plants that provides everything from the tions of plants in ancient Greek manu- putting greens on our golf courses to the scripts. The databases will be made bread on our tables, whether it is wheat available through the Internet and will toast, tortillas, or rice cakes. The exhibit constitute a unique reference work for will answer the question of why she spent further research. Books will come from the her life studying these important plants, SI collections, particularly the Joseph F. and why this “living” collection of dried Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History and plant specimens at the Smithsonian is still the Dibner Library. Technical support will important in the twenty-first century. A be provided by the Smithsonian Institution traveling panel exhibit through the Library Imaging Center. Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling

Yellow Rose Commemorates the Space Shuttle Columbia In the week following the Space Shuttle Columbia accident in February, visitors to the National Air and Space Museum left many floral bouquets near the space shuttle exhibit in tribute to the seven astronauts (Colonel Rick Husband; Lt. Colonel Michael Anderson; Commander Laurel Clark; Captain David Brown; Commander William McCool; Dr. Kalpana Chawla; and Ilan Ramon, a Colonel in the Israeli Air Force). Several bouquets featured yellow roses, symbolic of the astronauts’ home base in Texas. To preserve one of these roses, Valerie Neal, curator of space history, looked for expertise elsewhere in the Smithsonian, and found it in the Botany section of the National Museum of Natural History. The rose was carefully pressed by Deborah Bell and mounted by volunteer Mary Ellen Wiser. The specimen will now be part of the permanent collection of artifacts, joining a white rose that was preserved after the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger Botany volunteer Mary Ellen Wiser holds the commemorative rose specimen. (Photo by accident. Deborah Bell)

Page 5 Unifying the Botany and Horticulture Libraries By Robert DeFilipps with chairs are provided for the comfort of adjacent to each other, with the A.S. In March 2003, the Smithsonian patrons in the new Horticulture area. Hitchcock collection of grass books Horticulture Library (ca. 7,000 volumes, Those interested in botanical history forming an interface, almost suggesting an established in the 1980s) was moved will not be disappointed, for in the ecotone, between them. In the future the across the National Mall from its location Horticulture section of the library there are Botany and Horticulture collections are in the Arts and Industries Building, and journals whose contents often bestride the hoped to be merged according to call was reassembled in the Botany Branch twin disciplines of botany and horticulture. numbers designated in Botany, when Library (ca. 52,000 volumes, established Examples of such convergence are articles sufficient finances become available. Rare 1964-1965) in the National Museum of in “Garden History,” a British journal, that Books in Horticulture are kept in the same Natural History. The result is a new, encompass intriguing topics like the place as those of Botany, namely in the strengthened entity, the Botany/Horticul- gardens of the Empress Josephine, whose Cullman Library, situated on the ground ture Library. Having these combined dedication to horticulture enabled her to floor of the new East Court Building, resources under one roof will benefit the be instrumental in plant exchanges (plant National Museum of Natural History. staff members of both Botany and Horti- introductions) from across the world, culture, as well as visiting researchers. destined for her incredible gardens at Botany (the science of plants) and Malmaison, even during the Napoleonic horticulture (the science of growing Wars (5(3): 40-46. 1977); and, historical plants) are so closely related in some ethnobotany as evidenced in an article on aspects, that any presupposed distinc- the concept of the garden in pre-Hispanic tions between the two fields tend to Mexico, depicting a Mayan clay sculpture become blurred under close examination. from Campeche of a homunculus-like deity Professional research interests of bota- arising from the spathe of a Philodendron nists often include plant families having (29(2): 185-213. 2001). ornamental or economic species that have The two huge collections, Botany and been brought into cultivation, while the Horticulture, are being kept separately for avocations of many botanists reside in the time being, but are shelved seamlessly gardening, and many horticulturists rely on straight botany in the conduct of their work. Plummers Island Plant List Posted on The range of subject matter in the field of horticulture is enormous. The library’s the Web holdings on gardening, for example, For nearly a hundred years, scientists previously reported. The Checklist can be include books about rock, bulb, kitchen, of the National Museum of Natural History searched or downloaded at the Web site. herb, bird, healing (hortitherapy), wild- and other agencies of the Washington, flower, tropical, water (aquascaping), DC, area have collaborated under the aegis English, cutting, and greenhouse garden- of the Washington Biologists’ Field Club ing. Books devoted to fruits, vegetables, to study the natural history of Plummers gardens from Alcatraz to the White House Island, Maryland, located in the Potomac and around the world, special flowers River just inside the Capital Beltway (I-495) (daffodils, daylilies, hosta, chrysanthe- in Montgomery County. The latest mums, etc.), public and private botanical contribution is the Checklist of the gardens and arboreta, floriculture, house Vascular Plants of Plummers Island plants, fountains and ornaments, flower prepared by Stanwyn Shetler, Sylvia Stone arranging including ikebana, insect pests Orli, and Marcie Beyersdorfer, a former and diseases, and plant propagation are volunteer. The Checklist has just been extensively covered in the newly created posted on the Botany Web site at . It is a complete listing, with house is not a “home” unless it is properly relevant annotations, of all the ferns and and attractively landscaped with a garden, fern allies, gymnosperms, and flowering the Botany/Horticulture Library includes plants ever recorded growing in the wild an ample representation of journals such on the island or adjacent mainland. The list The checklist includes plants such as this as “House and Garden” and “Landscape represents the first updating and revision Geranium carolinianum. This picture was Architecture.” Additionally, there are of this flora in 50 years. The total number taken in 1906 by an unknown photogra- dozens of VHS videotapes on a multitude of species recorded is 872, including 49 not of horticultural subjects. Two study carrels pher.

Page 6 from its original September 1884 collection, Report from the First International TICA now lost, and a drawing. Pseudohydrosme Meeting gabunensis Engl., is known only from the original (flowering) collection of October By Vicki Funk numbers, etc. The meeting will be followed 1881, a drawing, and a second collection by field trip(s) to the Pyrenees Mountains. The first international meeting of The by Josef Bogner (October 1973). That The group agreed that we should have International Compositae Alliance (TICA), collection led to an important discussion local TICA meetings whenever possible Deep Achene, took place 9-10 January, of the species, including the first descrip- and in conjunction with other national and 2003, and was hosted by the National tion (with photographs) of its leaves international meetings. Herbarium, NBI (Aroideana 4: 31-37. 1981). Bogner kindly The International Compositae Alliance Pretoria, South shared material of his collection of the would like to thank Dr. Marinda Koekemo- Africa. A total of spectacular inflorescence with the US er and her staff for their hard work, and the 30 synanther- National Herbarium. Bell’s recent collec- National Botanical Institute for hosting our ologists from tion, apparently the fourth ever of the meeting in their lovely new Education around the world genus, being alive, means more work can Centre. attended. The be done on this poorly known taxon. first day and the Anyone interested in being placed on morning of the the E-mail list should contact Vicki Funk second were ([email protected]) and anyone Visitors devoted to wishing to receive the Compositae News- Continued from page 2 presentations letter should contact Bertil Nordenstam and posters. The paper sessions and the (The Swedish Museum of Natural History, Rogier de Kok, Royal Botanic Gardens, business meeting were open to all inter- Department of Phanerogamic Botany, P.O. Kew; Vitex (Verbenaceae) (3/26-3/28). Box 50007, SE-104 05, Stockholm SWE- ested persons. The papers were organized Jennifer Dropkin, private individual; DEN). in a phylogenetic fashion beginning with Collections management (3/27). the base of the cladogram. The tribe with the most talks was the Anthemideae Martin Terry, Texas A&M University; followed by the Gnaphalieae. A very good Lophophora (Cactaceae) (3/27). discussion on the phylogeny of the family Alan Prather, Michigan State University; followed the presentations. Lamiaceae, Polemoniaceae (3/27-3/28). After the meeting 14 people partici- pated in a field trip (11-17 January) to Tom Wendt, University of Texas; Golden Gate National Park, Lesotho, Royal Piperaceae, Polygalaceae (3/27-3/28). Natal National Park and points in between. Collecting was allowed in most places. John Beaman, Royal Botanic Gardens, Many new and interesting plants were Kew; Flora of Mt. Kinabalu (3/28). seen and a good time was had by all. Andrew Henderson, New York Botanical Abstracts were distributed at the Garden, Bronx; Arecaceae (3/28). meeting but they will also be in the Com- positae Newsletter. The next international Rare African Aroid Carolyn Antonion, private individual; meeting will be held in Barcelona in June of Native plant conservation, Western herbal 2006 and will be sponsored by Alfonso Discovered among medicine (3/30). Susanna and Nuria Garcia-Jacas with Jinshaung Ma, Brooklyn Botanic Garden; assistance from their colleagues Santiago Collection Historical correspondence between Ortiz, Aixa Rivero-Guerra, Joan Valles, and On a recent visit to the Botany green- Chinese and American scientists (3/30). others. The purpose of the 2006 meeting house, Dan Nicolson delivered a dormant will be to produce a new version of the corm of Amorphophallus titanum donated Yiu-Man Chan, Chinese University of Heywood et al. volume (1977). The up- by Ted Bayer (Invertebrate Zoology). Hong Kong; Stemonaceae (3/30-4/1). coming treatment in The Families and Mike Bordelon showed him several Genera of Vascular Plants (Kubitzki, ed.) interesting aroids, including an unknown will provide an excellent basis for the collected in Gabon in March 2001 by development of a more theoretical volume. Deborah Bell and Steve Smith. Nicolson Most people expressed a desire for a recognized that the plant was of the format similar to the Heywood et al. subfamily Lasioideae. He was reasonably volume in that each major clade would be certain that it was, in fact, Pseudohy- covered with a chapter on morphology and drosme. This is interesting because this a chapter on the results of the molecular genus of two species was hitherto known analyses. It would also include cross only from three collections. Pseudohy- cutting chapters on pollen, chromosome drosme buettneri Engl., was known only

Page 7 DePriest Appointed as Advisory Staff Botany Assists in Scientist Examining Crime Paula DePriest has been appointed as Museum, as the two special scientific Evidence a scientist advisor in the Office of the advisors for the year. On 26 March, Botany was visited by Under Secretary for Science. The Smith- two officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, sonian Science Commission recommended Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with establishing this rotating position in their tiny bits of plant materials found on a report to the Board of Regents. As scien- crime scene and on a suspect to determine tific advisor, DePriest will be responsible if there was a connection. Stanwyn Shetler for helping to assess scientific progress and Dan Nicolson were asked by John and identifying scientific highlights in the Kress to examine the material. It was scientific units; organizing seminars and quickly determined that the two samples of meetings; coordinating educational and small thorns were almost certainly from a outreach programs; serving as liaison to blackberry, probably Rubus pensilvanicus. the Congress of Scholars and other The other, which they thought might be a advisory groups; and providing advice, grass, meant that Paul Peterson was guidance and information on sources of needed. Peterson took a look and said that science content for exhibit planning. it was not a grass. Suddenly it was realized DePriest’s appointment is for one year. that these tiny bits (less than 1 cm long), DePriest joins Robert Craddock, a geolo- were from red cedar (Juniperus virgini- gist at the Center for Earth and Planetary ana). All involved were delighted. Studies at the National Air and Space

Guide Book to South Pacific Reef Plants Published

Identifying marine plants in the South Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Great emphasize the characters that enhance Pacific is now easier thanks to a new book Barrier Reef. More than 370 stunning visual identification. A specimen can thus South Pacific Reef Plants: A Divers’ Guide underwater photographs showcase the be “picture-keyed” initially, then positively to the Plant Life of major seaweeds. identified by using the dichotomous keys South Pacific Over 70 additional in conjunction with the key characters. Coral Reefs, images depict The book is available at . Littler and Mark phenomena” in M. Littler (2003; photographic OffShore Graphics, sidebars. Inc., Washington, South Pacific D.C.). Reef Plants features The purpose of underwater color this guide is to photographs of make marine plant each plant on the identification right facing pages, possible for both with a list of key the sport diving characters to the community and left of each photo. professional The location and marine scientists depth of every who venture into photograph is the fascinating given at the bottom undersea realm of left corner. The South Pacific reefs. descriptions, Depicted are the habitat information, major species distributions and found during more than 2,200 SCUBA notes of interest appear directly across on dives over a 10-year period throughout the left facing page to facilitate identifica- Tahiti, Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji, Solomon tion. The photographs were selected to

Page 8 Checklist of Myanmar (Burma) Plants Published By Robert DeFilipps from around the world also participated, W. John Kress, Robert DeFilipps, and cooperators in Myanmar extended the Ellen Farr and Daw Yin Yin Kyi have benefit of their local expertise, particularly published “A Checklist of the Trees, of the forest flora. Shrubs, Herbs, and Climbers of Myanmar” Myanmar is perhaps most well known (2003, Contributions from the United to the public as the home of the “Rangoon States National Herbarium 45: 1-590). A creeper” (Combretum indicum, Combreta- thoroughly revised and expanded edition, ceae); of the commercially important teak built upon a foundation laid principally by trees (Tectona grandis, Verbenaceae); and H.G. Hundley and U Chit Ko Ko in four of the leguminous tree known as “Queen previous versions (1912-1987), the of Flowering Trees” and “Pride of Burma,” Checklist increases the combined known Amherstia nobilis, now cultivated in many gymnosperm and angiosperm flora by tropical countries as a breathtaking approximately 67 percent above the latest ornamental. The country was, in past previous estimate. In the Checklist are 273 decades, the destination of some of the families, 2,371 genera and over 11,800 most intrepid plant collectors in history, species. Notes on the habit, distribution who returned to the West with many and common names are provided for each previously unknown or rare plants of species. economic potential. Myanmar was the Included are a brief review of the stomping grounds of Joseph F. Rock in the geology, climate, and vegetation of 1920s as he searched for seeds of the Myanmar by Shirley Maina; 25 color chaulmoogra tree (Hydnocarpus kurzii, tently between 1914 and 1956, searching photographs of representative vegetation Flacourtiaceae), whose constituent seed- for plants of horticultural interest, and types and selected plant species by Kress; oil acids are an efficacious cure for described in the book Frank Kingdon- and a vegetation map presented in crisp leprosy; seeding trees were finally found Ward: The Last of the Great Plant Hunt- color through the skills of Ida Lopez. at Kyokta in northwest Burma and formed ers, by Charles Lyte (1989; John Murray, Numerous members of Botany assisted the germplasm for chaulmoogra planta- London). variously with inventorying specimens in tions in Hawaii. Rock described his The sheer magnitude of biodiversity of the US and Myanmar herbaria; computer- exciting search in a 1922 article in the the flora of Myanmar, and its potential for ization of records; and curatorial review of National Geographic 41(3): 242-276. Even taxonomic research, conservation-based plant families in areas of their research more famed are the many expeditions of management, and horticultural investiga- specialization. Many reviewers of families Frank Kingdon-Ward in Myanmar intermit- tions, may be glimpsed in the Checklist through such examples as the 118 species of Dendrobium orchids; 194 species of Rhododendron; 46 species of Impatiens; 47 species of Begonia; 57 species of primroses (Primula), and 48 species of jasmine (Jasminum, Oleaceae). There are also 91 species of figs (Ficus), and 51 species representing the clove genus Syzygium (Myrtaceae). Phytogeographi- cally interesting is a center of diversity of the Acanthaceae in Southeast Asia, which is indicated for Myanmar by the presence, for example, of 70 species of Strobilanthes alone; Kress and DeFilipps make 3 new combinations in the genus in an Appendix to the Checklist. Remarkably, there is no recently published flora of Myanmar; a forest flora (excluding herbs) was issued in the 1800s. It is hoped that the Checklist will stimulate further cooperative research on plants of this emerging nation. Exten- sive plant collecting trips have recently At a 1997 botanical workshop, a team of Smithsonian staff and Burmese students been undertaken by Kress and Mike collect plants on Mt. Popa, Myanmar. (Photo by W. J. Kress) Bordelon.

Page 9 Samper Named NMNH Director Publications Cristián Samper has been appointed which called the director of the Smithsonian’s National museum’s collection a Museum of Natural History (NMNH). He “vital and unique DeFilipps, R.A. and S.L. Maina. 2002. has been the deputy director and staff national resource” that Amaranthaceae (pp. 40-42), Caryophyl- scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical requires long-term laceae (p. 193), Nyctaginaceae (pp. 551- Research Institute (STRI) in Panama since leadership from a 553), Phytolaccaceae (pp. 571-574). In: 2001. Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Samper, director who is an Mori, S.A., et al., Guide to the Vascular 37, grew up in Colombia, and holds dual outstanding scientist Plants of Central French Guiana, Part 2. citizenship from the United States and with an expertise in Dicotyledons. Memoirs of the New York Colombia. He is known for his work in the fund raising and in managing large Botanical Garden 76(2): 1-776. ecology of the Andean cloud forests, scientific organizations. conservation biology and environmental Dragastan,O. N., Littler, D.S. and M.M. policy. He studied biology at the Littler. 2002. Recent vs. fossil Halimeda Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota and species of Angaur Island, Palau and obtained his master’s degree and doctorate adjacent western Pacific areas. Acta at Harvard University, both in biology. Palaeontologica Romaniae, Special “I see this as a great challenge and Chair Publication No. 1: 1-20. opportunity,” Samper says. “The Continued from page 3 Kress, W.J., DeFilipps, R.A., Farr, E. and Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum is Daw Yin Yin Kyi. 2003. A Checklist of the one of the great museums of the world, from six different countries with five Trees, Shrubs, Herbs and Climbers of and I look forward to helping make it even different native tongues had successfully Myanmar (Revised from the original works better in the coming years. I will move communicated about science and society by J.H. Lace and H. G. Hundley). Contribu- ahead to implement the recommendations in a common language. We were aston- tions from the U. S. National Herbarium from the Science Commission and ished that our presentations had covered a 45: 1-590. strengthen collaboration with other units broad array of disciplines encompassing within the Smithsonian and around the taxonomy, paleontology, ecology, agricul- Kress, W.J. and Thet Htun. 2003. A world.” ture, ethnobotany, conservation, and second species of Smithatris (Zingiber- From 1992 to 1995, Samper served as genomics. And we concluded with the aceae) from Myanmar. Novon 13: 68-71. director of the environment division of the recognition that we all have a common Littler, D.S. and M.M. Littler. 2003. South Foundation for Higher Education in concern with the present and future of Pacific Reef Plants: A Divers’ Guide to the Colombia, and was also adjunct professor society and the environment. This Plant Life of South Pacific Coral Reefs. of biology at the Universidad del Valle in common concern brought us together and 331 pp. Washington, D.C.: Offshore Cali, Colombia. He was a moving force ensures our success. behind the establishment of a network of Graphics, Inc. more than 200 nature reserves throughout Peterson, P.M., Cayouette, J., Ferdinandez, Colombia. In 1995, Samper was founder Y.S.N., Coulman, B. and R.E. Chapman. and first director of the Alexander von 2002. Recognition of Bromus richardsonii Humboldt Institute, the national and B. ciliatus: evidence from morphology, biodiversity research institute of Colombia. cytology, and DNA fingerprinting He was in charge of coordinating the (Poaceae: Bromeae). Aliso 20: 21-36. biodiversity inventory of Colombia and promoting research in taxonomy and Strong, M.T. 2003. Cypringlea, a new systematics, conservation biology, genus of Cyperaceae from Mexico. Novon ethnobiology and environmental econom- 13: 123-132. [Named in honor of botanical ics. explorer Cyrus Guernsey Pringle, 1838- Samper served as head of Colombia’s 1911] delegation to the United Nations Conven- Williams, K.J., Kress, W.J. and Thet Htun. tion on Biological Diversity (1995-2001), 2003. A striking new epiphytic Hedychium and was chairman of its Subsidiary Body (Zingiberaceae) from Myanmar with a of Scientific, Technical and Technological discussion of several anomalous related Advice from 1999 to 2001. In this role, he genera. Edinburgh Journal of Botany 60: helped develop a global strategy for plant 43-48. conservation. The announcement of a new director comes several weeks after a final report from the Smithsonian Science Commission

Page 10 John Beaman Receives Third Cuatrecasas Medal his long and distinguished career. Beaman believes the total could rise to 5,000 John Beaman of the Royal Botanic received his bachelor’s degree in Forestry species or even more. This extraordinary Gardens, Kew, received the Cuatrecasas from North Carolina State University in diversity occurs in an area of only 1,600 rd Medal at the 3 Annual Smithsonian 1951, his master’s degree in Botany from km2. Botanical Symposium. The medal is in Washington State University in 1953, and Beaman’s other accomplishments honor of José Cuatrecasas, a pioneering his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1957. include serving as the program director for botanist and taxonomist who spent nearly He was hired in 1956 as an assistant systematic biology at the National Science a half-century working in Botany at the curator of the Michigan State University Foundation from 1979-1981; receiving a Smithsonian Institution. Cuatrecasas’ (MSU) Herbarium. His early floristic work Fulbright Fellowship for work at the research, especially in the flowering plant was centered in Mexico, and he provided National University of Malaysia, Sabah family Asteraceae, was devoted to the many contributions to the taxonomy of Campus from 1983-1984; and receiving the classification, biogeography, exploration, Asteraceae. Beaman’s studies of the flora Distinguished Faculty Award at MSU in and ecology of plants of the páramo and of northern Borneo began in 1983, culmi- 1989. In 1993, Beaman retired as the curator subpáramo regions of Andean South nating with the recent publication of of the MSU Herbarium, a position he had America. Out of enduring respect and Plants of Mount Kinabalu. Initially, held for 37 years. In 1994, Beaman became admiration, the José Cuatrecasas Medal for Beaman thought the flora of Mount the founding Director of the Institute of Excellence in Tropical Botany was estab- Kinabalu, the highest peak in Borneo, Biodiversity and Environment Conserva- lished. This medal is presented annually to included about 4,000 species of vascular tion (IBEC) at the Universiti Malaysia a botanist and scholar of international plants. A few years later that figure was Sarawak. Beaman is now based at the stature who has contributed significantly revised to about 4,500 species, and now he Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. to advancing the field of tropical botany. The award serves to keep vibrant the accomplishments and memory of this outstanding scientist. The presentation of the medal at this year’s symposium was particularly poignant since 2003 marks the centenary of Cuatrecasas’ birth. The recipient of the Cuatrecasas Medal is selected by a committee of botanists on the staff at the National Museum of Natural History, in consultation with other local plant scientists in the Washington area. This year the Committee was com- posed of Laurence Dorr (Chair), Pedro Acevedo, Alan Whittemore, and Pat Herendeen. Nominations for the Medal are accepted from all scientists in Botany at the Museum. The award consists of a bronze medal bearing an image of José Cuatrecasas on the front with the recipient’s name and date of presentation on the reverse. The selection committee was impressed John Beaman (middle), recipient of the José Cuatrecasas Medal for Excellence in by the many important contributions that Tropical Botany, receives his award from Laurence Dorr (left) and W. John Kress. Beaman has made to tropical botany over (Photo by Leslie Brothers)

Page 11 Abstracts from the Speakers of the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium

The third annual Smithsonian Botanical Symposium was held 28-29 March 2003. The symposium, “Botanical Frontiers in Southeast Asia: from the Discovery of the Earliest Flowering Plants to the Sequenc- ing of the Rice Genome,” explored the numerous new developments in our knowledge of plant diversity in Southeast Asia. Below are the speakers’ abstracts from the papers that were presented. The speakers at the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium. From left, W. John Kress (Head of Botany), Christen Wemmer, Hei Leung, Nguyen Tien Hiep, Christine Padoch, John Beaman, David Dilcher, Robin Buell, Ge Sun, U San Lwin, Leonardo Co, Stuart David Dilcher Davies, and Paula DePriest. (Photo by Leslie Brothers) Florida Museum of Natural History Ge Sun Jilin University 115—120 million years ago. Both of these several provinces of Kalimantan— are aquatic and the Nymphaeales is part of experienced massive logging and conver- “Searching Out the Nature of the Ancient the ANITA basal angiosperm groups sion of forests and swidden-fallows to Angiosperms: The Early Flowers and Their known from molecular data. When we industrial plantations. Evolution” combined fossil and modern morphological These shifts have been radical and Fossils from the Yixian Formation in characters with modern molecular data in a overwhelming; we do not want to trivialize China (125—144 million years old) and the matrix, then Archaefructus replaced Am- their importance. But change rather than Vale de Aqua fossil assemblage in Portugal borella as basal in the flowering plants. stasis has long characterized Kalimantan’s (115—125 million years old) have yielded The persistence of the Nymphaeales and communities and environments. Frag- some useful and interesting characters of Ceratophyllales, as well developed and mented, altered, and managed forests are early flowering plants. Reports of fossil broadly dispersed Lower Cretaceous not new features, although the processes angiosperms from the Lower Cretaceous of clades, suggests that aquatic plants creating them have changed greatly in China and Spain, perhaps Hauterivian/ occurred very early in flowering plant scope, rate and impact. Forests, fallows, Barremian in age provide additional evolution and that aquatic environments and agroforests created and managed on characters useful for determining the early should have played a role in the evolution community and household scales have radiation of the group. Fossils from Aptian of the group. been important in Southeast Asia for and Albian age sediments in Brazil, centuries. We review recent work on this Australia, and North America provide issue and present several examples of Christine Padoch further diversity of angiosperm remains. technologies and associated social New York Botanical Garden Most of these fossils are leaves and only a arrangements that create and maintain Kuswata Kartawinata few are reproductive. It is now possible to managed forests in Kalimantan and Center for International Forestry begin to list the characters of these early Sumatra. These practices alter the struc- Research, Indonesia angiosperm remains and then assess to ture and composition of forests to varying what extant taxa these characters have “Tropical Agrodiversity and Forest degrees, but many sustain surprisingly similarities and to what quantitative extent Management” high levels of floral diversity and complex they are similar. We suggest that this type forest structures. Many of these multifunc- The last decade has been a period of tional woodlands also supply incomes for of evaluation be used and clearly pre- upheaval for the people and environments sented in published work, so that we can families and exports for local economies, of Indonesia. The monetary crisis, the fall incorporate local peoples’ knowledge, and begin to establish a data bank of charac- of Suharto, the decentralization of adminis- ters for fossils reported to be early build upon local variations, distinctions, tration and natural resource management, and opportunities. Such anthropogenic angiosperms or to have angiospermous devastating droughts and fires, and civil affinities. It is clear that many of the forests range from casually managed violence on a scale unknown for many stands that provide a broad range of characters now known for Lower Creta- decades have had profound effects on ceous angiosperms are typical of aquatic household subsistence products, to forests and communities. During this commercial agroforestry ventures that angiosperms today. Nymphaeales has period the country—and particularly been reported, as has Ceratophyllales from feature exotics for export, such as the

Page 12 “jungle rubber” plantings recently investigated by ICRAF scientists and others.

Stuart Davies Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Arnold Arboretum Leonardo L. Co University of the Philippines Daniel A. Lagunzad University of the Philippines “The Natural History of Seven Tropical Forests in Asia” The Center for Tropical Forest Science of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is a global initiative in long-term tropical forest research. The broad objectives of this research program are: (1) to develop a general theory of tropical forest diversity and dynamics, providing The Symposium panel (including, from left, Robin Buell, Hei Leung, Stuart Davies, and explanations of the relative importance of Christine Padoch). (Photo by Leslie Brothers) biotic and abiotic factors in controlling species distributions and the regulation of were chosen to represent the major steady increase in rice productivity has population and community dynamics, and biogeographical areas of Southeast and occurred across Asia. Rice yield in (2) to develop models incorporating South Asia. The plots are found across a irrigated areas nearly doubled from 1960 ecological and economic analyses for gradient of climates, soil types, and natural and 1980. This has resulted in a lower rice predicting human impacts on and optimiz- disturbance regimes. Current CTFS-AA price that benefits consumers. The yield ing sustainable utilization of tropical Asian core sites are in Malaysia, Thailand, India, increase, however, is low in unfavorable forests. These and many other fundamen- Sri Lanka, Philippines and Singapore. environments where the water supply is tal ecological questions concerning CTFS-AA also collaborates in associate unreliable and the soil is often infertile or tropical forests are best addressed by a sites in Taiwan and Thailand. In this talk, problematic for rice production. A new comparative approach involving long-term, we discuss the comparative ecology of the level of scientific input will be required in individual-based, mapped, permanent forests in which the seven plots have been the coming years to meet the growing forest plots. The consortium of researchers established. Forest stand structure, needs of an expanding world population. and institutions collaborating with CTFS diversity, and species composition are One tool to help develop new adaptive has established a pantropical network of analyzed with respect to climatic and strains of rice will be the application of 17 large-scale (50 ha) permanent plots in 14 biogeographical gradients. structural and functional genomics. countries representing the diversity of The rice genome, encoding 430 tropical forests. megabases of DNA, is small relative to The CTFS-Arnold Arboretum Asia C. Robin Buell other species in the grass family contain- Program includes seven core sites, each The Institute for Genomic Research ing the important cereals such as maize, with a large-scale research plot. The sites Hei Leung sorghum, millets, wheat, and barley. The International Rice Research Institute complete sequence of the rice genome is “Rice Genomics: Helping Rice Science and now available in the public domain Sponsors of the Agriculture” through the efforts of the International rd Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP). 3 Smithsonian Half of the world’s population depends The rice genome is relatively compact with Botanical Symposium daily on rice for its caloric requirements. the largest number of genes of any Throughout the last 10,000 years, rice has organism sequenced to date. It is predicted • Cuatrecasas Family Foundation been domesticated and bred for use in to contain as many as 62,000 genes, and • United States Botanic Garden diverse environmental conditions around that one would find a gene in every 5 to 7 • International Association for the world. The Green Revolution started kb of DNA. The rice genome also contains Plant Taxonomy more than four decades ago in response to a large amount of repetitive DNA that is • R. Twinings and Company the food crisis in many parts of the associated with the heterochromatic Limited developing world. As a result of concen- regions of the chromosomes. Initial trated efforts devoted to improving rice germplasm and agronomy, a dramatic and Continued on page 14

Page 13 Abstracts enhance rice production and agriculture Continued from page 13 will rest upon the goodwill and determina- tion of the research community to broaden identification of genes and gene families access to the new science and technolo- has revealed that rice is very similar to gies by the developing world. Arabidopsis thaliana yet contains unique genes not found in Arabidopsis. The conservation of gene sequence, and Chris Wemmer possibly functions, across plant species Smithsonian Institution will expand the usefulness of the rice “Conservation in Myanmar: A Tale of genome information to many important Taxonomy in the Golden Land” crop plants. With a genetic blueprint in place, we What is the easiest way to win friends see new opportunities to understand gene and influence people in the outposts of the functions and design efficient approaches developing world? (a) Engage the to find genes of agronomic importance. We friendlies at the tea-shop in a heart-to- will highlight the resources available and heart discussion about the benefits of being developed to accelerate gene American foreign policy. (b) Take pictures discovery and speculate on the future of the folks with your digicam and show adoption of new knowledge and tools in them their images. (c) Give the local school Wade Davis, delivering his keynote plant improvement. We will emphasize the a new volley ball and net. (d) Don your address, “Light at the Edge of the World: important roles developing countries can collecting gear and demonstrate the A Journey through the Realm of Vanish- play in rice functional genomics as they collection and preservation of biological ing Cultures” at the Smithsonian are rich in genetic resources and agro- specimens with an air of rapt concentra- Botanical Symposium. (Photo by Leslie nomic knowledge of the rice crop. Suc- tion. Answer: all work except for (a). Brothers) cessful application of rice genomics to Every biological collector (read: taxono- mist) knows that collecting specimens is generalization, we welcome the thoughts one of the easiest ways to make friends of our colleagues who have had similar or and influence people who live close to the different experiences. Acknowledgments land. Villagers in the outposts of the developing world have a natural affinity The success of the Symposium was with nature, and therefore have a great U San Lwin due to the significant time and efforts deal in common with taxonomists who visit Institute of Forestry, Myanmar of the following people: their country. My presentation is based on “Current Development of Biodiversity Organizers Janzen’s supposition that the developing Conservation in Myanmar” • Paula DePriest, Co-Convener world offers the most fertile soil to plant • Laurence Dorr the seeds of taxonomy, and that the Myanmar, a tropical country in conti- • Mary Ann Apicelli renaissance of taxonomy will be lead by a nental Southeast Asia, still remains • Ellen Farr mixed army of practitioners from the North comparatively well-endowed with forests • Gary Krupnick and South. The joint venture will nurture and vegetative cover. Due to its diverse • Ida Lopez the professional capacity of young forest ecosystems, eight primary forest • Linda Moreland devotees (the propagules), and lay the types are subdivided into 48 ecological • Sue Lutz foundation for science-based protected classifications on the basis of their area management and eco-tourism (in a floristics and other ecological attributes. Core Collections Management Staff multi-cropped garden). Though Myanmar has managed its Opening reception Beginning in 1992, the Smithsonian forest resources systematically and • Holly Shimizu and the United Institution began several science initia- scientifically since 1856, the exploitation of States Botanic Garden tives in Myanmar, which continue today. forest products never exceeds the annual Photographer In response to the country’s request for allowable cut prescribed based on its • Leslie Brothers biodiversity inventories, ecological studies potential capacity. Safeguarding the forests and their ecosystems has always Plant material of flagship species, and in-service training, been given top priority as they play a vital Nancy Bechtol, Barbara Faust, we developed several inter-related • role in buffering the deleterious environ- and the Horticulture Services projects. The experience has been reward- mental impacts of development. Division at the Smithsonian ing in a number of ways, and has also During the last decade, more emphasis Institution taught us several lessons, which may be of help to other taxonomists interested in was given on environmental values in line And many others who had helped in a working in similar countries. These themes with the international movement regarding myriad number of ways. will be developed with examples from our forestry and environmental issues. Some personal experience. In the interest of of the major accomplishments include

Page 14 formulation of Myanmar Forest Policy in cooperation with international organiza- their colleagues abroad in the study of 1993, giving highest priority on protection tions including the Smithsonian Institu- Vietnam’s flora. These collaborative efforts of soil, water, wildlife, biodiversity and tion, Wildlife Conservation Society, have resulted in numerous and exciting environment to ensure ecological balance Washington Park Zoo-Oregon, Global plant discoveries. Over two hundred taxa, and environmental stability, replacing the Tiger Forum (GTF), Asian Elephant including thirteen new genera of vascular old Wildlife Protection Act of 1936 by the Specialist Group (AESG), South-East Asian plants, have been described since 1992. At new Protection of Wildlife and Wild Plants Zoos Association (SEAZA), and the least a hundred new records of plants have and Conservation of Natural Areas Law in Wildlife and National Park of Peninsular been similarly documented. These findings 1994, highlighting habitat maintenance and Malaysia (DWNP). account for a remarkable 3% increase in restoration, protection of endangered and the flora. The most spectacular discoveries rare species of both flora and fauna, and are the new genera and species of conifer establishment of new parks and naturally Jacinto C. Regalado, Jr. (Xanthocyparis vietnamensis) and fern protected areas. Missouri Botanical Garden (Caobangia squamata). The Vietnam In 1997, a new department entitled ‘Dry Nguyen Tien Hiep Golden Cypress is the fourth new conifer Zone Greening Department’ was instituted National Center for Science and described since 1948 while Caobangia is to bear specific responsibility for reforesta- Technology, Vietnam one of two fern genera recently described; tion of degraded forest lands and restora- “Botanical Diversity in Vietnam: New the last new fern genera were described in tion of the environment in the dry zone of Discoveries and Challenges in Conserva- the late 1960s. Central Myanmar. Community Forestry tion” These exciting new discoveries are

Instructions were issued in 1995 and since th sobered by the present level of biodiver- then local community participation has Vietnam is ranked as the 16 most sity protection in Vietnam. The country been accelerated in managing forests not biologically diverse country in the world now supports only 10-12% cover of closed only in utilization of their basic needs but and is widely recognized to have a globally tropical forests; less than 1% is in a also for environmental conservation of significant proportion of rare and endemic pristine state, restricted mainly to isolated their surroundings. species of plants and animals. An esti- mountain regions that are poorly studied Forest Department (FD) has been mated 12,000 vascular plant species, of but undoubtedly high in biodiversity and actively participating in international which 10,000 have been identified, occur in endemism. Many of Vietnam’s native conventions relevant to biodiversity Vietnam, and nearly 20% of known plants plants and animals are threatened or conservation, combating desertification are endemic. A high degree of environmen- endangered by one of the world’s fastest and trade in endangered species. FD has tal heterogeneity for climate regime, soil, rates of deforestation and associated also launched environmentally sustainable landscape and topography is certainly population growth. These stresses, projects, some of which are being imple- responsible for this high level of together with the country’s rapid opening mented with international and regional biodiversity in Vietnam. of an international market economy, bring cooperation. In the field of conserving and Over the past ten years, Vietnamese particular urgency to the need for up-to- managing wildlife and wild plants, FD has botanists have actively collaborated with date biological information, training, and conservation to protect Vietnam’s unique biodiversity. Numerous organizations have given support to Vietnam in the area of biodiver- sity conservation, but none has been more active in the field of botany than the Vietnam Botanical Conservation Program, which was established in 1994 by the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) in collaboration with the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) of Viet- nam’s National Center for Natural Science and Technology. The goal of MBG’s program in Vietnam is to revitalize study of the flora and strengthen the capacity of Vietnamese institutions, scientists, students, and park and forest protection officers to manage the country’s botanical resources in a sustainable manner. Highlights of the program’s activities over the past ten years will be presented. The Symposium panel (including, from left, Nguyen Tien Hiep, Jack Regalado, David Dilcher, and Ge Sun). (Photo by Leslie Brothers)

Page 15 On Exhibit: A Passion for Plants By Gene Rosenberg Botany, her special interest in botanical art approached by first standing back a few A branch of Magnolia grandiflora, was stimulated by a lecture on botanical paces to appreciate the overall composi- suspended in space, with water droplets illustration and by exhibitions of botanical tion, and then going in really close to glistening on its waxy leaves and a single artworks that were organized at the Kew admire the details. luscious, cream-colored inflorescence Gardens Gallery in England from the end of Botanical art is not simply a time- serves as the iconic invitation to an exhibit the 1980s. W. John Kress observes, consuming substitute for photography. of 100 paintings by contemporary botani- “Botanical art has entered a new golden Compared to a photograph, the paintings cal artists that will be on display at the age, a renaissance. Shirley Sherwood’s of plants can show multiple perspectives, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural collection has raised the profile of botani- life stages, and microscopic or dissected History until 2 September 2003. This image cal illustration as both an art form and an anatomical details that cannot be captured of a magnolia blossom was painted in appreciation of nature.” by a camera lens. Alice Tangerini, acrylic on paper by Australian artist Paul The glorious diversity of plant shapes, botanical illustrator in the Department, Jones and is part of “A Passion for Plants: sizes, and colors has fascinated botanists recalls occasions when she has noted Contemporary Art from the Shirley Sher- and artists alike. “A Passion for Plants” morphological features that escaped the wood Collection.” The exhibit includes brings together two passions: the passion eyes of the professional botanists! In the paintings of plants executed in watercolor, of the artist and the passion of the exhibit, the different views of the botanist gouache, pen and ink, pencil, and lithogra- scientist. The passion of the scientist is and the botanical artist are underscored by phy. Apart from the beauty of the paint- expressed in careful botanical studies examples of paintings displayed next to ings themselves, plants are infrequently underpinned by the labor of specialists in pressed herbarium specimens of the same the focus of Museum exhibits, so for different plant groups since the time of or closely related species. Special panels Smithsonian botanists, the exhibit is cause Linnaeus. The passion of the artist is also highlight the history of botanical illustra- for special celebration. supremely disciplined. Although the tion, illustrations of the same species The paintings were selected from the painted plant images may feature imagina- (magnolia) by different artists, fly-polli- collection of Shirley Sherwood, which at tive compositions, rich colors, and varied nated and parasitic plants, and other almost 500 works comprises the finest textures, the illustrations must also be botanical curiosities. private collection of contemporary detailed and technically accurate. This Kress notes: “This is an exhibit of art, botanical art in the world, representing 191 strict artistic discipline is what distin- but we’re a science museum. So we want artists from 27 countries. In a 28 March guishes the paintings featured in “A to give visitors a different perspective than lecture in the Museum’s Baird Auditorium Passion for Plants” and the more impres- they would get at the National Gallery.” In that inaugurated the exhibit, Sherwood sionistic images of flowers by a van Gogh keeping with this mission, the exhibit is recounted that, although she graduated or an O’Keeffe. In a practical sense, for the arranged in an evolutionary framework from Oxford University with a degree in viewer, these botanical paintings are best covering over 500 million years of plant evolution, from fungi (mushrooms), to spore-producing ferns and seed-bearing gymnosperms, to the first flowering angio- sperms, to the monocots, and finally the dicots. Graphic icons are used to group the plants shown in the paintings into these five categories and, in addition to common names, the plants are identified to order and species. In the midst of the exhibit, it is a delightful surprise to encounter “Botany at Work,” a diorama of the U.S. National Herbarium that was created using botani- cal “props,” including herbarium cabinets, a drawing table, a plant press, wet and dry herbarium specimens and life-size, cut-out cardboard photographs of some of the Museum’s own Botany staff. The diorama brings behind-the-scenes museum research to the public by showcasing botanists at work in maintaining collec- Richard Lindinsky (left), Shirley Sherwood, and Symposium speaker David Dilcher, tions, collecting in the field, conducting attend the opening of the exhibit “A Passion for Plants” at the National Museum of research, and illustrating plant specimens. Natural History. (Photo by Leslie Brothers) A continuous computer slide show takes

Page 16 botanical art, R. Strong wrote, “Earlier artists took up their brushes to record what had not been seen before. So often now it is a case of recording what may never be seen again.” Whether their subjects are rare species on the verge of extinction or common garden vegetables seen in a new light, these paintings exude the breath of life and offer a marvelous, studied view of nature.

Supplementary Symposium Links on the Web rd The exhibit “A Passion for Plants” includes a combination of artwork and herbarium The Web site to the 3 Annual Smith- collections in an artistic and scientific setting, as enjoyed here by Ann Juneau, the sonian Botanical Symposium has many links and documents related to the visitors from exotic locales around the has strobili that cluster at the base of a conference. Included on the Web site is a world where plants are collected, to the mass of fronds that glow like golden full list of the participants, abstracts of the Museum laboratories where specimens are pineapples; the fronds stretch upward talks and posters, selected images from the mounted, DNA is sequenced, and results until they disappear in the soft light. This various events, and links to the associated are analyzed. cycad, growing in a botanical garden in exhibits. Additional items related to the Planning for the exhibit began in South Africa, is also the last of its species; symposium can be added to the list of September 2002 when Kress and Tangerini there is no female. In a foreword to one of links and documents by sending an E-mail met with Joe Madeira and Tom Thill of the Sherwood’s books about contemporary to [email protected]. Museum’s Exhibits Department. Sharon Barry joined the team as the script writer. Sherwood’s view of botanical art as “the meeting place between the arts and the sciences” guided development of the exhibit from the beginning. In early November, Kress, Tangerini and Madeira traveled to the Denver Art Museum in Colorado, where they selected 100 paintings (from among 160 in a temporary exhibit) to tell the story of the evolution of plant life. The concept of the diorama was conceived only three weeks prior to opening. According to Tangerini, the idea to use life-size, cardboard cut-outs of Botany staff started as a fantasy, but soon took on a life of its own. Herbarium staff members Rusty Russell, Deborah Bell, and Linda Hollenberg worked rapidly to take the diorama from a concept to the final installation. An almost ethereal watercolor of the cycad Encephalartos woodii, by U.S. The Saturday reception at the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium took place among the artist Leslie Berge, is one of the paintings exhibit “A Passion for Plants.” Symposium speaker Nguyen Tien Hiep (second from that catch the visitor’s eye near the right) and his son (far right) enjoy a conversation with His Excellency, the Ambassador beginning of the exhibit. The male plant of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Tam Chien and his wife. (Photo by Leslie Brothers)

Page 17 Symposium the Smithsonian Institution) and Leonardo tions. Rice is now being used as a platform Continued from page 1 Co (University of the Philippines, Quezon to decipher the gene sequence of other City) discussed biodiversity in forest eco- cereal grains. An international public fires, deleterious market systems, bans on systems from the perspective of large scale project used Oryza sativa subsp. japonica rubber growing (now being somewhat (to 52 hectare) study plots set up by the ‘Nipponbare,’ often grown in temperate overcome by “jungle rubber” cultivation), Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in zones, as the experimental organism, while and illegal logging, there is still much India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, a Chinese group worked on the genome of biodiversity to be seen in the man-made Philippines and Oryza sativa subsp. indica, the forests of Indonesia where shifting cultiva- Singapore. Forest tropical-zone rice used by 80 tion is the principal management system. “It is a dream dynamics such as percent of the world’s rice con- Many forests that were once believed the causative factors sumers. Incredibly, the rice plant to be natural have a long history of inter- come true to of patterns of plant has more than 62,000 genes action with people. Several management community structure speak at this (including its transposable techniques involve manipulating swiddens and composition are element related genes). Working (shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn agri- museum.” being compared and with these, the sequencing of culture), conserving and managing plants - Hei Leung contrasted in their the first complete plant centro- and landscapes, and creating or building studies. They have mere, from the pachytene stage forests. Noxious weeds such as Imperata found that forest structure and canopy in rice, was also recently accomplished. grass and the composite Austroeupator- height are linked to wind and cyclones, Knowledge of the rice genome, as ium inulaefolium invade continually as the while the short dry season of 2-3 months Leung observed, is being used in breeding people work their systems. Somehow a makes a strong signal to induce flowering programs for developing disease resis- measure of benefit is derived from certain behavior, an understandable linkage to tance. Rice has a unique role in agriculture weeds, when, for example, the composite water availability. Co’s study plot is in the and the developing world, especially since weed shades out the Imperata grass and Sierra Madre mountain range in Northern many people now must live in marginal makes much biomass while seemingly Sierra Madre National Park, an “everwet” areas with problem (comparatively infertile) producing a chemical that kills parasitic forest in northeastern Luzon, Philippines soils, and either too much or too little soil nematode worms. Altogether Padoch where dipterocarps prevail. water availability. Thus, rice is being and her colleagues have identified 115 The team of Robin Buell (Institute for studied from the standpoint of raising its different types, and modifications, of fal- Genomic Research, Rockville, Maryland) yields in fragile ecosystems. From the gene low ground observable in the Asia-Pacific and Hei Leung (International Rice Re- pool, the creation of adaptive varieties region. Thus the forest-managing peoples search Institute, Manila, Philippines) having novel gene combinations can be of Kalimantan, Indonesia, are adapting to lucidly explained the complexities of rice used for overcoming some of the most economic problems, while facing the genomics and genetics, by means of which intractable food problems of Southeast inevitable increases of population density the full rice genome was recently se- Asia. Drought-resistant and early flower- and forest fragmentation in the offing. quenced by several different organiza- ing mutants (plants with deleted genes) are Stuart Davies (Harvard University and especially favored in this type of research, as are rice strains having disease defense- related genes. It was knowledge of the gene controlling the gibberellic acid meta- bolic pathway that enabled semi-dwarf rice to be developed for the Green Revolution of past decades, and currently it is hoped that by the year 2010, the function of 60 percent of agronomically important rice genes will have been researched. The focus next turned to work in the Union of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Led by U San Win (Institute of Forestry, Yezin, Myanmar) and Chris Wemmer (Smith- sonian Institution, Front Royal, Virginia), the conservation status of Myanmar biota was evaluated. Myanmar, home of the teak plant (Tectona grandis, Verbenaceae) and over 800 species of orchids, comprises eight major ecosystems from mountains to mangroves. Of these ecosystems, 34 The opening reception at the United States Botanic Garden included an opportunity to percent is “moist, upper, mixed, evergreen see the exhibit “Traditions in Elegance: 100 Teapots from the Norwich Castle Mu- forest,” being the largest percentage of seum” sponsored by R. Twinings and Company Limited. (Photo by Leslie Brothers) forest area. Currently 2.3 percent of the Page 18 From Myanmar, the topics went east- tears. ward to a consideration of flora and plant The gamelan group was followed by conservation in Vietnam, in the capable the Keynote Speaker, Wade Davis. An hands of Nguyen Tien Hiep (National Explorer-in-Residence at the National Center for Science and Technology, Hanoi) Geographic Society (Washington, D.C.), and Jack Regalado (Vietnam Botanical with three degrees from Harvard Univer- Conservation Program, Missouri Botanical sity in anthropology and ethnobotany, Garden, St. Louis). Vietnam has a flora of Davis’ illustrated address was entitled 12,000 species of higher plants, of which “Light at the Edge of the World: A Journey 10 percent of the species and 3 percent of through the Realm of Vanishing Cultures.” the genera are endemic. The largest family As a tropical biologist working in, and is Orchidaceae represented by 897 species, experiencing the cultural diversity, of followed by the legume and grass families. societies in the Amazon, Borneo, Haiti, One of the numerous factors contributing Peru, Venezuelan Orinoco, East Africa, to high biodiversity in Vietnam is karst Tibet, Arctic Canada, and even Timbuctoo limestone soils: 17 of the 24 species of in central Mali, Davis described his cycad in Vietnam occur on karst. Among ventures into the worlds of spiritual as recent noteworthy finds are a new genus well as material values of people whose and species of conifer, Xanthocyparis viet- lives are arranged much differently than namensis (Cupressaceae); 2 new orchid our own. This intellectual and social web genera in 2003 (Vietorchis, Zeuxinella); of life, comprising all cultures together, he and a new country record for Taiwania calls the “ethnosphere.” And from this cryptomerioides, an aromatic gymnosperm sphere, many languages and extraordinary tree formerly known only from Taiwan and layers of knowledge of forest plants by mainland China. indigenous peoples are rapidly disappear- A dancer with Gamelan Mitra Kusuma However, the great floristic biodiversity ing. Davis maintained that every fortnight performing for the particpants of the of Vietnam is being eroded by a deforesta- an old language speaker dies, while Smithsonian Botanical Symposium. tion rate of 1.6 percent per year, which conversely, the English language “is like a (Photo by Lelsie Brothers). Regalado said is one of the highest per- cultural nerve gas spreading over the total land area of Myanmar is in the centages of deforestation in the world. In planet.” In an example of ethnobotanical Protected Areas System (PAS) of the this environment, at the mercy of a bur- diversity, he noted that the Kofan Amerin- nation, but it is hoped that figure will reach geoning population of 82.2 million people, dians of Ecuador recognize 17 different 10 percent by the year 2017. A massive and instances of unsustainable use of forms of the hallucinogenic plant Banis- program of “Dry Zone Greening in Central forest resources while alien invasive teriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae); when Myanmar” was started in 1997 to form species such as Mimosa pigra are inexo- ingested together at the same time, the plantations, and conserve natural forests rably replacing the native vegetation, there Kofan say that “each form sings to you in and watersheds. Some concerns in the exist 339 plant species presently threat- a different key.” country are the expansion of agricultural ened with extinction. A major hope for the Change, Davis continued, is no threat land, deforestation, poaching, and cattle future is the excellent work of the Vietnam to culture: power and domination are the grazing causing loss of biodiversity and Botanical Conservation Program associ- threats; viz. disease coming to the Yano- habitats in the forests. ated with the Missouri Botanical Garden, mami Indians in the wake of the gold Wemmer disclosed the underlying begun in 1994 and headquartered in Hanoi, miners, and egregious lumbering and assumptions of collaboration and the in cooperation with the National Center for deforestation threatening the Panang requirements of joint planning and realistic Science and Technology (Vietnam), which people of Sarawak. Davis suggested that common goals, wherein taxonomists need will be extending its services to Central we are drifting towards a “blandly amor- to build professional capacities for conser- and Southern Vietnam. phous world culture,” and that the values vation, and compelling cases are needed to After a delightful Asian dinner in the of the forest and village people of the appeal to international donor agencies. museum Rotunda, attended by His Excel- world, who have “forged a traditional Unanticipated needs arising from zoologi- lency the Ambassador of Myanmar and his mystique with the earth” must now be cal work in Myanmar have included the wife, His Excellency the Ambassador of appreciated as the “symbols of the naked requirements of infrastructure (building a Vietnam and his wife, and the Agricultural geography of hope.” museum, prep labs, etc.), rice allowance for Attaché of the Philippines, the participants The Third Smithsonian Botanical Sym- staff support, transportation (boats, Jeep reassembled in the auditorium to behold a posium presented a unique vision with the vehicle), and communications (grave need special treat, the Gamelan Mitra Kusuma languages, cultures, biodiversity, and for computers and e-mail access). Among ensemble performing Balinese music and environmental challenges of an increas- the beneficial policy results of Smithsonian dance. The unusual sounds of the orches- ingly important area of the world: South- collaboration in Myanmar is the designa- tra seemed to exert a curiously hypnotic east Asia. tion, in Sagaing, of the Maha Myaing influence on many Westerners in the Wildlife Sanctuary for Eld’s deer. audience, some of whom were moved to Page 19 Art by Alice Tangerini

Hedychium bordelonianum W. J. Kress & K. J. Williams

Hedychium bordelonianum W. J. Kress & K. J. Williams is endemic to Western Myanmar where it has only been collected in the mountainous regions bordering Rakhine State and Magwe Division. Although clearly a member of the genus Hedychium, this epiphytic species is unusual in the bright red bracts and flowers as well as the much reduced labellum and lateral staminodes. It is named after Mike Bordelon, Manager of the Botany Research Greenhouses and active member of the Myanmar expedition team.

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