Special Symposium Issue - Department of Systematic Biology - & the U.S. National Herbarium The Press

see page 7

New Series - Vol. 5 - No. 2 April-June 2002

Botany Profile Coming to Terms with Biodiversity By Robert DeFilipps secondary metabolites), “agrobiodiver- his multifaceted research on the architec- he Second Smithsonian Botanical sity,” “biosafety” (the transport of GMOs), ture and morphology of tropical , Symposium, held on April 5-6 at and the “taxonomic impediment.” To this including many (see the National Museum of Natural may well be added a statement made by related article, page 7). THistory in Washington, DC, gave 200 Kress during the The first participants an opportunity to delve into symposium, that in speaker was the impact of the United Nations Conven- the wake of the Brian M. Boom, tion on Biological Diversity (CBD) in CBD, the Earth’s senior research relation to scientific investigations during biodiversity has scientist at the the past decade, and to explore the con- become a com- Center for vention’s many ramifications for under- modity, and terms (concepts) such as Environmental Research and Conserva- standing our natural world. A treaty and commercial value, guardianship and tion (Columbia University, New York), strategy for the conservation, sustainable ownership have become “the currency of whose talk was entitled “Caught up in development, and equitable sharing of Nature.” the Moment: Botanists and the CBD a the benefits of biodiversity, the Conven- Decade after Rio.” Trends in activities at o start the April 6 sessions, the tion was adopted at the famous 1992 the New York Botanical Garden over the attendees were welcomed by Ira Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, , and past 10 years were portrayed in order to Rubinoff, acting deputy director of has to date been ratified by approximately assess the impact of the CBD on the Tthe National Museum of Natural History. 180 countries. The Secretariat of the Garden’s affairs. Among the human Rubinoff’s remarks included recognition of Convention is in Montreal, Canada, and impacts of the CBD, one element that the work of museum staff as providers of its financial mechanism is the $2.7 billion Boom personally experienced while at an important scientific foundation to Global Environmental Fund (GEF). The New York was in regard to his work with support the Convention, while referring to entire world is affected in one way or a particular Yanomami Amerindian village multinational collaborative initiatives another by the CBD, an ever-widening in ; he was later denied an between the museum and host-country phenomenon which W. John Kress, Head access permit to the village because the researchers in many nations including of Botany at the Smithsonian, has United States has not ratified, and is , Venezuela, China, Fiji and Myan- referred to as the “Globalization of therefore not a Party to, the Convention. mar (Burma). Nature.” Boom discussed interesting recent Next, the José Cuatrecasas Medal for The panel of specialist speakers was ventures at the New York Botanical Excellence in Tropical Botany was pre- international, with representatives from Garden, including major forays into sented to P. Barry Tomlinson of Harvard the United States, Brazil, , Kenya bioprospecting for potential drugs in University (Cambridge, Massachusetts). and Spain, and the scope of their presen- collaboration with the National Cancer Although Tomlinson was unable to attend tations was truly comprehensive. In fact, Institute, prospecting for fragrances due to his recent return from extensive it soon became evident that the vocabu- (perfumes), and work on plant genomics. sabbatical field studies in Hawaii, New lary of biodiversity has recently been At the same time, the number of Caledonia and New Zealand, the award dramatically expanded, in order to keep records of virtual images made of New was accepted on his behalf by Dennis pace with changing dimensions of York herbarium specimens has increased, Stevenson of the New York Botanical research. It now includes such new terms while the number of specimens annually Garden (Bronx, New York), and a message as: “GMOs” (genetically modified added to the herbarium has declined. of thanks was read. Tomlinson, a native of organisms), “biodiplomacy,” “unnatural This trend seems to point to the advent Leeds, England (b. 1932), is recognized for natural products” (biocombinatorial Continued on page 11 Visitors

Hope Jahren, Johns Hopkins University; Philomena Mariano Vieira, Museu Joaquim Neto, Jardin Botanico do Rio de (2/1). Nacional - UFRJ; Moraceae (Ficus) (3/11- Janeiro; Herbarium work (4/1). 3/15). Pat Holmgren, New York Botanical Kathy Ahlensberger, Colville National Garden; Herbarium work, various families Andre Amorim, Universidade de São Forest, USFS; Ferns (Botrychium) (4/2). (2/5-2/8). Paulo; Malpighiaceae (Heteropterys) (3/12- Chris Loggers, Colville National Forest, 3/13). Noel Holmgren, New York Botanical USFS; Ferns (Botrychium) (4/2). Garden; Herbarium work, various families Cristina Bestetti Costa, Universidade de Scott Heald, Cornell University; SBS: (2/5-2/8). São Paulo; (Coccocypselum) (3/ Euphorbiaceae (Hevea) (4/3-4/8). 12-3/13). Alexander Krings, North Carolina State Jim Luteyn, New York Botanical Garden; University; Herbarium work (2/11). Harvey Ballard, Ohio University; SBS: Paramo plants (4/4-4/8). Violaceae (3/21-3/22). Yoshiyuki Nagahata, Private; Beech Geeta Bharathan, SUNY at Stony Brook; forests (Fagus) (2/13-2/14). Duane Kolterman, University of Puerto SBS: Symposium (4/5). Rico; Antillean endemics (3/21-3/22). Carolyn Ferguson, Kansas State Univer- Stuart Lindsey, Harvard University sity; Polemoniaceae (Phlox) (2/20). Judith McKay, Smithsonian Fellow; Herbaria; SBS: Ferns (Vittariaceae of Queensland botanical contributions to H. David Clarke, University of North Pacific and New World) (4/5). 1876 Centennial Exhibit in Philadelphia (3/ Carolina, Asheville; Identification of 25). David Middleton, Harvard University collections (2/22-2/24). Herbaria; SBS: Asian Apocynaceae (4/5). Gerry Moore, Brooklyn Botanical Garden; Chiara Nepi, Herbarium Universitatas Cyperaceae (3/26-3/28). Renata Mohriak, George Washington Florentinae; (2/22). University; SBS: Environmental law (4/5). Robert Moye, Hawaii Pacific University; Steve Fuller, Mary Washington College; Fossil seed identification (3/27). Dick Olmstead, University of Washing- Class visit to U.S. National Herbarium (2/ ton; SBS: Asteraceae (4/5-4/6). 26-2/27). , University of , Finland; () (3/31-4/30). Janice Blake, Environmental Foundation of ; SBS: Meeting (4/6-4/7). The Plant Press Claudia Hornung Leoni, Instituto de Ecologia; Bromeliaceae (Puya) (4/1-4/5). Tracy Commock, Institute of Jamaica; New Series - Vol. 5 - No. 2 SBS: Meeting (4/6-4/7). Head of Botany Travel W. John Kress ([email protected]) W. John Kress traveled to Sarasota, Paula DePriest (2/17-2/10) traveled to EDITORIAL STAFF Florida (1/8-1/12) as a committee member Baton Rouge, Louisiana to attend and on peer review at Selby Botanical Gardens; participate in a panel discussion at the Co-Editors and with Michael Bordelon to Myanmar Deep Hyphae Meeting at Louisiana State Gary Krupnick ([email protected]) (2/15-3/8) to conduct field research. University. Robert DeFilipps Carol Kelloff (1/20-2/2) traveled to Maria Faust (2/18-3/2) traveled to Ft. ([email protected]) Georgetown, Guyana to meet with officials Pierce, Florida to conduct field research at of the University of Guyana. the SI Marine Station. Circulation Manager Warren Wagner (1/30-2/3) traveled to Paul Peterson (2/19-3/29) traveled to Shirley Maina Panama City, Panama with the SI Science Lima, to collect grasses in the remote ([email protected]) Commission for a site visit to STRI. areas of Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, News Contacts Robert Faden (2/9-3/16) traveled to and Cuzco. MaryAnn Apicelli, Robert Faden, Ellen London, England to study collections of Mark Littler traveled to Belize (2/20-3/ Farr, George Russell, Alice Tangerini, and Commelinaceae at the Royal Botanic 6) to continue research on coral reefs at Elizabeth Zimmer Gardens, Kew in connection with work on Carrie Bow Cay; and to Panama (3/6-3/20) The Plant Press is a quarterly publication the Flora of Tropical East Africa. to continue research in Bocas del Toro. provided free of charge. If you would like to be Deborah Bell and Stephen Smith (2/16- Gregory McKee (2/22-2/24) traveled to added to the mailing list, contact Shirley Maina 3/15) traveled to Gabon, Africa to partici- Aurora, North Carolina to the PCS phos- at: Department of Systematic Biology - pate in an assessment of vegetation at the phate mine, to prospect for and collect Botany, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, NMNH MRC-166, Washington, DC Rabi Site for the SI/MAB Gabon Biodiver- Miocene marine vertebrate fossils. 20013-7012, or by e-mail: maina.shirley@ sity project. Dieter Wasshausen (2/24-3/13) nmnh.si.edu. Vicki Funk (2/16-3/8) traveled to Aus- traveled to São Paulo, Brazil for collabora- tralia to conduct research at the University tive work with Harry Lorenzi in the Atlantic Web site: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/botany of Queensland. Coastal Forest, Parana and Espirito Santo. Page 2 The Convention on Biological Diversity: The Globalization of Chair Natural History Science (Part II) iological collections housed in the great natural the natural history museums and botanical gardens in history museums and botanical gardens and the developed world with similar institutions in their associated data on the distribution and developing countries (Cresswell and Bridgewater, With Bdiversity of plants and animals can be of great benefit Biology International 38: 12-16. 2000.). The to society and are essential in addressing the three 2000 project is a second global program with the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity: objective to compile a “catalog of life” with a world- A 1) the conservation of biodiversity, 2) the sustainable wide list of species names using distributed network- utilization of biodiversity, and 3) the equitable sharing ing on the Internet (Bisby, Science 289: 2309-2312. of the benefits to humans arising from biodiversity. 2000.). Similarly the Global Biodiversity Information However, we are far from a complete or even adequate Facility (GBIF) aims to make biodiversity information View inventory of the natural world. Recently Prof. E. O. universally available through a massive multilevel Wilson (Science 289: 2279. 2000.) has issued a call to database of the world’s three billion biological speci- arms for biodiversity research: “To describe and mens housed in museums, herbaria and research classify all of the surviving species of the world institutes (Edwards, Lane and Nielsen, Science 289: W. deserves to be one of the great scientific goals of the 2312-2314. 2000.). These initiatives are a good start new century. In applied science, this completion of the towards the completion of Wilson’s “Linnaean John Linnaean enterprise is needed for effective conserva- enterprise.” tion practices, for bioprospecting, and for impact The issue of international property rights is a Kress studies of environmental change.” many-sided coin and we must be careful in separating Taxonomists and systematists in all countries must commercialization and exploitation from scientific and cooperate in a concerted effort to pool our collections capacity building activities. The biological specimens and data to complete this task. The problem we immedi- that have been collected over the centuries and are ately face is to determine what we currently know now residing in a multitude of herbaria and museums about the extent and distribution of global biodiversity. are a treasure trove of information about the earth’s We also recognize that most of the information and biological riches. This information must be mobilized documentation about the world’s plants and animals in and made available for everyone to use in conserving both developed and developing countries reside pri- and using biodiversity. The stakes are too high not to marily in developed countries. The challenge before us cooperate in sharing our knowledge. If we are to save is to assemble this information in a usable form and to biodiversity, we must understand it; and to under- provide free and open access to this information for all stand it, we must cooperate in a global fashion. of the world. To conclude, we must join together in a universal To move forward in this international effort we must call for cooperation and not conflict in these bio- first accept that a “taxonomic impediment” exists that diversity endeavors. Our challenge as natural history must be overcome. This impediment can be summarized biologists is to find order in the natural world. How as 1) we don’t yet know what the basic biodiversity many species are there on the planet? What are their elements are; 2) we don’t yet have the ability to effi- properties? How is organic diversity organized in ciently access the information we have; and 3) we space and time? How are lineages of organisms don’t have enough trained professionals to accomplish maintained over time in a changing environment? the task. To address this impediment as called for by How have plants and animals been used by humans the CBD we must increase and enhance our training in the past and how can they be used in the future? programs and our reference collections, we must What ecological information about species is neces- develop the infrastructure for housing these collec- sary to effectively conserve them? The solutions to tions, scientists, and databases, and we must dissemi- these biological problems will provide scientific nate this biological information internationally so it can answers for coping with the massive economic and be incorporated into national and regional natural social change occurring in the world today. resource guides. To do this will require international collaboration among all countries. Such international cooperation has already begun on a global scale with several major initiatives. One direct result of the CBD has been the establishment of the Global Taxonomic Initiative (GTI), which is a partnership for taxonomic capacity building between

Page 3 Chilean Poa specimens have remained Grants & Staff undetermined. With his visit, Soreng was Awards able to make some progress toward sorting Research this out. John Clark is the recipient of a Fulbright Dieter Wasshausen visited Brazil on 24 Fellowship. His research on “Sustaining February to 13 March to pursue collabora- Plant Biodiversity in Ecuador: Tropical During March Dan Nicolson lectured twice tive research with colleagues at the Uni- Gesneriads” aims to determine the evolu- on “The Forsters and the Botany of the 2nd versidade de São Paulo and also with Gert tionary relationships and the conservation Cook Expedition (1772-1775),” once to the Hatschbach of the Museu Botanico status of the plant family Gesneriaceae in Botanical Society of Washington and once Municipal, Curitiba. He made field collec- Ecuador, investigating its occurrence on to the Department. In the herbarium he tions of Acanthaceae and Begoniaceae the western and eastern slopes of the continued searching out and data-basing with author Harri Lorenzi of the Instituto Andes. information on the USNH holdings of Plantarum, Nova Odessa. The field work Merrill’s Species Blancoanae; being was conducted in the Mata Atlantica, a Merrill’s first set, they are effectively long mountain chain which parallels the Monocots III is neotypes of Blanco’s names of new Atlantic Ocean from Corupa, Santa Announced species. He also is collaborating with Catarina to the Vale do Rio Doce Forest in Laurence Dorr on an analysis of the Espirito Santo. Two principal areas that editions and issues of Stansbury’s 1852 were visited were the montane rain forest The Third International Conference on “Exploration Great Salt Lake,” the between 800 and 1,700 meters and the so- the Comparative Biology of the Mono- treatment in TL-2 being fine, except for the called dry, semi-deciduous forests in the cotyledons and The Fourth International date, title and abbreviation. north at sea level elevation. The former Symposium on Grass Systematics and Evolution will be hosted by Rancho Santa Paul Peterson visited Perú on 19 February was very rich in species of Begoniaceae where more than 30 species were collected. Ana Botanic Garden (Claremont, Califor- - 27 March to collect grasses and present nia) on 30 March - 5 April 2003. Topics will an invited seminar entitled “Filogenia de The later habitat was better for Acantha- ceae and a similar number of taxa were include morphology, Muhlenbergiinae (Poaceae: Chlorido- anatomy, develop- th collected. Another trip to the cerrado of ideae),” at the 84 anniversary celebration ment, reproductive of the Museo de Historia Natural, San Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso is planned for next year with the eventual realization biology, molecular Marcos. With the help of Asuncion Cano, biology, cytology, Maria Isabel La Torre, Angel Ramírez, of a collaborative treatment of both families for Brazil. genomics, genetics, Nancy Refulio, Dora Susanibar, and Oscar biochemistry, paleo- Tovar, Peterson traveled to remote loca- botany, , classification, tions in Departments Apurimac, Arequipa, biogeography, ecology, and data integra- Ayacucho, Cuzco, Huancavelica, and Ica. Staff Lecture tion. Sessions will be devoted to particular He collected 496 numbers of grasses with Series Begins at groups within monocots such as grasses many interesting species of Dissanthe- and orchids. Monocots III will provide a lium, Poa, and Festuca. Aphanelytrum NMNH rare opportunity for researchers in diverse procumbens Hack., a monotypic of At the beginning of the year, a new fields to interact, share ideas, and form unknown affinities, was collected and collaborations. The organizing committee noted as new for Peru (not included in O. lecture series began at the museum. Botany curators will be delivering research is accepting proposals from those who Tovar’s, Las Gramíneas (Poaceae) del Perú, wish to organize sessions. A call for Ruizia 131-480. 1993). seminars each month. The past three months offered the following lectures: contributed papers and posters will follow. Robert Soreng, research associate, The conference proceedings will be • W. John Kress presented “The traveled in Chile for four months (6 published. Springtime marks the flowering Evolution of the November - 8 March) to study and collect peak of the diverse California flora, and (Gingers, Bananas and Relatives): A grasses, especially Poa. Nearly 400 field trips are planned. Visit http://www Tropical Model Group for Studies in numbers were gathered from 20°S to 54°S. .monocots3.org for conference details; or Ecology, Phylogeny and Classifica- Poa has been a “big black hole” in Chilean write Monocots III, Rancho Santa Ana tion” on 15 January; plant , in part due to the loss Botanic Garden, 1500 North College Ave., (apparently after a loan to the USDA in • Harold Robinson presented “Some Claremont, California 91711-3157 USA; 1905) of most of R.A. Philippi’s type Basics of Chemotaxonomy” on 12 E-mail: [email protected]; Fax: 1-909- material for grasses. Working in Chile, February; 626-7670; Tel: 1-909-625-8767 ext. 333. principally in the latter half of the 19th Co-sponsors include the American Society • Dan Nicolson presented “The century, Philippi coined some 328 grass of Plant Taxonomists, Botanical Society of Forsters and Botany of the 2nd Cook names, ca. 60 applying to Poa. Because of America, and the International Association Expedition (1772-1775)” on 12 March. that loss, and the tremendous complexity for Plant Taxonomy. of the genus in the region, the majority of

Page 4 Gabon Biodiversity Is Assessed for Conservation Purposes Deborah Bell and Stephen Smith collected plants in the Rabi Oil Field site in southwestern Gabon from mid-February to mid-March, as part of the cooperation with the Monitoring and Assessment of Bio- diversity (MAB) Program of the National Zoological Park’s Conservation and Research Center, Gamba Complex Bio- diversity Project. This field assessment was in part co-sponsored by a grant from the Shell Foundation and Shell Gabon. Twenty-nine researchers assessed the birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as well as the vegetation of the area. Henri Bourobou Bourobou, director of the Herbier National du Gabon, was the lead botanist for the vegetation team. During this rainy period Steve and Debbie made 267 collections (plus dupli- cates), representing more than 60 families. Rubiaceae was the dominant family comprising 25 percent of the species collected. Although the number of fertile Dicranolepis (), one of the many plants recently collected in Gabon. species was not as high as hoped, the (Photo by Deborah Bell) number of habitat types visited was very diverse. Swamps and stream sides proved particularly productive. Other expedition members set up bio- but it experiences a lot of movement with diversity assessment plots, with Patrick natural disturbances.” Campbell from MAB as the Plans continue to expand the assess- vegetation project team leader. ment of north of Rabi and future additional Twenty plots were set up and key geographic areas as priorities for 1,800 trees marked. Bourobou conservation management: (1) Petit Bourobou is currently working Loango, a unique coastal forest site on final species determina- believed to be rich in species diversity; tions and he expects as many and (2) Monts Doudou, the only highland as 200 species of trees. He area in the Gamba Complex, where initial described the vegetation of species inventories have revealed unique Rabi as a forest “poor in diversity along an altitudinal gradient. species of commercial value MAB is putting together a multi-disciplin- but rich in overall bio- ary team of national and international diversity.” In addition, experts, technical personnel and students Bourobou Bourobou stated, for these future expeditions. “It is one of the rare forests in Data from each field site is being Gabon where we find a high reported in briefing papers outlining concentration of many findings on the biological diversity of that species, especially species of location. A final report will be compiled Diospyros, in one small area. after data from all assessments have been Diospyros species indicate old analyzed, and will outline the findings and forests, and because we also future direction of the project. find many large, old lianas such as Strychnos aculeata, we can conclude that it is a dynamic forest. In other words, the Rabi forest is old, Dr. Henri Bourobou Bourobou, of the Herbier National du Gabon. (Photo by Deborah Bell)

Page 5 New Genus, Botanical Type Publications Smithatris, is a Collection on the Natural History Web Ahti, T. and P.T. DePriest. 2001. New th combinations of Cladina epithets in Highlight The 10,000 type specimen has recently (Ascomycotina: Cladoniaceae). been imaged in an effort to generate digital Mycotaxon 78: 499-503. The discovery of a new plant genus by images of the Type Collection in the U.S. W. John Kress and his colleague Kai National Herbarium. This is great progress Brummitt, R.K., S. Casroviejo, A.C. Chikuni, Larsen, University of Aarhus, Denmark, is considering the limited resources. To date, A.E. Orchard, G.F. Smith and W.L. Wagner. featured as a “Natural History Highlight” there are only 84,000 specimens remaining 2001. The Species Plantarum Project, an on the National Museum of Natural to be digitized. international collaborative initiative for History’s Web page . Kress and Larsen with seed money from the Provost’s Office, 1230. named a new genus of ginger after first the types were digitized family by family. Clark, J. L. 2001. Turning Alloplectus noticing the unusual plant in a The results can now be seen on the Botan- upside down. Gloxinian 52: 35-38. display in Singapore, and then collecting it ical Type Specimen Register Web site at in the wild in 1998 in the limestone hills of http://rathbun.si.edu/botany/types/. DePriest, P.T., N. Ivanova, D. Fahselt, V. the Saraburi Province north of Bangkok, Currently, Ingrid Pol-yin Lin, a volun- Alstrup and A. Gargas. 2000. Psychrophilic Thailand. The new genus Smithatris joins teer in the Herbarium, has been doing fungal sequences associated with subfos- 50 other genera and over 1,200 species in much of the digitizing. Another volunteer, sil ascolichens. Canadian Journal of the plant family . Thomas Bingel, and the graciousness of Botany 78: 1450-1459. The Web site features a description the Office of Imaging, Printing and Photo- and illustration of Smithatris supranee- graphic Services (NMNH) have also Faden, R.B. 2001. Growing plants in sand ana, a photograph of the flower, and maps contributed to the progress. beds and troughs. Pp. 29-33. In: Grissell, of Thailand where it was discovered. In Between 70-90 percent of the specific E.E. (ed.). Rock Gardening in the Greater addition, the site describes how species requests received by the Herbarium for Washington, D.C., Region. Potomac Valley are named and how frequently new species type specimens can be satisfied with a Chapter, North American Rock Garden and genera are discovered. good, high-quality digital image. The Society, Beltsville, MD. The article and supplementary images number of such requests has increased will be available for another few weeks, Peterson, P. M. 2002. Muhlenbergia. Pp. considerably in the last year and these 586-588, 591. In: Baldwin, B., S. Boyd, B. after which it will be archived in the “Past requests have been fulfilled while saving Highlights” section of the site. Ertter, R. Patterson, T. Rosatti and D. the type specimens from the stress of Wilken (eds.). The Jepson Desert Manual: handling, shipping and potential damage Vascular Plants of Southeastern Califor- or loss. The 15MB images are excellent nia. University of California Press, DC Flora Web Site documentation of the specimens in the Berkeley. event of loss. In addition to the family-by- Adds Localities family approach to selecting which types Piercey-Normore, M. and P.T. DePriest. The Flora of the Washington-Baltimore are digitized, all type specimens requested 2001. Algal switching among Area Web site now has a new feature. The as a loan have been digitized prior to associations. American Journal of Botany DC Herbarium is now on-line, and the sending. 88: 1490-1498. specimen database can be queried for “This is an extremely worthwhile Sikaroodi, M., J.D. Lawrey, D. Hawksworth collection information and distribution project,” says Vicki Funk, curator of the and P.T. DePriest. 2001. Phylogenetic maps. Most specimen collection localities Asteraceae. With sufficient support, the analyses of lichenocolous fungi. Myco- are linked to general map locations using Botany Digital Lab can be made into a logial Research 105: 453-460. TopoZone . full-time operation and almost triple the You can access the Web site at http:// current production levels, while simulta- Taylor, C.M. and J.L. Clark. 2001. persoon.si.edu/dcflora/dcspecimens/ neously documenting and preserving the Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama query.cfm. critical type specimens. V. Amphidasya in Mesoamerica and Western . Novon 11: 489- 497. Wurdack, J. and R.B. Faden. 2001. Useful reference books for the rock garden. Pp. 38-40. In: Grissell, E.E. (ed.). Rock Garden- ing in the Greater Washington, D.C., Region. Potomac Valley Chapter, North American Rock Garden Society, Beltsville, MD.

Page 6 P. Barry Tomlinson Receives Second Cuatrecasas Medal P. Barry Tomlinson of Harvard Univer- Pedro Acevedo, Alan Wittemore, and Pat sity received the Cuatrecasas Medal at the Herendeen. Nominations for the Medal are 2nd Annual Smithsonian Botanical Sympo- accepted from all scientists in Botany at sium. The medal is in honor of José Cuatre- the Museum. The award consists of a casas, a pioneering botanist and taxono- bronze medal bearing an image of José mist who spent nearly a half-century Cuatrecasas on the front with the recip- working in Botany at the Smithsonian ient’s name and date of presentation on Institution. Cuatrecasas’ research, espe- the back. cially in the family Aster- The selection committee was impressed aceae, was devoted to the classification, by the many important contributions that biogeography, exploration, and ecology of Tomlinson has made to tropical botany plants of the paramo and subparamo over his long and distinguished career. regions of Andean South America. Out of Tomlinson was born in 1932 in Leeds, enduring respect and admiration, the José England where he received both his Cuatrecasas Medal for Excellence in undergraduate and graduate training at the Tropical Botany was established. This university there in conjunction with work medal is presented annually to a botanist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. He and scholar of international stature who has held positions since that time at the has contributed significantly to advancing University of Malaya, Singapore Botanic the field of tropical botany. The award Gardens, the University of the Gold Coast serves to keep vibrant the accomplish- in Ghana, West Africa and at Fairchild ments and memory of this outstanding Tropical Garden in Miami. Currently he is scientist. the E. C. Jeffrey Professor of Biology at P. Barry Tomlinson, recipient of the José The recipient of the Cuatrecasas Medal Harvard University. Cuatrecasas Medal for Excellence in is selected by a committee made up of The publication of his wonderful books Tropical Botany. (Photo by Harvard botanists on the staff at the National on the biology of tropical trees, the University) Museum of Natural History, in consulta- anatomy of monocotyledons, and the tion with other local plant scientists in the botany of mangroves, and his numerous statement, “has been the regular opportu- Washington area. This year the Committee papers on anatomy, morphology, and nity to show students that botanical was composed of Laurence Dorr (Chair), tropical botany are among the many conundrums are best elucidated if one achievements that led the committee to learns to ‘ask the plant.’” He added, “In unanimously conclude that Tomlinson is this sense I believe I pass on a message the scientist most deserving of receiving well understood by botanists of the this year’s Cuatrecasas Medal. Perhaps stature of José Cuatrecasas and it is in this most important is his commitment to spirit that I perceive the great honor you teaching students about the tropics. Many bestow on me.” attendees at the Botanical Symposium had Unfortunately Tomlinson was not able been trained by Barry Tomlinson in his to be present at the Botanical Symposium courses at Fairchild Garden and in Costa to receive the medal. Dennis Stevenson Rica. “The real pleasure of my professional from the New York Botanical Garden development,” said Tomlinson in a written accepted the medal on Tomlinson’s behalf.

Page 7 Abstracts from the Speakers of the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium The second annual Smithsonian Botanical Symposium was held 5-6 April 2002. The symposium, “The Convention on Biological Diversity: The Globalization of Natural History Science,” addressed the impact of the CDB on scientists and its ramifications for understanding the natural world. Below are the speakers’ abstracts from the papers that were presented.

Gerald Bills The speakers at the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium. From left, Ira Rubinoff, Brian Merck Research Laboratories Boom, Scott Miller, Tom Lovejoy, Gerald Bills, Stella Simiyu, Braulio Ferreira de Access and Discovery of Pharmacologi- Souza Dias, Paula DePriest, Cristian Samper K., and W. John Kress (Head of Botany). cally Active Metabolites from Fungi and (Photo by Leslie Brothers) Other Microorganisms Brian M. Boom The unknown dimensions of microbial examples of fungal metabolites. Examples Center for Environmental Research and diversity, hypotheses about chemically of important lead structures from fungi Conservation mediated interspecific relationships, and include flutamide, apicidin, nodulisporic historical success are the most often cited acid, demethyl-asterriquinone B-1, and Caught Up in the Moment: Botanists and reasons for use of microorganisms as a several antifungal metabolites. the CBD a Decade after Rio Advances in molecular genetics of drug discovery resource. Despite in- Many botanists have long dreamed of, creased awareness of the potential for secondary metabolite biosynthesis have led to a new concept of drug discovery and even labored for, the day that world metabolite discovery from microorganisms leaders would understand the value of and advancements in drug discovery tech- known as biocombinatorial production of synthetic natural products. The promise of biodiversity and take the needed bold nology over the last 10 years, rates of measures to ensure its conservation and discoveries of commercially significant this genetic engineering/chemistry hybrid approach for developing novel drugs and sustainable management. That dream products from microbial species have at started to unfold in 1992 at the United best remained constant. Several obstacles recent progress in the combinatorial biosynthesis of novel bacterial polyketides Nations Conference on Environment and impede the use of natural products as a Development (UNCED), popularly known drug discovery resource, and new tech- have motivated scientists to explore the potential of novel biocombinatorial as the Earth Summit. One of the outcomes nologies are competing with traditional of this momentous meeting in Rio de natural products research, and may secondary metabolites. Pursuit of genetic diversity by creating biocombinatorial Janeiro was the Convention on Biological partially explain the disappointing yields. Diversity (CBD), and the pursuit of botany Experiences with microbial metabolite diversity, increases the likelihood of discovering novel secondary metabolites, has not been the same since. Euphoria discovery in a modern high-throughput among botanists over the high level screening environment are illustrated with because the recipient strains are fast- growing, industrially adapted organisms. attention finally being accorded to bio- Once novel drug-producing transformants diversity quickly morphed to pessimism in are identified, scale-up fermentation for some quarters of the profession as the commercial production can be quickly realities of implementing the CBD came implemented. These approaches, though into clearer focus. Each country, and even promising, have yet to be practically different agencies within a single country, implemented. interpreted the details differently. In some Finally I will discuss the way the places the study of biodiversity slowed Convention on Biological Diversity has and in others it essentially ceased. Of redirected our approaches and policies for course, it only made the situation worse microbial screening. Recommendations are that a key nation, the United States, has made on how to ensure that microorgan- not yet ratified the CBD. Yet, despite isms continue to contribute to the discov- difficulties, progress has been possible ery of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. with a balanced combination of thoughtful planning, the development of new proto-

Page 8 cols, and much patience. large extent on the implementation of Diversity; 2) The International Pollinators Using examples from an institution with integrated approaches to landscape Initiative; 3) The Global Taxonomy a very active international research management based on new and genuine Initiative - The Flora Neotropica effort; 4) program, The New York Botanical Garden win-win partnerships between different The Global Strategy for Plant Conserva- (NYBG), this paper explores the effect of sectors and stakeholders. tion; 5) the development of indicators for the CBD on botanical research during the As a framework convention, the biodiversity. The author concludes with past ten years. Trends of professional Convention on Biological Diversity faces some perspectives and challenges facing productivity at the NYBG will be examined, huge challenges to become effective. The the knowledge, conservation and sustain- and a range of case studies will be de- CBD has succeeded so far in 1) becoming able use of biodiversity in Brazil. scribed including projects that involved a global convention, with the outstanding floristics, monographic studies, repatria- and unjustified exception of the United tion of data, building capacity, establishing States of America; 2) providing a forum to Scott Miller parks and extractive reserves, initiation of merge environmental, social and economic Smithsonian Institution molecular systematics and genomics concerns; 3) mapping the issues of Impact of the Convention on Biological initiatives, and bioprospecting. Botanists, common concern to all nations and Diversity on Taxonomy and Biodiversity and life scientists generally, are caught up establishing a series of ecosystem-based Information in a transitional, often frustratingly work programs and complementary cross- The Convention on Biological Diver- ambiguous moment as society finally cutting initiatives; 4) establishing an sity (CBD) and related activities has raised seriously reassesses its relationship with international protocol on biosafety for the awareness about a series of biodiversity- the biosphere. Yet, the CBD has the most transboundary movement of genetically- related issues over the last ten years. This potential of any international agreement modified-organisms; and 5) establishing an presentation will evaluate how much for providing the underpinnings for a international treaty on plant genetic progress has been made in issues related sustainable relationship between humans resources for food and agriculture. The to taxonomy and biodiversity information other components of the biosphere, and CBD has failed so far in 1) establishing through a series of examples. for that reason the implementation of the stable rules for access and benefit sharing; Controls on research, and the flow of CBD deserves the active engagement of 2) establishing legal mechanisms for the both specimens and information, are a the botanical community. protection of traditional knowledge major issue. Controls should be set associated with biodiversity; 3) enhancing appropriate to the risks and rewards, as international cooperation; 4) reducing the Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias shown by examples in pest identification, scientific uncertainties associated with taxonomic (systematics) research, and Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos biodiversity; 5) establishing agreed global The Convention on Biological Diversity: bioprospecting. and Kenya are targets; and 6) reversing the current trend models for research and export permit Challenges and Opportunities in Main- of biodiversity loss. streaming Biodiversity into Society and systems that work, as contrasted with The author comments on his experience countries that heavily restrict permits Economy with the following CBD initiatives: 1) If we want to save the world’s rich Program of Work on Agricultural Biological Continued on page 10 biodiversity we must recognize that conservation is a matter of individual and society choice based on differing values and availability of options. Both the destruction and the conservation of bio- diversity are a result of value judgments within a framework of differing concepts of nature and livelihoods expectancies. The Convention on Biological Diversity was established in recognition of the global implications of biodiversity loss and change and the need to balance the huge asymmetries in appropriation of benefits and costs of biodiversity use and conser- vation. The real challenge is the main- streaming of biodiversity in society and economy. Given the asymmetric distribu- tion of wealth and biodiversity at the global level, a much enhanced and balanced effective international coopera- tion is needed. The reversal of the current The Symposium panel (including, from left, Tom Lovejoy, Scott Miller, Braulio Ferreira trend of biodiversity loss depends to a de Souza Dias, and Stella Simiyu). (Photo by Leslie Brothers)

Page 9 Abstracts Communication among sectors remains developed through a set of decisions that Continued from page 9 spotty. The CBD and FAO joint work are implemented primarily at the national program in agricultural biodiversity is an level. The capacity of many developing without facilitating in-country collabora- opportunity to bring the environment and countries to be active players in the CBD tions. agriculture sectors together. Bringing is limited, as is their capacity to implement Secondary processors and distributors technical and policy issues together the provisions and decisions. I will provide of biodiversity information have multiplied, remains challenging. The Global Invasive examples of steps taken to link science and but funding for primary production of Species Programme (GISP) is a model for policy at the global and national level, and quality biodiversity data, especially the science informing policy. their impact on the development and taxonomic foundation of understanding Very few countries can say that implementation of the CBD. biodiversity, remains problematic. The activities related to the CBD have greatly One of the main challenges of the CBD Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI), BioNet enhanced the ability of end users to is to strengthen the scientific inputs into International and SABONET are different access greater quality and quantity of the decision-making process, as good approaches to building taxonomic capac- biodiversity information that is useful in decisions require good science. This was ity. Despite the endorsement of the GTI, conserving and managing biodiversity. We the purpose behind the establishment of funding for taxonomic activities by the need to use the GTI, GBIF, and similar the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Techni- Global Environment Facility (GEF) and initiatives to bridge these gaps. cal and Technological Advice (SBSTTA). other international donors has been slow. This mechanism attempts to bring together ERIN, CONABIO and Species Analyst experts from around the world, and provide have demonstrated what can be done Cristian Samper K. recommendations on priority issues. through analyses of large quantities of Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Examples of issues that were driven by biodiversity data, but the basic problem Linking Science and Policy: The Case of science are the adoption of the global remains availability of high quality data in the United Nations Convention on taxonomy initiative, the pollinators electronic form. Biological Diversity initiative, and the proposed strategy for Related to funding, ownership of The United Nations Convention on plant conservation. However, we find that biodiversity information remains a chal- Biological Diversity (CBD) is the Conven- the process has not always involved the lenge. The CABI Crop Pest Compendium, tion for Life on Earth. It provides a global best of science, and that science is often ECOPORT and the Global Biodiversity framework for the conservation and not providing the best advice for the Information Facility (GBIF) provide sustainable use of biodiversity, and the implementation of the CBD. I will mention examples of different approaches. equitable sharing of the benefits derived steps that can be taken to bridge this gap. While the CBD focuses on activities at from the use of genetic resources. Since its The CBD has had a profound impact at the country level, most taxonomic issues adoption in 1992, it has provided a forum the national level in some countries. One span regions and continents. The Global that brings nations, NGOs and industry example is provided by the work done in Taxonomy Initiative (GTI), BioNet Interna- together for a common goal. But the text of , where a major restructuring of tional and SABONET are used as examples the CBD is so broad that it needs to be the environmental sector took place as a of activities at regional and global scale. response to the CBD. This included the creation of the Ministry of the Environ- ment, decentralization of environmental management, and the establishment of research institutes to support policy. This process has resulted in a stronger environ- mental sector, and increased support for science. Examples include the adoption of a national biodiversity policy, a national agenda for research in systematics, and the adoption of the national strategy for plant conservation. The combination of the CBD as a legal instrument, the institu- tional transformation that took place after 1992, the adoption of sound policies with the involvement of the scientific commu- nity, and increased national capacity and cooperation, have all resulted in a major improvement for science and conservation at the national level.

The Symposium panel (including, from left, Cristian Samper K., Gerald Bills, and Brian Boom). (Photo by Leslie Brothers)

Page 10 Stella Simiyu National Museums of Kenya The CBD Challenge in Botany: Emerging Responsibilities, Priorities and Practices The Convention on Biological Diver- sity translates its guiding objectives of conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits into binding commitments in its substantive provisions contained in articles 6-20. In accordance to these commitments, Parties have refined their national and institutional priorities and practices in line with the specific decisions and actions recommended by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Convention, with varying stringency and success. In addition, most countries have revised their national policies and sectoral responsibilities in order to strategically incorporate and implement the various CBD work programs and principles adopted. The resultant changes have had both positive and negative impacts on botanical research and conservation. On a positive note, the CBD has provided an umbrella for concerted effort at international, national and regional Participants of the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium gathering at levels to tackle the taxonomic impediment; the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory for the opening enhance regional and international co- reception. (Photo by Leslie Brothers) operation, facilitate targeted capacity building and technology transfer and highlight the role of indigenous knowl- Symposium edge, innovations and practices amongst Continued from page 1 others. In some cases though, national initiatives to strengthen capacities and of a heavier reliance on computer scanning as plainly stated by parties to the Conven- capabilities for biodiversity conservation of digital images of specimens, versus less tion, a “taxonomic impediment” to imple- and sustainable use, as well as secure field collecting due to permit issuance mentation of the goals of the CBD. Scott sovereignty over the biodiversity within difficulties or irregularities in desirable Miller later confirmed that the “impedi- their boundaries, have resulted in tempo- countries as a result of strict compliance ment” is the difficulty of getting good rary setbacks to ongoing international with terms of the CBD. taxonomic information and distributing it research initiatives and collaborations, The next speaker, Stella Simiyu from the widely. More studies to clarify various confounding many scientists. The main National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, taxonomic entanglements are directly benefit of the CBD however has been the spoke on the topic of “The CBD Challenge needed. One target is the compilation of an mainstreaming of biological conservation in Botany: Emerging Responsibilities, accessible working list of known species, issues into national policy frameworks and Priorities and Practices.” Simiyu related the in hopes that the exercise will stimulate the putting biodiversity into the global current thematic work programs of the preparation of a world flora. There seems political agenda by linking conservation to CBD, such as biodiversity of forests, dry to be no time to lose on that enterprise, for sustainable use, poverty alleviation and lands and subhumid lands, and apprised as noted by Sir Ghillean Prance et al., an economic development especially in that the Convention uses an ecosystem average of about 2,350 new species of developing countries. approach as a framework for analysis and flowering plants are being described each implementation of its work. year (Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 87: 67-71. Concerning the Global Taxonomy 2000). Simiyu also called for an increased Initiative (GTI), one of the CBD compo- harmonization of research work at the nents, Simiyu observed that 900,000 names national and international levels, with already exist for the world’s 270,000 known broader participation in the CBD process species of flowering plants. The excesses by scientists. For this emerging priority, of this situation unfortunately constitute, she stated: “The onus is on us to pick up

Continued on page 12

Page 11 Symposium Continued from page 11 the challenge.” The next speaker was Cristian Samper K., the director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama City, Panama, who delivered an authoritative presentation on “Linking Science and Policy: The Case of the United Nations CBD.” He discussed how the CBD became an important part of the environmental legislation of the South American nation of Colombia. The Convention is an integral part of Colombia’s national environmental system, and the national biodiversity policy of the country includes provisions for conservation, acquisition of biological knowledge, and utilization of resources. Research institutes and botanical gardens have been inaugurated, and presently 36 percent of the endangered plants of Colombia are being grown in Colombian botanical gardens as a result of CBD action plans. The afternoon session began with Scott Miller, chairman of the Department of Systematic Biology, National Museum of The Hon. Bruce Babbitt, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior (1992- Natural History, who spoke on the “Impact 2000), delivering his keynote address, “A Retrospective View of the Rio of the CBD on Taxonomy and Biodiversity Convention” at the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium. (Photo by Leslie Information.” Miller, a strong proponent of Brothers) using museum resources for the provision of biodiversity information, observed that the basic problem remains the availability In the course of his talk, Miller recalled biology is so diversified that 30 metabolic of high quality data from museum speci- an instance of how taxonomy has pre- pathways were recently found in filamen- mens in electronic form. He described how vented biopiracy. In the past, a patent had tous fungi alone. Cancidas®, a new Merck biodiversity data from the natural range of been granted for a bark infusion from the Company antifungal drug, is a caspo- the Asian long-horned beetle, a pest that Amazonian hallucinogenic vine Banisteri- fungin acetate obtained from material arrived in wooden packing crates at opsis caapi (Grisebach) Morton (Malpighi- collected along the Lozoya River in Midwestern U.S. airports, has been fed aceae), known by its Peruvian name Madrid; its effectivity is based on a into a parallel-climate model, and is helping “ayahuasca.” Taxonomists later proved pathway uninvestigated until recently. the development of a policy for control of that the curious properties of this plant And, a small, non-peptide molecule with the beetle (see Web site http://www were known long ago by the Amerindians, insulin-mimetic properties has been .speciesanalyst.net). and thus not unique to the people who isolated from a species of the African held the patent, and the patent application Pseudomassaria. Using method- was rejected. On a different track, Miller ologies described by Bills, it has been Sponsors of the also noted that molecular systematics calculated that there are an incredible 2nd Smithsonian involves routine screening for minor 78,732,000 possible chemical combinations variations of known compounds, and thus (i.e., metabolic products) in fungal combi- Botanical Symposium is not a search for new compounds; natorial genes. This has led scientists to • Cuatrecasas Family Foundation therefore, molecular screening is not the creation of unusual and valuable • United States Botanic Garden bioprospecting. “unnatural natural products.” • International Association for The next speaker was Gerald Bills, The final invited lecturer was Braulio Plant Taxonomy senior research fellow at Merck Research Ferreira de Souza Dias from Brasilia, who • Offices of the Director and the Laboratories in Madrid, Spain. He pre- holds the governmental position of Associate Director for Research sented a talk on “Access and Discovery of director of biodiversity conservation in the & Collections - NMNH Pharmacologically Active Metabolites from Brazilian Ministry of the Environment. His Fungi and Other Microorganisms.” Fungal topic was “The CBD: Challenges and

Page 12 Opportunities in Mainstreaming Bio- estimated to exist in that country. All these, Last speaker of the session was Tom diversity into Society and Economy.” and the higher clades of plants and Lovejoy (World Bank, Washington, DC), Representing the nation in which the animals, are part of what is called the who provided a summarizing commentary. Convention was born, National Genetic Patri- Lovejoy’s trademark bowtie, upturned at Souza Dias pointed out mony of Brazil. Another one end like a propeller blade in mid- that the CBD is an issue is the protection of revolution, imparted to him the correct umbrella framework, “The onus is on the rights of traditional aura: of a veteran habitué of scientific and as such there have us to pick up knowledge in a very academia blended with experiences in the been some difficulties racially mixed country. In fragmented Brazilian forests and innumer- in implementing it. the challenge.” Brazil, for example, there able consultative sessions on biodiversity. Seemingly, it is largely still exist 500 quilombos, He noted several major changes wrought a matter of cultural - Stella Simiyu communities of descen- by the CBD, including that combinatorial values, those of dants of escaped slaves. chemistry is now competitive with research individuals, groups Indigenous knowledge to discover natural compounds, and that and societies. In fact, ownership can become numerous advances have been made in he noted that “Nature” itself is a societal hard to decipher if it needs to be assigned fostering biological conservation. Interna- concept. From this comes the conundrum, to a distinct group of persons. tional collaboration remains absolutely as he remarked, where “scientists don’t A symposium discussion between fundamental. understand how societies (values) work, panelists and audience was moderated by Lovejoy’s remarks included one and government doesn’t understand how Paula DePriest, co-convenor of the sym- relating to Scott Miller’s (see above) scientists work.” Indeed, the existence of posium and curator in the Department of concerning molecular systematics, and he very disparate attitudes between ordinary Systematic Biology – Botany. Among the cautioned the audience to avoid being people and the scientific community in questioners was Terry Erwin, Smithsonian caught up in “bioparanoia” (T.L.’s new Asia has recently been elaborated by F.S.P. specialist in insect biodiversity, who asked term) over alleged instances of biopiracy, Ng in an article entitled “Taxonomy, the panel to imagine what would be the and instead to realize the salient difference biodiversity and management of knowl- situation today if the United States between molecular systematics and edge in Asia” (Flora Malesiana Bulletin government had ratified the Convention. bioprospecting. To Lovejoy, the real 13(1): 48-50. 2002). Although still awaiting ratification by the “biopiracy” is the destruction of The Global Taxonomic Initiative, which, U.S. Congress, many American biological biodiversity around the world, still a as Souza Dias explained, bridges the gap specialists serve on large delegations of widespread concern of the conservation between the “bias and isolation” of observers and persons of special assis- imperative implicit in the CBD. taxonomists and the users of taxonomic tance at Conferences of the Parties (COP) After the evening dinner, the keynote information, may be exemplified by the to the Convention, which are held around speaker was The Hon. Bruce Babbitt, Flora Neotropica Initiative. Support from the world to tackle the hard issues that Secretary of the Interior (1992-2000), who the governments of Brazil, Colombia and arise. Mexico is expected to effectuate the Continued on page 14 completion of the flora in a projected 15 years. At the rate that work on the flora proceeded in the past, it would have taken 300 years. Many taxonomists have volunteered to support it with treatments of various plant groups. As pointed out by Souza Dias, many questions arise during attempts to implement the Convention, such as: How many species are there on the planet?; What determines high versus low bio- diversity?; How much biodiversity can we afford to lose (the threshold)?; and, Is biodiversity a representation of co- evolved, or opportunistic assemblages, of plants? Statistics indicate, for example, that only 350 species are known of the esti- mated 55,000 species of virus in Brazil; and only 400 species of Brazilian bacteria have been described out of the 130,000 species

George Schatz (left) and Dennis Stevenson enjoying the reception at the United States Botanic Garden. (Photo by Leslie Brothers)

Page 13 Symposium Supplementary Symposium Links and Continued from page 13 gave the reassembled audience “A Documents on the Web Retrospective View of the Rio Conven- The Web site to the 2nd Annual Smith- Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology tion.” Babbitt fleshed out a context of the sonian Botanical Symposium has many links and tion, where the policy, preface, introduc- that face us today: population, climate documents related to the conference. tion, and main document exist in pdf change, and biodiversity. How these Documents include the full text of the format. Additional items related to the CBD sensitive issues will resonate to those Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the symposium can be added to the concerned with the sovereignty and and a link to the CBD Web site. Scott list of links and documents by sending an economic well being of nations, will be an Miller has provided “The Intellectual e-mail to [email protected]. integral part of future debates and adminis- Property Policy 2000 of the International trative policies.

Acknowledgments Ira Rubinoff (left) and Stanwyn Shetler participating at the The success of the Symposium was Smithsonian Botanical Symposium. (Photo by Leslie Brothers) due to the significant time and efforts of the following people: Organizers • Paula DePriest, Co-Convener • Laurence Dorr • Ellen Farr • Gary Krupnick • Ida Lopez • Sue Lutz Core Collections Management Staff Opening reception • Holly Shimizu and the United States Botanic Garden Photographers • Deborah Bell • Leslie Brothers Plant material Nancy Bechtol and the Horticul- John Kress (left) and Brian Boom giving the symposium a • ture Services Division at the thumbs-up. (Photo by Deborah Bell) Smithsonian Institution And many others who had helped in a myriad number of ways.

Page 14 Additional Scenes from the Smithsonian Botanical Symposium

Joshua Rosenthal asking a question from the audience during the Panel Discussion Session. (Photo by Leslie Brothers) From left, Terry Erwin, Cristian Samper K., Ira Rubinoff, and Anna Weitzman having a discussion during the opening reception. (Photo by Deborah Bell)

Enjoying a discussion are, from left, Patrick Herendeen, Elizabeth Zimmer, and Richard Olmstead. (Photo by Deborah Bell)

The Coolidge Quartet performing for the participants of the Smith- sonian Botanical Symposium. (Photo by Deborah Bell)

Deep in conversation are, from left, Michael Bordelon, Dieter Wasshausen, and Paul Peterson. (Photo by Deborah Bell)

Page 15 Art by Alice Tangerini

Dillandia subumbellata V.A. Funk and H. Robinson

The discovery of a new genus by W. John Kress (see article, page 6) wasn’t the only new genus described recently in Botany. Vicki Funk and Harold Robinson have discovered a new genus of Compositae. Phyloge- netic and morphological analysis suggests that three species of Compositae, including Dillandia subumbellata, form a monophyletic group. Dillandia is de- fined by the possession of bullate leaf surfaces and pale anther thecae. This study is an example of how molecular and morphological data, when used together, can lead to a better classifica- tion. (Systematic Botany 26: 216-225. 2001.)

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