INTRODUCTION In aerobiological studies it is often necessary to compare concentration data recorded with different models of sampling instrument. Sampler efficiency typically varies from device to device, and depends on the target aerosol and local atmospheric conditions. To account for these differences inter-sampler correction factors may be applied, however for many pollen samplers and polle...

The present work analyses the airborne pollen dynamic of the atmosphere of Toledo (central Spain), a World Heritage Site and an important tourist city receiving over 2 millions of visitors every year. The airborne pollen spectrum, the annual dynamics of the most important taxa, the influence of meteorological variables and the risk of suffering pollen allergy are analysed. Results of the presen...

Three hitherto undescribed species of Pilea (Urticaceae) from limestone karst in China are described and illustrated. Affinities of the species are discussed and Global Species Conservation Assessments presented. The new species are Pilea cavernicola A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles Pilea scripta (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Wedd. and Pilea gracilis ...

Pilea peperomioides Diels (Urticaceae) is a semi-succulent herbaceous species native to south-western China that has become popular in cultivation as an ornamental plant. To investigate whether this possesses the capacity for CAM photosynthesis, measurements were made of CO2 gas exchange and titratable acidity plants under both well-watered water-deficit conditions. Plants found assimilate almo...

A semi-automatic system for pollen recognition is studied for the european project ASTHMA. The goal of such a system is to provide accurate pollen concentration measurements. This information can be used as well by the palynologists, the clinicians or a forecast system to predict pollen dispersion. At first, our emphasis has been put on Cupressaceae, Olea, Poaceae and Urticaceae pollen types. T...

The tropical Andes are a hotspot of biodiversity, but detailed altitudinal and latitudinal distribution patterns of species are poorly understood. We compare the distribution and diversity patterns of four Andean plant groups on the basis of georeferenced specimen data: the genus Nasa (Loasaceae), the two South American sections of Ribes (sect. Parilla and sect. Andina, Grossulariaceae), and th...