A new smut fungus from Namibia, Tilletia triraphidis (Tilletiaceae) on Triraphis purpurea (Poaceae: Triraphideae), is described and illustrated. It differs from all other species of Tilletia by specialization on Triraphis. Tilletia triraphidis is distinguished from the known smut fungi on host plants in the tribe Triraphideae (Ustilago neyraudiae, U. latzii, and U. triraphidis) by having sterile cells and reticulate spores. A key to the smut fungi that infect Neyraudia and Triraphis is also provided.
Bali's endemic white starling, Rothschild's starling, is one of Indonesia's most endangered animals, along with the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. It is almost entirely confined to one reserve, in the north-west of the island, which has been severely reduced and disturbed in the 30 years since it was created. Only 13,000ha of the original 20,000ha of monsoon forest now survives, and estimates of starling numbers are 200 birds or even fewer. Capture for sale has also contributed to the bird's decline. The author urges the need for proper management of the reserve.
Recent taxonomic innovations have led to the inclusion of most of the Brachiaria species in Urochloa and of all Pennisetum species in Cenchrus. Many of the necessary combinations have been made for the West African species, but still nine new combinations
and seven lectotypifications are presented here.
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