Plant Systematics Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Catasetum possui cerca de 170 espécies terrícolas e epífitas com distribuição neotropical, sendo o gênero reconhecido pelos pseudobulbos possuindo vários entrenós, pelas flores unissexuais (raro hermafroditas) e polinário com estipe, caudículo e viscídio. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o estudo taxonômico de Catasetum no Estado do Paraná, apresentando descrições, ilustrações, mapa de distribuição, chave de identificação, status de conservação e comentários para cada espécie. O gênero está presente predominantemente na Floresta Ombrófila Densa (Catasetum atratum, C. socco e C. triodon) e na Floresta
Ombrófila Mista (C. fimbriatum) do Estado. De acordo com os critérios da IUCN, C. atratum enquadra-se como espécie
criticamente em perigo, C. fimbriatum e C. triodon, enquadram-se como uma espécie em perigo e C. socco enquadra‑se como espécie vulnerável no Estado do Paraná.

- by and +1
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- Botany, Plant Taxonomy (Taxonomy), Plant Systematics, Orchids

Phylogenetic relationships based on the chloroplast genome of Taraxacum were studied. Representative samples of 44 sections or species groups and a number of isolated species were analyzed. On the basis of the sequence variation in psbA-trnH and in trnL-trnF, mutations associated with RFLPs were monitored. Five RFLPs without homoplasy were recognized and used to reconstruct four main cpDNA groups (haplotypes); Group I is ancestral and, contrary to the information in the primary sequences, the RFLPs were not distinct from those of the outgroup species of Agoseris and Prenanthes. This group corresponds to dandelions believed to be ancestral on the basis of morphological data and previous studies of the chloroplast genome. A comparison of parsimony analysis of morphological and chloroplast data showed an overall lack of congruence. The conflict can most probably be accounted for as a consequence of reticulation.

The anatomy of the seed coat of the European species of tribe Ericeae (Calluna, Daboecia and Erica) of the Ericaceae family was studied, and the taxonomic importance of their characters was analyzed. The seed coat is mostly formed by a one-cell layer with thick, pitted inner walls and thin outer walls that collapse at maturity over the inner walls. The cell junctions are either raised with anticlinal walls up to four times the height of the periclinal walls or are not raised with similar values for the height of both the anticlinal and periclinal walls. Three main cell junction types were found and described. The thickness of the inner walls is variable, but there is a large overlap among the results for different species. Calluna vulgaris is the only species with no pits, and E. multiflora has a pitted pattern on its inner walls, which is distinctive from the rest of the species. Our main results agree with the external seed morphology, and valuable new data were obtained for certain groups such as the E. cinerea-E. terminalis or the E. scoparia complex. The similarities that are found in seed coat characters are not in accordance with the classical taxonomic delimitation of infrageneric groups within Erica.

- by Catherine Clowes
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- Biology, Plant Systematics, Medicine, Genome Sequencing
- by Eve Emshwiller and +1
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- Botany, Conservation Biology, Peru, Plant Systematics

Daphne gnidium is a circum-Mediterranean evergreen shrub. Flower and pollen features related to pollination mechanism were analyzed, and the seasonal presence of insects visiting the plant was monitored. The morphology and functionality of flowers are compatible with entomophily, as are pollen viability, which is maintained for a few hours only after anthesis, and the very short stigmatic receptivity. The reproductive fitness of the species is low and the ripening process often fails (35% collapsed embryos). While male organ functionality is fairly regular, the female organ often shows developmental arrest. The complex or transient evolutionary traits displayed by D. gnidium are comparable to those of Thymelaea hirsuta and other members of the Thymelaeaceae.

- by Laura Cornara
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- Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Plant Systematics, Seasonality

Genetic variation in 42 populations throughout the range of Biscutella laevigata L. (Brassicaceae), a morphologically variable central European species, has been investigated by enzyme electrophoresis with three loci (Amy1, Amy2, and Gpi2). Genetic identities and the Fitch-Margoliash tree suggest differentiation into four regional groups: 1) a northwestern diploid group (northern France and northern Germany), 2) a northeastern diploid group (southern Germany, Upper Austria, northern Lower Austria, Poland, and Romania), 3) a central diploid group in southern Lower Austria corresponding to subspecies austriaca, and 4) a southern tetraploid group in Alpine areas of France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Slovenia corresponding to subspecies laevigata. Geographically isolated diploid relic populations that are genetically depauperate are found in the NW and NE diploid groups. On the other hand, the diploid relic subspecies austriaca from the NE Prealps and Alps is highly variable. Subspecies laevigata appears to be a genetical autotetraploid with multiple origins involving several diploid progenitors (the NW diploids, subspecies austriaca and B. prealpina).

- by Tod Stuessy
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- Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Plant Biology, Plant Systematics

A well-resolved phylogeny of Flaveria is used to infer evolutionary relationships among species, biogeographical distributions, and C4 photosynthetic evolution. Data on morphology, life history, and DNA sequences (chloroplastic trnL-F, nuclear ITS and ETS) for 21 of 23 known species were collected. Each data set was analyzed separately and in combination using maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses. The phylogeny of Flaveria is based on the combined analysis of all data. Our phylogenetic evidence indicates that C3 Flaveria are all basal to intermediate (C3-C4 and C4-like) and fully expressed C4 Flaveria species. Two strongly supported clades (A and B) are present. Using this phylogeny, we evaluate the current systematics of the genus and suggest the removal and reevaluation of certain taxa. We also infer the center of origin and dispersal of Flaveria species. Multiple origins of photosynthetic pathway intermediacy in Flaveria are recognized. C3-C4 intermediacy has evolved twice in the genus and is found to be evolutionarily intermediate in clade A, but not necessarily in clade B. C4-like photosynthesis is also derived once in each clade. In addition, fully expressed C4 photosynthesis may have evolved up to three times within clade A.

- by Athena McKown
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- Botany, Zoology, Phylogenetics, Taxonomy

The morphology of ovule - and microsynangia-bearing systems of most primitive Upper Devonian (Elkinsia polymorpha, Moresnetia zalesskyi) and Lower Carboniferous gymnospenns (Kerryia mattenii, Pullaritheca longii) has been reinterpreted and redescribed in the tenns of a shoot morphology. The cupules alone and the cupuliferous complex constructions are a single morphofunctional unit being a system of modified reproductive shoots bearing synangia- insynangescence. These gyrnnospenns are characterized
by aggregate insynangescences, or synsynangescences of pleiochasidial type representing in itself a whole hierarchy of insynangescences. The cupules of Elkinsia and Moresnetia. and also those of Kerryia are interpreted as partial insynangescences (synangescences) aggregated into compound insynangescences (cincinni) and constituted in its tum an aggregate synsynangescence of pleiochasidial type. The cupules of Moresnetia and Elkinsia are interpreted as dichasidia, those of Kerryia as trichasidia, whereas cupules of Pullaritheca are interpreted to represent another type of the compound insynangescent system - a condensed calathifonn aggregation of two dichasidial insynangescences, tenned a pocule. The bisexuality of the synsynangescence of Pullaritheca longii obviously indicates that it belongs
to some seed plants having a bisexual assemblage of ovules and microsynangia. It does emphasize that known unisexual and possible
dioecious Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous gyrnnospenns were far too specialized to be the only initial group for all spermatophytes. It is more likely to hold them as a blind branch of gymnospennous evolution taking into consideration its retaining imperfect telomic organisation of the reproductive shoot. In such a case in the starting naked insynangescence there are not any potentialities for a fonnation of the additional protective epi-integumentary systems enveloping an ovule as seen within more advanced spennatophytes.
The insynangescence concept finally debunks views on the origin of integument from the vegetative segments like tegoclades of dichasidium, trichasidium or pocule. On the basis of comparative morphology of insynangescences, Pullaritheca has been segregated into a distinct family Pullarithecaceae and order Pullarithecales. Thus it has been fonnally ascertained an existence of two distinct highly specialized phyla within the Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous seed plants.

- by Alexander Doweld
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- Plant Systematics, Palaeobotany, Plant Morphology

Described and illustrated is Warneckea austro-occidentalis R. D. Stone, an endemic of tropical forests in Cameroon’s South West Province and adjacent Nigeria. The name W. mangrovensis (Jacq.-Fél.) R. D. Stone is also proposed at species level for the taxon originally described as W. fascicularis var. mangrovensis Jacq.-Fél. An IUCN (2001) status of endangered is assigned for both W. austro-occidentalis and W. mangrovensis.

- by Robert Douglas Stone
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- Conservation Biology, Africa, Plant Systematics, Melastomataceae

Taxonomy represents the baseline for biological characterization and naming for endangered plant species. Phlomis aurea has never been a subject of comprehensive biosystematics assessment. Phlomis aurea is an endangered species suffering from global changes which lead to population decline. It is important to rediscover critical biological traits related to endemic species to help set up conservation plan(s). The current study represents a comprehensive morphological and anatomical characterization of the endangered Phlomis aurea endemic to Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Phylogenetic placement and DNA barcoding were done using two molecular markers (rbcL and psb-A/trn-H).

- by Ahmed El-Banhawy
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- Bioinformatics, Egypt, Plant Systematics, Plant Taxonomy
- by Rajeev Kumar Singh
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- Botany, Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Biology
- by Mario Coiro
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- Plant Systematics, Plant Morphology, Cycads, Cycadophytes

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the wood microstructure of 16 species of the genus Quercus (Fagaceae) inhabiting the Himalayan region of India. Indian oaks can be categorised into two groups: ring porous oaks and diffuse porous oaks. Most of the diffuse porous oaks were quite homogenous in their microstructure and showed only slight variations in ray cellular composition and axial parenchyma distribution. The results revealed that the current classification of Quercus is not in concordance with the wood microstructure. Instead, cluster analysis suggested that the quantitative wood microstructure of Indian oaks reflects the environmental/climatic differentiation of the eastern and western Himalayas. All the species of oaks showed a combination of both primitive and advanced wood anatomical characters.

A new species of functionally dioecious Solanum, S. sejunctum, is described from Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. It is compared to S. asymmetriphyllum Specht, a similar species from the same region. Updated... more

- by Chris Martine
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- Australia, Taxonomy, Plant Taxonomy (Taxonomy), Plant Systematics

The vegetation in the habitats of the endemic montane grassland bird Nilgiri Pipit at Palani Hills and Nilgiri Hills of southern Western Ghats is delineated in this study. Threats to the habitats of the Nilgiri Pipit by invasive plants... more

- by Rajeev Kumar Singh
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- Botany, Systematics (Taxonomy), Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology

ABSTARAK Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. merupakan tumbuhan perdu yang tumbuh liar. Tumbuhan ini memiliki 2 macam varietas, yaitu: tomentosa dan parviflora. R. tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. yang diamati merupakan varietas tomentosa, sehingga namanya adalah R. tomentosa var. tomentosa dengan sinonim Myrtus canescens Lour. Pengamatan ini bertujuan untuk melihat struktur morfologi organ vegetatif karamunting yang tumbuh di Lubuk Minturun Padang. Dari pengamatan dan dari sumber literatur yang ada diketahui bahwa sistem perakaran R. tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk adalah akar tunggang dengan tipe akar tunggang bercabang, karena akarnya berbentuk kerucut panjang, tumbuh lurus ke bawah, bercabang-cabang banyak dan cabang-cabangnya bercabang lagi. Tumbuhan ini memiliki batang yang jelas (planta caulis) batang berkayu (lignosus) dengan habitus atau perawakan perdu. Bentuk batang bulat (teres). Permukaan batang muda berambut (pilosus) sedangkan batang tua melepaskan kerak. Arah tumbuh batang tegak lurus (erectus). Warna batang tuanya coklat sedangkan batang mudanya bewarna hijau. Arah tumbuh cabang condong ke atas (fagitatus). Daun berwarna hijau dan merupakan daun tunggal, karena pada satu tangkai daun terdapat satu helai daun. Bentuk bangun daun jorong (ellipticus). Ujung daun tumpul (obtusus). Pangkal daun pasak (cuneate). Tepi daun rata (integer). Pertulangan daun menyirip (penninervis) dengan tiga vena utama. Daging daun seperti perkamen (perkamenteus), tipis tetapi cukup kaku. Permukaan atas daun gundul (glaber) berwarna hijau tua. Permukaan bawah daun berambut halus (tomentosus) berwarna hijau pucat. Pelipatan daunnya melipat di sepanjang ibu tulang daun ke arah dalam (conduplicate). Dari pengamatan diketahui bahwa Tumbuhan ini mempunyai ciri khas berupa rambu-rambut halus (tomentose) yang terdapat pada beberapa bagian tubuh, seperti permukaan bawah daun dan permukaan batang muda

- by Rizki Rizki and +1
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- Botany, Plant Taxonomy (Taxonomy), Plant Systematics, Etnobotany

In 2014 James S. Boatwright and John Charles Manning transferred Aloë1 aristata to the monotypic genus Aristaloë and Aloë dinteri, Aloë sladeniana and Aloë variegata to Gonialoë. 2013 saw the revival of Kumara, a genus to which Aloë disticha var. plicatilis and Aloë haemanthifolia were assigned. These changes necessitate several new nothogenera for
intergeneric hybrids involving these species, two of which, ×Gastonialoë and ×Gonimara, have already been proposed.

Una reseña de la colección de hongos de Honduras depositados en el herbario "Cyril Hardy Nelson Sutherland" (TEFH) de la Escuela de Biología de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras

- by Cyril Nelson
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- Plant Systematics

The Conspectus of the vascular flora of Bulgaria fourth revised and enlarged edition contains information about 4102 species of plants, with distribution maps according to the floristic regions, vertical range of distribution,... more

- by Boris Assyov
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- Botany, Landscape Ecology, Climate Change, Ethnobotany

The diverse, aquatic Hydrocharitaceae have defied stable classification for nearly two centuries. Anatomical and morphological convergence characterize many aquatic plants and undoubtedly have hindered the ability of researchers to ascertain accurately those features representing reliable phylogenetic markers within Hydrocharitaceae. Most prior classifications of the family have emphasized few characters to define major taxonomic subdivisions (i.e., they were highly artificial). Previous studies using molecular data have shown that DNA sequences provide novel indications of phylogeny not indicated previously by morphologically based classifications; however, they have not yet recommended alterations to the classification for the family. We conducted a more comprehensive phylogenetic study of Hydrocharitaceae to better elucidate evolutionary relationships among the genera that in turn could be used to provide insight for improvements in classification. We analyzed different data sets (55 morphological characters; chloroplast rbcL, matK, trnK intron sequences; nuclear ribosomal ITS region sequences) singly and in various combinations using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. Phylogenetic analysis of combined data yielded a fully resolved tree depicting four well-supported, major clades within Hydrocharitaceae. We use these results to propose a phylogenetic classification of Hydrocharitaceae recognizing four subfamilies that correspond to these clades: Anacharidoideae, Hydrilloideae, Hydrocharitoideae, and Stratioideae. Phylogenetic analysis also indicated the pattern of derivation with respect to submersed lifeforms, hydrophilous pollination, and marine habitation in the family. Character reconstructions indicated that several features, (e.g., ovule type; occurrence of detaching male flowers), once thought to provide strong phylogenetic markers in Hydrocharitaceae, actually are highly homoplasious and have acutely mislead past attempts at classification of the family.

- by Michael Moody
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- Phylogenetics, Plant Systematics, Aquatic Plants, Hydrocharitaceae

The little known endemic species Solanum purpureilineatum Sabnis and Bhatt is often considered conspecific with S. nigrum L. Cultivation experiments, critical studies of herbarium specimens and live specimens confirmed that both species are distinct, hence S. purpureilineatum Sabnis and Bhatt is reinstated here. The name S. purpureilineatum Sabnis and Bhatt is lectotypified here because in the protologue two specimens are designated as holotype instead of one and a detailed taxonomic account, coloured photographs and distribution are provided.

- by Rajeev Kumar Singh and +1
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- Botany, Systematics (Taxonomy), Plant Ecology, Ecology

Recent molecular systematic investigations suggested that Ferula, an umbellifer genus of about 170 species, is polyphyletic, with its members placed in the apioid superclade and within tribe Scandiceae. We analyzed ITS sequence variation from 134 accessions of Apiaceae, including 83 accessions (74 species) of Ferula to ascertain the phylogenetic position of the genus within the family. Phylogenetic analyses of these data using maximum parsimony, Bayesian, and neighbor-joining methods support the monophyly of Ferula upon the addition of Dorema and Leutea (as Ferula sensu lato) and its placement in tribe Scandiceae. Ferula sensu is closely allied with other major lineages of Scandiceae, corresponding to subtribes Scandicinae, Daucinae, and Torilidinae. Therefore, we recognize the Ferula clade as subtribe Ferulinae. Another addition to tribe Scandiceae is a clade composed of genera Glaucosciadium and Mozaffariania. The three accessions of Ferula misplaced in the apioid superclade represent a species of Silaum.

- by Krzysztof Spalik
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- Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Systematics, Plant Biology, Plant Systematics
- by Eve Emshwiller
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- Botany, Systematics (Taxonomy), Bolivia, Plant Taxonomy (Taxonomy)

In the most comprehensive study to date we explored the phylogeny and evolution of the genus Asparagus, with emphasis on the southern African species. We included 211 accessions, representing 77 (92%) of the southern African, 6 (17%) of the tropical African, 10 (56%) of the strictly European and 6 (9%) of the Eurasian species. We analysed DNA sequences from three plastid regions (trnH-psbA, trnD-T, ndhF) and from the nuclear region phytochrome C (PHYC) with parsimony and maximum likelihood methods, and recovered a monophyletic Asparagus. The phylogeny conflicts with all previous infra-generic classifications. It has many strongly supported clades, corroborated by morphological characters, which may provide a basis for a revised taxonomy. Additionally, the phylogeny indicates that many of the current species delimitations are problematic. Using biogeographic analyses that account for phylogenetic uncertainty (S-DIVA) and take into account relative branch lengths (Lagrange) we confirm...

- by Gitte Petersen
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- Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Phylogeography

The name Pycnarrhena pleniflora was inadvertently lectotypified before 2001 and therefore it requires second-step lectotypification which is proposed here.

- by Ravi Kiran and +1
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- Botany, Plant Ecology, Biology, Ecology

The Indian species Portulaca suffruticosa has been confused with other taxa by many previous authors, due to lack of field collections and a paucity of specimens in Indian herbaria. Following a morphological taxonomic study supported by new field collections, P. suffruticosa is confirmed as an accepted species endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka, and as distinct from P. pilosa and P. tuberosa. The more recently described species P. lakshminarasimhaniana and P. laljii are considered to be conspecific with P. suffruticosa, and P. badamica conspecific with P. tuberosa; their names are accordingly synonymised. Lectotypifications of the names P. suffruticosa Wight, P. tuberosa Roxb. and P. wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn. were found to be necessary to avoid future misapplication of names and full descriptions of these three species are provided. A key to all Indian species of Portulaca is provided.

- by Rajeev Kumar Singh
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- Botany, Systematics (Taxonomy), Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology

Commiphora (Burseraceae) is the most species-rich genus in the frankincense and myrrh family, whose widespread and often remote distribution in seasonally dry tropical forests globally has impeded efforts to resolve its taxonomy and investigate its systematic biology. Here we focus on establishing the origin and evolution of Commiphora species native to Madagascar, all of which are endemic. Recent work has uncovered 16 new Malagasy species, bringing the total number of island endemic species to 44 and comprising nearly 25% of the genus. Previous phylogenetic studies of Commiphora have indicated that Malagasy lineages immigrated to and radiated within the island twice. We test this biogeographic hypothesis more thoroughly using a nearly comprehensive sampling of species from Madagascar, an expanded sampling of Commiphora species native to other regions, and a greater depth of DNA sequence data from the nuclear (nrETS, nrITS) and chloroplast (psbA-trnH, ndhF-rpl32, and trnD-trnT) genomes. Results from this expanded phylogenetic analysis include strong support for seven infrageneric clades within a monophyletic Commiphora, which we refer to as the 'Lasiodisca,' 'Granulifera,' 'Saxicola,' 'Gariepensis,' 'Spinescens,' 'Arafy,' and 'Rhynchocarpa' clades. Malagasy species comprise four distantly related lineages, including one species sister to all other Commiphora species (C. lasiodisca), the species-rich 'Arafy,' and 'Rhynchocarpa' clades, and one species embedded within the predominantly East African 'Spinescens' clade (C. simplicifolia). We describe the morphological and geographic affinities of each infrageneric and Malagasy lineage and identify priorities for future systematic study of the genus.

- by Morgan Gostel
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- Evolutionary Biology, Systematics (Taxonomy), Phylogenetics, Speciation

The phylogenetic position of Parasitaxus (Podocarpaceae) has been inferred from a cladistic analysis of molecular characters from chloroplast and nuclear genomes including all genera of Podocarpaceae. In all 24 most parsimonious trees, based on combined datasets, Phyllocladus resided outside Podocarpaceae s. str. while Lepidothamnus was basal to the latter. Most other genera were arranged in two major clades. The evidence confirms previous studies, which have suggested a relationship between Lagarostrobos, Manoao and Parasitaxus. Parasitaxus is not directly related to its host Falcatifolium taxoides. Instead it appears to be most closely related to Manoao and Lagarostrobos. No other members of this group now occur on New Caledonia. However, if the evolution of Parasitaxus were autochthonous, a free-living member of this group must once have occurred there. An accelerated evolutionary rate of the chloroplast sequence analysed was suggested, indicating that the plant behaves like a holoparasite.

- by Nigel Barker
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- Plant Systematics

We present an annotated catalogue of the vascular flora of the upper Santa Ana River watershed, in the southern San Bernardino Mountains, in southern California. The catalogue is based on a floristic study, undertaken from 2008 to 2010. Approximately 65 team days were spent in the field and over 5,000 collections were made over the course of the study. The study area is ca. 155 km^2 in area (40,000 ac) and ranges in elevation from 1402 m to 3033 m. The study area is botanically diverse with more than 750 taxa documented, including 56 taxa of conservation concern and 81 non-native taxa. Vegetation and habitat types in the area include chaparral, evergreen oak forest and woodland, riparian forest, coniferous forest, montane meadow, and pebble plain habitats. The primary objectives of this study were to asses the conservation status of plant species that are of conservation concern, asses the status of non-native taxa, and to voucher and catalogue the vascular flora of this region. We report three taxa that are newly documented for the San Bernardino Mountains. Two of these are non-native: Cardaria chalepensis and Humulus lupulus var. lupulus. The third, Senecio scorzonella is a native species disjunct from the Sierra Nevada.

- by Naomi S. Fraga and +5
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- Floristics, Plant Systematics, Biogeography, Biodiversity

The biology, ecology, and distribution of Selenicereus (Strophocactus) wittii, one of the least known taxa of Cactaceae, are described. This epiphyte climbs appressed to tree trunks with leaf-like, flattened stems and is found exclusively along the high waterline of black water rivers (Rio Negro, Vaup&, Apaporis) in the Igap6 inundation forests of Amazonia. Ecophysiologically, S. wittii is a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant. It bears white, nocturnal flowers 25 cm in length which emit a fragrance consisting mainly of benzylalcohol, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl salicylate. They exhibit an extreme sphingophilous syndrome as an adaptation to pollination by probably only two species of hawkmoth from the genera Amphimoena and Cocytius. The seeds, aberrant for the family, contain air-filled chambers and are water-dispersed. Thus, S. wittii represents the paradoxical life form of an hydrochorous epiphytic cactus which withstands periodical inundation.

Background: People's classification, management, and use of plants represent attempt to attracting people from different academic disciplines. Many countries use traditional medicine for their primary healthcare system. Medicinal plants have been important components of healthcare systems since the time immemorial. The objective of this research was to document and analyze traditional medicinal plants used by the Sheka people and associated ethnobotanical knowledge. Methods: Data was collected by administering pre-prepared semi-structured interview items to 414 informants. Market surveys, group discussion, and guided field walk were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; determination of informant consensus factor, fidelity level, as well as ranking and scoring. Results: A total of 266 plant species belonging to 192 genera and 74 families were identified. About 204 (77%) of the medicinal plants were used to treat human health problems. Only ten (4%) were used to treat livestock health problems and 52 (19%) of them were used to treat both human and livestock health problems. Croton macrostachyus, Prunus africana, Peperomia retusa, Lobelia giberroa, and Celosia schweinfurthiana were found to be high ranking medicinal plants against gastrointestinal problems based on simple preference ranking. Conclusion: Very high number of medicinal plant species recorded from the study area indicates that vegetation of Sheka is reservoir of medicinal plants. Hence, the area needs attention for medicinal plant conservation priorities. Plant parts used as medicines also play vital role in the entire medicinal plant life cycle. Therefore, it is useful to consider harvesting impacts. Except well-experienced traditional healers, people of the study area use the medicinal plants haphazardly. There may be high risk of being victims of dosage and improper usage. High ranking medicinal plants are candidates for further phytochemical profiling, drug research, and development.

- by Zewdie K . Tessema
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- Plant Ecology, Ethnobotany, Plant Systematics, Vegetation Ecology

Dodonaeoideae Burnett is a subfamily of flowering plants in the soapberry family Sapindaceae Juss. Leaf epidermal characteristics of some species in the subfamily Dodonaeoideae were studied with the aid of a compound light and scanning electron microscopes in order to evaluate their reliability as taxonomic markers. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments were carried out using standard methods and the species studied included Zanha golungensis Hiern, Dodonaea viscosa (L) Jacq. and Majidea fosterii (Sprague) Radlk. Both Z. golungensis and M. fosterii are hypostomatic with stomata restricted to the abaxial surface while D. viscosa is amphistomatic. Their epidermises are composed of cells of various shapes from polygonal in Z. golungensis and adaxial surface of D. viscosa species, to irregular M. fosterii and abaxial surface of D. viscosa. The anticlinal wall patterns vary on abaxial and adaxial surfaces of each species, from straight in D. viscosa to undulate in M. fosterii. Anomocytic stomata are present in M. fosterii and D. viscosa species while paracytic stomata type is found in Z. golungensis. There is variation in the stomata size, number, length and width of the three species. Stellate trichomes were observed on the adaxial surface of Z. golungensis while epicuticular wax is granular in all taxa and mainly especially on the adaxial surface. Also, striations were observed on both surfaces of Z. golungensis. The range of variation in the epidermal characters between the species under investigation renders them of value for taxonomic purposes. An artificial dichotomous key for identifying the species is presented.

- by Temitope Onuminya
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- Plant Systematics, Sapindaceae

The tribe Abildgaardieae Lye is composed of 5-7 genera: Crosslandia, Fimbristylis, Abildgaardia (= Fimbristylis section Abildgaardia), Bulbostylis, Nemum, Nelmesia and Tylocarya (= Fimbristylis nelmesii). There has been little disagreement about the general boundaries of the tribe. However, limits of the main genera are disputed and unresolved. Some species and generic boundaries of Crosslandia, Abildgaardia and Australian Bulbostylis require assessment across their morphological and geographical range of distribution.
The general aim of this thesis is to test monophyly of and within the tribe Abildgaardieae. To address the aim, the limits for Crosslandia, Abildgaardia and Australian Bulbostylis are assessed to determine the species and generic limits on a global level.
Data from morphology, vegetative anatomy and embryo morphology were used in phenetic and cladistic analyses. Phenetic analyses of morphological data were used to test and set species limits. Additional characters from morphology, vegetative anatomy and embryo morphology were used in cladistic analyses to test monophyly of the tribe and previous classifications. Representative samples from Fimbristylis, Nemum, and the monotypic genera Nelmesia and Tylocarya (= Fimbristylis nelmesii) were added to those species defined in phenetic analyses. Data were polarised using the outgroup method; with outgroup taxa selected from the provisional Arthrostylideae, Schoenoplectus and Schoenoplectiella.
Cladistic analysis revealed that the tribe Abildgaardieae is not monophyletic when Nemum, Nelmesia and Tylocarya are included. Members of ‘Arthrostylideae’ violated monophyly of Abildgaardieae. The limits of Crosslandia and Abildgaardia are revised: Crosslandia 4 spp., all endemic to Australia and Abildgaardia 11 spp., 9 in Australia, 8 endemic. The limits for Australian species of Bulbostylis remain unresolved, with further testing of a wider sample of overseas species needed. A new species of Bulbostylis, B. kakadu in ed., is recognised. Species of Nemum are not monophyletic and Nelmesia rendered Abildgaardia non-monophyletic in the full tribal analysis. Tylocarya formed a clade with Fimbristylis depauperata. Species of Fimbristylis did not form a monophyletic group. Suggestions for further work are given.

- by Kerri Clarke
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- Botany, Evolutionary Biology, Evolution, Plant Systematics

Las especies aceptadas listadas en el catálogo son 8.302. Incluyen 768 pteridofitas, 25 gimnospermas y 7.509 angiospermas. Se incluyen 580 especies endémicas y 612 especies introducidas; se registran, además, 91 especies que se espera encontrar en el departamento. Las especies endémicas para el departamento
de Antioquia representan el 6,99% del total del número de especies, mientras que el 85,64% es de especies nativas no endémicas y el 7,37 % de especies introducidas, ya se trate de cultivadas, de naturalizadas o de adventicias. El número de familias de plantas vasculares incluidas fue de 227, sin incluir las familias de pteridofitas las cuales fueron catalogadas por géneros. de las familias listadas 21 son exclusivas de especies introducidas.
El número de géneros es de 1.956, de los cuales 1.649 poseen al menos una especie nativa.

- by Alvaro Idarraga
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- Diversity, Floristics, Plant Taxonomy (Taxonomy), Plant Systematics

The authors of this edition propose a novel and inspiring research approach to the subject of plants, which – being a form of life that is different, yet akin to us – is a constant source of nourishment and metaphors, decoration and obsessions. The articles included in this thematic block on plants enter into lively ongoing debates on genetics, feminism, ecology and plant ontology. They are excellent examples of the fact that in Polish philosophical and cultural reflection there was an understanding very early on of the challenges that posthumanism poses to our anthropocentric intellectual habits. Foreign readers will recognize in these Polish reflections a bold willingness to ask ethical and aesthetic questions of great relevance to the modern world that go far beyond the safe, though most likely imagined, limits of what it is to be human.

- by Andrzej Marzec
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- Critical Theory, Biochemistry, Botany, Landscape Ecology

Floral development and anatomy of Moringa have been investigated in the context of the disputed view of a capparalean affinity. Flowers arise in terminal or axillary panicles. Sepals arise sequentially and petals simultaneously. Antepetalous stamens arise simultaneously and precede the antesepalous staminodes, which emerge sequentially. Within their respective whorls, the petals and stamens become twisted along different orientations. The gynoecium develops as a ring primordium on which three carpellary lobes become demarcated simultaneously. A saccate ovary bears numerous ovules on a parietal placentation and is topped by a hollow style. The interpretation of laminal placentation is denied. Monothecal anthers are formed by the failure of one half to initiate. The flowers present a peculiar form of zygomorphy running transversally from the petal between sepals 3 and 5 to sepal 4. The shape and position of petals and stamens is related to a pollen presentation mechanism with bowl-shaped anthers on different levels. The floral anatomy also reflects the zygomorphy of the flower. Although Moringa shares important morphological features with certain members of the Sapindales and Capparales, differences in ontogeny make a close relationship with either Capparales or certain Sapindales appear uncertain.

- by Jan De Laet
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- Plant Systematics, Plant Morphology

Since the publication of the last Lebanese and Syrian classical flora, the only complete work on Lebanese flora is an illustrated book based on the same taxonomy and nomenclature with a few exceptions and some additions. Specifically on the Lebanese orchids, one book has illustrated orchids in the field with an unusual taxonomic point of view. Several Euro-Mediterranean monographs propose a conflicting taxonomy that is not always useful in identifying living specimens. Several years of exploration throughout Lebanon allowed the authors to build considerable knowledge of the orchid flora and its taxonomy. Other works made on adjacent areas completed the investigations and provided some useful indications to build taxonomic understanding and compile a preliminary checklist of Orchidaceae. Historical nomenclature was reanalysed from a modern point of view; recent critical appellations were confronted with biogeography and integrative evolutionary taxonomy, and some poorly known taxa are highlighted and their taxonomy is reinvestigated. A total of 51 species and subspecies are listed for Lebanon. Two new chorological records for Lebanon (Epipactis helleborine “subsp. praecox” nom. provis.; Ophrys alasiatica) and four new nomenclatural combinations (Androrchis × ehdenica, Epipactis helleborine subsp. turcica, Ophrys episcopalis subsp. libanotica, Serapias vomeracea subsp. levantina) are presented. At least 14 taxa are regionally endemic, seven of which are limited to two border countries, the other seven being too poorly known for conclusions about their biogeography.

- by Errol Vela
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- Plant Biology, Lebanon, Biology, Mediterranean

IUCN status of Ceropegia jainii and C. rollae (Apocynaceae) is discussed.

- by Rajeev Kumar Singh
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- Botany, Systematics (Taxonomy), Ethnobotany, Conservation Biology

Present study work was conducted to investigate about the current status of floral diversity at chashma barrage in district Mianwali which is rich with floral diversity and is located on Indus River in Pakistan. Area has unique importance due to presence of Nuclear power station and other energy generating resources along with beautiful lakes and diversity of plants. Fish industry is the main economic source for the populace of the area. Extensive study survey was conducted during May 2018 to August 2019 and sample from 43 plant species belong to 19 families were collected, pressed and dried for herbarium record in university of agriculture Faisalabad.

- by Allah N A W A Z Khan
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- Environmental Science, Plant Ecology, Ethnobotany, Plant Systematics

The Malvaceae is subdivided into 9 subfamilies namely Bombacoideae, Brownlowioideae, Byttnerioideae, Dombeyoideae, Grewioideae, Helicteroideae, Malvoideae, Sterculioideae and Tilioideae. It is comprised of many important agricultural crops like Gossypium sp., Abelmoschus sp., Durio sp. and Theobroma cacao.
The family is distinctive in having stellate trichomes, typically with an epicalyx, the calyx valvate, corolla often convolute [sometimes valvate or imbricate] the stamens connate as a tube or 5 ∞ bundles, with monothecal or dithecal anthers.

- by Renzo Val Agapito
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- Systematics (Taxonomy), Plant Systematics, Systematic Reviews

The authors present the results of more than 5 years of observations of orchids in the western Tell Atlas of Tiaret (Algeria). These taxa were inventoried at the regional level, according to subjective sampling, and the ecological conditions at each of the stations collected. The identification of taxa was made through different flora, with a taxonomic conception based on morphological criteria using “morpho-species”. Twenty taxa belonging to 7 different genera were identified, dominated by Ophrys and Anacamptis. New data regarding the biogeography of these taxa are provided and several taxonomic difficulties encountered are highlighted. This study made possible to compare local data with those found in some publications on orchids in Algeria.

- by Mohamed ait hammou and +1
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- Systematics (Taxonomy), Plant Systematics, Biodiversity Research, Orchids

Two families were studied in this research paper, namely Nelumbonaceae and Dilleniaceae.These two families are one of the primitive families under the Angiosperm group, based from the APG 3 classification. The families Nelumbonaceae and Dilleniaceae are both under the clade Eudicots, with Dilleniaceae being further grouped into Core Eudicots. Nelumbonaceae and other two families are under the order Proteales, while Dilleniaceae is the sole family of order Dilleniales. Nelumbonaceae has only one accepted genus with only two accepted species, which are Nelumbolutea and Nelumbonucifera. Nelumbonucifera is an endemic species in the Philippines. On the other hand, Dilleniaceae has 4 subfamilies, 11 genera, and 219 species. Many of these species are native and are cultivated. The chosen representative endemic species for Dilleniaceae are Dilleniaphilippinensis, Dilleniareifferscheidia, and Dillenialuzoniensis. The description, distribution, economic uses, common names, and conservation status of the representative species were collated from different botanical websites and other sources. The Nelumbonaceae and Dilleniaceae are both cosmopolitan families with many members that not only biologically but also agriculturally very important.

- by Beverly Rivera
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- Plant Systematics, Dilleniaceae

Laporan Botani dan Sistematika Tumbuhan

- by Dede Julian
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- Agronomy, Agroecology, Agriculture, Plant Systematics

One of the major issues facing humankind is global food security. A changing climate, coupled with a heightened consumer awareness of how food is produced and legislative changes governing the usage of agrichemicals for improving plant health and yield, means that alternative, more integrated and sustainable approaches are needed for crop management practices. To this end, there is increasing recognition of the value of the role of microbial inoculants in agriculture. The focus of this review is to understand how plant-growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can play a part in improving crop yield by promoting the health status of the plant through the sequestration of various nutrients and in the control of plant diseases.

The present studywas conducted to investigate different w eeds of maize (Zea mays L.) and their uses and distribution from 10 different localities i.e. Bagh, Chinarkot, Daro, Dokary, Hayaseri, Kaladog, Kotkay, Lal Qilla, Manial and Mulayano Banda of Maidan valley, District Dir, Pakistan. Forty six weeds species belonging to 22 families were found in maize crop. The dominant family was Poaceae having 7 species, followed by Amaranthaceae with 6 species, Asteraceae 5 species, Cyperaceae, Lamiaceae and Solanaceae with 3 species each, Chenopodiaceae, Fabaceae and Polygonaceae with 2 species each and remaining 13 families with one species each. On the basis of leaf size spectra 20 species (43.34 %) were Microphylls, 15 species (32.60%) Nanophylls, 6 species (13.04%) Leptophylls and 5 species (10.86 %) Mesophylls. The life form showed that there are 23 species (50%) of Therophytes, 11 species (23.91%) of Geophytes and Hemicryptophytes and 1 species (2.17%) was Chamaephyte. INTRODUC TION Maidan valleyis located in Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa covering an area of 300 km 2 lying between 34 0 37 / to 35 0 07 / N Latitudes and 71 0 31 / to 72 0 14 / E longitudes. It is boundried in east by Upper Dir, north by Barwal Banda, south by Haji Abad and Koto and in the west by Jandool. The topography of the valley is dominated by Hindukush Mountains and hills. Mostly the crops are depending upon on rain. The summer season is moderate and hot, June and July are hottest months and in June maximum and minimum temperature has been recorded as 32.52 0 C and 15.67 0 C respectively. A chilly wind

- by Fazal Ullah
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- Plant Ecology, Plant Systematics, Plant morphology and anatomy, Biodiesle Production