Species Of Asplenium Research Articles

The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Asplenium antiquum Makino 1929, an Endangered species in Korea

Asplenium antiquum Makino 1929 is one of the Endangered endemic species on the Korean Peninsula. The complete chloroplast of A. antiquum is 150,690 bp in length with typical quadripartite structure comprised of large single-copy region of (83,166 bp), a small single copy region (21,932 bp), and two inverted repeat regions, each 22,796 bp in length. 114 genes were detected in the chloroplast genome of A. antiquum, comprising 84 protein-encoding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a monophyletic relationship, placing A. antiquum as a sister to voth A. Prolongatum and A. nidus, forming a subclade of Asplenium species within the Aspleniaceae family. The genomic data obtained from this study will serve as valuable information for the species’ genetic classification of Asplenium.

The complete chloroplast genome of the neo-allotetraploid fern, Asplenium pseudocapillipes S.H.Park et al. (Aspleniaceae)

This study analyzed the complete plastome sequence of the neo-allotetraploid Asplenium pseudocapillipes S.H.Park et al. Asplenium pseudocapillipes has a typical circular plastome that comprises 157,242 bp with a large single copy (84,105 bp), a small single copy (21,503 bp), and two inverted repeats (IRs; 25,817 bp). The complete sequence comprises 127 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes (CDSs), eight ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 31 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and one pseudogene. Among these genes, five CDSs, four rRNAs, and five tRNAs are duplicated in IRs. The guanine–cytosine content of the genome was 41.5%. The enlarged noncoding regions by Mobile Open Reading Frames in Fern Organelles were found once in other Asplenium species and twice in A. pseudocapillipes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 83 coding gene sequences revealed that A. pseudocapillipes is embedded in the A. varians subclade along with its progenitors.

Asplenium sylvaticum (Aspleniaceae), a new fern species from Yungas and Paraná forests, Neotropical region.

A new species of Asplenium L. (Aspleniaceae) is described and illustrated. Asplenium sylvaticum is endemic of the Yungas and Paraná biogeographic provinces in the Southern Cone. The main diagnostic characters for this taxon are: apical pinnae with one to four caudate lobes at the base, similar in size to lateral pinnae, smooth pinnate blades with 18-36 pairs of caudate pinnae and spores with reticulate perispore, winged folds with scarce equinulaes on the margins and the laesurae wide with smooth margin. The new species belongs to the A. serra species complex group, characterised by xeromorphic habit, creeping rhizome and coriaceous fronds with branched scales on both surfaces, and resembles the other species inhabiting in Argentina, A. achalense and A. serra, in overall leaf architecture and shape but differs of the aforementioned species (and the other species of the A. serra complex) by the unique combination of characters of its rhizomatic scales, fronds and spores. A key with the morphological and palynological characters that differentiate A. sylvaticum from the other taxa belonging to the A. serra complex in the South American Cone and Bolivia is given.

Synoptic Revision of Aspleniaceae (Asplenium, Hymenasplenium) of Rwanda

Forty-four species of Asplenium and one species of Hymenasplenium are recorded for Rwanda. Three species, Asplenium markusbeckeri Eb.Fisch. & Lobin, A. ramicola Eb.Fisch. & Lobin, and A. uschiae Eb.Fisch. & Lobin are described as new to science. The new species are illustrated and their affinities are discussed. Eleven species represent new country records for Rwanda: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum var. adiantum-nigrum, A. africanum, A. boltonii, A. burundense, A. cancellatum, A. ceii, A. christii, A. inaequilaterale, A. lividum, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and Hymenasplenium kenyense. A key to all Aspleniaceae recorded from Rwanda is provided, and representative specimens from Rwanda are cited. The phytogeography of the Aspleniaceae of Rwanda is discussed. Two lectotypes are designated for Asplenium mildbraedii and A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. Three species previously recorded for Rwanda (Asplenium goetzei, A. kassneri, A. lademannianum) are excluded from the flora.

Beyond the physical protection: What can Asplenium glandular scales secrete?

Ferns have two types of trichomes (i.e., induments of protodermal origin): hairs and scales, which are frequently found on the surface of stems and leaves. Scales are flattened, not stratified, with different shapes. The presence of glandular cells associated with the margins and apex of the scales has been reported in taxonomic studies, as for Asplenium spp. (Aspleniaceae), although the structure, secretion and function of these glandular scales is rarely addressed or unknown. To assess the morphology and histochemistry of Asplenium spp. glandular scales, induments obtained from fiddlehead apex and stems apex of the following species with different habits were investigated: Asplenium austrobrasiliense (terricolous), Asplenium coronatum (rupicolous), and Asplenium scandicinum (epiphyte), under stereoscopic microscope, light microscope, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Scales were more abundant in the fiddleheads and stem apices, close to young portions. Swollen glandular cells were observed at the apex and margins of the scales and they can be elevated or not by a stalk with variable number of cells. Mucilage, pectins, phenolics, essential oils, and essential oils and oleoresins were detected in the glandular cells. The abundance of scales near young portions and secretion of mucilage and pectins by the glandular cells may be related to resistance to desiccation, while phenols, essential oils and oleoresins could provide protection against herbivores and pathogens. Differences were detected between the species, and between scales of stems and fiddleheads. When compared to A. austrobrasiliense and A. scandicinum, the rupicolous species A. coronatum presented distinctions in its secretory composition, with only mucilage and pectin detected in its stems scales marginal glandular cells, which seems to be related to protection against desiccation. Studies with a greater sample of Asplenium species could indicate whether the distinctions in secretion are usually related to distinct habits or whether they are phylogenetically determined.

Diversity of tracheary elements of Aspleniaceae

Abstract Tracheary elements can be classified as tracheids or vessel elements. In ferns, both cell types and even cells with intermediate characteristics can be observed. For a long time, the methods employed in the study of these cells were questioned and consequently their classification as well. In the present work, we analyze the stem tracheal elements of 13 Aspleniaceae species, occurring in different habitats and belonging to different clades. The samples were cut, dried on a hotplate, metallized, and analyzed in SEM. In general, the Asplenium species analyzed contain elongated conducting cells with oblique end walls, with scalariform thickening on all faces of the cell. The presence of pit membranes, however, varies greatly among species, it being possible to observe species with tracheids, with intermittent perforation plates, and with vessel elements.

EKSPLORASI KERAGAMAN DAN KAJIAN TAKSONOMI PTERIDOPHYTA SEBAGAI POTENSI EKOWISATA DI KAWASAN PUNCAK DULAMAYO KABUPATEN GORONTALO

English translation. This study aims to find out the diversity of pteridophyta species and their taxonomic studies based on morphological character and analysis of Pteridophyta phenetic relationships in the peak area of Dulamayo Gorontalo Regency through exploration and interview methods. Exploration was conducted to obtain species diversity data and taxonomic data of pteridophyta by identifying and recording all morphological characteristics of pteridophyta (Rhizome, Ptiolus and Lamina) found at the research site. Further identification of the micromorphological character of pteridophyta (Scales and Trioma) was carried out at the Laboratory of Botany Of Biology Faculty of MIPA Gorontalo State University. Determination of pteridophyta diversity index using Sahon Wiener formula while phenetic relationship data is analyzed using gower General Similarity Coefficient formula on MVSP softwere. Based on the results of the study obtained 13 species of nail plants that have morphological character variations with a diversity index of H'= 1,087 which fall into the moderate category, namely species Asplenium trichomane, Phymatosorus scolopendria, Christella parasitica and Nephrolepis cordifolia found in kawsan waterfall UPSA, species Sphaerostephanos unitus, Dicksonia circutaria, Balantium antarcticum, Polybotrya alfredii, Pneumatopteris costata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Cyathea arborea, Nephrolepis biserrate and Sellaginella willdenowii are found in the Arboretum. The genetic distance obtained from the analysis of kinship relationships with the phenotic method is at a coefficient of 66% (0.69) which divides into two main clusters based on morphological character similarities.

Biotic Interactions between the Gametophytes of Wall Rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and Other Fern Species

Premise of research. The gametophytes of ferns are nutritionally independent of the sporophytes and are potentially hermaphroditic. The sexual expression of fern gametophytes is based on environmental cues. To prevent excessive self-fertilization, fern gametophytes employ strategies to increase mating between gametophytes. One of these strategies relies on antheridiogens, pheromones released by older gametophytes and absorbed by younger gametophytes. There are multiple distinct antheridiogen types, some of which are poorly understood and in need of further examination. A still-unresolved antheridiogen type was described in Asplenium ruta-muraria.Methodology. We employed cultivation experiments using spores of 12 fern species to assess the extent and uniqueness of the antheridiogen released by A. ruta-muraria. We tested antheridiogen interactions between representatives of three well-established antheridiogen types and A. ruta-muraria to assess their uniqueness. Furthermore, the effect of potentially antheridiogen-releasing gametophytes of A. ruta-muraria on multiple Asplenium species was examined. Germination in darkness in response to antheridiogens was also tested.Pivotal results. The younger gametophytes of A. ruta-muraria did not respond to the presence of older conspecific gametophytes in a way that could be attributed to antheridiogens. No antheridiogen interactions between A. ruta-muraria and any other species were observed. Nevertheless, the exudates of older A. ruta-muraria gametophytes may affect the development of younger conspecific and interspecific gametophytes.Conclusions. On the basis of its interaction with representatives of known antheridiogen types and the lack of germination in darkness, we conclude that our sample of A. ruta-muraria does not use antheridiogens. This discrepancy between our experiment and the initial publication describing antheridiogens in A. ruta-muraria may have been caused by intraspecific genetic variability within the species. The studied individual of A. ruta-muraria may be able to affect the growth of other gametophytes by other means, possibly via allelopathy, although this aspect of gametophyte interaction is poorly understood.

Asplenium quangbinhense sp. nov. and three new records of Asplenium (Aspleniaceae) from Vietnam

We describe a new species of Asplenium (Aspleniaceae) from Vietnam as A. quangbinhense. Morphologically, it is most similar to A. oldhamii. The new species is closely related to A. pseudopraemorsum, and a morphological comparison is presented between the two species. Three species, A. cyrtosorum, A. maguanense, and A. pseudopraemorsum, are reported as new records for Vietnam based on newly collected specimens from Quang Binh, Ha Giang, and Khanh Hoa provinces, Vietnam, respectively.

Selective Anticancer Properties, Proapoptotic and Antibacterial Potential of Three Asplenium Species

The ferns Asplenium ceterach L., Asplenium scolopendrium L. and Asplenium trichomanes L. have wide application in traditional medicine worldwide. However, the scientific research on their anticancer and antibacterial properties is insufficient. The present article aims to provide more information on this topic. Extracts derived from the aerial parts of A. ceterach, A. scolopendrium and A. trichomanes were examined using a panel of in vitro assays with different bacterial and mammalian cells. The cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of the samples were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Trypan blue assays with three human (A549, FL, HeLa) and three murine (3T3, TIB-71, LS48) cell lines. Inhibitory effects on the growth of Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria were determined by the agar diffusion assay. Apoptosis-inducing properties of the extracts were analyzed by flow cytometry. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in extract-treated cells was investigated by ELISA. The obtained results demonstrate selective anticancer activity of all three Asplenium species. The extract from A. ceterach displayed the strongest inhibitory properties against human cervical cancer cells and bacterial cells. It induced a lower level of cytotoxicity against mouse cell lines, indicating a species-specific effect. The extract from A. trichomanes demonstrated better anticancer and antibacterial properties than the sample from A. scolopendrium. Further experiments linked the mechanism of action of A. ceterach extract with oxidative stress-inducing potential and strong proapoptotic potential against the cervical cancer cell line HeLa. A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium extracts appeared to be potent inducers of necrotic cell death.

Taxonomic revision of the Asplenium wrightii complex (Aspleniaceae) with reinstatement of A. alatulum and A. subcrenatum.

The Asplenium wrightii complex is morphologically variable and difficult in species delimitation. Owing to lack of comprehensive sampling in phylogenetic studies, the taxonomy of this complex remains unresolved. Based on extensive field observations, specimen examination and our recent molecular data, the present study aims to clarify the identities of three species of Asplenium in this complex from Asia. Our study revealed that A. alatulum and A. subcrenatum, previously treated as synonyms of A. wrightii, should be reinstated. A taxonomic revision of the three species, including their type information, detailed descriptions, voucher specimens, distribution, ecology, as well as taxonomic notes, is carried out.

Asplenium alleniae (Aspleniaceae), a new fern species from Borneo and New Guinea

A new species, Asplenium alleniae, is described from high elevation habitats in Sabah (Malaysia) and Papua New Guinea. Previous phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast loci determined that A. alleniae was most closely related to A. pauperequitum from New Zealand. Asplenium alleniae differs from A. pauperequitum most obviously by the acuminate apices of its longer pinnae. The combination of pinnate fronds with few pairs of primary pinnae and dark red-brown axes distinguishes A. alleniae from superficially similar species of Asplenium in Malesia. Asplenium alleniae is provisionally assessed as Endangered.

Spore morphology and leaf epidermal anatomy as a taxonomic source in the identification of Asplenium species from Malakand division Pakistan.

Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of leaf epidermal, and spore morphological characters in the taxonomy of genus Asplenium. However, works on the Pakistani species of Asplenium are not existent. With the objective to verify the efficacy of leaf epidermal and spore morphological traits, the leaf epidermis and spore morphology in nine Asplenium species occurring in Malakand division was studied. The spores were studied under light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), whereas for leaf epidermal anatomy, the LM was used. The spores are monolete, ellipsoidal in shape, the equatorial and polar diameter ranges between 28.3 and 50.2 × 27.6 and 45.8 μm. The exospore thickness varied from 0.5 to 3.8 μm. The perispore is 0.8-3.5 μm thick, ornamented, and morphologically variable. The spores characters specifically the perispore ornamentation are useful in distinguishing species within the genus. The irregular spore shape and unusual development of perispore wall surface characterize aborted spores in the species of Asplenium × alternifolium. The most informative quantitative characters appeared to be length and width of epidermal cells, and length and width of stomata were useful to distinguish species. The most significant qualitative characters to distinguish species were the anticlinal wall pattern. Our study has shown that considerable variations exist in the leaf epidermis of Asplenium species, at least some of which has taxonomic significance. We confirmed the prevalent taxonomic value of stomatal and epidermal cells traits. The leaf epidermal anatomy and spore morphological features showed to be a good source of information for taxonomy of the genus Asplenium.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of two Asplenium species

Extracts of the aerial (fronds) and underground parts (rhizome and roots) of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L. and Asplenium ruta-muraria L. were analyzed for their phenolic composition and antioxidant properties (scavenging capacities against DPPH• and ABTS•+), and were comparatively assayed for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Total of the 17 phenolic compounds, belonging to the classes of phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids), flavonoids (flavan-3-ols, flavonols), and xanthones were identified and quantified using UHPLC/DAD/(–)HESI-MS/MS analysis. The present study shows that two analyzed ferns are significantly diverse in terms of their phenolic profile. Flavonoids considerably contribute to the total phenolic content of A. ruta-muraria, ranging from 47% in roots to around 75% in rhizome and fronds, while A. adiantum-nigrum preferably accumulates xanthones. Antioxidant activity of fern methanol extracts was ascribed to their phenolics content. Extracts of rhizomes of both Asplenium ferns exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, while frond extracts were more efficient in inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm formation. The present study provides experimental evidence that methanol extracts from two analyzed Asplenium fern species exhibit strong antibacterial effect against Gram-negative bacteria which candidate them as a potentially useful natural antimicrobial agents.

Morphology and anatomy of three species of <i>Asplenium L.</i> at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Comparative morphological and foliar anatomical studies were carried out on three species of Asplenium: Asplenium nidus L., Asplenium scolopendrium (L.) Newn and Asplenium barterii Hook with a view to identifying important morphological and anatomical characters that can be employed in the separation of the species. Mature healthy plants of each species were collected from Erin Ijesa Waterfall and nursed in the FernGarden of Natural History Museum at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Morphological observations and measurements were documented for each species. The transverse sections of the petiole and stem foliar sections were prepared by cutting at 10 μm thickness using Reichert Sliding Microtome and microphotographs were taken. Quantitative data obtained from this study were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance with Duncan Multiple Range Test for mean separation. Findings revealed that the predominantly irregular epidermal cells on the adaxial surface of A. barterii is diagnostic of the species. The presence of tetracytic stomata in addition to anisocytic type also separates A. nidus from the other taxa. Similarly, A. scolopendrium had a significantly higher guard cell area compared to the other taxa. Morphological and foliar anatomical features in the genus can be used to delimit the three species while the possession of two vascular bundles broadly admit the species into the genus Asplenium.
 Keywords: Asplenium, Taxonomic, Foliar anatomy, Morphology.

Transcriptomic Evidence of Adaptive Evolution of the Epiphytic Fern Asplenium nidus.

Epiphytic ferns have been found to flourish after angiosperms dominated forest communities, and they play important roles in rainforest canopies. How do epiphytic ferns adapt to tropical rainforest canopy habitats? At present, we know little about the molecular mechanism underlying this adaptation. Asplenium nidus is a well-known epiphytic fern that is closely related to the terrestrial species Asplenium komarovii. Here, RNA-seq and comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed to explore the underlying basis of the adaptation of A. nidus to extreme environments. A total of 44.04 and 44.57 Mb clean reads were obtained from A. nidus and A. komarovii, respectively, and they were assembled into 89,741 and 77,912 unigenes. Functional annotation showed that 52,305 (58.28% of the total genes for A. nidus) and 45,938 (58.96% of the total genes for A. komarovii) unigenes were annotated in public databases. Genes involved in stress responses and photosynthesis were found to have undergone positive selection in A. nidus. Compared to A. komarovii, transcription factors related to stress response, leaf development, and root development were found to be considerably expanded in A. nidus, especially in the ANR1 subclade of MADS-box family genes which played roles in lateral root development. This study improves our understanding of the adaptation of A. nidus to epiphytic habitats by forming unique strategies.

Leaf physiological and structural plasticity of two Asplenium (Aspleniaceae) species coexisting in sun and shade conditions

Background and aims – Relatively few studies have addressed the sun-shade response of fern species. Moreover, there is no information on species-specific plasticity patterns of such response, their relationship with species ecological requirements and the costs of such plasticity. The present study aims at filling these gaps by analysing the sun-shade plastic response of two Asplenium species that differ in their ecological requirements.Methods – We measured 27 leaf morphological, anatomical and physiological parameters using standard methods for A. ceterach and A. trichomanes in the field. The parameters were combined through Principal Component Analysis in order to highlight an integrated sun-shade response across species. Linear regression analysis was carried out to highlight the relationship between the calculated species plasticity patterns and the structural control on photosynthetic process.Key results – A significant degree of phenotypic plasticity was found for both species. Moreover, sun and shade leaves shared a common slope for the morpho-functional relationships reflecting no additional costs in terms of carbon assimilation. Even if the plastic responses of the two species scaled positively (R2 = 0.68, P = 4.667e‒07), A. trichomanes was characterized by a slightly higher anatomical plasticity (plasticity index = 0.19), while A. ceterach showed a higher physiological plasticity (0.60).Conclusion – A remarkable acclimation capacity for the two Asplenium species in response to different light conditions was highlighted. Nevertheless, A. ceterach seems to be more suited to cope with full sunlight conditions as compared to A. trichomanes, according to species ecological requirements.

A global plastid phylogeny of the fern genus Asplenium (Aspleniaceae).

The infrageneric relationships and taxonomy of the largest fern genus, Asplenium (Aspleniaceae), have remained poorly understood. Previous studies have focused mainly on specific species complexes involving a few or dozens of species only, or have achieved a large taxon sampling but only one plastid marker was used. In the present study, DNA sequences from six plastid markers (atpB, rbcL, rps4, rps4-trnS, trnL and trnL-F) of 1030 accessions (616 of them newly sequenced here) representing c. 420 species of Asplenium (60% of estimated species diversity), 16 species of Hymenasplenium, three Diplaziopsidaceae, and four Rhachidosoraceae were used to produce the largest genus-level phylogeny yet for ferns. Our major results include: (i) Asplenium as broadly circumscribed is monophyletic based on our inclusion of representatives of 32 of 38 named segregate genera; (ii) 11 major clades in Asplenium are identified, and their relationships are mostly well-resolved and strongly supported; (iii) numerous species, unsampled in previous studies, suggest new relationships and numerous cryptic species and species complexes in Asplenium; and (iv) the accrued molecular evidence provides an essential foundation for further investigations of complex patterns of geographical diversification, speciation and reticulate evolution in this family.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Asplenium Species (Spleenworts) Extracts from Northern Districts of Iraq

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Asplenium Species (Spleenworts) Extracts from Northern Districts of Iraq

Systematic approach to the correct identification of Asplenium dalhousiae (Aspleniaceae) with their medicinal uses.

In present study, multiple microscope techniques were used for the systematics identification of the species Asplenium dalhousiae. The plant was collected from different phytogeographical and its natural habitat of Pakistan, where it shows higher diversity. Morphology, foliar epidermal anatomy, and spore morphological characters of the species were studied in detailed using multiple microscopic techniques through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM and SEM were used for the systematics identification of the species. Traditionally, the species is used in the ailment of many diseases, so the spore morphology, anatomical features, and morphological characters are relevant to describe the species taxonomy. The importance of multiple methods of taxonomic study (e.g., documentation and morphological characteristics) for characterizing herbs are important step in systematic certification to maintain the efficacy of herbal medicines. The aim of the present study is to examine the morphological, anatomical, and spore morphology of the species A. dalhousiae in more detailed for the correct taxonomic identification and their medicinal validation from Pakistan.