Asteraceae Species Research Articles

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus in China and phylogenetic relationships

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) is one of the most popular ornamental flowers and one of the top five cut flowers worldwide. In this study, we presented the complete chloroplast genome of it using BGISEQ-500 sequencing. Its chloroplast genome is 151,898 bp in size, containing a large single copy region (83,518 bp) and a small single copy region (18,244 bp), and a pair of IR regions (25,068 bp). The chloroplast genome contains 113 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. Phylogenetic maximum likelihood analysis based on chloroplast genomes of Gerbera and other 17 plant species indicated that the relationship between Gerbera and other plant species of family Compositae is not very close and its relationship with Atractylodes lancea is the closest.

A pure line derived from a self-compatible Chrysanthemum seticuspe mutant as a model strain in the genus Chrysanthemum

Asteraceae is the largest family of angiosperms, comprising approximately 24,000 species. Molecular genetic studies of Asteraceae are essential for understanding plant diversity. Chrysanthemum morifolium is the most industrially important ornamental species in Asteraceae. Most cultivars of C. morifolium are autohexaploid and self-incompatible. These properties are major obstacles to the genetic analysis and modern breeding of C. morifolium. Furthermore, high genome heterogeneity complicates molecular biological analyses. In this study, we developed a model strain in the genus Chrysanthemum. C. seticuspe is a diploid species with a similar flowering property and morphology to C. morifolium and can be subjected to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. We isolated a natural self-compatible mutant of C. seticuspe and established a pure line through repeated selfing and selection. The resultant strain, named Gojo-0, was favorable for genetic analyses, including isolation of natural and induced mutants, and facilitated molecular biological analysis, including whole genome sequencing, owing to the simplicity and homogeneity of its genome. Interspecific hybridization with Chrysanthemum species was possible, enabling molecular genetic analysis of natural interspecific variations. The accumulation of research results and resources using Gojo-0 as a platform is expected to promote molecular genetic studies on the genus Chrysanthemum and the genetic improvement of chrysanthemum cultivars.

Hieracium reitzianum (Asteraceae, Cichorieae), a New Species from Brazil

Hieracium reitzianum Cabrera ex Urtubey, a new species of Asteraceae from southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. This species is placed within Hieracium L. sect. Hypochaeridiformia (Arv.-Touv. ex Peter) Zahn (Hieracium subg. Chionoracium Sch. Bip.) by the presence of ciliate corolla lobes. It is most readily distinguished from other species of the section by having broadly obovate to suborbicular leaves with rounded to obtuse apices.

The Physiological Relationship Between Abscisic Acid and Gibberellin During Seed Germination of Trichocline catharinensis (Asteraceae) Is Associated with Polyamine and Antioxidant Enzymes

An improved understanding of seed quality and germination control can contribute effectively to the use and conservation of neglected native species with ecological and economic value, such as Trichocline catharinensis, an endemic Asteraceae species from southern Brazil. We investigated the effects of applying gibberellin (GA3), abscisic acid (ABA) and their biosynthesis inhibitors, paclobutrazol (PAC) and fluridone (FLU), respectively, on T. catharinensis seed germination, and on polyamine (PA) content and antioxidant enzyme activities in germinating seeds. FLU and GA3 increased seed germination speed compared to treatment with H2O only. ABA inhibited both germination speed index and percentage, while PAC severely inhibited seed germination. The stimulatory effect of GA3 and FLU was associated with increased contents of putrescine (PUT) and spermidine (SPD) relative to spermine (SPM). As a result, high ratio (PUT + SPD/SPM) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities were observed when seed germination occurs. In contrast, in low or no seed germination treatment (ABA and PAC), low ratio (PUT + SPD/SPM) was observed, while the antioxidant enzymes, mainly SOD activity, tended to increase. Application of PAs at 200 μM stimulated germination through improving the speed and uniformity, and this effect was associated with antioxidant enzyme activity. Our results suggest a relationship between PA and the antioxidant system with the physiological mechanism of seed germination. These results improve the physiological knowledge of seed germination control in Asteraceae and contribute to the biological groundwork for future studies on the use and conservation of native species.

Leaf architecture and anatomy of Asteraceae species in a xerophytic scrub in Mexico City, Mexico

Background and Aims: Leaf architecture and anatomy in the Asteraceae family are extremely diverse and have been studied from ecological, physiological and evolutionary perspectives. The aims of this study are to describe in detail leaf architecture and anatomy for 61 species belonging to 13 tribes of Asteraceae inhabiting a xerophytic scrub in Mexico City, Mexico and to discuss characters common to these tribes.Methods: Mature and undamaged leaves of 61 species of Asteraceae were collected in southwestern Mexico City in the “Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel” (REPSA). Standard anatomical techniques were used to obtain permanent slides of cleared leaves and transverse and paradermal sections. The permanent slides were analyzed to describe leaf architecture and anatomy by tribe following the standard terminologies.Key results: The results show a significant variation in leaf architecture although pinnate venation, brochidodromous secondary venation, areoles moderately developed and looped ultimate marginal venation predominate in the material studied. For anatomy, the most common traits are the striate cuticle, occurrence of trichomes and glands, as well as collateral vascular bundles with a parenchymatous sheath with girders in the Asteraceae present in this xerophytic scrub. There are no unique combinations of leaf characters for the family or any tribe.Conclusions: Leaf diversity in the family and within each tribe is consistent with some previous reports. Anatomical descriptions are a fundamental piece of the evolutionary, ecological and physiological studies in Asteraceae. The results of this descriptive study will allow testing hypotheses about the factors causing leaf diversity in this plant lineage. More leaf anatomical studies of the family are necessary to confirm the patterns proposed for the tribes and the family.

Leaf morphology and anatomy of Asteraceae of the Pampas biome (sand-fields)

Species of Asteraceae occur predominantly in tropical regions, mainly in grassland areas, such as the sand-fields, which is one of the phytophysiognomies of the Pampas biome and where Asteraceae is the most species-rich family. In these areas the environmental conditions are considered extreme and limiting (sandy soils, high temperatures and luminosity, strong winds and water deficit) for the development of many plants. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the morphoanatomy of the Asteraceae species of the sand-fields and to identify adaptive characteristics that allow their survival in this adverse site. For this, morphological and anatomical analyses in frontal and transverse views were performed on the leaves of 34 species of Asteraceae belonging to different tribes. In addition to characters phylogenetically important in the family, the foliar morphology and anatomy of the species studied show the predominant occurrence of characteristics adaptive to xeric environments, such as reduced and coriaceous leaves, tomentose indumentum, thickened cuticle and epidermal cells, epicuticular wax, amphistomatic leaves and investiment in photosynthetic and support tissues. Although they occupy the same habitat and are under the influence of the same environmental conditions, each species develops a distinct adaptive strategy to survive and, therefore, their resistance or tolerance is the result of the interaction of several factors throughout the life history of the plant.

Hybridization among three Cirsium (Asteraceae) species and important evidence for three new hybrids from Turkey

In this study, three new hybrids from the genus Cirsium are described for the first time. Cirsium ×nezaketiae Yıldız, Dirmenci & Arabacı, C. ×kelkitensis Yıldız, Arabacı & Dirmenci, and C. ×erzincanicum Yıldız, Dirmenci & Arabacı are investigated in detail morphologically, palynologically, and molecularly. The hybrid individuals were detected on field trips due to their intermediate morphological characters. Their morphological properties were analyzed to compare with their parents. The pollen grain morphologies of the hybrids and their allies were investigated using light and a scanning electron microscope. The pollen grains were radially symmetrical, isopolar, trizonocolporate, and with echinate or scabrate sculpturing. The tectum is psilate/punctate, microreticulate, or ornate in sculpture. Dimorphic pollen grains were encountered in C. leucocephalum (Willd.) Spreng. subsp. leucocephalum. Two nuclear DNA regions were used to find single nucleotide polymorphisms. nrITS DNA data gave more information than nrETS data about polymorphism. In conclusion, C. ×nezaketiae, C. ×kelkitensis, and C. ×erzincanicum exhibit some significant morphological, palynological, and molecular differences from their parents and present evidence of potential introgression hybridization. Since the hybrids live in a complex with their parents, and some parents have polymorphic loci like their putative hybrids, it can be presented as evidence for potential introgression since backcrossing may be possible among taxa.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of SRLK1 gene in self-incompatible Asteraceae species Erigeron breviscapus.

Based on the transcriptome data, using RACE techniques, we cloned the full-length EbSRLK1 gene in a medicinal, self-incompatible Asteraceae species, Erigeron breviscapus. Bioinformaticsapproaches were used to analyze the DNA and protein sequences, physical and chemical properties, and domains of the encoded protein. The full-length EbSRLK1 cDNA is 2891 base pairs (bp) with an open reading frame (ORF) of 2634bp, which encodes the EbSRLK1 protein with 878 amino acids and an estimated molecular weight of 98.13 kD. The EbSRLK1 protein has the characteristic domain structure of S-locus receptor-like protein kinases, which contains one transmembrane domain but lacks the signal peptide. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the EbSRLK1 gene is lowly expressed in roots, stems and leaves, but highly expressed in flowers, especially in flowers one day prior to opening. Western blot analysis showed that the EbSRLK1 protein is expressed in stems, leaves, and flowers, but is almost undetectable in roots. The EbSRLK1 protein expression is induced in self-pollinated but not in cross-pollinated E. breviscapus flowers. Cloning and expression analysis of EbSRLK1 lay a solid foundation for elucidating the role of EbSRLK1 in regulating self-incompatibility in E. breviscapus.

Influence of grazing intensity on patterns and structuring processes in plant–pollinator networks in a subtropical grassland

Understanding how disturbances influence interaction networks is a central but still poorly explored issue in ecology and management. The goal of this study was to test how the structure of plant–pollinator networks and the structuring processes are influenced by grazing in a subtropical grassland community on the southern hemisphere. Twelve sampling plots were allocated in order to cover a grazing gradient ranging from overgrazed to ungrazed sites. For each plot, we created a quantitative matrix containing all observed pairwise insect–plant interactions and described morphology, phenology and abundances of each species. We fitted a series of models to test the influence of grazing intensity on metrics describing networks structure. We finally used probabilistic matrices, maximum likelihood and model selection to investigate the processes influencing frequencies of interactions across the gradient of disturbance. Grazing intensity influenced connectance, specialization and interaction evenness, while the number of species and links, nestedness and modularity were less variable. Species abundance was the most important determinant of interaction frequencies regardless of grazing intensity. In contrast to northern hemisphere pollination networks studied so far, these subtropical plant–pollinator networks and their structuring processes were remarkably consistent along the grazing gradient. We argue that this results from the dominance of generalist Asteraceae species, which are selectively avoided by cattle and play a core role in attracting a wide range of pollinators and thereby structuring plant–pollinator interactions, providing therefore stability.

Feeding preference and diet overlap at different taxonomic scales: the implications for coexistence of two small herbivores

Dietary niche separation is often crucial for promoting coexistence of sympatric species sharing similar habitats. In this study, we used cafeteria experiments to explore feeding preferences of two sympatric small herbivores in Hulunber meadow steppe, the narrow-headed vole (Microtus gregalis) and the Daurian pika (Ochotona dauurica), and used microhistological analysis of stomach contents to measure their actual diets and evaluate their niche overlap. To evaluate the effects of scale, we conducted dietary analyses at two commonly documented taxonomic scales of food type categorization: a fine scale based on the species level, and a coarse scale based on a roughly family-level categorization. Niche analysis at the fine and the coarse scales generated qualitatively similar results, although niche overlap was larger at the coarse scale than at the fine scale. In cafeteria experiments, voles and pikas showed similar feeding preference patterns. When foraging in the field, the two species differed in food use and feeding preference, without a significant dietary niche overlap. In the laboratory, both species preferred to eat Leguminosae and Asteraceae species. In the field, pikas still preferred Leguminosae species and voles switched to prefer Liliaceae species. These results suggest the existence of dietary niche partitioning, and competition might have driven the observed niche shift.

Chemical defense against insects in Heterotheca subaxillaris and three Orobanchaceae species using exudates from trichomes.

One of the roles of plant trichomes is thought to be reducing feeding damage from herbivores. Among trichomes, glandular trichomes play a role in chemical defense systems in plants by means of stored biologically active phytochemicals. These phytochemicals act as pest repellents. They show antimicrobial and insecticidal activities, and they have also been isolated and identified from wild plants. The Asteraceae species Heterotheca subaxillaris has many glandular trichomes on the leaf surface, and these contain sesquiterpene carboxylates, which show insect antifeedant activity. Because these sesquiterpene carboxylates are major constituents of glandular trichomes, they may act as a chemical defense in H. subaxillaris. The Orobanchaceae species Parentucellia viscosa also has many glandular trichomes on the leaf surface and produces an insect antifeedant clerodane-type diterpene, kolavenic acid, in these trichomes. Additionally, two other Orobanchaceae species, Bellardia trixago and Parentucellia latifolia, also have many glandular trichomes, but the constituents of these glandular trichomes did not show biological activities against test insects. However, the seco-labdane diterpene alcohol trixagol and its hemi-malonate were major constituents in B. trixago, and these terpenes may act as physical defenses against herbivores by interfering with feeding due to their viscosity. The secondary metabolites from glandular trichomes of H. subaxillaris and P. viscosa showed insect antifeedant activity, and these secondary metabolites were presumed to act as chemical defenses for these plant species. On the other hand, non-biologically active secondary metabolites produced by two other Orobanchaceae, B. trixago and P. latifolia, were presumed to act as physical defenses due to their viscosity. Defense systems such as these may be applicable to new crop breeding to enhance protection against insect pests. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Saussurea balangshanensis sp. nov. (Asteraceae), from the Hengduan Mountains region, SW China

Saussurea balangshanensis, based on populations from Balang Mountain in the Hengduan Mountains region, SW China, is described and illustrated as a new species of Asteraceae. It can be distinguished from other species in Saussurea by its concolorous leaves, swollen and hollow upper stems, articulate hairs and stipitate glandular hairs, laciniate margins of uppermost stem leaves, numerous and sessile capitula, and narrow involucre. Based on nucleotide sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), phylogenetic analyses also support the recognition of these populations as representing a new species. The new species is known only from a single location in Balang Mountain, at elevations of 4500–4700 m. Its habitat can be easily disturbed or destroyed by a tourist arterial highway and the over grazing. We propose that the species should be listed as Critically Endangered based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria B2a.

Untargeted LC-MS metabolomic studies of Asteraceae species to discover inhibitors of Leishmania major dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.

Interesting data about the family Asteraceae as a new source of Leishmania major dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (LmDHODH) inhibitors are presented. This key macromolecular target for parasites causing neglected diseases catalyzes the fourth reaction of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway, which takes part in major cell functions, including DNA and RNA biosynthesis. We aimed to (1) determine LmDHODH inhibitor candidates, revealing the type of chemistry underlying such bioactivity, and (2) predict the inhibitory potential of extracts from new untested plant species, classifying them as active or inactive based on their LC-MS based metabolic fingerprints. Extracts from 150 species were screened for the inhibition of LmDHODH, and untargeted UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS metabolomic studies were carried out in combination with in silico approaches. The IC50 values determined for a subset of 59 species ranged from 148µgmL-1 to 9.4mgmL-1. Dereplication of the metabolic fingerprints allowed the identification of 48 metabolites. A reliable OPLS-DA model (R2 > 0.9, Q2 > 0.7, RMSECV < 0.3) indicated the inhibitor candidates; nine of these metabolites were identified using data from isolated chemical standards, one of which-4,5-di-O-E-caffeoylquinic acid (IC50 73µM)-was capable of inhibiting LmDHODH. The predictive OPLS model was also effective, with 60% correct predictions for the test set. Our approach was validated for (1) the discovery of LmDHODH inhibitors or interesting starting points for the optimization of new leishmanicides from Asteraceae species and (2) the prediction of extracts from untested species, classifying them as active or inactive.

Floristic composition and ecological gradient analyses of the Liakot Forests in the Kalam region of District Swat, Pakistan

Kalam Kohistan is a dry, temperate hilly region in the Hindu Raj Series of the Greater Hindu Kush Mountains with diverse forests. As plant distribution and composition is expression of a range of various environmental variables, ecological and floristic attributes of vegetation in the Laikot Forests were therefore evaluated via consecutive explorative trips. These forests have not been evaluated ecologically before due to harsh climatic conditions and issues of accessibility and the study in hand is one of the first in its nature. Quantitative ecological techniques were used to sample forest vegetation and identify species in quadrats of 2 m × 2 m for herbs, 5 m × 5 m for shrubs and 10 m × 10 m for trees. All the data of 195 plant species and environmental factors were analyzed via Two-way Cluster Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis using PCORD and CANOCO software. Among 195 plant species from 63 families were 27 species of Asteraceae, the most-speciose family, followed by Poaceae (20 spp.). The dominant life form was therophyte (86 spp.; 44% share), followed by phanerophyte (41 spp.; 21% share). For the leaf size spectrum, most prevalent was nanophyll (73 spp.; 44%) followed by microphyll (66 spp., 34%) and mesophyll (44 spp.; 23%). Calcium carbonate, pH, potassium, sand, silt, organic matter, slope aspect and grazing significantly influenced species composition, distribution and habitat. The floristic variation in the region was diverse due to elevational and aspect gradients and thus devided into three zones. This vegetation zonation can be utilized for forest management, species and habitat conservation. Both in situ and ex situ conservation of threatened plant species may improve their conservation status in future if address properly.

“Arnicas” from Brazil: comparative analysis among ten species

The “arnicas” found in Brazil are examples of different species of the family Asteraceae used in popular medicine for its attributed anti-inflammatory action. Among the species known and used as “arnica” we selected: Calea uniflora Less., Chaptalia nutans (L.) Polák, Lychnophora ericoides Mart., Lychnophora pinaster Mart., Lychnophora salicifolia Mart., Lychnophora diamantinana Coile & S.B.Jones, Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass., Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis (Spreng.) R.M.King & H.Rob., Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski, and Solidago chilensis Meyen, due to their extensive use. This research provides new information on leaf morphology and anatomy and on chemistry of the major metabolites found in these species through histochemical tests and phytochemical review. The results revealed anatomical characters for the differentiation and quality control of the vegetal drugs, being these: distinctive epidermal attachments, epidermis cells, parenchymal cells of the mesophyll, vascular bundles, midvein patterns and secretory structures of exudation of secondary metabolites. The review of chemical profiles showed differences in the chemical composition of the species, as different skeletons of sesquiterpene lactones in the species evaluated in addition to other chemical classes such as terpenes, flavonoids, chromenes and phenolic acids derivate. Based on the results obtained in this work it is important to emphasize that the information about the ten species of arnica generate subsidies for differentiation and identification of characteristic markers and for the diagnosis of the species and it can be applied in the “arnicas” quality control.

Diversity of aquatic macrophytes in Balili River, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines as potential phytoremediators

Abstract. Napaldet JT, Buot JR IE. 2019. Diversity of aquatic macrophytes in Balili River, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines as potential phytoremediators. Biodiversitas 20: 1048-1054. Phytoremediation, an emerging, low-cost, aesthetically pleasing technology, is now being eyed for restoration of Balili River, Philippines. But first, there is a need to identify plants ideal for its phytoremediation. Macrophytes in the main stream, Bolo Creek and Mamaga Creek of Balili River were inventoried in this study with focus on determining macrophytes that were local, dominant (=fast growing), have high biomass and deep root systems – traits ideal for phytoremediation. A total of 38 species of macrophytes under 37 genera and 19 families were inventoried. This number is much higher than the previous inventory which recorded only 9 species. Consequently, diversity indices recorded in this study is much higher. The difference could be attributed to the time of sampling wherein the previous inventory was done in July, a rainy month, in contrast with this in April, the summer month at which the river is at its lowest level. At this period, much of the littoral zone is exposed for colonization of plants known to be easily dispersed and germinate such as Asteraceae species. In terms of species richness, family Asteraceae was the most represented with 11 species but in terms of dominance, the story was different. Dominant macrophytes of Balili River were species of family Poaceae (Pennisetum purpureum, Eleusine indica and Cynodon dactylon), Amaranthaceae (Amaranthus spinosus and Alternanthera sessilis), Solanaceae (Solanum americanum) and Commelinaceae (Commelina diffusa). Local macrophytes with potential for phytoremediation were P. purpureum, E. indica, A. spinosus and S. americanum.

Distribución espacial y temoral de las recompensas florales dentro de los capítulos: el caso de Hyalis argentea (Asteraceae)

Introducción y objetivos: Una asignación diferencial de recursos entre la función de atracción, recompensa y sexual ha sido observada en capítulos de especies derivadas de Asteraceae. Los capítulos heterógamos están compuestos por flores pistiladas, estaminadas o estériles y perfectas, con lo cual las funciones sexual y de recompensa son realizadas por diferentes tipos de flores y en distintos momentos. Esta distribución espacial y temporal de las recompensas dentro del capítulo no es tan clara en especies con capítulos homógamos, donde todas las flores son perfectas y producen polen y néctar. Aquí evaluamos la distribución espacial y temporal de las recompensas florales en los capítulos homógamos de Hyalis argentea. M&amp;M: Comparamos la fenología floral, el número de granos de polen y la concentración y volumen de néctar entre las flores marginales y centrales, y registramos el comportamiento de forrajeo de los visitantes florales. Resultados: Los capítulos tienen un patrón de floración centrípeto y también alterno y son visitados por abejas, hormigas, mariposas, polillas, escarabajos y trips, siendo Apis mellifera su principal polinizador. No encontramos un patrón temporal en la oferta de recompensas dentro de los capítulos, pero sí un patrón espacial en el volumen de néctar que aumenta desde las flores marginales hacia las del centro del capítulo. Conclusiones: Dicha variabilidad espacial en la cantidad de néctar podría afectar el comportamiento de forrajeo de los polinizadores y así aumentar las probabilidades de polinización cruzada, mejorando la reproducción sexual de esta especie autoincompatible.

Evolutionary Comparison of the Chloroplast Genome in the Woody Sonchus Alliance (Asteraceae) on the Canary Islands.

The woody Sonchus alliance consists primarily of woody species of the genus Sonchus (subgenus Dendrosonchus; family Asteraceae). Most members of the alliance are endemic to the oceanic archipelagos in the phytogeographic region of Macaronesia. They display extensive morphological, ecological, and anatomical diversity, likely caused by the diverse habitats on islands and rapid adaptive radiation. As a premier example of adaptive radiation and insular woodiness of species endemic to oceanic islands, the alliance has been the subject of intensive evolutionary studies. While phylogenetic studies suggested that it is monophyletic and its major lineages radiated rapidly early in the evolutionary history of this group, genetic mechanisms of speciation and genomic evolution within the alliance remain to be investigated. We first attempted to address chloroplast (cp) genome evolution by conducting comparative genomic analysis of three representative endemic species (Sonchus acaulis, Sonchus canariensis, and Sonchus webbii) from the Canary Islands. Despite extensive morphological, anatomical, and ecological differences among them, their cp genomes were highly conserved in gene order and content, ranging from 152,071 to 152,194 bp in total length. The number of repeat variations and six highly variable regions were identified as valuable molecular markers. Phylogenetic analysis of 32 species in the family Asteraceae revealed the phylogenetic position of the woody Sonchus alliance within the tribe Cichorieae and the sister relationship between the weedy Sonchus oleraceus and the alliance.

Geographic space, relief, and soils predict plant community patterns of Asteraceae in rupestrian grasslands, Brazil

AbstractWe investigated the effects of geographic distance and environmental heterogeneity on Asteraceae communities in the rupestrian grasslands of the Espinhaço Range, southeastern Brazil. Asteraceae species composition and relative abundance were sampled in 21–1 ha plots distributed across park conservation units, comprising an environmental gradient in soils and relief (elevation and slope). We found high levels of heterogeneity overall in assemblages of herbaceous and woody Asteraceae species at the intermediate spatial scale of this study (10–100 km). We found that both relief and soil properties (texture and total exchangeable bases) explained significant proportions of variation in community composition, suggesting that definitions or expansions of conservation units should span the highest possible variability in observed relief and soil values. We also found that Asteraceae distribution exhibited strong spatial structure independent of environmental variation, reinforcing the need to consider conservation across larger areas. Considering the dystrophic character of the soils found in the Espinhaço Range and the few differences in the fertility observed between the sampling units, our results also support the hypothesis that plant distributions in the tropics are controlled by a hierarchy of environmental gradients, where variables such as altitude and exchangeable bases and Al texture are important predictors in low‐fertility soils. We suggest that Asteraceae could be a model family for conservation planning in other countries and regions because it is particularly well represented in open and montane areas of the Neotropics in general.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Antioxidant potential of essential oils from some Himalayan Asteraceae and Lamiaceae species

Antioxidant activity of essential oils obtained from Himalayan Lamiaceae species was evaluated using in-vitro antioxidant models. Results revealed that the N. ciliaris oil displayed maximum DPPH activity (IC50: 0.9 mg/mL), while N. leucophylla essential oil exhibited high TAC (6.6 mg AAE/g). The oils from N. leucophylla, E. annuus and E. mucronatus possess antioxidant capacity, close to BHT followed by C. umbrosa, N. clarkei and E. karwinskianus. The results show their potential as radical scavenging ability, lipid peroxidation inhibition and antioxidant capacity, and their possibility as a natural food supplement.