Axillary Inflorescences Research Articles

Clarifying the nomenclature of Strychnosbredemeyeri and Lasiostoma (Loganiaceae).

Strychnos (Loganiaceae, Gentianales) is a large and pantropical genus of woody plants, ethnobotanically important as a source of many toxic alkaloids, including strychnine. Unfortunately, the status of numerous names at various ranks of Strychnos remains unresolved, including that of many specific or infraspecific taxa in the Neotropics. In this study, we address Strychnosbredemeyeri (basionym Lasiostomabredemeyeri), a species described in 1827 based on type material collected in Venezuela during the poorly documented Austrian Märter expedition (1783-1788). Strychnosbredemeyeri is an unarmed liana with solitary tendrils and axillary inflorescences that occurs in Neotropical rainforests and savannas in Brazil, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. We clarify here the nomenclatural status of Lasiostoma Schreb., an illegitimate and superfluous genus currently in synonymy under Strychnos, and its former species Lasiostomabredemeyeri [= Strychnosbredemeyeri]. Also, we lectotypify S.pedunculata and S.trinitensis, both taxa currently synonyms of S.bredemeyeri.

A new species of Polylepis (Rosaceae) from Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa, Peru

A new species of Polylepis from central Peruvian province of Tarma and present in Santuario Nacional Pampa Hermosa, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to Polylepis canoi but differs by its 3-foliate leaves, smaller oblong-lanceolate auriculate and sessile leaflets, shorter petioles with glandular hairs of reddish yellow resin, shorter pendulous axillary inflorescences 8–14 cm long with 6–13 flowers, and higher number of stamens (17–24). On present knowledge, the species has a tiny distribution and is further threatened by land use practices, so that we classify it as critically endangered. This discovery reinforces our understanding of the central Peruvian Andes as a poorly known center of biodiversity and endemism.

Spiral Mechanism in <i>Arenga pinnata</i>

The phyllotaxy of Arenga pinnata is alternate and cyclic revealing two distinct foliar spirals. In some individuals, the two spirals veer to the left and in others, to the right. The number of leaflets on one half of leaf differs from that of the other. This difference is associated with the leaf spirals. Due to the monocarpic nature of the palm, its reproductive phase starts with a terminal inflorescence followed by the development of axillary inflorescences in basipetal order. The sex of the flowers varies with the position of the respective spadices on the palm. That is, the terminal and a few immediate successive spadices produce only female flowers, beyond which each inflorescence produces both female and male flowers, and the last many spadices have only males. The flowers are distributed in clusters of 2 males or 2 males and a female in between, or individually if they are only females. In a cluster of 2 or 3 flowers, The aestivation of sepals of the males varies with their position in the triad. The aestivation pattern in female flowers, however, has an influence on the spirality of the spika on which they are borne.

Comparative morphoanatomic, histochemical, and phytochemical characterization of leaves of two species of the genus Cynophalla (DC.) J. Presl

Considering the morphological similarities, taxonomic complexity of the genus Cynophalla of the family Capparaceae A. Juss. an the medicinal use of its species and its potential as green energy, this study aimed to compare potential morphoanatomical diagnostic characters of the species Cynophalla flexuosa and Cynophalla hastata to determine authenticity parameters. Furthermore, it aimed to perform a histochemical study of the leaf blades due to their medicinal use. The morphological analysis was carried out using different characters, such as phyllotaxis, shape, among others. For microscopic analyzes semi-permanent slides were prepared containing cross-sections of the stems, petioles and leaf blades. We also prepared paradermal sections of the leaf blades. The analyses were carried out using light microscopy. For the histochemical analysis, we used different reagents according to the target metabolite and analyzed them using light microscopy. Phytochemical tests of the methanolic extracts of the leaves were performed using Thin Layer Chromatography. C. flexuosa has erect branches, elliptical to obtuse leaves with an obtuse to acute apex and obtuse base, globose flower buds, and fruit in a follicular, torulous capsule shape. C. hastata has gently curved branches, oblong-elliptical leaves with a rounded apex and obtuse base, corymb axillary inflorescences with quadrangular flower buds, and cylindrical foliolate capsular fruit. The anatomical characterization showed the characters of general occurrence in the Capparaceae family and those that allow the differentiation of C. flexuosa and C. hastata. The histochemical and phytochemical characterization revealed the sites of synthesis and/or storage of metabolites. Thus, the results presented comparative data on the anatomical characters and histochemical and phytochemical characterization of the species, thus increasing the taxonomic knowledge of the genus Cynophalla and contributing data for future in-depth studies on the species’ potential as renewable energy.

Argostemma mirae (Rubiaceae) a new species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines

We describe Argostemma mirae (Rubiaceae) a new species from Mt. Tingtingan, Badong, Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. It grows on a shady mossy limestone forest on a lower elevation. A. mirae resembles A. solaniflorum in having branching and pubescent stems, oblanceolate leaves, pubescent petioles, terminal to axillary inflorescence, and white corollas but differs in having shorter stems, smaller leaf blades, 4 calyx lobes and 4 corollas. Based on IUCN criteria we proposed data deficient (DD) since there is only one population currently known.

A remarkable new species of Commelina (Commelinaceae) from western Mexico

Commelina occulta (Commelinaceae), a new endemic species from western Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new species is related to C. tuberosa complex and morphologically close to C. standleyi but differs in having broad leaf blades, larger, axillary inflorescences, glaucous spathaceous bracts with long peduncles, besides being more robust and glabrescent. According to IUCN criteria, the species was assessed as endangered (EN). A key to the western Mexico species of Commelina is provided.

Vanilla cameroniana (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new species from French Guiana and new records from the Guiana Shield

In this study, a new species of Vanilla from French Guiana is described with detailed illustrations, photographs, and distribution. Vanilla cameroniana honors Kenneth M. Cameron, a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for his contributions to our understanding of the subfamily Vanilloideae. The new species is placed within Vanilla subgenus Xanata, due to its distinctive penicillate callus and lip margins connate to the column. Vanilla cameroniana can be distinguished from V. appendiculata, a morphologically similar species by the broader leaves up to 12 cm wide (vs. 5.9 cm), axillary inflorescence (vs. apical), narrow linear petals, 0.2–0.3 cm wide (vs. narrowly lanceolate, 0.5–0.8 cm), unlobed lip (vs. trilobed), and sub-quadrate apex (vs. sub-acute) with a trullate-shaped structure close to the apex made of short appendages (vs. long lombricoid appendages). Detailed morphological comparisons are provided for other superficially similar species. Additionally, based on herbarium collections V. sprucei, and V. dressleri are newly recorded from the Guiana Shield, and a geographic range expansion is proposed for Vanilla corinnae. Our findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts of fragile ecosystems such as swamps in the Guiana Shield.

New Boraginales from Tropical America 11: A New Species of Cordia (Boraginales: Cordiaceae) from Colombia and Venezuela

A new species of Cordia L. (Boraginales: Cordiaceae) is described from Amazonian Venezuela and Colombia. Cordia carnevalii J. S. Mill. is distinct in its lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate leaves borne on short petioles, and axillary inflorescences. It is vegetatively distinct from other species of Cordia in Colombia and Venezuela, and no other species in the genus has leaves that are similar. The species occurs in a poorly known region of Amazonian Colombia and Venezuela, and is presently known from only three collections made in a very restricted area, so the species is clearly of conservation concern and is therefore provisionally considered Critically Endangered (CR) by IUCN Red List standards.

Shrubs and semi-shrubs life forms of the temperate zone: Principles of organization of above-ground shoot systems

The aim of the study was to identify ways of forming of the main skeletal axes (MSA) in shrub and semi-shrub life forms. We identified 4 organization types of the MSA based on the nature of their accreting, the structure and degree of generative shoots participation in their formation. Type I – the MSA are formed as a result of sympodial accreting on the basis of generative shoots, both with apical and axillary inflorescences. Type II – the MSA are formed as a result of monopodial accreting changing to sympodial accreting and consist of vegetative and generative shoots. Type III – the MSA accrete monopodially and consist only of vegetative shoots or even of generative shoots with axillary inflorescences. Type IV – the MSA accrete sympodially and consist only of vegetative shoots or also of generative shoots with axillary inflorescences. Semi-shrub life forms have types I and II of organization of the main skeletal axes, shrubs – all four. Difficulties with the determination of life forms in species of types I and II are due to the influence of growing conditions on the degree of death of generative shoots. V.N. Golubev (1968) erroneously classified creeping woody monopodial errating dwarf shrubs as dwarf semi-shrubs, which is due to the emphasis not on long-term growing skeletal axes, but on annually dying off herbaceous elongated orthotropic generative shoots

Morphological characterization, variability, and diversity among amaranth genotypes from Ethiopia

Amaranths are versatile, dicotyledonous plants with the potential for high yields. It has been extensively investigated as a model C4 plant. They have great photosynthetic performance as a result of eliminating the rival photorespiration mechanism. This increases the advantages of expanding the adaptation and cultivation of amaranth in Ethiopia. The objectives of the current study were to estimate genetic diversity, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and yield-contributing traits of amaranth genotypes based on agro-morphological traits. One hundred twenty amaranth genotypes were evaluated over two years using an alpha lattice design with two replications. The analysis of variance indicated that the mean square due to year and genotype-by-year interaction varied significantly for most measured traits. The estimates of variability, heritability, and genetic advance found in this study indicate the incredible genetic diversity in amaranth genotypes and the strength of selection response for these traits in the population. The findings showed that very high to moderately high heritability, high to moderate genetic advance, and genetic variability was observed for the traits basal lateral branch length, axillary inflorescence length, leaf area, branch number, plant height at flowering, plant height at maturity, stem diameter, days to flowering, grain filling periods, leaf width, and leaf length. Furthermore, the potential for amaranth improvement through appropriate selection is revealed by the existence of significant differences between the number of superior and inferior genotypes for the majority of examined traits. This suggests that these traits are governed more by additive gene action and that selection based on these traits might be successful in achieving the desired genetic gains for improvement.

Ilex danxiaensis (Aquifoliaceae), a Distinct New Tree Species Endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China, Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidence

Many holly species are dominant species in evergreen broad-leaved forests, and they play an important role in the formation and maintenance of forest ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions. Here, a new holly species (Ilex danxiaensis K. W. Xu & Q. Fan) of Aquifoliaceae was discovered from Guangdong, China, when conducting biodiversity investigations in the Danxia landform. We inferred the phylogenetic position of the new species based on sequences from three nuclear markers, namely internal transcribed spacer (ITS), external transcribed spacer (ETS), and chloroplast glutamine synthetase gene (nepGS). The results demonstrated a close relationship among the new species and members of I. sect. Lioprinos. The inferred phylogenetic position of the new species is also supported by morphological evidence that all of these species are characterized by having axillary cymes inflorescences and abaxially 1-sulcate pyrenes. However, the new species can be distinguished from others by having puberulent branchlets, petioles, peduncles, and pedicel; (1–)2–3-flowered cymes of male inflorescences; 1-flowered cymes of female inflorescences; ciliate sepals, 4-merous flowers, pink or white female flowers; and 4 pyrenes.

Veronicastrum wulingense (Plantaginaceae), a new species from Southwestern Hubei, China

BackgroundThe genus Veronicastrum Heist. ex Fabr. are mainly distributed in East Asia, and only Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw. is disjunctively distributed in eastern North America. The south area of China (extending to Taiwan Island) is the richest in Veronicastrum species. It is of medicinal importance in China as traditional herbs used to treat ascites diseases that caused by schistosomiasis. During field investigation of plant resources in Pingbaying National Forest Park, Southwestern Hubei, China, an unknown flowering population of Veronicastrum was discovered from thick humus layers adjacent to rocks under broad-leaved forests by walkways. They were collected and morphological characters assesed for further taxonomic treatment. Molecular analysis was also conducted to ascertain its phylogenetic position in the genus Veronicastrum.ResultsThis species is similar to Veronicastrum liukiuense (Ohwi) T.Yamaz. from the Ryukyu Islands, but can be distinctly differed by its axillary inflorescences (versus terminal on short leafy branches), pedicels up to 2.5 mm (versus sessile), corollas purple to purple-red (versus white tinged with pale purple) and florescence June to July (versus September to October). Also, phylogenetic studies showed the species was an independent clade in the genus Veronicastrum based on the maximum likelihood (ML) analyses using two different matrix sequences of concatenated molecular markers. The plastid genome of this new species is also reported in this study for the first time.ConclusionThe morphological and molecular evidences support the recognition of Veronicastrum wulingense as a new species.

Raphiocarpustaygiangensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from central Vietnam.

Raphiocarpustaygiangensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae family discovered in Tay Giang District, Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam, is here described and illustrated. The new species is diagnosed by the combination of its stem up to 2 m long, sericeous hairs on young stem, leaf petiole and adaxial mid-vein, sparsely and minutely serrate leaf margin, axillary inflorescence spreading along stem, sparsely long gland-tipped hairs on peduncle, pedicel, calyx, outside corolla and pistil, calyx 5-disparted from base, purplish white flower with purple stripes inside corolla tube, and dish-shaped stigma formed by 2 semi-orbicular lobes horizontally expanding. Distinct features of the new species and its morphologically closest congener, Rhaphiocarpusaxillaris, are compared and discussed. The conservation status of the described species is estimated as Vulnerable (VU D2) according to the IUCN Red List Criteria.

A comparative proteomic analysis provides insight into the molecular mechanism of bud break in longan

BackgroundThe timing of bud break is very important for the flowering and fruiting of longan. To obtain new insights into the underlying regulatory mechanism of bud break in longan, a comparative analysis was conducted in three flower induction stages of two longan varieties with opposite flowering phenotypes by using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ).ResultsIn total, 3180 unique proteins were identified in 18 samples, and 1101 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified. “SX” (“Shixia”), a common longan cultivated variety that needs an appropriate period of low temperatures to accumulate energy and nutrients for flower induction, had a strong primary inflorescence, had a strong axillary inflorescence, and contained high contents of sugars, and most DAPs during the bud break process were enriched in assimilates and energy metabolism. Combined with our previous transcriptome data, it was observed that sucrose synthase 6 (SS6) and granule-bound starch synthase 1 (GBSSI) might be the key DAPs for “SX” bud break. Compared to those of “SX”, the primary inflorescence, axillary inflorescence, floral primordium, bract, and prophyll of “SJ” (“Sijimi”) were weaker. In addition, light, rather than a high sugar content or chilling duration, might act as the key signal for triggering bud break. In addition, catalase isozyme 1, an important enzyme in the redox cycle, and RuBisCO, a key enzyme in the Calvin cycle of photosynthetic carbon assimilation, might be the key DAPs for SJ bud break.ConclusionOur results present a dynamic picture of the bud break of longan, not only revealing the temporal specific expression of key candidate genes and proteins but also providing a scientific basis for the genetic improvement of this fruit tree species.

Too Dense or Not Too Dense: Higher Planting Density Reduces Cannabinoid Uniformity but Increases Yield/Area in Drug-Type Medical Cannabis.

A major challenge for utilizing cannabis for modern medicine is the spatial variability of cannabinoids in the plant, which entail differences in medical potency. Since secondary metabolism is affected by environmental conditions, a key trigger for the variability in secondary metabolites throughout the plant is variation in local micro-climates. We have, therefore, hypothesized that plant density, which is well-known to alter micro-climate in the canopy, affects spatial standardization, and concentrations of cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Canopy density is affected by shoot architecture and by plant spacing, and we have therefore evaluated the interplay between plant architecture and plant density on the standardization of the cannabinoid profile in the plant. Four plant architecture modulation treatments were employed on a drug-type medicinal cannabis cultivar, under a density of 1 or 2 plants/m2. The plants were cultivated in a naturally lit greenhouse with photoperiodic light supplementation. Analysis of cannabinoid concentrations at five locations throughout the plant was used to evaluate treatment effects on chemical uniformity. The results revealed an effect of plant density on cannabinoid standardization, as well as an interaction between plant density and plant architecture on the standardization of cannabinoids, thus supporting the hypothesis. Increasing planting density from 1 to 2 plants/m2 reduced inflorescence yield/plant, but increased yield quantity per area by 28–44% in most plant architecture treatments. The chemical response to plant density and architecture modulation was cannabinoid-specific. Concentrations of cannabinoids in axillary inflorescences from the bottom of the plants were up to 90% lower than in the apical inflorescence at the top of the plant, considerably reducing plant uniformity. Concentrations of all detected cannabinoids in these inflorescences were lower at the higher density plants; however, cannabinoid yield per cultivation area was not affected by neither architecture nor density treatments. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) was the cannabinoid least affected by spatial location in the plant. The morpho-physiological response of the plants to high density involved enhanced leaf drying at the bottom of the plants, increased plant elongation, and reduced cannabinoid concentrations, suggesting an involvement of chronic light deprivation at the bottom of the plants. Therefore, most importantly, under high density growth, architectural modulating treatments that facilitate increased light penetration to the bottom of the plant such as “Defoliation”, or that eliminated inflorescences development at the bottom of the plant such as removal of branches from the lower parts of the plant, increased chemical standardization. This study revealed the importance of plant density and architecture for chemical quality and standardization in drug-type medical cannabis.

A review on the ethnobotanical importance of Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.) Wight (Vaattuvalli)

Ethnobotany deals with the inter relationship between the humans and plant resources of a particular region. Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.) Wight is an ethnobotanically important plant of Apocynaceae family, having many traditional and folklore usages. A compilation of botanical description, ethnobotanical uses and research works of the plant are done. Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.)Wight which is known as Vaattuvalli in Malayalam is a twiner with simple, opposite, cordate leaf, terete, puberulous stem and racemose axillary or sublateral cymose inflorescence. Leaves have a peculiar chilly like odour. Leaf paste is used for healing of wounds by the tribal healers. Root bark of the plant are said to be excellent cholagogue. The bark is useful in chronic fevers. The flowers are edible and the plant is also eaten as a vegetable in diabetes among the tribals. Ethnobotanically important plants are to be documented and validated scientifically as it may lead to the preservation of many valid folklore knowledges and also that particular plant species.

BEGONIA HEMICARDIA (SECT. PETERMANNIA, BEGONIACEAE), A RESURRECTED HETEROTYPIC SYNONYM AND NOMEN NUDUM

The nomen nudum Begonia hemicardia Elmer ex Merr. (Begonia sect. Petermannia) was coined by A.D.E. Elmer in 1915. He annotated one of his collections (14366 from Mount Bulusan, Luzon) in the PNH herbarium with the name but did not formally publish it. E.D. Merrill in 1923 recognised the name as a synonym of Begonia binuangensis Merr. After thorough studies of living and preserved specimens and the relevant literature, we found Begonia hemicardia to be different from B. binuangensis. Begonia hemicardia is allied to a group of climbing Begonia in the Philippines with axillary inflorescences and numerous, subsymmetrical, ovate to lanceolate-ovate leaves, namely B. aequata A.Gray, B. binuangensis, B. edanoii Merr., B. gracilipes Merr., B. lagunensis Elmer, B. megacarpa Merr., B. sarmentosa L.B.Sm. & Wassh. and B. wenzelii Merr. However, a combination of characters such as long internodes, large persistent stipules, serrate leaf margins, and long inflorescence with staminate flowers borne on a jointed rachis readily distinguish Begonia hemicardia from these other species, and we validly describe the new species here.

Two new species of Polyalthiopsis (Annonaceae) based on morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence, with a supplementary description of P. chinensis from China

Two new species of Polyalthiopsis (Annonaceae), P. nigra Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang from Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces and P. xui Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang from Yunnan Province, are described and illustrated. P. nigra is morphologically similar to P. chinensis in having narrowly elliptic-oblong, lemon to yellowish green petals, but differs by having obovoid monocarps, a higher number of leaf secondary veins, leaf blades usually widest above the middle, and a lower ratio of leaf blade length to width. P. xui is morphologically similar to P. floribunda in having axillary inflorescences, 1–3(–4) flowers, elliptic leaves, and elliptic-ovate petals, but differs in the numbers of carpels per flower and ovules per carpel. The molecular phylogenetic analysis using five plastid markers confirm that the two new species belong to the genus Polyalthiopsis and show clear interspecific divergences between P. nigra and P. xui and between them and other species in the genus. Detailed descriptions, colored photographs, and habitat and distribution data for the two new species are provided. In addition, the fruit morphology of P. chinensis is described for the first time, based on living collections. Geographical distributions and a diagnostic key for all Polyalthiopsis species are also presented.

Impatiens katjae, a New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Central Myanmar

A new species, Impatiens katjae Nob. Tanaka & J. J. Verm. (Balsaminaceae), from Mandalay Region, central Myanmar, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to I. oblongata Ruchis. & Niet in floral morphology, but differs in having distinctly smaller flowers, 2-flowered axillary inflorescences, much paler pinkish-white flowers, two lateral sepals, and a spurless lower sepal. This new species is assigned to Impatiens L. subg. Impatiens sect. Uniflorae Hook. f. & Thomson.

A new species of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae) from Guerrero, Mexico

Acalypha amithii is described and illustrated as a new species from the State of Guerrero, Mexico. Its distribution is restricted to the Pacific slope. Acalypha amithii is morphologically close to the Mesoamerican A. ferdinandi and the South American A. stenoloba. However, it can be distinguished from the former by number of teeth in the bracts of the pistillate flowers (13–15 vs. 7 in the new species) and from the latter by the degree of fusion of the sepals of the pistillate flowers (connate at the base vs. free in the new species). Acalypha amithii is characterized by a suffruticose habit, penninerved leaves, terminal or axillary pistillate inflorescences, sepals of the pistillate flowers completely free and ovate-lanceolate, bracts of the pistillate flowers cuneate at the base, styles glabrous and almost 12 times longer than the ovary.