For the first time in the Dnieper River basin, a new find of an alien species of vascular plants has been reported – Commelina communis L. (family Commelinaceae). The population of the species was found in the coastal strip of the Dnieper River estuary (Dnipro, Samara district). The relevance of the work is due to the need to clarify the current distribution limits of alien species in the steppe zone of Ukraine, where the processes of synanthropisation of flora are most active under the influence of anthropogenic factors. The presence of C. communis in the flora of the Dnieper basin within the steppe zone of Ukraine was established, its bioecological characteristics and biotopic distribution were determined, and the degree of its naturalisation was assessed. The material for the study was provided by herbarium collections and photographic documentation made during field research in August 2025. Species identification was carried out on the basis of morphological characteristics according to classical floristic identifiers and nomenclature databases of modern electronic resources. An analysis of literature data on the species' range in Ukraine was carried out, the biotope type was determined in accordance with the EUNIS classification and the National Catalogue of Biotopes of Ukraine, and the level of anthropogenic transformation was assessed on the hemeroby scale. The results of the study indicate that C. communis is an East Asian species, which is an occasional kenophyte in the flora of Ukraine. Its appearance is associated with the anthropogenic spread of seeds within the urbanised floodplain landscape. The biotope in which the population was found is represented by communities of lowland non-swampy alder forests (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.), characterised by high moisture content and fertile soils. The morphological and anatomical features of the specimens found fully correspond to the diagnostic descriptions of the species. It has been established that C. communis has an average level of hemeroby, the species does not show any tendency to expand and retains its local distribution. The discovery of C. communis in the Dnieper basin significantly broadens our understanding of the modern structure of the alien flora of the steppe zone of Ukraine. The results obtained emphasise the importance of continuous monitoring of synanthropic species in floodplain biotopes as indicators of the level of anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems.

Commelina diffusa (family Commelinaceae) contains various secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The production of these compounds is influenced by environmental factors, particulary light intensity, which also play a role in determining the plant’s morphological and anatomical characteristics. This study aims to analyze differences in leaf morphology, stomatal anatomical structure, chlorophyll content, and phytochemical compounds in C. diffusa leaves growing in two locaition with different light conditions at Embung Leuwi Padjadjaran, Sumedang. A descriptive method was used to examine leaf morphology, stomatal anatomy, chlorophyll content, and phytochemical compounds of C. diffusa in shaded and unshaded location. The results showed that leaf morphology was relatively similar in both location, but the leaf surface area was larger in unshaded conditions (8,33 cm²). The stomata were hexacytic type with higher stomatal density in the shaded condition (591,082 cell/mm²), as well as a higher chlorophyll content (37,73 CCI). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and quionones, were relatively higher in unshaded conditions.

Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan has been found in many provinces and cities, such as Lao Cai, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Lam Dong, etc. This plant is known for its effects, such as anti-oxidation, protection of damaged liver cells, pain relief, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer. In this study, we collected and determined the scientific name based on the analysis of morphological and microscopic characteristics of the Murdannia nudiflora collected in Phu Tho province. Then, we qualitatively screened some common groups of compounds in medicinal herbs. The study of botanical characteristics determined the scientific name of the plant as Murdannia nudiflora (family Commelinaceae). At the same time, a dataset of microscopic characteristics of stems and leaves of Murdannia nudiflora and their powder was built. In addition, qualitative results of the study showed that the species of Murdannia nudiflora contains groups of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, organic acids, alkaloids, coumarins, reducing sugars, sterols, and carotenes.

Ethnopharmacological basis for traditional use of Tradescantia spathaceae as nephroprotective agent via in vitro, in vivo and molecular docking techniques.

The genus Murdannia Royle was recognized as a member of the family Commelinaceae, known for its beautiful and outstanding flowers, which made it highly valued as an ornamental plant. In this study, three previously unidentified species of Murdannia are described as new species from Laos including Murdannia maronea, M. rhizomatosa, and M. thyrsoidea. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, phenology, and distribution of each species are provided, along with notes on their horticulture. Murdannia clandestina is reported as a new record for Laos. These four species of Murdannia are notable for their attractive flowers, particularly M. thyrsoidea, which was characterized by its large inflorescence, enhancing its potential as an ornamental plant. The pollen morphology of these four Murdannia species is described for the first time. The pollen grains share similar characteristics, being monads, medium-sized, bilaterally symmetrical, and prolate in shape, with a monocolpate aperture and verrucate exine sculpturing. These findings provided valuable insights to support future breeding efforts aimed at enhancing their ornamental value.

Biodiversity contributes to the daily life of Maha Sarakham Province people, such as local food, vegetables, medicine, ornamentals, rituals, dye, traditional cosmetics, construction equipment, etc. Biodiversity is also involved in Thai traditions and wisdom passed down to the present. Therefore, the strength of Maha Sarakham Province is linked to the way of life, culture and local knowledge. It is a living capital connected to every resource, whether forests, animals, or microorganisms, indicating abundance and is an important part of the ecosystem. 14, 15 Therefore, there should be a study on the diversity of plants, including the analysis of the utilisation of plants in the community forest. This is a critical process to create learning for conservation and to know how to use plants in various fields, as well as to transfer knowledge to youth about plant species, uses and conserving forest resources and maintaining biodiversity. 1, 2, 14, 16 Family Commelinaceae, or dayflower family or spiderwort family, is one of the largest families in order Commelinales, clade Commelinids in the monocot plants with 41 genera and about 731 species. 16, 17, 18 It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with the centres of diversity of Commelinaceae being Peninsular India and the foothills of the Himalayas to Thailand and Southwestern China. It is distributed mainly in tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. 19 In Thailand, Thitimetharoch et al. (2014) reported 52 species from 13 genera of the family Commelinaceae. 20 The family Commelinaceae is used for animal food, medicine, and ornamental plants. 21 Among a large number of members of Commelinaceae family, popular species include Murdannia gigantea (Vahl) G. Brückn, M. loriformis (Hassk.) R.S. Rao & Kammathy, Tradescantia spathacea Swartz., T. zebrina var. zebrine and T. pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt, etc. 19, 22 Members of family Commelinaceae in Maha Sarakham Province have not been determined previously.

Occurrence of male and bisexual flowers (andromonoecy) in a species is thought to be an adaptation to enhance reproductive success through increasing male function or by diverting resources otherwise used for the formation of pistils. Commelina diffusa Burm. f. is a pantropical, herbaceous, and andromonoecious species from the family Commelinaceae. A typical inflorescence comprises male and bisexual flowers enclosed within a spathe. Morphology of the different floral types, floral phenology, pollen viability, pollen production, and mating system were studied in this annual, bearing small fruits. Being nectarless, pollen is the only reward for the pollinators in this species. The number of fruits developing was found to influence the gender of the subsequent flowers within the spathe. The floral visitors, including members of Diptera and Hymenoptera, facilitate outcrossing and may mediate geitonogamous selfing as well. Delayed selfing takes place when floral organs intertwine as the flower fades. Andromonoecy in itself does not promote outcrossing, but it may be advantageous to present pollen in more flowers, thereby attracting and feeding more insects and potentially increase male function.

Greenhouses of the Botanical Garden "Al. Buia" in Craiova house a varied collection of plants, belonging to numerous families. In this paper, species from the families Commelinaceae and Piperaceae are presented.
 The family Commelinaceae includes herbaceous plants, rarely lianas, native to tropical and temperate regions of the world, except Europe. In the greenhouse, this family is represented by ornamental species of the Callisia, Cyanotis and Tradescantia genera.
 The family Piperaceae comprises herbaceous plants, subshrubs or lianas, rarely trees, with simple, entire leaves, with stipules, often succulent and with small, bisexual or unisexual flowers, grouped in spikes or spadix. They are plants that grow spontaneously in tropical or subtropical areas around the world, but the greatest diversity is found in the Americas in a wide range of habitats being distributed from the southern United States of America to Chile and Argentina. In the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden this family is represented by two genera: Piper and Peperomia. In addition to the decorative effect, numerous representatives of the Piperaceae family are used as a food ingredient (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Peperomiapellucida) and in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions: inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders, acne, kidney diseases. Therefore, disseminating information about the existing ornamental plants in the greenhouses of the Botanic Gardens on the one hand supports their botanical value and on the other hand represents another step for environmental education.

Biological control of the invasive plant Tradescantia fluminensis with the fungus Kordyana brasiliensis in Australia: Host range and initial releases

Cyanotis tuberosa (Roxb.) Schult. & Schult.f family Commelinaceae is traditionally used as ethnomedicine for curing several health problems in India. In this study copper oxide CuONPs were synthesized using C. tuberosa tubers aqueous extract. The biosynthesized CuONPs were characterized using an Ultra violet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infra Red spectroscopy, X-RAY Diffraction Analysis, Scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained from SEM showed that the copper oxide nanoparticles were a face-centered cubic crystal structure. The characterization of the biosynthesized CuONPs through EDS also indicated that the reaction product was composed of highly pure CuO NPs. The invitro antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles of C. tuberosa showed that the highest inhibition zone was observed on Klebsiella pneumonia (15.25 mm). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of green synthesized CuONPs of C. tuberosa tubers aqueous extract was also tested the highest percentage activity was exhibited at 100 μg/ml CuONPs (56.32). The human cancer cell line was used for cytotoxicity analysis at 48 hrs of incubation period, a significant abatement in cell viability was observed against the treated cell lines. The study concludes that the C. tuberosa tubers aqueous extract can be successfully used for the synthesis of CuONPs that exhibit effective in vitro anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activity.

The members of the family Commelinaceae are commonly distributed in the tropical and sub-temperate regions of the world. The present study reveals that 25 species under 7 genera of the family Commelinaceae are distributed in Bihar and Jharkhand states. The dominant genera are Commelina, Murdannia and Cyanotis. Out of 26 taxa, 16 are common, one is rare and one is endemic. Few species are ethnobotanically important and some are ornamental garden plants. The updated nomenclature of each species, local names (if any), phonological data, distribution in the states, ecological status, local uses (if any) are also provided herewith.

Tradescantia spathacea (family Commelinaceae) is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental (Golczyk et al., 2013) and as medicinal plant (Tan et al., 2020). In 2019, 90 of ~180 plants of T. spathacea, grown in two beds of 4 m2 and exhibiting leaf mosaic were found in an experimental area at ESALQ/USP (Piracicaba municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil). Potyvirus-like flexuous filamentous particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy in foliar extracts of two symptomatic plants stained with 1% uranyl acetate. Total RNA was extracted using the Purelink viral RNA/DNA kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) from leaves of two symptomatic plants and separately subjected to a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The potyviruses degenerate pairs of primers CIFor/CIRev (Ha et al. 2008), which amplifies a fragment corresponding to part of the cylindrical inclusion protein gene, and WCIEN/PV1 (Maciel et al. 2011), which amplifies a fragment containing part of the capsid protein gene and the 3' untranslated region, were used. The expected amplicons (~700bp) were obtained from both total RNA extracts. Two amplicons from one sample were purified using the Wizard SV Gel and PCR Clean-Up System kit (Promega) and directly sequenced in both directions at Macrogen Inc (Seoul, South Korea). The obtained nucleotide sequences (GenBank MW430005 and MW503934) shared 95.32% and 97.79% nucleotide identity, respectively, with the corresponding sequences of the Brazilian isolate of the potyvirus costus stripe mosaic virus (CoSMV, MK286375) (Alexandre et al. 2020). Extract from an infected plant of T. spathacea was mechanically inoculated in 10 healthy plants of T. spathacea and two plants each of the following species: Capsicum annuum, Chenopodium amaranticolor, Commelina benghalensis, Datura stramonium, Gomphrena globosa, Nicandra physaloides, Nicotiana tabacum cvs. Turkish and Samsun, Solanum lycopersicum, T. palida, and T. zebrina. All T. spathacea plants exhibited mosaic and severe leaf malformation. C. benghalensis plants developed mild mosaic, whereas infected T. zebrina plants were asymptomatic. The plants of other species were not infected. RT-PCR with specific CoSMV primers CoSMVHC-F and CoSMVHC-R (Alexandre et al. 2020) confirmed the infection. Nucleotide sequences of amplicons obtained from experimentally inoculated T. spathacea and T. zebrina (MW430007 and MW430008) shared 94.56% and 94.94% identity with the corresponding sequence of a Brazilian CoSMV isolate (MK286375). None of eight virus-free plants of T. spathacea inoculated with CoSMV using Aphis craccivora exhibited symptoms, nor was CoSMV detected by RT-PCR. Lack of CoSMV transmission by A. solanella, Myzus persicae, and Uroleucon sonchi was previously reported (Alexandre et al. 2020). T. spathacea plants are commonly propagated vegetatively, and by seeds. Virus-free seeds, if available, can provide an efficient and easy way to obtain healthy plants. Only three viruses were reported in plants of the genus Tradescantia: Commelina mosaic virus, tradescantia mild mosaic virus, and a not fully characterized potyvirus (Baker and Zettler, 1988; Ciuffo et al., 2006; Kitajima 2020). CoSMV was recently reported infecting Costus spiralis and C. comosus (Alexandre et al. 2020). As far as we know, this is the first report of CoSMV infecting T. spathacea plants.

Commelinaceae is used for ethnobotany. However, bioactive compounds information of this family is few data. The aim here was to determine the bioactive compounds and quantify the antioxidant activity from leaves 10 species. Twenty amino acids were identified using LC/MS/MS. The antioxidant contents were evaluated by the total phenolic and total flavonoid content assays. The individual phenolic acids, flavonoids and vitamin c were identified by HPLC. The antioxidant activities detected were DPPH scavenging and FRAP assay. The total amino acids found in most samples studied ranging from 239 to 1012 µg/g DW. Vitamin C contents were in the range of 23 to 195 mg/100 g DW. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents ranged from 11.3 to 35.7 mg GAE/g DW and 56.7 to 368.7 mg RE/100 g DW, respectively. All the species studied possessed strong antioxidant properties (DPPH and FRAP). This result can be applied for further development of functional foods or cosmetics.

Morphological and microscopical characteristics of “Co ruoi la bac” collected in Nam Dinh province were studied. Results have identified the scientific name of the plant as Murdannia bracteata (family Commelinaceae). Besides, the microscopical characteristics and powder microscopy of leaf and stem of M. bracteata species were established. Specifically, the plant’s leaf and stem are characterized by pale violet corolla, oval bracts and needle shape calcium oxalate crystals converging or single in the soft tissue of the leaf; the herbal powder has twisted vascular grafts, unicellular hairs,…
 Keywords:
 Murdannia bracteata, M. bracteata, Murdannia bracteata (C.B.Clarke) J.K.Morton ex D.Y.Hong, Commelinaceae, morphological characteristics, microscopical characteristic
 References
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Invasive alien species management is pivotal for biodiversity conservation. Commelina caroliniana Walter, from the family Commelinaceae, is an alien plant native to the Himalayas and India, but it has been widely introduced around the world, including in the United States, Brazil, Philippines, and Japan. In Korea, the first population was found growing adjacent to agricultural land and farm roads on Jejudo Island, and field observations confirmed the presence of at least nine populations there. It is similar morphologically to C. diffusa Burm. f. but can be distinguished by involucral bracts that are ciliate at the base, hairs on the peduncle and obsolete upper cincinnus, brown spots on its 4-lobed antherode, and seed surfaces that are smooth to slightly alveolate. It was determined to have an invasiveness low score of 8 according to the Korean ‘Invasive Alien Plant Risk Assessment’, suggesting that it may spread to natural habitats. Although the current distribution of C. caroliniana is restricted to Jeju-si, it has spread dramatically in many other areas of the world. At present, it has had a limited impact on the local environment, but local and regulatory authorities should pay close attention to this plant and take measures to prevent its expansion in the future.

Commelina benghalensis L. is a diploid plant with 2n=2x=22 median size chromosomes. Gamma irradiations (10, 15, 20, 25 kR) to C. benghalensis seeds induced 14 translocation heterozygotes. The translocation heterozygotes exhibited the formation of either a ring or a chain of four chromosomes in PMCs (ranged from 79.84 to 100%). The translocation lines showed the preponderance of ring quadrivalents as compared to chain quadrivalents. After comparative analysis, the quadrivalents frequently displayed alternate disjunction (52.91%) than adjacent disjunction (47.09%). At anaphase I/II and telophase I/II, the translocation heterozygotes showed the presence of lagging chromosomes and chromatin bridges. Micronuclei were sometimes formed in tetrads. Heterozygous plants showed high pollen sterility (ranged from 21.30 to 81.82%) due to the presence of adjacent orientation in quadrivalents and the cumulative effect of other meiotic irregularities. Also, pollen sterility showed a positive and significant correlation (r2=0.7285) with adjacent segregation of quadrivalents (ranged from 20.0 to 74.22%) in translocation heterozygotes.

Representatives of the family Commelinaceae are characterised by morphologically, anatomically, or functionally diverse stamens (common presence of staminodia), which produce diverse pollen grains. The heteromorphism of stamens noted in all Commelinaceae species is a particular example of the evolutionary modification of the androecium in entomophilous plants. The morphological, anatomical, and cytological analyses of the androecium as well as the analysis of the microsporogenesis process and the formation of the male gametophyte in Tinantia erecta (a species belonging to the family Commelinaceae) have demonstrated that the morphologically diverse stamens in this species do not differ anatomically. Furthermore, the process of microsporogenesis followed by gametogenesis occurring in the stamens yields pollen grains with the same morphology, cytology, and function. Therefore, despite the large morphological diversity of the androecium, all anthers in T. erecta produce male gametophytes that are identical in every respect, which is a unique feature in species from the Commelinaceae family. Additionally, T. erecta is capable of self-pollination; hence, it can be claimed that the species uses its entire reproductive potential to produce seeds and a next generation.

Seedling morphology of eight species from four genera of the family Commelinaceae viz. Commelina appendiculata C.B. Clarke, C. benghalensis L., C. caroliniana Walter, C. paludosa Blume, Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don ex Sweet, C. cristata (L.) D. Don, Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan and Tradescantia spathacea Sw. are investigated using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The seedling morphological features explored include germination pattern, seed shape, surface and hilum, root system, cotyledon type, cotyledonary hyperphyll (apocole), cotyledonary hypophyll (cotyledonary sheath), hypocotyl, first leaf and subsequent leaves. All taxa studied had hypogeal and remote tubular cotyledons. However, differences in cotyledon structure (apocole, cotyledonary sheath), seed, hypocotyl, internodes, first leaf and subsequent leaves were observed. Variations of those characters were used to prepare an identification key for the investigated taxa. Commelina spp. and Murdannia nudiflora of the tribe Commelineae were found to differ from Cyanotis spp. and Tradescantia spathacea of tribe Tradescantieae in the petiolate first leaf with papillate margins on upper surface with 6-celled stomata and the glabrous epicotyl. The presence of an elongated cotyledonary sheath, long apocole and extended periblast region appear to be synapomorphies for Commelina spp. and T. spathacea. The affinity of the investigated taxa as revealed through multivariate analysis supports some of the relationships inferred by pollen morphology, floral morphology and DNA (rbc-L, 5S NTS, trnL-trnF) data stated by previous authors.

Additions to the family Commelinaceae in flora of India

The family Commelinaceae shows a lot of morphological and cytological diversity. Chromosome numbers and male meiosis of 15 populations of 12 species under four genera i.e., Amischophacelus, Commelina, Cyanotis and Murdannia of Commelinaceae have been studied from Rajasthan, India including the first chromosome report of Commelina forskaolii Vahl (2n=90) in the world. It includes new euploid cytotypes in six species i.e., C. attenuata (2n=24), C. diffusa (2n=120), C. hasskarlii (2n=120), C. paludosa (2n=30), Cyanotis cristata (2n=22) and Murdannia nudiflora (2n=80) besides new chromosome reports from Rajasthan in three other species i.e., Amischophacelus axillaris (2n=20), Co. benghalensis (2n=22) and Cy. fasciculata (2n=22). Meiosis is regular in seven species but has a low frequency of meiotic anomalies like laggards, chromatin bridges and stickiness in five species (C. albescens, C. benghalensis, C. forskaolii, C. suffruticosa and M. nudiflora).