Flora Of Mongolia Research Articles

Chemical composition and biological activities of the Agaricus mushrooms

Two species of Agaricus mushroom grown in Mongolia were analyzed for their element content. Biological activity and chemical components study of Agaricus, grown in the Mongolian flora has been investigated for the first time. The ethanol extracts of dried Agaricus sp. mushrooms were analyzed for antioxidant activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and interferon-like activity. The ethanol extracts from Agaricus arvensis showed the most potent radical scavenging activity. The IC50 of A. silvaticus and A. arvensis were 216 and 17.75 g/ml respectively. Among the twenty three mushroom extracts, the extracts from A. silvatisus and A. arvensis have shown the interferon-like activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.197Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p41-45

Differential freezing resistance and photoprotection in C3 and C4 eudicots and grasses

Globally, C4 plants dominate hot, open environments, but this general pattern is underpinned by important differences in the biogeography of C4 lineages. In particular, the species richness of C4 Poaceae (grasses) increases strongly with increasing temperature, whereas that of the major C4 eudicot group Chenopodiaceae correlates positively with aridity. Freezing tolerance is a crucial determinant of biogeographical relationships with temperature and is mediated by photodamage and cellular disruption by desiccation, but little is known about differences between C4 families. This study hypothesized that there is a greater risk of freezing damage via these mechanisms in C4 Poaceae than Chenopodiaceae, that freezing protection differs between the taxonomic groups, and that freezing tolerance of species is linked to arid habitat preference. Chlorophyll fluorescence, water relations, and freezing injury were compared in four C3 and six C4 species of Poaceae and Chenopodiaceae from the same Mongolian flora. Contrary to expectations, freezing-induced leaf mortality and photodamage were lower in Poaceae than Chenopodiaceae species, and unrelated to photosynthetic pathway. The freezing resistance of Poaceae species resulted from constitutive protection and cold acclimation and an ability to protect the photosynthetic apparatus from photodamage. Freezing protection was associated with low osmotic potential and low tissue elasticity, and freezing damage was accompanied by electrolyte leakage, consistent with cell-membrane disruption by ice. Both Chenopodiaceae and Poaceae had the potential to develop cold acclimation and withstand freezing during the growing season, which conflicted with the hypothesis. Instead, freezing tolerance was more closely associated with life history and ecological preference in these Mongolian species.

FloraGREIF – An Internet-Based Data Repository for Biogeographical Research in Mongolia

FloraGREIF presents an internet-based information tool on the vascular plant flora of Mongolia combining taxon- and record-specific information, text and image information with map information and digitized plant specimens with images of living species and their habitats. Based on an updated checklist as taxonomic backbone, information is split into the “taxon” and the “record” level. At the taxon level the user finds taxonomic diagnoses, habitat information, and species distribution within the floristic regions of Mongolia. The latter is visualized in a Web GIS application. The record level offers information for all records assigned to one taxon, which may include locality data only or additional, high-resolution scans of herbarium specimens combined with images from living species and their habitats. Several query masks allow a flexible search and display of species lists. The interactive Web GIS application links taxon or record information with various map layers, comprising administrative units, topography and orography, floristic regions and vegetation zones of Mongolia. They present background information for the display of species distribution or record localities. FloraGREIF offers a virtual research environment to make the substantial information on Mongolia’s flora mainly published in Russian accessible to the public.

Contribution to the heрatic flora of Mongolia

Contribution to the heрatic flora of Mongolia

Contributions of Russian Scientists to the Research of Aquatic Ecosystems in Mongolia

The article gives the overview of the studies of the aquatic fauna and fl ora of Mongolia by the Russian (and Soviet) scientists for the period of more than a century. This history is divided into three periods: the fi rst period covers the end of the 19 th and the beginning of the 20 th centuries, the second one – the middle of the 20 th century and the third one – the last one third of the 20 th and the beginning of the 21 th centuries. The fi rst period is connected with the research of Hubsugul Lake and Selenge River basin completely, the second period – with the works of Mongolian Commission and Science Committee of the Mongolian People’s Republic. The third period started in 1970’s with simultaneous organization of two important expeditions: the Joint Hubsugul Lake Expedition by the Irkutsk and Mongolian State Universities, and Joint Soviet-Mongolian Complex Biological Expedition by the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. The latter expedition celebrates 40th anniversary of its permanent activity this year. In the second part of this paper the results of hydrobiological studies of this expedition led in 2000-2009 in the Selenge River basin are given.

Новые для флоры Монголии диатомовые водоросли

The diatoms from sphagnum bog Nur (Mongolia) were studied, 66 species new for Mongolian flora from 23 genera were found. Their list with synonyms is given.

The Genus Kobresia Willd. (Cyperaceae Juss.) in the flora of Mongolia

Taxonomic position of the Mongolian bog sedge species belonging to the genus Kobresia is revised. Seven species and one subspecies are recorded in the Mongolian Flora. Identifi cation keys for the species, conspectus of all taxa and data on their habit, ecology and distribution in Mongolia are given. Distribution types are classifi ed. Briefl y discussed about history of dispersal of Kobresia-species in the Mongolian territory.

蒙古柴胡属Bupleurum L．（伞形科）植物的分类和分布

根据作者近年来在蒙古的野外采集，以及在俄罗斯圣彼德堡科码洛夫植物研究所标本馆LE和北京中国科学院植物研究所标本馆PE等的研究，确认蒙古产7种柴胡属（Bupleurum L．）植物。作出了它们的检索表。按照蒙古植物区系区划，分析和描述了这7种植物的分布。

Erysimum mongolicum, a new species from Mongolia, and notes onE. vassilczenkoiandE. kotuchovii (Brassicaceae)

Abstract German, D.: Erysimum mongolicum, a new species from Mongolia, and notes on E. vassilczenkoi and E. kotuchovii (Brassicaceae). — Willdenowia 35: 305–313. — ISSN 0511-9618; © 2005 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.35.35212 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Taxonomy and distribution of the poorly known Erysimum vassilczenkoi (≡ Syrenia macrocarpa) (Brassicaceae) is revised on the basis of herbarium material and field studies. The presence of the species in the flora of Mongolia is not confirmed; instead, a new species, E. mongolicum, is described from the Mongolian Altai, and E. kotuchovii is reported for Mongolia for the first time. The distinguishing characters and relationships of the three species are discussed. A map of their distribution and a key to their identification also including the closely related E. siliculosum are given. Some comments on the status of Syrenia are added.

C<sub>3</sub> and C<sub>4</sub> photosynthetic pathways and life form types for native species from agro-forestry region, Northeastern China

Of the total 570 species, 194 species in 116 genera and 52 families were found with C3 photosynthesis, 24 species in 17 genera and 6 families with C4 photosynthesis, and 2 species in 1 genera and 1 family with CAM photosynthesis. 90 % of the total species can be found in Changbai Mountain flora, more a half (69 %) in North China flora, and about 1/3 in Mongolian flora and Xinan flora, respectively. The occurrence of C4 species was not as common as that in adjacent grasslands and deserts, but relatively more than in the adjacent forests. Of the total 24 C4 species, 63 % C4 species (15 of 24) was found in Gramineae. Nine life form types can be found, reflecting the moist climate in the region, especially the occurrence of epiphyte and liana forms. Relatively more geophyte life form plants suggested the winter in the region was much colder than in grasslands. These indicated that both ecological studies and land management decisions must take into account plant photosynthetic pathway and life form patterns, for both of them are closely related to climatic changes and land use.

A Study to Detect CAM Plants in Mongolia

In order to discover CAM plants from the Mongolian flora, four species, Orostachys spinosa (L.) C.A. Mey., O. malacophylla (Pall.) Fisch., O. thyrsiflora Fisch. and Sedum aizoon L. of Crassulaceae D.C.family were examined in terms of their leaf anatomy, photosynthesis and transpiration intensity for a 24-hour cycle. Photosynthesis by these plants has been studied using isotope-discriminate analysis (δ13C)and a special method for CAM. Transpiration was measured by the weight-method and leaf anatomy andstomatal movement by microscopy. 13C/12C value of Orostachys spinosa, O. thyrsiflora C4-like (-13.44%ο,-18.10%ο), O. malacophylla, Sedum aizoon C3-like (-25.03%ο,-26.32%ο). CAM plant characters areclearly discovered in two species Orostachys spinosa and O. malacophylla. Although differences in theacidity value cycle of Sedum aizoon in terms of a 24-hour cycle was similar to the previous two plants,stomatal movement was commonly closed during night and day showing that we need to conduct morefuture studies for this species. Orostachys thyrsiflora does not have CAM photosynthetic response.

Standardization of the Traditional Herbal Mixtures Marbo-3 and Sorool-4

The flora of Mongolia includes about 2823 species of plants belonging to 662 genuses and 128 families. About 300 species constitute the group of medicinal plants. There are approximately 40 large and small pharmaceutical enterprises in Mongolia, which produce about 270 traditional preparations for the domestic market. The annual export of medicinals amounts to 4.8 – 5.2 ton [1]. It is planned that the consumption of the traditional Mongolian preparations and, hence, their production will continue to grow. Unfortunately, the lack of systematic basic investigations devoted to standardization of traditional drugs and to the development of methods for their identification and analysis hinders objective evaluation of the quality of traditional drugs produced in Mongolia and restricts the export. This study was aimed at the complex investigation of the widely used traditional plant preparations Marbo-3 and Sorool-4 by modern physicochemical analytical techniques, evaluation of the content of heavy metals in these preparations, and characterization of the microbiological cleanness of both mixtures and raw plant materials entering into these compositions. This investigation was performed with a view to the development of general principles for the standardization of traditional medicinal plant preparations used in the folk medicine of Mongolia [2]. The herbal mixture Marbo-3 is widely used in Mongolia, Tibetia, India, and China for the treatment of various renal and urinary disorders [3 – 5]. This mixture includes equal proportions of the roots and rhizomes of Indian madder (Rubia cordifolia of Rubiaceae family), the leaves of Japan medlar (Eriobotria japonica of Rosaceae family), and shellac (Laccifer Lacca of Coccideae family). In the first step, we have studied the anatomic structure of the roots and rhizomes of Rubia cordifolia and the leaves of Eriobotria japonica and established their identification characters (Fig. 1). The results of microscopic examination of Marbo-3 obtained from various manufacturers reveal the parenchymal cells of Indian madder and long simple hairs of the upper and lower epiderm cells of the leaves of Japan medlar.

C4 plants in the vegetation of Mongolia: their natural occurrence and geographical distribution in relation to climate.

The natural geographical occurrence, carbon assimilation, and structural and biochemical diversity of species with C4 photosynthesis in the vegetation of Mongolia was studied. The Mongolian flora was screened for C4 plants by using 13C/12C isotope fractionation, determining the early products of 14CO2 fixation, microscopy of leaf mesophyll cell anatomy, and from reported literature data. Eighty C4 species were found among eight families: Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Molluginaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae, Portulacaceae and Zygophyllaceae. Most of the C4 species were in three families: Chenopodiceae (41 species), Poaceae (25 species) and Polygonaceae, genus Calligonum (6 species). Some new C4 species in Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae and Polygonaceae were detected. C4 Chenopodiaceae species make up 45% of the total chenopods and are very important ecologically in saline areas and in cold arid deserts. C4 grasses make up about 10% of the total Poaceae species and these species naturally concentrate in steppe zones. Naturalized grasses with Kranz anatomy,of genera such as Setaria, Echinochloa, Eragrostis, Panicum and Chloris, were found in almost all the botanical-geographical regions of Mongolia, where they commonly occur in annually disturbed areas and desert oases. We analyzed the relationships between the occurrence of C4 plants in 16 natural botanical-geographical regions of Mongolia and their major climatic influences. The proportion of C4 species increases with decreasing geographical latitude and along the north-to-south temperature gradient; however grasses and chenopods differ in their responses to climate. The abundance of Chenopodiaceae species was closely correlated with aridity, but the distribution of the C4 grasses was more dependent on temperature. Also, we found a unique distribution of different C4 Chenopodiaceae structural and biochemical subtypes along the aridity gradient. NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) tree-like species with a salsoloid type of Kranz anatomy, such as Haloxylon ammodendron and Iljinia regelii, plus shrubby Salsola and Anabasis species, were the plants most resistant to ecological stress and conditions in highly arid Gobian deserts with less than 100 mm of annual precipitation. Most of the annual C4 chenopod species were halophytes, succulent, and occurred in saline and arid environments in steppe and desert regions. The relative abundance of C3 succulent chenopod species also increased along the aridity gradient. Native C4 grasses were mainly annual and perennial species from the Cynodonteae tribe with NAD-ME and PEP-carboxykinase (PEP-CK) photosynthetic types. They occurred across much of Mongolia, but were most common in steppe zones where they are often dominant in grazing ecosystems.

The genus Allium L. in the flora of Mongolia

AbstractA taxonomic revision of the genus Allium in Mongolia is presented including a key, complete synonymy and distribution for all taxa with distribution maps. A total of 44 species is recognized and grouped into two subgenera and 11 sections. Most of the species (96%) belong to the subgenus Rhizirideum.

A chemical study of plants of the Mongolian flora the flavonoids of two species of Oxytropis

Plants of the genus Oxytropis (fam. Fabiaceae) are widely used in Tibetan and Mongolian folk medicine. Oxytropis muricata Pall. and O. trichophysa Bge. are employed in diseases of the liver and in the treatment of wounds and of skin diseases [i]. In the present communication we give the results of a study of the flavonoids of the epigeal parts of the abovementioned plants gathered in the vegetation period on Mongolian territory.

Alkaloids of the Mongolian flora I. Alkaloids of the epigeal part of Aconitum barbatum

Alkaloids of the Mongolian flora I. Alkaloids of the epigeal part of Aconitum barbatum

Chemical study of plants of the Mongolian flora coumarins of Salsola laricifolia

Chemical study of plants of the Mongolian flora coumarins of Salsola laricifolia

Zur Flora der Dsungarischen Gobi (Mongolische Volksrepublik)

Summary On the base of collections made during expeditions in 1982 (Jager) and 1964 (Danert, Davazamc, Hanelt) as well as of data by Hilbig & Schamsran (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981) 141 species have been enumerated which are not mentioned by Grubov (1982) for the Dsungarian Gobi in his new flora of Mongolia. For some very rare species new localities have been added. New records for the flora of the Mongolian People’s Republic are represented by the following taxa: Sagittaria natans, Bromus scoparius, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Eleocharis equisetiformis, Ranunculus lingua, Oxytropis puberula, Malva pusilla, Trachomitum lancifolium, Galystegia sepium, Scrophularia hilbigii, Veronica catenata, and Orobanche amoena. A checklist of all hitherto known species of higher plants for the Mongolian part of Dsungaria has been compiled. Thus the flora of this region now comprises 466 species, a rather high number for this comparatively small desert area. Distribution maps of western species demonstrate the position of Dsungaria at the border of Western Eurasia.

Karyological studies of some species of the Mongolian flora

The paper gives the chromosome numbers for 38 species of the Mongolian Flora. Some of the counts appear to be the first findings for the species. They are:Allium anisopodium 2n = 16, Caltha membranacea 2n = 32, Carex macroura 2n = 50, Carex redowskiana 2n = 26, Gastrolychnis brachypetala 2n = 72, Iris biglumis 2n = 40, Iris flavissima 2n = 28 andVicia multicaulis 2n = 24.