Genus Clematis Research Articles

Taxonomic relevance of leaf surface micromorphology in Korean Clematis L. (Ranunculaceae).

Clematis, one of the largest genera of the family Ranunculaceae, has a wide array of morphological variation and is considered the most difficult group of taxa in terms of infrageneric discrimination. This study assessed the leaf micromorphological features of 19 Clematis taxa (16 species and three varieties) found in Korea. The leaf surface features were studied under scanning electron microscopy, and the stomatal counting and measurement were carried out under light microscopy. Clematis are hypostomatic, meaning the stomata are only found on the abaxial surface of the leaf. Observed taxa showed near uniformity in the epidermal cell type, structure, and morphology on both surfaces of the leaf. Differences were observed in the presence and absence and/or abundance of trichomes on both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces, the epidermal cell boundary, and the periclinal and anticlinal wall of the cells. Differences were also observed in the number of the epidermal cells connected with the stomata on the abaxial surface, with small differences noted in epidermal cell shapes. The ANOVA showed a significant variation in the stomata density in the studied taxa (P < 0.0001). The cluster analysis based on 13 leaf micromorphological features generated four major clusters. These results indicated similarities in certain key leaf micromorphological features among taxa from the Tubulosae, Clematis, and Virona sections. In the genus Clematis, as with other morphological characteristics, using leaf micromorphological characters alone, which possess limited taxonomic value, proves inadequate for resolving infrageneric relationships. However, incorporating certain features with other morphological characteristics offers a possible alternative means of determining the infrageneric relationships within the genus.

A Study of the Pollen Grains of Indian Clematis Linn. (Ranunculaceae)

A illustrated account of the pollen grains of 32 species of genus Clematis (Dill, ex) Linn., mostly Indian, has been presented and their systematic significance evaluated. The pollen is usually 3-zono-colpate, but some have 4-zono-colpate pollen as well. In C. cadmia Buch.- Ham. Ex Hk.f. &amp; Thom., the pollen is panporate. The pollen features in Clematis exhibit a predominantly negatively reticulate sexine pattern and are of little phylogenetic significance.

Extended distribution of Clematis wightiana Wall. (Ranunculaceae) in the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh – a hitherto endemic species of the Western Ghats, India

The genus Clematis L., one of the largest genera of the family Ranunculaceae, is widely distributed in the world but intense diversity in subtropical and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (especially Asia and China) made this area as centre of diversity of the genus with 147 species of which 93 taxa are endemic. In India, the genus is represented by 49 taxa of which 13 are endemic to the country. The present paper reports extended distribution of Clematis wightiana Wall., earlier reported as endemic to the Western Ghats, from the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and as a new distribution record for the state. Detailed description, flowering &amp; fruiting data, herbarium image, distribution, and ecology of the species are provided.

Clematis Species: Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Effects- A Report

The genus Clematis has been a source of various traditionally useful and pharmacologically active species. Many plants of this genus are prominently climbers and woody vines. The species are mosly wild however; few are grown as ornamental plants. The species Clematis apifolia, Clematis ganpiniana, Clematis graveolens, and Clematis terniflora were selected to study on their traditional use, chemical composition and pharmacological effects reported in literature. In folklore these species are used as antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, anodyne, antidote, diuretic and sedative agents. The triterpenoid saponins are the dominant compounds of these species flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, coumarins, steroids and volatile oils have also been reported. The pharmacological effects evaluated are antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotectve, and anti-inflammatory activities. As such these species has emerged as good source of traditional medicines. The chemical compounds isolated from these species have been reported for their pharmacological effects. Although, few experimental studies validated their traditional claim, but uncharacterized crude extracts were employed in most of the activities. Such species need to be explored properly for their bioactive principle and exploited as potential drug. The review will help the researchers to select medicinally potential species of Clematis for future research.

The influence of the temperature factor on the passage of phenophases of &lt;i&gt;Clematis L.&lt;/i&gt; varieties

Relevance. The features of the passage of the phenological phases of vegetation and flowering of 20 varieties of the genus Clematis L. in the agro-climatic conditions of Stavropol were studied. The dates of the onset of phenophases in different years have been established. A shift in these terms was revealed, associated with the amount of heat received by the plant during the period preceding the phase.Methods. The object of study was 20 varieties of clematis from the collection of the Stavropol Botanical Garden belonging to two garden groups — Integrifolia and Jackmanii. The study of phenorhythm features was carried out in 2018–2022, using the generally accepted methodology of phenological observations in botanical gardens.Results. It has been established that the onset of the phenological phases of the beginning of vegetation and flowering depends on the temperature factor of a particular year, but the sequence of flowering of varieties of different groups is preserved. The beginning of the growing season, in the studied varieties of the two groups, occurs simultaneously, but differs over the years. Phenological observations show a shift of these dates, in some years, up to 26 days. For the onset of the «beginning of flowering» phase, the sum of accumulated positive temperatures above +5 °C for the interphase period from the beginning of vegetation to the beginning of flowering is determined. For clematis varieties of the Integrifolia group, the sum of temperatures at the beginning of flowering was 943–989 °C (average — 962 °C), and the Jackmanii group was 1406–1432 °C (average — 1418 °C).

Small-flowered clematis collections of the Stavropol Botanical Garden

Relevance. The biological features were studied, the average dates of the beginning, end and duration of the phenological phases of growth and development of species, forms and varieties of the genus Clematis (Clematis L.) were established. The assortment of small-flowered clematis for cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of the Stavropol upland, characterized by high decorative properties, resistance to drought, pests and diseases, is highlighted.Methods. The object of research is small-flowered species, forms and varieties of the genus Clematis L., cultivated in the collection of the Stavropol Botanical Garden. The studies were conducted in 2012–2021 according to the methods of variety study and evaluation of the decorative qualities of clematis species and varieties.Results. The dates of the beginning and end of the growth of shoots are determined. According to the duration of shoot growth, all taxa are divided into groups: with a short growth period (38–51 days), medium (60–79 days); long (90–126 days). According to the timing of the beginning of flowering, the studied taxa are classified into five groups, most of them are included in the groups of early summer and summer flowering. According to the duration of flowering, three groups are distinguished — with short flowering, up to 30 days (C. jubata Bsch., C. recta L., C. recta f. atropurpurea, C. terniflora DC.); medium, from 41 to 60 days (С. fusca Turcz., C. ‘Bryzgi Morja’, C. integrifolia L., C. orientalis L., C. serratifolia Rehder, C. tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh., C. virginiana L., C. viticella L., C. viticella f. rosea); long-lasting, more than 60 days (C. ‘Fargesioides’, C. heracleifolia DC., C. hexapetala DC.).

The complete chloroplast genome of Clematis hexapetala (Ranunculaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Clematis hexapetala Pall. (1776) is a traditional Chinese medicine belonging to the Ranunculaceae. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome was sequenced through Illumina platform, cp was circular DNA molecule of 159,538 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure, consisting of four regions: two copies of inverted repeat region (IRs: 31,039 bp), a large single-copy (LSC: 79,333 bp) region, a small single-copy (SSC: 18,127 bp) region. The chloroplast genome encodes a total of 135 genes, including 91 CDS genes, 36 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete genes shows that C. hexapetala closely related to C. taeguensis in the genus Clematis. This study improves our comprehension of the chloroplast genome and its phylogenetic relationships within Ranunculaceae.

Анализ структуры коллекции сортов рода Clematis L. в составе современного коллекционного фонда лаборатории декоративных растений Главного ботанического сада РАН

This paper presents the results of the analysis of the structure of the modern collection of varieties of the genus Clematis L. of the Laboratory of Ornamental Plants of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The peculiarities of the distribution of cultivars by belonging to the pruning groups are established. The distribution of varieties depending on their country of origin is characterized. The dominance of the USSR and Great Britain, which at different times were the leaders of the world culture selection, is revealed. The distribution of varieties by the periods of their creation has been studied: from cultivars obtained in 1850–1860 to the breeding achievements of the XXI century, which confirms the presence of a wide morphological diversity of cultigenic representatives of the genus Clematis L. A variant of placing some varieties on the collection and exposition site of the Laboratory of Ornamental Plants of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, allowing, in addition to scientific work, if necessary, implement educational and educational projects.

The complete chloroplast genome of Clematis florida Thunb. (Ranunculaceae), an ornamental and medicinal plant from Henan province, China

Clematis florida Thunb. is a herbaceous and perennial plant native to East Asia. The plant is resistant to cold but sensitive to heat. It is an ornamental and medicinal plant that has great commercial potential. Here, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. florida. The cp genome of C. florida was characterized by Illumina pair-end sequencing and is 159,606 bp in total length. The genome includes a large single-copy (LSC) region of 79,467 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,057 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 31,041 bp. The genome contains 135 genes including 91 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18 Clematis species indicates that C. florida is closely related to C. fusca in the Ranunculaceae. The phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of C. florida revealed by cp genome were consistent with the previous molecular studies, and can serve as a reference for future studies on molecular biology, evolution, and taxonomy in the genus Clematis.

Therapeutic effect of Huzhangoside D in rats with knee osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is an age-related disease. Huzhangoside D is a saponin isolated from genus Clematis L. (Ranunculaceae). The aim of this study is to explore the anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, and autophagy regulation effects of huzhangoside D on KOA in a rat model. Materials and Methods: The KOA model was established by an anterior cruciate ligament transection surgery. Huzhangoside D was administered for 4 weeks. The weight-bearing assay, morphology observation, and intrinsic mechanism exploration were performed. Results: After administration, the weight-bearing assay showed that huzhangoside D promoted joint function recovery. Hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O-Fast green staining indicated that huzhangoside D ameliorated the structural damage. The Mankin scores were decreased in the huzhangoside D groups. Huzhangoside D enhanced cartilage thickness. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay study revealed that huzhangoside D downregulated the proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) levels, while it upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10) level in rat serum. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay showed that huzhangoside D downregulated the apoptosis ratio of cartilage cells. Immunohistochemical staining showed that huzhangoside D upregulated the autophagy-related protein beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7, and light chain 3 levels and downregulated the p62 level. Moreover, the AKT and mTOR signaling pathway activities were downregulated. The 3-MA combination with huzhangoside D downregulated the weight-bearing function and morphology of the knee and upregulated the proinflammatory cytokines, which showed the role of autophagy as a protective mechanism in the effect of huzhangoside D. Conclusion: This study revealed that huzhangoside D is a promising agent in KOA treatment.

Lianas collection from the Botanical Garden and its science-practice utilization

Collection of many years’ lianas gathered in Botanical Garden, placed in south-taiga boreal area of Middle Ural. The collection bank of voluble plants is exposed of 12 genus and 17 families growing wild species of lianas originating from various areas of the Earth temperate zone and contains of more than 200 taxons. The most imposing among them is collection of genus Clematis L., which contains species of natural flora and sorts of Clematis from Russian and World selection of more than 200 taxons. Taxons are listed and analyzed by biomorphic and geographic criteria. Many years observing of collected specimens allowed getting important data about influence of climatological changes on winter hardness and procreational functions Aristolochia manschuriensis, A. macrophylla.

КЛАСИФІКАЦІЯ РОДУ CLEMATIS L. ТА ІНТРОДУКЦІЯ В КРЕМЕНЕЦЬКОМУ БОТАНІЧНОМУ САДУ

The article highlights the findings of the study of the classification of species of the genus Clematis, the history of the study and some aspects of their introduction into the Kremenets Botanical Garden. The object of the study was the introduced species of the genus Clematis. Analysis of bioecomorphs of introducers, and the biometric indicators of morphological observations of plants. The word «Clematis» came into Latin terminology from the ancient Greek word «Clema» meaning tendril. Dioscorides first mentions this term when describing twisted plants. The generic name was first used by K. Linnaeus in «Species plantarum». Lominos have been cultivated in European gardens for over 400 years. Species of the genus Clematis are found in 28 of the 34 floristic regions around the globe. The life forms of plants are very diverse (from semi-shrubs to woody vines). These plants retain their decorative qualities until late autumn and form, especially when planted on the lawn, bright spots of various colors, and, therefore, have a decorative effect, decorative leaves and flowers, and even seeds, during the growth season give rapid shoot growth. In the Kremenets region, this culture is little known, as the range of species, as well as their bioecological features in different areas of introduction are poorly studied. Clematis has long been used in ornamental horticulture, while in the landscaping of cities Clematis is not used and is most common in the gardens of amateur gardeners. The growing season during the introduction test is 187-238 days. The studied species bloom for up to 85 days and some species have repeated flowering. The beginning and duration of the phases of growth and flowering differ significantly for different species and varieties of Clematis and depend on biological characteristics, geographical origin, as well as agricultural techniques. It is usually propagated by seeds and vegetatively - by layering, dividing the bush, cuttings or grafting, seeds are often propagated species with small flowers; their seeds germinate fast in spring. For species with large seeds, the germination period is extended by 80 (500) days.

Anther and ovule development of Clematis serratifolia (Ranunculaceae)-with new formation types in megaspore and nucellus.

Morphological indices of vegetative organs or reproductive organs, which are often used to analyze the evolution and classify Clematis, indicate that Clematis serratifolia and C. glauca could be related members at similar evolutionary levels. However, this assumption differs with phylogenetic studies based on genetics. Embryonic characteristics, which are more stable, are commonly used to estimate the phylogeny and evolution of angiosperms. We studied the microsporogenesis, microgametogenesis, megasporogenesis and macrogametogenesis development of C. serratifolia, and compared the early embryological characteristics among C. serratifolia, C. serratifolia and other Clematis species reported to provide a reference for the taxonomy of the genus Clematis. Our results showed that C. serratifolia and C. glauca differ in megaspore formation and nucellus types suggesting that they have originated from different ancestors. The differences among Clematis were mainly found in the type of the anther wall development, tapetum, pollen grains, megaspore formation and nucellus types.

Особливості водного режиму рослин роду Clematis L.

Clematis is a medicinal plant and a promising culture for introduction into urbophytocenoses. In order to ensure optimal growing conditions, it is necessary to take into account the ecological needs of plants, a key place among which is water supply. The experiments were carried out with cultivars and species of the genus Clematis: Clematis alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’, C. macropetala ‘Maidwell Hall’, C. integrifolia ‘Aljonushka’, C. ispahanica ‘Zvezdograd’, C. fargesii ‘Paul Farges’, C. taxensis ‘Princess Diana’, C. tibetana, C. viticella and C. heracleifolia. Ecological peculiarities of studied plants cause differences in the anatomical tissues structure and dynamic of physiological processes. The lowest content of dry matter in the leaves was found in C. alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’ (16,3 %) and C. macropetala ‘Maidwell Hall’ (18,3), indicating their potentially lowest drought resistance. The highest value of this index was identified in C. heracleifolia (27.5 %) and C. integrifolia ‘Aljonushka’ (23.4 %), that characterizes them as the most drought resistant among studied plants. A function describing the process of cutted leaves wilting at the temperature +60 °C was defined: f(x) = y0 + ae–bx. A significant correlation was found between the parameter y0 and the dry mass (0.99), water content (0.86) in the leaves and their weight before drying (0.91); the parameter a and the mass index of leaves before wilting (0.99), the water content (1.00) and dry matter (0.83), as well as the density (0.86) and the area of stomatas (0.81) on the adaxial surface of leaves. Parameter b correlated with the values of dry mass (—0.75), its fraction in the total leaf mass (—0.84), the water fraction (0.83) and the width of spongy mesophyll cells (0.76). The peculiarities of anatomical structure and dynamic of leaves water loss process among investigated plants indicate the difference in their potential drought resistance. Obtained results allow to choose the optimal conditions for growing of investigated plants of the genus Clematis and planning additional care measures.

Achene Morphology and Anatomy of Clematis L. (Ranunculaceae) in Korea and Its Taxonomic Implications.

Clematis, a widely distributed genus in Ranunculaceae, is one of the most difficult groups of taxa in the family from a taxonomic point of view. A comprehensive study on achene morphology and the anatomy of 19 taxa of Clematis from Korea was carried out using scanning electron and light microscopy to evaluate the taxonomic significance of achene characters. Clematis achenes are elliptical, obovate or fusiform in shape, light yellow or brown to black in color and completely or sparsely covered with hairs. The permanent style is elongated and plumose in all the studied taxa except C. brachyura. We found that the size, indument, permanent style, surface sculpture, shape in cross-section, and nature and thickness of the exocarp, and endocarp were valuable achene features for species delimitation and may contribute to the unraveling of the taxonomic problems in the genus Clematis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the quantitative achene variables among the species were highly significant (p < 0.001). Principal component analyses based on seven quantitative characters and UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean) analysis based on seven quantitative and 18 qualitative characters also signify the utility of achene features for taxonomic discriminations of the Clematis taxa within the genus. Similar to other morphological characters in the genus Clematis, achene morphological and anatomical characters with the limited taxonomic value alone cannot be expected to resolve the infrageneric relationships but certain achene features combined with other morphological features could be useful as an alternative means of determining the infrageneric relationships within the genus.

Introduction and prospects of using Clematis l. in the stavropol territory

The article presents the results of long-term research on the genus Clematis (Clematis L.) in the Stavropol Botanical garden. Biological, morphological and ornamental characteristics of varieties are provided; recommendations on selection of assortment and application in vertical gardening are given. For the first time, in the soil-climatic conditions of the Stavropol upland, an introduction study of 29 clematis varieties from six garden groups was conducted. According to the results of a comprehensive assessment, the most stable and highly decorative varieties were selected. In-depth study, parameters that have a significant value in the analysis of ornamental and economic-valuable qualities of varieties were revealed. In the course of research, when evaluating ornamental features, much attention was paid to the shape of the perianth, the size and color of the flowers. It was found that 24 varieties have an open flower shape, and five varieties have a bell – shaped one. The number of sepals varies from 4 to 6-8. In the presented garden groups, 27 varieties have a simple perianth, two with terry flowers. The size of the flower is divided into large-flowered, with a flower size of more than 10 cm and medium-flowered-from 4-10 cm. The color is varied, with many shades, from white-pink-red to blue-purple. When evaluating the prospects of the variety, special attention is paid to the duration and productivity of flowering. Varieties of the Lanuginosa and Patens groups bloom profusely in MayJune on shoots of the previous year and in July-September on annual shoots. In the groups Viticella, Jackmanii, Integrifolia and Texensis, abundant and prolonged flowering occurs on the shoots of the current year. Life forms determine not only the appearance of plants, but also are a criterion for use in garden and Park construction. Varieties of the Integrifolia group are preferably used for decorating low objects. For vertical gardening of structures with a height of more than three meters and as single and group planting varieties of garden groups are recommended Jackmanii, Lanuginosa, Patens, Viticella. The studied assortment, which has a complex of valuable ornamental and economic-biological features, is recommended for use in ornamental gardening and landscaping in the Stavropol territory.

New 8-O-4' Neolignans and Their Antibacterial Activity from the Whole Plants of Clematis lasiandra.

Four new 8-O-4′ neolignans, characterized at methoxy or ethoxy groups substituted at C-7, namely, (±) lasiandranins A–D (1–4), and two known analogs (±) pinnatifidanin BV (5) and (±) pinnatifidanin BVI (6) were isolated from the whole plants of Clematis lasiandra Maxim. The structures of 1–6 were determined by spectroscopic methods including 1D, 2D NMR, ECD, and HRESIMS analysis. Compounds 1 and 5 were determined as erythro configuration, while 2–4 and 6 were determined as threo configuration based on the chemical shift difference of H-9a and H-9b in CD3OD. The 8-O-4′ neolignans were found from the genus Clematis for the first time. Compounds 1–6 were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against three plant pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Erwinia carotovora by agar and broth dilution methods. Compounds 1–6 showed potent antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum with MIC values of 25–50 μg/mL and relatively lower activity against P. syringae pv. actinidiae with MIC values of 50–100 μg/mL, while they were inactive to E. carotovora.

Microfungi associated with Clematis (Ranunculaceae) with an integrated approach to delimiting species boundaries

The cosmopolitan plant genus Clematis contains many climbing species that can be found worldwide. The genus occurs in the wild and is grown commercially for horticulture. Microfungi on Clematis were collected from Belgium, China, Italy, Thailand and the UK. They are characterized by morphology and analyses of gene sequence data using an integrated species concept to validate identifications. The study revealed two new families, 12 new genera, 50 new species, 26 new host records with one dimorphic character report, and ten species are transferred to other genera. The new families revealed by multigene phylogeny are Longiostiolaceae and Pseudomassarinaceae in Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes). New genera are Anthodidymella (Didymellaceae), Anthosulcatispora and Parasulcatispora (Sulcatisporaceae), Fusiformispora (Amniculicolaceae), Longispora (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Neobyssosphaeria (Melanommataceae), Neoleptosporella (Chaetosphaeriales, genera incertae sedis), Neostictis (Stictidaceae), Pseudohelminthosporium (Neomassarinaceae), Pseudomassarina (Pseudomassarinaceae), Sclerenchymomyces (Leptosphaeriaceae) and Xenoplectosphaerella (Plectosphaerellaceae). The newly described species are Alloleptosphaeria clematidis, Anthodidymella ranunculacearum, Anthosulcatispora subglobosa, Aquadictyospora clematidis, Brunneofusispora clematidis, Chaetosphaeronema clematidicola, C. clematidis, Chromolaenicola clematidis, Diaporthe clematidina, Dictyocheirospora clematidis, Distoseptispora clematidis, Floricola clematidis, Fusiformispora clematidis, Hermatomyces clematidis, Leptospora clematidis, Longispora clematidis, Massariosphaeria clematidis, Melomastia clematidis, M. fulvicomae, Neobyssosphaeria clematidis, Neoleptosporella clematidis, Neoroussoella clematidis, N. fulvicomae, Neostictis nigricans, Neovaginatispora clematidis, Parasulcatispora clematidis, Parathyridaria clematidis, P. serratifoliae, P. virginianae, Periconia verrucose, Phomatospora uniseriata, Pleopunctum clematidis, Pseudocapulatispora clematidis, Pseudocoleophoma clematidis, Pseudohelminthosporium clematidis, Pseudolophiostoma chiangraiense, P. clematidis, Pseudomassarina clematidis, Ramusculicola clematidis, Sarocladium clematidis, Sclerenchymomyces clematidis, Sigarispora clematidicola, S. clematidis, S. montanae, Sordaria clematidis, Stemphylium clematidis, Wojnowiciella clematidis, Xenodidymella clematidis, Xenomassariosphaeria clematidis and Xenoplectosphaerella clematidis. The following fungi are recorded on Clematis species for the first time: Angustimassarina rosarum, Dendryphion europaeum, Dermatiopleospora mariae, Diaporthe ravennica, D. rudis, Dichotomopilus ramosissimum, Dictyocheirospora xishuangbannaensis, Didymosphaeria rubi-ulmifolii, Fitzroyomyces cyperacearum, Fusarium celtidicola, Leptospora thailandica, Memnoniella oblongispora, Neodidymelliopsis longicolla, Neoeutypella baoshanensis, Neoroussoella heveae, Nigrograna chromolaenae, N. obliqua, Pestalotiopsis verruculosa, Pseudoberkleasmium chiangmaiense, Pseudoophiobolus rosae, Pseudoroussoella chromolaenae, P. elaeicola, Ramusculicola thailandica, Stemphylium vesicarium and Torula chromolaenae. The new combinations are Anthodidymella clematidis (≡ Didymella clematidis), A. vitalbina (≡ Didymella vitalbina), Anthosulcatispora brunnea (≡ Neobambusicola brunnea), Fuscohypha kunmingensis (≡ Plectosphaerella kunmingensis), Magnibotryascoma rubriostiolata (≡ Teichospora rubriostiolata), Pararoussoella mangrovei (≡ Roussoella mangrovei), Pseudoneoconiothyrium euonymi (≡ Roussoella euonymi), Sclerenchymomyces jonesii (≡ Neoleptosphaeria jonesii), Stemphylium rosae (≡ Pleospora rosae), and S. rosae-caninae (≡ Pleospora rosae-caninae). The microfungi on Clematis is distributed in several classes of Ascomycota. The analyses are based on morphological examination of specimens, coupled with phylogenetic sequence data. To the best of our knowledge, the consolidated species concept approach is recommended in validating species.

Anther and ovule development in Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica (Ranunculaceae)

Embryology can provide valuable information for determining taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships at the genus level. However, embryological information is fragmentary for the genus of Clematis. Herein, we studied the anther and ovule development of Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica using paraffin sections to examine microsporogenesis, microgametogenesis, megasporogenesis and macrogametogenesis in this plant. Tetrasporangiate anther, successive microsporocyte cytokinesis, and glandular tapetum, or occasionally amoeboid tapetum were observed in C. terniflora var. mandshurica. This plant’s microspore tetrads were mostly tetrahedral, and occasionally symmetrical, after meiosis. The anther wall was comprised of an epidermis and endothecium, both with fibrous thickenings in the mature anthers. Pollen grains were symmetrical, oblate, tricolpate, and two-celled. As for the ovary, it had one chamber with a few degraded ovules and a single normal one, which was anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate, and formed a Polygonum-type embryo-sac. Only one archesporial cell was present, and developed directly into a megaspore mother cell, which later formed a linear tetrad of megaspores. Larger dikaryocytic antipodal cells could also be observed in the mature embryo sac. This species might belong to a relatively primitive and transitional clade within the genus Clematis. To our knowledge, this study documented the embryological characters of C. terniflora var. mandshurica in detail for the first time and provided more information on the embryology of the genus Clematis.

Complete chloroplast genomes of Archiclematis, Naravelia and Clematis (Ranunculaceae), and their phylogenetic implications

Archiclematis and Naravelia were considered to be two small genera closely related to the large cosmopolitan genus Clematis. They have been included into Clematis s.l. in recent years according to molecular phylogenetic evidence. There is still little genomic information available for Archiclematis and Naravelia species. In this study, six complete chloroplast genomes from Archiclematis, Naravelia and Clematis were reported based on Illumina sequencing. The gene order and organization of the chloroplast genomes of Archiclematis and Naravelia are the same with that of Clematis. Analysis of eight complete chloroplast genomes showed that the plastomes of Clematis s.l. are typically circular, with a total length ranging from 159,513 bp to 159,783 bp. The total number of genes is identical within the broadly defined genus Clematis. We also identified variation hotspots, plastid repeats and SSRs for Clematis s.l. species. Our plastid phylogenomic analyses recovered the inclusion of Archiclematis and Naravelia into Clematis. The present study provides important phylogenomic data of Ranunculaceae and illuminates the phylogenetic relationships among Clematis species.