Genus Primula Research Articles

From small‐scale studies to an encompassing view: Inhibiting inflammation and clinically relevant enzymes with various extracts of Primula vulgaris using in vitro and in silico techniques

AbstractThe genus Primula holds great importance as a source of traditional remedies in various folk medicine systems. In the present study, we investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of different extracts (ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, and water) of aerial parts and rhizomes of Primula vulgaris. To determine the chemical profile, the extracts were analyzed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS) technique and flavonoids were a major group in this profile. The antioxidant capacity was demonstrated by in vitro chemical tests and in general the ethanol/water extract was found to be the most potent. Enzyme inhibition was studied against various enzymes and ethanol and ethanol/water extracts were more active than others. To assess the anti‐inflammatory potential of the extracts at the molecular level, human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vitro experiments showed that the levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 17 (IL‐17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha were significantly reduced after treatment with the tested extracts. In addition, the extracts showed an inhibitory effect on the enzymes collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase, which are involved in the inflammatory process and destabilization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). P. vulgaris has been observed to modulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) synthesis by decreasing the concentration of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) during LPS‐induced inflammation. This study also examined the molecular binding and dynamic behavior of various enzymes and proteins associated with skin and infections using ligands derived from the tested extracts. Simulations with AutoDock Vina V1.1.2 and GROMACS 2023.1 showed that isoquercetin in particular showed superior performance in interactions with hyaluronidase. These findings are important for the development of potential therapeutic strategies for skin health and infection control. In summary, P. vulgaris can be considered as an important source of natural bioactive compounds for the development of effective health‐promoting applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics

Phytochemical Screening of Genus Primula Species Growing in Georgia and Study of their Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potentials

Background: In traditional medicine, species of the genus Primula L. are used to treat various health conditions, such as eye disorders, respiratory infections, headaches, epilepsy, insomnia, as expectorants, and to promote wound healing. Objective: The goal of this article was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of three species from genus Primula L. growing in Georgia: Primula macrocalyx, Primula woronowii and Primula saguramica. Methods: Initially, fractions containing both aerial and underground parts were air-dried, ground, and extracted with 80% ethanol. The extract was then concentrated by condensation and further dried through freeze-drying. Subsequently, additional chromatographic separations were carried out on Diaion HP-20 using solvents such as water, methanol (50% and 100%), and 100% ethyl acetate to isolate the desired fractions. To identify flavonoids and triterpene glycosides, the study employed thin-layer chromatography (TLC) alongside preliminary phytochemical tests. The antioxidant activity of these species was estimated in vitro by cell-free systems using ABTS and DPPH assays. The extracts' anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using an ex-vivo cell system that isolated neutrophils. The study examined the extracts' impact on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in neutrophils stimulated with PMA, as well as their effect on the catalytic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a marker of inflammation in neutrophils. Results: Flavonoids and triterpene glycosides were primarily identified in the 50% and 100% methanol (MeOH) fractions of Primula species through TLC and preliminary phytochemical tests. For each experiment, gallic acid and quercetin served as standards at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, while the tested samples were prepared at concentrations of 5 mg/ml. Based on the IC50 findings, P. w 3 exhibits the most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by the following indicators: ABTS - IC50=8.51 ± 0.18; DPPH - IC50=34.57 ± 0.47; PMN - IC50=0.68 ± 0.04; SIEFED - IC50=1.49 ± 0.7; and classical IC50=1.89 ± 0.01. Conclusion: Among the tested fractions, only the fraction of the 3 species prepared in MeOH (50%) showed the best dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, especially P.w 3 which is probably related to the high flavonoid content found in this species.

中国野生报春花属物种多样性与地理分布数据集

Catalogue of Life serves as the background baseline information for the biota of a given natural geographic region or administrative unit. The timely updating of its dynamics is an important basis for the research, management and monitoring of biodiversity conservation. The integration and sharing of biodiversity data can provide a scientific basis for the development of related studies. Primula L. is a typical genus characterized by a broad distribution and a high degree of endemism, with diverse habitats and a complex taxon structure. An in-depth analysis of its geographical distribution pattern and characteristics can provide a foundational basis for the conservation and use of germplasm resources. With the aim of offering a reference for germplasm resource surveys and application research on seed introduction, and based on a large amount of basic data and literature, this paper adopts the taxonomic system used by Flora of China to update the list of wild species of the genus Primula L. distributed in the terrestrial area of China. In the paper, we counted their species diversity, composition and other information, and established a dataset of the diversity and geographical distributions of wild Primula L. in China. This genus predominantly thrives in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Its diversity center and modern distribution center are also widely distributed in the eastern Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains in broad sense, Tianshan Mountain Area, Qinba Mountain area, Wuling Mountains Area, Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Yunnan Guizhou Plateau and other high-altitude areas. Additionally, it extends to middle and lower altitude areas with prominent karst and Danxia landscapes. As of October 2022, a total of 397 species (28 varieties and 26 subspecies) of the genus Primula L. have been recorded in China, including 296 endemic species (including subspecies classification units, the same below) in China. In addition to the five administrative regions of Jiangsu, Hainan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao, the distribution of wild primroses has been recorded in various provincial administrative regions in China, with Sichuan Province boasting the highest species richness and endemism at the provincial scale (177 species), followed by Yunnan Province (176 species) and the Tibet Autonomous Region (171 species). At the county scale, Shangri-La City ranks first in species richness with 62 species.

Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Aroma Terpeniods Biosynthesis Pathways of Primula forbesii Franch. and the Functional Characterization of the PfDXS2 Gene.

Primula forbesii Franch. is a unique biennial herb with a strong floral fragrance, making it an excellent material for studying the aroma characteristics of the genus Primula. The floral scent is an important ornamental trait that facilitates fertilization. However, the molecular mechanism regulating the floral scent in Primula is unknown. In order to better understand the biological mechanisms of floral scents in this species, this study used RNA sequencing analysis to discuss the first transcriptome sequence of four flowering stages of P. forbesii, which generated 12 P. forbesii cDNA libraries with 79.64 Gb of clean data that formed 51,849 unigenes. Moreover, 53.26% of the unigenes were annotated using public databases. P. forbesii contained 44 candidate genes covering all known enzymatic steps for the biosynthesis of volatile terpenes, the major contributor to the flower's scent. Finally, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase gene of P. forbesii (PfDXS2, MK370094), the first key enzyme gene in the 2-c-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway of terpenoids, was cloned and functionally verified using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGs). The results showed that PfDXS2-silencing significantly reduced the relative concentrations of main volatile terpenes. This report is the first to present molecular data related to aroma metabolites biosynthesis pathways and the functional characterization of any P. forbesii gene. The data on RNA sequencing provide comprehensive information for further analysis of other plants of the genus Primula.

The complete chloroplast genome of Primula odontocalyx, a heterostylous species

Primula odontocalyx (Franch.) Pax (1905) is a perennial herb of the genus Primula in Primulaceae with heterostyly and ornamental value. Here, the chloroplast genome of P. odontocalyx was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The complete chloroplast genome was a closed-circular molecule of 151,738 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region (LSC) of 83,817 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,529 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,196 bp. A total of 115 unique genes were annotated in the whole cp genome, including 81 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA genes, and 30 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close relationship between P. odontocalyx and Primula moupinensis, and both species belong to Sect. Petiolares Pax.

Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Study of the Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Two Korean Endemic Primula Varieties

Primula comprises many species of horticultural value. In Korea, six species grow in the wild. Yamazaki classified the variety Primula modesta var. fauriei into P. modesta var. hannasanensis and P. modesta var. koreana based on the differences in leaf morphology. We compared the chloroplast genome sequences of the two Korean endemic Primula varieties and found that both had the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperms. The chloroplast genome size of P. modesta var. hannasanensis is 154,772 bp, including an 85,238 bp large single-copy region and a 17,790 bp small single-copy region, whereas that of P. modesta var. koreana is 154,667 bp, including an 85,152 bp large single-copy region and a 17,771 bp small single-copy region. The inverted repeat region is 25,872 bp in both varieties. We predicted 129 genes—84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs. We identified 536 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 501 indels between the varieties. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two varieties formed a sister group in the clade P. knuthiana–P. stenocalyx. This study will contribute to phylogenetic, taxonomic, and evolutionary studies of the genus Primula; it will also contribute to the analysis of the genetic diversity of the two varieties, and to the development of identification markers.

The Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Primula obconica Provide Insight That Neither Species nor Natural Section Represent Monophyletic Taxa in Primula (Primulaceae).

The genus Primula (Primulaceae) comprises more than 500 species, with 300 species distributed in China. The contradictory results between systematic analyses and morphology-based taxonomy make taxonomy studies difficult. Furthermore, frequent introgression between closely related species of Primula can result in non-monophyletic species. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of sixteen Primula obconica subsp. obconica individuals were assembled and compared with 84 accessions of 74 species from 21 sections of the 24 sections of the genus in China. The plastome sizes of P. obconica subsp. obconica range from 153,584 bp to 154,028 bp. Genome-wide variations were detected, and 1915 high-quality SNPs and 346 InDels were found. Most SNPs were detected in downstream and upstream gene regions (45.549% and 41.91%). Two cultivated accessions, ZP1 and ZP2, were abundant with SSRs. Moreover, 12 SSRs shared by 9 accessions showed variations that may be used as molecular markers for population genetic studies. The phylogenetic tree showed that P. obconica subsp. obconica cluster into two independent clades. Two subspecies have highly recognizable morphological characteristics, isolated geographical distribution areas, and distinct phylogenetic relationships compared with P. obconica subsp. obconica. We elevate the two subspecies of P. obconica to separate species. Our phylogenetic tree is largely inconsistent with morphology-based taxonomy. Twenty-one sections of Primula were mainly divided into three clades. The monophyly of Sect. Auganthus, Sect. Minutissimae, Sect. Sikkimensis, Sect. Petiolares, and Sect. Ranunculoides are well supported in the phylogenetic tree. The Sect. Obconicolisteri, Sect. Monocarpicae, Sect. Carolinella, Sect. Cortusoides, Sect. Aleuritia, Sect. Denticulata, Sect. Proliferae Pax, and Sect. Crystallophlomis are not a monophyletic group. The possible explanations for non-monophyly may be hybridization, polyploidization, recent introgression, incorrect taxonomy, or chloroplast capture. Multiple genomic data and population genetic studies are therefore needed to reveal the evolutionary history of Primula. Our results provided valuable information for intraspecific variation and phylogenetic relationships within Primula.

Introduction studies of European species of the genus <i>Primula</i> L. in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute

The paper presents the results of introduction studies of 20 European species and 2 taxa of the genus Primula L. in N.A. Avrorin Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute of Kola Scientific Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences. Currently, the collection contains 13 species and 1 taxon (P. auricula L., P. carpathica Fuss, P. clusiana Tausch, P. daonensis (Leyb.) Leyb., P. elatior (L.) Hill, P. glaucescens Moretti, P. kitaibeliana Schott, P. latifolia Lapeyr, P. minima L., P. poloninensis Fed., P. veris L., P. veris subp. macrocalyx (Bunge) Ldi, P. vulgaris Huds., P. wulfeniana Schott). It has been shown that the species inhabiting the alpine belt of mountains are best adapted to the conditions of the Arctic (Primula auricula, P. carpathica, P. clusiana, P. halleri, P. minima, P. pedemontana, P. scandinavica, P. vulgaris ssp. rubra, P. tyrolensis, P. wulfeniana IC (introduction coefficient) = 8,3, as well as P. elatior (IC = 8,1) and P. veris subsp. macrocalyx, P. vulgaris (IС = 7,6). The rest of the studied species are less adapted. It has been established that species of the genus Primula can serve as a source of replenishment of the landscaping assortment for the Murmansk Region. For this purpose 2 new ornamental and resistant species were recommended (Primula carpathica, P. clusiana).

Diversity and distribution of Genus Primula in Kashmir region: an indicator genus of the western Himalayan mountain wetlands and glacial forelands

The genus Primula is an important floristic element of the Western Himalayan flora as an indicator of mountain wetlands and glacial foreland habitats vital for the ecosystem functioning. Current study was designed to investigate the diversity and distribution of the Primula species in the Kashmir Himalayas. The primary ecological data was collected from 22 wetland and glacial sites in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. Data was subsequently analyzed through diversity indices and multivariate ordination analyses. Five Primula species were recorded from the region including P. macrophylla, P. denticulata, P. rosea, P. elliptica and P. stuartii 1st time reported from the region. The flora associated with the genus Primula consist of 304 plant belonging to 61 botanical families recorded from 880 quadrates (1 m2) at the Primula habitats. The frequencies of the Primula species were in order of P. denticulata (54.5%) > P. macrophylla (36.3%) > P. rosea (36.3%) > P. elliptica (13%) > P. stuartii (4.54%). The flora was dominated by the Hemicryptophytic and Geophytic life forms whereas microphylls were the dominant leaf size class. The vegetation communities were characterized with moderate levels of diversity with low maturity index. Ordination significantly explained the species distribution pattern correlated with the geographic attributes and microclimates. P. elliptica and P. stuartii were the rarest Primroses whereas 61 plants were found to be threatened having low (< 0.2) IVI values requiring immediate conservation efforts. Results provide valuable scientific information to monitor the conservation status of the Primula genus and ensure the sustainability of wetland and Glacial fore land habitats in the region.

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of five pinnate-leaved Primula species and phylogenetic analyses

The six pinnate-leaved species are a very particular group in the genus Primula. In the present paper, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the chloroplast genomes of five of them (P. cicutarrifolia, P. hubeiensis, P. jiugongshanensis, P. merrilliana, P. ranunculoides). The five chloroplast genomes ranged from ~ 150 to 152 kb, containing 113 genes (four ribosomal RNA genes, 29 tRNA genes and 80 protein-coding genes). The six pinnate-leaved species exhibited synteny of gene order and possessed similar IR boundary regions in chloroplast genomes. The gene accD was pseudogenized in P. filchnerae. In the chloroplast genomes of the six pinnate-leaved Primula species, SSRs, repeating sequences and divergence hotspots were identified; ycf1 and trnH-psbA were the most variable markers among CDSs and noncoding sequences, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the six Primula species were separated into two distant clades: one was formed by P. filchnerae and P. sinensis and the other clade was consisting of two subclades, one formed by P. hubeiensis and P. ranunculoides, the other by P. merrilliana, P. cicutarrifolia and P. jiugongshanensis. P. hubeiensis was closely related with P. ranunculoides and therefore it should be placed into Sect. Ranunculoides. P. cicutarrifolia did not group first with P. ranunculoides but with P. merrilliana, although the former two were once united in one species, our results supported the separation of P. ranunculoides from P. cicutarrifolia as one distinct species.

Diversity and distribution of the genus Primula L. (Primulaceae) in Mongolia

This article represents a new checklist of the genus Primula L., including eight species and five subspecies belonging to four sections that are native to Mongolia. Primula bukukunica Kovt. and P. nivalis subsp. turkestanica (J.H.Haage & E.Schmidt) Kovt. are newly recorded to the flora of Mongolia based on the materials of LE, NS, NSK, MHA, MW, and UBA herbarium collections. Primula maximowiczii Regel was assessed as critically endangered species based on the area of occupancy, in which it is estimated to occur in less than 10 km2 in the eastern Mongolia. The nomenclatural type, identification key, regional conservation status of rare species, as well as distribution maps and photographs of each species are provided. Additional collections and photographs are based on our field survey between 2012 and 2019.

Determination of Amino Acids of Cultivated Species of the Genus Primula L.

Throughout many years, plants using not only as a source of the meal but also in the fight against diseases. Among these plants are rock primrose (Primula saxatilis Коm.), Julia’s primrose (Primula juliae Kusn.), and drumstick primrose (Primula denticulatа Smith.). The aim of our research was to determine the content of amino acids in these plants with the future prospects of their application as officinal medicinal plant raw material. The amino acids of the leaves of cultivated species of the genus Primula L. determined by the HPLC method. 16 free and 16 bound amino acids were identified in the cultivated species of Primula L. High concentrations of the free amino acids that as L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, and L-alanine predominate in all the plants analyzed. Among the bound amino acids in the leaves of cultivated Primula species prevail, L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, L-lysine, and L-leucine. The results show that rock primrose, Julia’s primrose, and drumstick primrose are the rich source of amino acids. The specific metabolic processes in which these amino acids are involved may be related to the medicinal properties of plants according to their use in traditional medicine, and hence may contribute to the understanding of their healing properties.

An updated checklist of Primula species (Primulaceae) in Uzbekistan

A taxonomic revision of the genus Primula in Uzbekistan is presented including a key, complete synonymy and distribution for all taxa with distribution maps. The present study has established the rich diversity of Primula species in Uzbekistan with a record total of 13 species. The species is recognized and grouped into seven sections. Most of the species (38%) belong to the section Cortusa. Two species, Primula pamirica and Primula pskemensis were recorded as a new species for the flora of Uzbekistan.

Serotiny in Primula palinuri: How to Face the Dry Season on Mediterranean Cliffs

Primula palinuri Petagna is the only Mediterranean and maritime species in the genus Primula, is endemic to coastal cliffs of southern Italy, and is classified as endangered with a decreasing population trend in the IUCN Red List. For this species, the major bottleneck for long-term survival has been recognized to be recruitment failure. In this study, we investigated the seed release strategy of P. palinuri, by using field observations and laboratory experiments. We hypothesized that repetitive cycles of wet/dry conditions and external wax removal could be the environmental triggers of capsule dehiscence. Data showed that capsules treated with wet/dry cycles dehisced within 75 days, while none subjected to constant dry conditions dehisced. Once dehisced, capsules repetitively closed when made wet, and opened again upon drying. Seeds of P. palinuri can remain on plant up to 2 years, over which time capsules reclose when rained upon and reopen upon drying, highlighting the first reported occurrence of serotiny in a Primula species. Serotiny allows P. palinuri to face the dry season, by avoiding capsule dehiscence during the summer dry period and delaying seed release until the beginning of fall, when water availability in the soil is generally no longer a limiting factor.

The effects of habitat degradation on phenology and reproduction of some species of genus Primula L.

The effects of habitat degradation on phenology and reproduction of some species of genus Primula L.

Introduction studies of Caucasian species of the genus Primula L. in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden and Institute

The results of introduction studies of 15 Caucasian species of the genus Primula L. (Primula abchasica, P. acaulis, P. algida, P. amoena, P. cordifolia, P. darialica, P. farinosa, P. juliae, P. komarovii, P. macrocalyx, P. pallasii, P. ruprechtii., P. saguramica, P. sibthorpii, P. woronowii) conducted in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden and Institute are presented. Currently, the institute’s collection contains 8 species (P. acaulis, P. amoena, P. juliae, P. macrocalyx, P. pallasii, P. ruprechtii, P. saguramica, P. woronowii). Ecological and geographical analysis has shown that the species best adapted to the conditions of the Arctic are those that live in the alpine (P. algida, P. amoena, P. cordifolia, P. juliae, P. pallasii, P. ruprechtii, P. sibthorpii – introduction coefficient [IC] =9.4) and subalpine zones of mountains (P. macrocalyx, P. acaulis – IC=8.2). While plants found in the broad-leaved forest zone are less adapted to the new living conditions (P. komarovii, P. saguramica, P. woronowii -IC=6.4). The current research establishes that species of the genus Primula can serve as a source of plant assortments to replenish landscaping in cities in the Murmansk region. For this purpose two new decorative and sustainable species (P. macrocalyx h P. ruprechti) are recommended.

Reference gene selection and validation by qRT-PCR during flower development and in different organs of Primula forbesii

ABSTRACTQuantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an effective and widely used method in gene expression studies. Selection of appropriate reference genes is key to generating reliable data using this technique and there are no published studies regarding the selection of reliable reference genes in the genus Primula. In this study, 10 candidate reference genes (28S, ACT, TUA, TUB, HIS, GAPDH, RPL18a, STPP, CSD and RNA pol II), were chosen from the transcriptome database in Primula forbesii Franch., and their expression levels were assessed by qRT-PCR in different flower developmental stages and different organs. Four software programs; geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper, and Ref-Finder were used to validate the stability and suitability of potential reference genes. Comprehensive results showed that GAPDH was the most stable reference gene for P. forbesii, while TUA and TUB were the most unstable ones in flower development and different organs, respectively. Finally, to illustrate the usefulness of the top-ranked reference genes, the expression profile of the P. forbesii linalool synthase/nerolidol synthase gene (PfLIS/NES) was analysed, which highlighted the importance of proper reference gene selection. This work represents the first systematic study of reference gene stability in Primula and lays the foundation for future research into Primula gene expression patterns.

Effect-directed analysis by high-performance thin-layer chromatography for bioactive metabolites tracking in Primula veris flower and Primula boveana leaf extracts

The genus Primula (Primulaceae) comprises species with high medicinal as well as ornamental values. Plants belonging to this genus are well recognized for their richness in bioactive constituents. The huge variety of secondary metabolites make their complete analysis impossible. In order to cope with this challenge, effect-directed analysis (EDA) via HPTLC coupled to structure elucidation techniques was applied on Primula species for the first time. As straightforward non-target bioanalytical technique, HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-EDA-ESI-HRMS hyphenates three different orthogonal dimensions, i.e. chromatography with spectrometric detection, biological/enzymatic assays and HRMS. The bioactive metabolites were determined in the middle polar extracts of two Primula species, P. veris (flower) and P. boveana (leaf). The bioactivity profiling comprised the antibacterial activity against Aliivibrio fischeri and Bacillus subtilis bacterial strains and acetyl-/butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) inhibition assays. The compounds were characterized and identified via their recorded spectral data (HRMS and 1H NMR). The results showed that linoleic and linolenic acids were the principle bioactive compounds present in the studied P. veris flower extract. In the P. boveana leaf extract, flavone, 2′-methoxy-, 2′-hydroxy- and 5,6,2′,6′-tetramethoxyflavone (zapotin) were determined as active metabolites. The identification of zapotin, which was previously undescribed in the investigated plant, was considered as the strength of the straightforward non-target bioanalytical technique. Flavone turned out to be the highest potent metabolite, and at the same time, a multipotent compound referring to its various bioactivities discovered. An equivalency calculation of the HPTLC-AChE inhibition by flavone was performed with reference to the well-known inhibitor rivastigmine. As a result, the amount of flavone contained in 10.0 μg dry powder of P. boveana (corresponding to 0.1 μL extract) inhibited as strong as 4.5 μg rivastigmine. In other words, the flavone contained in P. boveana leaf extract powder turned out to be half as strong as the well-known AChE inhibitor rivastigmine.

Characterization of the plastid genome of the monotypic genus Bryocarpum (Primulaceae)

Bryocarpum Hook. f. & Thoms., a monotypic genus of Primulaceae, is narrowly distributed in the eastern Himalayas. In this study, the complete plastid genome of Bryocarpum himalaicum was characterized by Illumina paired-end sequencing reads. The plastid genome of B. himalaicum is 153,398 bp in length, including large single copy (LSC) region of 84,446 bp, small single copy (SSC) region of 17,564 bp, and two separated inverted regions (IRs) of 25,694 bp, each. It encodes 110 genes, of which 79 are protein-coding genes, 4 are rRNA genes, and 27 are tRNA genes. The phylogenetic result indicates B. himalaicum is sister to the genus Primula.

Typification of Primula L. taxa names (Primulaceae), described by A. Franchet in 1886 from China and Eastern Tibet

French botanist A.R. Franchet (1834-1900) has described near 60 taxa in the genus Primula L., 16 taxa from them were discussed in a first publication. Our current paper will continue the researches devoted to the typification of Primula names, on the base of expert studying the specimens in herbaria BM, E, G, K, LE, MHA, MW, NS, NSK, P, W, WU, Z and open databases. In 1886 Franchet published an article: “Observations sur deux Primula monocarpiques de la Chine et descriptions d'especes nouvelles de la Chine et du Thibet oriental” and described 11 new species: P. davidii Franch., P. forbesii Franch., P. heucherifolia Franch., P. incisa Franch., P. malacoides, Franch. P. malvacea Franch., P. membranifolia Franch., P. moupinensis Franch., P. oreodoxa Franch., P. ovalifolia Franch. and P. poissonii Franch. For P. davidii and P. heucherifolia we found only one herbarium sheet for each and they will be holotypes. For eight species: P. forbesii, P. malacoides, P. malvacea, P. membranifolia, P. moupinensis, P. oreodoxa, P. ovalifolia and P. poissonii were selected lectotypes from several herbarium sheets. The name Primula incisa is later homonym and early was used by Lamarck (1779), so correct name for this taxon is P. blinii H. Lev.