Hottonia Palustris Research Articles

Rare, protected, and understudied vascular plant species of the pinewood complex of the Mozh River valley (Kharkiv Region, Ukraine)

The composition of the biota is dynamic and changes for many reasons, making biodiversity research relevant. Studies of rare species that are most vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures are of particular importance. Although the Mozh River flows through the central part of the Kharkiv Region, its valley remains understudied, especially the pine forests and their rare plants. The results of the current study include data from our field research, revision of the Herbarium of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University (CWU), and literature sources from the second half of the 20th century to the present. This paper contains an annotated list of 35 species of vascular plants. Each species is provided with the data on its geographical range, distribution in Ukraine, population status and its study history in the Kharkiv Region, conservation status, and the state of its population in the studied forests. We found the localities of two species included in Appendix I of the Bern Convention (Salvinia natans (L.) All. and Jurinea cyanoides (L.) Rchb. and six species included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw., Pulsatilla pratensis (L.) Mill., Iris pineticola Klok., Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich., Neottia ovata (L.) Hartm., Tulipa quercetorum Klok. & Zoz). We also found 19 species rare in the Kharkiv Region (Lycopodium clavatum L., Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth, Ophioglossum vulgatum L., Campanula persicifolia L., Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C. Barton, Comarum palustre L., Hottonia palustris L., Rubus saxatilis L., Carex pseudocyperus L., etc.). Nine regionally rare plant species have the boreal range type; they occur at the southern limit of their distribution range which indicates the specificity of ecological and climatic conditions formed in the pine forests in the Mozh River valley. In addition, we found five species without conservation status, but they are rare in the region (Caltha palustris L., Catolobus pendulus (L.) Al-Shehbaz, Gratiola officinalis L., Lythrum hyssopifolia L., Rubus polonicus Barr. ex Weston), and, therefore, they are recommended to be included in the next edition of the Official List of the Regionally Rare Plants of the Kharkiv Region. Three species (Buglossoides czernjajevii (Klokov & Des.-Shost.) Czerep., Jacobaea andrzejowskyi (Tzvelev) B.Nord. & Greuter, Sedum album L.) were identified as understudied in the Kharkiv region due to the lack of or insufficient information on their distribution in the study area.

Polar localization of new flavonoids from aerial parts of Scleranthus perennis and Hottonia palustris and their modulatory action on lipid membranes properties

The aim of this study was to characterize, for the first time, the interactions, location, and influence of flavonoids isolated from aerial parts of Scleranthus perennis (Caryophyllaceae) and Hottonia palustris (Primulaceae) on the properties of model lipid membranes prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC). The tested compounds incorporated into liposomes into the region of the polar heads or at the water/membrane interface of DPPC phospholipids. Spectral effects accompanying the presence of polyphenols revealed their effect on ester carbonyl groups apart from SP8. All polyphenols brought about reorganization of the polar zone of liposomes as it was observed by FTIR technique. Additionally, fluidization effect was noted in the region of symmetric and antisymmetric stretching vibrations of the CH2 and CH3 groups with exception to HZ2 and HZ3. Similarly, in EYPC liposomes, they interacted mainly with the regions of the choline heads of the lipids and had various effects on the carbonyl ester groups with exception to SP8. The region of polar head groups is restructured due to the presence of the additives in liposomes. The outcomes obtained using the NMR technique confirmed the locations of all of the tested compounds in the polar zone and indicated a flavonoid-dependent modifying effect towards lipid membranes. HZ1 and SP8 raised motional freedom in this region whereas opposite effect was revealed for HZ2 and HZ3. In the hydrophobic region restricted mobility was noted. In this report we discuss the mechanism of previously undescribed flavonoids in terms of their actions on membranes.

Long-Term Observations over the Structure of Macrophyte Communities in Floodplain Water Bodies of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

The study is based on long-term observations (1998-2021) over the species richness and cenotic activity of macrophytes of floodplain water bodies of the Chornobyl exclusion zone. During this period, the species composition of macrophytes of the studied water bodies remained almost unchanged. The lists of species found in 1998 differ from those registered in 2021 only by three species, including <i>Nymphaea alba, Trapa natans</i> (registered only since 2007), and <i>Utricularia minor</i> (found only in 1998, whereas in subsequent years was not observed at all). In the studied water bodies, macrophytes are not diverse in their species composition; their cenotic structure is simple, whereas overgrowing intensity of water surface is high. The presence of rare species of the boreal complex, including primarily <i>Hottonia palustris, Potamogeton acutifolius</i>, and <i>Callitriche cophocarpa</i>, makes these water bodies objects of protection and research. In 1998, a common feature of the vegetation cover of all studied floodplain water bodies was a predominance of macrophyte communities, in which the species of river and lake ecosystems, as well as indicator species of increased water logging processes, were registered. At the present time, natural structure of macrophyte communities of floodplain water bodies of the Prypyat River, which was deteriorated as a result of the construction of flood-protection hydraulic structures, is gradually recovered. The peculiarities of the distribution of macrophytes at the present time are indicative of the improvement of water exchange in floodplain water bodies. The chronic ionizing radiation influencing the biota of the studied water bodies for more than 30 years did not result in significant changes in the floristic and cenotic composition of macrophytes. Certain changes are conditioned by changes in hydrological and hydrochemical regime of the floodplain of the Prypyat River.

In Vitro Screening for Anti-Acetylcholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities of Hottonia palustris L. Extracts and Their Unusual Flavonoids.

Hottonia palustris L. is from the genus Hottonia (Primulaceae), and the understanding of its phytochemical and pharmacological properties is limited. In this study, the use of chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of a further eleven compounds, including three new flavonoids: 2',5-dihydroxyflavone 2'-O-β-glucopyranoside, 5,6-dihydroxyflavone 6-O-(6"-O-glucopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside (hottonioside A), and 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone 7-O-(2"-O-β-glucuronide)-β-glucopyranoside. Their structures were determined using extensive 1D and 2D NMR data and mass spectrometry (HRMS). The qualitative assessment of the chemical composition of the investigated extracts and fractions was performed using the LC-HRMS technique. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of extracts, fractions, and compounds and their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase were also evaluated. Thus, we may conclude that the observed biological effects are the result of the presence of many biologically active compounds, of which dibenzoylmethane is the most active. Therefore, H. palustris is a source of substances with desirable properties in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

New Polymethoxyflavones from Hottonia palustris Evoke DNA Biosynthesis-Inhibitory Activity in An Oral Squamous Carcinoma (SCC-25) Cell Line.

Four new compounds, 5-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethoxyflavone (4), 5-hydroxy-2′,3′,6′-trimethoxyflavone (5), 5-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone (6), and 5,6′-dihydroxy-2′,3′-dimethoxyflavone (7), and three known compounds, 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (1), 5-hydroxyflavone (2), and 5-hydroxy-2′-methoxyflavone (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Hottonia palustris. Their chemical structures were determined through the use of spectral, spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The quantitative analysis of the compounds (1–7) and the zapotin (ZAP) in methanol (HP1), petroleum (HP6), and two chloroform extracts (HP7 and HP8) were also determined using HPLC-PDA. The biological activity of these compounds and extracts on the oral squamous carcinoma cell (SCC-25) line was investigated by considering their cytotoxic effects using the MTT assay. Subsequently, the most active compounds and extracts were assessed for their effect on DNA biosynthesis. It was found that all tested samples during 48 h treatment of SCC-25 cells induced the DNA biosynthesis-inhibitory activity: compound 1 (IC50, 29.10 ± 1.45 µM), compound 7 (IC50, 40.60 ± 1.65 µM) and extracts ZAP (IC50, 20.33 ± 1.01 µM), HP6 (IC50, 14.90 ± 0.74 µg), HP7 (IC50, 16.70 ± 0.83 µg), and HP1 (IC50, 30.30 ± 1.15 µg). The data suggest that the novel polymethoxyflavones isolated from Hottonia palustris evoke potent DNA biosynthesis inhibitory activity that may be considered in further studies on experimental pharmacotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

ДО ВИВЧЕННЯ ВИЩИХ СУДИННИХ РОСЛИН І ЛИШАЙНИКІВ КАРДАШИНСЬКОГО БОЛОТА В МЕЖАХ НПП «НИЖНЬОДНІПРОВСЬКИЙ»

Kardashynka swamp is the largest swamp not only in the Kherson region, but also in the entire steppe zone of Ukraine. According to the results of the study of the part of the Kardashynka swamp, which in 2015 became part of the Nyzhnyodniprovskyi National Nature Park and is located in the Kherson region between the villages of Kokhany of Holoprystansky and Solonets of Oleshkivsky districts, 214 species of vascular plants were recorded, which belong to 194 genera and 83 families. The leading families of flora are: Asteraceae (31 species), Cyperaceae (19), Poaceae (15), Lamiaceae (10), Fabaceae (9), Brassicaceae (8), Rosaceae (9), Caryophyllaceae (8). We have not identified the species included in the Red Book of Ukraine in the studied area. Among the regionally rare species, the growth of: Alnus glutinosa, Quercus robur, Dryopteris carthusiana, Fraxinus excelsior, Nymphaea alba, Carex lasiocarpa was observed. The basis of vegetation is compiled of: in the swamps −Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Iris pseudacorus L., Frangula alnus Mill., Typha angustifolia L., Urtica dioica L., Tephroseris palustris (L.) Rchb., Carex elata All., Carex pseudocyperus L., Hottonia palustris L. Poa bulbosa L.; in the meadows – Plantago major L., Alsine media (L.) Vill., Cerastium glutinosum Fries, Lathyrus palustris L.,; Poa bulbosa, Poa palustris L., Carex acuta L., Carex acutiformis Ehrh., Melilotus albus Medik., Trifolium arvense L., Glechoma hederacea L. Juncus effusus L., and in reservoirs - Lemna minor L., Lemna trisulca L. , Nymphaea alba L., Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm., Myriophyllum sp. Lichen biota is represented mainly by epiphytes on the bark of Salix sp. and Populus alba. On the bark of Populus alba, a typical for this area species Xanthoria parietina, Amandinea punctata, Scholiciosporum chlorococcum, Physcea adscendens, Physcia tenella are presented. Also, we note that among the priority areas for the development of nature reserves is the possibility of expanding the territories. One of such objects, which, eventually, can be included in the boundaries of NNP "Nyzhnyodniprovskyi", is the designed botanical reserve of national importance "Kardashinka swamp". The part of the territory is already included to the economic zone of NNP "Nyzhnyodniprovskyi". Key words: swamp, species, sozophytes, national nature park

Magyar kőrises égerlápok a Nyírségben (Fraxino pannonicae-Alnetum glutinosae Soó et Járai-Komlódi in Járai-Komlódi 1958)

This study presents the results of phytosociological analyses of ash-alder swamps found in the Nyirseg, NE Hungary. These swamps host a number of locally or regionally rare species, such as Urtica kioviensis, Thelypteris palustris, Hottonia palustris, Dryopteris carthusiana, Listera ovata, and Oenanthe banatica. Based on their phytosociological characteristics, these swamps are identified with Pannonian ashalder swamps (Fraxino pannonicae-Alnetum glutinosae Soo et Jarai-Komlodi in Jarai-Komlodi 1958) described in the Duna-Tisza koze sands.

A belső-somogyi homokvidék égerlápjainak cönológiai vizsgálata (Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae W. Koch 1926)

The studied alder swamps are situated in SW Hungary on aeolian sand. Its canopy is dominated by Alnus glutinosa. Statistics of flora elements, life forms, phytosociological characters and social behaviour types are given. The surveyed stands are characterised by following specialists: Carex elongata, Hottonia palustris, Thelypteris palustris, Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata, D. cristata, Urtica kioviensis, Ludwigia palustris, Leucobryum glaucum, Sphagnum palustre.

Additions to the «Flora…» By P. F. Maevsky (2014) for the Republic of Mordovia and Adjacent Regions

The 11 th Edition of the «Flora of the CentralPart of European Russia» by P. F. aevsky was published in the end of 2014. The book includes 2500 species of vascular plants belonging to 139 families. Among them, 1306 species were stated to occur in the Republic of Mordovia. As a result, severalspecies previously not listed for floras of severalregions of CentralRussia were revealed. Relying on data from herbarium collections (GMU, HMNR, LE, MOSP, MW, NNSU, PKM, PVB, UPSU), available publications and field observations we present here information on the species not listed for the floras of the Republic of Mordovia, Chuvashian Republic, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Penza Region, Ryazan Region, Ulyanovsk Region in the 11th edition of the «Flora of the CentralPart of European Russia». The largest number of additions to the 11th edition of the «Flora…» was revealed for the Republic of Mordovia – 76 vascular plant species, including 37 alien and 39 native species. Onopordum acanthium L. is the addition for the Chuvashian Republic. One alien species ( Portulaca oleracea L.) and three native species ( Rosa lupulina Dubovik, Plantago stepposa Kuprian., Taraxacum bessarabicum (Hornem.) Hand.–Mazz.) are additions for the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Six plant species (including 1 alien and 5 native species) are additions for the Penza Region. Syrenia montana (Pall.) Klok. is an addition for the Ryazan Region. Six plant species (including 1 alien and 5 native species) were missing from the 11 th edition of the «Flora…» for the Ulyanovsk Region. Also, two native species ( Hottonia palustris L., Veronica incana L.) were erroneously listed for the flora of Mordovia in the 11 th edition of the «Flora…».

THE DISTRIBUTION AND EXPANSION OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS ON THE SHANNON NAVIGATION

Seven alien aquatic plants occur on the Shannon Navigation. Six ornamental plants have been recorded in Lough Derg. Two, Elodea canadensis and Lemna minuta, are widely distributed in the lough, locally abundant within the Navigation and the only alien plants found in Lough Ree. The species with the greatest impact, Elodea nuttallii, was first recognised in 2004 in harbours and cuts about the southern region of Lough Derg. It spread northwards by drifting fragments and almost certainly by leisure craft. Likewise, the fertile water violet, Hottonia palustris, originally found on the eastern side of the lake, has become abundant in sheltered shallows, reedbeds, canals and drains on the western side of the lake and continues to spread northwards and southwards. Confined populations of Stratiotes aloides occur only on the western side of Lough Derg and may have been there for several years. An isolated population of a pink cultivar of Nymphaea alba, present for at least four decades, occurs in Lough Derg beside a lakeside domaine. Since the introduction of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in c. 1993/4 there have been increases in water transparency that have presumably enabled some macrophytes to extend their ranges into deeper water. Given the likelihood of further range expansions or new introductions, regulation of the sale and distribution of alien aquatic species is needed to prevent further exotic plants from entering Irish waterways.

Seed morphology and endosperm structure of selected species of Primulaceae, Myrsinaceae, and Theophrastaceae and their systematic importance

Seed size and shape, seed coat surface pattern, seed coat thickness, and endosperm structure were investigated in Androsace septentrionalis, Cortusa matthioli, Hottonia palustris, Primula elatior, Soldanella carpatica (Primulaceae), Anagallis arvensis, A. minima, Cyclamen purpurascens, Glaux maritima, Lysimachia nemorum, L. vulgaris, Trientalis europaea (Myrsinaceae), and Samolus valerandi (Theophrastaceae). Three seed size categories were distinguished on the basis of biometric measurements. Almost all seeds examined were found to be small with an angular shape classified as sectoroid or polyhedral. A new type of seed shape, suboval, was identified for H. palustris. Cyclamen purpurascens seeds differed from seeds of all other species examined because of their large size, subglobose shape, and concave hilar area. Despite the different shape types, the length/width ratio of the seeds examined was constant, while their hilum length/width ratio was a highly variable feature. Three types of seed surface patterns were observed: (1) reticulate, (2) tuberculate with secondary striations, and (3) poroid-alveolate with the presence of a spongy outer layer. For seeds of Anagallis arvensis, A. minima, Cortusa matthioli, Lysimachia nemorum, and Soldanella carpatica, secondary seed sculpture was described. The seed coats of all species examined were two-layered, and great differences in testa thickness were found (9.9–128.6 μm). In general, seeds of the Myrsinaceae species were more often characterized by thick testa. Different proportions in thickness of the inner and outer testa layers were observed. In seeds with reticulate seed patterns, the inner testa layer was twice to several times thicker than the outer layer, while the opposite proportions were observed in seeds with the tuberculate or poroid-alveolate seed sculpture pattern. In seeds of all species examined, oxalate crystals were present on the surface of the inner testa layer. Thus, the presence or absence of oxalate crystals in testa is not a feature distinguishing species with angular or subglobose seeds. Four types of endosperm structure were identified according to the thickness of the endosperm cell walls and the relief of their inner surface: (1) with evenly thickened and smooth cell walls, (2) with evenly thickened cell walls and circular or helical thickenings on their inside surfaces, (3) with very thick, but not evenly thickened cell walls with constrictions (“pitted”), and (4) with very thin papery and undulate cell walls. There is no rule concerning the seed shape, type of the seed sculpture, testa thickness, or endosperm structure that corresponds to the family affiliation of the species examined.

Impact of mate availability, population size, and spatial aggregation of morphs on sexual reproduction in a distylous, aquatic plant

In distylous, self-incompatible plants, clonal propagation, unbalanced floral morph frequencies, and reduced population size can interfere with the functioning of distyly by compromising legitimate intermorph pollinations, resulting in reduced reproductive output. Here, we examined the mating system and the impact of mate availability, population size, and spatial aggregation of morphs on reproductive output in the distylous, clonal, aquatic plant Hottonia palustris. Controlled pollinations under greenhouse conditions detected no spontaneous selfing without the action of a pollen vector (autonomous autogamy) and demonstrated very low fruit and seed development after self-pollination. Intermorph (legitimate) crossings resulted in high reproductive output in both floral morphs (long- and short-styled individuals), whereas intramorph (illegitimate) crossings decreased fruit and seed development by more than 50%, indicating that the species has partial intramorph-incompatibility. In natural populations, small population size and increasing deviation of floral morph frequencies negatively affected reproductive outcome. Individuals of the majority morph type developed significantly fewer fruit and seeds than individuals of the minority morph type. This rapid decline in fecundity was symmetrical, indicating that regardless of which morph was in the majority, the same patterns of negative frequency-dependent mating occurred. Increasing spatial isolation between compatible morphs significantly reduced fruit and seed set in both morphs similarly. This study provides clear indications of frequency- and context-dependent mating in natural populations of a distylous plant species.

Distylic Hottonia palustris shows high reproductive success in small populations despite low genetic variability

Hottonia palustris L. (Primulaceae) is characterized by a heteromorphic incompatibility system. The strategy of distylic ramets is believed to promote outcrossing, to maintain overall genetic diversity and to prevent inbreeding depression. In spite of this distyly, an extremely low amount of allozymic diversity was observed in 545 individual ramets from 14 populations in Flanders (Belgium). A possible explanation for such low genetic variation is discussed in relation to the vegetative propagating abilities and the ecological niche width of the species. In contrast to the uniformity in allozymes as well as to the feature of single morph populations, there was a high variability in reproductive success between populations such as the number of seeds per ramet (425–2633), the number of flowers per ramet (9–36) and the mean weight of seeds (0.03–0.17 mg). Small populations and even those consisting of only one style morph may show a high reproductive success. As a whole, H. palustris showed a negative relationship of reproductive success with the surface area of its populations.

DISTURBANCES AS A STRUCTURING FACTOR OF PLANT PALATABILITY IN AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Plant palatability plays an important part in the fitness of species and is therefore regarded as a key functional trait. The aim of this study was to relate the palatability of aquatic macrophytes to their distribution in riverine wetlands differing in their exposure to spate flood disturbances. Thirty-three former channels of the Rhone River Basin (eastern France) were characterized in terms of flood-disturbance level. Nutrient richness was also measured to eliminate its potential confounding effect. The coverage of 40 macrophyte species was recorded in these wetlands, and their palatability was assessed through laboratory feeding trials using a generalist consumer, the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. The consumption rate of L. stagnalis ranged from 3.9 mg (.) g(-1) (.) d(-1) (for Hottonia palustris) to 137.9 mg (.) g(-1) (.) d(-1) (for Sagittaria sagittifolia) and was used as a palatability index. Plant palatability was unrelated to the nutrient richness of sites but was positively correlated with their flood-disturbance level. However, the strength of this correlation decreased as nutrient richness increased. These results suggest that spate floods promote functional diversity in riverine wetlands, allowing the persistence of the most palatable plant species otherwise eliminated by herbivores, especially in nutrient-poor habitats.

Karyology, pollen and seed morphology, and distribution of eight endangered species in the Veneto region (Northern Italy)

ABSTRACT Eight endangered species of the Veneto region were examined from the karyological and micromorphological points of view. Their geographical distribution, the exsiccata of Herbarium Venetum (HV-PAD) and conservation problems were also considered. These species are: Cortusa matthioli L., a taxon sporadically distributed in Veneto with 2n=24 chromosomes; Calianthemum kernerianum Freyn ex Kerner, only known on Mt. Baldo (Verona) and with 2n=4x=32; Scrophularia vernalis L. with 2n=28; Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (L.) Ledeb., an entity with no regional conservation regulations and with 2n=34; Athamanta vestina A.Kerner, endemic to Italy and with 2n=22; Hottonia palustris L. with 2n=20 and in danger because of the destruction of its habitat; Sagittaria sagttifolia L. with 2n=22; Trapa natans L., a protected species in Veneto with 2n=36 and 2n=48.

On the life cycle and germination of Hottonia Palustris L. in a wetland forest

In 1986 and 1987, years that differed considerably in climatological conditions, the seasonal variation in biomass of Hottonia palustris L. was studied in the understory of a wetland forest. Furthermore, observations on its regeneration were made in the field and in the laboratory. The Hottonia population studied is characterized by early flowering, a large seed production, early development of maximum biomass, a well-developed vegetative regeneration and the ability to tolerate emergence and frost. The absence of overlying water in the summer of 1986 coincided with a relatively high biomass of Hottonia, while in the summer of 1987, when high water levels were recorded, its biomass considerably decreased. The seeds are characterized by their lack of innate dormancy, by the ability to remain viable after desiccation and by the ability to germinate over a relatively wide range of temperatures in the light and in an aerobic environment. No germination was observed under dark anaerobic conditions, and germination percentages were higher on a moist substrate than when the seeds were submerged. In the presence of overlying water most of the young seedlings rise to the water surface and may float there for several weeks. For their further development, however, a more or less permanent contact with the substrate seems to be required. Because of these life cycle characteristics, Hottonia palustris is well adapted to grow in the understory of wetland forests and in shallow waters that regularly dry up.