Lythraceae Research Articles

Chromosome-level genome assembly of banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.)

Lagerstroemia speciosa is a famous medicinal and ornamental plant of the Lagerstroemia genus, with large and gorgeous flowers and a flowering period of 3 to 5 months. L. speciosa extracts have been used for many years in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Here, we used PacBio and Hi-C sequencing technologies to obtain a high-quality whole genome map of L. speciosa at chromosome level. The assembled genome is 306.76 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 13.03 Mb. 98.75% of contigs were anchored to 24 pseudochromosomes, and 38.58% of the contigs (118.11 Mb) were identified as repeats. 93.54% of the 29,351 protein-coding genes were annotated. In addition, 146 miRNAs, 511 tRNAs, 2,733 rRNAs and 679 snRNAs were annotated. This high-quality genome assembly provides a valuable resource for understanding the species evolution in the Lythraceae family and promoting the study of important traits of L. speciosa.

GC-MS-employed Phytochemical Characterization and Anticancer, Antidiabetic, and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Lagerstroemia Thorelli.

Lagerstroemia thorelli (L. thorelli) is a member of the Lythraceae family and has not been previously researched. Thus, this study aimed to investigate its unexplored potential and identify novel therapeutic prospects. This research evaluated antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic potentials along with compound characterization of the ethanolic leaf extract of L. thorelli. The antioxidant potential was assessed using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) determination, antidiabetic property was assessed using α-amylase inhibition, and the cytotoxic effect was examined on HeLa and Vero cells using MTT colorimetric assay. Chemical characterization was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings demonstrated strong antioxidant, strong antidiabetic, and moderate cytotoxic activities. Comprehensive phytochemical analysis revealed its abundance in flavonoids, phenols/phenolics, tannins, glycosides, steroids, resin, etc. GC-MS analysis of the L. thorelli extract identified 80 important compounds including cis-11-eicosenamide, beta-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-, alpha-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-, phthalic acid, gamma-sitosterol, phytol, silicic acid, squalene, butanoic acid, cyclobarbital, etc. which are well-documented for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Thus, it can be inferred that L. thorelli could hold new promises in treating diseases like diabetes and free radical-induced conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Nomenclatural notes on type materials of fourteen names in Lythraceae

In the present study, we designate lectotypes and epitypes for fourteen names (for accepted names/basionyms/synonyms) of three genera Ammannia, Lagerstroemia, and Rotala of family Lythraceae, to facilitate the correct application of these names. Lectotypes are designated for three names in Ammannia, three names in Rotala, and four names in Lagerstroemia. Second-step lectotype are designated for two names in Rotala and one name in each Ammannia and Lagerstroemia. Further, an epitype for the name Rotala floribunda is assigned.

Three new records of lythraceae in the flora of Bangladesh

In the course of studying the family Lythraceae of Bangladesh in 2023–2024, some specimens of the family were found to be different than those of any other species of this family reported so far from this country. After a critical examination, these specimens have been identified as Ammannia auriculata, Rotala ramosior, and Rotala malampuzhensis of the Lythraceae. These species are new to the flora of Bangladesh. A detailed taxonomic description, including data on ecology, distribution, and use, a list of representative specimens examined, and illustrations have been provided for each species. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 31(1): 15-24, 2024 (June)

A Review on Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of <i>Lawsonia inermis L.</i>

Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna, is a plant belonging to the Lythraceae family, valued for its commercial and medicinal properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicological profile of L. inermis. The plant is widely cultivated in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, particularly in India, Pakistan, Iran, and North Africa. Henna has been traditionally used as a cooling agent, astringent, antifungal, and antibacterial herb for skin and hair. It has also been employed as a dye and preservative for hair, skin, fingernails, leather, and clothes. L. inermis is renowned for its abundance of vitamins, minerals, and various chemical constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and naphthoquinones. These bioactive compounds have been shown to possess diverse pharmacological properties, such as immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, nootropic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, antimitotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities. This review discusess about the recent scientific literature on the phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and toxicological aspects of L. inermis. The potential applications of henna in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries are also discussed, along with future research directions.

Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles reveal fruit peel color variation in two red pomegranate cultivars.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) which belongs to family Lythraceae, is one of the most important fruit crops of many tropical and subtropical regions. A high variability in fruit color is observed among different pomegranate accessions, which arises from the qualitative and quantitative differences in anthocyanins. However, the mechanism of fruit color variation is still not fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the red color mutation between a red-skinned pomegranate 'Hongbaoshi' and a purple-red-skinned cultivar 'Moshiliu', by using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. A total of 51 anthocyanins were identified from fruit peels, among which 3-glucoside and 3,5-diglucoside of cyanidin (Cy), delphinidin (Dp), and pelargonidin (Pg) were dominant. High proportion of Pg in early stages of 'Hongbaoshi' but high Dp in late stages of 'Moshiliu' were characterized. The unique high levels of Cy and Dp anthocyanins accumulating from early developmental stages accounted for the purple-red phenotype of 'Moshiliu'. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an early down-regulated and late up-regulated of anthocyanin-related structure genes in 'Moshiliu' compared with 'Hongbaoshi'. Alao, ANR was specially expressed in 'Hongbaoshi', with extremely low expression levels in 'Moshiliu'. For transcription factors R2R3-MYB, the profiles demonstrated a much higher transcription levels of three subgroup (SG) 5 MYBs and a sharp decrease in expression of SG6 MYB LOC116202527 in high-anthocyanin 'Moshiliu'. SG4 MYBs exhibited two entirely different patterns, LOC116203744 and LOC116212505 were down-regulated whereas LOC116205515 and LOC116212778 were up-regulated in 'Moshiliu' pomegranate. The results indicate that specific SG members of the MYB family might promote the peel coloration in different manners and play important roles in color mutation in pomegranate.

Formulation and evaluation of medicated polyherbal tattoo ink

Transdermal tattoos offer a potential avenue for administering drugs externally into the dermis, resulting in the creation of a lasting mark. Analyzing complex samples is crucial to assess the presence of ingredients, ensuring the safety of cosmetic products that contribute to health protection. This investigation aims to formulate and assess tattoo ink for treating allergies and inflammation. The study proposes a comprehensive analytical approach, encompassing physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and antibacterial evaluation to characterize samples of henna and annatto. Standardizing herbal formulations is imperative to evaluate drug quality based on the concentration of active principles. This paper focuses on the standardization of Henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn) from the Lythraceae family and Annatto from the plant Bixa Orellana. Annatto, known for its lower toxicity and improved biodegradability, can be extracted using water or organic solvents to obtain pigment, tocotrienol, and geranylgeraniol components. These compounds exhibit antibacterial activity, inhibit certain types of cancer, and demonstrate hypocholesterolemic effects, among other properties.

Genomic and transcriptomic studies on flavonoid biosynthesis in Lagerstroemia indica

BackgroundLagerstroemia indica is a widely cultivated ornamental woody shrub/tree of the family Lythraceae that is used as a traditional medicinal plant in East Asia and Egypt. However, unlike other ornamental woody plants, its genome is not well-investigated, which hindered the discovery of the key genes that regulate important traits and the synthesis of bioactive compounds.ResultsIn this study, the genomic sequences of L. indica were determined using several next-generation sequencing technologies. Altogether, 324.01 Mb sequences were assembled and 98.21% (318.21 Mb) of them were placed in 24 pseudo-chromosomes. The heterozygosity, repeated sequences, and GC residues occupied 1.65%, 29.17%, and 38.64% of the genome, respectively. In addition, 28,811 protein-coding gene models, 327 miRNAs, 552 tRNAs, 214 rRNAs, and 607 snRNAs were identified. The intra- and interspecies synteny and Ks analysis revealed that L. indica exhibits a hexaploidy. The co-expression profiles of the genes involved in the phenylpropanoid (PA) and flavonoid/anthocyanin (ABGs) pathways with the R2R3 MYB genes (137 members) showed that ten R2R3 MYB genes positively regulate flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthesis. The colors of flowers with white, purple (PB), and deep purplish pink (DPB) petals were found to be determined by the levels of delphinidin-based (Dp) derivatives. However, the substrate specificities of LiDFR and LiOMT probably resulted in the different compositions of flavonoid/anthocyanin. In L. indica, two LiTTG1s (LiTTG1-1 and LiTTG1-2) were found to be the homologs of AtTTG1 (WD40). LiTTG1-1 was found to repress anthocyanin biosynthesis using the tobacco transient transfection assay.ConclusionsThis study showed that the ancestor L. indica experienced genome triplication approximately 38.5 million years ago and that LiTTG1-1 represses anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, several genes such as LiDFR, LiOMTs, and R2R3 LiMYBs are related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms and alleles responsible for flower color development.

LAWSONIA INERMIS L.: AN UPDATED REVIEW OF THE ETHNOBOTANICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND TOXICOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN UNANI MEDICINE

Background Lawsonia inermis L., commonly referred to as henna in the Unani medical system, is a plant belonging to the Lythraceae family. There are several chemical components found in the stem, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds that have commercial, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. The bioactive constituents, pharmacological actions, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological adverse effects of Lawsonia inermis are all thoroughly reviewed in this research. Aim of the review This paper aims to highlight the medicinal properties of Henna in view of its temperament in Unani and phytoconstituents in the treatment of various diseases. Further, exploring its phytochemistry, pharmacological and pre-clinical studies (in-vitro & in-vivo) in respect to scientific researches. Materials and methods Henna was explored in classical Unani literature for its temperament (Mizaj), medicinal properties, pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for pertinent papers, which were then examined for updates and significant characteristics pertaining to the plant. Results Henna has been used in Unani system of medicine for ages. Numerous bioactive substances have been found in Lawsonia inermis L. such as fatty acids, steroids, xanthones, leucocyandin, epicatechin, catechin, polyphenols, alkaloids, quinones, tannins, and quercetin. Historically, the plant has been used to cure a wide range of illnesses, including as lumbago, ulcers, psoriasis, scabies, boils, ocular problems, hair loss, and jaundice. A variety of pharmacological properties have also been discovered in it, including as wound healing, hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer, and hypoglycaemic effects. Conclusion Lawsonia inermis has a promising future in Unani medicine for a variety of medicinal uses; nevertheless, further research is required to properly investigate its therapeutic effects for a range of public health diseases.

ANTICALCIURIA EFFECT OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA (L). PERS (LYTHRACEAE) AGAINST HIGH PROTEIN DIET INGESTED IN ALBINO RATS

Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stone disease or urolithiasis, is a crystallopathy in which a solid mass forms in the urinary tract. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the way that albino rats administered with a high-protein diet, react to methanolic root extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa anticalciuric properties. Medicinal plants are frequently utilised in folk medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses. Banaba is the common name for L. speciosa, a member of the Lythraceae family; Poomaruthu is its Tamil name. The test animals were given a diet high in protein and low in protein as well as 45 days of treatment with methanolic root extracts of L. speciosa. The experiment was scheduled with a sample collection, biochemical inquiries, and histopathological exams. The experiment had been scheduled with a sample collection, biochemical investigations, and histopathological evaluations. The biochemical data reveal that as compared to the control, III, and V groups, the low-protein diet groups II and IV had greater blood urea concentrations. The low-protein diet groups II and IV exhibited an increased blood creatinine concentration in contrast to the control, III, and V groups, while group V (H.P+MRE 500 mg/kg) demonstrated a nearly identical outcome to that of the control groups. L. speciosa root extracts in methanol are given to groups to control creatinine concentration. The normal control group's histopathological analysis revealed tubules with a single epithelial lining along the outermost layer that were normal in size.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of plant leaf extract against enteric bacterial pathogens

Punica granatum, a fruit-bearing shrub belonging to the Lythraceae family, offers various benefits to humans, with both its fibers and seeds being valuable. The seeds contain important oil acids such as palmitic, punica, stearic, and oleic acids. In India, P. granatum (pomegranate) leaves have been investigated for their potential antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections and are often associated with antibiotic resistance. The study aims to explore whether pomegranate leaves possess properties that can combat these enteric pathogens effectively. This research holds promise in identifying a natural and alternative approach to address antibacterial challenges, potentially contributing to the development of novel antimicrobial agents pomegranate is commonly used as a traditional remedy for treating enteric bacterial pathogens. To investigate its antibacterial properties, researchers studied the aqueous extract of P. granatum leaf against enteric pathogens, conducting tests like biochemical examinations and microscopy on the isolates. The phytochemical analysis of P. granatum (pomegranate) leaf aqueous extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. These compounds include amino acids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and phenols. To evaluate its antimicrobial activity, the researchers used antibiotic discs, including chloramphenicol, vancomycin, and gentamicin, employing the standard Kirby Bauer method. Results showed that vancomycin had the highest zone of inhibition, followed by chloramphenicol and gentamicin, with respective measurements of 20 mm and 19 mm. Chloramphenicol exhibited sensitivity against Escherichia coli (19 mm), while gentamicin showed sensitivity against Salmonella typhi (20 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), and E. coli (18 mm). Vancomycin demonstrated sensitivity against S. aureus (21 mm). The aqueous leaf extract displayed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 20, 40 mcg, and 60 μg, showing effective zones of inhibition ranging from 15 mm to 22 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, Shigella dysentriae, Proteus vulgaris, and S. typhi. In conclusion, the study established that P. granatum leaf extracts possess remarkable antibacterial properties and contain valuable pharmaceutical bioactive compounds. Due to its efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders, it is utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine.

Duabanga (Lythraceae) from the Oligocene of India and its climatic and phytogeographic significance

Understanding the evolutionary history of biodiversity hotspots has important implications for their future survival. India hosts four biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats of South India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Eastern Himalaya, and the Indo-Myanmar region. Northeast India (NEI) is an important region that hosts 43% of the total plant species occurring in India, of which ∼39% are endemic. This region also acts as a gateway for biotic exchange between India and southeast Asia. The area also receives exceptional rainfall during the pre-monsoon (March to May), in addition to the summer monsoon (June to September) season. In rainforests of NEI, forest-forming plant species make up a large proportion of the biodiversity. Understanding the evolutionary history of rainforests of NEI has implications for the conservation of biodiversity hotspots. Here we report the evergreen rainforest genus Duabanga Buch.-Ham. of the family Lythraceae from the late Oligocene sediments of Assam, NEI. Fossil records of this genus (from south and southeast Asia) suggest its Gondwanan origin, while its modern distribution is dominantly controlled by moisture availability.

Species Account of Mangroves in the Coastal Zones of Naawan, Misamis Oriental

Changes in the zonation pattern of mangroves can be a measure of natural and anthropogenic perturbations. As such, mangroves in the coastal zones of Naawan were surveyed usingthebelttransectmethod. There were a total of 8 species belonging to 4 families of mangroves, namely, Avicenniarhumpiana, Avicennia marina and Avicennia alba in Family Acanthacea; Sonneratia alba in Family Lythraceae; Rhizophoramucronata, Ceriopszippeliana, and Bruguieraparviflora in Family Rhizophoraceae; and lastly, Excoecariaagallocha in Family Euphorbiaceae. Families Acanthacea and Rhizophoraceae dominated the coastal zones and moving towards the foreshore riverine portion. Diversity and evenness indices indicated a relatively diverse and proportionally distributed mangrove species across the coastal zones of Naawan. This study could help some mangrove restoration initiatives to avoid introduction of certain species in the area based on site-specificity and sensitivity among mangrove species.

Lawsonia inermis L. Phytopharmacological Characteristics and Recent Advancement

Henna dye is one of the world's oldest natural dyes, going back to ancient Egypt. Henna is a sacred plant that is traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies and is said to represent wealth. The Lythraceae family's Lawsone stain is made from dried leaves of L. inermis. Hair, skin, and nails have been dyed using this plant's leaf pulp since antiquity. In addition to its medical benefits, the plant has a long folkloric history of being used to treat convulsions, jaundice, and malignant sores. Lawsone (1, 4- Napthalenedione, 2-hydroxy) has pharmacological properties such as diuretic, antibacterial, parasite, anti-inflammatory, microbial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, and analgesic. Many countries grow henna.

Pomegranate seed allergy in a child with multiple tree nut allergies

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing plant of the Lythraceae family that consists of pulp surrounding fleshy seeds. Pomegranate juice and seeds are widely consumed, and rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions to pomegranate have been described elsewhere in the world. In this study, we report what we believe is the first case of immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated pomegranate seed allergy in a girl with multiple tree nut allergies in the United States.

Qualitative and quantitative photochemical analysis of amla (<i>Emblica officinalis</i>) and henna (<i>Lawsonia inermis</i>)

The present research work was undertaken with this aim to inspect the two medicinally important plants henna (Lawsonia inermis) of the family lythraceae and amla (Emblica officinalis) of family phyllanthaceae for their phytochemical analysis using ethanol and methanol reagents. The determinations under ethanol and methanol dilution of L. inermis for qualitative screening of tannins were positive, phlobatannins were positive, saponins were positive and in flavonids test results were also found positive. While the determinations under ethanol and methanol dilution of E. officinalis for qualitative screening of tannins test gave positive results, its phlobatannins gave positive results but less; saponins also gave positive results and flavonoids gave negative results. And then the determinations under ethanol and methanol dilution of L. inermis for quantitative screening of total carbohydrates were 6.547 and 6.276 µg/ml, reducing sugars 0.035 and 0.259 µg/ml, total proteins 0.245 and 0.420 µg/ml, phenolic compounds were 27.1191 and 35.2316 µg/ml, total flavonoids contents 0.154 and 0.261 µg/ml, tannins contents 0.664 and 1.292 µg/ml, and antioxidant activity were 2.411 and 3.218 µg/ml respectively.

Back to nature: henna extracts from nanotech to environmental biotechnology - a review.

The Lythraceae family includes henna (Lawsonia inermis), which thrives in subtropical and tropical climates. One of its many and long-standing uses is in cosmetics as a pigment to color hair and nails. Additionally, it serves as a disinfectant against microbiological infections and has traditional applications in the textile industry, specifically for coloring wool and nylon. The dried leaves of henna contain a significant amount of lawsone, an active substance bestowing them with staining abilities. Environmental biotechnology, a subfield of biotechnology, engages in the production of biomass or renewable energy sources and the elimination of pollutants, utilizing either entire organisms or their by-products. Recent research indicates that henna, owing to its sustainability, abundant production, simplicity of preparation, low cost, and reputation for being safe and ecologically benign, is exceptionally well-suited to participate in the realm of environmental biotechnology. This review navigates through the most recent studies exploring the use of henna and its extracts for related purposes. These encompass a spectrum of applications, including but not limited to nanobiotechnology, fabric dyeing, corrosion resistance, colored solar cells, carbon dots, and new renewable energy exemplified by biofuel and biohydrogen. Furthermore, henna extracts have been deployed to function as antimicrobials and ward off dangerous insects.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Wild Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Based on Its Complete Chloroplast Genome from Tibet, China

Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are one of the most fashionable fruits and can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a shiny and attractive pome due to its cultivation. It belongs to the Lythraceae family. In this study, we analyzed the chloroplast genome of wild pomegranate based on whole genome shotgun sequences. In wild pomegranate, we found 158,645 bp in size, 132 genes containing 84 protein genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36.92% of GC content, one infA and two duplicated ycf15 pseudogenes. Moreover, 21 chloroplast genes contained intros that are detected in a large single copy (LSC), small single copy (SSC), and two inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) regions, 17 of which were involved in single introns, while four genes (ycf3, rps12, clpP and rsp12) located in LSC, IRA, and IRB region. In total, 26,272 codons are found in protein-coding genes (PCGs); relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis revealed that the most abundant amino acid is leucine containing 2773 codons (10.55%), less abundant is methionine amino acid containing 1 codon (0.0032) in the PCGs. Furthermore, a total of 233 cpSSRs were identified in the wild pomegranate cp genome, and their distribution was analyzed in three regions, namely IR, LSC, and SSC. However, 155 cpSSR were found in the LSC (66.5%), followed by 40 cpSSR in the SSC (17.2%) and 38 cpSSR in the IR (16.3%) regions. Phylogenetic validation revealed that wild pomegranate is close to the pemphis acidula species. We believe that the cp genome allocates significant information promising for breeding research of wild pomegranate to Lythraceae.

In Vivo Antihypertensive Activity and UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS Profiling of Cuphea ignea A. DC.

Cuphea ignea A. DC. is an ornamental tropical plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. The aim of this study is to verify the in vivo antihypertensive potential of C. ignea A. DC. and to explore its metabolic profile using a UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS technique. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of the leaves in two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt.) significantly normalized the elevated systolic blood pressure in N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester-induced hypertension in rats. An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) concentration was significantly decreased by the high dose extract compared to lisinopril. Nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly restored by both doses. Concerning the oxidative stress parameters, both doses displayed significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level while the high dose restored elevated glutathione level. These biochemical results were clearly supported by the histopathological examination of the isolated heart and aorta. A UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS study was represented by a detailed metabolic profile of leaves and flowers of C. ignea A. DC., where 53 compounds were identified among which flavonoids, fatty acids, and hydrolysable tannins were the major identified classes. This study established scientific evidence for the use of C. ignea A. DC., a member of genus Cuphea as a complementary treatment in the management of hypertension.

A New Clue for the Late Eocene Freshwater Ecosystem of Central China Evidenced by New Fossils of Trapa L. and Hemitrapa Miki (Lythraceae).

Simple SummaryThis paper describes the aquatic plants of Trapa L. and Hemitrapa Miki from the upper Eocene of Bailuyuan Formation in the Weihe Basin, central China. The discoveries represent the earliest known Trapa records in the world and the earliest Hemitrapa record in Asia. Furthermore, the new species identified in this study is the most reliable leaf fossil record of Trapa so far. These occurrences provide a new clue to investigate the origin of Trapa and its evolutionary relationships with Hemitrapa. The unexpected aquatic plant assemblage indicates that central China was warm and humid, with freshwater ponds or lakes, in the late Eocene.Both Trapa L. and the extinct Hemitrapa Miki are aquatic plants in the family Lythraceae, with abundant fossil records in Eurasia and North America in the Cenozoic. However, documented materials are mainly based on fruit and pollen grains without reliable leaf fossils. Here, we report fossil leaves, fruit, and roots of Trapa and fruit of Hemitrapa from the late Eocene of Weinan, the Weihe Basin of central China. The fossil leaves are identified as a new species, Trapa natanifolia Z. C. Han et H. Jia sp. nov., which represents the earliest known record of a Trapa leaf fossil. It is remarkably similar to extant species of Trapa, mostly due to the unique inflated petiole structures found in both of them. While displaying prominent intergeneric differences, the incomplete fossil fruits are assigned to Trapa sp. indet. and Hemitrapa sp. indet. The former is the earliest fossil fruit record of Trapa, and the latter represents the earliest fossil record of Hemitrapa found in Asia. These new fossil discoveries suggest that the divergence of Trapa and Hemitrapa occurred at least by the late Eocene. It is believed that modern Trapa most likely originated in China. Furthermore, this unexpected aquatic plant fossil assemblage indicates that central China was warm and humid, with freshwater ponds or lakes, in the late Eocene and not as arid as previously thought.