Meum Athamanticum Research Articles

Effects of desiccation of seeds in nine species with morphophysiological dormancy on germination and embryo growth

Abstract Aims In species with morphophysiological seed dormancy (MPD), little is known about the effects of desiccation of imbibed seeds on embryo growth and germination. We studied seed responses to dehydration in nine species with different levels of MPD. Methods For each species, a control test was conducted by keeping seeds permanently hydrated and exposed to the optimal stratification–incubation sequence to promote embryo growth. Simultaneously, tests were run in which seed stratification was interrupted for 1 month by desiccation at room temperature. Important Findings In Clematis vitalba and Ribes alpinum, with nondeep simple MPD, desiccation affected neither embryo growth nor seed viability, but the desiccation led to a decrease of germinative ability in R. alpinum by 16%. The seeds of Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii-garmendiae, with deep simple epicotyl MPD, tolerated desiccation in different embryo growth stages, but their germinative ability decreased slightly. The response of species with complex levels of MPD to desiccation was more variable: Delphinium fissum subsp. sordidum, with intermediate complex MPD, and Anthriscus sylvestris and Meum athamanticum, both with deep complex MPD, tolerated desiccation. In contrast, Ribes uva-crispa with nondeep complex MPD, Lonicera pyrenaica with intermediate complex MPD and Chaerophyllum aureum with deep complex MPD, had diminished germination ability by desiccation. Although seeds of the species with simple levels of MPD tolerated desiccation, those of some species with complex levels were also highly tolerant. Thus, desiccation did not induce secondary dormancy in late embryo growth stages. The desiccation tolerance of imbibed seeds of most of the nine species may show their adaptability to climate change in the Mediterranean region.

The dynamics of a non-forested stand in the Krušné Mts.: the effect of a short-lived medieval village on the local environment

Medieval vegetation–human–climate interactions were studied from a sediment profile situated in the centre of a short-lived medieval village located above 800 m a.s.l. on the ridge of the Krusne Mts., NW Bohemia, Central Europe. Analyses of pollen, seeds/fruits, micro- and macro-charcoals, diatoms and concentrations of microelements in connection with written sources revealed a significant human-induced deforestation in the second half of the 14th century. This deforestation occurred sooner than supposed and the area did not revert after ad 1347 as elsewhere in Europe. Arable fields probably enabled basic self-sustaining cultivation of winter cereals even at such elevations in the climatically favourable years of the Medieval Warm Period. The village presumably collapsed due to a combination of weather fluctuations at the onset of the Little Ice Age, simultaneous socioeconomic stagnation in the Czech Lands and exploitation of the surrounding forest. The dynamics of wet stand vegetation and Calthion palustris montane wet meadows were driven by fluctuating human and grazing impacts. Annual and biennial herbaceous species that peaked after village abandonment were rapidly replaced by Filipendula ulmaria and Salix stands. The secondary forest developed towards Picea stands. Only later, mesic montane meadows of medium tall grasses combined with Meum athamanticum and mountain dry pastures developed on nutrient poor patches.

Phylogenetic placement of DethawiaMeum, and Rivasmartinezia (Apioideae, Apiaceae): Evidence from nuclear and plastid DNA sequences

The flora of Western Europe is rich in endemic species of Apiaceae, many of which have been poorly investigated and whose phylogenetic relationships are poorly known. To investigate relationships among three endemic European genera (Dethawia, Meum, and Rivasmartinezia gen. nov.) and to ascertain their higher-level phylogenetic placements within the subfamily Apioideae, we examined nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences and the plastid trnL-trnF region. Phylogenies estimated using parsimony and Bayesian inference reveal that (1) the historically known “Conioselinum chinense” Clade (Conioselinum chinense; C. scopulorum; Ligusticum canadense; L. porteri; Meum athamanticum; Mutellina purpurea; and Trochiscanthes nodiflora) comprise a strongly supported monophyletic group (100% BS); (2) the genera Dethawia and Meum comprise a strongly supported monophyletic group also included in the “Conioselinum chinense” Clade; and finally (3) a new genus (Rivasmartinezia) with one species (R. vazquezii) from the Northwestern of the Iberian Peninsula, and placed in the basal position in the “Conioselinum chinense” Clade, is described for the family Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae.

Ice-age isolation, postglacial hybridization and recent population bottlenecks shape the genetic structure of Meum athamanticum in Central Europe

Phylogeographic analyses can help to reveal the refugial structure of plants during and after the ice ages, but the detailed history of regional refugial isolation and differentiation in Central Europe is still poorly understood. A recent study of Meum athamanticum in its total range of occurrences revealed persistence of this temperate montane plant species in Central Europe north of the Alps, without going into details. We therefore aimed to study differentiation and migration processes of this plant species in more detail throughout Central Europe. We used high resolution amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) markers and analyzed 210 plant individuals of 14 Central European populations with three pairs of primer combinations (128 loci, 111 of which polymorphic). The data show genetic differentiation and varying levels of molecular diversity within populations and groups of populations. Altogether, the studied populations did not show a gradient in molecular variation along presumptive postglacial migration routes across Central Europe. Rather, they reveal a genetic division into seven major groups. Four of them are characterised by high genetic diversity, private fragments and higher than average number of rare and sparse fragments, leading to the assumption that they are descendants of independent populations which survived in glacial refugia. In combination with information from paleoclimate and paleovegetation, it is likely that microclimatically favoured habitats at (i) the eastern flank of the Black Forest, (ii) the southern margin of the Cologne basin, (iii) the foothills of the Erzgebirge, and (iv) the foothills of the Jura Mountains acted as sources for the postglacial recolonisation of this species to the other mountains of Central Europe. As some of the populations analysed show intermixed gene-pools (i.e. including genetic information from different groups) and partly have exceptionally high genetic diversity, but no private and only relatively few rare or sparse fragments, they might represent contact zones. On the other hand, genetic pauperization and isolation of two other populations in connection with extremely small population sizes and unfavourable habitat conditions seem to reflect recent bottlenecks. Consequently, the genetic structure of M. athamanticum in Central Europe is shaped by (i) extra-Mediterranean glacial refugia in situ, (ii) following postglacial hybridization along emerging contact zones and (iii) genetic bottlenecks in thereafter isolated small populations. All results provide evidences for small scale migration of the species between Central European valleys and surrounding highlands. Therefore, our study provides molecular evidence for both climate dependent wide ranging periglacial tabula rasa, but some small refugia in locally buffered areas. We hereby show that the environmental heterogeneity of cold stage landscapes in Central Europe is generally underestimated.

Plant Ethnoveterinary Practices in Two Pyrenean Territories of Catalonia (Iberian Peninsula) and in Two Areas of the Balearic Islands and Comparison with Ethnobotanical Uses in Human Medicine

This paper presents the results of an ethnobotanical study centred in veterinarian uses in two Catalan Pyrenean regions (Alt Empordà -AE- and High River Ter Valley -AT-, Iberian peninsula) and two Balearic Islands areas (Formentera -FO- and northeastern Mallorca -MA-). In the areas studied, 97 plant species have been claimed to be useful for veterinary purposes. A total of 306 veterinary use reports have been gathered and analysed. The ten most reported plants are Tanacetum parthenium (24 use reports), Parietaria officinalis (15), Ranunculus parnassifolius (14), Meum athamanticum (13), Olea europaea (13), Quercus ilex (12), Ruta chalepensis (12), Sambucus nigra (10) and Thymus vulgaris (10). According to comprehensive reviews, a high number of novelties for plant ethnoveterinary are contributed: 34 species and one subspecies, 11 genera, and three families have not been reported in previous works in this field, and 21 species had only been mentioned once. Several ethnoveterinary uses are coincidental with those in human medicine. Although ethnoveterinary practices are less relevant than in the past in the territories considered, as in all industrialised countries, the knowledge on plant properties and applications is still rich and constitutes a large pool of evidence for phytotherapy, both in domestic animals and humans.

Range‐wide phylogeography of the European temperate‐montane herbaceous plant Meum athamanticum Jacq.: evidence for periglacial persistence

AbstractAim The aim of this study is to analyse the genetic population structure of Meum athamanticum Jacq. in order to explore the alternative hypotheses (1) that the central and northern highland populations are the result of post‐glacial recolonization from southern refugia, and the disjunct distribution of M. athamanticum can be explained by modern ecological conditions, or (2) that extant populations north of the Alps and Pyrenees persisted in situ during glacial periods.Location Europe.Methods Variation of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) was analysed for 23 populations from the entire range of the species. We used band‐based approaches and methods based on allele frequencies to measure genetic diversity and to identify population structure.Results Our analyses reveal a north–south differentiation within M. athamanticum. High levels of genetic diversity, as well as private fragments, are found in populations both north and south of the Alps. Differentiation among populations is lower in the northern than in the southern population group, and significant isolation‐by‐distance is found only in the latter group.Main conclusions Our results indicate that M. athamanticum survived the last ice age in multiple refugia throughout its contemporary range and did not expand into areas north of the Alps from southern refugia. We found evidence that regional‐scale migration in northern, formerly periglacial, parts of the species range has resulted in the intermingling of populations. In contrast, southern populations are characterized by long‐term isolation. The south‐west Alps represent an area where immigration and mixing of populations from northern and southern refugia appears to have taken place.

Notes onTrochiscanthesKoch (Apiaceae) on the basis of ITS rDNA sequence

Abstract Trochiscanthes Koch (Apiaceae) is an european endemic monospecific genus. This paper deals with the phylogenetic analysis on molecular basis to assess the relationships of the genus. Parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian support analyses on the basis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers were adopted. Moreover data were added to mericarp section data, one of the most important morphological markers in Apiaceae. Trochiscanthes nodiflora, Ligusticum porteri, Ligusticum canadense and Conioselinum scopulorum clustered together with 100% Bayesian and Bootstrap (parsimony) support. These clade was sister to Conioselinum chinense (93% Bayesian and 59% Bootstrap support). This clade corresponds to the “Conioselinum chinense” clade, by other authors. All these species clustered together with Meum athamanticum (97% Bayesian and 62% Bootstrap support). This result clarifies the position of genus Trochiscanthes. Moreover, since Ligusticum and Conioselinum (in traditional sense) resulted as proba...

A new phthalide from the essential oil ofMeum athamanticum

A new phthalide, 3-but-2′-enylidene-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrophthalide (3.5%), was isolated from the essential oil of the aerial parts of Meum athamanticum (L.) Jacq., together with (Z)-ligustilide (0.1%) and sedanonic acid lactone (0.5%), and their structures established by MS and NMR techniques. In addition, a total of 23 components, accounting for 93.2% of the oil, could be identified by GC–MS. The major components of the oil were found to be monoterpene hydrocarbons, limonene (33.5%), α-phellandrene (15.3%), myrcene (13.4%) and (E)-β-ocimene (11.6%). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Essential oil composition of the leaves and stems of Meum athamanticum Jacq., from Spain

The essential oil of the leaves and stems of Meum athamanticum Jacq., has been extracted by steam distillation and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The monoterpene fraction was predominant while the sesquiterpene one was practically absent. The principal constituents have been identified as ( E)-β-ocimene (29.6%), γ-terpinene (17.9%), terpinolene (17.0%) and p-cymene (9.7%). Our results show that the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained of the leaves and stems of M. athamanticum from Spain is different to that obtained from plants of Germany, Italy and France.

Translocation of a montane meadow to simulate the potential impact of climate change

Abstract. The effects of wanning on a montane meadow was simulated by a translocation experiment. A coherent piece of turf and soil was transferred from 600 m to 170 m a.s.1., corresponding to an increase in temperature of ca. 2.8 K. The vegetation was monitored by recording cover and counting individuals one year before the translocation and continued for the subsequent seven years. For comparison, a control plot that had also been translocated but remained at 600 m was monitored. Four of eight species with a montane distribution in Europe showed a constant degree of cover during the investigation period (Nardus stricta, Poa chaixii, Polygonatum verticillatum,Potentilla erecta). In contrast, another four montane species declined in cover or died out (Arnica montana, Meum athamanticum, Hypericum maculatum, Galium harcynicum). None of these species declined on the control plot. It is argued that the species' responded individualistically to the site factors that had changed with the translocation to low altitude. A direct effect of enhanced temperature was probably the reason for the decline of only one species (Meum athamanticum). Reduced humidity might be the reason for the extinction of two moisture demanding species (Viola palustris, Succisa pratensis). The biomass of the plot increased by increased growth of one of the matrix species (Festuca rubra), probably due to elevated nutrient mineralization. Many low growing species responded indirectly to the reduced light availability, caused by an increased level of competition for light (e.g. Galium harcynicum). Increased slug herbivory at low altitude resulted in the extinction of Arnica montana. At the end of the investigation period, the similarity in species composition to the initial state was only 45%, indicating that the community had changed into a different plant association. The importance of considering biotic interactions when predicting the impacts of climate change is discussed.

Translocation of a montane meadow to simulate the potential impact of climate change

The effects of warming on a montane meadow was simulated by a translocation experiment. A coherent piece of turf and soil was transferred from 600 m to 170 m a.s.l., corresponding to an increase in temperature of ca. 2.8 K. The vegetation was monitored by recording cover and counting individuals one year before the translocation and continued for the subsequent seven years. For comparison, a control plot that had also been translocated but remained at 600 m was monitored. Four of eight species with a montane distribution in Europe showed a constant degree of cover during the investigation period (Nardus stricta, Poa chaixii, Polygonatum verticillatum, Potentilla erecta). In contrast, another four montane species declined in cover or died out (Arnica montana, Meum athamanticum, Hypericum maculatum, Galium harcynicum). None of these species declined on the control plot. It is argued that the species' responded individualistically to the site factors that had changed with the translocation to low altitude. A direct effect of enhanced temperature was probably the reason for the decline of only one species (Meum athamanticum). Reduced humidity might be the reason for the extinction of two moisture demanding species (Viola palustris, Succisa pratensis). The biomass of the plot increased by increased growth of one of the matrix species (Festuca rubra), probably due to elevated nutrient mineralization. Many low growing species responded indirectly to the reduced light availability, caused by an increased level of competition for light (e.g. Galium harcynicum). Increased slug herbivory at low altitude resulted in the extinction of Arnica montana. At the end of the investigation period, the similarity in species composition to the initial state was only 45%, indicating that the community had changed into a different plant association. The importance of considering biotic interactions when predicting the impacts of climate change is discussed.

Experimental tests for determining the causes of the altitudinal distribution of Meum athamanticum Jacq. in the Harz Mountains

Summary The objective of this study is to identify possible causes for the altitudinal limitation of a plant species with montane distribution, i.e. Meum athamanticum. The response of its growth to altitude was measured along an elevational gradient from 170 m to 1130 m a.s.l. in the Harz Mountains, Germany. Naturally occurring Meum plants and different age classes that had been transplanted to 7 sites along this gradient were monitored for several growth parameters. The growth rates differed only slightly among altitudes, a sign of a low phenotypical plasticity. The germination requirements were analyzed in growth chambers using different pre-treatments and temperatures. The seeds had a secondary dormancy that was effectively broken by a pre-treatment of alternating temperatures; whereas the temperature at germination time exerted almost no effect on germination rates. No specific requirements related to montane climate were detected. The plant’s frost tolerance directly after sprouting in spring was examined in freeze chamber experiments. Since significant frost damage detected by electrolyte leakage was observed only at − 9° C or below, frost sensitivity was excluded as a cause for the altitudinal distribution limit. The acclimation of net photosynthesis was measured by comparing the temperature optimum of autochthonous individuals and transplants. The optima differed only by 0.5 K between plants grown at 170 m or 600 m a.s.l. which indicates a low adaptive capability. The reduction of starch concentration as the main storage carbohydrate in Meum roots was monitored in natural populations and in transplants. The loss of starch during the winter was substantial at all sites but was highest at the lowest elevation. The general conclusion from our study is that Meum athamanticum is restricted to montane sites because its low phenotypical plasticity does not allow the exploitation of more favourable climatic conditions in the lowlands. In addition, the ability of Meum plants to thrive at higher temperatures is probably reduced by the carbon loss in winter.

Solid-phase microextraction of volatile components from natural grassland plants.

The volatile components from nine plants growing on natural grasslands in Auvergne, central France, selected for the broad qualitative and quantitative diversity of their terpenoid fractions, were analyzed by high-resolution gas-phase chromatography and mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) after static headspace solid-phase microextraction (SHS-SPME). SHS-SPME allowed all the plant material to be analyzed under the same conditions despite its wide-ranging composition. This is not always possible with other extraction methods. Using an apolar poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) phase, numerous terpenoid hydrocarbons, together with alcohols, cyclic ethers, and esters, were extracted. Its ease of use and the high resolution of the chromatographic profiles obtained make SHS-SPME well suited to the rapid characterization of the main components of the volatile fraction of plants. Of the nine plants studied, four (Meum athamanticum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Achillea millefolium, and Thymus pulegioides) exhaled more than 60 different volatile components. Certain terpenes present in large amounts in these plants might help link dairy products to grazing pasture, thus improving food traceability.

Essential Oil Components in the Epigeous and Hypogeous Parts of Meum athamanticum Jacq.

The essential oils from the epigeous (above ground) and hypogeous (below ground) parts of Meum athamanticum Jacq., which were obtained by hydro-distillation, were subjected to analysis by GC and GC/MS. The major components were found to be (E)-β-ocimene (34.9%), p-cymene (12.1%), (Z)-β-ocimene (10.2%) and δ-3-carene (6.2%) in the epigeous part oil and (Z)-ligustilide (36.2%), (E)-β-ocimene (14.4%) and (Z)-3-butylidene phthalide (6.3%) from the hypogeous part oil.

Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in the essential oil of Meum athamanticum

The sesquiterpene hydrocarbons β-bazzanene and α- and β-barbatene, typical constituents of liverworts (Hepaticae), were identified for the first time as constituents of a higher plant in the roots of Meum athamanticum (L.) Jacq. In addition, isobazzanene and isobarbatene, together with a variety of common sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, were identified. For α- and β-barbatene and isobarbatene the opposite configurations from those in liverworts were determined by enantioselective GC using modified cyclodextrins as chiral stationary phases. The configuration of β-bazzanene and isobazzanene could not be assigned. Isobarbatene was found for the first time as a natural compound.

Additional Phthalide Derivatives from Meum athamanticum

Additional Phthalide Derivatives from Meum athamanticum

Phthalide Derivatives from Meum athamanticum Jacq

Abstract A detailed investigation of non polar extracts of Meum athamanticum Jacq. rhizome (Um- belliferae) has led to the isolation of three phthalide derivatives. Sedanenolide, 6.6′,7.3′a-dili- gustilide and ligustilidiol have been identified by their spectral data. Furthermore, occurrence of such compounds seems to suggest assignment of intermediate biogenetic part to (Z)-ligustilide, the most accumulated phthalide in umbelliferous plants.

Vegetationsbilder

THIS unique botanical publication is being continually extended, so that a seventh series is now completed. The first double part of the volume, dealing with the colonisation of volcanic lands in Java and Sumatra, has been previously noticed. The third part is devoted to the vegetation of the northern area of the Black Forest, which is characterised by its coniferous trees and moorland. A typical bit of high moor shows bushes of Pinus montana, clumps of Scirpus caespitosus and tufts of Juncus squarrosus. On another plate the same pine is seen as a tall tree, contrasting with the adjacent Scots pine and spruce. The author has also been very successful with his representations of the two subalpines, Andromeda polifolia and Athyrium alpestre, and of the umbellifer, Meum athamanticum. Dr. L. Adamović has brought together a most attractive set of photographs from the sunny climate of Dalmatia. They illustrate a strip of shore and rocks of the littoral, sublittoral and montane regions. So carefully have the spots been chosen and the photographs taken that the author can point out most of the individual plants. Especially charming is the first plate, showing Aster Tripolium with species of Statice and Inula crithmoides on the shore, and the second picture of sublittoral rock where Dianthus dalmaticus and Iris germanica, with other plants, are easily recognised. Trees provide the chief feature of the views on the Abyssinian plateau. The rosaceous plant Hagenia abyssinica, which tardily assumes its arboreal shape, is very striking; the unripe fruits are esteemed by the natives as a valuable specific for internal complaints. A fine specimen of tree Euphorbia is depicted, which the author suggests may have developed an arboreal form when it passed from a dry to a moist climate. Even more singular is the tree Lobelia, formerly known as Rhynchopetalum. Illustrations are also given of a huge spreading Ficus and a tree Entada.