Ophioglossum Vulgatum Research Articles

Drained ash swamp (Veratro albi-Fraxinetum angustifoliae), a new association in the Nyírség, NE Hungary

This paper presents the phytosociological description of a drained swamp community, Veratro albi-Fraxinetum angustifoliae, so far found only in the Nyírség at Nyírábrány “Kis-kőrises”, “Mogyorósi-erdő”; Vámospércs “Jónásrész-Kőrises”; and Vámospércs “Jónásrész-Buzita”. The habitat of the community is transitional between that of alder swamps (Fraxino pannonicae-Alnetum glutinosae), and hardwood riparian forests (Fraxino pannonicae-Ulmetum). The community is characterised by high proportions of character species of Alnion glutinosae and Molinion coerulei as well as Quercetea pubescentis-petraeae s. l. whereas character species of the order Fagetalia are almost completely absent. It hosts several rare, often threatened species, such as Angelica palustris, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Trollius europaeus and Veratrum album.

Nowe stanowisko Ophioglossum vulgatum (Ophioglossaceae) w Beskidzie Sądeckim

New locality of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Ophioglossaceae) in the Beskid Sądecki Mountains. A new locality of the rare pteridophyte Ophioglossum vulgatum was found in the Radziejowa range of the Beskid Sądecki Mts in 2016. It was situated on the edge of a mountain alkaline fen, from where the only known Polish locality of Primula farinosa was described (ATPOL square EG3432) and where active conservation of this species is implemented. The population of O. vulgatum comprises 28 individuals; 13 of them developed sporophyl shoots. The measures undertaken to protect P. farinosa should support the survival of O. vulgatum as well.

Phytososological analysis of hydro ecosystems of the NDP «North Podillya»

It is substantiated that the territory of the NNP «Pivnichne Podillia» is unique in the phytososological meaning of the ecosystem — three species of plants (Cochlearia pyrenaica DC., Sesleria caerulea (L.) Ard., Spiranthes amoena (M. Bieb.) Spreng.) occur in Ukraine only here, the location of which was confirmed by us in 2017 new NNP ecotops of the Red Data Book of Ukraine were marked: Utricularia intermedia Hayne, U. minor L., Salix lapponum L., Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soo, D. majalis (Rchb.) PF Hunt et Summerhayes. A part of the species of the Red Data Book of Ukraine, found in literary sources, have been identified. The list of regionally rare plants of Lviv region is analyzed. There are 10 phytogroups of the Green Data Book of Ukraine. Rare wetland types of natural environments of the Bern Convention are presented. After further research, we recommend the inclusion of the following vulnerable, rare, endangered species of flora of wetlands and peatlands of the North Podillia: Drosera rotundifolia L., Lathyrus palustris L., Ophioglossum vulgatum L., Veratrum lobelianum Bernh., Lotus uliginosus L., Eriophorum gracile Koch, Parnassia palustris L., Triglochin palustre L., Blysmus compressus (L.) Panz. ex Link., to the fourth edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Ophioglossaceae (Psilotopsida) in Ukraine

Abstract The paper considers current ranges, population dynamics, habitats, threats and conservation measures of Ophioglossaceae of the Ukrainian flora. Only one specimen of Botrychium simplex was discovered in herbarium at the begining of the 19th century. Taxonomical status of Ophioglossum azoricum in Ukraine needs additional studies. Other species of the family remain rare in Ukraine; there are only two reliable current localities of B. virginianum, and seven of B. matricariifolium. The number of B. multifidum, B. lunaria and Ophioglossum vulgatum localities have been decreasing since 1980 in comparison with the previous period, especially in the lowland part of the country. This tendency is accompanied by a very low stability of well-known populations – only some of them have been occurring from before 1980 up to modern times. Current conservation of Ophioglossaceae species in the protected areas is insufficient; it is necessary to create some new and enlarge some of the existing nature protection areas and include Botrychium simplex and Ophioglossum vulgatum in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

A Gagea minima és a Dictamnus albus újrafelfedezése a Dél-Tiszántúlon, valamint további florisztikai adatok az Alföldről

A szerzők a 2011 és 2017 közötti időszakban az Alföldről gyűjtött floriszti­kai adataik közül az érdekesebbeket adják közre. A cikkben 49 faj, illetve hibridfaj előfordu­lását, élőhelyi körülmé­nyeit, esetenként a térségből ismert történetét mutatjuk be. További 13 faj esetében – azok természet­védelmi jelentősége miatt – a Magyarország edényes nö­vényfajainak elterjedési atlaszához (Bartha et al. 2015, a továbbiakban: „Flóraatlasz”) meg­jegyzések nélküli kiegészítéseket is közlünk. A tárgyalt adatok többsége a Gyula, Békéscsaba és Doboz térségében elterülő keményfás ligeterdőkből származik, emellett további szór­ványadatokat közlünk az Alföld számos pontjáról. Eredményeink közül legjelentő­sebbek a Dél-Tiszántúlról kipusztultnak vélt Dictamnus albus, illetve az „elfeledett” Gagea minima újra­felfedezése. Emellett több, az Alföld, illetve az adott közép- vagy kistáj flórájára új (pél­dául Draba muralis, Nicandra physalodes, Cystopteris fragilis), illetve regionálisan veszélyez­tetett faj adatát (például Inula helenium, Ophioglossum vulgatum) ismertetjük. Bemutatunk továbbá ritka gyomnövényeket (pél­dául Calepina irregularis, Cardamine impatiens), terjedő­ben lévő adventív fajokat (Chorispora tenella, Euphorbia maculata, Phytolacca americana, Ph. esculenta, Sicyos angulata), illetve az adott térségben feltűnően alultérképezett fajokat (pl.: Loranthus europaeus, Arabis hirsuta, Rumex confertus).

Current state and changes in Molinion meadows from Kostrze environs in Kraków

The study was carried out in the Kostrze housing estate in Krakow. In the 2015 vegetation season, 35 releves were taken with the Braun-Blanquet method. The aim of the study was to compile the current characteristics of the vegetation in intermittently wet Molinia meadows and to identify changes that occurred within 25 years. The analysed meadow stands comprised 129 species of vascular plants. The releves showed the presence of 17-50 species (on average 36). The characteristic species exhibited high abundance and high degrees of constancy. In total, 16 characteristic species of the alliance Molinion were recorded. Molinia caerulea , Galium boreale , and Sanguisorba officinalis were the dominant species in a majority of the analysed stands. The average number of species occurring in the purple moor-grass meadows in Kostrze is currently higher than 25 years ago (an increase from 28 to 36). The list of characteristic species has not changed substantially (three new species were noted: Betonica officinalis , Carex tomentosa , and Ophioglossum vulgatum ), and the differences in the floristic composition are mainly related to sporadic species. Abandonment of land use triggered succession and a decline in the surface area of the analysed meadows. Therefore, species characteristic for other habitats, primarily tree and shrub seedlings as well as expansive grasses ( Calamagrostis epigejos , Phragmites australis ) have appeared in these meadow stands.

Pteridophyte fungal associations: Current knowledge and future perspectives

AbstractCurrent understanding of the nature and function of fungal associations in pteridophytes is surprisingly patchy given their key evolutionary position, current research foci on other early‐branching plant clades, and major efforts at unravelling mycorrhizal evolution and the mechanisms underlying this key interaction between plants and fungi. Here we provide a critical review of current knowledge of fungal associations across pteridophytes and consider future directions making recommendations along the way. From a comprehensive survey of the literature, a confused picture emerges: suggestions that members of the Lycopsida harbour Basidiomycota fungi contrast sharply with extensive cytological and recent molecular evidence pointing to exclusively Glomeromycota and/or Mucoromycotina associations in this group. Similarly, reports of dark septate, assumingly ascomycetous, hyphae in a range of pteridophytes, advocating a mutualistic relationship, are not backed by functional evidence and the fact that the fungus invariably occupies dead host tissue points to saprotrophy and not mutualism. The best conclusion that can be reached based on current evidence is that the fungal symbionts of pteridophytes belong to the two fungal lineages Mucoromycotina and Glomeromycota. Do symbiotic fungi and host pteridophytes engage in mutually beneficial partnerships? To date, only two pioneering studies have addressed this key question demonstrating reciprocal exchange of nutrients between the sporophytes of Ophioglossum vulgatum and Osmunda regalis and their fungal symbionts. There is a pressing need for more functional investigations also extending to the gametophyte generation and coupled with in vitro isolation and resynthesis studies to unravel the effect of the fungi on their host.

Taxonomic notes on the New Zealand flora: lectotypes in the fern family Ophioglossaceae

Two lectotypes are chosen for basionyms relevant to New Zealand representatives of the fern family Ophioglossaceae—Ophioglossum vulgatum var. minimum Hook.f. and Ophioglossum minimum J.B.Armstr. This article is a contribution towards clarifying the taxonomic and nomenclatural status of New Zealand plants for the plant names database (Ngā Tipu Aotearoa) and the electronic Flora of New Zealand.

Small-flowered bittercress, Cardamine parviflora L. (Brassicaceae), a new species of the Croatian flora

Abstract Cardamine parviflora L. was discovered in April 2014 during the study of vascular flora and habitats in the area of Slatina (Slavonia region). It was found in a flooded forest of narrow-leaved ash, in the vicinity of the villages Medinci and Novi Senkovac. The species here grows in wet soil but partially submerged populations were also observed. It presents a new species of the Croatian flora and expands the floristic inventory of Slatina and its surroundings. Other valuable taxa have also been recorded in the area, such as Carex riparia Curtis and Ophioglossum vulgatum L.

Evolving insights to understanding mycorrhizas

Evolving insights to understanding mycorrhizas

Acaulospora pustulata and Acaulospora tortuosa , two new species in the Glomeromycota from Sierra Nevada National Park (southern Spain)

Two new Acaulospora species were found in two wet mountainous grassland ecosystems of Sierra Nevada National Park (Spain), living in the rhizosphere of two endangered plants, Ophioglossum vulgatum and Narcissus nevadensis, which co-occurred with other plants like Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens, Mentha suaveolens and Carum verticillatum, in soils affected by ground water flow. The two fungi produced spores in pot cultures, using O. vulgatum, N. nevadensis, H. lanatus and T. repens as bait plants. Acaulospora pustulata has a pustulate spore ornamentation similar to that of Diversispora pustulata, while A. tortuosa has surface projections that resemble innumerous hyphae-like structures that are more rudimentary than the hyphae-like structures known for spores of Sacculospora baltica or Glomus tortuosum. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences of the ITS and partial LSU of the ribosomal genes reveal that both fungi are new species within the Acaulosporaceae. They are most closely related to A. alpina and undescribed Acaulospora species. With 45–72 μm spore size, Acaulospora pustulata is the smallest Acaulospora species known so far, while A. tortuosa has slightly larger spores (61–84(–94) μm), which is in the range known for several other Acaulospora species like A. longula, A. alpina, A. nivalis and A. sieverdingii that have either smooth or pitted spore surfaces. These two fungi might play an important role in helping their endangered hosts O. vulgatum and N. nevadensis to survive under the stressed environments of the high mountains of Sierra Nevada.

Floristic study of Jang-do (Isl.) in Korea

We investigated the flora of Jang-do (Isl.), an island of the Heuksan archipelago, located in Heuksan-myeon, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do and discussed the remarkable plants found there. Thirteen-field trips (total 27 days) were completed from May of 2004 to May of 2013. As a result, we identified the distribution of 423 taxa in Jang-do (Isl.), comprising 104 families, 285 genera, 335 species, 78 varieties and 10 forms. There are a total of 95 taxa of floristic regional indicator plants. The floristic regional indicators are as follows; four taxa of level V such as Impatiens furcillata, four taxa of level IV such as Hosta yingeri, 14 taxa of level III such as Ophioglossum vulgatum, 5 taxa of level II, and 58 taxa of level I. In addition 10 red data plants, 2 vulnerable species (VU) including Calanthe striata for. sieboldii, and 4 least concern species (LC) like Ardisia crenata, 2 not evaluated species (NE) such as Hosta yingeri, were found in the investigated area. An unrecorded species, Fragaria (Rosaceae), was found in a forest of Jang-do (Isl.) for the first time in Korea.

Keratinocyte wound healing activity of galactoglycerolipids from the fern Ophioglossum vulgatum L.

The genus Ophioglossum consists of ferns with different therapeutic properties, including vulnerary virtues. The species Ophioglossum vulgatum L. is traditionally used on wounds and burns as an ointment, suggesting the occurrence of lipophilic compounds with tissue repair properties. We isolated and characterized a galactosyldiacylglycerol mixture (1), composed mainly of 1,2-di-O-linolenoyl-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-glycerol, from the frond dichloromethane extract. The wound healing properties of 1 were assessed in vitro on keratinocytes. Scratch wound assays showed increased wound closure rates in keratinocyte monolayers exposed to subtoxic doses, previously determined in cytotoxicity assays. The strongest effect, obtained at a dose of 5 μg/mL, approached that of a platelet lysate used in clinical settings. The use of inhibitors of the main cellular pathways involved in wound repair, revealed important roles for intracellular calcium and the ERK1/2 MAP kinase. Conversely, a PCR array of genes involved in wound healing showed an almost total absence of gene modulation. Taken together, the data suggest that 1 acts through a Ca(2+)-dependent, nongenomic mechanism involving the activation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase. Hence, 1 is a main candidate to explain the wound healing virtues of O. vulgatum ointment, and is proposed as a possible new drug in tissue repair and regenerative medicine.

Genetic Diversity in the Homosporous Fern Ophioglossum vulgatum (Ophioglossaceae) from South Korea: Inference of Mating System and Population History

It is generally believed that the members of Ophioglossaceae have subterranean, potentially bisexual gametophytes, which favor intragametophytic selfing. In Ophioglossaceae, previous allozyme studies revealed substantial inbreeding within Botrychium species and Mankyua chejuense. However, little is known about the mating system in species of the genus Ophioglossum. Molecular marker analyses can provide insights into the relative occurrence of selfing versus cross-fertilization in the species of Ophioglossum. We investigated allozyme variation in 8 Korean populations of the homosporous fern Ophioglossum vulgatum to infer its mating system and to get some insight into the population-establishment history in South Korea. We detected homozygous genotypes for alternative alleles at several loci, which suggest the occurrence of intragametophytic self-fertilization. Populations harbor low within-population variation (% P = 7.2, A = 1.08, and H (e) = 0.026) and a high among-population differentiation (F (ST) = 0.733). This, together with the finding that alternative alleles were fixed at several loci, suggests that the number and size of populations of O. vulgatum might have been severely reduced during the last glaciation (i.e., due to its in situ persistence in small, isolated refugia). The combined effects of severe random genetic drift and high rates of intragametophytic selfing are likely responsible for the genetic structure displayed by this homosporous fern. Its low levels of genetic diversity in South Korea justify the implementation of some conservation measures to ensure its long-term preservation.

Flavonoid Oligoglycosides from Ophioglossum vulgatum L. Having Wound Healing Properties

Two new glycosylated and acylated flavonols, viz. quercetin-3-O-[(6-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3) α-rhamnopyranoside]-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (2), and kaempferol-3-O-[(6-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3) α-rhamnopyranoside]-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (3), together with the known quercetin-3-O-methyl ether (1), were isolated from the aerial parts of the fern Ophioglossum vulgatum L. Their structures were established by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, as well as ESI-MS and ESI-HRMS spectra. Compounds 1-3 were all found to be active in scratch-wound healing assays on keratinocytes, with 3 being the most active one and showing maximum activity at 20 µM.

The Vascular Plants of Sinan-gun Jeollanam-do Korea - Aphae-do (Is.), Bigeum-do (Is.) and Docho-do Island -

The flora of Aphaedo (Is.), Bigeumdo (Is.), Dochodo (Is.) of Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do was studied over 2 sessions, with the 1st session conducted between May and June of 2011 and the 2nd session conducted between August and September of 2011. A total of 706 taxa belonging to 128 families, 419 genus, 621 species, 2 subspecies, 71 varieties and 12 forms, were observed. Among those observed, 379 taxa of 89 families were observed in Aphaedo (Is.), 459 taxa of 107 families were observed in Bigeumdo (Is.), and 382 taxa of 101 families were observed in Dochodo (Is.). A total of 6 taxa of plants unique to Korea, including Clematis brachyura Maxim. and Hepatica insularis Nakai were observed. In terms of rare plants as designated by the Forest Service, there were 2 critically endangered species (CR), including Salomonia oblongifolia DC. and Sarcanthus scolopendrifolius Makino, 4 endangered species (EN), including Ophioglossum vulgatum L. and Drosera peltata var. nipponica (Masam.) Ohwi and 13 vulnerable species (VU), including Pyrrosia hastata (Thunb. ex Houtt.) Ching and Euryale ferox Salisb., for a total of 34 taxa. There is an urgent need to protect these taxa, because they are located in areas of high risk of approach by men. In terms of ecologically significant species as designated by the Ministry of Environment, a total of 12 class-V taxa, including Albizia kalkora (Roxb.) Prain and Utricularia vulgaris var. japonica (Makino) Tamura, were observed sporadically. 6 class-IV taxa, including Cladium chinense Nees, were observed, and with the inclusion of class-I, II and III taxa, a total of 124 taxa were confirmed. 75 taxa belonging to 20 families of naturalized plants, which marks 10% of all the taxa observed during the study, were found, and 55 taxa were found in Aphaedo (Is.). It is assessed that there is a need to manage and continuously monitor the expansion of naturalized plants. Among the study sites, the Songgongsan (Mt.) region of Aphaedo (Is.) included a number of wetland plants, including Scleria caricina (R.Br.) Benth. and S. rugosa R.Br., and they are at high risk of damage as a result of continuous interference in the region.

Diversity of Pharmacological Properties in Chinese and European Medicinal Plants: Cytotoxicity, Antiviral and Antitrypanosomal Screening of 82 Herbal Drugs

In an extensive screening, the antiviral, antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties of extracts from 82 plants used in traditional Chinese medicine and European phytomedicine were determined. Several promising plants that were highly effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV)—a flavivirus used here as a surrogate in vitro model of hepatitis C virus, trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei brucei) and several cancer cell lines were identified. Six aqueous extracts from Celosia cristata, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Houttuynia cordata, Selaginella tamariscina, Alpinia galanga and Alpinia oxyphylla showed significant antiviral effects against BVDV without toxic effects on host embryonic bovine trachea (EBTr) cells, while Evodia lepta, Hedyotis diffusa and Glycyrrhiza spp. demonstrated promising activities against the HBV without toxic effects on host human hepatoblastoma cells transfected with HBV-DNA (HepG2 2.2.15) cells. Seven organic extracts from Alpinia oxyphylla, Coptis chinensis, Kadsura longipedunculata, Arctium lappa, Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng and Saposhnikovia divaricata inhibited T. b. brucei. Moreover, among fifteen water extracts that combined high antiproliferative activity (IC50 0.5–20 µg/mL) and low acute in vitro toxicity (0–10% reduction in cell viability at IC50), Coptis chinensis presented the best beneficial characteristics. In conclusion, traditional herbal medicine from Europe and China still has a potential for new therapeutic targets and therapeutic applications.

Védett növényfajok előfordulási adatai Észak-Somogyban

Between 2005-2011, distribution of protected plant species was mapped in the loess hills of Marcali-hát, the marshland of Nagyberek, the southern shorezone of Lake Balaton and Külső-Somogy hills (Somogy county). Altogether, 72 protected and 1 strictly protected species were recorded. 9 species (Menyanthes trifoliata, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Gymnadenia conopsea, Platanthera bifolia, Linum hirsutum, Aster amellus, Eleocharis uniglumis and Agrostemma githago) are new for the local flora.

Diversity of management practices required to ensure conservation of rare and locally threatened plant species in grasslands: a case study at a regional scale (Lorraine, France)

The Lorraine region, in northeast France, harbours 77 protected plantspecies whose main localities are in grasslands. About 80% of them are very rareor rare (less than 15 localities) in that territory and are threatened by changes inagriculture. These species occur in a large range of grassland habitats,reflecting variability of climatic, hydrological and edaphic parameters, butalso of agricultural practices. A more precise analysis of managementrequirements was carried out for seven of these species, Euphorbiapalustris, Aster amellus, Pulsatillaalba, Carex hordeistichos, Thalictrumminus ssp. majus, Botrychiummatricariifolium and Ophioglossum vulgatum, whichwere represented on a triangle whose corners correspond to grazing, cutting andno or very low exploitation. It confirmed the large diversity of managementpractices required to ensure conservation of rare and threatened grassland plantspecies, even at a local level. These appropriate conservation measures havetherefore to be carried out or, at least, monitored by specialized natureconservation organizations.

Assessing occurrence and habitat of Ophioglossum vulgatum L. and other Ophioglossaceae in European forests. Significance for nature conservation.

Ophioglossum vulgatum has been discovered in several Lorraine forests with numerous populations on Keuper clay substrata. In all these forests, it occurs in the same plant community type, a hygrophilic oak-ash forest belonging to the Carpinion alliance. O. vulgatum is present in all stages of the forest cycle, but it is most abundant in young succession stages. This misrecognized forest habitat of O. vulgatum represents a primary habitat for this species and also a refuge, in which it is much less threatened than in wet grassland ecosystems. A review is given of all published data related to this Ophioglossum in European forests and comparisons are made with the occurrence of other European Ophioglossaceae in forest communities, in particular Botrychium virginianum in boreal and subalpine forests and B. matricariifolium in montane and lowland forests.