Ornamental Potential Research Articles

Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae): postharvest durability and potential as ornamental cut flower

The cut flowers segment has an important share in the Brazilian floriculture market. However, most of the species traded are exotic because of the severe lack of information about the ornamental potential of the Brazilian flora. On the other hand, a trend observed in landscaping and floriculture is the use of native species, leading to their conservation, propagation and valuation. This study aimed to analyze the potential of Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae), a species native to Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, as ornamental cut flower by evaluating postharvest durability, as well as morphometric and aesthetic parameters. Floral scapes were harvested and kept in containers with tap water. Morphometric measurements, evaluation of commercially important esthetic parameters, and monitoring of postharvest durability were performed. In addition, an online questionnaire was applied to potential consumers to assess the acceptance of the species as a cut flower. The vase life of A. distichantha floral scapes was 10.1 ± 1.5 days, which in addition to size, shape, structure, colors, and originality make them commercially viable as cut flower. The species was accepted by more than 90% of the potential consumers assessed. Therefore, A. distichantha has great potential for the cut flowers market.

Ornamental potential of the coastal plant Lapiedra martinezii Lag. (Amaryllidaceae): the role of its revalorization in xero-gardening and ex-situ conservation

Lapiedra martinezii Lag. (Amaryllidaceae) is an autumn-flowering geophyte that grows in coastal and sublittoral environments. The interests on this species has come out during the last decades due to its content in bioactive alkaloids and its conservational status. The aim of this work was to review the available information on L. martinezii and to assess whether it could be introduced as ornamental plant in xero-gardening. Therefore, the aesthetic traits were analyzed and compared to other cultivated and wild plants. Also, information on its ecological and propagation requirements were checked to discern whether it could be adapted under different production systems and culture conditions. In addition, other aspects were also analyzed to identify strengths and limitations of this species for its further revalorization as ornamental plant. The results obtained suggest that L. martinezii could be a good choice as foliage plant to grow it on gardens as an alpine bulb or pot plant. Moreover, it might be quite well adapted under different production and culture conditions in dry and semi-arid regions. The horticultural traits related to its germination and in vitro multiplication are interesting strengths to bear in mind for its industrial propagation and early domestication. Finally considered, the introduction in xero-gardening could also help in its ex-situ conservation. However, a more-in-depth research would be needed to finally introduce it in the ornamental plants’ market.

Generative propagation and fertilisation of Stipeae species - wild grasses with ornamental potential

The wild grasses are of increasing interest among landscape architects. The appropriate plant selection is crucial for the subsequent survival and growth of plants in grassy gardens. The aim of the experiment was to assess the influence of seed age (1–3-year old seeds) on the germination of three Stipeae species: Eriocoma occidentalis subsp. californica, Stipa pulcherrima and Hesperostipa curtiseta. The seed weight and germination percentage showed a decline over a period of seed storage. There was 31–84% (depending on species) loss in germinability of 3-year old seeds in comparison to 1-year old seeds. After germination, plants were repotted and treated with Osmocote (a slow-release fertiliser, N15 + P10 + K12). The results indicated that fertilisation significantly increased the number of roots, stems, leaf length, leaf dry weight, chlorophylls and proline content. None of the tested species flowered in the year of sowing but in the next growing season. Plants fertilised in the previous year formed more and of better quality inflorescence stems.

Anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing properties of the Tabebuia genus: A review

The Tabebuia genus is one of the largest genera of the Bignoniaceae family, comprising more than 100 species. One of its main representatives is the ipê tree, which is popularly known for their ornamental and logging potential. However, parts of the tree, such as the stem, leaves and flowers, are used in traditional medicine for anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis), anti-ulcerogenic, antiviral, antineoplastic, antimalarial and immunomodulatory purposes. The objective of the present study was to collate articles on the cicatrizing and therapeutic properties of species belonging to the Tabebuia spp genus.

SOME DICOTYL ENDEMIC PLANTS WITH THE POTENTIAL OF BEING AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT IN MERSIN

Flora of Turkey, which constitutes an important part of Turkey of biological diversity, ranks first among European countries. Flora of Turkey first among other countries in the world in terms of its endemism rate. Mersin province, which is located in the Mediterranean region, which is the richest region of Turkey concerning endemism, forms an important part of our country's flora and the Mediterranean in terms of floristic. The endemism rate of flora of Mersin province is approximately 23%. Today, when urbanization is increasing and the concentration in rural areas decreases, natural ingredients and plants are increasingly included in city life. For this reason, big cities and cities such as Mersin are trying to be integrated with nature or to include nature and its ingredients in city life. Unfortunately, most of the plants that are tried to be included in city life are not natural plants of our country but are mainly exotic dicotyledon ornamental plants of foreign origin. Some of these species are invasive and appear to threaten the natural ecosystem. For this reason, it is important in many aspects to include the species with natural distribution in Mersin to the landscape areas and urban ecosystem. Therefore, the natural ecosystem will not be damaged therewithal aesthetically valuable species can be considered ornamental plants. In this context, the spread of the species suggested in our study only in our country (and some only in Mersin) is of great importance in bringing these species to the ornamental plant sector. In this study, some of the dicotyl endemic plant taxa with ornamental plant potential were identified, and photographs of these taxa were presented. Thirty different endemic taxa belonging to 13 different dicotyl families identified are listed. It is seen that the endemic taxa we propose are not very aesthetically different from the taxa currently used in the landscape, and even some taxa are more striking than some exotic taxa evaluated in the landscape. In addition, the proposed list includes taxa with medical importance in the landscape and endemic taxa that can also be considered as honey plants, as well as ground cover and hedge plants. We anticipate that these taxa, which are the elements of the natural vegetation of Mersin, can be transferred to urban areas by taking inspiration from nature and prevent biological, ecological, economic, and even pathological problems caused by a significant part of exotic species.

SOME MONOCOTYLE ENDEMIC PLANTS WITH THE POTENTIAL OF BEING AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT IN MERSIN

Humanity has used plants for aesthetic purposes for centuries. Plants nowadays use cities for more livable habitats and similar purposes to satisfy the longing for nature of people who move away from nature due to increasing urbanization. So that plants attract attention as a commercial field plays a crucial role in economic development for many countries today. Our country, which is one of the richest geographies in terms of biodiversity globally, shows a total of 11466 plant taxa, 3800 of which are endemic. While the total number of plant species in all of Europe is around 12.000, in our country there are approximately 10.000 species. When the species and subspecies identified in recent years are added, around 12,000 taxa find natural habitats in our country. Mersin province is one of the important endemism centers of our country, with approximately 400 endemic species (endemism rate is approximately 23%). It is seen that the areas where geophytes spread intensively in the world are regions where the Mediterranean climate prevails, which is humid and warm in winters and dry and hot in summers. The Mediterranean Basin, where our country is located, is the second richest geophyte region in the world. Mersin province is one of the provinces located in the Mediterranean Basin. Within the scope of this study, it is to determine the usability of endemic plant species that are naturally distributed in Mersin province as ornamental plants and to ensure that they gain economic value in the ornamental plant market. For this purpose, in our study, some monocotyledon taxa that have an ornamental plant potential from endemic plant taxa in Mersin have been determined, and photographs of these taxa are presented. The recommended taxa are geophyte taxa, and the fact that they only spread in our country (some only in Mersin) is of great importance in bringing these species into the landscape as ornamental plants. A total of 20 endemic taxa belonging to 5 different monocotyledon families identified in Mersin were determined. The endangered extinction of some of these taxa proposed as ornamental plants is also of great importance in ensuring their generation by bringing them into the landscape with various production techniques.

Use of growth regulator in reducing the size of Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth.

Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. is a species with ornamental potential, highlighted by the orange color of the flowers and the formation of inflorescences in racemes. Because it is a native species and few plant breeding information, studies are needed to be used commercially, one of the aspects to be investigated is the reduction of its size for potting. The objective was to evaluate the influence of daminozide in reducing the size of Sesbania punicea. The seedlings were grown in 2.8 L pots containing substrate based on pine bark. A completely randomized design was used, with 3 treatments, 1 control, with 4 replications, 5 plants per plot. The treatments consisted of daminozide in doses of 2, 4 and 6 g L⁻¹ and control (water + 1 mL L⁻¹ adhesive spreader) that were sprayed using a 2 L accumulated pressure sprayer on the plants on the 22nd and 44th days after transplant. At the end of the experiment, height, stem diameter, dry matter of shoot and roots, chlorophyll a, b and total, number of leaves and internodes were evaluated. There were significant differences for plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant and shoot dry matter. It is concluded that the dose of 5.8 g L⁻¹ of daminozide showed superior results for the reduction the size of this species.

Ornamental potential of Schomburkgia crispa Lindl.

Abstract Orchids are one of the groups of plants with the greatest commercialization potential. They have floral characteristics highly valued in the sector of flowers and ornamental plants. However, exotics species are the most commercialized. The native species are still little explored for their ornamental potential. Thus, this work describes the vegetative and floral morphological characteristics of Schomburgkia crispa Lindl. aiming at evaluating its ornamental potential. For such, seven individuals were chosen. The quantitative characters were evaluated in all plants, totaling fifty pseudobulbs and eighty-eight flowers. During flowering, the most representative plant was chosen for the visual evaluation of its morphological features through photographs. A floral diagnosis sheet based on photos of fresh flowers was prepared by keeping the maximum level of morphological details. At the end of the experimental period, averages and standard deviations were calculated for each character evaluated. The species S. crispa presented, on average, plants 46.17 cm long, 31.50 cm wide, and with 88 cm of diameter. For flowering characters, the species presented in general 16.50 flowers per plant, 14.67 per flower stem, and 4.66 flowers opened per day, with an average durability of 32 days. Thus, we conclude that the species S. crispa has a great ornamental potential for use in ornamental horticulture.

The complete chloroplast genome of Callicarpa siongsaiensis Metcalf (Lamiaceae) from Fujian Province, China: genome structure and phylogenetic analysis

Callicarpa siongsaiensis Metcalf is a drought resistance shrub with ornamental potential. In this study, Illumina sequencing data were used to assemble the complete chloroplast genome of Callicarpa siongsaiensis. The length of the circular genome is 154,144 bp. It contains a total of 130 genes, including 87 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and seven rRNA genes. The GC content of the chloroplast genome of C. siongsaiensis is 38.09%. The phylogenetic analysis fully resolved C. siongsaiensis in a clade with C. formosana.

Development of Datura metel in different pot sizes

Datura metel L. belongs to Solanaceae family and presents medicinal and ornamental potential. The use of D. metel as an ornamental plant is still unexplored, however there is a need to gather more information about this species planting, especially for pot cultivation. This study aimed to verify the effects of different pot sizes in the development of D. metel, in order to enable the use of this species in the potted flower market. The work was conducted in a greenhouse at the Biotechnology Department located at Center of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba (CCA-UFPB), Areia, PB, Brazil. The experimental design used was completely randomized with 3 treatments (pot sizes: T1 = 0.82 dm3, T2 = 1.55 dm3 e T3 = 3.68 dm3) and 10 replications. The variables analyzed were: plant height, stem diameter, canopy diameter, number of ramifications, leaf length, leaf width, leaf number, flower number, flower length, flower diameter, chrolophyll a e chrolophyll b. The data obtained was submited to analysis of variance and later on clustered based Tukey’s test (5%). All the analyses were made on GENES software. There is variation between treatments for characteristics evaluated. Treatments 2 (1.55dm3) and 3 (3.68dm3) had similar values and the highest mean values for the characteristics of plant height, number of leaves and chlorophyll b. The size of the vase influences the development of the Angel’s trumpet (D. metel). Pot size influences D. metel development. The medium size recipient (1.55 dm3) is recommended for cultivation of D. metel because it presents ideal plant development, such as plant height and number of leaves, for use with ornamental species pots.

Exogenous 5-azaCitidine accelerates flowering and external GA3 increases ornamental value in Iranian Anemone accessions

The Anemone genus is a tuberous geophyte which undergoes a dormancy period during unfavorable environmental conditions for growth. Five species of the Anemone genus naturally grow in several regions of Iran. The diverse uses of Anemone in gardens for landscaping, cut flowers, and potted plants indicate its high ornamental potential. Its dormancy and flowering are influenced by various factors. The present paper was conducted to explore the flowering behavior of Anemone accessions in response to different pre-treatments. For this purpose, tubers of 18 Anemone accessions (A. coronaria and A. biflora) were collected from natural regions of six provinces in Iran. These tubers were subjected to different conditions of non-chilling (20 °C, 90 days), chilling (4 °C, 90 days), GA3 (150 mgL-1; 24 h), and 5-azaCitidine (5-azaC; 40 µM; 24 h) prior to the cultivation. Most of the accessions were able to enter the flowering stage without chilling. The shortest period for the sprouting of tubers (16.89 ± 7.83 days) belonged to 5-azaC pre-treatment. In addition, this treatment accelerated the flowering time (about 30 days earlier) and diameter of the stem, bud, and flower. Morphological characteristics, such as stem height, number of leaves, bud, and petal and the longevity of flowers on the plant were significantly affected by GA3 pre-treatment. Our results indicated a positive correlation between flower length, stem height, and stem diameter with flower longevity under different pre-treatment conditions. The present study demonstrated that accessions Anm3, Anm12, and Anm18 had ornamental values higher than the population mean across four conditions.

Meiotic analyses of Passiflora L. parents and interspecific F1 hybrids (HD15 progeny)

Passiflora F1 hybrids, with ornamental potential, were confirmed via GISH and analyzed for meiotic compatibility. This study aimed to analyze the meiotic behavior of P. gardneri Mast. and P. gibertii N.E. Brown and four interspecific hybrids resulting from this cross, with the aim of inferring genetic compatibility between parents and the implications of hybridization on the hybrids’ genomes. Flower buds were collected for classical cytogenetic studies and anthesis flowers for pollen viability (PV) using (1) Alexander's solution and (2) fluorescein diacetate. Pollen grains were counted, measured and identified as viable or unviable, with the PV considered to be low. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) technique was used in prophase I. Analysis of meiotic behavior showed bivalent formation among the homologous in the parents and homeologous in the hybrids; some irregularities were found, such as lagging chromosomes, asynchrony, spindle fiber irregularities and chromosomal bridges. Post meiosis resulted in anomalous cells such as monads, dyads, triads and polyads. All results were subjected to analysis of variance, with significant differences for all analyses between hybrids, with the exception of monad formation. GISH confirmed the hybrid character and pairing between homeologous chromosomes. The results obtained in this study established the degree of homology between the parent species through analysis of chromosome pairing and chiasma formation, confirmed by GISH. Both parent species showed potential for use as paternal parents.

Cryopreservation and low-temperature storage of seeds of Tillandsia species (Bromeliaceae) with ornamental potential.

Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) species have high endemism, and due to their strong ornamental potential, predatory extraction is threatening the extinction or drastic population reduction of many of them. In light of this scenario, it is necessary to find strategies for the conservation of these endangered species. The objective of this study was to evaluate two seed preservation strategies (freezing at - 5°C and cryopreservation at - 196°C) for 20 Tillandsia species occurring in the state of Bahia. We initially evaluated the morphometry, thousand-seed weight, and water content, followed by tests of germination and desiccation. After selecting the best result of the germination test (Germitest paper and incubation at 30°C) and desiccation (3h on silica gel), we established conservation tests utilizing two temperatures (freezing at - 5°C and liquid nitrogen at - 196°C), with storage times of 1, 7, 30, 180 and 450days. Analysis of variance indicated that the 20 species had different behaviors when submitted to the two temperatures and different storage times. After 450days there was a reduction in the germination percentage and germination speed index (GSI) of all the species studied when the seeds were preserved in the freezer. The storage in liquid nitrogen was efficient for the preservation of Tillandsia seeds when dried to a moisture content of approximately 7%. Our results support the establishment of a cryobank for Tillandsia to conserve these endemic species.

Ornamental flora of the Cerrado in landscape architecture: a portrait of its practical application

Abstract The rich diversity of the Cerrado flora has great ornamental potential, however it is barely present in Landscape Architecture projects in Brazil and incipient in the commercial market. The study sought to systematize part of the knowledge generated by the experiences of eight professionals who work in the Landscape Architecture field and are part of a spontaneous and growing movement that seeks the development of management techniques and a language referenced by phytophysiognomies of the Cerrado, especially its savannas and grasslands. Information was gathered from semi-structured interviews with eight professionals with practical experience in introducing Cerrado flora species in Landscape Architecture projects and analyzed to identify motivations, composition and language aspects, most-used species, technical aspects of implementation and management and perceptions of market and production chain. Reiterated points were mapped and categorized. Interviews revealed efforts to develop a compositional language referenced by the Cerrado with a predominance of herbaceous species and high species diversity in keeping with the contemporary naturalistic Landscape Architecture movement. A list of 84 potentially ornamental species used by interviewees was compiled. Difficulties and market impasses were identified. Much needed strategies for increasing Cerrado flora species use in Landscape Architecture are: engagement of society via environmental education, communication and marketing; research on Cerrado soil and ecology for species selection; qualification of labor; advocacy for public policies including promotion of production chains, research and education.

The effect of foliar application of abscisic acid on increasing drought stress tolerance in Lavandula angustifolia cv. Munstead Organic

The medicinal plant Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is cultivated all over the world due to its economic and ornamental potential and its wide application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. To investigate the effect of abscisic acid foliar application on increasing drought stress tolerance in Munstead Organic cultivar, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block with three replications in the Faculty of Plant Production of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran in year 2016-2017. Experimental treatments were considered at four levels of irrigation regimes (including 90-100, 70-80, 50-60, and 30-40% of field capacity(FC)) and three levels of abscisic acid foliar application (including zero, 15, and 30 mM/l). Data analysis showed that the highest percentage of the essential oil (1.18%) was obtained in 15 μM abscisic acid and 30-40%FC. While the highest yield of the essential oil (0.055 g/plant) was related to the application of 30 μM abscisic acid in 70-80%FC. The category of the essential oil components also showed that out of 26 identified components, six compounds were hydrocarbon monoterpene, 10 compounds were oxygen monoterpene, six compounds were hydrogen peroxide and four components were oxygen sedimentation. With increasing drought, stress, the amount of hydrocarbon and oxygen monoterpene compounds decreased, but hydrocarbon and oxygen sesquiterpene compounds increased. The results also showed that the highest amount of limonene (10%) was obtained from adding 15 μM abscisic acid in irrigation of 70-80%FC. The highest amounts of camphor (10.47%) and bernoulli (51.58%) were achieved in complete irrigation and non-use of abscisic acid. However, the highest amounts of cariofillenoxide (7.80%) and α-Muurolene (24.90%) was observed in 30 μM abscisic acid and 60-50%FC and in 30 μM abscisic acid and 30-40%FC, respectively. Overall, it was found that foliar application of abscisic acid under drought stress 30-40%FC, could increase the percentage of the essential oils and sesquiterpene compounds to cope with drought conditions in lavender.

Reproductive biology of Kalanchoe laetivirens (Crassulaceae) in the edaphoclimatic conditions of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Crassulaceae of the Kalanchoe laetivirens species have ornamental potential, but are poorly studied, especially their reproductive biology and trophic resources made available to visitors. The aim of this study, therefore, was to characterize the reproductive system of K. laetivirens through analyses of floral morphology, trophic resources and floral visitors. Floral structures, pollen / egg ratio, in vitro pollen germination, pollen grain structure in scanning microscopy and the availability of trophic resources by the evaluation of potential and instant nectar were described. The survey of floral visitors was carried out, and the pollen and nectar collection frequencies were recorded. The results show that the species has tubular flowers, complete with tetramer calyx and corolla, eight epipetalous stamens and four pistils with pluriovulated ovaries. Based on pollen / ovule ratio, this species is optionally autogamous. Morphologically, the pollen grain is small, tricolporate and has radial symmetrywith in vitro germination facilitated in the presence of sucrose (20%). Visitors mostly collected pollen with the highest frequency of visits at 9:30 am. The production of instant nectar had little variation between the evaluated times. The results are relevant to the understanding of the reproductive biology of Kalanchoe laetivirens and its relationship with floral visitors.

Regeneration potential and development of propagation protocol for the threatened Himalayan herb Incarvillea emodi (Royle ex Lindl.) Chatterjee (Bignoniaceae)

Incarvillea emodi is the only herbaceous member of family Bignoniaceae which is endemic to the Western Himalaya. The species is highly habitat specific and its population is gradually declining from all the reported localities of its occurrence. Since it is having both medicinal and ornamental potential, therefore different propagation protocols have been experimented with for mass scale propagation and conservation of this species.

Diversity of Loricariidae (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) assemblages in two Conservation Areas of the Middle Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon, and their suitability for sustainable ornamental fisheries

Abstract The Xingu River has one of the most diverse fish faunas in the Amazon region. Loricariidae stands out as the most diverse family in the basin, comprising more than 60 species distributed over 26 genera. Species of Loricariidae are some of the most economically valued in the ornamental market worldwide. The loss of fishing environments in Altamira region due to dam impacts is driving a shift of ornamental fishing to areas upstream, among which are included the Xingu River and Iriri River Extractive Reserve Areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to inventory fish species with ornamental potential in these extractive reserves to serve as a baseline to help guide the future management of ornamental fishing in those areas. Thirty-two species of Loricariidae were collected in these reserves through either free diving or diving with compressed air. The composition of species varied according to the sampling method and area. The majority of species found in the reserves are also found in the impacted areas of Belo Monte near Altamira. The study areas showed high diversity of fish species in rapids environments, suggesting that this area could serve as an additional source of income for the residents of these reserves.

Fenología y potencial ornamental de Euphorbia fulgens Karw. ex Klotzsch en México

Euphorbia fulgens Karw. ex Klotzsch es una especie cultivada como planta de ornato principalmente en Europa. En México no se cultiva, a pesar de ser nativa y microendémica. El objetivo fue describir su fenología bajo condiciones de invernadero y evaluar su potencial ornamental. Se sembraron 50 semillas obtenidas de tres poblaciones silvestres; se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 30 individuos, se utilizó la escala BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) para registrar las etapas fenológicas y se determinó el tiempo térmico. El potencial se definió con base en valores estéticos y su probable adaptación a cultivo. Se registraron siete estados fenológicos principales; las etapas de floración y fructificación se traslapan durante el periodo invierno-primavera. La etapa de plena floración se observó a los 239 DDS y fueron necesarias 3,680 °C día-1. Los valores estéticos fueron ramas arqueadas con inflorescencias atractivas de colores naranja a rojo brillante y fácil adaptación a cultivo. La especie tuvo un ciclo con floración de calidad y una vida de más de 15 días.

Photography as a Construction Material beyond its Ornamental Potential

Photography as a Construction Material beyond its Ornamental Potential