Pairs Of Leaflets Research Articles

Diversity and evolution of a trait mediating ant–plant interactions: insights from extrafloral nectaries in Senna (Leguminosae)

Plants display a wide range of traits that allow them to use animals for vital tasks. To attract and reward aggressive ants that protect developing leaves and flowers from consumers, many plants bear extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). EFNs are exceptionally diverse in morphology and locations on a plant. In this study the evolution of EFN diversity is explored by focusing on the legume genus Senna, in which EFNs underwent remarkable morphological diversification and occur in over 80 % of the approx. 350 species. EFN diversity in location, morphology and plant ontogeny was characterized in wild and cultivated plants, using scanning electron microscopy and microtome sectioning. From these data EFN evolution was reconstructed in a phylogenetic framework comprising 83 Senna species. Two distinct kinds of EFNs exist in two unrelated clades within Senna. 'Individualized' EFNs (iEFNs), located on the compound leaves and sometimes at the base of pedicels, display a conspicuous, gland-like nectary structure, are highly diverse in shape and characterize the species-rich EFN clade. Previously overlooked 'non-individualized' EFNs (non-iEFNs) embedded within stipules, bracts, and sepals are cryptic and may represent a new synapomorphy for clade II. Leaves bear EFNs consistently throughout plant ontogeny. In one species, however, early seedlings develop iEFNs between the first pair of leaflets, but later leaves produce them at the leaf base. This ontogenetic shift reflects our inferred diversification history of iEFN location: ancestral leaves bore EFNs between the first pair of leaflets, while leaves derived from them bore EFNs either between multiple pairs of leaflets or at the leaf base. EFNs are more diverse than previously thought. EFN-bearing plant parts provide different opportunities for EFN presentation (i.e. location) and individualization (i.e. morphology), with implications for EFN morphological evolution, EFN-ant protective mutualisms and the evolutionary role of EFNs in plant diversification.

Gilbertiodendron tonkolili sp. nov. (Leguminosae–Caesalpinioideae) from Sierra Leone

Gilbertiodendron tonkolili Burgt & Estrella sp. nov. (Leguminosae–Caesalpinioideae) is described and illustrated. The new species is endemic to a small area in central Sierra Leone. Gilbertiodendron tonkolili is characterised by leaves bearing 4–6 pairs of leaflets; stipules comprising a lower auriculate and an upper linear part, cream–white coloured bracteoles and a pale yellow adaxial petal. The fruits have a single longitudinal vein (sometimes a second partial vein). We assess G. tonkolili here as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) under the 2001 criteria of IUCN. We judge it to be morphologically closest to G. bilineatum which we confirm here as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU) and for which we also provide a full description and an illustration. A table of characters useful in differentiating the two species is given and a distribution map of both species is included.

Stipules are the Principal Photosynthetic Organs in the Papilionoid Species Lathyrus aphaca

Occurrence of stipules of different shapes, sizes and varying configurations, has been reported in species of many angiosperm families. However, the functions of stipules in the biology of plants that carry them remain to be understood. There is perception that stipules that have the green coloration of chlorophyll are photosynthetically active. Here, total photosynthesis in the stipules and leaves of Lathyrus aphaca was investigated, together with the nature of heteroblasty and relative morphology and anatomy of stipules and leaves in this species. At each of the hundreds of nodes in the extensively branched post-flowering stage plants of L. aphaca, more than 95 % of photosynthesis occurred in the foliaceous stipules. The leaves in the form of simple tendrils at the nodes accounted for <5 % of photosynthesis. The stipules of L. aphaca were about as effective in photosynthesis as the foliaceous stipules of af and AF pea (Pisum sativum) plants. The L. aphaca stipules possessed all the cells/tissues that characterized photosynthetic leaves, stomata in epidermis, palisade and spongy mesophyll parenchyma, and vascular bundles. The tendrilled leaves were devoid of palisade tissue. The embryonic nodes bore stipule pairs of small size and compound leaves comprising of a pair of leaflets. Several nodes, above the embryonic nodes, bore fully developed stipule pairs but vestigial leaves (tendrils). It was concluded that stipules are the principal photosynthetic organs in L. aphaca.

Mimosa foreroana (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae), a New Species from Nariño, Colombia

Abstract Mimosa foreroana , a new species of Mimosa sect. Mimadenia ser. Glanduliferae, is described and illustrated. It is apparently endemic to vereda Ijagui, in the Department of Narino, Colombia. This species is distinguished by a combination of characters, including minute glands on vegetative and reproductive structures, leaves with two to three pairs of pinnae and one to three pairs of leaflets per pinna, and short tub-shaped or trough-shaped nectaries near mid-petiole and close to the insertion of the pinnae and leaflets. In addition, scanning electron micrographs of the glands, a map of distribution, and a key to the species of Mimosa ser. Glanduliferae are presented.

Antihistaminic activity of Abrus precatorius using clonidine induced catalepsy in mice

Abrus precatorius Linn (Fabaceae) is a climbing shrub; leaves are pinnate with many pairs of leaflets. Leaves 5–10 cm long, leaflets 10–20 pairs, opposite, flowers are pink clustered. The roots, stems, and leaves contain glycyrrhizin, sweet in taste. Leaves are traditionally have been used in the treatment of fever, asthma and caries of teeth. Clonidine induces catalepsy by releasing histamine from mast cells which is responsible for different asthmatic conditions. The leaves of A. precatorius traditionally used for asthma, hence objective of present study was to evaluate antihistaminic activity of A. precatorius using clonidine induced catalepsy in mice. In present study ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves (EAPL) at doses 100, 125, 150 mg/kg i.p were evaluated for antihistaminic activity using clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy in mice. Finding of investigation showed that chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and EAPL inhibit clonidine induced catalepsy significantly P < 0.001 when compare to control group, while CPM fail to inhibit haloperidol induced catalepsy. Present study concludes that EAPL possesses antihistaminic activity.

Novitates Gabonenses 72. Haplocoelum gabonicum (Sapindaceae), a new species from Gabon and adjacent Congo

The new species Haplocoelum gabonicum Breteler (Sapindaceae) from Gabon and adjacent Congo is described and illustrated. Morphologically it is most similar to H. acuminatum Radlk. ex Engl. and H. congolanum Hauman. It differs from these species by foliar characters such as the non-alate rachis, the presence of a rudimentary lower pair of leaflets, and the entire acumen of its leaflets. These differences are summarised in a key. H. congolanum is synonymised under H. acuminatum. The latter species is lectotypified and its authorship corrected.

Important Morphological Characters in Several Species of Cassiinae (Leguminosae) in South-Western Nigeria

Macromorphological characters of some species of Cassia L. emend. Gaertner, Senna Miller and Chamaecrista Moench occurring in South Western Nigeria were studied. The aim was to search for stable, distinctive and diagnostic characters for the identification of these genera and their species. Qualitative characters were noted and recorded while quantitative observations were done by the use of a metric ruler and the measurements were taken to the nearest centimeters. The habit ranges from all shrubs in Senna, shrubs and herbs in Chamaecrista while the Cassia species studied are all trees. The shape of the leaflet apex varies in both Senna and Cassia species, while it is distinctly mucronate in Chamaecrista genus. Occurrence of foliaceous stipule in the genus Chamaecrista clearly separates it from Senna and Cassia, which are completely exstipulate. In general, other characters such as number of leaflet pairs, length and width of leaflets, leaflet base, and number of leaflets lateral nerves revealed generic distinctions. Others include the degree of hairiness in sepals, petals shape, types of inflorescence, fruit shape and fruit length. The attributes that delimits the species are mainly quantitative. The results of this investigation suggest macromorphological characters that clearly enhance the taxonomy of these genera and their species and they can be subsequently employed in their delimitation.

Acacia seedling morphology: phyllotaxy and its relationship to seed mass

Acacia, with over 1000 species, is the largest plant genus in Australia and is distributed throughout most of the continent. This work investigates seed mass and seedling phyllotaxy development in 287 species of this genus to better understand these important ecological and taxonomic traits. Seed mass varied over 100-fold with an average mass of 17.9 (range 2.1–308) mg per seed. Two common forms of seedling phyllotaxy were seen. The most common seedling development type displayed a pinnate first leaf with an alternate, bipinnate second leaf (pinnate : bipinnate). In the less common form, the first two leaves were pinnate and opposite each other (pinnate : pinnate). When compared with the phylogenetic tree of Acacia, the pinnate : pinnate state is more commonly resolved in taxa found at the basal nodes of the tree, but not exclusively. Overall, species with heavier seeds have more seedling leaflet pairs and pinnules. However, it was also found that the pinnate : bipinnate seedlings had more first leaf leaflet pairs than the pinnate : pinnate form. The pinnate : pinnate plants had an identical number of leaflet pairs on their first and second leaves. The number of leaflet pairs on the first leaf was highly correlated with the number of pinnules on a leaflet of the second leaf on the pinnate : bipinnate form. We discuss the phyllotactic variation within the Acacia phylogenetic context and possible developmental processes.

Infraspecific Delimitation of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Acacia senegal&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Fabaceae) in Uganda

The wide variation in Acacia senegal has presented taxonomic uncertainties and unresolved contradictions in previous studies. In this study numerical taxonomic principles and multivariate analysis (UPGMA PCoA and PCA) were used basing on 69 characters derived from growth form, branchlets, leaves, flowers, pods and seed. Three taxa, namely; variety senegal, leiorhachis and kerensis have been discerned and described significantly improving the delimitations of previous studies. The wide variation within var. senegal has been split into three recognizable variants and that of var. leiorhachis into two. The most important characters for differentiating the taxa include leaf breadth and length, pinna length and its ratio to pinna breadth, number of leaflet pairs, petiolar gland shape, petiolar and rachis gland size, stem and branch bark texture, stem and branchlet colour, under-bark colour for stem and branches, pod apical shape, growth form, crown shape, and prickly state of leaves. An identification key has been constructed which, for the first time, can be used to assign herbarium specimens to their respective taxa.

Zygia nubigena sp. nov. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) from a submontane cloud forest in western Ecuador

A new species, Zygia nubigena Stahl, L. Rico & G. P. Lewis (Leguminosae–Mimosoideae), is described from western Ecuador. It is characterized by large and very thick-walled fruits with coarsely alveolate-reticulate surfaces, spicate inflorescences, one (less common) or two pairs of pinnae per leaf and 4 or 5 pairs of petiolulate leaflets per pinna. In leaf features, Z. nubigena is similar to Z. steyermarkii (Schery) Barneby & J. W. Grimes from montane forest in southern Ecuador, but differs by having somewhat smaller flowers borne in long, many-flowered racemes (not 25–30-flowered capitulae). The fruits of Z. nubigena resemble those of Z. rhytidocarpa L. Rico (Honduras, Guatemala) and Z. megistocarpa (Barbosa) L. Rico (northern Peru), but Z. nubigena differs from both in vegetative and floral characters.

Relationship of leaf necrosis and defoliation to phosphorus and potassium concentrations in selected tissue and to certain fruit quality parameters of pecan

Pecan [ Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] trees developed necrotic areas in the leaves late in the growing season. July samples indicated that leaf P (0.114% DW) and K (0.62% DW) were low, but other elements were within accepted sufficiency ranges. Relationships between leaf P and K concentrations with nut quality and return bloom were determined. Trees were rated for leaf necrosis 1 October using a 1 (none)–5 (severe) scale. Fruit were harvested and analyzed for weight/nut, kernel weight, and kernel grade. Leaflet pairs collected 1 October from fruit bearing shoots were analyzed for N, P and K. Return bloom was determined on branches that bore fruit the previous year. Necrosis ratings were positively related to leaf N and negatively correlated with weight/nut; kernel, shuck and leaf P concentrations; and kernel and leaf K concentrations. Leaf, kernel and shuck P concentrations were positively correlated with weight/nut and percentage number 1 kernels. Leaf K was positively correlated with return bloom and weakly negatively correlated to weight/nut. Phosphorus was the primary element limiting fruit development and K shortage substantially reduced return bloom. Data support minimum pecan leaf standards in July for fertility recommendations of 1.0% K and 0.14% P.

Two New Species ofMahonia(Berberidaceae) from Yunnan, China

Two new species of Mahonia (Berberidaceae), M. dulongensis H. Li and M. lushuiensis T.S. Ying & H. Li, are described and illustrated from Yunnan, China. Mahonia dulongensis is morphologically similar to M. taronensis, but it differs in having 16-18 teeth on each leaflet margin side, adaxially with conspicuous lateral veins, and inflorescence of 11 fascicled racemes, 5-13 cm long, sometimes with branches. Mahonia lushuiensis is similar to M. polyodonta, but can be easily distinguished by its having 3-4 pairs of leaflets, adaxially with lateral veins flat or inconspicuous, and bracts of inflorescence ovate, 1 x 0.8 cm.

Astragalus ansinii sp. nov. (Fabaceae) from Turkey, and a contribution to the sectional taxonomy

Astragalus ansinii A. Uzun, Terzioğlu &amp; S. Palabaş‐Uzun, a new species from northeast Anatolia is described and illustrated. It belongs to Astragalus sect. Hypoglottis Bunge, but the characters in combination do not match completely with this section because the legumes, leaves and calyces are glabrous. This local endemic is known from two adjacent localities with several individuals. Astragalus ansinii is morphologically most similar to A. viridissimus but differs mainly by indumentum, numbers of pairs of leaflets and seed shape together with metric data related to calyx, standard and peduncle. Nuclear ITS was analysed in both species and was found to be highly similar. In addition, the seed morphology, distribution, conservation status and ecology of both species are discussed.

Astragalus sect. Trachycercis (Fabaceae) in Iran

A diagnostic key, and new data are provided for seven species of Astragalus sect. Trachycercis, which occur within the area covered by the Flora of Iran. Astragalus brevipedunculatus Ranjbar is described as new, and A. armeniacus Boiss. is reported as new for the flora of Iran. The micromorphology of the seed coat surface of ten Astragalus taxa has been studied by SEM. Considerably different types of sculpturing at species level and similarities between related taxa were observed. In addition, differences between A. sect. Trachycercis and the closely related sections A. sect. Erioceras and A. sect. Wettsteiniana are discussed. Astragalus durandianus, A. pseudoshebarensis and A. shebarensis, which all have strongly inflated pods, are transferred from A. sect. Erioceras to A. sect. Wettsteiniana. Astragalus brevipedunculatus sp. nov., described from a small region near Aras River in Iran, is the only geographically isolated species of the section. Members of the section prefer habitats from coastal dune climates of the Azarbaijan Sharqi Province to the Armenian and Azarbaijan frontiers, although possibly also growing in the adjacent southern parts of Armenia and Azarbaijan. Astragalus brevipedunculatus sp. nov. is the only species of the section in Iran and neighboring countries that has few pairs of leaflets and is completely glabrous. The new species should be considered as a ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) following the IUCN criteria. A distribution map for A. brevipedunculatus and A. armeniacus is presented.

Leaf development in Aralia elata in relation to the partial-shoot concept

Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. has large bipinnate leaves in which the rachis bears pairs of leaflets in the distal region and pairs of rachillae bearing leaflets in the proximal region. A supernumerary leaflet is also inserted on the rachis adjacent to each rachilla. The rachilla and supernumerary leaflet could perhaps represent an axillary/axillant relationship, in which case the whole leaf would have a notable similarity to a shoot system, and could lend itself to interpretation as a partial shoot system. The development of the leaf has been examined with this in mind. The supernumerary leaflets arise separately from, and later than the rachillae with which they are associated. It is concluded from this and other evidence, for instance the orientation of the plane of dorsiventrality of leaf components, that the resemblance of the leaf to a shoot system is coincidental. However the leaf can be interpreted along lines suggested by classical morphology as an example of a palmate-pinnate leaf, with the addition of reiteration of the palmate element at each cycle of initiation of supernumerary leaflets.

A morphometric analysis ofDaniellia(Fabaceae - Caesalpinioideae)

A multivariate morphometric study of Daniellia, an endemic genus of tropical and subtropical Africa, indicates that nine species may be recognized: D. alsteeniana, D. klainei, D. oblonga, D. ogea, D. oliveri, D. pilosa, D. pynaertii, D. soyauxii and D. thurifera. In our study we found that some characters, not previously studied in detail, were significant in species delimitation: petiole indumentum, petiole width, number and position of glands on the lower surface of the leaflets and presence or absence of glands at the insertion of each pair of leaflets. The rare and scattered material of D. pilosa and D. soyauxii made their classification uncertain, although some qualitative characters support their differentiation. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159, 268–279.

Effect of position and orientation of leaflet explants with respect to plant growth regulators on micropropagation of Zamioculcas zamiifolia Engl. (ZZ)

Micropropagation studies on Zamioculcas zamiifolia Engl. (ZZ) as to the position and orientation of leaflet explants and plant growth regulators were carried out. Explants consisted of leaflet lamina from the basal or apical part of the leaflet with or without petiolule or midrib that were placed vertically into the medium except for the explants with midrib from the basal part of the leaflet that were placed horizontally as well. The explants were cultured on solid Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with 30 g l −1 sucrose, supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 2 or 4 mg l −1 and 6-benzyladenine (BA) at 0 or 4.44 μM in all (four) possible combinations, or with 1-naphteleneacetic acid (NAA) at 0 or 5.38 μM and BA at 0 or 4.44 μM in all (four) possible combinations (establishment medium). The morphogenic response was direct from all types of leaflet explants and varied only with respect to different plant growth regulators of the medium: 2,4-D combined or not with BA formed somatic embryo-like structures; NAA alone produced tubers and roots; BA alone resulted mainly in leaves; NAA combined with BA produced mainly roots. The intensity of the response varied accordingly to the explant type and orientation. Explants with petiolule or midrib from the basal part of the leaflet showed the highest morphogenic response compared to explants without petiolule or midrib or to explants from the apical part of the leaflet, in all the plant growth regulator combinations used. Explants with midrib from the basal part of the leaflet placed vertically into the media showed higher morphogenic response compared to those placed horizontally on the medium surface. With the objective to regenerate plantlets, explants were subcultured on MS with NAA and BA at various concentrations based on the explant response in the establishment medium, taking into consideration the initial explant type. The initial explant type did not affect the response in the subculture. Most plantlets (a tuber with roots and one leaf with one pair of leaflets) were produced by explants with embryo-like structures induced in a medium with only 2,4-D. Explants with tubers induced in a medium with NAA gave plantlets at 65–85% when subcultured in a medium with 4.44 μM BA alone or in combination with 2.69 μM NAA. Explants with leaves induced in a medium with BA and explants with roots induced in a medium with NAA and BA gave plantlets at low percentages (20–40%). The best response was produced by explants with embryo like structures induced in a medium with only 2,4-D which gave plantlets at 100% when subcultured in the medium with 2.69 μM NAA and 2.22 μM BA. Plantlets raised in different treatments were transplanted ex vitro after 22 weeks and exhibited 80–100% survival.

Analyse de la variabilité morphologique chez huit populations spontanées dePistacia atlanticaen Algérie

To study the morphological variability within and among Pistacia atlantica Desf. populations, a comparative analysis was undertaken in eight wild populations grown under different climatic conditions in Algeria. This study addresses the morpho-biometrical aspect of the leaves and the fruits, as well as the micromorphological aspect of leaves. ANOVA as well as mean comparison of the morphological traits revealed a significant diversity within and among the populations. Furthermore, in the multivariate analysis, the populations were separated into four different groups through the discriminating variables: leaf and leaflet dimensions, number of pairs of leaflets, leaf wings, leaf smell and colour, terminal leaflet size and apex, and finally fruit colour and shape. These results showed the originality of the Algerian populations as compared with those commonly described for this species in the literature, in particular by the occurrence of wax on the leaves. The morphological variability exhibited by the Algerian populations of P. atlantica may be interpreted as relevant to the ecological plasticity and the physiological mechanisms discussed in this article.

Área de la hoja compuesta y variaciones de forma en los fitómeros de arveja (Pisum sativum L.) en respuesta a diferentes ambientes de Trópico Alto Andino

El tamaño de algunos órganos que conforman la planta varía de manera proporcional o isométrica con el crecimiento, lo cual facilita su evaluación y seguimiento con base en un mínimo de características. Otras estructuras presentan, bajo determinadas circunstancias, un patrón de crecimiento no armónico o anisométrico. Estas relaciones fueron evaluadas en la planta de arveja mediante cuatro ensayos, tres a campo abierto y uno bajo condiciones de invernadero, en ambientes de trópico alto andino. Como resultado, las hojas mostraron proporcionalidad isométrica en el tamaño de sus partes constitutivas (foliolos, pecíolo y raquis), mientras que las diferentes condiciones ambientales afectaron las relaciones de tamaño entre las hojas, los entrenudos y las vainas. Bajo invernadero, los entrenudos fueron más largos que a campo abierto para un mismo tamaño de hoja. Así mismo, las vainas de las plantas bajo invernadero fueron más pequeñas respecto de las plantas a campo abierto para una misma longitud de entrenudos. Estos resultados contribuyen a explicar parcialmente la forma como la planta distribuye los asimilados para formar estructuras y la influencia del ambiente en dichas relaciones morfológicas. El crecimiento isométrico de la hoja permitió establecer un modelo de predicción del área de la hoja compuesta de arveja con base en el área del primer par foliar y el número total de foliolos.

Microautoradiographic localisation of [3H]sucrose and [3H]mannitol in Robinia pseudoacacia pulvinar tissues during phytochrome-mediated nyctinastic closure

We have analysed the incorporation of [(3)H]sucrose and [(3)H]mannitol in pulvinar motor cells of Robinia pseudoacacia L. during phytochrome-mediated nyctinastic closure. Pairs of leaflets, excised 2 h after the beginning of the photoperiod, were fed with 50 mM [(3)H]sucrose or [(3)H]mannitol, irradiated with red (15 min) or far-red (5 min) light and placed in the dark for 2-3 h. Label uptake was measured in whole pulvini by liquid scintillation counting. The distribution of labelling in pulvinar sections was assessed by both light and electron microautoradiography. [(3)H]Sucrose uptake was twice that of [(3)H]mannitol incorporation in both red- and far-red-irradiated pulvini. In the autoradiographs, [(3)H]sucrose and [(3)H]mannitol labelling was localised in the area from the vascular bundle to the epidermis, mainly in vacuoles, cytoplasm, and cell walls. Extensor and flexor protoplasts displayed a different distribution of [(3)H]sucrose after red and far-red irradiation. Far-red light drastically reduced the [(3)H]sucrose incorporation in extensor protoplasts and caused a slight increase in internal flexor protoplasts. After red light treatment, no differences in [(3)H]sucrose labelling were found between extensor and flexor protoplasts. Our results indicate a phytochrome control of sucrose distribution in cortical motor cells and seem to rule out the possibility of sucrose acting as an osmoticum.