Plant Specimens Research Articles

Imaging plant cell walls using fluorescent stains: The beauty is in the details.

Plants continuously face various environmental stressors throughout their lifetime. To be able to grow and adapt in different environments, they developed specialized tissues that allowed them to maintain a protected yet interconnected body. These tissues undergo specific primary and secondary cell wall modifications that are essential to ensure normal plant growth, adaptation and successful land colonization. The composition of cell walls can vary among different plant species, organs and tissues. The ability to remodel their cell walls is fundamental for plants to be able to cope with multiple biotic and abiotic stressors. A better understanding of the changes taking place in plant cell walls may help identify and develop new strategies as well as tools to enhance plants' survival under environmental stresses or prevent pathogen attack. Since the invention of microscopy, numerous imaging techniques have been developed to determine the composition and dynamics of plant cell walls during normal growth and in response to environmental stimuli. In this review, we discuss the main advances in imaging plant cell walls, with a particular focus on fluorescent stains for different cell wall components and their compatibility with tissue clearing techniques. Lay Description: Plants are continuously subjected to various environmental stresses during their lifespan. They evolved specialized tissues that thrive in different environments, enabling them to maintain a protected yet interconnected body. Such tissues undergo distinct primary and secondary cell wall alterations essential to normal plant growth, their adaptability and successful land colonization. Cell wall composition may differ among various plant species, organs and even tissues. To deal with various biotic and abiotic stresses, plants must have the capacity to remodel their cell walls. Gaining insight into changes that take place in plant cell walls will help identify and create novel tools and strategies to improve plants' ability to withstand environmental challenges. Multiple imaging techniques have been developed since the introduction of microscopy to analyse the composition and dynamics of plant cell walls during growth and in response to environmental changes. Advancements in plant tissue cleaning procedures and their compatibility with cell wall stains have significantly enhanced our ability to perform high-resolution cell wall imaging. At the same time, several factors influence the effectiveness of cleaning and staining plant specimens, as well as the time necessary for the process, including the specimen's size, thickness, tissue complexity and the presence of autofluorescence. In this review, we will discuss the major advances in imaging plant cell walls, with a particular emphasis on fluorescent stains for diverse cell wall components and their compatibility with tissue clearing techniques. We hope that this review will assist readers in selecting the most appropriate stain or combination of stains to highlight specific cell wall components of interest.

Plant interactions with arthropods and pathogens at Sanzenbacher Ranch, early Permian of Texas, and implications for herbivory evolution in Southwestern Euramerica

IntroductionThe Sanzenbacher Ranch deposit represents an early Permian plant assemblage in north-central Texas predominantly composed of pteridosperms, of which callipterids are dominant. This study investigates the interactions of a taxonomically broad range of plant hosts with insects, mites, and pathogens to assess the richness and frequency of damage.MethodsWe used standard methods of the functional feeding group--damage type system and analyses graphically illustrated as nonmetric multidimensional scaling.ResultsOf the total surface area represented, we quantified the fraction of the area herbivorized, providing a comparative perspective with regard to several similar studies of herbivory at nearby plant assemblages from the late Paleozoic. To assess insect herbivory, 1,361 plant specimens were analyzed, including fronds, leaves, reproductive structures, axes, and wood impressions. A total of 205 specimens presented one or more instances of insect herbivory (11.17%). Callipterid-peltasperms exhibited the highest number of interactions, with Autunia conferta, Rhachiphyllum schenkii, cf. Lodevia sp., cf. Comia sp., and an unidentified callipterid accounting for 49.34% of all interactions. Medullosans represented 10.53%, followed by lyginopterids with 8.55%. Forty-eight damage types (DTs) were recognized and classified into the nine functional feeding groups of hole feeding, margin feeding, surface feeding, piercing and sucking, oviposition, galling, seed predation, borings, and pathogens.DiscussionWhen compared to analogous late Paleozoic plant assemblages in Texas, Sanzenbacher Ranch exhibited almost all herbivore functional feeding groups, high richness of DTs, and low herbivory index of 0.26. This record shows high plant diversity in a seasonally dry environment that supports a trend of an early Permian increase in DT diversity in southwestern Euramerica. Sanzenbacher Ranch, different from other early Permian plant assemblages, sheds light on the dynamic ecological interactions of these ancient ecosystems.

Molecular approach for identification and validation of Eurycoma longifolia, Labisia pumila, and Orthosiphon stamineus in herbal products

BackgroundEurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia), Labisia pumila (L. pumila), and Orthosiphon stamineus (O. stamineus) are popular species known for their therapeutic properties. An increase in local demand for herbal products makes them susceptible to adulteration, which poses a risk to their safety and efficacy. Current identification methods, such as organoleptic, microscopic, and macroscopic analysis, need to be revised to identify plant species in highly processed herbal products due to their limited ability to detect morphological features and provide comprehensive plant taxonomy information.MethodsThis research objective was to develop a simple, reliable, and accurate DNA molecular identification method based on polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) for E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus, used to validate the species identification for herbal products. PCR–RFLP was developed for rapid identification using restriction enzymes TaqI, BamH I, HinfI, EcoRI, EcoRV, Mbol, and Mspl.ResultsThe nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences were identified and compared between plant specimens of E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus and 101 samples of commercial herbal products. Plant specimens of E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus were successfully identified with high similarity of 100%, 100%, and 99.33%, respectively, based on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The recovery of DNA sequences from the herbal products was 60.4%, of which 81.97% were identified, and 18.03% showed no sequence through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) identification.ConclusionA reliable approach for identifying and validating plant species in herbal products has been created using restriction enzymes. This simple and accurate PCR–RFLP approach efficiently identifies E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus by analysing ITS2 sequences, assuring consumer health and safety.

A Survey and Analysis of the History of Ernest Henry Wilson’s Specimen Collections in China

Since the mid-17th century, Western plant collectors have explored Asia, particularly China, to collect native species for economic and botanical development. Ernest Henry Wilson (1876–1930) stands among the foremost figures in this pursuit. He conducted five plant collections in China between 1899 and 1918, gaining recognition for numerous valuable ornamental species. However, precise details such as the total number of specimens, a comprehensive species list, and the collection locations remained elusive, hindering a thorough assessment of his scientific contributions. To address this gap, we compiled data from various online databases and relevant publications, constructing a comprehensive dataset encompassing species names, collection dates, locations, and additional pertinent information. Employing Python, we organized and translated the species names and locations, facilitating analysis of families, genera, species, and the completeness and preferences of his collection. The conclusions drawn from the available data include 19,218 specimens, with 11,884 collection numbers, belonging to 200 families, 1046 genera, and 3794 species (including 342 infraspecific taxa). Wilson exhibited a preference for woody and flowering plants, resulting in a collection completeness of 25%. His collection spanned seven provinces, 28 prefecture-level cities, and 38 county-level areas, underscoring his significant contributions to the global dissemination of Chinese plant knowledge. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the plant specimens collected by Wilson in China, investigating their taxonomy, distribution, and historical context and evaluating Wilson’s contribution to plant dissemination. The findings serve as a valuable reference for subsequent biodiversity research endeavors.

Floristic and conservation studies of pteridophytes of Maidan Region, Tirah, Khyber Agency, Pakistan

This study was designed to investigate the floristic diversity of the pteridophytes of Maidan Region, Tirah, Khyber Agency, Pakistan. The research activities were carried out in various phases. Before starting the field-related research activities, a detailed field program was designed. Information regarding the respective taxa was obtained through several field surveys. During field surveys, about 200 specimens were collected with proper information. The collected plant specimens were then authentically identified with internationally well recognized floras. Twenty-nine (29) species were identified under 7 genera and 6 families. Of these, one species, i.e., Asplenium hainanense was new to Pakistan. For families, Aspleniaceae was the dominant family with 17 species (58.62%). For the remaining families, less than 6 species were recorded for each. Asplenium was the largest genus with 17 species (58.62%). Altitude-wise, 7 species (24.13%) were recorded between 600-1500 m and minimum number of species were seen in the range between 4000-4500 m. Some promising threats, i.e., land modification for agricultural purposes, stone excavation, fire in the forest land, overgrazing, and deforestation were identified as causing adverse effects on the species explored. These factors should be reduced in order to protect the taxa from local extinction. Serious conservation measures are necessary to avoid eradication of the species from the study area.

The biocultural heritage and changing role of indigenous yams in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa

Societal impact statementGlobal yam production is centred on West Africa, but there are significant knowledge gaps about farm‐level diversity across much of the region, and especially in Guinea. Although yam production is increasing in Guinea, in the longer term, varietal diversity and the sustainability of agri‐systems are at risk. Documentation of local crop diversity is essential as a baseline to understand trajectories of past and future varietal loss. This study utilises interdisciplinary approaches, which are needed to help understand the ways historic crop diversity is created and maintained within indigenous agricultural and food heritage systems, as well as the reasons for its loss over time.Summary Yams are important staple foods in many tropical and sub‐Saharan countries. The ‘yam belt’ extends from Guinea to western central Africa. However, yam cultivation is comparatively little researched or documented in Guinea, and the country is commonly not included within descriptions of key yam growing areas in Africa. Our study utilises ethnobotanic methods and plant specimen collections to fill these gaps in West African yam research. Interviews with over 70 farmers from six villages across the Kankan region of Guinea provide information on yam cultivation and diversity, and changes in living memory over the past 40 years. We present the analyses of ethnobotanical data from Haute‐Guinée on yam cuisine, and commercialisation, and on changes to the range of varieties grown over time. The annual cycle of indigenous yam agri‐systems remains a key part of rural life, food systems and economy. However, interviews revealed dramatic temporal changes over the last 40 years. Although yam production has increased, a narrow range of commercial cultivars is currently displacing the historically‐rooted local diversity. The expansion of yam cultivation is regarded locally as having relied on a shift to more unsustainable and extensive land use, and with herbicides and chemical fertilisers replacing intensive organic soil management. This has implications for research and development in sub‐Saharan agriculture for yams and other important native West African crops in the future.

A Review on the Utilization of Herbarium Data in Phenological Research Addressing Climate Change Implications

In recent years, the profound impact of climate change on biodiversity has become increasingly evident, with significant consequences for critical life events in the natural world. It underscores the significant influence of climate variations on seasonal life events within the biotic environment of flora, such as blooming response, leaf growth, leaf senescence and fruit ripening. These phenological shifts, particularly in temperate and tropical ecosystems, serve as vital indicators of climatic changes. This review study delves into the intricate relationship of herbarium data for bridging the gap in plant phenological observation for the investigations on climatic change. This comprehensive literature review of 30 key research papers published in the past two decades, which focus on the utility of herbarium specimens as tools to document phenological changes, was critically analysed in this research study. Long-term observation of phenological data by various phenological observation networks has paved the way for advanced environmental analysis in climatic change studies. However, despite the importance of phenological data from field observation, its collection and long-term observation records, present challenges, emphasizing the need for spatiotemporal depth of phenological data. A noticeable gap in field data collection has hindered various studies reliant on plant phenological data. In response to these challenges, herbaria serve as invaluable repositories of plant specimens, boasting rich historical records spanning over a century, providing a deep spatiotemporal and taxonomic insight. Research findings indicate the fidelity of herbarium records to fill the gap in field observations, with no significant differences between the field observations and herbarium data, highlighting the reliability of herbarium data in capturing phenological information. Overcoming the challenges associated with extensive herbarium datasets, digitalization and the implementation of crowdsourcing platforms have emerged as effective strategies, granting researchers easy online access to these data. Moreover, it is evident that in Sri Lanka, there exists a research gap in utilizing herbarium data for phenological studies in climate change observation and the implementation of online accessibility for herbarium data, highlighting the need to address this gap in future research endeavours.
 
 Keywords: Climate change, Herbarium data, Biodiversity, Phenological data

Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial activity of extracts of Calpurina aurea, Vernonia amygdalina and Rumex nepalensis in Goba district, southeastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The great majority of the rural populations in developing countries relies on traditional medicinal plants for treating different diseases. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Calpurnia aurea, Vernonia amygdalina, and Rumex nepalensis collected from Goba District, Bale Zone, southeastern Ethiopia against five human bacterial test pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Plant specimens were extracted with 70% ethanol, 80% methanol, petroleum ether, and distilled water. The crude extracts were evaluated against test pathogens using agar well diffusion and micro dilution methods. The highest yield was achieved by aqueous extract of C. aurea leaf (16.6 mg/ml). The antibacterial activity of the plants’ extracts ranged from a zone of inhibition of 5.4 ± 0.4 mm to 23.0 ± 0.3 mm. Overall, the highest zone of inhibition (23 ± 0.3 mm) and the highest activity index (AI) comparable to 80% of inhibition by standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin (5 µg/disc) were revealed by the methanol extract of C. aurea leaves against S. aureus. The smallest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.78 mg/ml) was achieved by 80% methanol extracts of C. aurea roots and V. amygdalina leaves against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Our study revealed promising antibacterial activity of the evaluated plants.. Further studies are required to evaluate the active ingredients at the in-vitro and in-vivo levels.

Landrace diversity and heritage of the indigenous millet crop fonio (Digitaria exilis): Socio‐cultural and climatic drivers of change in the Fouta Djallon region of Guinea

Societal Impact StatementWhite fonio (Digitaria exilis [Kippist] Stapf) is an understudied millet crop, indigenous to West Africa and cultivated in the region largely through traditional practices. This species is climate‐resilient, fast‐growing, nutritionally rich, and provides livelihoods and food security to rural communities. Through collaboration with smallholder farmers in the Fouta Djallon region, Guinea, this study investigates how the diversity and selection of fonio landraces has changed in living memory. This research provides insight into how climatic and socio‐cultural changes affect the cultivation of fonio varieties and other indigenous crops, and why they should be conserved and further involved in rural development programmes.Summary The millet crop white fonio (D. exilis) isa staple crop feeding thousands of people across West Africa. The Fouta Djallon highlands region of Guinea is a hotspot for its cultivation, with known high genetic diversity. Our study utilises data from ethnobotanic interviews and plant specimen and seed collections, working with farmers from 15 communities in this region with the aim to investigate the diversity of landraces and popularity of fonio within the current agricultural systems, in the present, and changes over the past 50 years. A total of 24 named varieties of fonio were recorded and described, along with other commonly cultivated food crops. This includes two lost varieties now no longer cultivated. We also describe the methods for cultivation, grain processing and food preparation. The priority and popularity of cultivated fonio landraces, and other crops, has changed, due to the consequences of social and environmental change in living memory. The diversity of fonio landraces are maintained as an adaptation to historical climatic changes, and there is an increasing preference towards varieties with a longer growing period and more reliable high yield to the detriment of early season varieties.

Phytochemical study, antioxidant activity, and dermoprotective activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.)

Abstract Chenopodium ambrosioides, a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, is renowned for its toxic properties. Despite its toxicity, it has been traditionally utilized in various communities, particularly in pediatric contexts, for its vermifuge, antispasmodic, and antipyretic attributes. This study aims to unravel the phytochemical composition present in organic fractions and aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial components of C. ambrosioides. Furthermore, our objective is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts and fractions, coupled with a comprehensive examination of their toxicological effects. Polyphenols were quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, flavonoids via the aluminum trichloride reagent AlCl3, and tannins using the vanillin method. Identification of bioactive compounds within the plant specimen was accomplished through GC-MS spectrophotometric analysis. The assessment of antioxidant activity employed DPPH, ferric (Fe3+) ion antioxidant reducing power (FRAP), ABTS, and TAC methods, with quercetin, catechin, and ascorbic acid serving as standards. Dermoprotective activity was studied using the ultraviolet absorption test. The GC-MS analysis conducted on the aqueous extracts (EAI and EAM) and assorted fractions (FCH, FE, FB, and FA) revealed the presence of diverse chemical families encompassing alcohols, acids, terpenes, steroids, and phenolic compounds. The components identified in the investigated samples, including trans-ascaridol glycol, palmitic acid, phenol, octadecadienoic acid, isoascaridol, eicosanoic acid, 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, mexiletine, and thymol, are postulated as potential contributors to the observed antioxidant activity inherent in the plant extracts and fractions. Our findings highlight the remarkable antioxidant potential of Chenopodium ambrosioides, with the ethyl acetate fraction exhibiting the highest activity (IC50 = 0.54 mg/ml) in the DPPH test. In the FRAP and ABTS tests, the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions demonstrated superior activity (IC50 = 4.43 mg/ml, 12.9 mg/ml and IC50 = 1.6 mg/ml, 4.54 mg/ml, respectively). Conversely, the TAC test revealed that the macerated aqueous extract displayed the highest activity (316.33 mg Eq AG/g), followed closely by the n-butanolic fraction (250.67 mg Eq AG/g). These outcomes can be attributed to the abundant presence of phenolic compounds in the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions, as well as the macerated aqueous extract, playing a pivotal role in the observed antioxidant activity. Additionally, our investigation of the dermoprotective activity demonstrated robust efficacy in the ethyl acetate fraction (FE) and the n-butanolic fraction (FB) compared to the standard agents employed (ZnO and methyl salicylate). Overall, our comprehensive studies affirm that the extracts and fractions derived from C. ambrosioides manifest moderate antioxidant activities alongside significant dermoprotective potential, elucidated by the presence of phenolic compounds in moderate quantities within the plant.

Herbarium Apenninicum (APP): An Archive of Vascular Plants from Central Italy

The Herbarium Apenninicum (international code: APP), hosted in the Floristic Research Center of the Apennines (Abruzzo, Central Italy), is approximately composed of about 80,000 specimens of vascular plants; 66,352 of them are mounted with data labels and entered in a database. The specimens from the Abruzzo administrative region (Central Italy) correspond to more than half of the collection (57.8% of the specimens), while immediately afterwards, other neighboring provinces of central Italy follow. Outside of Italy, the most represented areas are Morocco and southern European countries. Most of the specimens were collected between 2001 and 2020; nevertheless, the herbarium also contains two historical collections from the end of the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century. The herbarium houses 146 types.

Nurturing Tradition and Nature through Odisha's Shraddha Rituals

Purpose of the Study: This research investigates the use of plant species in Odisha's Shraddha rituals, aiming to highlight the interplay between cultural traditions and biodiversity conservation. It seeks to understand how these rituals contribute to the preservation of the region's botanical heritage and the broader environmental sustainability. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, discussions with key informants, and direct observations, across both rural and urban areas of Odisha's coastal districts. A total of 167 informants from diverse backgrounds participated, providing comprehensive insights into the rituals and their associated flora. The research also involved collecting plant specimens and photographic documentation to enrich the understanding of these practices. Main Findings: Thirty-nine plant species across 24 families, crucial to the Shraddha rituals, were identified. Notable species like Areca catechu and Cocos nucifera emerged as symbols of the spiritual-nature bond in Odia culture. The study uncovers challenges such as overharvesting and habitat destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable harvesting practices and biodiversity conservation. Applications of this Study: The findings are instrumental for cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. They provide a framework for local communities and religious leaders to engage in sustainable practices and for conservation bodies to develop strategies that balance cultural traditions with ecological preservation. Novelty/Originality: This research is unique in its ethnobotanical approach to exploring the role of religious rituals in environmental conservation. Integrating cultural anthropology with botanical science offers new insights into how traditional practices can support biodiversity preservation. Its comprehensive analysis across both rural and urban settings in Odisha adds depth and relevance to the understanding of these rituals in contemporary society, making it a novel contribution to the field.

What is an Herbarium and How Does it Help Us Protect Biodiversity?

When scientists study plants, they often collect, preserve, and store parts of the plants in a big collection called an herbarium. These plant specimens serve as proof that a species was growing in a certain place at a certain time. Herbaria (“herbaria” is the plural of herbarium) are where scientists describe new plant species and study how different species are related. Herbaria also contain lots of information about where certain plant species grow, what type of habitats species like, and at what time of year plants bloom and make fruits. Finally, herbaria are powerful tools for helping us understand how plants are affected by disturbances like habitat destruction and climate change. For all of these reasons, herbaria allow us to better understand and protect plant species all over the world. To continue benefitting from herbaria, we need to keep collecting plants and make these collections accessible to the world.

Cheirostylis Blume (Orchidaceae): a new generic addition to the orchid flora of Manipur state, Northeast India

The genus Cheirostylis, belonging to the Orchidaceae family, is represented by numerous species distributed worldwide. In India, the genus is represented by 10 species, with two species reported from Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, and the remaining eight species from the Northwestern Himalayas and Northeastern regions. This study reports the occurrence of Cheirostylis griffithii Lindl. in Manipur, Northeast India, which is a new generic record for the state. The taxon was discovered in Pudunamei village and identified based on herbarium specimens and available literature. Detailed morphological descriptions and measurements were made using living plant specimens. The taxonomic treatment includes information on plant characteristics, distribution, and a comprehensive list of Indian Cheirostylis species. The species is a terrestrial orchid with fleshy stems, lanceolate bracts, pubescent flowers, connate sepals forming a tube, and a 3-lobed lip with deeply laciniate lobes. The occurrence of Cheirostylis in Manipur expands its distributional range within India. The study contributes to the documentation of the orchid flora of Manipur, which encompasses a diverse range of orchid taxa.

Middle Jurassic insect mines on gymnosperms provide missing links to early mining evolution.

We investigated the mining mode of insect feeding, involving larval consumption of a plant's internal tissues, from the Middle Jurassic (165 million years ago) Daohugou locality of Northeastern China. Documentation of mining from the Jurassic Period is virtually unknown, and results from this time interval would address mining evolution during the temporal gap of mine-seed plant diversifications from the previous Late Triassic to the subsequent Early Cretaceous. Plant fossils were examined with standard microscopic procedures for herbivory and used the standard functional feeding group-damage-type system of categorizing damage. All fossil mines were photographed and databased. We examined 2014 plant specimens, of which 27 occurrences on 14 specimens resulted in eight, new, mine damage types (DTs) present on six genera of bennettitalean, ginkgoalean, and pinalean gymnosperms. Three conclusions emerge from this study. First, these mid-Mesozoic mines are morphologically conservative and track plant host anatomical structure rather than plant phylogeny. Second, likely insect fabricators of these mines were three basal lineages of polyphagan beetles, four basal lineages of monotrysian moths, and a basal lineage tenthredinoid sawflies. Third, the nutrition hypothesis, indicating that miners had greater access to nutritious, inner tissues of new plant lineages, best explains mine evolution during the mid-Mesozoic.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, SW China

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Yi people in the Xiaoliangshan region in southwest China have a unique practice of combining ritual treatment and traditional medicine to care for patients. Despite increasing urbanization in the area, they have managed to preserve their distinctive lifestyle and extensive knowledge of traditional medicinal plants, setting them apart from other regions. However, there is a lack of systematic documentation on the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan. Aim of the studyThis research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Yi people and explore their therapeutic usages. 2. Evaluate and analyze the main types of diseases with a high incidence in the local area and identify the types of medicinal plants used to treat these diseases. 3. Explore the underlying geographical and human factors influencing both disease prevalence and medicinal plant usage. MethodsEthnobotanical research methods were used to record and analyze the medicinal plants used by the Yi in Xiaoliangshan. Experts identified all plant specimens collected during ethnobotanical field surveys. The types of diseases treated by medicinal plants were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care -2nd. ResultsA total of 125 medicinal plants were recorded after interviewing 193 participants. Of the medicinal plants identified, those with over 100 use reports were Paris polyphylla (202 use reports), Taxillus sutchuenensis (183), Artemisia indica (149), and Papaver somniferum (113). A total of 14 disease categories were recorded, with those related to the following categories having higher Informant Consensus factor values (ICF ≥0.85): Pregnancy, Childbearing, Family Planning, General and Unspecified, Urological, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Skin. The highest quantity of medicinal plants is utilized to improve specific diseases and health problems, namely those related to Digestion, Skin, and Musculoskeletal. Fewer plant species were utilized for diseases or health issues associated with Eyes, Psychological, or Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning. The use reports from the informants also revealed how some medicinal plants are used to treat a variety of diseases or health issues. For instance, Malva pusilla is used for inducing abortion, treating postpartum hemorrhage, and joint sprains; Artemisia indica is used for treating malaria; Argentina lineata is used to remedy tuberculosis and malaria. Taxillus sutchuenensis is used for dealing with cold, pneumonia, and other ailments. ConclusionsThe Yi people in Xiaoliangshan have a rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Decoction and wine brewing are the most common processing methods used for these plants, which are utilized to treat a wide range of diseases. The characteristics of the medicinal use of the Yi people reflects the alpine mountainous environment in which they live, and their medical practices are closely related to traditional healing culture. This study enhances our understanding of the Yi traditional medicine via documentation and offers a valuable reference for future research and the development of new drugs.

Preliminary phytochemical investigation in seeds of Tephrosia villosa (L.) Pers., plant specimen from Fabaceae family

Preliminary phytochemical investigation in seeds of Tephrosia villosa (L.) Pers., plant specimen from Fabaceae family

Ethnomedical uses of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. and Thomson in indigenous traditional medicine among Indonesia ethnic groups

Cananga odorata, commonly known as ylang-ylang, is an evergreen perennial tropical tree belonging to the Annonaceae family, which is traditionally and scientifically reported to have various pharmacological activities. This indigenous medicine study was carried out to document the traditional usage of C. odorata for medicinal reasons by Indonesian ethnic groups. This is one of numerous initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous knowledge and medical practices maintained by the community. Data were acquired during 2015 and 2017 through in-depth interviews with selected traditional healers from each ethnic group throughout 34 Indonesian provinces, who were chosen using a purposive sampling approach based on inclusion criteria. The information gathered includes the demographic data of healers, medicinal plants used, potions, and their applications for health purposes. Following the completion of the interview with the informant, specimens of medicinal plants were collected. Data quantification was accomplished by examining the value of plant parts and doing a simple ranking analysis for multihealth purposes. This study revealed 42 traditional applications of C. odorata by 36 traditional healers from 28 ethnic groups in 16 provinces to overcome 18 diseases. Cananga odorata was primarily obtained from the woodland instead of the house garden and other environments. Skin disease was identified as the most prevalent indication of C. odorata, in agreement with the most commonly employed administration method, the external route. Leaves became the foremost prominent plant part utilized by healers. This study emphasized the significant role of traditional healers in healing various illnesses with C. odorata and the variations in C. odorata ethnomedical usage as a traditional remedy in Indonesia. Nonetheless, cultivating initiatives should be started as more than 60% of identified C. odorata has yet to be grown. The study’s findings are likely to benefit various stakeholders, serve as baseline data for further studies on the efficacy and safety of C. odorata, and contribute to efforts for developing health products that employ C. odorata.

Development of interactive maps of geolocations of native plants of Kazakhstan and the living collections of the Mangyshlak experimental botanical garden

The purpose of this article is to identify problems, demonstrate results and assess the prospects for compiling interactive digital maps of native plants of Kazakhstan and the MEBG living collections, to be distributed through the Internet. Here we present four interactive maps: MEBG collections in the 10th sub-district of Aktau; herbarium specimens of plants from the Garden’s gene pool; samples of the herbarium of the natural flora of Western Kazakhstan and plants of the natural flora of Kazakhstan. Standard web programming languages are used to compile Internet maps. The creation of html pages and server versions of databases is carried out automatically in specially developed computer program modules. They are compiled in MEBS for the dry conditions of Mangistau.

Spatial patterns of congruence or mismatch between taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity and endemism of perennial flora along the aridity gradient of Chile.

Understanding the relationships between taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity and endemism across environmental gradients is essential for elucidating the eco-evolutionary mechanisms that shape local plant communities. A database was compiled from field surveys, national herbarium records, and virtual records of perennial plant specimens collected in the aridity gradient of northern Chile, between 18 and 32°S. A large-scale dated phylogeny of available perennial plants was used, and 11 functional traits were selected to construct a dendrogram using the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) method for the species present in our database. We calculated spatial patterns of a-diversity, including taxonomic (TD), functional (FD), and phylogenetic (PD) diversity, as well as weighted (WE), functional (FE), and phylogenetic (PE) endemism. We used multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to identify spatial congruencies and discrepancies among these dimensions and to test different eco-evolutionary processes. The diversity indices TD, FD and PD showed similar geographic patterns (R2 > 0.93), with lower diversity observed in absolute desert regions. The pattern of weighted endemism (WE) showed a weak association with functional endemism (FE) and phylogenetic endemism (PE) (local R2 < 0.48). The regions with lower FD or PD than expected given the TD (i.e. FD<TD and PD<TD) are mainly located in desert areas, as well as in high Andean areas influenced by the Atacama Desert, suggesting communities with associated in situ speciation processes, as well as a limitation of morpho-functional trait diversity in response to extreme environmental conditions (environmental filter hypothesis). Similarly, where FE and PE values are higher than expected given the WE (i.e. FE>WE and PE>WE), they are found in arid, high Andean and transitional zones, at different altitudes, which would indicate a greater presence of phylogenetic lineages and species with morpho-functional traits related to extreme environmental conditions and transitional biomes (arid-semiarid). These spatial discrepancies suggest different eco-evolutionary drivers between the dimensions of diversity and endemism (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic). Areas of high diversity and high endemism do not necessarily coincide, and both should be addressed by conservation efforts.