Racemose Inflorescences Research Articles

Impatiens jangjeonense (Balsaminaceae), a new species from South Korea

Impatiens jangjeonense (Balsaminaceae), a new species is reported from the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do province in South Korea. The plant shows morphological affinities with I. hambaeksanensis by means of elliptic or rhomboid-elliptic leaf blade, racemose inflorescence with erect rachises, and white or pinkish-white flower with yellowish and purplish spots, but differs from the latter by bigger flower 1.6–3.9 × 1.1–2 cm vs. 2–2.6 × 1.1–1.6 cm, and spur tip mainly 1- or 2-coiled and deeply biparted vs. mainly non-coiled and slightly biparted. Detailed description of the species along with its colored photographs are provided.

Reproductive Morphology and Success in Annual versus Perennial Legumes: Evidence from Astragalus and the Fabeae (Papilionoideae).

The third largest angiosperm family, Leguminosae, displays a broad range of reproductive strategies and has an exceptional practical value. Whereas annual legume species are mostly planted as crops, there is a significant interest in breeding and cultivating perennials. It is therefore of importance to compare reproductive traits, their interactions and the resulting productivity between related annual and perennial species. Two highly variable taxa were chosen for this purpose, the Fabeae tribe, including numerous temperate crops, and the largest angiosperm 'megagenus' Astragalus. A dataset of quantitative reproductive traits was composed of both originally obtained and previously published data. As a result of statistical analysis, we found that perennials in both groups tend to produce more flowers per axillary racemose inflorescence as well as more ovules per carpel. Perennial Astragalus also have larger flowers. Only a part of the developing flowers and ovules gives rise to mature pods and seeds. This difference is especially pronounced in small populations of rare and threatened perennials. Numerous reasons underlie the gap between potential and real productivity, which may be potentially bridged in optimal growing conditions.

Morpho-histology of co-occurrence of somatic embryos, shoots, and inflorescences within a callus of Limonium 'Misty Blue'.

This is the first attempt to report the co-occurrence of somatic embryos, shoots, and inflorescences and their sequential development from stem cell niches of an individual callus mass through morpho-histological study of any angiosperm. In the presence of a proper auxin/cytokinin combination, precambial stem cells from the middle layer of a compact callus, which was derived from the thin cell layer of the inflorescence rachis of Limonium, expressed the highest level of totipotency and pluripotency and simultaneously developed somatic embryos, shoots, and inflorescences. This study also proposed the concept of programmed cell death during bipolar somatic embryo and unipolar shoot bud pattern formation. The unique feature of this research was the stepwise histological description of in vitro racemose inflorescence development. Remarkably, during the initiation of inflorescence development, either a unipolar structure with open vascular elements or an independent bipolar structure with closed vascular elements were observed. The protocol predicted the production of 6.6 ± 0.24 and 7.4 ± 0.24 somatic embryos and shoots, respectively, from 400 mg of callus, which again multiplied, rooted, and acclimatised. The plants' ploidy level and genetic fidelity were assessed randomly before acclimatisation by flow cytometry and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) marker analysis. Finally, the survivability and flower quality of the regenerated plants were evaluated in the field.

Carexqingyuanensis (Cyperaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China.

Carexqingyuanensis, a new species of Cyperaceae from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Carexpeliosanthifolia F. T. Wang & Tang ex P. C. Li, but it can be distinguished by the racemose inflorescence branches appearing single (rarely binate or ternate) (vs. binate or ternate), one (rarely two or three) (vs. 1-3) spiked, male part of linear-cylindrical spikes much longer than the female part (vs. just male part short-cylindrical and slightly longer than female part), style base thickened (vs. not thickened) and perigynium horizontally patent with a short (vs. long and excurved) beak. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the two nuclear DNA regions (ETS 1f and ITS) and three chloroplast DNA regions (matK, ndhF and rps16), suggests that the new species belongs to sect. Siderostictaes.s. of subg. Siderosticta and shows a closer phylogenetic relationship to Carexscaposa C. B. Clarke.

Indigoferajintongpenensis (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Indigofereae), a new species from Yunnan, southwest China.

Indigoferajintongpenensis, a new species of the subfamily Papilionoideae of Fabaceae, is described and illustrated from Yunnan, southwest China. The new species is characterised by having a prostrate habit, flexible stems and branches, as well as spreading, sub-basifixed, asymmetrically 2-branched trichomes covering the entire plant, discoid calyx, and racemose inflorescences 6-8-flowered, short, 1-2 (-3.5) cm in length, apparently shorter than the leaf. A distribution map and comparison of morphological diagnostic characters with its morphologically similar species are provided. Additionally, a preliminary conservation assessment of I.jintongpenensis is proposed following IUCN criteria.

Campanula bergomensis (Campanulaceae), a new species from Bergamo Prealps (Northern Italy)

A new species of Campanula (Campanulaceae), C. bergomensis sp. nov., is described from the Bergamo Prealps (Orobic Prealps, Lombardy, Northern Italy), based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The new species was considered in the past as an isolated population of C. cespitosa, which presents an eastern Alpine distribution. C. bergomensis is morphologically well distinguishable from C. cespitosa on the number of flowers in the racemose inflorescence, the corolla shape, and the whitish-yellow pollen surface with many spinulae. Genetically, the presence of an insertion of 81-bp in the trnL-F sequences is very characteristic. Further studies are needed to better define the phylogenetic relationship among the three closely related species, C. bergomensis, C. cespitosa and C. cochleariifolia. C. bergomensis inhabits dolomitic debris cones at low elevations. The species is range-restricted and is severely threatened by human activities. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt protection and conservation measures for the new species.

Новые таксоны секции Strictae рода Corydalis (Fumariaceae) из северо-западного Китая и Монголии

Two new species and one variety of genus Corydalis DC. were described, based on the results of the analysis of herbarium collections LE. C. bejschanica Mikhailova, originated from Humboldt Ridge, differs from C. qilianshanica Mikhailova by plant size, simple racemose inflorescence and style length. C. nodosa Mikhailova var. glaucа Mikhailova from Xinjiang differs from the type variety by glaucous leaves with large segments. C. gobica Mikhailova is distributed in Mongolia, and differs from C. adunca Maxim. by grooved nodose stems, simple racemose inflorescence and seeds with peripheral rib; it differs from C. stricta Stephan ex DC. by small bracts and upward directed pedicels.

Taxonomic studies in Colombian Picramniaceae (Picramniales): new species of Aenigmanu, Nothotalisia and Picramnia from the Pacific and Magdalena Valley regions

Three new species of Picramniaceae from Colombia are described and illustrated; Aenigmanu chococola from the Pacific region is the second species of the previously monotypic genus, known only from the Amazon region. In addition to its allopatric distribution, the new species is mainly recognisable by its wide leaf blades, which are basally convex and commonly apically emarginate at the very tip, and long bracts on the pistillate inflorescences. Nothotalisia karsticola and Picramnia vinacea are from karst areas in the Magdalena Valley; the former is mainly recognisable by its long inflorescences, pistillate inflorescences in racemes, staminate flowers with long petals and anthers apically mucronate, whereas the latter is mainly recognisable by its racemose inflorescences in both staminate and pistillate plants, pedicel length in staminate flowers, filaments shorter than the petals and glabrous fruits. We also include notes about their taxonomic affinities, habitat, geographical distribution, phenology, etymology and conservation status. A key for species of Nothotalisia is provided.

Molecular phylogeny and inflorescence evolution of Prunus (Rosaceae) based on RAD-seq and genome skimming analyses

Prunus is an economically important genus widely distributed in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Previous studies on the genus using a variety of loci yielded conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses. Here, we generated nuclear reduced representation sequencing data and plastid genomes for 36 Prunus individuals and two outgroups. Both nuclear and plastome data recovered a well-resolved phylogeny. The species were divided into three main clades corresponding to their inflorescence types, - the racemose group, the solitary-flower group and the corymbose group - with the latter two sister to one another. Prunus was inferred to have diversified initially in the Late Cretaceous around 67.32 million years ago. The diversification of the three major clades began between the Paleocene and Miocene, suggesting that paleoclimatic events were an important driving force for Prunus diversification. Ancestral state reconstructions revealed that the most recent common ancestor of Prunus had racemose inflorescences, and the solitary-flower and corymb inflorescence types were derived by reduction of flower number and suppression of the rachis, respectively. We also tested the hybrid origin hypothesis of the racemose group proposed in previous studies. Prunus has undergone extensive hybridization events, although it is difficult to identify conclusively specific instances of hybridization when using SNP data, especially deep in the phylogeny. Our study provides well-resolved nuclear and plastid phylogenies of Prunus, reveals substantial cytonuclear discord at shallow scales, and sheds new light on inflorescence evolution in this economically important lineage.

New records of two alien plants, <i>Juncus torreyi</i> (Juncaceae) and <i>Egeria densa</i> (Hydrocharitaceae) in Korea

Naturalized populations of two alien plants were newly found, and we describe their morphological characteristics and habitats with photographs. One is a member of Juncaceae, <i>Juncus torreyi</i> Coville, and was newly found at a pool of a beach in Gangwon-do. This rush is native to North America and belongs to the sect. <i>Ozophyllum</i> (subgen. <i>Juncus</i>) according to certain morphological characteristics, such as its racemose inflorescence, the absence of floral bracteole, and unitubular leaves with perfect septa. <i>J. torreyi</i> is easily distinguishable from Korean rushes by its long rhizomes with swollen nodes and globular head with 25–100 flowers. Its introduction into Japan and Europe was reported, but the ecological risk associated with its over-dispersal is not known. The other alien plant is a submerged plant, <i>Egeria densa</i> Planch. (Hydrocharitaceae), which was found in streams in Gyeongsangbuk-do and ditches in the Busan-si area, both of which being in the watershed of the Nakdong River. <i>Egeria densa</i> is similar to <i>Hydrilla verticillata</i> (L.f.) Royle, which is native to Korea. However, it is distinguished from <i>H. verticillata</i> by its larger flowers and lack of overwintering organs. This alien plant is native to South America and was introduced for aquarium gardening and naturalized around the world. <i>Egeria densa</i> is treated as a malignant weed due to its asexual reproduction and rapid growth. Size changes and the number of populations of <i>E. densa</i> must be investigated.

Preliminary Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Study of the Stem Bark of Berberis Aristata DC

Introduction: Berberis aristata DC. (Daruharidra) is the shrub of 8 feet in height. The root is woody thick and the bark is thin and brittle. B. aristata DC. have simple leaf arrangement. Flowers are numerous with racemose inflorescence. Fruits are small berry. Ethnobotanically, the plant is used in hepatic-related diseases, especially in jaundice, enlargement of the spleen and as an emmenagog. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity. Berries are used as laxative and antiscorbutics. Aim: The following study is based on the pharmacognostical and phytochemical study of B. aristata DC. Subjects and Methods: B. aristata DC. were collected from natural habitat and authenticated properly. TS, LS section of B. aristata DC. and powder microscopy of it were studied. The extractive values, pH values, moisture contents, and ash values were calculated. Rf value of the sample drug was also calculated. Results: The bark of B. aristata DC. is yellowish brown. The pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and thin layer chromatography of the drug sample were done, and values were evaluated. Conclusion: From the pharmacognostical study of the stem bark of B. aristata DC., there is cork which is thin-walled brown cells. Presences of starch grain, yellow coloring matter, trichomes in elongated cells, 'V-shaped vascular bundles are the diagnostic characteristics of B. aristata DC. Dragendorff's test positive signifies the presence of alkaloids in B. aristata DC. extract.

Wikstroemiafragrans (Thymelaeaceae, Daphneae), a new species from Mount Danxia, China based on morphological and molecular evidence.

A new species, Wikstroemiafragrans (Thymelaeaceae, Daphneae), from Danxiashan National Park, Shaoguan, Guangdong of China is described and illustrated. It is similar to the sympatric W.trichotoma, but can be differentiated easily from the latter by its shorter racemose inflorescences, yellowish green calyx tube, and smaller leaves. It also resembles the allopatric W.fargesii, but differs from it by its strigose-pubescent ovary and disk scale that is 2- or 3-dentate apically. Phylogenetic analysis using the nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed that W.fragrans falls within the Wikstroemia clade; based on current sampling, W.fragrans is closely-related to W.capitata. It is also the first species of Wikstroemia known to be endemic to the Danxia landform and is classified provisionally as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

 Polygonatumpraecox (Asparagaceae), a new species from mid-eastern China revealed by morphological and molecular evidence.

A new species, Polygonatumpraecox Y.F.Hu & J.W.Shao (Asparagaceae), is described and illustrated. This species is similar to P.cyrtonema, P.odoratum and P.caulialatum, but can be distinguished from P.cyrtonema by its racemose inflorescence, cylindrical hairless filaments and apex without a retrorse spur; from P.odoratum by its stout moniliform rhizome, straight stem and longer (1.7-2.2 cm long) floral tube; and from P.caulialatum by its upper part straight stem, yellowish-green corolla, lobes excurved and earlier flowering. The complete chloroplast genome of this new species is 155,115-155,256 bp in length. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P.praecox is not genetically related to the above three morphological similar species, but is closely related to the two European species (P.multiforum and P.latifolium). This species is relatively common in mid-eastern China and has previously been confused with P.cyrtonema. As its wild resources have decreased in recent years due to over-exploitation for medicinal or edible purposes, we classify it as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List Criteria.

A new species of Impatiens and updated checklist of Balsaminaceae in Nepal.

Impatiens nimspurjae (Impatiens, Balsaminaceae), a new species from Nepal is described based on molecular data and morphological characters. Notes on the diagnostic characters used to distinguish it from allied taxa are provided. I. nimspurjae is closely related with taxon belonging to sect. Racemosae (I. harae, I. radiata, I. wallichii, I. urticifolia) in having many-flowered racemose inflorescences, lateral sepals 2 (very rarely 4 with inner 2 reduced), capsule linear, seed ovoid, but differs by its sessile leaves, upper lobe of lower united petal not truncated, spur flattened at base. With the discovery of this new species and five species new records to Nepal, a checklist of Balsaminaceae having 57 species (8 endemic) in Nepal is updated. An identification key to the species of Imaptiens in Nepal is also provided.

Comparative Morpho-Anatomical Investigation of Leaves of Triumfetta tomentosa Boj. and Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq.

The plant species Triumfetta tomentosa Boj. and Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq using Standard procedures were investigated on morphological characters. The morphological assessment of the species revealed great similarities in their habit, indumentum, nature and type of stem and leaf apices. The differences were seen in their habitat and the number of flowers in the racemose inflorescence. In the foliar anatomy of the species, anisocytic stomata type, the presence of stellate trichomes on both surfaces and the presence of calcium crystals were common in both species. The differences existed in the amphistomatic distribution in T. rhomboidea and hypostomatic distribution in T. tomentosa. The number, length and width of the stomata, stomata pore and guard cells, the number, length and width of the epidermal cells of and the length of trichomes varied greatly in both species. A combination of morphological and anatomical data alongside others bring about authentication in the delimitation of taxa.

Taxonomic Studies on Malagasy Dalbergia (Fabaceae). III. Two New Species from Southeastern Madagascar and an Emended Description of the Rosewood Species Dalbergia maritima

Abstract— The Malagasy rosewood species Dalbergia maritima has a long history of unsustainable exploitation for its beautiful, burgundy-colored heartwood. As currently circumscribed, D. maritima has a wide geographic distribution in eastern Madagascar and exhibits significant morphological, ecological, and genetic variation, suggesting it may comprise more than a single entity. Multivariate analyses of leaf, flower, and inflorescence characters as well as eco-geographic features reveal several morphologically well delimited entities with distinct habitat preferences and/or geographic ranges, which are consistent with results from recent phylogenomic and population genomic studies of Malagasy Dalbergia. Based on these findings, we describe and illustrate two new species from southeastern Madagascar comprising material previously assigned to D. maritima, viz. D. pseudomaritima, characterized by paniculate inflorescences and small, broadly elliptic to orbicular, glabrous leaflets, and D. razakamalalae, distinguished by racemose inflorescences with large flowers, and narrowly ovate to narrowly elliptic, glabrous leaflets. Dalbergia maritima is consequently re-circumscribed to include only populations from east-central Madagascar, within which we recognize two subspecies, D. maritima subsp. maritima, with glabrous leaves, inflorescence axes, and gynoecia, occurring in littoral forest habitats, and D. maritima subsp. pubescens, with indument on these structures, and growing in evergreen humid forest farther inland. Photos are provided for each taxon, along with line drawings for the two new species. Provisional IUCN Red List assessments indicate that all three species are Endangered, D. maritima and D. razakamalalae mainly because of selective logging for trade in their high-quality heartwood, and D. pseudomaritima primarily because of habitat degradation due to land clearing and fire for subsistence agriculture, which has important implications for their conservation and sustainable management.

Molecular phylogenetics of Sorocea (Moraceae)

Sorocea (Moraceae) includes approximately 25 species with a Neotropical distribution and can be recognized by being shrubs to dioecious trees with paired or solitary racemose inflorescences in the leaf axils. The number of species and the phylogenetic position of this genus are divergent according to different studies. In this work, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Sorocea including species after Berg’s study of the genus for the Flora Neotropica. We analysed 42 accessions of Moraceae (34 taxa), including all tribes, being 21 accessions of Sorocea (13 taxa). The phylogenetic analyses were based on plastid (trnL-F) and nuclear (ITS 4-5 and FA16180b) markers using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The analyses of the combined data strongly supported the monophyly of Sorocea and its position in the Moreae tribe. The genus can be divided into three major well-supported clades, for which we described novel morphological characteristics. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses suggest the ressurection of S. jureiana, S. klotzschiana, S. racemosa and S. uaupensis as species.

Cunoniaceae infructescences from the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco flora, Patagonia, Argentina.

Two distinct types of fossil infructescences from the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco flora, Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina, preserve features of the family Cunoniaceae. The goal of the study was to assess their affinities within Cunoniaceae and to interpret their evolutionary and biogeographical significance. Specimens were collected from the Tufolitas Laguna del Hunco, Huitrera Formation. They were prepared, photographed, and compared morphologically with similar extant and fossil fruits and infructescences using published literature and herbarium material. The fruit and infructescence morphology place the fossil taxa within Cunoniaceae. They do not conform to any extant genus, supporting the erection of two new fossil genera. Racemofructus gen. nov. shares diagnostic features of the tribe Cunonieae, especially Weinmannia s.l., and exhibits two tribal morphological synapomorphies: a racemose inflorescence and a replum composed of a single column. Cunoniocarpa gen. nov. specimens are paniculate inflorescences with basipetally dehiscent, bicarpellate capsules that have persistent styles and calyces. Its replum morphology suggests an affinity to the tribe Caldcluvieae, particularly to the genus Ackama. The new Patagonian fossils described herein constitute the oldest record of cunoniaceous capsules globally, supplementing a significant body of fossil evidence from pollen, wood, and reproductive structures from southern South America and Antarctica that suggests that the Cunoniaceae were diversified and widely distributed in the southern hemisphere by the early Eocene. Racemofructus and Cunoniocarpa are, respectively, the first fossil records from South America of reproductive structures with affinity to tribes Cunonieae and Caldcluvieae.

Primulalongipilosa (Primulaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China.

Primulalongipilosa from SW Yunnan, China, is described as a species new to science and illustrated. The systematic placement of this new species is also discussed based on an nrITS molecular tree. It is morphologically most similar to P.mollis, but differs from the latter in its racemose inflorescence, green calyx tube, pink to pink rose corolla, stamens at 1/3 length above the base of the corolla tube and applanate globose capsule.

Etnofarmakološka upotreba petrovca (Agrimonia eupatoria) u Pirotskom okrugu (Srbija)

Agrimonia eupatoria is perennial herbaceous plant from family Rosaceae, characterized by pinnate leaves, and yellow spike-like racemose inflorescences. It flowers from June to September, and above ground part of plants are collected for medicinal purposes. Survey on participants' knowledge and use of medicinal plants in the Pirot County was carried in the form of interviews in four municipalities: Pirot, Babušnica, Bela Palanka and Dimitrovgrad. Out of the total number of respondents, which amounted to 631, it was noted that 34 people knew the use of common agrimony. The largest number of respondents mentioned common agrimony against the group of urinary diseases (19 reports). A small number of respondents have mentioned the use against prostate disease (6 reports) and treatment of wounds (5 reports). Five reports against the group of digestive tract diseases were recorded. The results were compared with other ethnopharmacological studies from Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula. The following applications of common agrimony were not mentioned in previous ethnopharmacological investigations in Serbia and Balkan Peninsula: for circulation, for the heart, against varicose veins, catarrh of the stomach, for colon, for the stomach, bile, liver, prostate disease, against kidney and urinary tract sand, and diseases of internal organs.