Red Corollas Research Articles

Molecular and morphological support for transferring the tropical African species of Gnidia to Lasiosiphon (Thymelaeaceae: Thymelaeoideae) and a worldwide synopsis of the species

Lasiosiphon Fresen. (Thymelaeaceae: Thymelaeoideae) is now understood to be a morphologically diverse genus distributed across southern and tropical Africa, Madagascar, and India. It is diagnosed morphologically by ± involucrate, mostly pedunculate heads of pentamerous or tetramerous flowers, with or without petaloid scales, and a bright yellow, orange, or red corolla. The taxonomic history of Lasiosiphon has been marked by several revisions in its circumscription and status, particularly regarding its relationship with Gnidia L. Our phylogenetic analysis of nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, rbcL, rps16 and trnL-F) regions of an expanded sampling of the tropical African species of Gnidia provides compelling supporting evidence for existing morphological evidence to include all the tropical African species of Gnidia in Lasiosiphon. We accordingly provide 31 new combinations in Lasiosiphon for species of Gnidia that currently lack combinations in that genus. We also provide a comprehensive nomenclator of all currently recognized Lasiosiphon species at the regional level encompassing their distribution across different geographic regions globally. This will serve as the framework for future taxonomic revisions in the genus.

Yield and morphological characteristics of cloves from Semarang plantation, Indonesia

Abstract Cloves, originating from Indonesia’s Moluccas Islands, have spread across various regions over time. Semarang, Central Java, is a notable clove production center, showcasing distinct advantages. Despite originating in the 1980s, Semarang’s clove production remains robust, boasting longevity and high yields. This study focuses on Semarang’s clove plantation, which belongs to the Samyo Rahayu Farmers Group in Gebugan Village, Bergas. The research aimed to evaluate clove yield and morphological traits. The methodology involved selecting high-yield blocks followed by the selection of mother trees. Morphological characteristics like canopy shape, stem dimensions, leaf attributes, and inflorescence traits were examined. Additionally, GC-MS analysis identified oil chemical components. Findings revealed an average plant height of 11.72 m and trunk circumference of 115.55 cm. Canopy shape primarily exhibited a cylindrical form with 1-3 main branches. Leaves displayed green, glossy, and smooth textures upon maturity, transitioning from reddish to bright red in their young shoots, with petiole length of 2.17cm, leaf length of 10.96 cm, and leaf width of 4.39 cm and ratio 2.5. Inflorescences followed a short type, with pink to red mature flower tubes, rounded or slightly pointed corollas, and distinctive red corollas – characteristics typical of the Zanzibar type. Inflorescences were characterized by short arrangements, with an average of 12-20 flower buds per inflorescence. There were tree-to-tree fresh flower yield fluctuations between 40 to 100 kg. Dried clove bud with water content 5.73-6.82 % contained oil 14.67 – 17.96 %. Essential oil compounds analysis indicated the presence of 15-20 chemical components, with eugenol constituting over 70%, signifying its primary compound. This population may be recommended as genetic material for breeding high-yielding cloves.

RHODODENDRON ASTROPHORUM (ERICACEAE, RHODODENDRON SECT. SCHISTANTHE), A NEW MICRO-ENDEMIC SPECIES FROM CENTRAL PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

A new micro-endemic species of Rhododendron is described and illustrated from botanical expeditions to the Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range on the island of Palawan. It closely resembles Rhododendron wilkiei but differs in having leaves with laminae that are narrowly elliptic-oblanceolate, have adaxially indistinct venation, and are arranged in 4–8 active and mostly terminal pseudowhorls along the length of the stem; bracts without scales on the margin; yellow flowers with a red corolla tube interior that is densely hairy towards the base; and hairy anther filament bases. Morphological and geographical data place the species in Rhododendron sect. Schistanthe. The new species, together with a first record of Rhododendron vidalii on Palawan as part of this research, represent the tenth and eleventh members of this genus recorded from the island. A revised key to the Palawan species of Rhododendron is provided.

Gesneriatuberifera (Gesneriaceae), a new lithophytic species from the Sierra de Bahoruco, Barahona Peninsula of southern Hispaniola (Dominican Republic).

A narrowly endemic new species of Gesneria is described from the Sierra de Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic's Barahona Peninsula of southern Hispaniola. Gesneriatuberifera J.L.Clark & T.Clase, sp. nov. differs from all other congeners by the presence of a tuber and tubular red corollas with yellow lobes. Images and a discussion are provided to summarize the presence of tubers in other Gesneriaceae and differentiate Gesneriatuberifera from congeners that share a lithophytic habit. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status of Endangered (EN) is assessed for G.tuberifera.

HaMYBA-HabHLH1 regulatory complex and HaMYBF fine-tune red flower coloration in the corolla of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunflowers are well-known ornamental plants, while sunflowers with red corolla are rare and the mechanisms underlying red coloration remain unclear. Here, a comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics on flavonoid pathway was performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential color formation between red sunflower Pc103 and two yellow sunflowers (Yr17 and Y35). Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed higher anthocyanin levels but lower flavonol content in Pc103 compared to the yellow cultivars. RNA-sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified multiple genes involved in the flavonoid pathway, including series of structural genes and three MYB and bHLH genes. Specifically, HaMYBA and HabHLH1 were up-regulated in Pc103, whereas HaMYBF exhibited reduced expression. HaMYBA was found to interact with HabHLH1 in vivo and in vitro, while HaMYBF does not. Transient expression analysis further revealed that HabHLH1 and HaMYBA cooperatively regulate increased expression of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), leading to anthocyanin accumulation. On the other hand, ectopic expression of HaMYBF independently modulates flavonol synthase (FLS) expression, but hindered anthocyanin production. Collectively, our findings suggest that the up-regulation of HaMYBA and HabHLH1, as well as the down-regulation of HaMYBF, contribute to the red coloration in Pc103. It offers a theoretical basis for improving sunflower color through genetic engineering.

A morphometric approach and recircumscription of the Stachytarpheta longispicata complex (Verbenaceae)

The Stachytarpheta longispicata complex is a group of seven accepted infraspecific taxa endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado, defined by its pedicellate flowers with salmon or dark red corollas. Due to the great morphological variation and very brief original descriptions, these taxa have controversial circumscriptions. We evaluated the morphological variation through the morphometric analysis of 11 natural populations in addition to nomenclatural types to assess the current infraspecific circumscriptions and clarify the limits of these taxa. A set of 36 continuous vegetative and reproductive characters was measured for each of the 115 specimens sampled, encompassing the morphological variability in the group and its geographic distribution. A compiled data matrix formed the basis for the multivariate analysis (UPGMA, PCA, and DA). Our results recovered five consistent groups corresponding to the four subspecies, and all three recognised varieties treated in the same morphological group. Quantitative and qualitative characters not previously studied in detail are important to delimit the five groups. A taxonomic rearrangement is proposed for the complex, circumscribing five distinct species: Stachytarpheta brevibracteata, S. longipedicellata, S. longispicata, S. minasensis, and S. ratteri. The taxonomic treatment includes four new combinations and names at new rank, two new synonyms, and one lectotype. Descriptions, an identification key, geographical distribution map, illustrations, and provisional conservation assessments are also provided.

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of <i>Curcuma aeruginosa</i> (Roxb.)

Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. is a stemless, aromatic rhizomatous plant, generally characterized by red corolla lobes, purple calyx, dark purple leaf sheath, purple-brown midrib, and greenish-blue rhizome. This species is usually blooming during the wet and rainy seasons, while the rhizome and leaves have an aromatic odor indicating the presence of volatile constituents. This plant has been used in many traditional medicines as a disinfectant, expectorant, and tonic, including treatment for the wound, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, fever, coughs, and asthma. This paper aims to provide C. aeruginosa Roxb., summarized data regarding traditional uses, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. From 1987 to 2021, about 34 phytochemicals have been isolated, and up to 223 compounds have been detected using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. These metabolites differ from flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenanthrenes, and so forth. Furthermore, various investigations demonstrated that the extracts and compounds obtained from the plant possess several pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-dengue, immunostimulant, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiandrogenic, anti-nociceptive, and antipyretic, as well as uterine relaxant effect. Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. is a promising medicinal herb and is usually used as oriental traditional medicine by local folks. Therefore, the result supports this plant as a potential source for therapeutic applications and drug development prospects.

Nicotianagandarela (Solanaceae), a new species of 'tobacco' highly endangered from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero in Brazil.

Nicotianagandarela Augsten & Stehmann (Solanaceae), sp. nov., a small ’tobacco’ known only from one locality at Serra do Gandarela, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically characterized by its rosulate basal leaves, red corolla with a short tube not inflated at the apex, and the peculiar habitat, a shaded site under a rocky outcrop ledge along a forested stream. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined dataset of nuclear (ITS) and plastid (ndhF, trnLF, and trnSG) DNA sequences revealed that the species belongs to the Nicotianasect.Alatae and is sister to the clade with the remaining species in the section. A key for the identification of Brazilian species of the section is given. The unusual habitat, the small population size, and the intense pressure of mining activities in the surroundings made the species assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), needing conservation efforts to avoid its extinction.

Incarvillea uniflora (Bignoniaceae), a new species from Hengduan Mountains, southwest China

The Hengduan Mountains, as one important biodiversity hotspots in the world, is notable for its high habitat heterogeneity and extreme plant diversity which including many endemics species. Incarvillea uniflora, a new species is described from Hengduan Mountains. The new species is similar to I. himalayensis in having red corolla, stemless, solitary flower, capsule 4-angled and winged seeds, but differs by the characters of stable simple leaves, long triangular calyx lobes and solitary or clustered flowers. It is considered to be Data Deficient (DD) due to the lack of further field investigation.

Cirsiumtaiwanense (Compositae, Cirsiumsect.Onotrophe, subsect. Australicirsium), a new species from Taiwan.

A new species of Cirsium, C.taiwanense Y.H.Tseng & Chih Y.Chang from central-northern Taiwan is reported in this article. This species is similar to C.hosokawae Kitam. in having a densely cobwebby abaxial leaf surface, but differs in its yellow (vs. vivid purplish red) corolla and the angle between the midrib and the lateral veins of the leaf, which is acute as opposed to nearly at a right angle in C.hosokawae. Cirsiumtaiwanense has 2n = 32 chromosomes, which is different from the other species in the Taiwanese subsect. Australicirsium Kitam. (2n = 34). An identification key to the Cirsium taxa of Taiwan is presented.

Abiotic Environment Predicts Micro- but Not Macroevolutionary Patterns of Flower Color in Monkeyflowers (Phrymaceae).

Anthocyanin pigments are responsible for many of the vivid pink, purple, red, and blue flower colors across angiosperms and frequently vary within and between closely related species. While anthocyanins are well known to influence pollinator attraction, they are also associated with tolerance to abiotic stressors such as extreme temperatures, reduced precipitation, and ultraviolet radiation. Using a comparative approach, we tested whether abiotic variables predict floral anthocyanin in monkeyflowers (Phrymaceae) across western North America. Within two polymorphic species, we found that abiotic variables predicted flower color across their geographic ranges. In Erythranthe discolor, the frequency of pink flowered (anthocyanin producing) individuals was greater in populations with reduced precipitation. In Diplacus mephiticus, the frequency of pink flowered individuals was greater at higher elevations that had reduced precipitation and lower temperatures but less ultraviolet radiation. At the macroevolutionary scale, across two parallel radiations of North American monkeyflowers, species with floral anthocyanins (pink, purple, or red corollas) occupied areas with reduced precipitation in Erythranthe but not Diplacus. However, after accounting for phylogenetic relatedness, we found no evidence for the joint evolution of flower color and environmental affinity in either clade. We conclude that although abiotic stressors may play a role in the evolution of flower color within polymorphic species, we found no evidence that these processes lead to macroevolutionary patterns across monkeyflowers.

<strong>Three New Species of <em>Burmeistera</em> (Campanulaceae) Endemic to Ecuador</strong>

Three species of Burmeistera discovered during fieldwork in Ecuador are described here. Burmeistera velutina and Burmeistera catulum are unusual in being nearly completely covered in indumentum, short and velvety in the former and remarkably long (up to 4 mm) and silky in the latter. Burmeistera jostii possesses bright red corollas, rare in a genus typically characterized by dull green flowers, and yellow to tan strigose hairs. We provide a discussion of each species’ etymology, phenology, and ecology, a list of all specimens examined, and distribution maps and photos.

Genetic characterization of the red coloured corolla phenotype for Gossypium arboreum accession PI 529731

AbstractFlower corolla colour is an important trait for the attraction of pollinators and for the horticultural industry. Gossypium arboreum (L.) accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture germplasm collection frequently show flowers with a yellow coloured corolla. Accession PI 529731 is unique in that the flowers have a red coloured corolla. Genetic characterization of corolla pigmentation was conducted by crossing PI 529731 with two white flower accessions. Flowers with a red corolla were observed in the F1 generations suggesting a dominant trait. Variation in corolla colour was observed for plants in the F2 populations including dark red, red, light red, white, yellow and white with petals having red coloured margins. These data support a single dominant gene conferring the four red corolla phenotypes. The yellow corolla phenotype also supported a single dominant gene model. Dominant alleles at both loci are required for expression of the PI 529731 phenotype and data support a two gene model with a 9:3:3:1 segregation ratio. These data are useful for the characterization of genetic mechanisms controlling tissue‐specific pigmentation.

High corolla color variation of Hoya coronaria Blume in Belitung Island: Potential use and conservation

Genus Hoya (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadadoideae) has become popular as an ornamental plant due to the beauty of its shiny, waxy, star-shaped corolla with various color. Normally, each species has specific corolla and corona color. However, some species have variations in corolla color, for example, Hoya coronaria Blume. Normally, H. coronaria has white with pinkish dotted corolla color, rarely with red corolla color. H. coronaria is distributed from South Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Java, Borneo, and Sumatra as well as in Belitung Island. We surveyed the population and corolla color of H. coronaria in Belitung Island in June 2019. The RHS color chart was used to determine the color. We found eight accessions with different corolla and corona color variation of H coronaria in Belitung Island, ranging from white, cream, pink, peach, deep pink, yellow, red, and deep red. This variation was very high, and the population of Hoya coronaria was well developed in the heath forest habitat of Belitung Island. Further utilization was suggested as a domesticated ornamental plant with proper characterization to support further breeding program. H coronaria was also a component of the heath forest habitat of Belitung Island, which is very fragile. Thus the ex-situ and in situ conservation were suggested for sustainability.

Taxonomical revision of the genus Hypseocharis in Peru and Bolivia

In the present study we revised the genus Hypseocharis in Bolivia and Peru. A total number of 105 herbarium specimens were revised to evaluate the morphological diversity across the range of the genus. In a subset of 24 complete individuals a multivariate morphometric analysis was performed to evaluate the morphological characters historically used to differentiate the “species” of the genus Hypseocharis. A revision of the herbarium material indicated that there are no sharp lines dividing the different “species” with the only exception of H. tridentata. The multivariate analysis indicated that H. bilobata, H. malpasensis and H. pedicularifolia all occupy the same morphospace as H. pimpinellifolia and there are no individual morphological characters or suites of characters permitting the differentiation of distinct taxa. This confirms earlier findings from Argentina: There are only two species in the genus, widespread Hypseocharis pimpinellifolia and H. tridentata. Hypseocharis pilgeri, originally described from Peru, can also not be differentiated from H. pimpinellifolia. We propose the recognition of only two species: H. pimpinellifolia with variously pinnate to bipinnate leaves with a terminal leaflet at most marginally larger than the lateral ones, flowers with 15 anthers and capsular fruits as differing from H. tridentata with pinnate leaves with the terminal leaflet much larger than the lateral ones, flowers with 5 anthers and schizocarpic fruits. Hypseocharis pimpinellifolia is a widespread and polymorphic species, ranging from Ancash (Peru) to La Rioja (Argentina) and comprises forms with white, yellow, orange, and red corollas and with simply pinnate to very finely bipinnate leaves.

Symphytum caucasicum x S. orientale (Boraginaceae) in East Norfolk and Isle of Wight

A hybrid between Symphytum caucasicum and Symphytum orientale is described from two sites in Norfolk, and one on the Isle of Wight. The taxon seems to be a new one, certainly for the British Isles and Ireland, and is similar to two previously described hybrids from Norfolk, Symphytum x norvicense (S. asperum x orientale) and Symphytum x uplandicum x caucasicum. Separation of these three taxa is discussed: all three are characterised by a combination of variegated red, blue, purple or white corolla bell, together with a calyx dissection to less than half way. This shallowly dissected calyx is the key to recognition of these three entities, which otherwise are easily overlooked as diminutive forms of Symphytum x uplandicum

<p><strong><em>Lantana</em></strong><strong> <em>caudata </em>(Verbenaceae), a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest</strong></p>

Lantana caudata, a new species of Verbenaceae, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described and illustrated. It is a tall shrub, characterized by the presence of pedicellate glandular trichomes on all parts of the plant; branches conspicuously prickly; lanceolate to elliptical leaves, with obtuse to cuneate base and caudate apex; peduncle long; and yellow, red or orange corolla. This species occurs in the transition between dense rainforest and inselbergs in Espírito Santo and between the same type of forest and campos de altitude in Minas Gerais. We discuss the diagnostic characters, morphological affinities and conservation status, and present a distribution map and illustration.

A new species of Spigelia L. sect. Graciles (Loganiaceae) from northeastern Brazil

A new species of Spigelia subg. Spigelia sect. Graciles, S. alborubra, is described and illustrated. It is known from Campos Rupestres and Caatinga s.s. in the states of Bahia and Pernambuco, Brazil. It is similar to S. pulchella, based on its exserted stigma and red corolla tube, but S. alborubra differs by its shorter corolla, with a constriction at the apex of the tube, whitish corolla lobes which open only at the apex, and by its inserted stamens. Based on the habit and on the shape of the corolla, it is superficially similar to other species of Spigelia subg. Spigelia sect. Graciles, such as S. gracilis, S. linarioides, S. schlechtendaliana and S. spartioides. However, the new species is easily distinguished from them by its salverform corolla and exserted stigma. According to the IUCN criteria, it is classified as Endangered (EN) due to its narrow distribution.

Taxonomic studies on Agapetes in Myanmar I: Agapetes reflexiloba, a new species from Kachin State, and notes on three rediscovered species including two new records for Myanmar

A new species of Ericaceae, Agapetes reflexiloba, from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, is described and a colour plate is provided, affiliated to Agapetes sect. Agapetes ser. Graciles Airy-Shaw. The new species is morphologically similar to A. nutans, A. linearifolia and A. angustifolia of the Series Graciles in having linear to lanceolate narrow leaves and corymbose-racemose inflorescences and very short filaments. It is, however, readily distinguished from its three relatives by having a purplish red to dark red acuminate corolla apex in flower buds and conspicuously reflexed corolla lobes in anthesis, and corolla light brownish yellow to brownish yellow, and with 5 deep purple red zig-zag stripes. The rediscovery of Agapetes bhareliana and A. linearifolia is also reported from Kachin state, Northern Myanmar, after a gap of more than eight decades. Both are new records for Myanmar. Agapetes nana was also recollected 64 years after the collection made by F. Kingdon Ward between 1952 and 1953. Agapetes nana (Griff.) Hook. f. var. robusta Airy Shaw is newly proposed as a synonym of A. nana. A revised taxonomic description along with colour plate and distributional map are provided.

PROSES PEMBUNGAAN BEBERAPA VARIETAS Hoya coronaria DARI KAWASAN HUTAN KERANGAS AIR ANYIR, BANGKA

Hoya coronaria found in heath forest of Air Anyir, Bangka has diverse colors. Flowers color diversity sometimes correlated varieties or the result of color changes during flowering process. The flowers development process observed from 5 H. coronaria varieties with different color from heath forest of Air Anyir, Bangka.The purpose of this research to know the flowering process and flower color change process some varieties of H. coronaria. This research done from September 2015-January 2016. This study used qualitative method to made detail and systematic description about flowering phase. H.coronaria flowering process consists of flower initation, flower estabilisment and flower development. Flower initation needs 13-15 days, flower estabilisment needs 10-12 days and flower development consists of early blooming process, full blooming and senescene. Early blooming process needs 1-3 days, full blooming needs 5-12 days and senescene needs 1-3 days. During the development process changes from rounded to pentagonal shape and there is a change in size. The observation result showed that 5 varieties are different from one another based on the difference between the colors of the flowers. Variety 1 has yellow corolla without honey line and deep pink corona. Variety 2 has light yellow green corolla with strong pink honey line and moderate red corona. Variety 3 has moderate red corolla with moderate red honey line and moderate red corona. Variety 4 has light yellow green corolla with moderate pink honey line and light yellow green corona. Variety 5 has moderate red without honey line and grayish red corona