Shorter Sepals Research Articles

Echeveria sotoi (ser. Gibbiflorae, Crassulaceae), a new species from coastal Michoacán, Mexico

E. sotoi (ser. Gibbiflorae, Crassulaceae) is described as a new species endemic to the coast of Michoacán, Mexico. It is morphologically similar to E. gibbiflora, from which it differs by having a generally taller but much thinner stem, narrower and oblanceolate to oblanceolate-obovate leaves without purplish-glaucous colourations, thinner peduncles, horizontally spreading to obliquely ascending cincinni, flowers with frequently longer corollas but usually shorter sepals, and narrower nectary scales. The species was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria. A distribution map is provided for the species of E. ser. Gibbiflorae native to Michoacán.

New mutations of flower shape in Nigella damascena L., its pleiotropic effects and patterns of inheritance

Two mutants with short sepals were identified after ethyl methanesulfonate treatment of Nigella damascena seeds. In one of them (“shs1” gene = short sepal 1), isolated from the line with double flowers, the sepals, in addition to reduced size, were divided into several rounded lobes, which granted the flower an original rose-like appearance of ornamental value. Another mutant with reduced sepals (“shs2” gene = short sepal 2) was isolated from the line with simple flowers. The allelism test showed that these two genes were non-allelic. Both mutants as pollen parents were crossed with the same line with single flowers. In a dihybrid cross, simple flower, non-reduced sepals (wild type) × double flower, reduced sepals (“shs1” gene) F1 hybrids demonstrated a wild phenotype. F2 progeny, in addition to two parental classes, showed two recombinant classes in a 9:3:3:1 ratio, indicating that flower shape and sepal size were inherited monogenously and independently, and the plant with rose-like flowers was a double recessive homozygote. Reduced sepals (“shs2” gene) in crosses with the single flower line of wild type were inherited as a monogenic recessive trait, showing a 3:1 segregation ratio in F2. Both mutant genes had a number of similar pleiotropic effects, which, however, were different in strength. Thus, both mutant genes shortened leaf segments, divided the cotyledon leaves into several lobes, and caused disturbances in the female generative sphere, leading to a lack of seed setting. At the same time, the identification of mutants as early as at the cotyledon stage, due to the pleiotropic effect, makes it possible to select and maintain them, especially with regard to the mutant with rose-like flowers, which is highly decorative.

<i>Masdevallia leonor-baeziana</i> (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae): new species from the Andean-Amazonian foothills of Caquetá, Colombia

We describe and illustrate a new species of Masdevallia from the Andean-Amazonian foothills of Caquetá, Colombia. Masdevallia leonor-baeziana belongs to Masdevallia subsect. Saltatrices, within the M. constricta group. It is most similar to M. constricta, but it can be distinguished by the shorter sepals and sepaline tails that do not surpass the tube length, and the shorter, sigmoid-ovate lip. We proposed categorizing the species as Critically Endangered (CR) based on the B and D IUCN red list criteria.

Liparistianchiensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from Gansu, China.

Liparistianchiensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), a new species from Wenxian County, Gansu Province, China, is described and illustrated, based on morphological characters. Liparistianchiensis is morphologically similar to L.damingshanensis, L.pauliana and L.mengziensis with erect, lax flowered-inflorescences, small persistent floral bracts, small greenish-purple flowers, spreading sepals, free reflexed and linear petals, a lip with 2 calli near the base and an arcuate column. Liparistianchiensis differs from L.pauliana by the single and much smaller leaf, shorter sepals and petals, smaller and reflexed oblong lip. It differs from L.mengziensis by having fewer and larger flowers and not connate lip apex. The novelty mostly resembles L.damingshanensis, but can be readily identified by having longer sepals and a reflexed oblong lip. Liparistianchiensis only occurs in evergreen broad-leaved forest around a mountain lake in Wenxian County, Gansu Province, China.

Description and phylogenetic relationships of a new, purple-flowered, endangered Schomburgkia (Laeliinae; Orchidaceae) from north-eastern Brazil

We describe a new species of Schomburgkia, S. vandenbergiana, from north-eastern Brazil and provide a phylogenetic analysis and a summary of its conservation status. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that S. vandenbergiana is most likely related to S. undulata and S. gloriosa. The species with dark purple flowers, S. elata, S. splendida, S. undulata and S. vandenbergiana, did not form a clade, and this trait seems to have multiple independent origins. Based on small flower size and number of keels on the disc of the lip, the new species is morphologically more similar to S. heidii, a species native to Colombia and Venezuela, but it differs in the shorter sepals and lip and erose clinandrium margin. The new species should be classified as endangered (EN) based on the IUCN criteria B1ab(i)+2ab(ii).

Thrixspermum obyrneanum (Aeridinae), a new species from Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia

Thrixspermum obyrneanum (sect. Thrixspermum) is a new species described from Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand, and from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. It is morphologically similar to T. leucarachne but differs in the much shorter sepals and petals, tepals and lip pale yellow, lateral lobes of the lip 6–7 mm long, broadly triangular to ovate, with narrowly truncate and erose apex, mid-lobe 3.0–4.7 mm long, cylindrical to broadly triangular, obtuse.

A NewMasdevallia(Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from the White-Sand Forests of the Central Amazon, Brazil

Abstract—Masdevallia britoi, a new species inMasdevalliasect.Minutae, is described and illustrated from the central Amazon in Brazil. It is similar toM. wendlanianabut differs by shorter sepals that are internally white, shorter oblong petals with a delicate tooth near the middle, shorter lip with deltoid marginal folds near the middle and three-denticulate apex, and shorter ovary. The new species grows in the white-sand forests locally known with the name Campinaranas. We also provide an identification key for the species ofMasdevalliafrom the Brazilian Amazon.

Corolla stickiness prevents nectar robbing in Erica.

Floral stickiness is a rare trait with unknown function, but it is common in the mega-diverse Cape genus Erica (Ericaceae). This study investigated the role of stickiness measured as adhesive strength in Erica as protection against nectar robbing and its correlation with floral traits. We compared the incidence of nectar robbing in flowers of the same species with or without experimentally added stickiness, and amongst communities of co-occurring species with flowers differing in stickiness. Additionally, we tested the relationship between stickiness and pollination syndrome, corolla shape, corolla length and sepal-corolla ratio across the whole genus. Stickiness was correlated with lower floral damage rates within and between species, indicating it functions as an anti-nectar robbing trait. Across the genus Erica, stickiness is most strongly correlated with bird and long-proboscid fly pollination, presumably because of their larger nectar rewards. Stickiness was also correlated with floral traits that are often associated with high risk of being damaged by nectar robbers: narrow-mouthed corollas, long corollas and shorter sepals. These results show that corolla stickiness defends Erica flowers against nectar robbing and thereby potentially improves fitness.

Discovery of Aconitum haridasanii (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Aconitum haridasanii, a new species from Tawang, India, is described and illustrated. This new species differs from its allied species Aconitum spicatum in having a taller and flexuous stem, pale yellow to whitish flowers in a shorter few-flowered inflorescence, densely pubescent shorter pedicels, bract shorter than pedicel, shorter sepals, longer petals, and only 3 carpels. Threat assessment was undertaken for the species following IUCN criteria (IUCN 2017 version 13) and the species was classified as Critically Endangered.

Succulent Endemic Crassulaceae from Argentina Including Three New Taxa

The succulent endemic species of Crassulaceae in Argentina are reviewed and three new taxa are described. Echeveria argentinensis is a new species already collected 80 years ago in the Quebrada of Humahuaca at Jujuy between 2700 and 3600 m, determined primarily as E. peruviana. Hutchison recognized it as a new species 50 years ago and recorded this epithet in the herbarium sheets, but he never described it. Both species are close and belong to series Racemosae, they share having tuberous roots, but the new species has smaller rosettes and leaves than E. peruviana, a longer stem but smaller scapes and less flowers with erect or adpressed sepals and an opposite petal color pattern, red proximally and yellow distally. Populations from Salta are described as E. argentinensis var. kieslingii. They are smaller, lighter or glaucous in color, leaves are obovate and cuspidate when young, scapes are shorter with less but slightly larger flowers that have a constriction near the middle and are mostly yellow in color. They are distributed along the Quebrada del Toro between 2050 to 2350, in more exposed situations. Also from Salta, but further South, near the border with Tucuman, E. saltensis is described. It resembles E. chiclensis var. cantaensis from Peru, with narrow oblong to linear leaves, in this case with a very interesting multicolored raster on its surface, less tuberous roots, shorter sepals and longer but wider petals, more yellowish than the Peruvian species. This is perhaps the southernmost and lowest growing Echeveria in South America. An extended description of Sedum jujuyense, the only endemic Sedum of Argentina together with some photographs of it are also given.

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), a new species from Sri Lanka and re-collection of Pteroceras viridiflorum after 150 years

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa, a new species, is described from the lowland-wet zone of Sri Lanka. For the first time in the history of plant nomenclature, a new species is named after an elephant, ‘Galgamuwa Dala Puttuwa’, which was killed for its majestic ivory. The new species shows a close morphological affinity with P. philippinense from the Philippines. However, P. dalaputtuwa sp. nov. can be readily distinguished by having small and partially opened flowers (10 mm long × 5 mm wide), short petals (4 mm long × 1 mm wide), short sepals (4.9 mm long × 3.0 mm wide) and elongated rectangular-oval spur (7 mm long × 3 mm wide). P. viridiflorum, which is considered as a “Critically Endangered Possibly Extinct” [CR(PE)] orchid, is also re-collected after after a gap of nearly 150 years with a record of a new colour form (white colour variant) and, is re-described with designation of a lectotype and an epitype.

Ectopic Expression of Two FOREVER YOUNG FLOWER Orthologues from Cattleya Orchid Suppresses Ethylene Signaling and DELLA Results in Delayed Flower Senescence/Abscission and Reduced Flower Organ Elongation in Arabidopsis

Two orthologues of Arabidopsis FOREVER YOUNG FLOWER (FYF), CaFYF1 and CaFYF2, were identified from Cattleya intermedia. To investigate the function of these two genes, we performed ectopic expression of CaFYF1/2 in Arabidopsis. Delayed flower senescence and abscission were observed in 35S::CaFYF1/2 transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Furthermore, once CaFYF1/2 was fused with the strong repressor domain SRDX, severe delayed flower senescence and abscission were observed in 35S::CaFYF1/2+SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis plants. In contrast, when 35S::CaFYF1/2 was converted to a potent activator by fusion with the VP16-AD motif, flower senescence and abscission were promoted in these 35S::CaFYF1/2+VP16 transgenic dominant-negative mutant Arabidopsis plants. These results indicated that similar to Arabidopsis FYF, CaFYF1/2 also act as repressors in controlling floral organ senescence and abscission in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. The delayed senescence and abscission of the flower organs in 35S::CaFYF1/2 and 35S::CaFYF1/2+SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis plants were unaffected by ethylene treatment. Genes of the ethylene signaling and abscission-associated pathways, such as EDF1/2/3/4, BOP1/2, and IDA, were repressed in 35S::CaFYF1/2 and 35S::CaFYF1/2+SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Furthermore, 35S::CaFYF1/2 and 35S::CaFYF1/2+SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed additional morphological defects, such as short sepals and petals, which were correlated with the upregulation of the DELLA genes RGA, GAI, RGL1, and RGL2. These results suggested a possible role for Cattleya orchid CaFYF1/2 in controlling floral senescence/abscission by suppressing ethylene signaling and abscission-associated genes as well as controlling flower organ elongation through negative regulation of GA response by activating the expression of the DELLA genes during flower development.

Bulbophyllum yongtaiense (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae, Dendrobiinae), a new species from Fujian, China: Evidence from morphological and molecular analyses

Bulbophyllum yongtaiense, a new orchid species from Fujian, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed morphological comparisons indicate that B. yongtaiense is similar to B. kuanwuense, but it can be distinguished from longer scape, fimbriate-ciliate on margins of dorsal sepals and petals, petals with obtuse apex and a lip with finely papillose near base. Molecular analyses based on nuclear ITS and plastid matK, atpI-atpH, and trnL-F DNA sequence data support B. yongtaiense is genetically similar to B. hirundinis and B. pecten-veneris, but it can be distinguished from them by having shorter lateral sepals, petals with obtuse apex and a lip with finely papillose near base.

Masdevallia luerorum (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from Costa Rica

Se describe e ilustra Masdevallia luerorum del Pacífico sur de Costa Rica. Es similar a M. lata, pero difiere en la infloresencia uniflora, los sépalos más cortos, el tubo sepalino amplio y cilíndrico un mentón más pequeño debajo del pie de la columna, un mentón secundario más corto, una ligera deflexión entre ambos mentones, y el labelo con pliegues marginales cerca de la mitad y apicalmente redondeado y conspicuamente verrucoso. Evidencia filogenética inicial indicó que Masdevallia nicaraguae está estrechamente relacionada con M. luerorum. Sin embargo, M. nicaraguae se distingue por las flores blancas con rayas fucsia hacia las bases de los sépalos y colas sepalinas triangulares, más cortas y gruesas. Además, ambas especies están aisladas geográficamente.

Floral Structure of Extant Quintinia (Paracryphiales, Campanulids) Compared with the Late Cretaceous Silvianthemum and Bertilanthus

Flowers of extant Quintinia are described in detail on the basis of field observations and serial microtome sections and compared with flowers of the Late Cretaceous Silvianthemum suecicum and Bertilanthus scanicus on the basis of new analyses of the fossil material. The analyses of both extant and fossil material also include synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy. The study shows that Quintinia and Silvianthemum/Bertilanthus have more features in common than previously recognized and strongly reinforces their earlier assumed close relationships. Among important characters linking the three genera are similar secretory hairs on the floral surface and pedicel; short sepals; free, quincuncial petals; broad anthers with small pollen sacs; 4-aperturate pollen (in Silvianthemum and Quintinia); postgenital union of the 3–4 apocarpous styles (in Silvianthemum and Quintinia); connection of the apocarpous carpel parts with the floral base; downward tapering ovary and locule(s); placentation on incomplete ...

Mentzelia rhizomata (Loasaceae: Mentzelioideae), a New Species from Western Colorado

Abstract Mentzelia rhizomata, a new species of sect. Bartonia, is described from the Roan Plateau area of Garfield Co., Colorado. It may be readily distinguished from other taxa of the section by its sparsely branched, horizontally spreading, elongate, woody, deeply seated underground caudex system. From its nearest relative, M. goodrichii of northeastern Utah, the Roan Cliffs blazingstar differs in being a sprawling plant with five petals, generally shorter pedicels and sepals, an urceolate fruit, and numerous, long, twisted and often tangled, exceedingly fragile and easily detached caudex branches. The plant has been reported in the Colorado literature under the name Nuttallia argillosa. Communicating Editor: Matt Lavin

(1700) Proposal to conserve the name Stachyphrynium against Phyllodes (Marantaceae)

The generic name Phyllodes was published by Loureiro (Fl. Cochinch.: 13. 1790) to accommodate a single species, P. placentaria Lour, native to Cochinchina (South Vietnam). A few years later Willdenow (Sp. PL 1: 17. 1797) published the generic name Phrynium citing Loureiro's older generic name Phyllodes as a synonym. Willdenow cited only a single species name in his new genus, Phrynium capitatum Willd, a superfluous name as the older Linnaean name Pontederia ovata is cited in synonymy. Nevertheless, Phrynium became the name in use while Phyllodes fell into oblivion. Citation of Phyllodes placentaria as a synonym of Phrynium capitatum was also followed by Schumann in his monograph of the Marantaceae (in Engler, Pflanzenr. IV. 48 (Heft 11): 45. 1902), although he noted that Phyllodes right ly had the higher priority. At this stage the name Phrynium had become so well established in the literature that, at the Vienna Congress of 1905, it was conserved against Phyllodes (see ICBN App IIIA E2, Greuter & al. in Regnum Veg. 138. 2000). Merrill (in Philipp. J. Sei. 15: 230. 1919) realised that the types of Phyllodes placentaria Lour, and Phrynium capitatum Willd. represent two different species and he reinstated Loureiro's taxon as a distinct species under the name Phrynium placentarium (Lour.) Men*. In addition to the original appearance in Loureiro's Flora Cochinchinense, the name Phyllodes was used by K. Schumann (in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 15: 440-446. 1893) for sev eral African species, and by O. Kuntze (Revis. Gen. PL 2: 692-697. 1891) for numerous African and American species now in Calathea G Mey. and Marantochloa Brongn. ex Gris. After the publication of these names in Phyllodes, they have not been accepted by later authors. The generic name Stachyphrynium was published by Schumann (I.e., 1902) in his monograph of the Marantaceae to accommodate a group o? Phrynium species characterised by simple spikes in contrast to the much branched inflorescences present in most Phrynium species. Schumann transferred a total of eight species formerly placed in Phrynium to his new genus and another 11 names have been added to the genus later. As currently understood Stachyphrynium comprises about ten species, distributed from Myanmar to Borneo (Andersson in Kubitzki (ed.), Farn. Gen. Vase. PI. 4: 278-293. 1998). The genus forms a well-supported monophyletic group more closely related to some African genera than to the core group of Asian Marantaceae that includes Phrynium (Andersson & Chase in Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 135: 275-287. 2001; Kress, in press; Suksathan & al. unpublished results). Clausager & Borchsenius (in Kew Bull. 58: 669. 2002) lectotypified Stachyphrynium by Stachyphrynium latifolium (Blume) K Schum, based on Phrynium latifolium Blume. Schumann's original diagnosis of Stachyphrynium emphasized inflorescence branching (spike-like versus rich ly branched), bract arrangement (distichous versus spirally arranged) and number of flower-pairs per inflorescence unit (one versus several) as differential characters relative to Phrynium. None of these characters is very strong and the notion of a single flower-pair per inflorescence unit was even erroneous, based on insufficient observation as point ed out by Holttum (in Gard. Bull. Singapore 13: 254-269. 1951). All known Stachyphrynium species can have more than one flower-pair. A more recent view was presented by Andersson (I.e.) who suggested that flowers with a long corolla tube and short sepals might be a better defining character of Stachyphrynium. Following Andersson's con cept Clausager & Borchsenius (I.e.: 647-678.) transferred what was then known as Phrynium placentarium (Lour.) Merr. to Stachyphrynium, a placement that has later been confirmed by DNA sequence data (Suksathan & al, unpub lished data). In doing so they overlooked, however, that combining the species originally named Phyllodes placen taria, the type of Phyllodes Lour. (1790), with Stachyphrynium K. Schum. (1902) requires that the com bined genus be named Phyllodes. The fact that that name has been rejected relative to Phrynium is immaterial in this context. Therefore, all Stachyphrynium species should cor rectly be named Phyllodes, unless it can be agreed to reject that name in favour of Stachyphrynium. We find reinstatement of the name Phyllodes unfortu nate for several reasons. The name has never been used in

MORPHOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION ON HYPERICUM PERFORATUM AND H. MACULATUM IN LITHUANIA

MORPHOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION ON HYPERICUM PERFORATUM AND H. MACULATUM IN LITHUANIA

Disturbance in the allocation of carbohydrates to regenerative organs in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L.

Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L, cv. SR-1) expressing mannitol 1-phosphate dehydrogenase, MTLD, in chloroplasts and myo-inositol O-methyltransferase, IMT1, in the cytosol after crossing of lines which expressed these foreign genes separately has been analysed. Plants expressing both enzymes accumulated mannitol and D-ononitol in amounts comparable to those following single gene transfer and showed phenotypically normal growth during the vegetative stage. Induction of flowering for transgenovar and wild-type occurred at the same time, but during flowering the phenotype of the transformed plants changed. Compared to wild-type, transgenic plants were characterized by curled, smaller upper leaves and elongated stems during flowering; incomplete development of flower buds with shorter sepals and pedicels resulted in increased abortion. Flowers completing development were normal. The vegetative biomass of the transformed plants was slightly higher than that of wild-type. Concentrations of soluble sugars and potassium were lower than in wild-type only in the apical parts of the transgenic plants. Both enzymes, under control of the CaMV 35S promoter, promoted accumulation of mannitol and D-ononitol in the youngest leaves close to the vegetative meristem and in flowers, suggesting that their presence could signal lower sink demand leading to a decrease in carbon import to flowers and developing seed capsules. The interpretation here is that increases of inert carbohydrates in developing sinks interfere with metabolism, such as respiration or glycolysis. This interference may be less significant in source tissues during vegetative growth than in sink tissues during seed development.

Sepal and nut size ratio of fruits of Asian Dipterocarpaceae and its implications for dispersal

ABSTRACTThe relationship between sepal and nut size of fruits was studied in fruit of 394 species of Dipterocarpaceae in Malesia and Sri Lanka. The fruits of many dipterocarps have long twisted sepals which have a role as blades for dispersal by gyration. But long sepals decrease resource allocation to other parts, and increase the chance of fruit being trapped in the canopy. The frequency distribution of the ratio of sepal length to nut length was bimodal. The gyrationdispersed group with longer sepals comprised 74% of Dipterocarpaceae studied. The group with short sepal mainly comprised understorey trees, but there were a few emergents. In both groups, sepal areas were expressed as a power function of nut volumes'. Because fruit weight per sepal area increases with fruit size, larger fruits fall more quickly than smaller fruits, and sepals of the former can not serve so effectively as propeller blades. This is consistent with the fact that a few emergent trees with large nuts have short sepals and are not dispersed by gyration. Therefore, the re-evolution of short fruit sepals appears to have been mainly due to two reasons: reduction of tree height and enlargement of nut size.