Geophyte Species Research Articles

Checklist of geophytes in Tirunelveli corporation area, Tamil Nadu, India

Geophytes exhibit great diversity in their growth, morphology and developmental biology, and physiological response to environmental factors. Taxonomic studies and classification of geophytes, of either known or newly introduced species, are important . The studies on ornamental geophytes are greatly expanded. Tirunelveli district has a diverse geophytic flora and these resources not fully explored. Hence present study aimed to document the geophytes in the Tirunelveli Corporation area, Tamil Nadu. During the course of the present study, field trips were carried out to identify, document, and characterize the geophytes grown in the study area. Totally 76 species of geophytes were recorded in the study area. The species belonged to 29 families and 58 genera. Totally 44 ornamental geophytes were grown in home gardens of the study area. Geophytes reported with various growth forms. Of the 76 geophytes, 6 climbers, 1 shrub, 4 trees, and the remaining 65 are herbs. Alocasia sanderiana reported as critically endangered species in t he IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 20 exotic geophytes were recorded in the field study. The present study accounting for the diversity of geophytes in Tirunelveli corporation area and the results may serve to determine conservation strategies for geophytes in the study area.

Benefit From Natural Plants In Landscape Architecture: Example of Siirt Geophytes

The use of natural plants in landscaping provides many advantages. The adaptation to the climate and soil conditions of the region where they grow increases the chances of living compared to other exotic species; the cost of maintenance is low compared to other types. Our country is extremely rich about natural plants. The aim of this study is to investigate the natural geophyte species that growing in Siirt province in southeastern Turkey about possibilities of using landscape designs. Firstly a literature review was made on the subject. Afterwards, the geophyte species growing in Siirt were investigated and their possibilities of using in different landscape design areas were utilized about their various characteristics. Accordingly, 27.7% of the 54 geofit species growing in Siirt are suitable for use as medicinal and aromatic plants, 40.8% are in flower parters, 9.3% are in refuges and 24% are in natural and artificial water sides. %63 of them are suitable for use for exhibition and demonstration purposes and 72.2% of them are suitable for use in rock gardens.

Effects of Moist-Cold Stratification and Gibberellic Acid Applications on Breaking Seed Dormancy in Foxtail Lily (Eremurus spectabilis M.Bieb.)

Eremurus spectabilis is a wild edible perennial herbaceous geophyte species with medicinal and popularornamental uses. In this study, gibberellic acid (GA3) with moist-cold stratification treatments were applied to break thedormancy of E. spectabilis seeds. For this purpose, seeds were soaked in gibberellic acid solutions (GA3: 500 and 750 ppmfor 24 and 48 hours). Pretreated seeds were then subjected to moist-cold stratification treatments for different durations (30,50, 80 and 100 days) at 4 ºC. In 24-hour GA3 treatments, the germination and emergence ratios (21.04%) were obtainedfrom the 500 ppm GA3 dose and 100 days of stratification treatments. In 48-hour GA3 treatments, the GA3 doses did nothave any significant effect on germination and emergence ratios; the greatest germination ratios were obtained from the 500ppm (20.36%) and 750 ppm (20.00%) doses and 100 days of stratification treatments, and the best emergence ratios wereobtained from the 500 ppm GA3 dose and 100 days of stratification treatments (18.51%). It is considered that it is beneficialto try the combinations of moist-cold applications with different treatments in future studies.

Morpho-anatomical differentiation and genome size variation in three ploidy levels within the B7 cytotype of Prospero autumnale (Hyacinthaceae) complex from the Balkan Peninsula and Pannonian Basin

Prospero autumnale (Hyacinthaceae) is taxonomically intricate geophyte species complex with a circum-Mediterranean distribution. In contrast to the extraordinary karyological diversity within P. autumnale complex, morphological variation is limited, and thus, reliable taxonomically diagnostic traits are absent. This investigation addresses whether different ploidy levels within cytotype B7 can be distinguished morpho-anatomically. Populations of B7 cytotype from the Balkan Peninsula and Pannonian Basin were examined. Karyological variation was analyzed, and genome size measurements via flow cytometry were taken for selected individuals from each population. Morpho-anatomical analyses were based on 29 anatomical and 25 morphological traits. Multivariate morphometric analyses revealed significant differences between the three ploidy levels, and this may assist in the identification of plant ploidy level. Although the diploids were the most distinct group, some differences were also found between tetraploids and hexaploids. Genome size variation was found within diploids and tetraploids, and some downsizing was observed in hexaploids. This is the first evaluation of morpho-anatomical variation of cytotype B7 in the P. autumnale complex using a multivariate morphometric approach; further taxonomic and evolutionary studies in this taxonomically complex group are needed.

SEASONAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF ASPHODELUS AESTIVUS BROT. ROOT TUBERS IN RESPONSE TO ARIDITY FROM DEGRADED MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENTS

Asphodelus aestivus Brot. (Walter) is the dominant geophyte species on degraded areas of eastern Mediterranean Basin. Because it has a stress-tolerant strategy and it is a competitive ruderal. We studied the activities of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT) in the root tubers of A. aestivus from Bursa, Turkey over one year. There was a seasonal variation in antioxidant enzyme activities. The CAT and APX showed similar variation model in which the activity was highest in July (9.3 ± 2.7 units/mg protein and 141.9 ± 52.7 units/mg protein) and lowest in August (1.2 ± 0.6 units/mg protein and 14.5 ± 2.3 units/mg protein). The SOD activity increasing in summer months was reached up the highest level in late summer (297.6 ± 48.1 units/mg protein). The significant negative correlations were also found between enzyme activities and water contents of soils (P<0.05). The increased antioxidant enzyme activities in summer and late summer periods may be a protective and acclimation mechanism against drought stress. These results indicate that drought can induce enzymatic antioxidant defence system in A. aestivus and this system may help to this species to spread on degraded Mediterranean environments.

Sexual and asexual reproductive aspects of Leontochir ovallei, a rare and endangered geophyte of the Atacama Desert

Background“Garra de Leon” (Leontochir ovallei) is an ephemeral endangered Alstroemeriaceae species endemic to Chile. Despite many efforts to improve the conservation of this species, the stimulation of dormant seeds and the production of rhizomes under controlled conditions remain unexplored. The aims of this study were to examine the germination responses of L. ovallei seeds under different in vitro conditions and to evaluate the formation of viable rhizomes after transplantation from in vitro to ex vitro conditions.MethodsWe evaluated five in vitro seed germination treatments: (1) acid scarification, (2) acid scarification followed by imbibition of seeds in aerated water, (3) imbibition of seeds in gibberellic acid, (4) clipping of seeds with a scalpel, and (5) seeds without any treatment (control). Seedlings obtained under in vitro conditions were transplanted to ex vitro conditions following a gradual acclimation process. After eight months, the number of rhizomes per plant was counted. To test asexual multiplication, each rhizome with its respective storage organ was divided using a scalpel and then left to rest for two years before subsequent evaluation of viability. After that period, the rhizomes were re-hydrated, and the emergence of plants after three months was evaluated.ResultsSeeds exposed to treatment 2 showed the highest germination percentage (36%), followed by the seeds whose coats were clipped (14%) and seeds treated with sulphuric acid (8%). The seed germination of the control treatment was 3%. After transplantation to ex vitro conditions, we obtained 220 rhizomes, with an average of three to six rhizomes per plant. After two years of dormancy, a total of 34 rhizomes (of 220 rhizomes) reactivated growth after re-ydration, indicating that, at least, 15,5% responded positively to watering.ConclusionsWe found that the seed germination of L. ovallei was increased by strong acidic conditions, suggesting that the main type of seed dormancy in this species is physical. However, germination was further increased by aeration, indicating embryo dormancy. In addition, we were able to obtain viable rhizomes by transplanting seedlings from in vitro to ex vitro conditions, which may be helpful for the propagation and ex situ conservation of this rare geophyte of Chile and potentially other geophyte species adapted to wet-dry cycle environments.

Effects of livestock grazing on Anemone coronaria L. in drylands: Implications for nature conservation

Grazing in nature reserves, or other sensitive lands, could affect the abundance of important plant species. In the Mediterranean basin, the Anemone coronaria is considered a flagship geophyte species. Studies conducted in the Mediterranean region of northern Israel showed that livestock grazing increased the abundance of A. coronaria. This was attributed to the consumption of other herbaceous vegetation species, resulting in better accessibility of A. coronaria to sunlight. Also, it was suggested that consumption of this species is limited due to its toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of livestock on the abundance of A. coronaria, and on specific soil properties in a dryland environment, where primary productivity is determined by water availability. A long‐term study was established in the Israeli Negev, where early‐, mid‐, and late‐season grazing treatments took place over the course of a decade, and studied over three consecutive years between 2013/2014 and 2015/2016. The study revealed that the abundance of A. coronaria followed the order of non‐grazing (control) &gt; late‐season grazing &gt; mid‐season grazing &gt; early‐season grazing. However, this effect was not significant (p = .0668). One way or another, the largest adverse impact of early‐season grazing is attributed to consuming fresh and not yet toxic shoots of A. coronaria at that phenological stage. The soil properties were studied in summer 2016. The analysis showed a significant increase in bulk density under all of the grazing treatments compared with those in the control plots. It was concluded that, in drylands, trampling over wet soil during the growing season increases its compactability, degrading the soil‐moisture status, and limiting A. coronaria abundance. Recommendations for nature conservation in drylands are, therefore, to negate grazing during A. coronaria's early‐growing season, as well as shortly after rain events when the soil moisture level is high.

Influence of current climate, historical climate stability and topography on species richness and endemism in Mesoamerican geophyte plants.

BackgroundA number of biotic and abiotic factors have been proposed as drivers of geographic variation in species richness. As biotic elements, inter-specific interactions are the most widely recognized. Among abiotic factors, in particular for plants, climate and topographic variables as well as their historical variation have been correlated with species richness and endemism. In this study, we determine the extent to which the species richness and endemism of monocot geophyte species in Mesoamerica is predicted by current climate, historical climate stability and topography.MethodsUsing approximately 2,650 occurrence points representing 507 geophyte taxa, species richness (SR) and weighted endemism (WE) were estimated at a geographic scale using grids of 0.5 × 0.5 decimal degrees resolution using Mexico as the geographic extent. SR and WE were also estimated using species distributions inferred from ecological niche modeling for species with at least five spatially unique occurrence points. Current climate, current to Last Glacial Maximum temperature, precipitation stability and topographic features were used as predictor variables on multiple spatial regression analyses (i.e., spatial autoregressive models, SAR) using the estimates of SR and WE as response variables. The standardized coefficients of the predictor variables that were significant in the regression models were utilized to understand the observed patterns of species richness and endemism.ResultsOur estimates of SR and WE based on direct occurrence data and distribution modeling generally yielded similar results, though estimates based on ecological niche modeling indicated broader distribution areas for SR and WE than when species richness was directly estimated using georeferenced coordinates. The SR and WE of monocot geophytes were highest along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in both cases with higher levels in the central area of this mountain chain. Richness and endemism were also elevated in the southern regions of the Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental mountain ranges, and in the Tehuacán Valley. Some areas of the Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre Oriental had high levels of WE, though they are not the areas with the highest SR. The spatial regressions suggest that SR is mostly influenced by current climate, whereas endemism is mainly affected by topography and precipitation stability.ConclusionsBoth methods (direct occurrence data and ecological niche modeling) used to estimate SR and WE in this study yielded similar results and detected a key area that should be considered in plant conservation strategies: the central region of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Our results also corroborated that species richness is more closely correlated with current climate factors while endemism is related to differences in topography and to changes in precipitation levels compared to the LGM climatic conditions.

Effects of planting depth and mulching on perennialization on several small geophyte species

Effects of planting depth and mulching on perennialization on several small geophyte species

Fritillaria messanensis subsp. gracilis (Liliaceae), a new record for the Italian flora (S Italy)

The genus Fritillaria Linnaeus (1753: 303) (Liliaceae) is the largest within Liliaceae tribe Lilieae Lam. &amp; DC. (Peruzzi et al. 2009a, Carta &amp; Peruzzi 2016). The latter tribe is composed by bulbous, herbaceous plants, with a bulb composed by 2–3 to many scales, anthers dorsifixed, fruit a loculicide capsule with seeds usually winged (Peruzzi 2016). Fritillaria includes about 140 species of perennial bulbous geophytes distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, from North America to Mediterranean region and temperate Asia (Bartolucci et al. 2009), and is subdivided in eight subgenera and a number of sections and series. Fritillaria messanensis Raf. in Desveaux (1814: 272) belongs to F. subg. Fritillaria sect. Fritillaria. According to Kamari &amp; Phitos (2006), Peruzzi et al. (2009b) and Kranjčev &amp; Šešok (2016), F. messanensis consists of four subspecies: F. messanensis subsp. messanensis, occurring in Greece (Mt. Olimbos and Peloponnese) and S Italy (Calabria and Sicily); F. messanensis subsp. gracilis (Ebel 1842: 8) Rix (1978: 356), occurring in the Ionian Islands, Albania, S Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro (see also Tomović et al. 2007); F. messanensis subsp. neglecta (Parlatore 1857: 415) Nyman (1882: 721), endemic to Croatia, and F. messanensis subsp. sphaciotica (Gandoger 1916: 156.) Kamari &amp; Phitos (2006: 225), endemic to Crete.

Watsonia palustris (Iridaceae), a new species from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and a revised key to allied summer rainfall species

Watsonia palustris is a wetland species restricted to marshy grassland in the vicinity of Greytown in central KwaZulu-Natal. Belonging to a group of species of eastern South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland with pink flowers and a funnel-shaped perianth tube, it is characterized by its clumped habit, very narrow leaves, late summer flowering, partly herbaceous floral bracts, and shortly exserted anther filaments. Watsonia now comprises 53 species of corm-bearing geophytes restricted to southern Africa.

Life cycle and reproductive botany of Scilla hyacinthoides, a Mediterranean geophyte

The Mediterranean region is abundant with geophyte species, many of which have been developed as ornamentals. In recent years attempts were made to grow Scilla hyacinthoides L. (Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae) commercially, both as a cut flower and as a water-saving ornamental geophyte. Optimizing commercial production of S. hyacinthoides requires the study of growth and development of the vegetative plant, as well as the control of flower bud initiation and development.Like most Mediterranean plants, S. hyacinthoides life cycle is attuned to the annual rhythm which alternates between hot and dry summer, and cool and rainy winter. Plants are dormant during summer. In autumn the apical meristem becomes active and either begins producing leaves for the next season, or initiates inflorescence development. After the onset of inflorescence development, a new apical meristem is formed at the axil of the youngest leaf. Frequently, two apices are formed; one of them becomes a daughter bulb. Intrabulb development of the inflorescence was studied by histology and electron microscopy. The flowering occurs in spring. Floral initiation is temperature-dependent and is inhibited by low temperatures, but inflorescence differentiation and elongation is inhibited by high temperatures. Flowers are self-incompatible and exhibit several polymorphic traits, probably important in pollinator attraction. In summary, current research provides a basis for future studies on the florogenesis and ecophysiology in Scilla, as well as enabling future fine tuning of cultivation protocols for the flower industry.

Recent radiation of Brachystelma and Ceropegia (Apocynaceae) across the Old World against a background of climatic change

The genera Brachystelma Sims and Ceropegia L. of the Ceropegieae (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae) consist of ±320 species of geophytes and slender climbers with a tendency to stem-succulence in Ceropegia. They occur in and around the semi-arid, mainly tropical parts of the Old World. For 146 species (around half of the total) from most of the geographic range of the genera, we analysed data from two nuclear and five plastid regions. The evolution of Ceropegia is very complex, with at least 13 mostly well-supported lineages, one of which is sister to the ±350 species of stapeliads. Species of Brachystelma have evolved at least four times, with most of them nested within two separate major lineages. So, neither Brachystelma nor Ceropegia is monophyletic. We recover a broad trend, in two separate major lineages, from slender climbers to small, geophytic herbs. Several clades are recovered in which all species possess an underground tuber. Small, erect, non-climbing, geophytic species of Ceropegia with a tuber are nested among species of Brachystelma. Consequently, the distinctive tubular flowers used to define Ceropegia do not reflect relationships. This re-iterates the great floral plasticity in the Ceropegieae, already established for the stapeliads. Both major lineages exhibit a trend from tubular flowers with faint, often fruity odours, pollinated by very small Dipteran flies, to flatter flowers often with a bad odour, pollinated by larger flies. Most of the diversity in Brachystelma and Ceropegia is recent and arose within the last 3my against a background of increased aridification or extreme climatic variability during the Pliocene.In the ingroup, diversity is highest in Southern Africa, followed by Tropical East Africa and other arid parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India. Many disjunctions are revealed and these are best explained by recent, long distance dispersal. In Africa, the diversity arises from the presence of many different lineages over wide areas but there is also evidence of closely related species growing together with different pollinators.

In vitro Propagation Techniques for Some Geophyte Ornamental Plants with High Economic Value

Propagation of some ornamental plants has increased tremendously due to the demand for them as cut flowers, in addition to their usage for interior and exterior landscaping purposes. Geophytes (bulbous-tuberous) are the most preferred group among the ornamental plants due to their aesthetic features, suitability to be cut flowers and their fragrance. These plants are highly propagated and consumed. The geophyte species which are highly profitable, globally traded and constituting 90% of the flower bulb market are Tulipa (tulip), Lilium (lily), Narcissus (daffodil), Gladiolus (gladioli), Iris (iris) and Hyacinthus (hyacinth). In vitro propagation techniques, which provide disease-free mass production options, have started to be used increasingly to fulfil the demand for these species in the market. In this study, the results of in vitro propagation studies for some economically valuable tulip, lily, daffodil, gladiolus, iris and hyacinth species are provided.

An improved method of genome size estimation by flow cytometry in five mucilaginous species of Hyacinthaceae

The family Hyacinthaceae constitutes about 900 species of bulbous geophytes usually characterized by high mucilage content. Taxonomic delimitation of Hyacinthaceae has been controversial since the time of Linnaeus due to the absence of reliable discriminating characters. Pattern of genome size variation can thus be considered as an added character to aid intergeneric and intrageneric relationship of the group. However, reports on genome size estimation by flow cytometric analysis of these plants are rare due to the presence of mucilage, which causes problem with nuclei sample preparation. To overcome this problem five reported nuclei isolation buffers were tested in Drimia indica of which Galbraith's buffer gave comparatively better results and was further modified by increasing pH, detergent concentration, and replacing sodium citrate by citric acid. The modified buffer enabled better sample preparation with increased yield, lesser debris, and improved DNA peak CV. The standardized buffer was used to estimate the 2C values of Drimia indica, Drimia nagarjunae, Drimia wightii, Drimia coromandeliana, and Ledebouria revoluta for the first time by flow cytometric analysis. This study also opens up the scope for further improvement in sample preparation for flow cytometric analysis of mucilaginous plants, which is otherwise problematic due to nuclei clumping and increased viscosity of sample.

Wild‐boar disturbance increases nutrient and C stores of geophytes in subalpine grasslands

Wild-boar soil disturbance (i.e., rooting) increases the abundance of some species of geophytes (i.e., plants with underground renewal buds) in upland meadows. However, the mechanisms that could lead to such enhanced prevalence remain unexplored. • We analyzed the effects of wild-boar disturbance on the size, nutrient (N, P, K, C, and total ash), and nonstructural carbohydrate (soluble sugars, starch plus fructans, and total nonstructural carbohydrate) content of the storage organs of five taxa of upland geophytes. Results were explored in relation to the nutrient availability (total N, available P, and K) in the soil. • Wild-boar rooting increased the size and the nutrient content of the storage organs of geophytes. Such enhanced storage was further promoted by rooting recurrence and intensity. Although we could not detect a direct impact of rooting on soil nutrient concentrations, plants were clearly N limited and such limitation was ameliorated in areas rooted by wild boar. Furthermore, plant-soil interactions for N were different in rooted areas, where plant N-concentrations responded positively to soil N. • Geophytes growing in rooted areas have an increased nutrient value, which may promote the revisit of wild boars to previously rooted areas, with further positive feed-back effects on plant quality. This plant-animal interaction may shape upland geophyte communities.

Effect of sowing time on field emergence and growth of South African grassland species

This study investigated seedling emergence in field sowings in terms of rate, and maximum seedling emergence, for twenty one species of forb, grass and geophyte species associated with montane South African grassland communities. Species were sown in early and late spring to compare the effect of sowing date on emergence characteristics and subsequent growth. RGR and mean individual standing biomass were calculated for a 150day post sowing growth window. Species showed highly significant differences in the time taken to achieve 50% emergence, and species rankings on this basis changed according to the date of sowing. There were large differences in RGR between species that were also reflected in mean standing biomass per individual. The data provide a basis for a preliminary, comparative ecological characterization of these species and an insight into how these species establish and potentially avoid competitive elimination in mixed sowings in restoration ecology or in landscape architecture, in the first growing season. The study also provides some indication on how emergence and growth of individual species might affect recruitment and survival in their habitats.

DYNAMICS OF PORCUPINE (HYSTRIX INDICA KERR) DIGGINGS: THEIR ROLE IN THE SURVIVAL AND RENEWAL OF GEOPHYTES AND HEMICRYPTOPHYTES IN THE NEGEV DESERT HIGHLANDS

ABSTRACT Porcupines dig as deep as 25–30 cm to obtain corms, bulbs, tubers, and underground parts of leaves and stems that they consume as food. Eighteen species of geophytes and hemicryptophytes were found to be consumed by porcupines in the Negev Desert highlands. Another 10 species inhabit these diggings, but they are not known to be consumed. Porcupine diggings in the Negev Desert were found to be important microhabitats in which runoff water and organic matter accumulate, improving conditions for germination, seedling establishment, and plant growth. The dynamics of the “recovery” of porcupine diggings (the rate of their covering) depends on topography, geomorphology, vegetation, and on the plant species inhabiting them. It is possible to differentiate among 3 patterns of “recovery” occurring in various localities: (1) porcupine diggings covered as a result of flooding as soon as the next rain comes; (2) diggings which may remain uncovered for more than 20 years; (3) an intermediate group of diggings...

Performance of geophytes on extensive green roofs in the United Kingdom

Dwarf geophytes have great potential for use on extensive green roofs because they often come from arid areas and can survive dry and hot summer in a dormant state. However, there has been little research regarding geophytes on green roofs. This experiment was conducted to study the performance of 26 species of geophytes on a green roof during 2005–2006 in Sheffield, UK. The geophytes were grown at two substrate depths (5cm and 10cm) of substrate on a green roof without irrigation. To investigate the susceptibility of geophytes to competition from a covering of permanent plants, the geophytes were grown with or without a surface vegetation layer of Sedum album. Overall, the growth, survival rate, regeneration and flowering of geophytes were more successful at a substrate depth of 10cm than of 5cm, probably because of improved moisture retention, fewer temperature fluctuations and the protection from digging by animals. The flowering period was limited to spring, therefore, it is recommended to combine with other plant species such as covering plants. Geophyte species did not compete much with S. album and Sedum cover had no significant effects on the growth, survival rate, regeneration and flowering of geophytes in most species. Iris bucharica, Muscari azureum, Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha, Tulipa humilis, Tulipa tarda and Tulipa turkestanica had good performance at the substrate depth of 5cm. In addition, Narcissus cyclamineus ‘February gold’ and Tulipa urumiensis exhibited a successful performance at the substrate depth of 10cm.

Airborne Starch Granules as a Potential Contamination Source at Archaeological Sites

Well-known allergy literature attests to a presence of airborne starch granules from human and natural activities and illustrates that starch granules within pollen grains from starch-rich plants are released when pollen grains rupture in mid-air during thunderstorms. This study reports on starch granules extracted from Texas air samples and ruptured pollen grains from seven ethnographically important geophyte species, as well as maize (Zea mays L.). Starch granules from pollen grains are compared to those in storage organs of these plants. Results confirm that storage-like starch granules are airborne and that starch granules inside pollen can be indistinguishable from starch granules in the respective storage organs.