Species Of Myristicaceae Research Articles

A new species of Compsoneura (Myristicaceae) from interandean valleys of middle Magdalena and lower Cauca rivers, Colombia

Compsoneura choibo, a new species of Myristicaceae from lowland wet forests located in interandean valleys in middle Magdalena (inhabited by Ateles hybridus) and lower Cauca rivers, Colombia, is described, illustrated, and its morphological relationships with allied species is discussed. This new species is similar to C. mutisii, but it is characterized by the fruits with smooth pericarp but densely covered by T-shaped trichomes. A morphological description, taxonomic comments, an illustration, information about its current conservation status and an updated key to species of Compsoneura are presented. Compsoneura has its center of distribution in Colombia, where 12 of the species are known to occur.

Complete chloroplast genome sequences of Myristicaceae species with the comparative chloroplast genomics and phylogenetic relationships among them.

Myristicaceae was widly distributed from tropical Asia to Oceania, Africa, and tropical America. There are 3 genera and 10 species of Myristicaceae present in China, mainly distributed in the south of Yunnan Province. Most research on this family focuses on fatty acids, medicine, and morphology. Based on the morphology, fatty acid chemotaxonomy, and a few of molecular data, the phylogenetic position of Horsfieldia pandurifolia Hu was controversial. In this study, the chloroplast genomes of two Knema species, Knema globularia (Lam.) Warb. and Knema cinerea (Poir.) Warb., were characterized. Comparing the genome structure of these two species with those of other eight published species, including three Horsfieldia species, four Knema species, and one Myristica species, it was found that the chloroplast genomes of these species were relatively conserved, retaining the same gene order. Through sequence divergence analysis, there were 11 genes and 18 intergenic spacers were subject to positive selection, which can be used to analyze the population genetic structure of this family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all Knema species were clustered in the same group and formed a sister clade with Myristica species support by both high maximum likelihood bootstrap values and Bayesian posterior probabilities; among Horsfieldia species, Horsfieldia amygdalina (Wall.) Warb., Horsfieldia kingii (Hook.f.) Warb., Horsfieldia hainanensis Merr. and Horsfieldia tetratepala C.Y.Wu. were grouped together, but H. pandurifolia formed a single group and formed a sister clade with genus Myristica and Knema. Through the phylogenetic analysis, we support de Wilde' view that the H. pandurifolia should be separated from Horsfieldia and placed in the genus Endocomia, namely Endocomia macrocoma subsp. prainii (King) W.J.de Wilde. The findings of this study provide a novel genetic resources for future research in Myristicaceae and provide a molecular evidence for the taxonomic classification of Myristicaceae.

The flooded habitat adaptation, niche differentiation, and evolution of Myristicaceae trees in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in India

AbstractEnvironmental heterogeneity is considered as one of the main drivers of habitat specialization and niche evolution among tropical plant lineages, and local‐scale habitat specialization promotes niche differentiation among sister taxa. In this study, we examined the degree to which habitat specialization leads to niche differentiation across the distribution range of a given species using five species of the family Myristicaceae native to Western Ghats, India, as an example. In the Western Ghats, Myristicaceae species occur in two main habitat types, namely, freshwater swamps (flooded habitat) and terra firme forest (non‐flooded habitat), distributed across a seasonal flooding gradient. First, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of flooded habitat specialization among global and Western Ghats Myristicaceae by mapping flooded habitat association and traits conferring flood tolerance (e.g., aerial roots) on a dated phylogeny. Then, we investigated climatic niche differences among lineages occupying flooded and terra firme habitats using occurrence data and environmental variables. Our analysis revealed swampy habitat occurrence as the probable ancestral state with subsequent speciation events leading to adaptation to non‐swampy habitats. We also show that traits conferring flood tolerance have evolved independently several times during the evolution of Myristicaceae. Furthermore, phylogenetically distantly related Myristicaceae taxa occupying different habitats (flooded and terra firme habitat) in Western Ghats show significant niche divergence. Overall, the repeated gain of swampy habitat specialization and associated morphological traits and evidence for habitat‐associated climatic niche divergence among Myristicaceae taxa suggest that seasonal flooding may have been an important driver of ecological diversification in this primitive plant family.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS POHON PENYUSUN ARBORETUM KONSERVASI HUTAN HUJAN TROPIS PT ASMIN BARA BRONANG KABUPATEN KAPUAS KALIMANTAN TENGAH

The arboretum area is inside the concession area in Barunang Village, Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan, which is in the heath forest area towards the lowland forest. Arboretum area 28 ha with a elevation on 114 mdpl.The research methodology uses a modified version of the Biodiversity Assessment Tool originally developed by the High Conservation Values Resource Network (HCVRN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The method developed by USAID LESTARI and the University Consortium together with Michigan State University USA.The results showed that there were 29 arboretum tree compilers which were dominated by Myrtaceae family of 36 tree species, 32 species of Dipterocarpaceae and 20 species of Myristicaceae which were distributed in groups according to the topography and associated species associations. Species Richness 93; Menhinick's Richness Index 5.57; Margalef Richness Index 16.34; Shannon Sspecies Diversity index 4.07, Simpson Diversity Index 0.98; type evenness index 0.90; Most Abundance Species is Jambu-jambu B (Syzygium spp. B) 3.30 and Importance Values Index with dominan species is Tagaron ( Crataeva adansonii) 7.51. This arboretum area is a secondary forest area that has been cleared in several parts which can be maximized in its management with various methods for saving nature, recreation, education and research and other zones including animal breeding.

Microsatellite markers development for Indonesian nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and transferability to other Myristicaceae spp.

Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae) is a tropical evergreen tree that yields the two famous spices: nutmeg and mace. Despite its socio-economic importance, the spatial distribution of its genetic diversity is barely documented. In this aim, 48 nuclear microsatellite markers were isolated of which 14 were polymorphic in M. fragrans. Number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6. The level of observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.038 to 0.929 across loci. Transferability of these microsatellites in other Myristica species (M. fatua, M. argentea, and M. crassipes) and Myristicaceae species (Horsfieldia palauensis) was tested and successful. These new microsatellites will be useful for future investigation on genetic diversity and population structure of M. fragrans and phylogenetically-related species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Knema elegans (Myristicaceae)

Knema elegans is a member of Myristicaceae. The K. elegans chloroplast genome is found to be 155,691 bp in length and has a base composition of A (30.02%), G (19.31%), C (19.89%), and T (30.78%). The genome contained two short inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions (48,122 bp) which were separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (86,883 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (20,686 bp). The chloroplast genome has 85 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Further, complete chloroplast sequence of K. elegans was aligned together with two species of Myristicaceae and five basal angiosperms species for which the complete chloroplast sequence have been reported. This complete chloroplast genome will provide valuable information for the development of DNA markers for future species resource development and phylogenetic analysis of K. elegans.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Knema furfuracea (Myristicaceae)

Knema furfuracea is a member of Myristicaceae. The K. furfuracea chloroplast genome is found to be 154,527 bp in length and has a base composition of A (29.99%), G (19.31%), C (19.92%), and T (30.78%). The genome contained two short inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions (48,110 bp) which were separated by a large single copy (LSC) region (86,188 bp) and a small single copy (SSC) region (20,229 bp). The chloroplast genome has 87 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Further, complete chloroplast sequence of K. furfuracea was aligned together with two species of Myristicaceae and five basal angiosperms species which have reported the complete chloroplast sequence. This complete chloroplast genome will provide valuable information for the development of DNA markers for future species resource development and phylogenetic analysis of K. furfuracea.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Horsfieldia kingii (Myristicaceae)

Horsfieldia kingii is a member of Myristicaceae. The H. kingii chloroplast genome is found to be 155,655 bp in length and has a base composition of A (30.03%), G (19.52%), C (19.72%), and T (30.73%). The genome contained two short inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions (48,052 bp) which were separated by a large single copy (LSC) region (86,912 bp) and a small single copy (SSC) region (20,691 bp). The genome encodes 123 unique genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Further, complete chloroplast sequence of H. kingii was aligned together with other 2 species of Myristicaceae and other 5 basal angiosperms species which have reported the complete chloroplast sequence. This complete chloroplast genome will provide valuable information for the development of DNA markers for future species resource development and phylogenetic analysis of H. kingii.

Phytosociological Analysis of <i>Myristica</i> Swamp Forests of Kulathupuzha, Kerala, India

The vegetation of Myristica swamp forests in Kulathupuzha, southern Kerala, India, was examined with reference to floristic composition, structure and diversity. Quadrates of 100  10 m were laid inside (17) and outside the swamps (14), and trees >10 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. A total of 2246 individual trees belonging to 58 species were recorded inside the swamps as against 1203 trees belonging to 89 species from outside the swamps. A total of 1775 shrubs belonging to 46 species and 26 species of herbs with 1082 individuals were recorded from inside the swamps. A total of 3535 shrubs belonging to 83 species and 491 herbs belonging to 30 species were recorded from outside the swamps. The Myristica swamp forests showed less diversity when compared to other forest types and was dominated by two Myristicaceae species, Myristica fatua var. magnifica and Gymnacranthera farquhariana . Comparison with Myristica swamps in other regions indicates that the Kulathupuzha region has the largest populations of the endangered M. fatua var. magnifica . Immediate steps for conservation are suggested.

Comparison of synandrium structure and development in three species from the Myristicaceae

Species of Myristicaceae have diverse morphology and structure of their synandria, making them an interesting group for androecium evolution research. To clarify the morphology, structure, and origin of the synandrium, scanning electron microscopy and histology were performed on staminate flowers of Horsfieldia pandurifolia H.H.Hu, H. tetratepala C.Y.Wu & W.T.Wang, and Myristica fragrans Houtt. at different developmental stages. A whorl of stamen primordia was rapidly initiated around the margin of the floral apex in groups of two in H. pandurifolia and groups of three in M. fragrans. Each stamen primordium grew longitudinally, producing a pair of anther lobes and four microsporangia, accompanying one vascular bundle in H. pandurifolia and M. fragrans. In H. tetratepala, three stamen primordia groups were formed, and each group with several anthers was supported by one vascular bundle, indicating a secondary increase of stamen. Three types of synandrium origin were observed: in M. fragrans, the central sterile column tissues originated from the elongate receptacle; in H. pandurifolia and H. tetratepala they were derived from a combination of floral meristem and fused connectives, and a combination of receptacular tissue and stamen groups. The diverse origins of the central sterile column suggest that the synandrium develops differently and independently in different genera and species of Myristicaceae.

Modeling impacts of future climate on the distribution of Myristicaceae species in the Western Ghats, India

Climate change has the potential to have significant influence on distribution of many species and alter ecosystems. With the current estimates of rate of projected environmental change for the 21st century, urgent adaptation and mitigation measures are required to slow down the impact of climate change on biodiversity. A number of studies have shown that recent human-induced environmental changes have already triggered species range shifts, changes in phenology and species extinctions. However, accurate projections of species responses to future climate change are more difficult to ascertain. In recent years, a number of modeling tools are being used to predict the consequences of climate change on the distribution of species and also identify possible ecological niche of a species under different climate change scenarios.In this paper, using the distribution data of the species, we have attempted to (a) identify the current geographical distribution of five species of the family Myristicaceae and predict the possible sites of occurrence of these species in the Western Ghats, India using the niche modeling tools and (b) predict the impact of climate change on the potential distribution of these species for two scenarios (A1B and A2A). All the five species selected for the study are distributed in the Western Ghats with higher densities in the Central Western Ghats. The model predicted an overall increase in the suitable habitats for the non-swampy species. However, there is a shift in the habitat range of these species in response to climate change. Gymnocranthera canarica and Myristica fatua, which are obligate swampy species, tend to be affected in changing climate. For both these species, the overall habitat is reduced due to climate change. These species already have restricted habitat and therefore climate change could pose a serious threat for their future survival. Predicting how species distribution will change in the wake of future global climate change is important to develop effective conservation strategies for these species, which inhabit fragile ecosystems.

The 18S rDNA gene discriminates between red-listed and unexplored ethnomedicinal species of Myristicaceae restricted to humid tropics of India

A potentially diagnostic 18S rDNA (ribosomal DNA) gene was amplified reliably from red-listed ethnomedicinal species of Myristica and its wild and related genera. Individuals from nine species of Myristicaceae were utilized for the study. The sequences ranged from 1,767 to 1,794 nucleotide (nt) in length. The GC content (%) varied from 52.77 to 51.04. The frequencies (%) of nt were A (23.31), T (23.82), C (24.48) and G (28.39). The alignment of all sequences produced 195/1,516 variable sites and 1,257/1,516 conserved sites. Total numbers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites found in the alignment were 146/1,516. Knema andamanica (Warb.) W.J. de Wilde was the most distinct that included 18 variable regions and 15 InDel with 27 SNP sites, specific to this species. The identified regions from nine species of Myristica and its wild and closely related genera were deposited in the GenBank Database (Accession numbers JN228257-JN228265). Comparison of morphological identifications and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the specimens were correctly assigned on the basis of a short stretch of 18S rDNA (~1,600 bp) making this a potentially useful marker for the rapid molecular assignment of an unknown related species also. Significant sequence homology ranging from 72 to 99 % was observed on comparison with 18S rDNA genes of other plants in the public domain. A comparison of intraspecific data information of nine 18S with that of 73 matK and 86 rbcL sequences from GenBank revealed that polymorphism, divergence and conservation is higher in 18S locus for Myristicaceae. Hence these markers may be utilized for phylogenetic analysis, evaluation of species richness during ecological surveys or for environmental assessments. These molecular markers are especially important due to the fact that the species studied are mostly vulnerable and red-listed with limited availability in endangered ecological niches.

Reconciling Natural History and Species Ecology: Myristica Beddomei (Myristicaceae) in the Western Ghats, India

Natural history is an important component of any ecological or conservation research. Very often this is not given adequate attention, and observations on the genera or species are often generalized to other, supposedly similar, congeneric species. In this study, we document the natural history of fruit-frugivore interactions of Myristica beddomei (Myristicaceae) found in the mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, India, and determine how different these interactions are compared to other Myristicaceae species. M. beddomei has a single hard seed covered by an orange-yellow aril. Species of Myristicaceae are usually dispersed by large frugivorous birds, and also by primates in the Neotropics. In South Asia, Myristicaceae dispersal is usually by large birds such as hornbills, but our observations over several years indicate that M. beddomei is not bird-dispersed, even though some fruit traits suggest bird dispersal. Our observations suggest that obligate seed predators like macaques and squirrels can facilitate dispersal of the species. We discuss these observations and explore why such outliers might have evolved in the region

Nutmeg-Vertebrate Interactions in the Asia-Pacific Region: Importance of Frugivores for Seed Dispersal in Myristicaceae

In tropical forests, large frugivores are assumed to be important seed dispersers for many large-seeded trees such as the Myristicaceae, a widespread and common family. However, not all frugivores are effective seed dispersers, and understanding which frugivores are effective is vital for conservation biology. Here, we summarize the available data on fruit characteristics and frugivores for a large number of Myristicaceae species in the Asia-Pacific region and suggest future directions for evaluating the effects of disperser loss for these trees. Studies of fruit characteristics of Myristicaceae were highly biased toward morphological information, and few studies examined reproductive phenology or fruit chemistry. We identified 338 instances of nutmeg-frugivore interactions that included 129 species of Myristicaceae and 109 species of frugivores, including 40 bird, 68 mammal, and one reptile species. Large birds were major seed dispersers for this tree family. These bird species, such as hornbills and pigeons, consumed a variety of nutmeg species, remained briefly at fruiting trees, and dispersed intact seeds far from the parent trees in the forest. Although most seeds dispersed by birds subsequently suffered high seed predation by rodents, some germinated and established as seedlings, indicating the qualitative effectiveness of large birds as seed dispersers for Myristicaceae. Mammals were also major consumers of Myristicaceae. Gibbons, macaques, and civets potentially acted as long-distance dispersers for some nutmeg species. Orangutans, leaf monkeys, squirrels, and rodents consumed a variety of nutmeg species, but their roles as seed dispersers for Myristicaceae remain unclear. Studies of nutmeg-vertebrate interactions have typically focused on frugivory, whereas few studies have specifically quantified the effectiveness of frugivores as seed dispersers; thus, it remains difficult to evaluate the effect of frugivore loss on the populations of most nutmeg species in this region. Further studies of nutmeg-frugivore interactions are of great ecological importance, and the results of such studies will contribute to a general understanding of which evolutionary forces may have shaped current nutmeg-frugivore interactions in tropical forests worldwide.

Phenology, Seed Dispersal and Regeneration Patterns ofHorsfieldia Kingii, a Rare Wild Nutmeg

We present observational data on the flowering and fruiting patterns, seed dispersal, seedling recruitment and survival of a dioecious Myristicaceae species, Horsfieldia kingii, that occurs in the tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Horsfieldia is rare (1 tree ha1) with a scattered distribution; Horsfieldia trees did not flower every year, and flowering was staggered from April to July. Peak ripe fruit availability of Horsfieldia is from February to March. Failure of fruiting occurred in most years, and only 0-33% of sampled trees bore ripe fruits. Initiation of hornbill breeding coincides with the ripe fruit availability of this species. The percentage of hornbill nests in which nesting is initiated each year varies from 50 to 100% of nests, and our results show a significant positive relationship between the percentage of hornbill nests that are active in a given year and the contribution of the species to hornbill diet (n = 6 years). However, the overall contribution to the breeding season diet of hornbills is very low because of poor fruit availability in most years, resulting in limited seed dispersal at nests. Recruitment and survival of Horsfieldia seedlings below parent trees and hornbill nest trees were low; however, seedling survival was marginally higher at nest trees, suggesting that dispersal by hornbills even in a spatially contagious manner may be critical for this species. However, current recruitment of Horsfieldia at hornbill nests (2010) is significantly lower than at parent trees. This species appears to be seed-limited, while dispersal limitation may play a secondary role in determining its abundance.

RAPD, SCAR and conserved 18S rDNA markers for a red-listed and endemic medicinal plant species, Knema andamanica (Myristicaceae)

Knema andamanica is a red-listed endemic medicinal species of Myristicaceae restricted to Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands, India. This species is used in tribal medicines and has immense bioprospective potential. With a view to generate suitable genomic markers for classification and identification, we have generated RAPD, SCAR and conserved 18S rDNA markers from K. andamanica. A unique 585bp fragment, that distinguished it from seven other related species of Myristicaceae was first amplified using the random primer OPE 06 and converted to SCAR marker (GenBank accession # JN228256). The conserved sequences of 18S rDNA loci from K. andamanica were also amplified and sequenced (GenBank accession #JN228265). The sequence revealed deviations including 18 variable regions and 15 indels that were unique to K. andamanica. These markers can help in definite identification of K. andamanica even at the juvenile stages.

Taxonomic scale-dependence of habitat niche partitioning and biotic neighbourhood on survival of tropical tree seedlings

In order to differentiate between mechanisms of species coexistence, we examined the relative importance of local biotic neighbourhood, abiotic habitat factors and species differences as factors influencing the survival of 2330 spatially mapped tropical tree seedlings of 15 species of Myristicaceae in two separate analyses in which individuals were identified first to species and then to genus. Using likelihood methods, we selected the most parsimonious candidate models as predictors of 3 year seedling survival in both sets of analyses. We found evidence for differential effects of abiotic niche and neighbourhood processes on individual survival between analyses at the genus and species levels. Niche partitioning (defined as an interaction of taxonomic identity and abiotic neighbourhood) was significant in analyses at the genus level, but did not differentiate among species in models of individual seedling survival. By contrast, conspecific and congeneric seedling and adult density were retained in the minimum adequate models of seedling survival at species and genus levels, respectively. We conclude that abiotic niche effects express differences in seedling survival among genera but not among species, and that, within genera, community and/or local variation in adult and seedling abundance drives variation in seedling survival. These data suggest that different mechanisms of coexistence among tropical tree taxa may function at different taxonomic or phylogenetic scales. This perspective helps to reconcile perceived differences of importance in the various non-mutually exclusive mechanisms of species coexistence in hyper-diverse tropical forests.

Habitat niche partitioning by 16 species of Myristicaceae in Amazonian Ecuador

The distribution and spatial pattern of plants in tropical forests have important implications for how species interact with each other and their environments. In this article we use a large-scale permanent census plot to address if the coexistence of 16 co-occurring species of Myristicaceae is aided by topographic and light gradient niche partitioning. We used a second order spatial pattern analysis based on Ripley’s K function to describe species’ distributions and associations among species, and a torus translation procedure to test for associations with three topographically defined habitats. A majority of species displayed spatial aggregation and over half had one or more significant habitat associations. Four species were associated with the ridge habitat, four species with slope habitat, and two with valley habitat. Seven other species showed no habitat association. Within each habitat group, species exhibited a variety of distributions in relation to light availability. However, habitat associations were largely unexplained by differential rates of mortality, growth or recruitment over a 5-year interval. We conclude that although in principle partitioning of the topographic and light environments may double or treble the number of species able to coexist, there is no evidence that partitioning of physical habitats can explain the coexistence of all 16 of these closely related species.

Determinants of biased sex ratios and inter‐sex costs of reproduction in dioecious tropical forest trees

Estimates of the sex ratio and cost of reproduction in plant populations have implications for resource use by animals, reserve design, and mechanisms of species coexistence, but may be biased unless all potentially reproductive individuals are censused over several flowering seasons. To investigate mechanisms maintaining dioecy in tropical forest trees, we recorded the flowering activity, sexual expression, and reproductive effort of all 2209 potentially reproductive individuals within 16 species of Myristicaceae over 4 years on a large forest plot in Amazonian Ecuador. Female trees invested >10 times more biomass than males in total reproduction. Flowering sex ratios were male-biased in four species in ≥1 year, and cumulative 4-year sex ratios were male-biased in two species and for the whole family, but different mechanisms were responsible for this in different species. Annual growth rates were equivalent for both sexes, implying that females can compensate for their greater reproductive investment. There was no strict spatial segregation of the sexes, but females were more often associated with specific habitats than males. We conclude that male-biased sex ratios are not manifested uniformly even after exhaustive sampling and that the mechanisms balancing the higher cost of female reproduction are extremely variable.

First Asymmetric Synthesis and Determination of the Absolute Configuration of a Lignan Isolated from Virola sebifera

AbstractThe first asymmetric synthesis of a lignan isolated from the seeds of Virola sebifera, one of the most widely spread Myristicaceae species in Brazil, in four steps (48 % overall yield) and with excellent stereoselectivity (de, ee ≥ 96 %) is described. The key step is the asymmetric Michael addition of a lithiated enantiopure α‐amino nitrile to an enone, followed by α‐methylation and cleavage of the amino nitrile. The absolute configuration of the naturally occurring 1,4‐diketone was determined by polarimetry as well as by CD spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)