Species Of Ranunculaceae Research Articles

Traditional Medicinal Ranunculaceae Species from Romania and Their In Vitro Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, and Antiparasitic Potential

Several Ranunculaceae species are used in folk medicine to eliminate pathologies associated with oxidative stress as well as parasitic infections; however, a number of studies confirming their pharmacological properties is limited. In this study, 19 ethanolic extracts obtained from 16 Ranunculaceae species were assayed for in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antiparasitic potential. The maximum antioxidant potential in both oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays was observed for Aconitum toxicum extract [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 18.7 and 92.6 μg/mL]. Likewise, Anemone transsilvanica extract exerted the most promising antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 (IC50 46.9 μg/mL) and HT29 (IC50 70.2 μg/mL) cell lines in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Additionally, a dual antioxidant and cytotoxicity effect was demonstrated for Aconitum moldavicum and Caltha palustris extracts. Whilst the efficacy of extracts was modest against Trypanosoma brucei (IC50 ranging from 88.8 to 269.3 µg/mL), several extracts exhibited high potency against Leishmania infantum promastigotes (Aconitum vulparia IC50 18.8 µg/mL). We also tested them against the clinically relevant intracellular stage and found extract of A. vulparia to be the most effective (IC50 29.0 ± 1.1 µg/mL). All tested extracts showed no or low toxicity against FHs 74Int normal cell line (IC50 ranging from 152.9 to >512 µg/mL). In conclusion, we suggest the above-mentioned plant extracts as potential candidates for development of novel plant-based antioxidant and/or antiproliferative and/or antileishmanial compounds.

A new species of Dichocarpum (Ranunculaceae) from northeastern Yunnan, China

A new species of Ranunculaceae, Dichocarpum yongshanense, is described and illustrated from northeastern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, it is similar to Dichocarpum hypoglaucum, but differs from the latter by its two basal leaves, membranous and abaxially non-pruinose leaf blade, and pinkish sepals. The new species is assessed to be Endangered (EN) according to IUCN categories and criteria.

Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Isopyrum anemonoides (Ranunculaceae).

Ranunculaceae is a large family of angiosperms comprising 2500 known species-a few with medicinal and ornamental values. Despite this, only two mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of the family have been released in GenBank. Isopyrum anemonoides is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, and its chloroplast genome has recently been reported; however, its mitogenome remains unexplored. In this study, we assembled and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of I. anemonoides and performed a comparative analysis against different Ranunculaceae species, reconstructing the phylogenetic framework of Isopyrum. The circular mitogenome of I. anemonoides has a length of 206,722 bp, with a nucleotide composition of A (26.4%), T (26.4%), C (23.6%), and G (23.6%), and contains 62 genes, comprising 37 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and three ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Abundantly interspersed repetitive and simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were detected in the I. anemonoides mitogenome, with tetranucleotide repeats accounting for the highest proportion of SSRs. By detecting gene migration, we observed gene exchange between the chloroplast and mitogenome in I. anemonoides, including six intact tRNA genes, six PCG fragments, and fragments from two rRNA genes. Comparative mitogenome analysis of three Ranunculaceae species indicated that the PCG contents were conserved and the GC contents were similar. Selective pressure analysis revealed that only two genes (nad1 and rpl5) were under positive selection during their evolution in Ranunculales, and two specific RNA editing sites (atp6 and mttB) were detected in the I. anemonoides mitogenome. Moreover, a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitogenomes of I. anemonoides and the other 15 taxa accurately reflected the evolutionary and taxonomic status of I. anemonoides. Overall, this study provides new insights into the genetics, systematics, and evolution of mitochondrial evolution in Ranunculaceae, particularly I. anemonoides.

Diversity analyses in two ornamental and large-genome Ranunculaceae species based on a low-cost Klenow NGS-based protocol

Persian buttercup ( Ranunculus asiaticus L.) and poppy anemone ( Anemone coronaria L.) are ornamental, outcrossing, perennial species belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, characterized by large and highly repetitive genomes. We applied K-seq protocol in both species to generate high-throughput sequencing data and produce a large number of genetic polymorphisms. The technique entails the application of Klenow polymerase-based PCR using short primers designed by analyzing k-mer sets in the genome sequence. To date the genome sequence of both species has not been released, thus we designed primer sets based on the reference the genome sequence of the related species Aquilegia oxysepala var. kansuensis (Brühl). A whole of 11,542 SNPs were selected for assessing genetic diversity of eighteen commercial varieties of R. asiaticus , while 1,752 SNPs for assessing genetic diversity in six cultivars of A. coronaria . UPGMA dendrograms were constructed and in R. asiaticus integrated in with PCA analysis. This study reports the first molecular fingerprinting within Persian buttercup, while the results obtained in poppy anemone were compared with a previously published SSR-based fingerprinting, proving K-seq to be an efficient protocol for the genotyping of complex genetic backgrounds.

Bioinformatics Tools for the Analysis of Active Compounds Identified in Ranunculaceae Species.

The chemical compounds from extracts of three Ranunculaceae species, Aconitum toxicum Rchb., Anemone nemorosa L. and Helleborus odorus Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd., respectively, were isolated using the HPLC purification technique and analyzed from a bioinformatics point of view. The classes of compounds identified based on the proportion in the rhizomes/leaves/flowers used for microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction were alkaloids and phenols. Here, the quantifying of pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics and pharmacodynamics helps us to identify the actual biologically active compounds. Our results showed that (i) pharmacokinetically, the compounds show good absorption at the intestinal level and high permeability at the level of the central nervous system for alkaloids; (ii) regarding pharmacogenomics, alkaloids can influence tumor sensitivity and the effectiveness of some treatments; (iii) and pharmacodynamically, the compounds of these Ranunculaceae species bind to carbonic anhydrase and aldose reductase. The results obtained showed a high affinity of the compounds in the binding solution at the level of carbonic anhydrases. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors extracted from natural sources can represent the path to new drugs useful both in the treatment of glaucoma, but also of some renal, neurological and even neoplastic diseases. The identification of natural compounds with the role of inhibitors can have a role in different types of pathologies, both associated with studied and known receptors such as carbonic anhydrase and aldose reductase, as well as new pathologies not yet addressed.

Complete chloroplast genome sequences of the medicinal plant Aconitum transsectum (Ranunculaceae): comparative analysis and phylogenetic relationships

BackgroundAconitum transsectum Diels. (Ranunculaceae) is an important medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, but its morphological traits make it difficult to recognize from other Aconitum species. No research has sequenced the chloroplast genome of A.transsectum, despite the fact that phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genome sequences provides essential evidence for plant classification.ResultsIn this study, the chloroplast (cp) genome of A. transsectum was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. A. transsectum cp genome is a 155,872 bp tetrameric structure including a large single copy (LSC, 87,671 bp) and a small single copy (SSC, 18,891 bp) section, as well as a pair of inverted repeat sequences (IRa and IRb, 25,894 bp each). 131 genes are encoded by the complete cp genome, comprising 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The most favored codon in the A. transsectum cp genome is AUG, and 46 repeats and 241 SSRs were also identified. The A. transsectum cp genome is similar in size, gene composition, and IR expansion and contraction to the cp genomes of seven Ranunculaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis of cp genomes of 28 plants from the Ranunculaceae family shows that A. transsectum is most closely related to A. vilmorinianum, A. episcopale, and A. forrestii of Subgen. Aconitum.ConclusionsOverall, this study provides complete cp genome resources for A. transsectum that will be beneficial for identifying potential.

ANALYSIS OF ITS REGION SEQUENCES OF RIBOSOMAL DNA FOR
 THE IDENTIFICATION OF RARE RANUNCULACEAE SPECIES

The effectiveness of using of the ITS region as a DNA barcode for the genetic identification of plants of rare and
 protected species of Ranunculaceae included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus was demonstrated. The DNA
 barcoding technique allowed, using both the ITS region and a more compact intergenic spacer ITS2, demonstrating that
 11 Ranunculaceae species belonging to two subfamilies and seven genera are clearly distinguishable at the molecular
 level. The phylogenetic relationship between eleven studied species built on the basis of the nucleotide variability of
 the ITS region is fully consistent with the existing taxonomy of this family based on morphological and cytological
 features. The results obtained make it possible to consider the ITS2 region as a mini barcode for rapid or additional
 identification.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of 10 Species of Ranunculaceae by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats Markers

To analyze genetic diversity in 10 species of Ranunculaceae. The genetic diversity and genetic structure of 10 species of Ranunculaceae in 22 populations in Luoyang and surrounding areas were analyzed using primers selected by ISSR molecular markers. The 12 selected primers amplified a total of 116 clear bands, and the proportion of polymorphic bands was 98.1%. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) of the primers was 0.9478. The results of genetic diversity analysis showed that the Shannon information index (I) of 22 populations of Ranunculaceae plants was 0.4367±0.1904, and Nei’s genetic diversity index (H) was 0.2807±0.1481. The above results showed rich polymorphism in all 12 primers, and very rich genetic diversity in the 10 species of Ranunculaceae from 22 populations. The gene flow Nm was 0.3096 and genetic differentiation index Gst was 0.5997, indicating that genetic differentiation mainly derived from diversity within populations, with less gene communication among populations. The Mantel test showed positive correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance (r = 0.2530, P < 0.01). Cluster analysis, principle coordination analysis (PCoA) and population cluster analysis yielded broadly consistent clustering results showing that individuals of the same germplasm were closely related, tending to be clustered into one group first; the second grouping was arranged according to the geographical distance. The genetic diversity of 10 species of Ranunculaceae in 22 populations is very rich. The variation among 22 populations is large, which indicates that the 10 species of Ranunculaceae have a strong ability to adapt to the environment. The combination of the three methods can improve the accuracy of cluster analysis of wild Ranunculaceae samples. This study lays the foundation for rational utilization and resource management of Ranunculaceae.

Comparative Analysis of the Chloroplast Genome for Aconitum Species: Genome Structure and Phylogenetic Relationships.

Aconitum is an important medicinal group of the Ranunculaceae family and has been used as conventional medicine in Bai, Yi, and other ethnic groups of China. There are about 350 Aconitum species globally and about 170 species in China. It is challenging to identify the species in morphology, and the lack of molecular biology information hinders the identification and rational utilization of the germplasm of this genus. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the molecular data of Aconitum species. This paper acquired the complete chloroplast (CP) genome sequence of ten medicinal plants of Aconitum species from Yunnan by Illumina paired-end (PE) sequencing technology and compared it with other species in the same family and genus. These CP genomes exhibited typical circular quadripartite structure, and their sizes ranged from 155,475 (A. stylosum) to 155,921 bp (A. vilmoinianum), including a large single-copy region (LSC), a small single-copy region (SSC), and two inverted repeat regions (IRs). Their gene content, order, and GC content (38.1%) were similar. Moreover, their number of genes ranged from 129 (A. vilmoinianum) to 132 (A. ramulosum), including 83 to 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 tRNA genes (tRNAs), eight rRNA genes (rRNAs), and two pseudogenes. In addition, we performed repeated sequence analysis, genomic structure, and comparative analysis using 42 Aconitum chloroplast genomes, including ten Aconitum chloroplast genomes and other sequenced Aconitum species. A total of 48–79 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 17 to 77 long repeat sequences were identified. IR regions showed higher variability than the SSC region and LSC region. Seven mutational hotspots were screened out, including trnK-UUU-trnQ-UGG, psbD, ndhJ-ndhK, clpP, psbH-petB, ycf1, and trnA-UGC-trnI-GAU, respectively. The phylogenetic trees of ten Aconitum species and other Aconitum species revealed that the complete CP genome was beneficial in determining the complex phylogenetic relationships among Aconitum species. This study provides a potential molecular marker and genomic resource for phylogeny and species identification of Aconitum species and an important reference and basis for Ranunculaceae species identification and phylogeny.

Micro- and Macroscale Patterns of Petal Morphogenesis in Nigella damascena (Ranunculaceae) Revealed by Geometric Morphometrics and Cellular Analyses.

Petals, the inner organs in a differentiated perianth, generally play an important role in pollinator attraction. As such they exhibit an extraordinary diversity of shapes, sizes, and colors. Being involved in pollinator attraction and reward, they are privileged targets of evolution. The corolla of the Ranunculaceae species Nigella damascena consists of elaborate nectariferous petals, made of a stalk, upper, and lower lips forming a nectar pouch, shiny pseudonectaries, and pilose ears. While the main events of petal development are properly described, a few is known about the pattern of organ size and shape covariation and the cellular dynamics during development. In this study, we investigated the relationships between morphogenesis and growth of N. damascena petals using geometric morphometrics coupled with the study of cell characteristics. First, we found that petal shape and size dynamics are allometric during development and that their covariation suggests that petal shape change dynamics are exponentially slower than growth. We then found that cell proliferation is the major driver of shape patterning during development, while petal size dynamics are mostly driven by cell expansion. Our analyses provide a quantitative basis to characterize the relationships between shape, size, and cell characteristics during the development of an elaborate floral structure. Such studies lay the ground for future evo-devo investigations of the large morphological diversity observed in nectariferous structures, in Ranunculaceae and beyond.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Putative Target Genes of APETALA3-3 During Early Floral Development in Nigella damascena L.

Even though petals are homoplastic structures, their identity consistently involves genes of the APETALA3 (AP3) lineage. However, the extent to which the networks downstream of AP3 are conserved in species with petals of different evolutionary origins is unknown. In Ranunculaceae, the specificity of the AP3-III lineage offers a great opportunity to identify the petal gene regulatory network in a comparative framework. Using a transcriptomic approach, we investigated putative target genes of the AP3-III ortholog NdAP3-3 in Nigella damascena at early developmental stages when petal identity is determined, and we compared our data with that from selected eudicot species. We generated a de novo reference transcriptome to carry out a differential gene expression analysis between the wild-type and mutant NdAP3-3 genotypes differing by the presence vs. absence of petals at early stages of floral development. Among the 1,620 genes that were significantly differentially expressed between the two genotypes, functional annotation suggested a large involvement of nuclear activities, including regulation of transcription, and enrichment in processes linked to cell proliferation. Comparing with Arabidopsis data, we found that highly conserved genes between the two species are enriched in homologs of direct targets of the AtAP3 protein. Integrating AP3-3 binding site data from another Ranunculaceae species, Aquilegia coerulea, allowed us to identify a set of 18 putative target genes that were conserved between the three species. Our results suggest that, despite the independent evolutionary origin of petals in core eudicots and Ranunculaceae, a small conserved set of genes determines petal identity and early development in these taxa.

Two Korean Endemic Clematis Chloroplast Genomes: Inversion, Reposition, Expansion of the Inverted Repeat Region, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Nucleotide Substitution Rates.

Previous studies on the chloroplast genome in Clematis focused on the chloroplast structure within Anemoneae. The chloroplast genomes of Cleamtis were sequenced to provide information for studies on phylogeny and evolution. Two Korean endemic Clematis chloroplast genomes (Clematis brachyura and C. trichotoma) range from 159,170 to 159,532 bp, containing 134 identical genes. Comparing the coding and non-coding regions among 12 Clematis species revealed divergent sites, with carination occurring in the petD-rpoA region. Comparing other Clematis chloroplast genomes suggested that Clematis has two inversions (trnH-rps16 and rps4), reposition (trnL-ndhC), and inverted repeat (IR) region expansion. For phylogenetic analysis, 71 protein-coding genes were aligned from 36 Ranunculaceae chloroplast genomes. Anemoneae (Anemoclema, Pulsatilla, Anemone, and Clematis) clades were monophyletic and well-supported by the bootstrap value (100%). Based on 70 chloroplast protein-coding genes, we compared nonsynonymous (dN) and synonymous (dS) substitution rates among Clematis, Anemoneae (excluding Clematis), and other Ranunculaceae species. The average synonymoussubstitution rates (dS)of large single copy (LSC), small single copy (SSC), and IR genes in Anemoneae and Clematis were significantly higher than those of other Ranunculaceae species, but not the nonsynonymous substitution rates (dN). This study provides fundamental information on plastid genome evolution in the Ranunculaceae.

Patterns and environmental drivers of Ranunculaceae species richness and phylogenetic diversity across eastern Eurasia

Patterns and environmental drivers of Ranunculaceae species richness and phylogenetic diversity across eastern Eurasia

On the diagnostics of Adonis L. species (Ranunculaceae) of the Russian flora

The article provides brief information about cardiotonic, sedative, cytostatic, diuretic, and antibacterial effects of biologically active compounds of Adonis L. (Ranunculaceae) species. Chemical studies allowed to identify the cardiac glycosides, or cardenolides: or cardenolides: adontoxin, adonitol, adonitoxigenin, acetyldigitoxin and others. In scientific medicine, it is currently allowed to use Adonis vernalis L. Other types of Adonis have a similar chemical composition and are offered as substitutes for this official species, for example, Adonis apennina L. Many Adonis species have limited natural resources, and in some regions are rare, requiring conservation of their natural populations. The search for alternative sources of medicinal plant raw materials, based on this, is relevant. The experimental part of our research was carried out using the morphological and geographical method with the involvement of information on ecology and phenology. For the first time summarizes the diagnostic features of Adonis flora of Russian flora. Previously unknown structural features (shape and size of anthers) were identified that characterize the subgenera Adonanthe and Adonis. Taxonomic study of the genus Adonis of the Russian flora allowed us to determine its species composition, clarify its systematic affiliation, and nomenclature synonyms. 9 species were identified. Of these, 6 are perennials belonging to the subgenus Adonanthe, section Consiligo, which includes 2 subsections: Amurenses (2 species) and Vernales, which is differentiated into 2 rows: Apenninae (2 species) and Vernales (2 species). Subgenus Adonis is represented by 2 sections: Adonis (1 species) and Lophocarpa with sections Aestivales (1 species) and Dentatae (1 species). For all the considered species and varieties, the main distribution areas are given. A key has been compiled to determine the wild Adonis species distributed in Russia.

The complete chloroplast genomes of Trollius farreri and Anemone taipaiensis (Ranunculaceae)

Ranunculaceae, with high morphological biodiversity and widely ecological amplitude tolerance, has been considered as a new good model for adaptive evolution study. In this study, two high-quality chloroplast genomes of Ranunculaceae were determined by next-generation sequencing technologies. The plastomes of Trollius farreri and Anemone taipaiensis exhibit a conserved quadripartite structure, with 160,612 bp and 160,214 bp in length, presenting similar GC contents (38% and 37.6%). The chloroplast genome of Trollius farreri contains 131 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA, and 36 tRNA genes, while the plastome of Anemone taipaiensis harbours 137 genes, including 93 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA, and 36 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic tree constructed with 21 plastomes of Ranunculaceae species indicates that Trollius farreri and Anemone taipaiensis are closely related to their congeneric species, respectively. The phylogenetic relationships are inconsistent with the current classification of Ranunculaceae.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Aerial Parts of Aconitum, Anemone and Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae) Species from Romania

Ranunculaceae is one of the largest families in Romania, comprising species used as medicines, spices, and ornamentals. Despite the therapeutic and industrial potential of Ranunculaceae essential oils (EOs), their presence in many plants of the family remains unexplored. In this study, the chemical composition of EOs hydrodistilled from aerial parts of seven Ranunculaceae species from Romania was determined using dual-column/dual-detector GC and GC/MS analysis. In A. moldavicum EO, the dominant compounds were phytol (43/29.4 %), pentacosane (8.6/7.8 %) and tricosane (6.8/6.2 %) as quantified by two different polarity columns. Tricosane (16.6/13.9 %), pentacosane (16.6/9.9 %), heneicosane (12.2/14.3 %) and phytol (12.6/3.3 %) were the main constituents of A. vulparia EO. The EO of A. transsilvanica was chiefly represented by hexadecanoic (43.3/50.2 %) and octadecadienoic acids (9.2/7.9 %). R. acris, R. platanifolius, R. repens, and R. serpens subsp. nemorosus essential oils were characterized by a high percentage of hexadecanoic acid (58.1/61.5, 38.2/52.1, 79.2/85.1 and 45.1/55.2 % respectively), followed by phytol, octadecadienoic and octadecatrienoic acids. The present study is the first report on the chemical composition of EOs of above mentioned species. The bioactive compounds such as phytol, hexadecanoic, octadecanoic and octadecatrienoic acids were found to be the most abundant components present in isolated essential oils.

Clematismae (Ranunculaceae), a new species of C.sect.Meclatis from Xinjiang, China.

Clematismae Z.Z.Yang & L.Xie, a new species of Ranunculaceae from Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to C.orientalis and C.glauca but can be distinguished for being a less hairy plant (hairy in C.orientalis), often 2-ternate leaves (1–2-pinnate for C.orientalis and C.glauca), lanceolate to linear-lanceolate leaflets (elliptic or ovate in C.glauca), larger flowers (smaller flower in C.orientalis) and narrowly lanceolate sepals with acute to slightly attenuate apex (narrowly oblong sepals in C.orientalis and ovate to broadly lanceolate sepals in C.glauca). The new species is endemic to the southern slope of North Tianshan Mountain in Central Xinjiang. The conservation status of the species is also discussed.

Clematis mae (Ranunculaceae), a new species of C. sect. Meclatis from Xinjiang, China

Clematismae Z.Z.Yang & L.Xie, a new species of Ranunculaceae from Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to C.orientalis and C.glauca but can be distinguished for being a less hairy plant (hairy in C.orientalis), often 2-ternate leaves (1–2-pinnate for C.orientalis and C.glauca), lanceolate to linear-lanceolate leaflets (elliptic or ovate in C.glauca), larger flowers (smaller flower in C.orientalis) and narrowly lanceolate sepals with acute to slightly attenuate apex (narrowly oblong sepals in C.orientalis and ovate to broadly lanceolate sepals in C.glauca). The new species is endemic to the southern slope of North Tianshan Mountain in Central Xinjiang. The conservation status of the species is also discussed.

Comparative Analysis of Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Anemoclema, Anemone, Pulsatilla, and Hepatica Revealing Structural Variations Among Genera in Tribe Anemoneae (Ranunculaceae).

Structural rearrangements of Anemone species' chloroplast genome has been reported based on genetic mapping of restriction sites but has never been confirmed by genomic studies. We used a next-generation sequencing method to characterize the complete chloroplast genomes of five species in the tribe Anemoneae. Plastid genomes were assembled using de novo assembling methods combined with conventional Sanger sequencing to fill the gaps. The gene order of the chloroplast genomes of tribe Anemoneae was compared with that of other Ranunculaceae species. Multiple inversions and transpositions were detected in tribe Anemoneae. Anemoclema, Anemone, Hepatica, and Pulsatilla shared the same gene order, which contained three inversions in the large single copy region (LSC) compared to other Ranunculaceae genera. Archiclematis, Clematis, and Naravelia shared the same gene order containing two inversions and one transposition in LSC. A roughly 4.4 kb expansion region in inverted repeat (IR) regions was detected in tribe Anemoneae, suggesting that this expansion event may be a synapomorphy for this group. Plastome phylogenomic analyses using parsimony and a Bayesian method with implementation of partitioned models generated a well resolved phylogeny of Ranunculaceae. These results suggest that evaluation of chloroplast genomes may result in improved resolution of family phylogenies. Samples of Anemone, Hepatica, and Pulsatilla were tested to form paraphyletic grades within tribe Anemoneae. Anemoclema was a sister clade to Clematis. Structual variation of the plastid genome within tribe Anemoneae provided strong phylogenetic information for Ranunculaceae.

Distribution Patterns and Long-Term Changes in Vascular Plants of Non-Littoral Areas in the SW Archipelago of Finland. Part II. Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae, Urticaceae, Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Myricaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Polygonaceae

Historical (mainly 1930s) and contemporary records of 482 vascular plant species or genus of non-littoral areas of 464 islands in the archipelago of SW Finland are compared to visualise changes in distribution patterns, and to identify environmental variables that exert an influence on the distribution of the species. The environmental variables were measured in a GIS. Logistic regression analysis was used to find variables that exert an influence on the probability of species occurrences. In this second part of a series of papers results, including distribution maps, are presented for species of Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae, Urticaceae, Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Myricaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Chenopodiaceae and Polygonaceae. A synthesis of the study will be presented in the last part of this article series.