Species Of Rubiaceae Research Articles

Detection of Burkholderia in the seeds of Psychotria punctata (Rubiaceae) - Microscopic evidence for vertical transmission in the leaf nodule symbiosis.

Background and aimsThe bacterial leaf nodule symbiosis is a close interaction between endophytes and their plant hosts, mainly within the coffee family. The interaction between Rubiaceae species and Burkholderia bacteria is unique due to its obligate nature, high specificity, and predominantly vertical transmission of the endophytes to the next generation of host plants. This vertical transmission is intriguing since it is the basis for the uniqueness of the symbiosis. However, unequivocal evidence of the location of the endophytes in the seeds is lacking. The aim of this paper is therefore to demonstrate the presence of the host specific endophyte in the seeds of Psychotria punctata and confirm its precise location. In addition, the suggested location of the endophyte in other parts of the host plant is investigated.MethodsTo identify and locate the endophyte in Psychotria punctata, a two-level approach was adopted using both a molecular screening method and fluorescent in situ hybridisation microscopy.Key resultsThe endophytes, molecularly identified as Candidatus Burkholderia kirkii, were detected in the leaves, vegetative and flower buds, anthers, gynoecium, embryos, and young twigs. In addition, they were in situ localised in leaves, flowers and shoot apical meristems, and, for the first time, in between the cotyledons of the embryos.ConclusionsBoth independent techniques detected the host specific endophyte in close proximity to the shoot apical meristem of the embryo, which confirms for the first time the exact location of the endophytes in the seeds. This study provides reliable proof that the endophytes are maintained throughout the growth and development of the host plant and are transmitted vertically to the offspring.

Ophiorrhiza gaoligongensis (Rubiaceae), a New Species from Southwestern China

A new species of Rubiaceae, Ophiorrhiza gaoligongensis L. Wu, Hareesh & R. H. Tu, is described and illustrated from southwestern China. The species is similar to O. cantonensis Hance but can be distinguished by its acuminate to caudate leaf apices, persistent 2-lobed stipules with lobes 8–20 mm long, inflorescences remaining erect throughout maturation, and shorter corolla tubes. A detailed description, distribution and habitat data, and color photographs and illustrations are provided.

Ixora kalehensis, a new Rubiaceae species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background – The rain forest genus Ixora currently comprises 37 species in Continental Africa. Within the framework of a treatment of the genus for the Flore d’Afrique centrale, a new species is described from D.R. Congo, despite its being known from only two specimens.Methods – Standard methods of herbarium taxonomy are followed.Key results – Ixora kalehensis De Block, a new species from the Central Forest District in D.R. Congo, is described and illustrated. Ixora kalehensis remains under-collected and relatively poorly known but can nevertheless easily be distinguished from other Ixora species. The most distinctive character is the colour of the dried leaves: blackish on the upper surface and vivid brown on the lower surface. Other important characters are the small-sized, compact and sessile inflorescences and the large tree habit. The species is only known from two specimens collected in the 1950s and its preliminary IUCN status is Endangered (EN B2ab(iii)). The lack of more recent herbarium material highlights that the collecting effort in D.R. Congo remains substandard. It is hoped that the formal description of Ixora kalehensis will draw attention of international and local collectors and will result in more material and greater knowledge of the species. The description of this species brings the number of Ixora species to thirteen for central Africa (D.R. Congo, Rwanda and Burundi) and to twelve for D.R. Congo. An identification key to the species of D.R. Congo is provided.

Assessment of free radical scavenging activity and polyphenolic content in leaves of Neurocalyx calycinus (R. Br. ex Benn.) Rob. - a medicinal plant used by Cholanaickan tribe

Neurocalyx calycinus (R. Br. ex Benn.) Rob. is an endemic species of the family Rubiaceae, found in Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. The leaf paste of N. calycinus has been used by Cholanaickan tribe as medicine to heal wounds, burns, inflammation and pain. Many of the human diseases are manifested due to the accumulation of free radicals. Plant derived antioxidants have the power to scavenge these free radicals without any internal complications. Aqueous, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of the leaves of N. calycinus were selected for qualitative phytochemical screening. DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were carried out. Total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant content of all the extract was measured. Phytochemical screening showed that alkaloids, steroids, phenolic compounds, glycosides and saponins were found in the ethanolic extract. Ethanol extract showed better antioxidant activity than the other solvent extracts. The reducing power of all the extracts was increased dose dependently. Highest amount of phenolic (56.27 mg of gallic acid equivalent /gm of dried extract), flavonoid (36.92 mg of quercetin equivalent/gm of dried extract) and antioxidant (85.68 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/gm of dried extract) content was found in the ethanolic extract. A positive correlation (R2) was found between the total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity of the leaf extract of N. calycinus. The results confirmed that the phenolic compounds in the ethanolic extract of the leaves of N. calycinus are potent source of natural antioxidants.

Variation in the composition and diversity of ground-layer herbs and shrubs in unburnt and burnt landscapes

Abstract:Forest fires pose an important threat to tropical rain-forest biodiversity. In the present study, we assessed ground layer (herb and shrub) communities in six differentially disturbed landscape plots in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, including primary and logged forest and once-, twice- and frequently-burnt forest. Overall, we recorded 175 species of herbs and shrubs; richness was highest in twice-burnt forest and lowest in logged forest. Vegetation and topographical variables including the percentage of the plot burnt and tree abundance were significant predictors of variation in composition. The main compositional gradient showed a clear distinction between subplots in unburnt versus burnt forest. A subset of subplots in burnt forest, however, clustered together with subplots from unburnt forest. These plots were located in a network of relatively unscathed forest along floodplains that persisted in the burnt-forest matrix. Small plant species associated with unburnt forest included several species of Dryopteridaceae, Marantaceae and Rubiaceae. Species associated with once- and twice-burnt forest included Mikania scandens (Compositae), Microlepia speluncae (Dennstaedtiaceae), Nephrolepis cf. biserrata (Nephrolepidaceae), Lygodium microphyllum (Schizaeaceae) and Hornstedtia cf. reticulata (Zingiberaceae). The frequently-burnt landscape plot was characterized by a high cover of the grass species Imperata cylindrica and the invasive exotic shrub Chromolaena odorata. Importantly, these species and other exotics had also invaded the once- and twice-burnt forest and represent a potential threat to forest recovery.

Molecular Markers Associated With Chemical Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Quality Control Assessment of Copalchi Medicinal Plant Complex.

The copalchi complex, Hintonia latiflora, H. standleyana, and Exostema caribaeum, is widely used in Mexico for treating diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. The first therapeutic use for H. latiflora bark was registered in the “Florentine Codex” in the sixteenth century. The latest pharmacological and phytochemical studies revealed that the infusion of the leaves have hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic and gastroprotective activities. For these reasons the monograph of the main copalchi species, H. latiflora, was recently added to the Mexican Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Nevertheless, quality control parameters are focused to the bark but not to the leaves. Moreover, information about other Rubiaceae species is needed. The main goal of this study was to generate molecular and chemical markers for quality control of the copalchi complex raw material. In addition, the resolution of the taxonomical ambiguity between H. latiflora and H. standleyana, as well as the testing of the molecular and chemical markers in different geographical batches, were aims of this study. The molecular markers and chemical profiles of the leaf infusions were generated considering three different populations for H. latiflora and separate individuals of the three species (HL, n = 10; HS, n = 3; EC, n = 4). The molecular markers matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, rpl32-trnL, and ITS2 were tested for their discriminating capabilities. Chemical profiles of the leaf infusions were obtained by means of HPLC analyses using chlorogenic acid and 4-phenylcoumarins as chemical markers. The concatenated sequence of the molecular markers trnH-psbA, rpl32-trnL, and ITS2 clearly distinguished the three taxa, clarifying the taxonomical ambiguity of the Hintonia genus. Additionally, the chemical profiles allowed the unequivocal identification of each species supporting the molecular results; the geographical origin of the samples did not modify neither the chemical profiles nor the concatenated sequence of H. latiflora, suggesting that it is a robust identity test. The complementary use of molecular and chemical markers will assure the quality of plant material used in traditional medicine for therapeutic purposes, and should be valuable new information for the National Health authorities as a part of the Mexican Herbal Pharmacopoeia.

Spiradiclis lui, a new species of Rubiaceae from Guangxi, China

Spiradiclis lui, a new species of Rubiaceae growing inside limestone caves and on wet shaded limestone walls in Guangxi, southwestern China is here described as most similar to S. umbelliformis, but differing from the latter in its glabrous stems, ovate or oval leaf blades, and the position of stamens and stigmas inside corollas. The conservation status of the novelity is asessed as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU) according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria. A diagnostic key to the species of Spiradiclis with corolla tubes longer than 12 mm is also provided.

Ophiorrhiza macrocarpa (Rubiaceae), a new viviparous species from Yunnan, southwestern China

Ophiorrhiza macrocarpa, a new species of Rubiaceae is described and illustrated from China. It was previously misidentified as O. wallichii in Chinese herbaria and literature, a species originally described from India. Detailed descriptions, distribution, ecological data and colour photographs of the new species are provided. Ophiorrhiza macrocarpa is the third viviparous species in Ophiorrhiza.

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from Guizhou Province, southwestern China.

In this study, Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis, a new species of Rubiaceae from south-western China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to O. japonica, but differs from the latter by having terete stems which are densely hirtellous, usually persistent ciliate stipules with well-developed colleters inside the base of the stipule, shorter corolla tubes and shorter stamens and styles.

Spiradiclis quanzhouensis sp. nov. (Rubiaceae) from a limestone area in Guangxi, China

Spiradiclis quanzhouensis, a new species of Rubiaceae from northeastern Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. It is similar to S. umbelliformis, but can be distinguished by its rosulate habit, subglabrous stems, leaf blades that are pubescent on both surfaces, lanceolate purple‐pubescent stipules that are undivided or sometimes bifid in apical 1/3, an inflorescence with 2–4 flowers, lanceolate 4–5 mm long calyx lobes that are purple‐pubescent outside, a salveriform corolla that is light purple‐pubescent outside, a semi‐inferior ovary, and capsules that are light purple‐pubescent with persistent calyx lobes 5–6 mm, in fruit 2 × as long as capsule.

Pericarpial nectary-visiting ants do not provide fruit protection against pre-dispersal seed predators regardless of ant species composition and resource availability.

Extrafloral nectaries can occur in both vegetative and reproductive plant structures. In many Rubiaceae species in the Brazilian Cerrado, after corolla abscission, the floral nectary continues to secret nectar throughout fruit development originating post-floral pericarpial nectaries which commonly attract many ant species. The occurrence of such nectar secreting structures might be strategic for fruit protection against seed predators, as plants are expected to invest higher on more valuable and vulnerable parts. Here, we performed ant exclusion experiments to investigate whether the interaction with ants mediated by the pericarpial nectaries of Tocoyena formosa affects plant reproductive success by reducing the number of pre-dispersal seed predators. We also assessed whether ant protection was dependent on ant species composition and resource availability. Although most of the plants were visited by large and aggressive ant species, such as Ectatomma tuberculatum and species of the genus Camponotus, ants did not protect fruits against seed predators. Furthermore, the result of the interaction was neither related to ant species composition nor to the availability of resources. We suggest that these results may be related to the nature and behavior of the most important seed predators, like Hemicolpus abdominalis weevil which the exoskeleton toughness prevent it from being predated by most ant species. On the other hand, not explored factors, such as reward quality, local ant abundance, ant colony characteristics and/or the presence of alternative energetic sources could also account for variations in ant frequency, composition, and finally ant protective effects, highlighting the conditionality of facultative plant-ant mutualisms.

Mussaenda reflexisepala , a New Species of Rubiaceae from Vietnam

A new species of Rubiaceae from South Central Vietnam is described and illustrated. The new species, Mussaenda reflexisepala, is similar to M. caudatiloba in young plant parts densely white villose, but different in calyx lobes recurved, obviously reflexed, corolla lobes yelllow to orange or reddish orange, ovate to broadly obovate, which are clearly distinguished from other known species of Mussaenda. The pollen morphology of Mussaenda reflexisepala is also reported.

Antibacterial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Some Galium (Rubiaceae) Species Against Pathogenic Bacteria

In this work, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Galium incanum, Galium dieckii ve Galium aladaghense were firstly reported. The essential oils were obtained from the all parts of the plant by hydrodistillation and analyzed by using GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity of synthezied essential oils was carried out against 5 pathogen bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (P. syringae) DC300, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhmurium (S. typhmurium) SL 1344 and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) ATCC 25175. According to the results, it was determined that isolated essential oils comprised of 61 compounds. Compounds of essential oils included that structure monoterpene (8.2%), monoterpenoid (14.75%) and sesquiterpene (14.75%). Unclassified compounds have been identified as other compounds. From the antimicrobial activity was observed that the isolated essential oil from Galium incanum, Galium dieckii ve Galium aladaghense exhibited a potent inhibitory effect against all gram negative and gram positive bacteria with diameter of inhibition zones ranging from 4.3 to 12.3 mm. Essential oil of Galium aladaghense indicated that high antimicrobial activity on all bacteria than Galium incanum and Galium dieckii.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS POHON DI KAWASAN CAGAR ALAM DUNGUS IWUL, JASINGA, BOGOR

Dungus Iwul Nature Reserve is one of the remaining conservation areas in Java and has an unique vegetation. Study on tree biodiversity was carried out in one hectare permanent plot. The results showed that there were 78 species of 35 families and 63 genera with 1219 trees per hectare. The species of Orania sylvicola was very dominating the region, with high distribution (Frequency = 100%) and the total basal area (basal area relative; BA = 50.96%). Species of O. sylvicola (Important Value; IV = 129.48%) highly covered the area, followed by Mischocarpus sundaicus (IV = 19.93%), Diospyros frutescens (IV = 9.67%), Ficus variegata (IV = 9.38%) and Knema laurina (IV = 8.51%). Family with largest number of species was Euphorbiaceae (11 species), followed by Lauraceae (7 species) and 4 species of Fabaceae, Meliaceae and Rubiaceae.

The Contractive Effect of Rubia tinctorum L. Extract on the Isolated Aorta Smooth Muscle and Its Protective Effect Against the Damage Caused by Hyperglycemic Solution in Rat

Background: Few past studies have indicated antispasmodic and anti-oxidative effects of some species of Rubiaceae. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) root on the rat-isolated aorta and possible protective effects against the damage caused by hyperglycemic environment. Methods: The isolated thoracic aorta ring (with or without endothelium) was treated with phenylephrine (10-6 M) or KCl (80 mM) plus madder (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/mL) and madder alone. The effect of madder alone and combined with phenylephrine (10-6 M) was studied in Ca2+-free Krebs. To investigate the effect of madder on aorta under oxidative stress, the aorta response to acetylcholine (10-5 M) following three hours incubation with high glucose (44 mM) with or without madder (0.5 mg/mL) was measured. Results: Madder did not have any significant effect on pre-contracted aorta with phenylephrine or KCl; however, madder alone could contract aorta concentration dependently (P < 0.01). In Ca2+-free Krebs, the contractile responses of aorta to madder or madder plus phenylephrine reduced up to 60% (P < 0.05). After three hours incubation of aorta ring with high glucose, aorta response to acetylcholine was vasoconstriction. Adding 0.5 mg/mL madder to hyperglycemic solution apparently preserved acetylcholine vasodilatory effect on aorta (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that madder induces a vasoconstriction effect on aorta in vitro, which probably is related to facilitated entry and sensitivity of muscle cells to calcium. Madder also may have protective effects in aorta, probably against oxidative damage of high concentration glucose.

Argostemma cordatum (Rubiaceae), a new species from Vietnam

Argostemma cordatum, a new species of Rubiaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2014 during a botanical survey of the Chu Yang Sin National Park (Dak Lak province, Southern Vietnam). Argostemma cordatum possesses a solitary large leaf per plant (along with one very small leaf). The new species differs from morphologically similar species mainly by the small size of the enlarged leaf and cordate base of the enlarged leaf. It is also characterized by the following features: plant completely glabrous, stipules minute and reduced to papillate warts, inflorescence with all axes elongated, anthers coherent into anther cone and dehiscent by longitudinal slits, style slightly exserted. An extended description of the vegetation in the area inhabited by A. cordatum is provided.

Craterispermum capitatum and C. gabonicum (Rubiaceae): two new species from the Lower Guinean and Congolian Domains.

Craterispermum capitatum and C. gabonicum, two new species of Rubiaceae, are described from the Lower Guinea and Congolian Domains. Detailed descriptions and distribution maps are provided for each species, their conservation status is assessed and their taxonomic affinities are discussed. Craterispermum gabonicum is unique within the genus because of the strong dimorphism in brevistylous and longistylous flowers and inflorescences. We hypothesize that this species shows some form of dioecy. The distribution of C. capitatum shows a wide disjunction: the species is present in the Lower Guinean and Congolian Domains but absent from Gabon and South Cameroon. An identification key for the Craterispermum species present in the Lower Guinean and Congolian Domains is given.

Ophiorrhiza meghalayensis (Rubiaceae: Ophiorrhizeae), a new species from Meghalaya, North-East India

A new species of Rubiaceae, Ophiorrhiza meghalayensis Hareesh, A.Joe, M.Sabu &amp; L.Wu is described from Meghalaya, North-East India. This species is allied to Ophiorrhiza caudipetala Deb &amp; Mondal and O. hirsutula Wight ex Hooker but can be distinguished from the latter by its triangular calyx lobes, corolla without villous ring within and deeply keeled corolla lobes. Detailed description, distribution, ecology, phenology and relevant taxonomic notes are provided along with colour photographs.

English

Simira gardneriana is a Rubiaceae species commonly found in the Brazilian Northeast region, presented several therapeutic and biotechnological applications. In this paper, the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of extracts from the seeds of S. gardneriana were highlighted. The antioxidant activity of ethanol and methanol extracts (Si-EtOH and Si-MeOH, respectively) was determined, using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The photoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated using a spectrophotometric method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined. In addition, a qualitative analysis of phytochemical markers and a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis were also performed for both extracts. Concerning the antioxidant activity in vitro, Si-MeOH (EC50 = 70.94&plusmn;2.17 &micro;g/ml) showed greater activity in comparison to Si-EtOH (EC50 = 138.60&plusmn;7.39 &micro;g/ml). Once the sun protection factor spectrophotometric (SPFspectrophotometric) of samples was calculated, it was demonstrated that the extracts show a similar photoprotective effect on all concentrations tested. Si-EtOH and Si-MeOH tested on a concentration of 100&nbsp;mg/l, exhibited SPF values equal to 3.37&plusmn;0.006 and 3.36&plusmn;0.007, respectively. HPLC fingerprints was recorded and showed the presence of characteristic peaks for phenolic compounds. The extracts showed significant phenols and flavonoids content according to the quantification methods used. According to the results, it was concluded that Si-EtOH and Si-MeOH have significant antioxidant and photoprotective activities. These activities are probably related to the profile of flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in this species. &nbsp; Key words: Phenolic and flavonoids compounds, photoprotective, oxidative stress, plant, Rubiaceae.

Colleters in Rubiaceae from forest and savanna: the link between secretion and environment.

This study aims to investigate colleters' secretory function, on cellular level, in Rubiaceae species from contrasting environments looking to explore the association between secretion and environment. We collected samples from eight species of Rubiaceae growing in forest and savanna having standard-type colleters with diverse histochemistry (hydrophilic, lipophilic and mixed secretions) and processed for both conventional and cytochemical study under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The standard colleters, although similar in morphology and anatomy, exhibited marked differences on cellular level, especially in the abundance and topology of Golgi bodies, endoplasmic reticulum and plastids when comparing forest and savanna species. These differences were clearly aligned with the chemical nature of the secretions they produce, with predominance of hydrophilic secretions in forest species and lipophilic or mixed secretions in savanna species. The combination of methods in electron microscopy revealed the sites of synthesis and intracellular compartmentation of substances, the mechanisms of their secretion from the protoplast and confirmed the involvement of the outer walls of the epithelial cells in the elimination of exudates to the gland surface. Our study suggests a potential environment-associated plasticity of the secretory cells of standard-type colleters in modulating their secretory function performance.