Species Of Selaginella Research Articles

Phylogeny of Selaginellaceae: There is value in morphology after all!

The cosmopolitan lycophyte family Selaginellaceae, dating back to the Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous, is notorious for its many species with a seemingly undifferentiated gross morphology. This morphological stasis has for a long time hampered our understanding of the evolutionary history of the single genus Selaginella. Here we present a large-scale phylogenetic analysis of Selaginella, and based on the resulting phylogeny, we discuss morphological evolution in the group. We sampled about one-third of the approximately 750 recognized Selaginella species. Evolutionary relationships were inferred from both chloroplast (rbcL) and single-copy nuclear gene data (pgiC and SQD1) using a Bayesian inference approach. The morphology of the group was studied and important features mapped onto the phylogeny. We present an overall well-supported phylogeny of Selaginella, and the phylogenetic positions of some previously problematic taxa (i.e., S. sinensis and allies) are now resolved with strong support. We show that even though the evolution of most morphological characters involves reversals and/or parallelisms, several characters are phylogenetically informative. Seven major clades are identified, which each can be uniquely diagnosed by a suite of morphological features. There is value in morphology after all! Our hypothesis of the evolutionary relationships of Selaginella is well founded based on DNA sequence data, as well as morphology, and is in line with previous findings. It will serve as a firm basis for further studies on Selaginella with respect to, e.g., the poorly known alpha taxonomy, as well as evolutionary questions such as historical biogeographic reconstructions.

Une espèce nouvelle et une synonymie nouvelle dans le genre Selaginella P. Beauv. (Lycopodiophyta, Selaginellaceae) à Madagascar

Rakotondrainibe, F. & A. Jouy (2016). A new species and a new synonymy in the genus Selaginella P. Beauv. (Lycopodiophyta, Selaginellaceae) from Madagascar. Candollea 71: 143–148. In French, English and French abstracts. DOI : http//dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2016v711a17A new Malagasy species of Selaginella P. Beauv. (Lycopodiophyta, Selaginellaceae) is described and a new synonymy in the same genus is established. The new species Selaginella rasoloheryi Rakotondr. belongs to the subgenus Heterostachys Baker; it differs from all other Africano-Malagasy species of this subgenus by the main stem being prostrated throughout its entire length, without soboles, with rhizophores and ramifications unbranched, and with median leaves strongly acuminate. Selaginella rasolohery has a close affinity to Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spring, an asiatic and oceanic species, but differs from it by more pronounced leaf dimorphism in both vegetative and fertile shoots, median leaves longer acuminate, strobili less compact and lateral sporophyll carina narrow and dentate (vs. carina large and ciliate in Selaginella ciliaris). The new synonymy between Selaginella fissidentoides (Hook. & Grev.) Spring f.fissidentoides and Selaginella fissidentoides f. ovata Stefanović & Rakotondr. is established after observation of numerous Malagasy specimens recently collected between 1997 and 2015 after the publication of the first Selaginella revision for Madagascar and the Comoro Islands.

Megaspore Investigations ofSelaginellaSpecies from São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract The lycophyte genus Selaginella has a worldwide distribution with ca. 800 species. The genus is heterosporous and has ornamentation on the surface of both the megaspores and the microspores. Selaginella megaspore ornamentation is highly variable in both its macro- and microsculpture. Megaspore ornamentation is a species-specific morphological feature that can be used reliably for specimen identification. We present the first investigation of the megaspore surface of all 19 Selaginella species known from the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). This study also includes Selaginella species that are invasive in Brazil. Based on the SEM analysis and high-resolution photographs, we provide detailed megaspore descriptions and an identification key for all species from Sao Paulo state. We also describe the proximal and distal pole ornamentation of the megaspores as well as the form and proportions of the trilete aperture.

Cellular Biochemical Changes in Selaginella tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring and Sellaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Heiron. as Induced by Desiccation.

The biochemical changes in two Selaginella species namely, S. tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring and S. plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Heiron., as induced by desiccation and subsequent rehydration were explored. Plants were allowed to dehydrate naturally by withholding irrigation until shoot's relative water content (RWC) reached <10%. After which, dehydrated plants were watered until fully rehydrated states were obtained which was about 90% RWC or more. Desiccation-tolerance characteristics were observed in S. tamariscina while desiccation-sensitivity features were seen in S. plana. Membrane integrity was maintained in S. tamariscina but not in S. plana as evidenced in the relative electrolyte leakage measurements during desiccation phase and the subsequent rehydration stage. Pigment analyses revealed conservation of some chlorophylls and carotenoids during desiccation and reaching control levels following rehydration in S. tamariscina. Very low pigment contents were found in S. plana during desiccation phase and the pigments were not recovered during rehydration attempt. Meanwhile, compatible solute determination showed rise in total sugar and proline contents of desiccated S. tamariscina only, indicating presence of biochemical protection machineries in this species and absence of such in S. plana during dehydrating conditions. These data indicate that one key element for desiccation-tolerance in lower vascular plants is the ability to protect tissues from severe damages caused by intense desiccation.

Novelties in Selaginella (Selaginellaceae - Lycopodiophyta), with emphasis on Brazilian species.

In this paper, I describe five new species of Selaginella from Brazil (Selaginella nanuzae, Selaginella neospringiana, Selaginella pellucidopunctata, Selaginella stomatoloma, and Selaginella trygonoides), compare them to morphologically similar species, and provide a preliminary conservation status assessment for each. The new species are illustrated with scanning electron photomicrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores, when available. Also discussed in this paper are ten species, mainly from Brazil and with new distribution records, and the forthcoming resurrection of three species also occurring in Brazil. Three further non-native and presumed naturalized species are recognized in Brazil, and publication of one additional taxon is planned. Eighty-six Selaginella species are now known from Brazil and, of these, 80 are native (including 26 / 32.5%, endemic), and six are introduced. Brazil and Mexico have the second highest number of native Selaginella species in the Neotropics after Venezuela, which is estimated to have about 100. Of the newly documented species, Selaginella cabrerensis is now known to occur in French Guiana, Brazil, and Bolivia, in addition to Colombia, and Selaginella arroyoana and Selaginella chiquitana are synonymized under it. Likewise, Selaginella potaroensis is also recorded from Costa Rica and Brazil, and Selaginella seemannii from Panama and Brazil. Finally, leaf marginal stomata are reported on the newly described species and their functionality is discussed under Selaginella stomatoloma.

Spore morphology of Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from China and its systematic significance

Using light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), the megaspores and microspores of 77 samples representing ca. 70 species of Selaginella from China are observed. Combing previous studies, the spore morphology of nearly all documented Selaginella species from China were reviewed. Based on the morphological characteristics in megaspores and/or microspores, we divided the spores of Chinese species into 15 types and three types are further divided into various subtypes. Each type and subtype are described in detail and a key to the types and subtypes of spores is given. For the first time, the systematic significance of microspores of Selaginella are discussed, and the results indicate that microspores of Selaginella are significant in the systematics of Selaginella. Some important morphological characteristics in spores (e.g., color, micro-sculpture, size, etc.), often been neglected in previous studies, are introduced. Some spore-morphological synapomorphies of the clades and subclades, identified by recent molecular work (Zhou et al. 2015a), are well established. Using the spore morphology, the delimitation of some taxonomically difficult species in Selaginella is assessed.

Pertumbuhan dan Kandungan Bahan Bioaktif Selaginella plana dan Selaginellla willdenovii pada Beberapa Media Tanam

Selaginella, a genus of Pteridophyte, is known as an herb that contains of several bioactive compounds. The growth and bioactive compounds of plant were affected by plant environment, such as media types. The objective of the research was to obtain an appropriate plant media for growing S. plana dan S. willdenovii, and its effect on the content of bioactive compounds. The experiment consisted of two factors, plant growth media and the species of Selaginella. The first factor consisted of eight plant growth media, i.e.: soil, rice husk, rice husk : soil = 1:1 (v/v), burned rice husk, soil : burned rice huks = 1:1 (v/v), burned rice husk : rice husk = 1:1 (v/v), burned rice husk : rice husk = 3:1 (v/v), and burned rice husk : rice husk = 1:3 (v/v). The second factor was two spesies of Selaginella, i.e.: S. plana and S. willdenovii. Ethanol extract of Selaginella was qualitatively analyzed for flavonoid, tannin, and saponin content. The result showed that both fresh and dry weights of Selaginella were influenced by the type of plant media, Selaginella species, and their interactions. S. plana and S. willdenovii grew best on medium containing soil: burned rice = 1:1 (v/v). The highest flavonoid content of S. plana and S. willdenovii was also obtained from the plant grown on the same media. Comparing to the bioactive compound content of natural plant, saponin content of S. plana and S. willdenovii was increased by the treatment of plant media. The treatment also increased tannin content of S. plana, but not of S. willdenovii.

Selaginella boomii (Selaginellaceae – Lycopodiophyta): A new and widely distributed spikemoss from South America

Selaginella boomii is described as a new species and compared to the similar S. roraimensis. The new species is widely distributed in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil where it grows on granite outcrops and boulders in forests and savannas. Selaginella boomii is illustrated with Scanning Electron Micrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores, and its conservation status is discussed based on IUCN Categories and Criteria. This new species is classified within subgenus Stachygynandrum because of its heteromorphic vegetative leaves and monomorphic sporophylls that are arranged in quadrangular strobili. Finally, a brief overview on the current number of Selaginella species known from South America is provided to highlight that our knowledge of the diversity of this genus in the region is far from complete.

Selaginella salinoi (Selaginellaceae), a new species from Brazil

A species of Selaginella from Parque Nacional do Caparaó, in Espírito Santo State, southeastern Brazil, is described as new to the science: Selaginella salinoi grows on rocks in Atlantic Rainforest vegetation at ca. 1200 m. The description includes photos of live plants and, scanning electron micrographs.

The microspore morphology of some species of Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from India

The microspore morphology of 10 Indian species of Selaginella based on colour, laesura length, ornamentation and size was investigated using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microspore ornamentation of some species and tetrad formation in mature microsporangia of S. ganguliana have been described for the first time. In addition, intraspecific variations in ornamentation patterns of microspores have been reported using SEM. These observations will be helpful in morphotaxonomy for accurate identification and cataloguing the basic data of selaginellaceous microspores, as well as systematics of the genus.

Seven new species of Selaginella subg. Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaceae) from Brazil and new synonyms for the genus

We describe seven new species of Selaginella subg. Stachygynandrum (Selaginella alstonii, Selaginella blepharodella, Selaginella crinita, Selaginella mucronata, Selaginella mucugensis, Selaginella saltuicola, and Selaginella sematophylla) from Brazil and discuss their possible affinities and conservation status. Scanning electron micrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores are provided to illustrate the new taxa. In Selaginella alstonii and Selaginella saltuicola vegetative growth from strobilus tips is reported and discussed. Four of the new species are from the Espinhaço Mountain Range associated with Campos Rupestres (montane savannah/rocky fields) vegetation. Three of these (i.e., Selaginella blepharodella, Selaginella crinita, and Selaginella mucugensis) were collected in the northern part of the range in Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, while Selaginella alstonii is from the southern part of the range in the state of Minas Gerais. Selaginella mucronata is found in Atlantic Rainforest vegetation in the state of Espírito Santo, whereas Selaginella saltuicola inhabits Cerrado (tropical savannah) vegetation in the state of Mato Grosso. Selaginella sematophylla is the most widely distributed of the new species and was collected in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro states in Campos Rupestres and Atlantic Rainforest vegetation. Selaginella alstonii occurs in rocky caves, Selaginella blepharodella, Selaginella crinita, Selaginella mucugensis, and Selaginella sematophylla seem adapted to seasonally dry places, living on sandy or humid soils, Selaginella mucronata occupies humid, forest understory, and Selaginella saltuicola is adapted to wet places associated with rocks or logs in waterfalls. Of the seven new species, six are considered local endemics (except for Selaginella sematophylla) because of their restricted currently known distributions to one or two localities within a single state in Brazil. Additionally, we propose new synonymy for Selaginella palmiformis (syn. = Selaginella bahiensis subsp. manausensis, ≡ Selaginella manausensis) and Selaginella vestiens (syn. = Selaginella fragillima); the last species is endemic to Brazil, recorded in the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais. Finally, based on literature discussed and this study, we conclude that the number of well-documented Brazilian Selaginella species is 61, of which 58 are native and three introduced and naturalized. These statistics are likely to change with further work on Selaginella from Brazil.

Selaginella daozhenensis (Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte from a limestone cave in northern Guizhou, China

Selaginella daozhenensis, a new species of the lycophyte genus Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from a limestone cave in northern Guizhou, China is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically most similar to S. labordei and S. sichuanica but is distinct by its leaves being bluish green when fresh, its median leaves having aristae as long as leaf lamina, and its lateral leaves being larger (3.5–5.0 × 1.7–2.5 mm). Selaginella daozhenensis is currently known only from a single limestone cave and is considered to be Critically Endangered (CR), based on IUCN Red List criteria. It is also argued that S. sichuanica, earlier wrongly synonymized with S. labordei in treatments of the genus, should be recognized.

Two New Species and a New Record ofSelaginella(Selaginellaceae) from Bolivia

Two new species of Selaginella P. Beauv., S. angustifolia Valdespino and S. solomonii Valdespino, from the department of La Paz in Bolivia are described, and S. minima Spring is reported as new to the country. Selaginella angustifolia may be confused with S. chionoloma Alston ex Crabbe & Jermy from which it differs by the lamina shape and apex type of the median leaves. Selaginella solomonii differs from S. cavifolia A. Braun, a species with similar median leaves, by its habit, rhizophore distribution on stem, lateral leaf marginal projections, and lack of a laminal flap on sporophylls. This account brings the known number of Selaginella species recorded for Bolivia to 37.

Molecular cloning of RBCS genes in Selaginella and the evolution of the rbcS gene family

Rubisco small subunits (RBCS) are encoded by a nuclear rbcS multigene family in higher plants and green algae. However, owing to the lack of rbcS sequences in lycophytes, the characteristics of rbcS genes in lycophytes is unclear. Recently, the complete genome sequence of the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii provided the first insight into the rbcS gene family in lycophytes. To understand further the characteristics of rbcS genes in other Selaginella, the full length of rbcS genes (rbcS1 and rbcS2) from two other Selaginella species were isolated. Both rbcS1 and rbcS2 genes shared more than 97% identity among three Selaginella species. RBCS proteins from Selaginella contained the Pfam RBCS domain F00101, which was a major domain of other plant RBCS proteins. To explore the evolution of the rbcS gene family across Selaginella and other plants, we identified and performed comparative analysis of the rbcS gene family among 16 model plants based on a genome-wide analysis. The results showed that (i) two rbcS genes were obtained in Selaginella, which is the second fewest number of rbcS genes among the 16 representative plants; (ii) an expansion of rbcS genes occurred in the moss Physcomitrella patens; (iii) only RBCS proteins from angiosperms contained the Pfam PF12338 domains, and (iv) a pattern of concerted evolution existed in the rbcS gene family. Our study provides new insights into the evolution of the rbcS gene family in Selaginella and other plants.

Two new species and a new hybrid species ofSelaginella(Selaginellaceae) from W Cuba

Caluff M. G. & Shelton G. 2014: Two new species and a new hybrid species of Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from W Cuba [Novitiae florae cubensis 46]. — Willdenowia 44: 311–319. 2014. — Version of record first published online on 25 September 2014 ahead of inclusion in December 2014 issue; ISSN 1868-6397; © 2014 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem.DOI: http//dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.44.44301Two new species and a new hybrid species of Selaginella (Lycophyta: Selaginellaceae), from Pinar del Río and Artemisa Provinces in W Cuba, are described and illustrated. The new species are S. cavernaria, an erect plant growing on calcareous rocks and cliffs in mogote vegetation, and S. striata, a prostrate plant occurring in the same ecosystems and sometimes growing together with S. cavernaria. The new hybrid species is S. ×dualis (S. serpens × S. striata), with intermediate morphology, growing together and sometimes mixed with the postulated parent species. All three new taxa are representatives of S. subg. Stachygynandrum.

Additions to Cuban Selaginella (Selaginellaceae)

Three new Selaginella species from Cuba, S. myriostachya, S. nanophylla and S. phiara, are described, illustrated with Scanning Electron Micrographs, and compared to similar species. Selaginella myriostachya and S. phiara are from Pinar del Río province, the latter one is also found in Isla de la Juventud special municipality, both in the western part of Cuba. In contrast, S. nanophylla is from Guantánamo, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba provinces in the eastern part of the island. Information about their habitat, distribution, and conservation status is provided. Selaginella myriostachya lives in cave openings on limestone rocks in Mogotes formations; S. nanophylla is one of the smallest plants reported for the genus and seems adapted to serpentine soils. Selaginella phiara has idioblasts with several bright, papillae on the upper surface of median leaves and lower surface of lateral leaves, and short hairs on the upper surface of the apices of median leaves.

KEANEKARAGAMAN DAN PENYEBARAN Selaginella spp. DI INDONESIA DARI TAHUN 1998-2014

&lt;em&gt;Selaginella is a single genus of ferns allies belong to Selaginelaceae family that lives in moist areas and it is often found in highlands which spread approximately 700 species all over the world. Some Selaginella species have wide distribution and tend to be invasive, but the others are endemics or endangered. The diversity study and distribution of Selaginella in Indonesia fom 1998 until 2014 was done by exploring Selaginella articles from many source. In Indonesia from 1998 until 2014, there were found about 39 species of Selaginella, namely S. alligans, S. alutacia, S. angustiramea, S. apoensis, S. aristata, S. biformis, S. caudata, S. ciliaris, S. cupressina, S. delicatula, S. doederleinii, S. frondosa, S. illanosii, S. intermedia, S. involvens, S. ketra-ayam, S. kraussiana, S. longiaristata, S. magnifica, S. mayeri, S. modica, S. nummularia, S. opaca, S. ornata, S. padangensis, S. plana, S. remotifolia, S. repanda, S. rothertii, S. rupestris, S. singalanensis, S. spinulosa, S. subalpina, S. uncinata, S. velutina, S. vonroemeri, S. wallichii, S. willdenovii, and S. zollingeriana that spread in the islands of Sumatera, Bangka-Belitung, Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Lombok, Maluku, and Irian Jaya with different altitude and patterns of spread&lt;/em&gt;

Micro-morphology of Selaginella megaspores from India

Twenty Indian species of the lycopod genus Selaginella are studied using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to resolve the variability in the number of megaspores per megasporangium and size, surface ornamentation and micro-sculpture of the megaspores. Comparisons between the new results and previous findings suggest that spore morphology and size are consistent for some species but variable within others.

Selaginella wangpeishanii (Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte from a limestone cave in Guizhou, China

Selaginella wangpeishanii, a new species of the lycophyte genus Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from a limestone cave in southern Guizhou, China is described and illustrated. The new species is different from any species in the genus known so far in China by having some ultimate branches bearing microphylls in ascending order of trophophylls, sporophylls or sporophyll-like microphylls, and trophophylls (TST arrangement of microphylls). Morphologically, S. wangpeishanii is most similar to S. gebaueriana, but is distinct by smaller plants and serrulate margins of lateral trophophylls. Selaginella wangpeishanii is currently known only from a single population and is considered to be Critically Endangered (CR), based on IUCN Red List criteria.

Insights on the Neuromodulatory Propensity of Selaginella (Sanjeevani) and its Potential Pharmacological Applications

Exploiting the potential of natural compounds to attenuate endogenous redox status to achieve neuroprotection is a novel concept in human disease therapy. This has necessitated a need to identify newer efficient phytochemicals possessing propensity to act on various biochemical therapeutic targets with low or no toxicity. Selaginella is a lithophytic pteridophyte which grows on constantly irrigated rocks in high altitude zones in different parts of the world. It is appraised to be "Sanjeevani" (the resurrection herb) based on its mythological reference in the Indian epic "Ramayana". Due to the presence of a unique disaccharide, trehalose, most species of Selaginella can survive severe drought conditions, maintaining the plant's structural stability and resurrect during rains. Several species of the genus are used in ethnic medicine for the therapy of jaundice, chronic trachitis, lung cancer, labor pain and wound healing. The major natural compounds in the genus Selaginella are characteristic flavonoid-dimers, called 'biflavonoids'. Although various biological effects of Selaginella have been documented in vitro, studies on its neuromodulatory properties are nonexisting despite the presence of potentially therapeutic biflavonoids. We have reviewed the existing literature on the possible pharmacological properties of Selaginella. Further, recent evidence gathered from our laboratory on the neuromodulatory propensity of S. delicatula employing in vivo models of chemically induced neurodegenerative diseases in rodents and Drosophila are discussed. Our findings point to a mechanism which modulates redox status and mitochondrial dysfunction suggesting their possible therapeutic use in oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease.