Species Of Strobilanthes Research Articles

Rediscovery and amended description of Strobilanthes humilis (Acanthaceae)

Strobilanthes Blume consists of approximately 350 species, chiefly distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Asia but extending to the Pacific islands. Approximately 150 species of Strobilanthes are reported from India and, among them, around 70 species are restricted to South India. In the course of a floristic survey in the Megamalai Hills of Tamilnadu in 2016–2017, we collected a remarkable specimen of Strobilanthes, which was characterized by having viscous uninterrupted spikes with a subventricose corolla. Since it has spicate inflorescences, 5-partite calyces, two fertile stamens, and densely hygroscopic-pubescent seeds, the material belongs to the S. kunthiana group. After a critical examination of relevant literature and herbarium materials it was found that the specimen matches the type of S. humilis, hence our collections are the first verified collection after its type collections in 1836.

A comparative full-length transcriptomic resource provides insight into the perennial monocarpic mass flowering.

Perennial monocarpic mass flowering represents as a key developmental innovation in flowering time diversity in several biological and economical essential families, such as the woody bamboos and the shrubby Strobilanthes. However, molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying this important biodiversity remain poorly investigated. Here, we generated a full-length transcriptome resource incorporated into the BlueOmics database (http://blueomics.iflora.cn) for two Strobilanthes species, which feature contrasting flowering time behaviors. Using about 112 and 104 Gb Iso-seq reads together with ~185 and ~75 Gb strand-specific RNA seq data, we annotated 80 971 and 79 985 non-redundant full-length transcripts for the perennial polycarpic Strobilanthes tetrasperma and the perennial monocarpic Strobilanthes biocullata, respectively. In S. tetrasperma, we identified 8794 transcripts showing spatiotemporal expression in nine tissues. In leaves and shoot apical meristems at two developmental stages, 977 and 1121 transcripts were differentially accumulated in S. tetrasperma and S. biocullata, respectively. Interestingly, among the 33 transcription factors showing differential expression in S. tetrasperma but without differential expression in S.biocullata, three were involved potentially in the photoperiod and circadian-clock pathway of flowering time regulation (FAR1 RELATED SEQUENCE 12, FRS12; NUCLEAR FACTOR Y A1, NFYA1; PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 5, PRR5), hence provides an important clue in deciphering the flowering diversity mechanisms. Our data serve as a key resource for further dissection of molecular and genetic mechanisms underpinning key biological innovations, here, the perennial monocarpic mass flowering.

First report on essential oil composition and biological activities of five Strobilanthes species from Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand, India

In the present investigation the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) of the five Strobilanthes species viz., S. angustifrons C. B. Clarke,S. pentastemonoid M, (Nees) T. Anderson, S. tomentosa (Nees) J.R.I.Wood, S. attenuata (Wall. ex Nees) Jacq. ex Nees and S. glutinosa (Nees) collected from different locations of Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, India were examined and reported for the first time. The essential oils were analysed for their chemical composition by GC-MS. The yield of the hydro distilled essential oils was ranging from 0.2 to 0.3% (v/w). GC-MS results revealed a wide variability in the chemical composition among the studied Strobilanthes species. Among the biological activities, highest anti-inflammatory activity was recorded for S. angustifrons EO (IC50 = 9.6 ± 0.57 μL/mL). Highest antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and metal chelating activity was shown by S. pentastemonoid EO (IC50 = 15.32 ± 0.48 μL/mL and 23.29 ± 0.13 μL/mL, respectively). Highest antioxidant activity in terms of H2O2 scavenging activity and highest antidiabetic activity was shown by S. attenuate EO (IC50 = 21.82 ± 0.53 μL/mL) and S. tomentosa EO (IC50 = 21.82 ± 0.53 μL/mL), respectively. The biological activity data revealed the significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities of the studied Strobilanthes species. Therefore, the essential oils of these species can be a good natural product to be used as ecofriendly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic agents.

Pollen morphological characters variation among species of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra, Indonesia and its taxonomic implications

Abstract. Suratman, Suranto, Muzzazinah, Purnomo. 2022. Pollen morphological characters variation among species of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra, Indonesia and its taxonomic implications. Biodiversitas 23: 4636-4648. The objective of this study was to evaluate pollen morphological characters variation and its taxonomic value among species of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra. A total of 32 species from four genera previously recognized within the subtribe Strobilanthineae were used for pollen morphology observations using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A total of ten pollen morphological characters (both quantitative and qualitative) were observed in this study. In general, a great variation occurs in the majority of investigated pollen morphological characters. A similarity dendrogram among species of Strobilanthes s.l. based on pollen morphological character data revealed two major clusters. Cluster I consist of 25 species that differed from species in Cluster II in having pollen type I, pollen type II and pollen type III with a similarity coefficient of 0.61. Cluster II consists of seven species and has pollen type IV, pollen type V, pollen type VI and pollen type VII with a similarity coefficient of 0.46. An identification key to the species of Strobilanthes s.l. based on pollen morphology is also established for easy discrimination of the investigated taxa. This study revealed that pollen morphology was taxonomically useful character for identification and taxa delimitation of Strobilanthes s.l., especially at the species level. The results of this study also support earlier works through molecular studies, statistical analysis, gross morphology observations and leaf anatomy studies that all segregate genera of the subtribe Strobilanthinae should be merged under a single and well-defined genus as Strobilanthes s.l.

Leaf anatomical characters variation of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra, Indonesia and its taxonomic implications

Abstract. Suratman, Suranto, Muzzazinah, Purnomo. 2022. Leaf anatomical characters variation of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra, Indonesia and its taxonomic implications. Biodiversitas 23: 3705-3720. The objective of this study was to evaluate leaf anatomical character variation among species of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra. A total of 35 species from four genera previously recognized within the subtribe Strobilanthineae (Strobilanthes, Hemigraphis, Sericocalyx, Semnostachya) were used for leaf paradermal section observations. A total of seventeen leaf anatomical characters consisting of ten quantitative and seven qualitative characters were selected for leaf anatomical comparison. The quantitative and qualitative character analysis showed great variability in the majority of tested leaf anatomical characters. This result indicates the large diversity of leaf anatomical characters occurs among species of Strobilanthes s.l. A similarity dendrogram among species of Strobilanthes s.l. based leaf anatomical character data revealed two major clusters. The first cluster consists of eleven species with regular epidermal cell shape and straight cell wall with a similarity coefficient of 0.67. The second cluster consists of twenty four species that differed from species in the first cluster due to their irregular epidermal cell shape and undulate anticlinal cell wall with a similarity coefficient of 0.59. This study indicates that leaf anatomical characters are valuable taxonomic features in taxa delimitation at the species level. The results of this study also support earlier works through molecular studies that all members of the Strobilanthinae then accepted as Strobilanthes s.l. group which could not be easily split into smaller component genera.

Strobilanthes Blume (Acanthaceae) in Myanmar, a new species and an updated checklist

SummaryA brief history of the discovery of Strobilanthes species in Myanmar is presented. The revival of fieldwork in recent years has resulted in many new records, so an updated checklist of all known species from the country is needed. Selected specimens are cited and distribution notes provided. One new species, Strobilanthes hians J.R.I.Wood & K.Armstr., with unusual pollen, is described and illustrated bringing the total of recognised species in the country to 81 with six additional infraspecific taxa.

Protective Efficacy of Two Endemic Strobilanthes of Southern Western Ghats Kerala

Modern food habits in humans have increased the frequency of diseases especially colon cancer. The present findings suggest the potential efficacy of two endemic Strobilanthes species of Southern Western Ghats. The shoot extract of the plants showed high radical scavenging activity in hydroxyl scavenging assay at an half maximal inhibitory concentration of 375.24±2.03 and 375.24±2.03 μg/ml against gallic acid for Strobilanthes anamallaica and Strobilanthes virendrakumarana respectively. Their activity in the superoxidefree radical assay was moderate when compared with the standard. Among the two species, Strobilanthes virendrakumarana highly impacted colon cancer cells (DLD1) with an Lethal concentration 50 of 111.99±4.91 μg/ml. These concentrations do not affect the normal cell line L929 under consideration. Hence, the endemic plant of Southern-Western Ghats, viz., Strobilanthes virendrakumarana is a promising candidate against colon cancer cells.

Strobilanthes bolavenensis, a new species of Acanthaceae from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos

A new species of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae), S. bolavenensis, is described from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos. Photos and illustration are given together with information of habitat, ecology, vernacular name and preliminary conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria.

Strobilanthes pushpagiriensis (Acanthaceae): a new species from Western Ghats, India

A new species of Strobilanthes collected from Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India is described here as S. pushpagiriensis. It is closely allied to S. anamallaica and S. ciliata in having two distinct small leafy bracts at the middle of the peduncle, but differs from them in having dense grayish‐white hairs throughout, linear‐lanceolate leaves with 9–11 pairs of secondary veins, 2–3 spikes per peduncle and linear‐lanceolate densely glandular hairy bracts. Detailed description, distribution, conservation status, illustration and photographs are provided.

Peculiarities of the inverted repeats in the complete chloroplast genome of Strobilanthes bantonensis Lindau

Strobilanthes bantonensis Lindau belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is an antiviral herb that can be used to prevent Influenza virus infections in the border areas between China and Vietnam. Local people call it ‘Purple Ban-lan-gen’ because its root is very similar to that of Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze, which is called ‘Southern Ban-lan-gen’ and is listed in Chinese Pharmacopeia. The two species have been used interchangeably locally. However, their pharmacological equivalence has caused concern for years. We have sequenced the chloroplast genome of S. cusia previously. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. bantonensis to preform in-depth comparative genetic analysis of the two Strobilanthes species. The chloroplast genome of S. bantonensis is a circular DNA molecule with a total length of 144,591 bp and encodes 84 protein-coding, 8 ribosomes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The chloroplast genome has a conservative quadripartite structure, including a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions, with lengths of 92,068 bp, 17,767 bp, and 17,378 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that S. bantonensis is closely related to the S. cusia. Compared with other species from Acanthaceae, S. bantonensis has a significantly shortened IR region, suggesting the occurrence of IR contraction events. This study will help future taxonomic, evolutionary, phylogenetic, and bioprospecting studies of the sizeable Strobilanthes genus, which contains over 400 species.

JAVANESE ENDEMIC STROBILANTHES(ACANTHACEAE): TAXONOMY, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS

The taxonomic status of Javanese Strobilanthes has been revised by Bennett and Scotland (2003). However, the results of the validation of the Javanese Acanthaceae by Girmansyah (2014) show that several Strobilanthes species, especially those endemic to Java, need to be revised. Because they have become synonymous. Conservation status of Javanese endemic Strobilanthes was carried out according to the IUCN Red list Categories and Criteria.

Anatomical characterization of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) species from the northern Western Ghats of India and its implication for identification at vegetative state

A comprehensive study of stem, leaf and petiole anatomy of 10 species of Strobilanthes from northern Western Ghats of India was carried out to identify characteristics which would enable species identification when flowering material is unavailable. In Strobilanthes, some species bloom annually, others are plietesials, i.e. they grow without blooming for several years and then produce huge quantities of flowers, release seeds and die. Therefore, alternative methods, such as anatomical characters, are essential to distinguish Strobilanthes species in their vegetative stage. We collected ten species of Strobilanthes for anatomical characterization. Under the bright‐field microscope, stem cross‐sections of different species were found to be undulate, quadrangular, quadrangular‐winged or terete. Study of the stem revealed a distinct outer and inner cortex, the distribution of cystoliths (CaCO3 crystals), raphides (CaC2H2O5 crystals) and sclereids which varied from species to species. Study of leaf anatomy showed structural variation and vascular bundle shapes that differed between the species. Leaf epidermal characters under light and scanning electron microscopy exhibited variation in characters such as stomatal index, stomatal length and width, stomatal type and presence of glandular and non‐glandular trichomes. The petiole anatomy was species‐specific, especially with respect to vascular bundle structure and the distribution of structures such as sclereids, cystoliths, sphaeraphides and tannin cells varied. Hence, unique anatomical features of the stem, leaf and petiole could be used as taxonomic characters to identify Strobilanthes species in a vegetative state.

PREDATOPHILY- A NEW POLLINATION MECHANISM REPORTED IN WESTERN GHATS

Predatophily – a new pollination mechanism has been described from Impatiens, Sonerila and Strobilanthes species in the Western Ghats of India.

Sequencing and Analysis of Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze Chloroplast Genome Revealed the Rare Simultaneous Contraction and Expansion of the Inverted Repeat Region in Angiosperm.

Ban-Lan-Gen, the root tissues derived from several morphologically indistinguishable plant species, have been used widely in traditional Chinese medicines for numerous years. The identification of reliable markers to distinguish various source plant species is critical for the effective and safe use of products containing Ban-Lan-Gen. Here, we analyzed and characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze to identify high-resolution markers for the species determination of Southern Ban-Lan-Gen. Total DNA was extracted and subjected to next-generation sequencing. The cp genome was then assembled, and the gaps were filled using PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. Genome annotation was conducted using CpGAVAS web server. The genome was 144,133 bp in length, presenting a typical quadripartite structure of large (LSC; 91,666 bp) and small (SSC; 17,328 bp) single-copy regions separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; 17,811 bp). The genome encodes 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding, 30 transfer RNA, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. A total of 20 tandem, 2 forward, and 6 palindromic repeats were detected in the genome. A phylogenetic analysis based on 65 protein-coding genes showed that S. cusia was closely related to Andrographis paniculata and Ruellia breedlovei, which belong to the same family, Acanthaceae. One interesting feature is that the IR regions apparently undergo simultaneous contraction and expansion, resulting in the presence of single copies of rps19, rpl2, rpl23, and ycf2 in the LSC region and the duplication of psbA and trnH genes in the IRs. This study provides the first complete cp genome in the genus Strobilanthes, containing critical information for the classification of various Strobilanthes species in the future. This study also provides the foundation for precisely determining the plant sources of Ban-Lan-Gen.

<b>Notes on the extended distribution of two threatened species of <I>Strobilanthes</I> Blume (Acanthaceae) in Kerala, India</b>

The extended distributional record of two threatened species of Strobilanthes namely S. canarica and S. campanulata in Kerala is provided. They exhibit narrow range of habitats in Western Ghats with highly restricted distribution. Notes on taxonomy, phenology, distribution and conservation status are also given.

Strobilanthes barbigera (Acanthaceae), a new species from Vietnam

SummaryA. new species of Strobilanthes, S. barbigera J. R. I. Wood, Nuraliev & Scotland, is described from Vietnam. The new species is endemic to the Chu Yang Sin National Park in the southern part of the country, which is home to a number of other recently described species. S. barbigera belongs to the “Sympagis” group within Strobilanthes and its distinctive pollen is illustrated. Photographs and line drawings illustrate the new species.

Strobilanthes sainthomiana-A new species of Strobilanthes Blume (Acanthaceae) from Western Ghats, India

Strobilanthes sainthomiana, a new species of Strobilanthes from Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated. It is closely allied to S. kunthiana in having bushy habit, elliptic-ovate leaves, similar spikes, tubular ventricose corolla and included stamens, but differs in having leaves with cuneate bases and serrulate margins, hispid veins, longer petioles, inflorescence on long unbranched spikes, smaller lanceolate bracts, bracteoles longer than calyx, staminal filaments with long flexuous hairs and glabrous ovary with shorter styles with swollen areas. Notes on ecology and conservation status are also provided.

Strobilanthes malabarica(Acanthaceae), a new species from South Western Ghats, India

Strobilanthes malabarica a new species of Strobilanthes from the South Western Ghats is described and illustrated. It is similar to S. aurita with its elliptic to lanceolate leaves, its inflorescences with basal involucral bracts, its bracts and bracteoles bearing glandular hairs, the calyx divided close to the base, a tubular ventricose corolla and the ellipsoidal pollen. It differs in having sparsely hispid leaves with setaceous margins, smaller oblanceolate bracts, a calyx with equal lobes that bear glandular hairs, and in the elliptic to lanceolate capsules with glabrous, areolate seeds. Notes on ecology and conservation status are also provided.

787. STROBILANTHES NUTANS

Summary The history of the discovery and naming of Strobilanthes nutans (Nees) T. Anderson is provided. It is described and illustrated. Some of the problems in trying to subdivide the genus Strobilanthes are discussed in the context of highlighting the distinctive features of S. nutans including the distinctive cone-like inflorescence, the white flowers and the subglobose incurved anthers. The introduction and cultivation of S. nutans as well as the possibilities of the introduction of other hardy species of Strobilanthes are discussed.

New and little-known species of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) from India and South East Asia

Descriptions and information about 26 species of Strobilanthes Blume are provided. Sixteen species are described as new: Strobilanthes bilabiata J. R. I. Wood, S. fragrans J. R. I. Wood and S. trichantha J. R. I. Wood from Thailand, S. borii J. R. I. Wood and S. parvifolia J. R. I. Wood from India, S. chrysodelta, J. R. I. Wood, S. muratae J. R. I. Wood, S. ramulosa J. R. I. Wood, S. tanakae J. R. I. Wood and S. wardiana J. R. I. Wood from Burma, S. disparifolia J. R. I. Wood from Laos, S. fusca J. R. I. Wood from the Philippines, S. longipedunculata Terao ex J. R. I. Wood from Vietnam, S. longistaminea J. R. I. Wood and S. pusilla J. R. I. Wood from Indonesia and S. orientalis J. R. I. Wood from East Timor. Species placed in Aechmanthera Nees and Sericocalyx Bremek. are transferred to Strobilanthes, resulting in the new name Strobilanthes sulewesiana J. R. I. Wood for Sericocalyx collina Bremek. and the new combinations Strobilanthes tomentosa (Nees) J. R. I. Wood, Strobilanthes celebica (Bremek.) J. R. I. Wood and Strobilanthes schomburgkii (Craib) J. R. I. Wood for the species hitherto known respectively as Aechmanthera gossypina (Wall.) Nees, Sericocalyx celebicus Bremek. and S. schomburgkii (Craib) Bremek. The new combinations Strobilanthes barisanensis (Bremek.) J. R. I. Wood and S. persicifolia (Lindl.) J. R. I. Wood are made, the latter based on an earlier name for the relatively well-known S. anisiphylla (G. Lodd.) T. Anderson. Kjellbergia celebica Bremek. is renamed Strobilanthes kjellbergii J. R. I. Wood. Some 22 species are illustrated with line drawings for the first time. Pollen of 16 species is illustrated with scanning electron micrographs. The more widespread species are mapped.