Showing papers in "Botanical Review in 2019"

Ecology and Use of Lantana camara in India

Abstract: In the Indian sub-continent Lantana has invaded vast tracts of dry-moist forests and other culturable wastelands, and has potentially altered biodiversity, landscape ecology and ecosystem services. It has invaded most Indian pasture lands (13.2 million ha) besides forest and fallow areas, and the cost of its control is estimated at US$ 70 per ha. This invasive weed stands out because of its rapid spread, intensity of infestation, allelopathy, opportunistic growth behaviour, reproductive biology traits and tenacious resistance to cutting and burning. This paper reviews the current knowledge on L. camara with particular focus on its ecological attributes such as biomass productivity, reproductive biology, invasiveness, allelopathy, eradication measures and economic uses reported from India. Based on the literature review it can be pointed out that the positive impacts and economic uses of Lantana outweigh its negative impacts and require further studies on cost-benefit considerations for decision making for its eradication and management.

Phylogeny and Systematics of Cyperaceae, the Evolution and Importance of Embryo Morphology

Abstract: Despite recent advances in molecular phylogenetic studies, deep evolutionary relationships in Cyperaceae are still not entirely resolved. Reduction of floral morphology and complex inflorescences pose difficulties to unravel relationships based on morphology alone. One of the most phylogenetically informative structures in Cyperaceae are the embryos. The utility of embryo characters and types in Cyperaceae systematics is reviewed in a molecular phylogenetic context using a DNA supermatrix incorporating sequences from five plastid (matK, ndhF, rbcL, rps16, trnL-F) and two nuclear ribosomal (ETS, ITS) regions. The phylogenetic hypothesis presented includes the most extensive sampling of the family to date. Fourteen qualitative morphological embryo characters were coded, ancestral state reconstructions were performed, and the embryo of each sampled genus was classified in a typological system based on key morphological features. Embryo morphology provides a valuable source of independent data for Cyperaceae systematics that can be used to place species with unknown affinities, when molecular data is not available, or when results of analyses are inconclusive or conflicting. Integrating embryo data will remain critical for future higher level studies of Cyperaceae evolution and classification.

Feeding and Other Gall Facets: Patterns and Determinants in Gall Structure

Abstract: Galls are neoformed structures induced by specific animals, fungi, bacteria, virus or some parasitic plants on their host plant organs. Developmental processes are well known in Agrobacterium tumefasciens galls, but the animal-induced galls have a striking anatomical diversity, concerning several patterns, which were reunited herein. Anatomical traits observed in animal-induced galls involve manipulation of plant morphogenesis in convergent ways. Nematode, mite and insect galls usually contain homogeneous storage parenchyma and develop due to hyperplasia and cell hypertrophy. The development of typical nutritive tissues, giant cells, or hypertrophied vascular bundles may occur. Some other anatomical features may be usually restricted to galls induced by specific taxa, but they may eventually be related to the developmental potentialities of the host plants. The combination of distinct morphogenetic peculiarities in each gall system culminates in extant gall structural diversity. Convergent anatomical traits are observed according to the feeding mode of the gall inducers, representing potentiation or inhibition of similar events of host plant morphogenesis and cell redifferentiation, independent of gall-inducing taxa.

Edaphic Endemism in the Amazon: Vascular Plants of the canga of Carajás, Brazil

Abstract: Amazonia is one of the most diverse biomes worldwide, and, as well as luxuriant forest, it includes mountain areas which, despite their small surface area, display fascinating endemism. In these regions, the specificity of edaphic factors is mirrored by a highly specialised, isolated flora adapted to survive adverse conditions. The Serra dos Carajas in the Brazilian state of Para is one of world’s largest iron ore reserves. Known locally as canga, this ironstone formation occupies an area of 115.9 km2, and supports campo rupestre of canga vegetation on outcrops that are mostly in the Floresta Nacional de Carajas (FLONA of Carajas) and Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos (PNCF). The recent publication of the Flora of the cangas of Carajas lists 856 species of seed plants and 186 species of ferns and lycophytes. This project assessed the canga endemic species growing in the region, and further expeditions guided by SDM were carried out in order to ascertain their distribution outisde the area. Departing from an initial list of 58 putative endemics, the final list comprises 38 species of vascular plants (c. 4% of the local flora). These are distributed in 31 genera and 22 families, including three monotypic genera: Carajasia (Rubiaceae), Monogereion and Parapiqueria (Asteraceae). From these, 24 are classified as Rare Species for Brazil and seven as Highly Restricted Endemic (EEO < 100 km2). An illustrated account is provided, as well as further SDM to detect other possible areas of distribution based on the studied species. The knowledge generated is aimed at directing appropriate conservation plans for the area.

Biogeographical Review of Asteraceae in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, Brazil

Abstract: The Espinhaco Range is characterized by its high taxonomic diversity and endemism level, where Asteraceae is one of the richest plant families. The present study aims to catalogue the Asteraceae species recorded in the campos rupestres of the Espinhaco Range and evaluate its biogeography. We built a database that contained recorded Asteraceae species and their geographical location. We thus produced a catalogue of species and their distribution representing 2420 records of Asteraceae distributed among 19 tribes, 106 genera and 535 species, from which 430 were endemic to Brazil and 178 were endemic to the campos rupestres of the Espinhaco Range. Areas of Cerrado share the most species with campos rupestres (251 spp.), followed by disjoint areas of campos rupestres (140 spp.). The results showed two floristic groups: one included in the Caatinga domain and another to the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest domains. The analysis of the environmental factors suggests that climate is the main determinant of the distribution of Asteraceae species in the Espinhaco Range.

Trillium – toward Sustainable Utilization of a Biologically Distinct Genus Valued for Traditional Medicine

Abstract: Trillium has fascinated the botanical world with its peculiar biology and high medicinal value. The genus appears in North America and Asia, and is widely used for traditional medicine on both continents. Medicinal value has been validated recently through the isolation and ex situ testing of constituent compounds. This study reviews biology, medicinal value, ecological threats and knowledge gaps, and offers suggestions for conservation and sustainable utilization. Findings indicate that the biology of the genus is well explored and the reproductive constraints are well recognized. Steroidal compounds and pharmaceutical potential of the genus are reported, but controlled clinical trials on humans are yet to be conducted. High medicinal value and the peculiar biology have made the genus susceptible to several threats.

A review of the economic botany of Sesbania (Leguminosae).

Abstract: Sesbania is a genus in the family Leguminosae that has been widely used by people in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia. Information about Sesbania uses and their characteristics such as chemical compounds were obtained from 233 papers, reports and books. We found evidence for 22 Sesbania species being used. They were used for human food (10 species), animal food (9), poisons (1), medicines (10), environments (8), materials (7), fuel (2) and social purposes (1). Sesbania grandiflora and S. sesban were used more than the other species. Sesbania grandiflora was the only species with uses in all categories. Sesbania sesban was used in six categories. Sesbania grandiflora had the highest number of use records in almost all categories, except for fuel in which S. sesban had more records. The aerial parts, especially the soft, young parts were consumed by both humans and animals. Some Sesbania species contained high amounts of proteins (41% of protein in S. javanica), vitamin C (145 mg/100 g in S. grandiflora) and high amounts of calcium (666 mg/100 g in S. grandiflora). Sesbania species have been used to treat 20 subcategories of human disorders, and also as veterinary medicines. Sesbania possessed 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-N-pentadecanamide, 2-hydroxy-N-decanamide, betulinic acid, isovestitol, medicarpin, oleanolic acid 3-β-D-glucuronide, pinitol, saponin, sativan, sesbanimide, stigmasterol and triterpene acid 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside for which pharmacological properties had been tested. Sesbania also has cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiurolithiatic, hypolipidemic, anticancer, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Sixteen microorganisms were found to be inhibited by Sesbania. Sesbania species are well-known for their use as green manures and seven species were recorded for this purpose. Sesbania also have properties that make them useful for pollution control. Regarding material uses, five Sesbania species were used for their fibers and Sesbania bispinosa was used in the production of fabrics. Besides the uses, Sesbania species also have other economic importance as weeds, pest host, and host for an economic plant. Eight species of Sesbania appear to have negative effects as weeds and pest-host and one species (Sesbania grandiflora) was the host for sandalwood. There was evidence that Sesbania could inhibit growth of animals and plants. Moreover, Sesbania seeds in too large doses are lethal to some animals. According to the vast advantages, the knowledge of Sesbania uses, including the safe dosages, should be passed on for the welfare of humans.

Studies on the Evergreen Broad-leaved Forests of Yunnan, Southwestern China

Abstract: Yunnan of southwestern China supports an extremely rich biodiversity and various vegetation types dominated by evergreen broad-leaved forest. The floristic composition, species diversity, physiognomy and biogeography of three major types of the evergreen broad-leaved forest in Yunnan were surveyed using 1-ha plots. The three forest types are very diverse in species composition, diversity, physiognomy and biogeography, although they are commonly dominated by species of the families Fagaceae, Theaceae and Lauraceae. The lower montane evergreen broad-leaved forest (LMEB) in southern Yunnan is extremely rich in species and is characterized by a tropical physiognomy and dominated by tropical Asian species, similar to the tropical lower montane evergreen forest commonly in southeast Asia. The semi-wet evergreen broad-leaved forest (SWEB) on plateaus and the upper montane evergreen broad-leaved forest (UMEB) in central and northern Yunnan are characterized by a subtropical physiognomy and are dominated by Sino-Himalayan and Chinese endemic species, and are unique in southwestern China. The SWEB and the UMEB should be given high conservation values due to their uniqueness and abundant Chinese endemic species. Especially, the SWEB should be given the highest protection because most remnants of this forest have lost due to heavily human disturbance.

Risk Analysis of Gene Flow from Cultivated, Addictive, Social-Drug Plants to Wild Relatives

Abstract: Addictive “social drugs” that are derived from plants range from reputable stimulants (e.g., coffee and tea) to stigmatized and dangerous preparations (e.g., ephedrine and cocaine). Both legal and illicit global trade has increased the geographic distribution of plants from which the principal social drugs are obtained. In turn, this range expansion increased opportunities to transfer genes controlling production of high levels of secondary chemicals because of increases in overlapping geographic distributions with sexually compatible domesticated, wild, and weedy relatives. We review the literature for evidence that the introduction of these chemicals into ecosystems could occur through gene flow in ten common, addictive, social drug crops: coca, coffee, cola, ephedra, khat, marijuana, opium poppy, tea, tobacco and yerbe mate. From the published literature of the potential evolutionary and environmental consequences of gene flow from popular social drug crops, we also analyse the subsequent unintended ecological or evolutionary consequences, such as increased weediness, loss of genetic diversity in sexually compatible wild relatives, or health and fitness consequences for herbivores of these crops. Given the rapid industrialization of many of these crops, we identify knowledge gaps and call for renewed attention to the study of their ecology and evolution.

Review of vegetative branching in the palms (Arecaceae).

Abstract: Vegetative branching is common in the palms (Arecaceae). However, current terms to describe vegetative branching diversity are not consistent and do not cover the full range of branching types. In this study vegetative branching types in the palms were reviewed and defined, and the phylogenetic distribution of palm branching types was described. Branching types were described from a literature review and field observations; 1903 species representing all 181 genera were included. Five branching types were found: lateral axillary branching, shoot apical division, false vivipary, abaxial branching, and leaf-opposed branching. Most species (55%) exhibited no vegetative branching. Lateral axillary was the most common branching type. Lateral axillary branching and shoot apical division were predicted to be the earliest-evolved branching types. The present study suggests that branching types have different evolutionary histories, and it is likely that the solitary habit is more common now than when palms initially diverged from commelinid relatives.

Phytogeography and Floristic Affinities of Woody Plants in “Los Montes de María”, a Tropical Dry Forest Fragment in the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract: The phytogeographic and floristic connections of the “Montes de Maria” (MM: north of Colombia) were analyzed through Geographic Information Systems, at worldwide, Neotropical and in Colombia scales in order to determine its geographical origin and floristic affinities. We estimated that genera are mostly of the Neotropical (74%) and Nearctic (26%) origin. At the Neotropical level, MM is located at the Pacific dominion and shares species with the Mesoamerican dominion. In addition, shares species with the Chaquena, Antilles subregions, and the South American and Mexican transition zones. At the regional level, the MM is located between Guajira and Magdalena provinces, although is floristically more similar to Guajira province. MM shape a floristic unit together with other fragments of dry forest in the Colombian Caribbean, which is highly related to dry forests of the inter-Andean valleys. In addition, the floristic origin of MM is associated to dry flora of Mesoamerica, nonetheless it was also influenced by the Amazonian and the Sabana province.

Influence of Socio-Historical Events and Macroecological Patterns on the Endemic Plant Descriptions in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract: Since 1753 the description of vascular plants has been highly uneven. Given its high levels of plant endemism and long botanical history, the Iberian Peninsula is considered a suitable territory to study the species discovery process. Anova tests were conducted to explore the differences on the description dates for categories of range size and life-form. Correlation and GLM analyses were carried out to examine the spatial relationship between the number of described species and the plant richness and human influence variables. Two important peaks of description were identified: the first was associated to the extensive botanical exploration of the Baetic Mountains Hotspot by Boissier (mid-nineteenth century), and the second to the taxonomic revisions for Flora iberica (late 20th). As found in other studies, a negative correlation existed between the range size and the description date, while no differences were found for the life-form categories. The spatial pattern of the number of described species was highly correlated with the weighted endemism metric and to a lesser extent with the human influence. Changes in discovery effort have been governed by socio-historical factors and consequently the discovery curves are not reliable to indicate the final approach to completeness. However, the high number of recently discovered species suggests that the inventory is still incomplete.