Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152934
Péter Török , Hermann Heilmeier
{"title":"Forging tradition with modernity – Entering into a new decade of the oldest botanical journal of the World","authors":"Péter Török , Hermann Heilmeier","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152934","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152934"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146184716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152931
Hamidreza Shahzeidi , Ali Bagheri , Dmitry Lyskov , Shahin Zarre , Frank R. Blattner
Leaf epidermal micromorphology was investigated in selected Iranian representatives of the Cachrys clade (Apiaceae) using a comparative approach based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A total of multiple taxa representing different genera were examined to assess the taxonomic relevance of stomatal characteristics, trichome morphology, and cuticular ornamentation. Clear intergeneric differences were observed in qualitative characters such as trichome architecture, epidermal cell shape, and cuticular sculpturing, whereas most quantitative stomatal traits, including stomatal density and index, showed limited diagnostic value and appeared to be influenced by ecological or leaf-textural factors. Notably, Azilia eryngioides exhibited a distinctive combination of micromorphological features, including mixed anisocytic–anomocytic stomata, polygonal epidermal cells with flat periclinal walls, and wrinkled cuticular sculpturing, supporting its current generic circumscription. As the material examined was based on herbarium specimens, environmentally sensitive quantitative traits should be interpreted with caution. Overall, the results indicate that foliar micromorphological characters, particularly stable qualitative traits, provide useful complementary evidence for generic delimitation within the Cachrys clade, but are insufficient on their own to resolve intergeneric relationships, emphasizing the value of integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data.
{"title":"Epidermis and trichome micromorphology support generic delimitation and taxonomy in the Cachrys clade (Apioideae, Apiaceae)","authors":"Hamidreza Shahzeidi , Ali Bagheri , Dmitry Lyskov , Shahin Zarre , Frank R. Blattner","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leaf epidermal micromorphology was investigated in selected Iranian representatives of the Cachrys clade (Apiaceae) using a comparative approach based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A total of multiple taxa representing different genera were examined to assess the taxonomic relevance of stomatal characteristics, trichome morphology, and cuticular ornamentation. Clear intergeneric differences were observed in qualitative characters such as trichome architecture, epidermal cell shape, and cuticular sculpturing, whereas most quantitative stomatal traits, including stomatal density and index, showed limited diagnostic value and appeared to be influenced by ecological or leaf-textural factors. Notably, <em>Azilia eryngioides</em> exhibited a distinctive combination of micromorphological features, including mixed anisocytic–anomocytic stomata, polygonal epidermal cells with flat periclinal walls, and wrinkled cuticular sculpturing, supporting its current generic circumscription. As the material examined was based on herbarium specimens, environmentally sensitive quantitative traits should be interpreted with caution. Overall, the results indicate that foliar micromorphological characters, particularly stable qualitative traits, provide useful complementary evidence for generic delimitation within the Cachrys clade, but are insufficient on their own to resolve intergeneric relationships, emphasizing the value of integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152931"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Himalayas are the most vulnerable regions to climate change, and they have been experiencing diverse impacts on mountain vegetation. Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) is an evergreen conifer which grows at altitudes of 1800–4300 m in dry valleys in Nepal Himalaya. We carried out a dendroecological study to examine growth-climate response of P. wallichiana on contrasting topography—relatively moist North facing and dry South facing slopes. Tree-ring width indices exhibited a significant positive correlation with the previous year’s September rainfall and negative correlation with the current year maximum temperature of June. The Basal Area Increment (BAI) generally showed a positive trend, however, both sites showed declining trends of BAI particularly after the 1980s, with a more pronounced decrease observed on the south-facing slope. This may be due to changes in topographic conditions due to slope exposure; higher evapotranspiration, strong wind and lower moisture supply due to low runoff from snow melting in the southern slope. However, we emphasize that responses from similar aged tree populations should be validated using more precise local climatic data to improve the interpretation of microclimate-driven growth-climate relationships and to strengthen climate adaptation strategies for Himalayan forests. Nonetheless, the results underscore the role of topographic variability in shaping forest sensitivity to climate, highlighting the importance of slope-specific considerations in forest management and adaptation strategies in Himalaya.
{"title":"Slope mediates growth-climate response of Pinus wallichiana in central Nepal","authors":"Aashish Bidari , Giri Prasad Joshi , Chitra Bahadur Baniya , Raju Bista , Achyut Tiwari","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Himalayas are the most vulnerable regions to climate change, and they have been experiencing diverse impacts on mountain vegetation. Blue Pine (<em>Pinus wallichiana</em>) is an evergreen conifer which grows at altitudes of 1800–4300 m in dry valleys in Nepal Himalaya. We carried out a dendroecological study to examine growth-climate response of <em>P. wallichiana</em> on contrasting topography—relatively moist North facing and dry South facing slopes. Tree-ring width indices exhibited a significant positive correlation with the previous year’s September rainfall and negative correlation with the current year maximum temperature of June. The Basal Area Increment (BAI) generally showed a positive trend, however, both sites showed declining trends of BAI particularly after the 1980s, with a more pronounced decrease observed on the south-facing slope. This may be due to changes in topographic conditions due to slope exposure; higher evapotranspiration, strong wind and lower moisture supply due to low runoff from snow melting in the southern slope. However, we emphasize that responses from similar aged tree populations should be validated using more precise local climatic data to improve the interpretation of microclimate-driven growth-climate relationships and to strengthen climate adaptation strategies for Himalayan forests. Nonetheless, the results underscore the role of topographic variability in shaping forest sensitivity to climate, highlighting the importance of slope-specific considerations in forest management and adaptation strategies in Himalaya.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152911"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152932
Gabriela B. Cisterna , Vanina G. Salgado , Cynthia C. González , Oriane Hidalgo , Luis Palazzesi , Diego G. Gutiérrez
South America is a region of high Asteraceae diversity. The subfamily Gochnatioideae (with its only tribe, Gochnatieae) represents an important evolutionary lineage that is considered key to understanding the evolution of Asteraceae in arid environments. The goal of our study is to analyze and compare the leaf morphology and anatomy of five Gochnatioideae species from southern South America: Cnicothamnus lorentzii, Cyclolepis genistoides, Gochnatia palosanto, Moquiniastrum polymorphum, and Pentaphorus glutinosus; distributed along a climatic gradient from arid to humid regions, with the objective of identifying and describing xeromorphic traits. Results revealed a great variability in leaf traits among the species. All species exhibited abundant glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Stomata were mostly raised, except in C. genistoides, which displayed semi-sunken stomata. Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic in C. lorentzii, G. palosanto, and M. polymorphum, and amphistomatic in C. genistoides and P. glutinosus. The mesophyll was either dorsiventral or isolateral. Cuticular thickening was observed in C. genistoides and M. polymorphum, while hypodermis was present only in M. polymorphum.
In conclusion, the observations indicate significant variation in leaf morphology and anatomy among the studied species. This study provides a preliminary descriptive framework that can serve as a comparative reference for future research on leaf diversity in Gochnatioideae in southern South America.
{"title":"Xeromorphic leaf traits in southern South American Gochnatioideae (Asteraceae): An anatomical comparison","authors":"Gabriela B. Cisterna , Vanina G. Salgado , Cynthia C. González , Oriane Hidalgo , Luis Palazzesi , Diego G. Gutiérrez","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>South America is a region of high Asteraceae diversity. The subfamily Gochnatioideae (with its only tribe, Gochnatieae) represents an important evolutionary lineage that is considered key to understanding the evolution of Asteraceae in arid environments. The goal of our study is to analyze and compare the leaf morphology and anatomy of five Gochnatioideae species from southern South America: <em>Cnicothamnus lorentzii, Cyclolepis genistoides, Gochnatia palosanto, Moquiniastrum polymorphum</em>, and <em>Pentaphorus glutinosus</em>; distributed along a climatic gradient from arid to humid regions, with the objective of identifying and describing xeromorphic traits. Results revealed a great variability in leaf traits among the species. All species exhibited abundant glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Stomata were mostly raised, except in <em>C. genistoides</em>, which displayed semi-sunken stomata. Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic in <em>C. lorentzii, G. palosanto</em>, and <em>M. polymorphum</em>, and amphistomatic in <em>C. genistoides</em> and <em>P. glutinosus</em>. The mesophyll was either dorsiventral or isolateral. Cuticular thickening was observed in <em>C. genistoides</em> and <em>M. polymorphum</em>, while hypodermis was present only in <em>M. polymorphum.</em></div><div>In conclusion, the observations indicate significant variation in leaf morphology and anatomy among the studied species. This study provides a preliminary descriptive framework that can serve as a comparative reference for future research on leaf diversity in Gochnatioideae in southern South America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152932"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152928
Alícia Marques Torres , Igor Soares dos Santos , Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza , Marcos José da Silva
Phyllanthus sect. Phyllanthus comprising 17 morphologically homogeneous and taxonomically challenging species of notable medicinal relevance, represents a promising group for micromorphological investigations. In this study, we examine the leaf and stem anatomy of eight species from this section, with the aim of identifying diagnostic characters that support accurate species delimitation and/or reflect the environmental conditions of their habitats. Additionally, we performed a similarity analysis based on 59 macro- and micromorphological characters. Our results show that the studied species differ in stem characteristics (e.g., presence or absence of wings and trichomes, number of layers of the cortex, thickening or not of the pith cells) and leaf traits (e.g., contour of the epidermal cells in frontal view, stomatal arrangement and types, presence or absence of papillae, midrib contour, presence or absence of collenchyma, fibers and/or sclereids in the petiole and midrib, vascular bundles, number of cortical layers in the latter, proportion and distribution of palisade and spongy parenchyma, and the shape, composition, and orientation of the leaf margin). Other traits appear to be associated with environmental adaptations related to water limitation, light reflection and diffusion (e.g., cuticle and cell wall thickness, trichomes, papillae, hypostomatic leaves), mechanical support (e.g., fibers, sclereids), photosynthetic efficiency (e.g., amphistomatic leaves), energy storage (e.g., starch grains), and defense against herbivory and osmoregulation (e.g., trichomes, druses). The similarity analysis revealed two morphologically cohesive groups, which partially correspond to previous phylogenetic studies of the section. These findings expand the anatomical knowledge of the examined species and provide a foundation for future pharmacological, taxonomic, phylogenetic, and ecological research on Phyllanthus.
{"title":"Comparative anatomy of the aerial vegetative organs of eight species of Phyllanthus L. sect. Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae)","authors":"Alícia Marques Torres , Igor Soares dos Santos , Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza , Marcos José da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phyllanthus</em> sect. <em>Phyllanthus</em> comprising 17 morphologically homogeneous and taxonomically challenging species of notable medicinal relevance, represents a promising group for micromorphological investigations. In this study, we examine the leaf and stem anatomy of eight species from this section, with the aim of identifying diagnostic characters that support accurate species delimitation and/or reflect the environmental conditions of their habitats. Additionally, we performed a similarity analysis based on 59 macro- and micromorphological characters. Our results show that the studied species differ in stem characteristics (<em>e.g.</em>, presence or absence of wings and trichomes, number of layers of the cortex, thickening or not of the pith cells) and leaf traits (<em>e.g.</em>, contour of the epidermal cells in frontal view, stomatal arrangement and types, presence or absence of papillae, midrib contour, presence or absence of collenchyma, fibers and/or sclereids in the petiole and midrib, vascular bundles, number of cortical layers in the latter, proportion and distribution of palisade and spongy parenchyma, and the shape, composition, and orientation of the leaf margin). Other traits appear to be associated with environmental adaptations related to water limitation, light reflection and diffusion (<em>e.g.</em>, cuticle and cell wall thickness, trichomes, papillae, hypostomatic leaves), mechanical support (<em>e.g.</em>, fibers, sclereids), photosynthetic efficiency (<em>e.g.</em>, amphistomatic leaves), energy storage (<em>e.g.</em>, starch grains), and defense against herbivory and osmoregulation (<em>e.g.</em>, trichomes, druses). The similarity analysis revealed two morphologically cohesive groups, which partially correspond to previous phylogenetic studies of the section. These findings expand the anatomical knowledge of the examined species and provide a foundation for future pharmacological, taxonomic, phylogenetic, and ecological research on <em>Phyllanthus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152928"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152909
Yun Wu , Lingzhi Liu , Jiali Tang , Xin Wu , Sha Shuang , Guangli Liu
Estimating the effects of diverse arrangements of flowers within inflorescence on intra- and inter-specific pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success is key to understanding the biodiversity and coexistence of sympatric co-flowering plants. In this study, we examined the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs on pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success in two syntopic co-flowering plants through experimental arrays. For this purpose, we used an orchid species (Spiranthes sinensis) characterized by three floral arrangement morphs (clockwise, anticlockwise and vertical) and a syntopic co-flowering plant (Prunella vulgaris). We constructed 15 synthetic arrays that included single or three floral arrangement morphs of S. sinensis and transplanted with P. vulgaris at a common-garden site to estimate pollinator visitation and reproductive success. The results indicated that transplantation with P. vulgaris reduced the fruit set of S. sinensis. When S. sinensis was transplanted with P. vulgaris, the combination of the three floral arrangement morphs of S. sinensis improved the pollinator visitation of the anticlockwise and vertical morphs and improved the weight of the seeds per fruit of the clockwise morph compared with the single floral arrangement morph. For P. vulgaris, pollinator visitation was greater when it was transplanted with a combination of three floral arrangement morphs of S. sinensis than when it was transplanted with one floral arrangement morph of S. sinensis. The results highlight the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs in interspecific competition for pollinators. More generally, the results imply the potential role of diverse floral arrangement morphs in maintaining the coexistence of syntopic co-flowering and pollinator-sharing plants.
{"title":"Diverse floral arrangement morphs of Spiranthes sinensis (Orchidaceae) enhance pollinator visitation and reproductive success when competing with syntopic co-flowering plants","authors":"Yun Wu , Lingzhi Liu , Jiali Tang , Xin Wu , Sha Shuang , Guangli Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Estimating the effects of diverse arrangements of flowers within inflorescence on intra- and inter-specific pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success is key to understanding the biodiversity and coexistence of sympatric co-flowering plants. In this study, we examined the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs on pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success in two syntopic co-flowering plants through experimental arrays. For this purpose, we used an orchid species (<em>Spiranthes sinensis</em>) characterized by three floral arrangement morphs (clockwise, anticlockwise and vertical) and a syntopic co-flowering plant (<em>Prunella vulgaris</em>). We constructed 15 synthetic arrays that included single or three floral arrangement morphs of <em>S. sinensis</em> and transplanted with <em>P. vulgaris</em> at a common-garden site to estimate pollinator visitation and reproductive success. The results indicated that transplantation with <em>P. vulgaris</em> reduced the fruit set of <em>S. sinensis</em>. When <em>S. sinensis</em> was transplanted with <em>P. vulgaris</em>, the combination of the three floral arrangement morphs of <em>S. sinensis</em> improved the pollinator visitation of the anticlockwise and vertical morphs and improved the weight of the seeds per fruit of the clockwise morph compared with the single floral arrangement morph. For <em>P. vulgaris</em>, pollinator visitation was greater when it was transplanted with a combination of three floral arrangement morphs of <em>S. sinensis</em> than when it was transplanted with one floral arrangement morph of <em>S. sinensis</em>. The results highlight the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs in interspecific competition for pollinators. More generally, the results imply the potential role of diverse floral arrangement morphs in maintaining the coexistence of syntopic co-flowering and pollinator-sharing plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152909"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145801935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152924
Nuran Ekici (EKİCİ)
In this study, female gametophyte and endosperm development in Jurinea kilaea, which grows naturally in sea dunes in a very limited area in Türkiye and Bulgaria, were investigated cyto-embryologically for the first time using light microscopy methods. J. kilaea has an inferior, unilocular, bicarpellary and syncarpous ovary as in other previously studied Asteraceae members. Only one ovule develops in the ovary, and this also has basal placentation. The ovule is anatropous, unitegmic and tenuinucellate type. The megaspore mother cell develops directly from the archespore cell. The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form a linear tetrad. Of these four megaspores, the megaspore on the chalaza side forms the active megaspore, the others become atrophied. The active megaspore undergoes mitotic divisions and forms the Polygonum type embryo sac. Mature embryo sac contains an egg apparatus on the micropylar side, the central cell with two polar nuclei and three antipodes on the chalazal side. The egg apparatus includes two synergid cells and one egg. Polar nuclei are located close to the egg apparatus. Antipodal cells can each have more than one nucleus. Towards the end of megasporogenesis, in the tetrad stage the integumentary tapetum is seen surrounding the embryo sac. Endosperm development is initially of the nuclear type but later turns into the cellular type.
{"title":"Female gametophyte and endosperm development in Jurinea kilaea Azn. (Asteraceae)","authors":"Nuran Ekici (EKİCİ)","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, female gametophyte and endosperm development in <em>Jurinea kilaea</em>, which grows naturally in sea dunes in a very limited area in Türkiye and Bulgaria, were investigated cyto-embryologically for the first time using light microscopy methods. <em>J. kilaea</em> has an inferior, unilocular, bicarpellary and syncarpous ovary as in other previously studied Asteraceae members. Only one ovule develops in the ovary, and this also has basal placentation. The ovule is anatropous, unitegmic and tenuinucellate type. The megaspore mother cell develops directly from the archespore cell. The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form a linear tetrad. Of these four megaspores, the megaspore on the chalaza side forms the active megaspore, the others become atrophied. The active megaspore undergoes mitotic divisions and forms the <em>Polygonum</em> type embryo sac. Mature embryo sac contains an egg apparatus on the micropylar side, the central cell with two polar nuclei and three antipodes on the chalazal side. The egg apparatus includes two synergid cells and one egg. Polar nuclei are located close to the egg apparatus. Antipodal cells can each have more than one nucleus. Towards the end of megasporogenesis, in the tetrad stage the integumentary tapetum is seen surrounding the embryo sac. Endosperm development is initially of the nuclear type but later turns into the cellular type.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152924"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152923
Tibério da Silva Vale , Layse Kristine Corrêa Lopes , Ana Cristina Andrade de Aguiar-Dias , Andrea Furtado Macedo
Vanilla Plumier ex Miller is a pantropical genus of Orchidaceae with high global economic value. Vanilla planifolia Andrews, the main species used in commercial vanilla production, faces challenges including a narrow genetic base, susceptibility to pathogens, and vulnerability to climatic, ecological, and anthropogenic threats. These limitations highlight the need to cultivate alternative species. Brazilian species such as Vanilla chamissonis Klotzsch, Vanilla cribbiana Soto Arenas, and Vanilla phaeantha Rchb.f. produce aromatic fruits containing vanillin-related compounds, suggesting their potential for commercial use. However, their agronomic traits remain poorly understood, and accurate identification is hindered by the ephemeral nature of floral organs, limiting classification outside the reproductive phase. To address these gaps, we compared these three Brazilian species with V. planifolia. Our analysis revealed shared anatomical traits, including a uniseriate epidermis, mycorrhizae in roots, stem stomata, and collateral vascular bundles in leaves, as well as important differences. V. phaeantha showed unique exodermal wall thickening, suggesting intraspecific variation in defense traits. All species had a uniseriate, continuous, suberized endodermis in roots, with “U” shaped wall thickening in V. phaeantha and V. planifolia, and “O” shaped in V. chamissonis and V. cribbiana, the latter potentially offering greater resistance to fungal invasion. Documenting the anatomical diversity of Brazilian Vanilla species reveals functional adaptations and provides a foundation for future studies on their physiological and agricultural potential. These insights contribute to sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts and may expand the commercial use of Vanilla beyond V. planifolia.
{"title":"New anatomical information on Brazilian Vanillas: Micromorphological analyses and insights for cultivation","authors":"Tibério da Silva Vale , Layse Kristine Corrêa Lopes , Ana Cristina Andrade de Aguiar-Dias , Andrea Furtado Macedo","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vanilla</em> Plumier ex Miller is a pantropical genus of Orchidaceae with high global economic value. <em>Vanilla planifolia</em> Andrews, the main species used in commercial vanilla production, faces challenges including a narrow genetic base, susceptibility to pathogens, and vulnerability to climatic, ecological, and anthropogenic threats. These limitations highlight the need to cultivate alternative species. Brazilian species such as <em>Vanilla chamissonis</em> Klotzsch, <em>Vanilla cribbiana</em> Soto Arenas, and <em>Vanilla phaeantha</em> Rchb.f. produce aromatic fruits containing vanillin-related compounds, suggesting their potential for commercial use. However, their agronomic traits remain poorly understood, and accurate identification is hindered by the ephemeral nature of floral organs, limiting classification outside the reproductive phase. To address these gaps, we compared these three Brazilian species with <em>V. planifolia</em>. Our analysis revealed shared anatomical traits, including a uniseriate epidermis, mycorrhizae in roots, stem stomata, and collateral vascular bundles in leaves, as well as important differences. <em>V. phaeantha</em> showed unique exodermal wall thickening, suggesting intraspecific variation in defense traits. All species had a uniseriate, continuous, suberized endodermis in roots, with “U” shaped wall thickening in <em>V. phaeantha</em> and <em>V. planifolia</em>, and “O” shaped in <em>V. chamissonis</em> and <em>V. cribbiana</em>, the latter potentially offering greater resistance to fungal invasion. Documenting the anatomical diversity of Brazilian <em>Vanilla</em> species reveals functional adaptations and provides a foundation for future studies on their physiological and agricultural potential. These insights contribute to sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts and may expand the commercial use of <em>Vanilla</em> beyond <em>V. planifolia</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152923"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152914
Carlos A. Matallana-Puerto , João C․F. Cardoso , Laura J․Pérez Uscategui , Mariana O. Duarte
Plants inhabiting high-elevation environments often experience pollinator limitation and may favor autonomous self-pollination (ASP) as a reproductive assurance mechanism. Although ASP occurs in ∼20% of orchids, its mechanisms remain poorly understood in tropical montane species. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and mechanism of ASP in a high-Andean orchid (Ponthieva similis). We hypothesized that ASP yields higher fruit set than natural pollination in emasculated flowers, ensuring reproductive success. We used histochemical tests to detect floral secretory tissues, monitored diurnal floral visitors, and conducted an emasculation experiment to evaluate the contribution of ASP and pollinators to reproductive success. The breeding system was analyzed using controlled pollination treatments and seed viability. Finally, floral buds and pollen tube growth were examined to characterize the ASP mechanism. We did not detect secretory tissues in the small, whitish flowers of P. similis, and no diurnal floral visitors were observed. In the experiment, emasculated flowers had lower fruit set (13.33%) than unmanipulated (100%) and manipulated controls (86.67%), indicating pollinator limitation. All controlled pollination treatments produced high fruit set except emasculation. However, seeds from ASP showed 29% higher viability than those from hand cross-pollination, suggesting outbreeding depression. ASP occurred within floral buds and was mediated by early withering of the anther cap and filament, which transported pollinia to the stigma, characterizing a novel prior ASP mechanism. Our study provides the first empirical evidence of prior ASP in a tropical montane orchid, underscoring its role as an adaptive strategy under pollinator limitation in high-elevation environments.
{"title":"Prior autonomous self-pollination as a reproductive assurance mechanism in a high-Andean orchid","authors":"Carlos A. Matallana-Puerto , João C․F. Cardoso , Laura J․Pérez Uscategui , Mariana O. Duarte","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants inhabiting high-elevation environments often experience pollinator limitation and may favor autonomous self-pollination (ASP) as a reproductive assurance mechanism. Although ASP occurs in ∼20% of orchids, its mechanisms remain poorly understood in tropical montane species. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and mechanism of ASP in a high-Andean orchid (<em>Ponthieva similis</em>). We hypothesized that ASP yields higher fruit set than natural pollination in emasculated flowers, ensuring reproductive success. We used histochemical tests to detect floral secretory tissues, monitored diurnal floral visitors, and conducted an emasculation experiment to evaluate the contribution of ASP and pollinators to reproductive success. The breeding system was analyzed using controlled pollination treatments and seed viability. Finally, floral buds and pollen tube growth were examined to characterize the ASP mechanism. We did not detect secretory tissues in the small, whitish flowers of <em>P. similis</em>, and no diurnal floral visitors were observed. In the experiment, emasculated flowers had lower fruit set (13.33%) than unmanipulated (100%) and manipulated controls (86.67%), indicating pollinator limitation. All controlled pollination treatments produced high fruit set except emasculation. However, seeds from ASP showed 29% higher viability than those from hand cross-pollination, suggesting outbreeding depression. ASP occurred within floral buds and was mediated by early withering of the anther cap and filament, which transported pollinia to the stigma, characterizing a novel prior ASP mechanism. Our study provides the first empirical evidence of prior ASP in a tropical montane orchid, underscoring its role as an adaptive strategy under pollinator limitation in high-elevation environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152914"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zingiber engganoense Ardiyani is a critically endangered species that occupies a restricted habitat on Enggano Island. A single location was reported in a previous study. Due to the lack of information about the current population status, surveys were used to find new populations and improve our understanding of its conservation status. Surveys were conducted centered on the known location reported from the previous study, then expanding into surrounding areas and also surveying locations informed by local people. The study area covered two villages: Malakoni and Banjarsari. These locations are surveyed based on historical records and local information. A purposive sampling method was applied to assess the population and habitat characteristic of Z. engganoense Ardiyani. The population was quantified and physical variables were measured inside the plots. The coordinate points and spatial environmental layers were used as input of a model for predicting habitat suitability of the species. An ensemble model was constructed by aggregating the results of three algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS), and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to generate a habitat suitability map. Six new occurrence locations in Malakoni village were identified with the surveys. The ensemble model predicted 18 km2 of moderately suitable habitat and 3 km2 of highly suitable habitat on the island. Our model predicted only 4 km2 of moderately suitable habitat was located inside a protected area of Taman Buru Gunung Nanu’ua. Three input variables were identified as important for habitat suitability: soil organic carbon, elevation and annual precipitation. The predictive model resulted from this study was categorised as an effective model with an AUC value of 0.90 and a TSS value of 0.88. We propose CR B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii), D as the new conservation status of Z. engganoense Ardiyani. Cuttings from four individuals and two tubers that were secured from the wild, all successfully grew under controlled conditions in the greenhouse of the botanic gardens.
engganoense Ardiyani是一种极度濒危的物种,在Enggano岛上有一个有限的栖息地。在之前的一项研究中报告了一个单一的位置。由于缺乏有关种群现状的信息,通过调查来发现新的种群,提高我们对其保护状况的了解。调查以先前研究报告的已知地点为中心,然后扩展到周围地区,并调查当地人告知的地点。研究区域包括两个村庄:Malakoni和Banjarsari。这些地点是根据历史记录和当地信息进行调查的。采用目的抽样的方法,对滇地黄颡鱼种群和生境特征进行了调查。对种群进行了量化,并测量了小区内的物理变量。利用坐标点和空间环境层作为模型的输入,对该物种的生境适宜性进行了预测。将随机森林(Random Forest, RF)、多元自适应样条回归(Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline, MARS)和广义线性模型(Generalized Linear model, GLM) 3种算法的结果综合起来,构建了一个集成模型,生成了栖息地适宜性图。通过调查确定了马拉科尼村6个新的发病地点。集合模式预测了岛上中度适宜生境18 km2,高度适宜生境3 km2。我们的模型预测,在Taman Buru Gunung Nanu 'ua保护区内只有4 km2的中等适宜栖息地。土壤有机碳、海拔高度和年降水量是影响生境适宜性的重要输入变量。本研究建立的预测模型AUC值为0.90,TSS值为0.88,属于有效模型。我们提出CR B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii), D作为新保护状态。在植物园温室的控制条件下,从四个个体和两个从野外获得的块茎上成功地生长。
{"title":"A conservation concern to a critically endangered Zingiber engganoense Ardiyani (Zingiberaceae)","authors":"Angga Yudaputra , Inggit Puji Astuti , Elga Renjana , Elok Rifqi Firdiana , Melisnawati H Angio , Vandra Kurniawan , Danang Wahyu Purnomo , Iyan Robiansyah , Marlina Ardiyani , Fitriany Amalia Wardhani , Puguh Dwi Raharjo , Gut Windarsih , Suhartono , Dwi Murti Puspitaningtyas , Prima Wahyu Kusuma Hutabarat , Unggul Handoko , Wendell P. Cropper Jr","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152893","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152893","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Zingiber engganoense</em> Ardiyani is a critically endangered species that occupies a restricted habitat on Enggano Island. A single location was reported in a previous study. Due to the lack of information about the current population status, surveys were used to find new populations and improve our understanding of its conservation status. Surveys were conducted centered on the known location reported from the previous study, then expanding into surrounding areas and also surveying locations informed by local people. The study area covered two villages: Malakoni and Banjarsari. These locations are surveyed based on historical records and local information. A purposive sampling method was applied to assess the population and habitat characteristic of <em>Z. engganoense</em> Ardiyani. The population was quantified and physical variables were measured inside the plots. The coordinate points and spatial environmental layers were used as input of a model for predicting habitat suitability of the species. An ensemble model was constructed by aggregating the results of three algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS), and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to generate a habitat suitability map. Six new occurrence locations in Malakoni village were identified with the surveys. The ensemble model predicted 18 km<sup>2</sup> of moderately suitable habitat and 3 km<sup>2</sup> of highly suitable habitat on the island. Our model predicted only 4 km<sup>2</sup> of moderately suitable habitat was located inside a protected area of Taman Buru Gunung Nanu’ua. Three input variables were identified as important for habitat suitability: soil organic carbon, elevation and annual precipitation. The predictive model resulted from this study was categorised as an effective model with an AUC value of 0.90 and a TSS value of 0.88. We propose CR B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii), D as the new conservation status of <em>Z. engganoense</em> Ardiyani. Cuttings from four individuals and two tubers that were secured from the wild, all successfully grew under controlled conditions in the greenhouse of the botanic gardens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 152893"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}