Centaurea pangaea (Asteraceae) is among the Greek endemic species of the genus with a particularly restricted distribution, occurring only on Mt. Pangeon (NE Greece) where it is found in a limited number of microsites. Through extensive field surveys, we confirmed its presence at three microsites, documenting a total of 108 mature individuals. We analyzed morphological traits of individuals sampled in two subpopulations, which revealed significant morphological variability, especially in traits like capitula width and leaf dimensions, likely driven by local environmental differences such as altitude. The absence of a pappus thus remains a stable and reliable diagnostic character distinguishing C. pangaea from C. parilica. Its limited dispersal ability – due to the absence of a pappus and elaiosomes – combined to the heavy predation of its achenes by Larinus weevils and its potentially low competitive ability, seem to play a crucial role in colonizing otherwise suitable habitats. The present study highlights the need for continued monitoring combined with targeted conservation actions to ensure the future survival of this poorly known yet ecologically and taxonomically significant endemic species
{"title":"Uncovering the habitat and morphological variation of the narrow endemic Centaurea pangaea (Asteraceae): Implications for conservation","authors":"Spyros Tsiftsis , Katerina Tseniklidou , Georgios Korakis , Theodora Merou","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152859","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152859","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Centaurea pangaea</em> (Asteraceae) is among the Greek endemic species of the genus with a particularly restricted distribution, occurring only on Mt. Pangeon (NE Greece) where it is found in a limited number of microsites. Through extensive field surveys, we confirmed its presence at three microsites, documenting a total of 108 mature individuals. We analyzed morphological traits of individuals sampled in two subpopulations, which revealed significant morphological variability, especially in traits like capitula width and leaf dimensions, likely driven by local environmental differences such as altitude. The absence of a pappus thus remains a stable and reliable diagnostic character distinguishing <em>C. pangaea</em> from <em>C. parilica</em>. Its limited dispersal ability – due to the absence of a pappus and elaiosomes – combined to the heavy predation of its achenes by <em>Larinus</em> weevils and its potentially low competitive ability, seem to play a crucial role in colonizing otherwise suitable habitats. The present study highlights the need for continued monitoring combined with targeted conservation actions to ensure the future survival of this poorly known yet ecologically and taxonomically significant endemic species</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152859"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145323301","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 : 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152860
Lidia Raquel Scrivanti, Ana María Anton
Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force that contributes to plant diversification, ecological plasticity, and biogeographic expansion. In polyploid complexes, genome duplication can promote environmental niche divergence among cytotypes, facilitating adaptation to distinct climatic conditions. Here, we test the hypothesis that polyploidization drives ecological niche differentiation and geographic distribution in polyploid cytotypes of Bothriochloa Kuntze in the Americas. Using ecological niche modelling (ENM), PCA-env ordination and niche overlap analyses, we evaluated environmental niche shifts between hexaploid (2n = 60) and higher ploidy (2n = 120, 2n = 180) cytotypes of five Bothriochloa species. We found a strong association between ploidy level and climatic niche differentiation. Higher ploidy cytotypes exhibited broader ecological niches than hexaploids and occupied a wider range of biomes, particularly those characterized by warmer and drier conditions. Niche overlap analysis revealed significant ecological divergence between ploidy levels, as evidenced by low values of Schoener’s D and non-equivalent environmental spaces. Climatic variables, such as water vapour pressure, solar radiation, and temperature range, were key drivers of niche shifts. Our findings support the hypothesis that polyploidy facilitates ecological niche divergence, potentially enhancing establishment and diversification. Genome duplication thus emerges as a key mechanism promoting adaptation and biogeographic expansion in response to climatic gradients.
{"title":"Polyploidy-driven niche divergence and biogeographic patterns in Bothriochloa Kuntze (Poaceae)","authors":"Lidia Raquel Scrivanti, Ana María Anton","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force that contributes to plant diversification, ecological plasticity, and biogeographic expansion. In polyploid complexes, genome duplication can promote environmental niche divergence among cytotypes, facilitating adaptation to distinct climatic conditions. Here, we test the hypothesis that polyploidization drives ecological niche differentiation and geographic distribution in polyploid cytotypes of <em>Bothriochloa</em> Kuntze in the Americas. Using ecological niche modelling (ENM), PCA-env ordination and niche overlap analyses, we evaluated environmental niche shifts between hexaploid (2n = 60) and higher ploidy (2n = 120, 2n = 180) cytotypes of five <em>Bothriochloa</em> species. We found a strong association between ploidy level and climatic niche differentiation. Higher ploidy cytotypes exhibited broader ecological niches than hexaploids and occupied a wider range of biomes, particularly those characterized by warmer and drier conditions. Niche overlap analysis revealed significant ecological divergence between ploidy levels, as evidenced by low values of Schoener’s D and non-equivalent environmental spaces. Climatic variables, such as water vapour pressure, solar radiation, and temperature range, were key drivers of niche shifts. Our findings support the hypothesis that polyploidy facilitates ecological niche divergence, potentially enhancing establishment and diversification. Genome duplication thus emerges as a key mechanism promoting adaptation and biogeographic expansion in response to climatic gradients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152860"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324038","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 : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152857
Yang Liu , Jifa Cui , Bo Wang
Leaf herbivory by insects is a widespread phenomenon across ecosystems, significantly impacting plant growth, survival, and community structure and biodiversity maintenance. While past research has mainly focused on interspecific and intraspecific differences in insect herbivory and its correlation with leaf traits, intra-individual variation in the susceptibility of leaves to insect herbivory remains under-investigated. Here, we investigated 5583 leaves from 584 seedlings of 40 woody species from a subtropical forest in southwestern China, focusing on five key leaf traits: size, specific leaf area (SLA), water content, thickness, and toughness. Our results revealed significant differences in these trait properties between insect-damaged and undamaged leaves from the same individual plant, with damaged leaves being larger, thicker, and harder, but having lower SLA and water content. These patterns were consistent across species, suggesting a conserved mechanism influencing the evolution of traits resisting insect herbivory. Furthermore, our findings offer valuable insights for future research on herbivory, particularly in terms of experimental design. Relying solely on traits from intact leaves may compromise the reliability of the leaf trait effects on herbivory. Traits of damaged leaves should also be considered to ensure the robustness of herbivory research.
{"title":"Leaves damaged by insect herbivory have consistently different biomechanical traits compared to undamaged leaves within individual plants","authors":"Yang Liu , Jifa Cui , Bo Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152857","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152857","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leaf herbivory by insects is a widespread phenomenon across ecosystems, significantly impacting plant growth, survival, and community structure and biodiversity maintenance. While past research has mainly focused on interspecific and intraspecific differences in insect herbivory and its correlation with leaf traits, intra-individual variation in the susceptibility of leaves to insect herbivory remains under-investigated. Here, we investigated 5583 leaves from 584 seedlings of 40 woody species from a subtropical forest in southwestern China, focusing on five key leaf traits: size, specific leaf area (SLA), water content, thickness, and toughness. Our results revealed significant differences in these trait properties between insect-damaged and undamaged leaves from the same individual plant, with damaged leaves being larger, thicker, and harder, but having lower SLA and water content. These patterns were consistent across species, suggesting a conserved mechanism influencing the evolution of traits resisting insect herbivory. Furthermore, our findings offer valuable insights for future research on herbivory, particularly in terms of experimental design. Relying solely on traits from intact leaves may compromise the reliability of the leaf trait effects on herbivory. Traits of damaged leaves should also be considered to ensure the robustness of herbivory research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152857"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278070","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 : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152858
Marcos José da Silva, Uglânia Sardinha do Amaral, Alexandre Antônio Alonso
The genus Manihot is exclusively Neotropical, and comprises approximately 140 species. Most of those species (ca. 116) can be found in Brazil, and are difficult to differentiate due to their homogeneous flowers and varied, but overlapping, leaf morphologies, and habits and growth aspect such as erect, decumbent, prostrate lianescent and arboreal. We carried out an anatomical leaf study of 64 Manihot species of Brazil to assist in their delimitation within the genus, verify the existence of any anatomical patterns, and better understand the ecological functions of their characters. Cross sections of completely expanded leaves obtained from natural populations (median portion of the petiole, leaf blade, and midrib) were prepared using standard techniques of light microscopy, as well as the dissociation of the epidermis (median portion of the leaf blade). The species studied showed anatomical traits with taxonomic value, including for the leaf blade (the presence or absence of papillae and trichomes, type of mesophyll, type of stomata, leaf margin orientation, presence of idioblast crystals); for the midrib (contour, types of vascular bundles, xylem arrangement, numbers of rows of vessel elements, distribution of collenchyma in the cortex); and for the petiole (contour, composition of the cortical parenchyma layers, numbers of vascular bundles and their arrangements, aspects of the pericycle). The presence of druses, polyhedral crystals and idioblasts containing phenolic compounds, as well as a thickened cuticle, are reflections of environmental pressures on the studied populations and should be avoided as taxonomic markers. The results of the present study highlight the importance of leaf anatomy in assessing taxonomic similarities between Manihot species that can be used for phylogenetic reconstructions within the genus and are partly related to the environments occupied by the species, but do not reflect infrageneric classifications at the sectional level. A phylogenetic reconstruction derived from the combination of three genes (G3pdh, NIA and trnC-D) revealed the homoplasy of some studied characters, which was corroborated by phenetic analysis where 63 groups were formed, with only group 2.2 having exclusive characters.
{"title":"Comparative leaf anatomy of Brazilian Manihot species (Euphorbiaceae): diversity, systematic value and ecological significance","authors":"Marcos José da Silva, Uglânia Sardinha do Amaral, Alexandre Antônio Alonso","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152858","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152858","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Manihot</em> is exclusively Neotropical, and comprises approximately 140 species. Most of those species (ca. 116) can be found in Brazil, and are difficult to differentiate due to their homogeneous flowers and varied, but overlapping, leaf morphologies, and habits and growth aspect such as erect, decumbent, prostrate lianescent and arboreal. We carried out an anatomical leaf study of 64 <em>Manihot</em> species of Brazil to assist in their delimitation within the genus, verify the existence of any anatomical patterns, and better understand the ecological functions of their characters. Cross sections of completely expanded leaves obtained from natural populations (median portion of the petiole, leaf blade, and midrib) were prepared using standard techniques of light microscopy, as well as the dissociation of the epidermis (median portion of the leaf blade). The species studied showed anatomical traits with taxonomic value, including for the leaf blade (the presence or absence of papillae and trichomes, type of mesophyll, type of stomata, leaf margin orientation, presence of idioblast crystals); for the midrib (contour, types of vascular bundles, xylem arrangement, numbers of rows of vessel elements, distribution of collenchyma in the cortex); and for the petiole (contour, composition of the cortical parenchyma layers, numbers of vascular bundles and their arrangements, aspects of the pericycle). The presence of druses, polyhedral crystals and idioblasts containing phenolic compounds, as well as a thickened cuticle, are reflections of environmental pressures on the studied populations and should be avoided as taxonomic markers. The results of the present study highlight the importance of leaf anatomy in assessing taxonomic similarities between <em>Manihot</em> species that can be used for phylogenetic reconstructions within the genus and are partly related to the environments occupied by the species, but do not reflect infrageneric classifications at the sectional level. A phylogenetic reconstruction derived from the combination of three genes (G3<em>pdh, NIA</em> and <em>trn</em>C-D) revealed the homoplasy of some studied characters, which was corroborated by phenetic analysis where 63 groups were formed, with only group 2.2 having exclusive characters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152858"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324051","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 : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152856
Ahanna Kamila da Silva , João Victor da Costa Santos , Josiane Silva Araújo
This is the first anatomical approach to distinguish taxa within the Bunchosia clade, whose phylogenetic hypothesis supports its monophyly, despite gaps in the group's taxonomy in its current arrangement. Aiming to support a more natural infra- and suprageneric classification, we explored the taxonomic potential of leaf morphoanatomical characters in Brazilian species of the genus Bunchosia and used taxa from other genera as an outgroup. The purely structural analyses allowed us to distinguish anatomical patterns that have not yet been explored in the literature of the group. The presence and morphotype of leaf trichomes, contour and vascular system of the petiole and midrib, presence of accessory bundles in the petiole, number of epidermal layers of the adaxial surface of the leaf, mesophyll type and leaf idioblasts are important subsidies for the taxonomy of Bunchosia clade. The presence, location, and surface type of nectaries may have phylogenetic significance within the group. The ID key allows us to distinguish Brazilian Bunchosia species. These findings contribute significantly to approaches that propose a natural classification.
{"title":"Taxonomic value of leaf morphoanatomy in Brazilian Bunchosia species: Insights for the recognition of the Bunchosia clade","authors":"Ahanna Kamila da Silva , João Victor da Costa Santos , Josiane Silva Araújo","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This is the first anatomical approach to distinguish taxa within the Bunchosia clade, whose phylogenetic hypothesis supports its monophyly, despite gaps in the group's taxonomy in its current arrangement. Aiming to support a more natural infra- and suprageneric classification, we explored the taxonomic potential of leaf morphoanatomical characters in Brazilian species of the genus <em>Bunchosia</em> and used taxa from other genera as an outgroup. The purely structural analyses allowed us to distinguish anatomical patterns that have not yet been explored in the literature of the group. The presence and morphotype of leaf trichomes, contour and vascular system of the petiole and midrib, presence of accessory bundles in the petiole, number of epidermal layers of the adaxial surface of the leaf, mesophyll type and leaf idioblasts are important subsidies for the taxonomy of Bunchosia clade. The presence, location, and surface type of nectaries may have phylogenetic significance within the group. The ID key allows us to distinguish Brazilian Bunchosia species. These findings contribute significantly to approaches that propose a natural classification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152856"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145365352","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 : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152854
Ana Flávia Augustin , Duane Fernandes Lima , Fábio C S Vieira , Mayara Krasinski Caddah
Rare species are more susceptible to environmental changes, often face a high risk of extinction, and suffer from a lack of general geographic and biological data. Finding new populations of these species and understanding how future climate change will affect their distributions are crucial for conservation purposes. We investigated the potential distribution of two rare species of Myrceugenia (Myrtaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, evaluated how these regions are inserted in protected areas (PAs), analyzed land-use patterns in these areas and investigated how the distribution will respond to future climate change scenarios. Species distribution models (SDMs) were built using Maxent with the flexsdm package, across the dense ombrophilous forest (Atlantic Forest domain). As results, we identified few areas of high suitability for both species in the current scenario, concentrated in coastline regions. Between 42-44 % of the suitability areas are inserted within PAs, but most are partially protected areas, where some land use and human activity are allowed. Suitable habitats are even more limited when land-use information is considered. Future scenarios reveal an alarming situation, with projections indicating a significant loss of suitable climatic niches for both species, potentially leading to their near-complete extinction within the next century. This is the first study encompassing SDMs for Myrceugenia. Our results are particularly relevant to expand the knowledge of species with few empirical data since they can guide new collections, support solid assessments of extinction risk, and guide protectionist decisions from competent agencies in the medium and long term.
{"title":"Species distribution modeling of two rare endemic Myrtaceae from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: challenges in conserving “invisible species”","authors":"Ana Flávia Augustin , Duane Fernandes Lima , Fábio C S Vieira , Mayara Krasinski Caddah","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rare species are more susceptible to environmental changes, often face a high risk of extinction, and suffer from a lack of general geographic and biological data. Finding new populations of these species and understanding how future climate change will affect their distributions are crucial for conservation purposes. We investigated the potential distribution of two rare species of <em>Myrceugenia</em> (Myrtaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, evaluated how these regions are inserted in protected areas (PAs), analyzed land-use patterns in these areas and investigated how the distribution will respond to future climate change scenarios. Species distribution models (SDMs) were built using Maxent with the flexsdm package, across the dense ombrophilous forest (Atlantic Forest domain). As results, we identified few areas of high suitability for both species in the current scenario, concentrated in coastline regions. Between 42-44 % of the suitability areas are inserted within PAs, but most are partially protected areas, where some land use and human activity are allowed. Suitable habitats are even more limited when land-use information is considered. Future scenarios reveal an alarming situation, with projections indicating a significant loss of suitable climatic niches for both species, potentially leading to their near-complete extinction within the next century. This is the first study encompassing SDMs for <em>Myrceugenia</em>. Our results are particularly relevant to expand the knowledge of species with few empirical data since they can guide new collections, support solid assessments of extinction risk, and guide protectionist decisions from competent agencies in the medium and long term.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152854"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145323300","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 : 2025-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152851
Elder Antônio Sousa Paiva , Igor Ballego-Campos , Marc Gibernau , Carlos Gabriel Pereira-Silva , Artur Campos Dália Maia
All known species of the Caladieae tribe are beetle-pollinated, with floral volatiles linked to thermogenesis playing a key role in attracting pollinators. In Caladium bicolor, the inflorescences emit a strong scent that attracts nocturnal cyclocephaline beetles, though the exact site of scent emission remains debated. This study identified the osmophore and examined tissues and subcellular structures involved in scent production. Preliminary observations indicated the staminate portion of the spadix as the scent source. Microscopic analyses revealed that the secretory region is composed of papillary epidermis and underlying secretory parenchyma. Stomata exhibited signs of exudate release. Starch reserves in the parenchyma decreased during peak thermogenesis and constitute the energy source for this process. The distal portion of the synandria exhibited cells with cytoplasm rich in mitochondria, plastids, and other organelles. In addition to being fundamental in the process of thermogenesis, mitochondria, in association with plastids, plays a key role in the biosynthesis of some components of the floral bouquet, primarily terpenes. The cell structure, combined with active exudate production and pronounced thermogenesis in the fertile staminate portion, strongly supports its role as the primary site of floral fragrance emission.
{"title":"Osmophores as key players in pollination of Caladium bicolor (Araceae): a structural approach","authors":"Elder Antônio Sousa Paiva , Igor Ballego-Campos , Marc Gibernau , Carlos Gabriel Pereira-Silva , Artur Campos Dália Maia","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152851","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152851","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>All known species of the Caladieae tribe are beetle-pollinated, with floral volatiles linked to thermogenesis playing a key role in attracting pollinators. In <em>Caladium bicolor</em>, the inflorescences emit a strong scent that attracts nocturnal cyclocephaline beetles, though the exact site of scent emission remains debated. This study identified the osmophore and examined tissues and subcellular structures involved in scent production. Preliminary observations indicated the staminate portion of the spadix as the scent source. Microscopic analyses revealed that the secretory region is composed of papillary epidermis and underlying secretory parenchyma. Stomata exhibited signs of exudate release. Starch reserves in the parenchyma decreased during peak thermogenesis and constitute the energy source for this process. The distal portion of the synandria exhibited cells with cytoplasm rich in mitochondria, plastids, and other organelles. In addition to being fundamental in the process of thermogenesis, mitochondria, in association with plastids, plays a key role in the biosynthesis of some components of the floral bouquet, primarily terpenes. The cell structure, combined with active exudate production and pronounced thermogenesis in the fertile staminate portion, strongly supports its role as the primary site of floral fragrance emission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 152851"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267044","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 : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152850
Elder Antônio Sousa Paiva , Marc Gibernau , Carlos Gabriel Pereira-Silva , Artur Campos Dália Maia , Eduardo Gomes Gonçalves , Igor Ballego-Campos
The Neotropical tribe Spathicarpeae (Araceae) exhibits unique floral traits, among which staminodes seem to be crucial for reproductive biology in most of its genera. Given the existing gap in the literature on pollination ecology, along with the uncertainties regarding nectar secretion, we studied Spathicarpa hastifolia to describe staminode ultrastructure, investigate secretory processes, and characterize the composition of exudates sought by floral visitors. Flower buds and flowers in different anthesis phases were collected, fixed, and processed for light and electron microscopy. Flowers of S. hastifolia lack a perianth and comprise a gynoecium surrounded by staminodes. Staminodes exude a hyaline fluid during the pistillate and staminate phases of anthesis, attracting floral visitors like cockroaches, ants, and sap beetles. The staminodes are slightly globose, vascularized, and covered by a uniseriate epidermis with widespread stomata that are mostly open pores. The ground tissue is a starch-rich parenchyma whose starch content varies throughout the day due to synthesis and hydrolysis cycles. Chemical analyses showed that staminode exudates constitute sucrose-rich nectar. On the other hand, the fused stamens or synandria exude tiny drops of liquid from their tops, sometimes containing sugars, but in too low concentration to be qualified as nectar. The structure of the secretory cells of staminodes, both from the epidermis and parenchyma, was shown to be compatible with nectar synthesis. Mitochondria, plastids, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vacuoles prevail in these cells. Altogether, our results show that the staminodes of S. hastifolia are floral nectaries whose secretory activity extends throughout the entire period of anthesis and mediates interactions with potential pollinators.
{"title":"Floral nectaries in Spathicarpa hastifolia (Araceae: Spathicarpeae): insights from ultrastructure and biology of the secretory process","authors":"Elder Antônio Sousa Paiva , Marc Gibernau , Carlos Gabriel Pereira-Silva , Artur Campos Dália Maia , Eduardo Gomes Gonçalves , Igor Ballego-Campos","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Neotropical tribe Spathicarpeae (Araceae) exhibits unique floral traits, among which staminodes seem to be crucial for reproductive biology in most of its genera. Given the existing gap in the literature on pollination ecology, along with the uncertainties regarding nectar secretion, we studied <em>Spathicarpa hastifolia</em> to describe staminode ultrastructure, investigate secretory processes, and characterize the composition of exudates sought by floral visitors. Flower buds and flowers in different anthesis phases were collected, fixed, and processed for light and electron microscopy. Flowers of <em>S. hastifolia</em> lack a perianth and comprise a gynoecium surrounded by staminodes. Staminodes exude a hyaline fluid during the pistillate and staminate phases of anthesis, attracting floral visitors like cockroaches, ants, and sap beetles. The staminodes are slightly globose, vascularized, and covered by a uniseriate epidermis with widespread stomata that are mostly open pores. The ground tissue is a starch-rich parenchyma whose starch content varies throughout the day due to synthesis and hydrolysis cycles. Chemical analyses showed that staminode exudates constitute sucrose-rich nectar. On the other hand, the fused stamens or synandria exude tiny drops of liquid from their tops, sometimes containing sugars, but in too low concentration to be qualified as nectar. The structure of the secretory cells of staminodes, both from the epidermis and parenchyma, was shown to be compatible with nectar synthesis. Mitochondria, plastids, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vacuoles prevail in these cells. Altogether, our results show that the staminodes of <em>S. hastifolia</em> are floral nectaries whose secretory activity extends throughout the entire period of anthesis and mediates interactions with potential pollinators.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 152850"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267046","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 : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152852
Rodrigo Santiago , Pedro J. Bergamo , Vinícius L.G. Brito , Marsal D. Amorim , Lucas B. Castro , Sabrina A. Lopes , Cinthia S. Novaes , Larissa C. Mendes , Gizele C.A. Silva , Danila M. Silva , Ilmara A.O. Ferreira , Bernardo O. Dias , Leidy K.G. Cunha , Matheus A. Pacheco , André R. Rech
Interactions between plants and pollinators are shaped by floral traits, and the combination of these characteristics determines the level of specialization in pollination systems. Plants with generalist systems are expected to exhibit less restrictive traits and receive similar contributions from different visitors to their reproduction. For instance, greater floral longevity may enhance pollination by a wider range of visitors, leading to generalization. In this study, we investigated the pollination dynamics (floral visitors, changes in traits, reproductive success) along the floral longevity of Calliandra fasciculata in the Brazilian Campos Rupestres (rocky outcrops). The species has brush-shaped flowers, produces nectar, and changes color during anthesis. It was visited by hummingbirds and bees during the day, and by bats and hawkmoths at night. Flower color and nectar secretion changed synchronously during anthesis. High nectar production at night, when flowers are white and absorb UV, led to a higher frequency of visits than during the day. However, polyad removal and deposition on stigmas remained high throughout the floral lifespan, indicating that both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators contribute to pollination. Yet, fruit and seed production were consistently low, suggesting nutritional limitation. Our results indicate that extended floral longevity is associated with increased generalization in the pollination system of C. fasciculata. The comparable contribution of day and night pollinators suggests adaptive generalization, in which floral traits are linked to broader visitor diversity and enhanced reproductive success.
{"title":"Reproductive success over Calliandra fasciculata Benth. floral anthesis: evidence of adaptive generalization","authors":"Rodrigo Santiago , Pedro J. Bergamo , Vinícius L.G. Brito , Marsal D. Amorim , Lucas B. Castro , Sabrina A. Lopes , Cinthia S. Novaes , Larissa C. Mendes , Gizele C.A. Silva , Danila M. Silva , Ilmara A.O. Ferreira , Bernardo O. Dias , Leidy K.G. Cunha , Matheus A. Pacheco , André R. Rech","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interactions between plants and pollinators are shaped by floral traits, and the combination of these characteristics determines the level of specialization in pollination systems. Plants with generalist systems are expected to exhibit less restrictive traits and receive similar contributions from different visitors to their reproduction. For instance, greater floral longevity may enhance pollination by a wider range of visitors, leading to generalization. In this study, we investigated the pollination dynamics (floral visitors, changes in traits, reproductive success) along the floral longevity of <em>Calliandra fasciculata</em> in the Brazilian <em>Campos Rupestres</em> (rocky outcrops). The species has brush-shaped flowers, produces nectar, and changes color during anthesis. It was visited by hummingbirds and bees during the day, and by bats and hawkmoths at night. Flower color and nectar secretion changed synchronously during anthesis. High nectar production at night, when flowers are white and absorb UV, led to a higher frequency of visits than during the day. However, polyad removal and deposition on stigmas remained high throughout the floral lifespan, indicating that both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators contribute to pollination. Yet, fruit and seed production were consistently low, suggesting nutritional limitation. Our results indicate that extended floral longevity is associated with increased generalization in the pollination system of <em>C. fasciculata</em>. The comparable contribution of day and night pollinators suggests adaptive generalization, in which floral traits are linked to broader visitor diversity and enhanced reproductive success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152852"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278069","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 : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152853
Sujan Chaudhary , Hari Achhami , Elina Rai , Manita Shyaula , Manisha Ghimire , Aakriti Adhikari , Indu Shrestha , Nirmal Karki , Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai , Lalan Kumar Mahato , Lok Ranjan Bhatt
Wild edible plants (WEPs) are essential to the livelihoods, cultural heritage, and food security of rural communities across Nepal, yet they face growing threats from cultural erosion and rapid modernization. This review aims to focus on the diversity of WEPs, spatiotemporal distributions, and their research trends in Nepal. Altogether, 634 species belonging to 165 families of WEPs in Nepal have been documented from 52 districts of Nepal, which included 422 species of angiosperms, 1 species of gymnosperms, 34 species of ferns, 169 species of mushrooms, and 8 species of lichens. The present review has enlisted the highest numbers of total WEPs in Kaski District, followed by Kathmandu, Dhankuta, and Chitwan. The availability of WEPs in various districts of Nepal ranged from 2 to 157, and still 25 districts were undiscovered. The mid-hill region of the country holds the highest number of WEPs. Out of 77 districts, 19 are severely food deficit, 8 are food deficit, and 9 districts are marginally deficit, especially from western regions. Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dolakha, Darchula, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Jajarkot, and Kalikot lies under severely food deficit districts. The southern belt of Madhesh Province and western regions are scarcely studied, which needs further exploration. Although very few studies were carried out until 2000, research on WEPs began in Nepal in 1980 and rapidly increased starting in 2009. The research trend revealed that ethnobotanical studies have overwhelmingly outnumbered the nutritional studies throughout time, highlighting a need for further scientific investigation into nutritional value of WEPs. The findings presented here can thus serve as a foundation source for researchers, policymakers and conservationists to develop strategies for effective conservation and sustainable use of WEPs.
{"title":"Diversity and spatiotemporal trends of wild edible plants in Nepal: A review on wild edible plants contribution to food security","authors":"Sujan Chaudhary , Hari Achhami , Elina Rai , Manita Shyaula , Manisha Ghimire , Aakriti Adhikari , Indu Shrestha , Nirmal Karki , Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai , Lalan Kumar Mahato , Lok Ranjan Bhatt","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152853","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152853","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wild edible plants (WEPs) are essential to the livelihoods, cultural heritage, and food security of rural communities across Nepal, yet they face growing threats from cultural erosion and rapid modernization. This review aims to focus on the diversity of WEPs, spatiotemporal distributions, and their research trends in Nepal. Altogether, 634 species belonging to 165 families of WEPs in Nepal have been documented from 52 districts of Nepal, which included 422 species of angiosperms, 1 species of gymnosperms, 34 species of ferns, 169 species of mushrooms, and 8 species of lichens. The present review has enlisted the highest numbers of total WEPs in Kaski District, followed by Kathmandu, Dhankuta, and Chitwan. The availability of WEPs in various districts of Nepal ranged from 2 to 157, and still 25 districts were undiscovered. The mid-hill region of the country holds the highest number of WEPs. Out of 77 districts, 19 are severely food deficit, 8 are food deficit, and 9 districts are marginally deficit, especially from western regions. Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dolakha, Darchula, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Jajarkot, and Kalikot lies under severely food deficit districts. The southern belt of Madhesh Province and western regions are scarcely studied, which needs further exploration. Although very few studies were carried out until 2000, research on WEPs began in Nepal in 1980 and rapidly increased starting in 2009. The research trend revealed that ethnobotanical studies have overwhelmingly outnumbered the nutritional studies throughout time, highlighting a need for further scientific investigation into nutritional value of WEPs. The findings presented here can thus serve as a foundation source for researchers, policymakers and conservationists to develop strategies for effective conservation and sustainable use of WEPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152853"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145418415","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}
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