TYPES OF LATICIFERS AND CRYSTALS IN JATROPHA AND THEIR TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

Anatomical examination of 37 species of Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) has revealed the occurrence of two distinct types of laticifers—articulated, and nonarticulated—in addition to idioblasts that are irregularly shaped individual cells. With the notable exception of J. augustii Pax & K. Hoffm. (section Peltatae (Pax) Dehgan & Webster), these idioblasts occur in the two most advanced sections of the subgenus Curcas (Adans.) Pax, namely Loureira (Cav.) Muell. Arg. ex Pax and Mozinna (Ortega) Pax. The presence of two laticifer types and “idioblastic laticifers” in the genus, in association with the morphological reduction series found with evolutionary advancement are, therefore, significant in the delimitation of sections and subsections. Further evidence is presented by the occurrence of “chambered crystalliferous cells” in subgenus Curcas, but not in subgenus Jatropha (=Adenorhopium Griseb.). Reexamination of laticifers in other genera of the Euphorbiaceae is suggested as a possible means of alleviating the long-standing taxonomic dilemma of this large and morphologically diverse family.     

Laticifers and the classification of Euphorbia: the chemotaxonomy of Euphorbia esula L.

Laticifers and the classification of Euphorbia: the chemotaxonomy of Euphorbia esula L. Articulated and non-articulated laticifer cells represent distinctive cell types of relatively recent origin and occur in only a few families. Both types are of separate phylogenetic origin, reflecting independent evolutionary trends in the Euphorbiaceae. Supra-generic groupings of this family can be segregated into three taxonomic units using the laticifer character; with either articulated laticifers, non-articulated laticifers, or no laticifers. Such units may reflect more natural assemblages than now represented in the classification of this family. Laticifers possess chemical and morphological features of potential application as taxonomic characters to aid in delimiting species and interpreting evolutionary trends. The triterpenoid profile from latex of Euphorbia species has been shown to be diagnostic for a taxon. The qualitative and quantitative composition show a high level of stability under diverse environmental and physiological conditions indicating a genetic basis for triterpenoid synthesis. Triterpenoid profiles of known accessions of European E. esula L. and related presumptive taxa from North America readily separated them into distinctive chemotaxa that include one for E. esula L., whereas morphological features were found inadequate for separating accessions to presumptive taxa. Identification of adventive spurges in North America requires diagnostic analyses of Eurasian leafy spurges for comparison. Laticifer characters used in conjunction with relevant morphological features will provide a broadened insight into phylogenetic relationships with the Euphorbiaceae.     

Leaf structure of species from three closely related genera from tribe Crotoneae Dumort. (Euphorbiaceae s.s., Malpighiales)

Euphorbiaceae s.s. is one of the largest angiosperm families, comprising nine major lineages. Molecular analysis indicated a polyphyletic condition in the subfamily Crotonoideae s.l., with four lineages identified, including one termed inaperturate crotonoids, which encompasses the tribe Crotoneae. Anatomical data were obtained from 15 species of Croton sect. Cyclostigma (Griseb.) Müll. Arg., Brasiliocroton P. Berry & I. Cordeiro and Astraea Klotzsch, which belongs to this lineage. The presence and protodermal origin of the idioblasts with lipophilic content and the interruption of the palisade by collenchyma layers on the adaxial side of the mid vein are common to the Croton L. species analysed and Brasiliocroton. The presence of dorsiventrality, paracytic stomata, collateral vascular bundles, branched non-articulated laticifers and crystal idioblasts in the species studied indicates morphological similarities among the three genera. The interpretation of the stipite of the complex trichomes as emergences is a structural novelty for the group. Leaf anatomy provided an excellent source of characters for future studies of the tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae s.s., Malpighiales).     

城乡环境梯度下植物群落的区系成分分析

分别以白云山、帽峰山、莲塘风水林作为广州市区、城郊和郊区常绿阔叶林群落代表,分析其植物区系组成和多样性特征。结果显示,广州帽峰山常绿阔叶林群落种类最丰富,维管束植物有87科155属212种,优势科为茜草科、大戟科、樟科、禾亚科、芸香科、紫金牛科、壳斗科;白云山维管束植物有72科121属168种,优势科为茜草科、樟科、桑科、禾亚科、大戟科、冬青科;而莲塘风水林森林群落有55科88属102种,优势科为茜草科、樟科、大戟科。从属的地理分布区类型来看,三个群落皆以泛热带分布属的比例最高,其次为旧世界热带分布属和热带亚洲分布属,群落缺乏典型的热带成分,但具有南亚热带植物区系的基本特征。其中白云山的东亚分布类型有3属;帽峰山的东亚分布类型有4属,中国特有分布类型有1属;而莲塘风水林则没有东亚分布和中国特有分布类型。     

Ovules and Seeds in Subfamily Phyllanthoideae (Euphorbiaceae): Structure and Systematic Implications

Lingelsheimia ) are distinct from the rest of the subfamily in having a thick inner integument (over six cells thick), an exotegmen composed of cuboidal cells (type II), and vascular bundles in the outer integument and, as molecular evidence also suggests, should be transferred to a separate family Putranjivaceae. Hymenocardieae (Didymocistus and Hymenocardia), whose positions have been controversial, are monophyletic in sharing endotestal seeds with a collapsed exotegmen which is unknown elsewhere in Euphorbiaceae. The genera seem to require separation from the Euphorbiaceae. In addition, a morphological heterogeneity of the two large genera Cleistanthus and Phyllanthus, as well as of tribe Antidesmeae subtribe Scepinae were also discussed. Received 20 October 2000/ Accepted in revised form 14 January 2001     

广西大戟科一些属的分类简志

<正> 大戟科在广西植物区系中为大科之一,约50属,200种以上,广布区内各地,但热带性较强的种类主要见于桂东南经桂南至桂西北山区。近年来笔者在编写《广西植物志》第二卷工作中,按分工要求,对所承担的属的馆藏标本作了全面整理研究。现将研究结果报道,以资利用。本文共记载19属56种。     

Glyphostylus (Euphorbiaceae, Hippomaneae) reexamined

The monotypic genus Glyphostylus (Euphorbiaceae) is compared with Excoecaria , and it is concluded that both genera are not distinct. Glyphustylus , instead, exhibits all characters diagnostical for Excoecaria. Gl.vphostylus laoticus is considered as a species of Excoeearia . and the necessary combination is made.     

(山弄)岗植物区系考察报告

<正> 前言 一、鼻岗植物区系的组成 (一)科、属、种的统计 (二)10种以上的科的统计 (三)含10种以上的科在世界区系中的比重 (四)含10种以上的科在广西区系中的比重 (五)木本植物统计。 二、鼻岗植物区系的特点 (一)热带边缘性质 (二)特有性 (三)岩溶特性 三、鼻岗植物区系的地形分布特点及生态变化 (一)谷地、山坡、崖顶的分布概况 (二)水平分布的差异 (三)生态变化 四、鼻岗植物区系与邻近地区植物区系的关系 (一)与中印半岛的关系 (二)与海南岛的关系 (三)与广西阳朔的关系 (四)与花坪的关系 (五)与马来半岛岩溶植物区系的关系 (六)总的比校     

IMI与K标本室中生于大戟科植物上链格孢属的种Ⅱ.大戟属,铁苋菜属和守宫木属上的种

本文系作者继大戟属(Euphorbia L.)、守宫木属(Sauropus B1.)和铁苋菜属(Acalypha L.)植物上链格孢属(Alternaria Nees)真菌研究(Zhang, 1995)之后,对生于大戟科(Euphorbiaceae)其它属植物上一些链格孢真菌种级分类单位评鉴结果的后续报道.内容包括:一个新种,巴豆生链格孢(A. croronicola T. Y.Zhang & J. C. David), Macrosporium compactum Cooke:对其模式标本(holotype)进行T订正、巴豆链格孢[A.crotonis kamal,Singh & Kumar]:提出关于新模式(neotype)标本的建议;对蓖麻链格孢[A. ricini(yoshii)Hansford]典型性状作了补充描述.此外,还在大戟科其它一些植物上检查到长极链格孢[A. longissima Deighton et MacGarvie]和细极链格孢[A. tenuissima(Nees ez Fr.) Wiltshire]。     

FOSSIL LATICIFERS FROM EOCENE BROWN COAL DEPOSITS OF THE GEISELTAL

Thick mats of cellular remains from Eocene brown coal deposits of the Geiseltal near Halle, DDR, were determined to be fossil nonarticulated laticifers. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of intact strands showed they consisted of eis-1,4-configuration rubber representing the polymerized isoprenoid contents of individual laticifers. Only remains of laticifers are present; other cells are absent as a result of biodegradation. The long laticifers, often with a surrounding cell wall, retained a tubular shape during their preservation. The isoprenoid content, which filled the entire lumen, possessed a cribriform structural character. The interstices within the rubber represent areas of former protoplasm of the cell. Various configurations in the protoplasm molded by the rubber during the initial phase of fossilization appear as negative images of former nuclei, organelles, and possibly membrane surfaces. The laticifer axes possess branches of several configurations comparable in morphology to those in branched, nonarticulated laticifers in extant plants. Acetone extracts of the rubber contents analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography identified the presence of several hydrocarbons which form a characteristic profile for the laticifer. It is suggested that the distinctive cellular micromorphology, rubber configuration, and hydrocarbon profile of these laticifers can be employed as markers in comparative studies with extant plants to identify the generic or species origin of these laticifers.     

Immunolocalization of beta-D-glucans,pectins, and arabinogalactan-proteins during intrusive growth and elongation of nonarticulated laticifers in Asclepias speciosa Torr

Nonarticulated laticifers are latex-containing cells that elongate indefinitely and grow intrusively between the walls of meristematic cells. To identify biochemical mechanisms involved in the growth of nonarticulated laticifers, we have analyzed the distribution of various polysaccharides and proteoglycans in walls of meristematic cells in contact with laticifers, nonadjacent to laticifers, and in laticifer walls. In the shoot apex of Asclepias speciosa, the levels of callose and a (1-->4)-beta-galactan epitope are lower in meristematic walls in contact with laticifers than in nonadjacent walls. In contrast, we did not detect a decline in xyloglucan, homogalacturonan, and arabinogalactan-protein epitopes upon contact of meristematic cells with laticifers. Laticifer elongation is also associated with the development of a homogalacturonan-rich middle lamella between laticifers and their neighboring cells. Furthermore, laticifers lay down walls that differ from those of their surrounding cells. This is particularly evident for epitopes in rhamnogalacturonan I. A (1-->5)-alpha-arabinan epitope in this pectin is more abundant in laticifers than meristematic cells, while the opposite is observed for a (1-->4)-beta-galactan epitope. Also, different cell wall components exhibit distinct distribution patterns within laticifer walls. The (1-->5)-alpha-arabinan epitope is distributed throughout the laticifer walls while certain homogalacturonan and arabinogalactan-protein epitopes are preferentially located in particular regions of laticifer walls. Taken together, our results indicate that laticifer penetration causes changes in the walls of meristematic cells and that there are differences in wall composition within laticifer walls and between laticifers and their surrounding cells.     

Got milk? The secret life of laticifers

Laticifers are specialized cells that occur in over 20 plant families in several unrelated angiosperm orders. Although laticifers are likely to be of polyphyletic origin, their occurrence is considered a morphological indicator of relatedness among species. The classification of laticifers is based on developmental patterns and overall morphology. The cytoplasmic latex exuded in response to damage often includes specialized metabolites, such as cardenolides, alkaloids and natural rubber. Laticifers provide an effective location to store defense metabolites, although not all latex-bearing plants accumulate bioactive natural products. Ecophysiological studies have shown that latex and its associated metabolites are vital for the defense of plants against insects. The anatomy, development and physiology of laticifers are discussed with a focus on evolutionary and ecological perspectives.     

大戟科现代植物花粉形态

对大戟科21属33种植物的现代花粉形态进行了系统的形态学研究。选取的33种大戟科植物基本涵盖了该科绝大部分花粉形态类型。根据花粉的大小、形状、外壁表面纹饰, 结合大戟科亚科分类, 对该科花粉形态特征进行详细对比和分析。结果表明, 每个亚科都有其独特的花粉形态, 各亚科可以根据花粉形态来鉴别。此外, 大戟科多个属(如野桐属、山麻杆属、叶下珠属等)的植物花粉形态特征较明显, 可以鉴定到属甚至种一级水平。研究结果不仅为大戟科花粉形态分类学提供了依据, 同时为地层孢粉分析中花粉的鉴定提供参考。     

Euphorbiaceae of the Guianas: Annotated species checklist and key to the genera

An annotated checklist of species of Euphorbiaceae of the Guianas (Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana) and the adjacent region is presented and a key to the genera is provided. A total of 47 indigenous genera and 153 species are known from the Guianas, where species endemism is 14%, with the greatest number of endemics occurring in Guyana and the fewest in French Guiana. An additional 86 species and an additional seven genera are known from neighboring areas of the Guayana Region; many of these may be expected to occur in the Guianas. Taxa known only in cultivation in the Guianas include 22 species and an additional six genera. The following new combination is proposed,Croton vergarenae.     

Ultrastructure of Non-Articulated Laticifers in Allamanda violacea

Ultrastructure studies on the differentiation of non-articulatedbranched laticifers in Allamanda violacea Gardn. were carriedout. Growing laticifers show sequential changes. In the earlystage, the laticifers possess electron dense cytoplasm, abundantmitochondria, ER, ribosomes, small vacuoles, nucleus and plastidwith starch-grains. The ER dilates to form small vacuoles whichcoalesce at the later stages. A large central vacuole is formedin the mature laticifers due to the cellular autophagy of cytoplasmincluding the cell organelles. At this stage, the mitochondriapossess a few cristae and plastids with plastoglobuli and smallstarch grains. Towards the end of differentiation the cytoplasmis restricted to a thin parietal layer along the cell wall,the remaining organelles being either reduced in number or degenerate.Plasmodesmata and primary pit fields are occasionally observedbetween the laticifer and the adjacent parenchyma cell. Allamanda violacea, laticifers, ultrastructure