星穗莎属，缅甸莎草科一新记录属

在近期缅甸植物考察中,发现1种莎草科(Cyperaceae)植物:云南星穗莎[Actinoschoenus yunnanensis (C. B. Clarke) Y. C.Tang]。该种植物代表缅甸莎草科1个新记录属:星穗莎属(Actinoschoenus Benth.),其主要特征为花序头状、小穗具1(2)花、花两性、雄蕊3、柱头3、小坚果倒卵形有3棱。     

四种刚竹属植物花器官形态描述

该文根据采自华东地区的一些刚竹属植物居群中的可靠花枝标本,结合现场调查和形态解剖观察,描述和增补了白哺鸡竹、瓜水竹、谷雨竹、云和哺鸡竹的花序、假小穗和花部形态特征,并提供了显示花枝外貌和花器官主要特征的照片。瓜水竹的花序呈头序,小花较短,应属于水竹组;而其余3种的花序呈穗状,小花较长,应归隶刚竹组。所有的凭证标本均保存于安徽省广德县林业科学研究所竹类标本室中。     

Regeneration of Plantlets from Callus Cultures of Chamaecytisus purpureus and Chamaecytisus austriacus (Leguminosae)*

Plant regeneration via organogenesis and embryogenesis was obtained from callus cultures of Chamaecytisus purpureus and Chamaecytisus austriacus. While 2,4-D (4 or 0.5 mg/l) proved highly efficient for callus induction, a combination of 0.1 mg/l IBA and 10 mg/1 BAP induced a high frequency of shoots from the calli. It is shown that, beside the growth factors, the composition of the basal medium represents a critical factor for regeneration. With increasing culture age, a strong reduction of the differentiation capacity was observed.     

Three new species of Salacioideae (Celastraceae)

This paper describes three new species of Salacioideae Cheiloclinium and Salacia (Celastraceae) from South America: C. brevipetiolatum Lombardi is characterized by its very short, only 5 mm long petioles; S. krigsneri Lombardi is distinguished by its dichasium (inflorescence) with shortened lateral branches, a unique feature among neotropical species; and S. vernicosa Lombardi can be discerned from other species by its fascicled inflorescences and large leaves, dried inflorescence covered with resinous substance, tubuliform flowers, flat, ring‐shaped disc, and berries with ribs at base and lobes at apex.     

Morphological variation in the Chamaecytisus proliferus (L.f.) Link complex (Fabaceae: Genisteae) in the Canary Islands

FRANCISCO-ORTEGA, J., JACKSON, M. T., SANTOS-GUERRA, A. & FORD-LLOYD, B. V., 1993. Morphological variation in the Chamaecytisus proliferus (L.f.) Link complex (Fabaceae: Genisteae) in the Canary Islands . A multivariate study (Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, Warďs method) of 47 morphological traits from 164 populations of Chamaecytisus proliferus (L.f.) Link from the Canary Islands confirmed that this species complex is formed by seven morphological types. At least eight traits discriminated between these types. Patterns of variation follow a cline within Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma. These results also show that morphological variation is greater in the eastern islands (i.e. Gran Canaria and Tenerife) than in the western islands (La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma) and that no morphological differences are found between plants of typical tagasaste from wild and cultivated populations.     

Does seed germination contribute to ecological breadth and geographic range? A test with sympatric Diplusodon (Lythraceae) species from rupestrian fields

We tested the regeneration niche hypothesis by comparing the germination ecology of two sympatric Diplusodon species differing in their geographic range and microhabitat. Diplusodon orbicularis is an endemic shrub achieving high densities on sandy soils, whereas Diplusodon hirsutus has a wider geographic range and establishes on rocky outcrops. Seeds were set to germinate under constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C under 12 h light/12 h dark conditions. Light induced germination in both species, but germination under darkness was also observed. Optimum conditions for germination were 25°C/light for both species. The lack of differences in soil temperatures between rocky outcrops and sandy soils provides evidence of no temperature‐dependent microhabitat selection. Unexpectedly, germinability of the more widespread species was lower than that of the endemic congener. Higher germinability of D. orbicularis may account for higher densities when compared with D. hirsutus. Our results provide limited support for the role of germination in contributing to ecological breadth and geographic range.     

The effect of different chiral morphs on visitation rates and fruit set in the orchid Spiranthes spiralis

Background: The arrangement of flowers on inflorescences is important for determining the movement of pollinators within the inflorescence and, consequently, the overall mating success and fruit set of a plant.

Aims: Spiranthes spiralis is an orchid that has a spiralled inflorescence. The species has two chiral forms that show opposite coiling directions (clockwise and anti-clockwise). We tested if this arrangement of inflorescence influences pollinator attraction and behaviour.

Methods: We surveyed two natural populations, analysed the reproductive compatibility of the two morphs and estimated pollination success in natural and experimental populations.

Results: We found that the two morphs were not isolated by pre- or post-mating barriers, occurred with a similar proportion in natural populations and showed similar levels of pollination success both in natural and artificial populations. However, we found a different pattern of pollination success along the inflorescences. In the two morphs, lower flowers experienced a higher pollination rate and this rate decreased along the inflorescence faster in anti-clockwise than in clockwise individuals.

Conclusions: This finding suggests that pollinators visit the flowers sequentially from the lower part of the inflorescences and leave the anti-clockwise individuals more rapidly than the clockwise ones. However, this pollinator behaviour is not detrimental for the pollination success of either of the two morphs.     

Rat cytochrome P450-mediated transformation of dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxins by recombinant white-rot basidiomycete Coriolus hirsutus

Rat cytochrome P450, CYP1A1, has been reported to play an important role in the metabolism of mono-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (M-TriCDDs). To breed lignin (and M-TetraCDDs)-degrading basidiomycete Coriolus hirsutus strains producing rat CYP1A1, an expression cassette [C. hirsutus gpd promoter-C. hirsutus gpd 5′ portion (224-bp of 1st exon–8th base of 4th exon)-rat cyp1a1 cDNA-Lentinula edodes priA terminator] was constructed and inserted into pUCR1 carrying the C. hirsutus arg1 gene. The resulting recombinant plasmid, MIp5-(cyp1a1 + arg1) was introduced into protoplasts of C. hirsutus monokaryotic strain OJ1078 (Arg⁻, Leu⁻), obtaining three good Arg⁺ transformants. These transformants [ChTF5-2(CYP1A1), ChTF5-4(CYP1A1), and ChTF5-6(CYP1A1)] were estimated to carry nine, six, and seven copies of the expression cassette on their chromosomes, respectively. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the three transformants produce similar amounts of rat CYP1A1 enzyme. ChTF5-2(CYP1A1), ChTF5-4(CYP1A1), ChTF5-6(CYP1A1) and recipient OJ1078 were cultivated in a liquid medium containing 2,7/2,8(at a ratio of 1:1)-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (2,7/2,8-DCDDs) and the amount of intra- and extracellular 2,7/2,8-DCDDs remaining was measured. The results showed that all three transformants efficiently transform 2,7/2,8-DCDDs through the action of the recombinant rat CYP1A1 enzyme.     

Organographic and ontogenetic studies on the inflorescence ofLespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don (Leguminosae)

Structure of inflorescence and its variation were organographically and ontogenetically studied inLespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don. An axillary inflorescence of the species forms a compound inflorescence which is composed of three or four component inflorescences. Each component inflorescence bears four (rarely six), three, two, or one flowers. Based on the arrangement of inflorescence phyllomes, the component inflorescence with four flowers is interpreted as a pseudoraceme bearing two shortened lateral shoots (partial inflorescences) each of which has two flowers. The component inflorescence with one flower appears to be terminated by the flower and to compose the cyme. Organographic observations revealed that the terminally located flower is not truly terminal, but axillary in origin. Ontogenetic observations showed that the apices of component inflorescence and partial inflorescence exist in early developmental stages in spite of variation in the form of component inflorescence. The terminally located flower in the cyme-like inflorescence was thus demonstrated to be laterally borne on the partial inflorescence axis. The component inflorescence composing the cyme-like one inL. cuneata is a reduced form in the number of partial inflorescences and of flowers from the pseudoraceme. The cyme-like inflorescence inL. cuneata resembles the inflorescence ofKummerowia.     

HELICAL FLORAL ORGANOGENESIS IN GLEDITSIA,A PRIMITIVE CAESALPINIOID LEGUME

In order to determine the extent of floral ontogenetic differences among species of a genus, six species of Gleditsia were studied. Gledilsia is one of only two leguminous genera known in which there is completely helical succession of floral organs. Floral ontogeny was compared in three species (Gleditsia amorphoides, G. aquatica, and G. triacanthos), and late stages in six species (including the first three plus G. caspica, G. delavayi, and G. japonica). Other unusual primitive developmental features include the unequal-sized flower primordia which produce flowers of variable merosity. Order of floral development is also loosely controlled, so that flowers of different growth stages are intermixed in the inflorescence. Variable features include the occurrence of floral bracts, merosity of flowers, number of organs, and position of the first organ (sepal) initiated. The inflorescence type, while usually a raceme, often has lateral branches near the base, or fascicles of flowers at some points. A terminal flower often is present, although not in all species. Sex of flowers and inflorescences also varies, although floral initiation tends to include both stamens and carpel primordia. Suppression of one or the other may occur at different stages of development. Carpel orientation also varies; the cleft may be tilted or inverted occasionally. It is proposed that absence of subtending floral bracts influences development so as to favor radial symmetry and establishment of other “chaotic” characters seen in Gledilsia flowers.     

贵州杜鹃花属（杜鹃花科）一新种——荔波杜鹃

描述了贵州杜鹃花属（杜鹃花科）一新种———荔波杜鹃Rhododendron liboense Z.R.Chen&K.M.Lan。该种以花序顶生,花冠粉红色,宽钟状,子房密被白色腺毛,柱头头状而近似于凉山杜鹃R.huianum Fang,但叶片狭窄,宽1.6-2.8cm,花序轴长1-3cm,花7-9朵,花冠较大,直径约8cm,花萼短小,长仅1-2mm而不同。     

INFLORESCENCE AND FLORAL DEVELOPMENT IN HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA (SAURURACEAE)

The inflorescence of Houttuynia cordata produces 45–70 sessile bracteate flowers in acropetal succession. The inflorescence apical meristem has a mantle-core configuration and produces “common” or uncommitted primordia, each of which bifurcates to form a floral apex above, a bract primordium below. This pattern of organogenesis is similar to that in another saururaceous plant, Saururus cernuus. Exceptions to this unusual development, however, occur in H. cordata at the beginning of inflorescence activity when four to eight petaloid bract primordia are initiated before the initiation of floral apices in their axils. “Common” primordia also are lacking toward the cessation of inflorescence apical activity in H. cordata when primordia become bracts which may precede the initiation of an axillary floral apex. Many of these last-formed bracts are sterile. The inflorescence terminates with maturation of the meristem as an apical residuum. No terminal flowers or terminal gynoecia were found, although subterminal gynoecia or flowers in subterminal position may overtop the actual apex and obscure it. Individual flowers have a tricarpellate syncarpous gynoecium and three stamens adnate to the carpels; petals and sepals are lacking. The order of succession of organs is: two lateral stamens, median stamen, two lateral carpels, median carpel. The three carpel primordia almost immediately are elevated as part of a gynoecial ring by zonal growth of the receptacle below the attachment of the carpels. The same growth elevates the stamen bases so that they appear adnate to the carpels. The trimerous condition in Houttuynia is the result of paired or solitary initiations rather than trimerous whorls. Symmetry is bilateral and zygomorphic rather than radial. No evidence of spiral arrangement in the flower was found.     

ANGIOSPERM FLOWERS AND TRICOLPATE POLLEN OF BUXACEOUS AFFINITY FROM THE POTOMAC GROUP (MID-CRETACEOUS) OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

A new genus of fossil angiosperms (Spanomera gen. nov.) is established for flowers from two localities in the mid-Cretaceous Potomac Group of Maryland, eastern North America. The type species, Spanomera mauldinensis sp. nov., from the early Cenomanian Elk Neck beds, has inflorescence units with terminal pistillate, and lateral staminate flowers. The organization of inflorescences and flowers is opposite and decussate. Staminate flowers typically have five tepals: two lateral, one posterior, and two in the anterior position. Each tepal is opposed to a stamen with a short filament, dorsifixed anther, and two pairs of pollen sacs. Stamens contain pollen comparable to the dispersed pollen species Striatopollis paraneus (Norris) Singh. Pistillate flowers have two lateral tepals and two anterior-posterior tepals that are opposed to two carpels. Carpels are slightly fused basally along their ventral margins and are semicircular in outline with a long, decurrent, papillate ventral stigma. Frequently this stigmatic surface has abundant attached pollen of the Striatopollis paraneus type. Spanomera marylandensis sp. nov., from the late Albian Patapsco Formation, is similar to S. mauldinensis but is known only from isolated flowers and floral parts. Staminate flowers have four stamens with dorsifixed anthers and each is opposed to a tepal. Stamens contain pollen comparable to the dispersed pollen species Striatopollis vermimurus (Brenner) Srivastava. Carpels have pollen of S. vermimurus on the stigma. Spanomera provides further evidence of unisexual but probably insect-pollinated flowers among mid-Cretaceous, early nonmagnoliid (“higher”) dicotyledons, and is interpreted as closely related to extant Buxaceae. Characters that Spanomera shares with other taxa suggest that the Buxaceae themselves may be closely related to Myrothamnaceae and other “lower” Hamamelididae.     

Bulbophyllum huangshanense sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Anhui,China

Bulbophyllum huangshanense, a new species of orchid from Anhui, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is close to B. taeniophyllum with pseudo‐bulbs closely spaced along the rhizome, leathery leaf, entire dorsal sepal, toothed petals, the lateral edges of lateral sepals connate and fleshy lip, but differs from the latter in having roots arising from the node with the pseudo‐bulb, inflorescence much shorter than leaf, flowers pure yellow, lip mobile, and stelidia broadly triangular.     

Decorative sterile flowers in nine Japanese species of Viburnum (Adoxaceae) and their influence on pollinator visits

Framed inflorescences are unique arrangements in which a cluster of small fertile flowers is surrounded by several larger, decorative sterile flowers. Viburnum (Adoxaceae) species vary in their inflorescence arrangements; some species exhibit framed inflorescences, whereas others do not. We hypothesize that the decorative flowers increase the pollinator-attracting functions of the inflorescences; as proved by previous studies, they additionally function as landing-sites for pollinators. To test our hypotheses, field manipulation experiments were carried out for nine Viburnum species, three with inherently framed inflorescences and six without them: sterile flowers were removed and mounted on species with and without framed inflorescences, respectively. Results show that inflorescences with decorative flowers had higher visit rates than inflorescences without them, and that insect flower visitors did not show landing preference for either flower type. These results suggest that decorative flowers appeared only in a subset of Viburnum species to increase their pollination chances by, mainly, enhancing the attractiveness of the inflorescence. It is likely that species without framed inflorescences use other attraction-enhancing mechanisms, such as a high flowering synchrony within a single cluster of fertile flowers, a trait found in most studied species without decorative flowers.     

The reproductive biology of two poorly known relatives of the fig (Ficus) and insights into the evolution of the fig syconium

We conducted the first detailed investigation of the floral architecture and reproductive biology of two species from the genus Dorstenia, which are poorly known relatives of Ficus (Moraceae). Our aims were to extend and refine knowledge of the understudied genus Dorstenia and to explore possible insights into the evolution of the fig syconium. We characterised four key stages of floral development using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histological staining. Reproductive biology was found to be complex and species‐specific. Both study species are monoecious and produce an inflorescence of minute male and female flowers. Protogyny, associated with a spatial separation of male and female flowers and asynchronous stamen development, was species‐specific, as was seed set. Our results reveal novel insights into the complex reproductive biology of an under‐studied genus in the family Moraceae. We propose that exploring the reproductive biology of Dorstenia and other poorly known Ficus relatives will provide insights into the evolution of the fig syconium – the unique reproductive structure of this economically and ecologically important genus.     

Fruit dimorphism inPhaseolus sublobatus (Fabaceae) and its evolutionary significance

Populations of the annualPhaseolus sublobatus from different ecogeographical zones are genetically differentiated. In twelve populations from the western ghats (Maharashtra range) chasmogamous flowers are arranged in peduncled capitate racemes borne in leaf axils of higher nodes. One population (Poona Race S₄) has additional inflorescences, also with chasmogamous flowers, on the main axis between the cotyledonary node and the ground. When the pods of these flowers ripen, the inflorescence gradually coils and, eventually, gets bury the fruits in the soil. This phenomenon is not known in any other plant.—The seed-coat patterns as revealed by SEM, and germination behaviour of both aerial and subterranean seeds are similar, and both types of seeds lack dormancy.—Heavy seed predation selection pressure is probably the principal cause for the evolution of fruit dimorphism inP. sublobatus. The origin of geocarpy in relation to fruit dimorphism and seed predation is discussed.     

Capparis dongvanensis sp. nov. (Capparaceae) from Vietnam

Capparis dongvanensis (Capparaceae) is described as a new species and illustrated from Ha Giang Province of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to C. lanceolaris and C. fengii, but differs in the number of flowers on peduncles, length of spine and petiole, apex of the leaf, type of inflorescence, petal color, cylindrical ovary without any beak, fruit shape and number of seeds per fruit. Diagnostic morphological characters along with pollen and seed SEM images of C. dongvanensis and allied species are provided. Its ecology, habitat and conservation status are also described.     

Studio sulla colorazione da antocianidine in alcune specie della flora italiana

Abstract

Flower colour and anthocyanidin pigments in some species of the Italian flora.—The anthocyanidin pigments, cyanidin and peonidin, of Corydalis cava and C. solida have been identified. The chromatic variation of C. cava is due to quantitative variation of the pigments. Only quantitative differences exist between the two species C. cava and C. solida. The pigments are absent in the white flowers.

The pigments of Pulmonaria visianii in all flower ages are delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin. The blueing of flowers with ageing depends on pH; being 5.6 for red, 6.0 for purple and 6.7 for blue flowers.     

Daphne thanguensis sp. nov. (Thymelaeaceae) from Sikkim Himalaya

Daphne thanguensis sp. nov. from north Sikkim of eastern Himalaya is described and illustrated. It is a narrow endemic related to D. tangutica Maxim. Daphne thanguensis grows in open alpine pastures and differs from D. tangutica by having leaves with revolute margin and a tuft of hairs at apex, ebracteate inflorescence and flowers, calyx lobes with a tuft of hairs at apex and annular, slightly undulate hypogynal disk. The new taxon is also close to D. retusa Hemsl. But can easily be differentiated by its sessile inflorescence, ebracteate flowers and tuft of hairs at leaf apices and calyx lobe apices. A conservation status of the new species in accordance with the IUCN red list categories and criteria is provided and discussed.