Systematics of the Burmannia coelestis complex (Burmanniaceae)

Patterns of morphological variation in the Burmannia coelestis species complex are investigated, and three distinct species recognized. Burmannia coelestis sensu stricto (widespread in Asia, extending from eastern Nepal and Assam to New Guinea and northern Australia) possesses outer perianth lobes with conspicuous double margins running the entire lengths of the lobes. The name B. chinensis is revived for specimens from north-eastern India, southern China, northern Indochina and northern Thailand which possess outer perianth lobes with single margins or short double margins. A new species, B. filamentosa , is described from Guangdong province, China; it is distinctive in possessing narrow triangular outer and inner perianth lobes, and stamens with prominent filaments.     

Nanocnide zhejiangensis sp. nov. (Urticaceae: Urticeae) from Zhejiang Province,East China

Nanocnide zhejiangensis X.F. Jin & Y.F. Lu, a new species of Urticaceae from Zhejiang, east China, is described with illustrations. The new species is morphologically similar to Nanocnide japonica in having staminate inflorescence longer than leaves, but differs by having glabrous stems, petioles, peduncles and abaxial leaf surfaces, glabrous perianth lobes of staminate flowers, dorsally glabrous perianth lobes of pistillate flowers, and acuminate or solitary spinose–setaceous at the apex. Analysis based on ITS, atpF–H, atpB–rbcL and trnL–F sequences also demonstrate that Nanocnide japonica is the closest extant relative to the new species.     

Gastrodia sui sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Taiwan

A new orchid species, Gastrodia sui C. S. Leou, T. C. Hsu & C. L. Yeh is described and illustrated from Taiwan. The new species is closely related to G. callosa J. J. Sm. but distinguishable by the number and position of calli inside the perianth tube, the fused ratio of perianth lobes, and the structure of the lip and column. It is so far only found in the area of Mt Lilung in southern Taiwan.     

青海黄精属一新种

发表了黄精属一新种,即青海黄精Polygonatum qinghaiense Z．L．Wu et Y．C．Yang。本种近似独花黄精P．hookeri Baker．但叶长圆形或狭椭圆形,花淡黄色或白色,裂片具3脉,与筒部几等长．雄蕊着生于花被近喉部等是其主要区别。     

Burmannia bengkuluensis sp. nov. (Burmanniaceae) from Sumatra

A new species of Burmannia (Burmanniaceae), Burmannia bengkuluensis Tsukaya et Daernadi, discovered in a swamp adjacent to Bengkulu Airport, Sumatra, Indonesia, is described. It has poorly developed photosynthetic leaves and resembles B. ledermannii Jonker, described from a specimen collected in Palau, in having poorly developed leaves, narrowly 3‐winged erect flowers, and in particular, funnel‐shaped anthers, but differs in having dark purple flowers, longer outer perianth lobes, well‐developed, fan‐shaped inner perianth lobes, and a thick and short style. Sequence data on genomic DNA regions covering ITS1 and ITS2 are also provided.     

Frullania larjiana (Jungermanniopsida: Frullaniaceae), a new species from India

Abstract

Frullania larjiana Sushil K. Singh & Singh is described as a new species from the Western Himalaya, India. The species is characterized by ovate-suborbicular leaf lobes that are truncate at their antical bases; uniformly lanceolate–explanate lobules, 0.15?0.17 × 0.0?0.09 mm with a vestigial stylus 1–2 cells long; small underleaves, 0.16?0.3 × 0.1?0.15 mm; obovate to oblong-obovate female bract lobes; triangular lanceolate bract lobules without a stylar tooth and an obovoid, smoothly 5-keeled, shortly beaked perianth.     

新疆胡颓子属植物花部性状的变异及其分类学价值

新疆胡颓子属植物栽培历史久、变异丰富、种下变异类型多、分类较为困难,因此有必要进一步发掘该属落叶组植物的分类学特征,尤其是对相对保守的繁殖器官的性状进行筛选。该研究以形态较为稳定的繁殖器官为切入点,分析花部性状的变异特点,筛选稳定性状,以期为解决该属的分类难题提供依据。先采用定株采集和同花标记的方法,对比分析了柱头形态、花盘先端有毛无毛、花柱与雄蕊的长短比、花被裂片程度四个性状的稳定性。结果表明:花盘先端有毛无毛、花柱与雄蕊的长短比、花被裂片程度三个性状较稳定,可以作为分类依据;柱头形态在单花中表现稳定,但在单株中出现极大的变异,不具有分类价值;然后采取新疆南、北疆地区的胡颓子属落叶组的尖果沙枣、大果沙枣和沙枣这三种来验证花部性状的稳定性,证明了上述结论的正确性,同时也是对该属分类研究实践的应用。该结果可为胡颓子属的经典分类学和形态学研究以及植物的开发和利用等提供参考依据。     

蜘蛛抱蛋属（百合科）二新种

报道了在广西发现的2个百合科蜘蛛抱蛋属Aspidistra新种,即乳突蜘蛛抱蛋A. papillata G. Z. Li和环江蜘蛛抱蛋A. huanjiangensis G. Z. Li&Y. G. Wei。乳突蜘蛛抱蛋与大花蜘蛛抱蛋A. tonkinensis（Gagner. ）F. T. Wang&K. Y. Lang近缘。它们的共同特征是:花单生;花被裂片两侧彼此覆盖;柱头盾状,边缘3裂,上表面具3条辐射状沟缝。不同点是:乳突蜘蛛抱蛋植株较大花蜘蛛抱蛋的粗大;叶柄较粗;叶片椭圆形或长椭圆形;花被阔钟     

Aspidistra punctatoides sp. nov. (Ruscaceae) from limestone areas in Guangxi,China

Aspidistra punctatoides Yan Liu & C. R. Lin (Ruscaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from limestone areas in southwestern Guangxi, China, near the border with northern Vietnam. It resembles A. punctata Lindl. in leaf size, a campanulate perianth densely covered with purple spots, lobes adaxially with two fleshy keels, and the peltate stigma, but differs by the stigma being adaxially truncate and densely papillate, and by the margin being 3‐ or 4‐lobed with lobes emarginate at apex.     

Aspidistra lingyunensis sp. nov. (Asparagaceae) from limestone areas in Guangxi,China

Aspidistra lingyunensis C. R. Lin & L. F. Guo (Asparagaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from limestone areas in northwestern Guangxi, China. It resembles A. obconica C. R. Lin & Yan Liu in leaf size and its obconical and purplish red pistil, but differs by having a yellowish white perianth, with lobes oblong, explanate, 6–7 mm long, subequal to tube and a white stigma surface, ca 3 mm in diameter. The new species is rare, currently known only from northwestern Guangxi.     

A Revision of Aristolochia Linn. from E. & S. Asia

This revision deals with the system, evolution, distribution, cytotaxonomy and taxonomic treatment of the genus Aristolochia Linn. from E. & S. Asia, which covers Japan, USSR (Far East), China, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Total 2 subgenera, 7 sections, 4 series, 68 species and 1 variety (cultivated species not included) are recognized in this treatment, of which 3 sections and 2 species are described as new. In addition, 13 new synonyms and some new records to this region are also included. Ystem Having estimated all the works dealing with the subdivision of the genus by the previous authors, the system of O. C. Schmidt (1935) is chosen as the basis, with a change of the sequence of the subdivisions. The subgenus Pararistolochia (Hutch. & Dalz.) O. C. Schmidt, which has indefinite stamens and gynandrous lobes, seems to be better considered as the most primitive one in the genus, while the subgenus Siphisia (Raf.) Duch., which has definite stamens and gynandrous lobes, anthers arranged in 3 pairs and more modifications of the perianth, seems to be the most advanced one. The perianth of the subgenus Siphisia has differentiated into several types, and it is more rational using this character to classify sections than lobes of the gynostemium. In this way, three new sections has been established. A suggested system of the genus is summarized as follows: Subgen. 1. Pararistolochia (Hutch. & Dalz.) O. C. Schmidt Subgen. 2. Aristolochia: Sect. 1. Aristolochia (2 series), Sect. 2. Gymnolobus Duch. Subgen. 3. Siphisia (Raf.) Duch.: Sect. 3. Pentodon Klotz, Sect. 4. Odontosiphisia J. S. Ma, Sect. 5. Leptosiphisia J. S. Ma, Sect. 6. Nepenthesia Klotz., Sect. 7. Obliquosiphisia J. S. Ma, Sect. 8. Siphisia (2 series). Evolution According to the character analysis of the genera of Aristolochiaceae, the evolutionary trends of the family are proposed as follows: 1, the perianth from double to single, from cup-like to tubular, 2, stamens from indefinite to definite, from separate from pistil to united into a gynostemium with pistil, which is a major evolutionary line in the family, 3, ovary from half-superior to inferior, and 4, fruit from a follicle to a capsule. It is evident that the genus Aristolochia, with a tubular perianth, stamens 6, a gynostemium, an inferior ovary and a capsule, is in highly advanced position in the family. The subgenus Pararistolochia, which has more stamens and more lobes of gynostemium, is very similar to the genus Thottea Rottb. and thus better considered as the most primitive subgenus in the genus. The subgenus Siphisia, which has definite stamens (6) in 3 pairs and 6 lobes of gynostemium as well as the polyploid feature (2n=4x=28), is the most advanced subgenus. As a result of the character analysis, the evolutionary trends of the subgenera in the genus, which are in accordance with those of the family, are proposed as follows: 1. stamens from indefinite to definite, and 2. gynostemium lobes from more to less. Distribution The more primitive subgenus Pararistolochia is only distributed in West Africa (except 1 species in Malesia), the subgenus Aristolochia in the tropical and subtropical regions, rarely in the temperate one, and the most advanced subgenus Siphisia occurs mainly in E. Asia, occasionally in N. America. The result of this work shows that the Hengduan Mountains is the second center of distribution after South America. The second center of distribution is of following features: 1. complex composition of taxa, among 3 subgenera and 8 sections, 2 subgenera and 7 sections have been recorded here, 2. rich in species, more than half of the total E. & S. Asian species, i.e. about 42 species have been found in this region, and 3. numerous endemics, more than 85 percent of the total number of species in the region, i.e. about 35 species, are endemic. Cytotaxonomy and taxonomic treatment The known chromosome numbers in 43 species, with 34 reported by Gregory (1956) and Fedorov (1969), together with 9 species newly reported in this work, show that Subgen. Aristolochia with 2n=2x=14, rarely 12, is apparently more primitive than Subgen. Siphisia with 2n=2x=28.     

Flower Structure and Reproductive Biology of Bougainvillea stipitata (Nyctaginaceae)

Abstract: Bougainvillea stipitata displays inflorescences with three pendant greenish flowers. Flowers open at sunset and last five days. Flower perianth is constricted in the middle and forms a tube that ends in five lobes. Fragrance is emitted by the papillae located on the lobe margins of the perianth. The nectary is located at the base of the staminal tube. It secretes fructose-dominant nectar with amino acids, phenols and reduced acids. Nectar secretion is continuous during flower lifetime and the flowers do not recover the reward. Mainly moths visit flowers. Pollen load on stigmas indicates that most flowers received more than 50 pollen grains, which are deposited by pollinators within the first two days of the flower life. Although the low natural fruit set of this self-incompatible species may be due to intraplant pollen flow, pollinators play an essential role for B. stipitata fruit production.     

The need to re-investigate the nature of homoplastic characters: an ontogenetic case study of the 'bracteoles' in Atripliceae (Chenopodiaceae)

Background and Aims

Within Chenopodioideae, Atripliceae have been distinguished by two bracteoles enveloping the female flowers/fruits, whereas in other tribes flowers are described as ebracteolate with persistent perianth. Molecular phylogenetic hypotheses suggest ‘bracteoles’ to be homoplastic. The origin of the bracteoles was explained by successive inflorescence reductions. Flower reduction was used to explain sex determination. Therefore, floral ontogeny was studied to evaluate the nature of the bracteoles and sex determination in Atripliceae.

Methods

Inflorescences of species of Atriplex, Chenopodium, Dysphania and Spinacia oleracea were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Key Results

The main axis of the inflorescence is indeterminate with elementary dichasia as lateral units. Flowers develop centripetally, with first the formation of a perianth primordium either from a ring primordium or from five individual tepal primordia fusing post-genitally. Subsequently, five stamen primordia originate, followed by the formation of an annular ovary primordium surrounding a central single ovule. Flowers are either initially hermaphroditic remaining bisexual and/or becoming functionally unisexual at later stages, or initially unisexual. In the studied species of Atriplex, female flowers are strictly female, except in A. hortensis. In Spinacia, female and male flowers are unisexual at all developmental stages. Female flowers of Atriplex and Spinacia are protected by two accrescent fused tepal lobes, whereas the other perianth members are absent.

Conclusions

In Atriplex and Spinacia modified structures around female flowers are not bracteoles, but two opposite accrescent tepal lobes, parts of a perianth persistent on the fruit. Flowers can achieve sexuality through many different combinations; they are initially hermaphroditic, subsequently developing into bisexual or functionally unisexual flowers, with the exception of Spinacia and strictly female flowers in Atriplex, which are unisexual from the earliest developmental stages. There may be a relationship between the formation of an annular perianth primordium and flexibility in floral sex determination.     

Aspidistra longgangensis sp. nov. (Asparagaceae) from limestone areas in Guangxi,China

Aspidistra longgangensis C. R. Lin, Y. S. Huang & Yan Liu, a new species of Asparagaceae from the limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to A. guangxiensis S. C. Tang & Yan Liu in the shape of the flower, but differs by leaf blade pachyphyllous and bigger; the perianth lobes with appendages at base, appendage oblong, 3–5 mm long, apex incurved; stigma upper surface white, with 4(3) radial, bifurcate lines in the center. The new species is currently known only from Longgang National Natural Reserve, situated in southwestern Guangxi, China, near the border with northern Vietnam.     

Floral development and evolution of capitulum structure in Anacyclus (Anthemideae,Asteraceae)

Background and Aims

Most of the diversity in the pseudanthia of Asteraceae is based on the differential symmetry and sexuality of its flowers. In Anacyclus, where there are (1) homogamous capitula, with bisexual, mainly actinomorphic and pentamerous flowers; and (2) heterogamous capitula, with peripheral zygomorphic, trimerous and long-/short-rayed female flowers, the floral ontogeny was investigated to infer their origin.

Methods

Floral morphology and ontogeny were studied using scanning electron microscope and light microscope techniques

Key Results

Disc flowers, subtended by paleae, initiate acropetally. Perianth and androecium initiation is unidirectional/simultaneous. Late zygomorphy occurs by enlargement of the adaxial perianth lobes. In contrast, ray flowers, subtended by involucral bracts, initiate after the proximal disc buds, breaking the inflorescence acropetal pattern. Early zygomorphy is manifested through the fusion of the lateral and abaxial perianth lobes and the arrest of the adaxials. We report atypical phenotypes with peripheral ‘trumpet’ flowers from natural populations. The peripheral ‘trumpet’ buds initiate after disc flowers, but maintain an actinomorphic perianth. All phenotypes are compared and interpreted in the context of alternative scenarios for the origin of the capitulum and the perianth identity.

Conclusions

Homogamous inflorescences display a uniform floral morphology and development, whereas the peripheral buds in heterogamous capitula display remarkable plasticity. Disc and ray flowers follow different floral developmental pathways. Peripheral zygomorphic flowers initiate after the proximal actinomorphic disc flowers, behaving as lateral independent units of the pseudanthial disc from inception. The perianth and the androecium are the most variable whorls across the different types of flowers, but their changes are not correlated. Lack of homology between hypanthial appendages and a calyx, and the perianth double-sided structure are discussed for Anacyclus together with potential causes of its ray flower plasticity.     

寒兰花器官发生及花发育过程的研究

为了揭示寒兰的成花机理,利用石蜡切片和花芽实体解剖记录了濒危植物寒兰花芽分化和发育的过程,并着重观察唇瓣和合蕊柱早期及中期的发育(在合蕊柱伸长之前)。结果表明:寒兰花芽分化沿着花序轴从下往上可分为4个阶段:花序原基分化,花原基分化,花被片分化和合蕊柱形成。唇瓣分化分为3个阶段:褶片分化,侧裂片分化和色块形成。唇瓣侧裂片和褶片产生较晚,与退化雄蕊可能没有关系。在合蕊柱形成过程中,首先分化出花药,随后分化产生中心皮顶部,侧心皮顶部,并形成花柱道,最终分化出蕊喙和黏盘。     

Morphometric analysis of the genusHemerocallis L. (Liliaceae) in Korea

To better understand the patterns of variability and distributions ofHemerocallis in Korea, 53 locations were visited and measurements of 19 morphological and phenological characters were taken on plants directly from their natural habitats. For morphometric analysis, 10 plants from each of 34 populations and five herbarium specimens ofH. middendorffii were used and the data from 12 quantitative characters was analyzed using univariate analysis. Except the littoral populations of Cheju, Hong, Taehuksan, and Sohuksan Islands (H. hongdoensis M. Chung & S. Kang), three peninsular KoreanHemerocallis species can be recognized mainly in South Korea:H. hakuunensis Nakai (=H. micrantha Nakai, growing on southern, central, and northwestern Korea);H. thunbergii Baker (=H. coreana Nakai, found on southeastern and central Korea); andH. middendorffii Tr. et Mey. (central and northeastern Korea). Morphological and phenological features contributing to recognition of the three groups were; color of perianth, shape of roots, shape of inflorescence, flowering time, odor, length of inflorescence, width of the lowest bracts, length of perianth tube enclosing a ovary, width of the inner perianth lobes. Natural hybridization seems to be rare in KoreanHemerocallis. It appears that the KoreanHemerocallis species are relatively well characterized by their distribution patterns, phenology, and habitats compared with the JapaneseHemerocallis species.     

A new pseudostipule-bearing species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aristolochia</Emphasis> (Aristolochiaceae) from Bahía and Espíritu Santo,Brazil

Aristolochia gracilipedunculata, a new pseudostipule-bearing species from Bahía and Espíritu Santo (eastern Brazil), is here described and compared to other species present in this area that belong to the informal group Pseudostipulosae. The new species is easily recognizable by the presence of a long, filiform peduncle, and by the oblong, fimbriate perianth limb with a rounded and emarginate apex. Floral morphology of the new species is also compared to other non-Pseudostipulosae South American species with similar perianth shape.     

Aristolochia bhamoensis sp. nov. (Aristolochiaceae) and a diagnostic key to all known A. subgen. Siphisia species from Myanmar

Aristolochia bhamoensis from Myanmar is here described and illustrated. This new species is morphologically similar to A. faviogonzalezii (confined to northern Vietnam) and A. cathcartii (growing in the Himalayan region) but is distinguished from the latter two species by having a cream‐white upper part of the perianth tube, with visible purple ridges, a trumpet‐shaped limb, 5.0–5.5 cm diameter, inner surface of limb lobes densely covered with dark‐purple bristles, a nearly circular mouth, 3.2–3.5 cm wide, upper half of throat being dark‐purple to blackish, without striations or dots, and lower half purple, with conspicuous white striation. Morphological characters such as a 3‐lobed gynostemium and a 3‐lobed limb support a placement of the new species in the subgenus Siphisia. A diagnostic key is provided to the seven Siphisia species known from Myanmar.     

番荔枝科两种植物花器官形态发生

用扫描电镜观察了囊瓣木（Saccopetalum prolificum）和刺果番荔枝（Annona muricata）花器官的形态发生过程。刺果番荔枝和囊瓣木花被片均为3轮,其中刺果番荔枝内轮花被片数目为3枚、5枚或7枚。囊瓣木花原基最初为圆锥形,最外轮3枚花被片很快发生,之后中、内轮花被片原基连续发生,3轮花被片互生。此时花原基为六边形。花被片分化完成时,圆球形雄蕊原基沿六边形花原基的6个边螺旋向心发生,最终近轮状排列于花原基上。刺果番荔枝的雄蕊较多（约1000枚）,首先在中轮花被片所对的花原基边缘发生,之后大量雄蕊螺旋状发生。心皮分化的早期阶段,与雄蕊原基很相似,当心皮数目逐渐增多时,不能分辩出发生的顺序。成熟花中,心皮和雄蕊全都被毛覆盖,毛具有粘住传粉滴的作用。