Phylogenetic placement of the enigmatic and critically endangered genus Saniculiphyllum (Saxifragaceae) inferred from combined analysis of plastid and nuclear DNA sequences

Saniculiphyllum, a monotypic genus distributed in Southwest China, was thought to be extinct before our recent rediscovery. The taxonomic position of this genus has been enigmatic ever since its publication. It was originally treated as the only member of a distinct tribe Saniculiphylleae in the family Saxifragaceae. Some proposed a new family, Saniculophyllaceae, to accommodate this genus, although its affinities are clearly with members of Saxifragaceae. Here we analyzed six DNA regions, the nuclear ribosomal ITS and 26S rDNA and the plastid rbcL, matK, trnL-trnF, psbA-trnH genes, spacers, and intron to explore the phylogenetic position of Saniculiphyllum within Saxifragaceae. The combined nuclear and chloroplast dataset includes 63 ingroup species, representing all genera but Hieronymusia in the family. Results from likelihood, parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic methods corroborate earlier results. Two clades of Saxifragaceae, the Heucheroid and Saxifragoid clades, were recovered. The topologies obtained from different analyses confirm the placement of Saniculiphyllum in Saxifragaceae, but our analyses reveal that Saniculiphyllum is embedded within the large Heucheroid clade. However, the closest relatives of Saniculiphyllum within the Heucheroid clade remain unclear. Combined with morphological data, our results suggest that Saniculiphyllum should best be regarded as a highly distinctive lineage within the Heucheroid clade of Saxifragaceae. Morphological novelties and conservation status of Saniculiphyllum are also presented.     

Phylogenetic relationships in Saxifragaceae sensu lato: A comparison of topologies based on 18S rDNA and rbcL sequences

Relationships among the morphologically diverse members of Saxifragaceae sensu lato were inferred using 130 18S rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using representatives of all 17 subfamilies of Saxifragaceae sensu lato, as well as numerous additional taxa traditionally assigned to subclasses Magnoliidae, Caryophyllidae, Hamamelidae, Dilleniidae, Rosidae, and Asteridae. This analysis indicates that Saxifragaceae should be narrowly defined (Saxifragaceae sensu stricto) to consist of ~30 herbaceous genera. Furthermore, Saxifragaceae s. s. are part of a well-supported clade (referred to herein as Saxifragales) that also comprises lteoideae, Pterostemonoideae, Ribesioideae, Penthoroideae, and Tetracarpaeoideae, all traditional subfamilies of Saxifragaceae sensu lato, as well as Crassulaceae and Haloragaceae (both of subclass Rosidae). Paeoniaceae (Dilleniideae), and Hamamelidaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, and Daphniphyllaceae (all of Hamamelidae). The remaining subfamilies of Saxifragaceae sensu lato fall outside this clade. Francoa (Francooideae) and Bauera (Baueroideae) are allied, respectively, with the rosid families Greyiaceae and Cunoniaceae. Brexia (Brexioideae), Parnassia (Parnassioideae), and Lepuropetolon (Lepuropetaloideae) appear in a clade with Celastraceae. Representatives of Phyllonomoideae, Eremosynoideae, Hydrangeoideae, Escallonioideae, Montinioideae, and Vahlioideae are related to taxa belonging to an expanded asterid clade (Asteridae sensu lato). The relationships suggested by analysis of 18S rDNA sequences are highly concordant with those suggested by analysis of rbcL sequences. Furthermore, these relationships are also supported in large part by other lines of evidence, including embryology. serology, and iridoid chemistry.     

两种海桐属植物种子油脂肪酸组成的分析评价

采用有机溶剂抽提了海桐属 2种植物 (海桐和皱叶海桐 )的籽油 ,使用气相色谱法 (GC)分析鉴定了其油脂的脂肪酸组分。 2种籽油均含有 6种脂肪酸 ,主要脂肪酸成分均为软脂酸 (C16∶0 )和油酸 (C18∶1)。其含量 ( % )分别为 :软脂酸 (C16∶0 ) 2 9.66,3 4 .72 ;油酸 (C18∶1) 66.4 3 ,62 .54。这两种油脂中 ,单不饱和脂肪酸油酸占优势 ,因而品质优良。提示海桐属植物籽油可作为保健型食用油研究和开发利用     

《秦岭植物志》种子植物补遗--被子植物门的双子叶植物(1)

报道了《秦岭植物志》遗漏的26种(含3个种下分类群)植物,26种植物分属于17属,13科。其中大血藤科(Sargentodoxaceae)和铁青树科(Olacaceae)为遗漏科,大血藤科的大血藤属(Sargentodoxa)、铁青树科的青皮木属(Schoepfia)、五味子科的南五味子属(Kadsura)、樟科的黄肉楠属(Actinodaphne)和虎耳草科的钻地风属(Schizophragma)为遗漏属。     

Evolution of insular Pacific Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae): origin of the Hawaiian radiation.

We investigated the origin of Hawaiian Pittosporum and their relationship to other South Pacific Pittosporum species using internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA. We performed both maximum-parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses, which produced congruent results. Sequence divergence was 0.0% between Hawaiian members of Pittosporum. These taxa formed a strongly supported clade, suggesting a single colonization event followed by phyletic radiation. Sister to the Hawaiian clade were two South Pacific species, P. yunckeri from Tonga and P. rhytidocarpum from Fiji. This result presents convincing evidence for a South Pacific origin of Hawaiian Pittosporum. Our results also identify a monophyletic group comprising three species representing the Fijian Province and East Polynesia, two introductions onto New Caledonia, and at least one (but possibly two) introduction(s) onto New Zealand. Whether the New Zealand taxa form a monophyletic group is unclear from these data. Previous morphologically based hypotheses, however, suggest the presence of four different lineages occupying New Zealand. The nonmonophyly of the New Caledonian species was not surprising based on the extent of their morphological diversity. Although this latter result is not strongly supported, these species are morphologically complex and are currently the subject of taxonomic revision and molecular systematic analyses.     

Anatomical evidence and the taxonomic position of Darmera (Saxifragaceae)

GORNALL, R. J., 1989. Anatomical evidence and the taxonomic position of Darmera (Saxifragaceae). Evidence from the anatomy of nodes, petioles, trichomes, leaf crystals, ovules and seed-surfaces agrees with other published data to show that segregation of Darmera from the Saxifragaceae is unwarranted. The combined evidence indicates that the closest relatives of the genus are Astilboides, Bergenia and Mukdenia. A putative hybrid origin for this group of genera is suggested.     

河南省虎耳草科增补与订正

报道了虎耳草科新记录2种3变种:长白茶藨子(Ribes komarovii)、疏花山梅花(Philadelphus laxiflorus)、米柴山梅花(Philadelphus incanus var.mitsai)、无柄溲疏(Deutzia glabrata var.sessilifolia)和绣毛绣球(Hydrangea longipes var.fulvescens),并对<河南植物志>虎耳草科17个类群进行了订正.     

海桐花属短萼海桐在陕西省的新分布

【目的】了解海桐花属植物在陕西省巴山地区的分布情况。【方法和结果】通过对巴山地区白河县友好村海桐花属植物的采集研究与标本鉴定,发现海桐花属植物的陕西省新分布种——短萼海桐[Pittosporum brevicalyx(Oliv.) Gagnep.]。【结论】海桐花属植物在中国主要分布在秦岭以南的亚热带地区,本次发现将该种的分布区向东北扩展到陕西省巴山地区,丰富了陕西秦巴山区的植物分布记录,为巴山地区物种多样性研究提供研究资料。     

Chemotaxonomic Screening of Seed Oils from the Family Saxifragaceae and Comparison with Data on Seed Oils from Grossulariaceae Obtained from Literature

Seeds of 25 members of the family Saxifragaceae, 1 × Astilbe, 1 × Darmera, 1 × Leptarrhena, 1 × Tellima, 3 × Mitella, and 18 × Saxifraga were investigated regarding oil content, as well as composition and content of fatty acids and vitamin E active compounds. The results were compared with results obtained from literature for members of the genus Ribes belonging to the closely related family Grossulariaceae to find chemometric differences between the different genera and between members of the family Saxifragaceae and Grossulariaceae, respectively. Members of the family Saxifragaceae are dominated by high amounts of linoleic and α‐linolenic acid which together account for about 80% of the total fatty acids. While α‐linolenic acid is characteristic for members of the genus Saxifraga, in other genera, linoleic acid is predominant. In comparison to members of the family Saxifragaceae members of the family Grossulariaceae also contain γ‐linolenic acid and stearidonic acid which allow a significant differentiation between both families. By principle component analysis, members of both families were divided into three distinct groups, i) species with a high content of α‐linolenic acid (genus Saxifraga), ii) species with high amounts of γ‐linolenic acid and stearidonic acid (genus Ribes), and iii) species with higher amounts of linoleic acid (other members of the family Saxifragaceae). The composition of the vitamin E active compounds was characterized by a high content of γ‐tocopherol in most members of the family Saxifragaceae, but no chemotaxonomic relevance.     

中国海桐花属省级分布新记录

报道我国3个省5种海桐花属植物的新分布种,其中四川分布新记录是尖萼海桐Pittosporum subulisepalum Hu etF．T．Wang：云南分布新记录是管花海桐Ptubiflorum H．T．Chang ＆ S．Z．Yah、光叶海桐P.glabratum Lindley和海金子Pillicioides Makino：广东分布新记录是木果海桐Pxylocarpum Hu ＆ F．T．Wang。     

Molecular systematics of Saxifragaceae sensu stricto

To circumscribe Saxifragaceae sensu stricto better, as well as to elucidate generic relationships within this group, we sequenced the chloroplast gene rbcL and its 3' flanking region (yielding 1,471 bp) from 19 genera considered to represent core members of Saxifragaceae. In addition, we conducted a restriction site analysis of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) for 21 core genera using 23 restriction endonucleases. Phylogenetic analyses using both data sets corroborate the results obtained from surveying the distribution of the loss of the intron in the chloroplast gene rp/2 in delimiting a well-defined Saxifragaceae sensu stricto. Within the Saxifragaceae s.s. clade, a number of poorly resolved, basal phylogenetic branches supports the hypothesis that Saxifragaceae s.s. radiated rapidly very early in its evolutionary history. Molecular data also indicate the presence of several strongly supported groups of genera, such as the Boykinia group (Boykinia, Suksdorfia, Bolandra, Sullivantia, Jepsonia, and Telesonix), the Heuchera group (Heuchera, Bensoniella, Conimitella, Eìmera, Lithophragma, Mitella, Tellima, Tiarelia, and Tolmiea) the Leptarrhena/Tanakaea group, and the Darmera group (Darmera, Astilboides, Mukdenia, Bergenia, and Rodgersia). Significantly, molecular data suggest that the very large, taxonomically complex genus Saxifraga may not be monophyletic. DNA data have also helped to resolve the generic relationships of problematic taxa, indicating, for example, that Telesonix and the enigmatic Jepsonia are sister taxa. In addition to its phylogenetic implications, this study provides insight into basic trends in morphological, chemical, and cytological evolution within Saxifragaceae s.s. The molecular-based phylogenies suggest multiple origins and/or losses of several classes of flavonoid compounds, as well as several independent instances of reduction in stamen and petal number, hypanthium-ovary fusion, and aneuploidy. This study also illustrates the ability of rbcL sequence data to resolve generic-level relationships in some taxonomic groups.     

Systematic relationships of theSaxifragales revealed by serological characteristics of seed proteins

Comparative investigations of serological characters of seed proteins from taxa regarded as members of theSaxifragales result in the recognition of two distinct groups of related families. One consists of theSaxifragaceae, Grossulariaceae, andCrassulaceae; to itHamamelis, and possiblyPenthorum and theRosaceae may be connected. The second group contains theHydrangeaceae, Escalloniaceae, Roridulaceae, Cornaceae, andCaprifoliaceae; it is rich in iridoid compounds, has more derived morphological characters, and seems to represent a monophyletic line block. ThePittosporaceae were not found to be linked with either of the two groups, but rather show similarities with members of theApiales. All these data support systematic arrangements proposed byDahlgren (1975a).     

DNA sequence data reveal polyphyly of Brexioideae (Brexiaceae; Saxifragaceae sensu lato)

Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses have demonstrated that Saxifragaceae sensu lato are polyphyletic, with component lineages scattered throughout the eudicots. As part of our effort to elucidate the relationships of members of Engler and Prantl's Saxifragaceae s. l., we undertook a molecular systematic study of subfamily Brexioideae, which comprises three genera:Brexia, Ixerba, andRoussea. Not all taxonomic treatments have concurred, however, in placing these genera together. To elucidate relationships among these three genera as well as their relationships to other angiosperms we constructed large data sets ofrbcL, 18S rDNA, andrbcL + 18S rDNA sequences. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate clearly that Brexioideae are polyphyletic.Brexia is part of a celastroid clade that also includesParnassia, Lepuropetalon, and Celastraceae.Ixerba appears as sister to a large eurosid I clade;Roussea appears as part of Asterales. Molecular data, therefore, indicate that Brexioideae are a polyphyletic assemblage and component genera should ultimately be incorporated into other groups. Our studies continue to demonstrate the polyphyly not only Saxifragaceae s. l., but also of its constituent subfamilies.The first author would like to dedicate this paper to Kurt Schuchart, a good friend who passed away during this research.     

Elsinoe takoropuku sp. nov. infects twigs of Pittosporum tenuifolium in New Zealand

Elsinoe takoropuku sp. nov. is described from Pittosporum tenuifolium Sol. ex Gaertn. (Pittosporaceae). This species causes swelling to develop on the twigs of the host species. The species initially was thought to be a recent introduction to New Zealand but, based on the host association and the geographic range of the fungus in New Zealand, it is considered to be a newly described native species.     

中国高等植物省级分布新记录(四)

报道了十字花科、海桐花科、牛栓藤科、柽柳科、堇菜科、旌节花科、安息香科、报春花科、山矾科和百合科共12种1变种植物在我国10个省区的分布新记录。其中吉林分布新记录的有北萱草(HemerocallisesculentaKoidz.),山西分布新记录的有具鳞水柏枝(MyricariasquamosaDesv.)、维西堇菜(ViolamonbergiiW.Beck.)和海乳草(GlauxmaritimaLinn.),陕西分布新记录的有海金子(PittosporumillicioidesMak.)和蒙古堇菜(Violamon-golicaFranch.),甘肃分布新记录的有西域旌节花(StachyurushimalaicusHook.f.&Thoms.exBenth.),江西分布新记录的有缝线海桐(PittosporumperryanumGowda),河南分布新记录的有唐古拉碎米荠(CardaminetangutorumO.E.Schulz),湖北分布新记录的有黄牛奶树(Symplocoscochinchinensis(Lour.)S.Moorevar.laurina(Retz.)Nooteboom),湖南分布新记录的有大花野茉莉(StyraxgrandiflorusGriff.),贵州分布新记录的有少花海桐(Pit-tosporumpauciflorumHook.&Arn.),广西分布新记录的有红叶藤(Roureaminor(Gaerth.)Leenh.)。     

Flavonoids of Astilbe and Rodgersia compared to Aruncus

The flavonoid profiles of Astilbe (four taxa studied) and Rodgersia (two taxa studied) are based on simple flavonol glycosides. Astilbe has 3-O-mono-, 3-O-di-, and 3-O-triglycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin, while Rodgersia has only mono- and diglycosides of kaempferol and quercetin. Astilbe×arendsii was also shown to accumulate dihydrochalcone glycosides. The flavonoid profile of Rodgersia is the simplest recorded so far in the herbaceous Saxifragaceae. The flavonoids of two species of Aruncus were shown to be based upon kaempferol and quercetin 3-O-mono- and 3-O-diglycosides. One of the species also exhibited an eriodictyol glycoside. The triglycoside differences were not considered important, but the differences in myricetin occurrences were taken as evidence against derivation of Saxifragaceae from an Aruncus-like ancestor. Should such an event be proposed, however, serious consideration would have to be given to the current pattern of myricetin occurrence in the two families.     

Floral morphology and anatomy of Pittosporum tobira (Pittosporaceae)

Comparative studies are made on floral morphology and anatomy of female and male flowers of Pittosporum tobira. The two types of flower differ little from each other in structure at the early stage of floral development, but appear dimorphic towards anthesis. The male flower becomes cryptically bisexual, although its pistil is slender compared to that of the female flower. The stigmas of the male flower are receptive and can induce pollen germination. The structure of the style in the male flower is identical to that in the female flower. Ovules are produced on the protruded parietal placenta in the male flower, but their development is arrested at the stage of the 4–nucleate embryo sac. The female flower is clearly unisexual, with obviously aborted and sagittate anthers. Its pistil is rather plump and can produce darkish red seeds immersed in sticky pulp. The male and female flowers are similar in vascular anatomy. A conspicuous difference between the two types of flower lies in the stamens. Variation of sexual organs in the genus Pittosporum is reviewed. We assume that the flowers of Pittosporum are derived from the hermaphrodite-flowered ancestor and the female flower has become unisexual through partial reduction of sexual organs at a faster rate than the male flower.     

Divisestylus gen. nov. (aff. Iteaceae), a fossil saxifrage from the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey, USA

Fossilized flowers and fruits from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian, ca. 90 million years [my] before present) Raritan Formation of New Jersey are described as the new genus Divisestylus with two species, D. brevistamineus and D. longistamineus. The fossils are fusainized and three-dimensionally preserved. Morphological characteristics suggest affinities with extant Saxifragaceae and Iteaceae, two closely related families in Saxifragales. Similarities include a pentamerous perianth, calyx fused below into a hypanthium with free sepal lobes above, haplostemonous androecium with stamens situated opposite the calyx lobes, inferior ovary, bicarpellate gynoecium, numerous ovules on axile placentas, conspicuous intrastaminal nectary ring, and capsulate fruit opening apically. The unique fusion of the gynoecium, with carpels and stigmas fused but styles free, indicates closer affinities with extant Iteaceae, whereas other characters, such as basifixed anthers in D. brevistamineus, tricolpate and striate pollen grains, and anomocytic stomata, indicate closer affinities to Saxifragaceae. Cladistic analyses utilizing molecular data from a previously published analysis and morphological data as well as morphological data alone demonstrate the fossils share a more recent common ancestor with Iteaceae than Saxifragaceae, thereby making Divisestylus the oldest fossils known with clear affinities to Iteaceae.     

Fuel oils from euphorbs and other plants

Fuel oils from Euphorbs and other plants. The increasing energy costs of finding petroleum, together with the sure knowledge that its supply is finite, has prompted us to seek other sources of liquid hydrocarbon for both fuel and material. We have turned to annually renewable plant sources such as seed oils, an obvious source, with palm oil as the most productive. Sugar cane used to produce ethanol is another fuel source already in use.
We have examined non-food plants which can be grown on marginal soil for their productivity, particularly the genus Euphorbia. All species of this genus produce a latex which can be converted into useful fuel and other material, including precursors for what might be a valuable anti-tumor agent. Euphorbias and other similar plants require repeated planting and harvesting of the entire plant, which constitutes a drain on the soil. Trees can be long-term sources for hydrocarbon-like materials with a single planting. Examples are: the genus Copaifera which can be tapped for sesquiterpenes, the genus Pittosporum which bears fruits rich in terpenes and can be harvested annually. Finally, there are algae whose oil productivity is already of interest.
It seems possible to modify genetically the terpene biosynthetic pathways in plants to improve both the quality and quantity of the oils produced from them.     

The floral development and floral anatomy ofChrysosplenium alternifolium, an unusal member of the Saxifragaceae

The floral development and anatomy ofChrysosplenium alternifolium were studied with the scanning electron microscope and light microscope to understand the initiation sequence of the floral organs and the morphology of the flower, and to find suitable floral characters to interpret the systematic position of the genus within the Saxifragaceae. The tetramerous flower shows a highly variable initiation sequence. The median sepals and first stamens arise in a paired sequence resembling a dimerous arrangement, but the first sepal and stamen arise on the side opposite to the bract. Transversal sepals and stamens emerge sequentially, as one side often precedes the other; sepals and stamens occasionally arise on common primordia. Initiation of the gynoecium is more constant with two median carpel primordia arising on a sunken floral apex. Several flowers were found to be pentamerous with a 2/5 initiation sequence. Flowers were invariably found to be apetalous without traces of petals in primordial stages; this condition is interpreted as an apomorphy. It is postulated that the development of a broad gynoecial nectary is responsible for the occurrence of an obdiplostemonous androecium. The gynoecium shows a number of anatomical particularities not observed in other Saxifragaceae. The presence and distribution of colleters is discussed.