Article
Plant Sciences
Duilio Iamonico, Olga De Castro, Emanuela Di Iorio, Gianluca Nicolella, Mauro Iberite
Summary: This study investigates four endemic species from the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy and the Ponziane Archipelago using molecular and morphometric analyses. The results provide new information about the taxonomy of these species and suggest that they should be considered as a single species entity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jinxin Liu, Mengmeng Shi, Zhaolei Zhang, Hongbo Xie, Weijun Kong, Qiuling Wang, Xinlei Zhao, Chunying Zhao, Yulin Lin, Xiaoxia Zhang, Linchun Shi
Summary: This study reveals the extensive discordance and complexity of the relationships across the members of the Atractylodes lancea complex according to cytonuclear genomic data, which may be caused by interspecific hybridization or gene introgression.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jian He, Rudan Lyu, Yike Luo, Lele Lin, Min Yao, Jiamin Xiao, Lei Xie, Jun Wen, Linying Pei, Shuangxi Yan, Jin Cheng, Jinyu Li, Liangqian Li
Summary: The study reconstructed the evolutionary history of Clematis using plastome and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences, revealing that the shrubby habit evolved independently in four lineages of Clematis in Asia and emerged since the very beginning of the Pliocene. Asian monsoon variation in the Pliocene and glacial period fluctuation in the Pleistocene were identified as driving forces for the origin and diversification of shrubby Clematis in Central Asia and adjacent dry areas.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Sajadian Abdollah, Zamanizadeh Hamid Reza, Akhavan Sepahi Abbas, Amani Jafar
Summary: According to criminal botany, studying the genetic data of plants native to the crime scene can effectively solve uncertainties in criminal files. The goal of this study was to investigate the genome of 5 endemic plants in high crime rate areas of Iran. Genetic fragments from plastid regions and nuclear chromosome were used for analysis and alignment. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using various software programs, and the results indicated their potential application in forensic investigation in regions with similar vegetation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Katarina Skokanova, Barbora Singliarova, Stanislav Spaniel, Pavol Jr Jr Mereda, Lenka Martonfiova, Judita Zozomova-Lihova
Summary: Hybridization between native and alien congeners may threaten biodiversity, but the hybrids in this study are primarily early generation (likely F1) hybrids.
Article
Plant Sciences
Takuya Norizuki, Naoki Minamino, Miyuki Sato, Takashi Ueda
Summary: This study investigates the involvement of autophagy in the degradation and reorganization of plastids during spermiogenesis in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The results show that autophagy-dependent degradation of plastids occurs during spermiogenesis and impaired autophagy leads to defective morphological changes and starch accumulation in the plastid.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dovile Barcyte, Martina Zatopkova, Yvonne Nemcova, Michal Richtar, Tatiana Yurchenko, Karin Jaske, Karen P. Fawley, Pavel Skaloud, Tereza Seveikova, Marvin W. Fawley, Marek Elias
Summary: This study investigates the diversity, phylogeny, and classification of the Eustigmataceae group within the Eustigmatophyceae. Through comprehensive analyses of hundreds of DNA sequences and plastid genomes, the researchers reveal the phylogenetic relationships within the Eustigmataceae group and confirm the presence of Chlorobotrys as a member of this group. Additionally, the study redefines the taxonomic name of this group and provides insights into the morphology and flagellar protein genes of Chlorobotryaceae members. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of one of the most diverse lineages of eustigmatophyte algae.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yao-Ke Li, Julian Harber, Chuan Peng, Zhi-Qiang Du, Yao-Wu Xing, Chih-Chieh Yu
Summary: Berberis, a genus of plants, is highly diverse in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountain region. This study describes seven new species of Berberis from the northern Hengduan Mountain, providing insights into the taxonomy and evolution of the genus in the region. The report compares the morphology and floral structures of these new species with other related species. Phylogenetic analyses shed light on the genetic divergence history. This research contributes to the mapping and understanding of the diverse flora in the region.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Emerencia Szabo, Balint Dima, Avar L. Denes, Viktor Papp, Lujza Keresztes
Summary: This study re-examined the diversity of the genus Cortinarius s.l. in the Romanian Carpathian area using molecular phylogenetic and morphological methods. A total of 234 Cortinarius s.l. specimens were collected and studied, and their ITS region sequences were compared to data in public databases. Based on phylogenetic analysis, 109 Cortinarius s.l. species belonging to 40 sections and 3 clades were identified.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francisco Javier Jimenez-Lopez, Juan Viruel, Montserrat Arista, Pedro L. Ortiz, Maria Talavera
Summary: Flower colour has played a decisive role in driving speciation in many groups of plants. The Mediterranean populations of Lysimachia arvensis and L. monelli exhibit colour polymorphism, with blue- and red-flowered individuals. Our study reconstructed the ancestral states of flower colour in Mediterranean Lysimachia spp. and found that the different colour lineages in L. arvensis and L. monelli constitute different species, suggesting that flower colour did not promote the separation of these lineages.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Longfei Fu, Alexandre K. Monro, Tiange Yang, Fang Wen, Bo Pan, Zibing Xin, Zhixiang Zhang, Yigang Wei
Summary: Elatostema qinzhouense, a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated in this study. Morphologically similar to E. hezhouense, it differs in various traits and molecular evidence supports this distinction. Phylogenetic analyses place E. qinzhouense within the core Elatostema clade, sister to E. hezhouense. The species has a diploid chromosome number of 2n=26 and is considered to be sexually reproducing, with an Endangered (EN) conservation status.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yury A. Rebriev, Elena A. Zvyagina
Summary: This article reports an investigation of the genus Scleroderma from the Russian Far East, describing a new species, Scleroderma furfuraceum, and a new record for Russia, S. venenatum. Illustrated descriptions and molecular studies of these new species are presented.
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabrizio Bartolucci, Marco Iocchi, Olga De Castro, Fabio Conti
Summary: This paper describes a new species of Allium, Allium ducissae, which is distinct from previously classified A. strictum. Through morphological and molecular analyses, it is found to have a close relationship with the endemic species A. palentinum from the Cantabrian Mountains in Spain.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lianxiang Long, Yongtan Li, Shijie Wang, Zhenlin Liu, Jinmao Wang, Minsheng Yang
Summary: This study assembled and annotated the chloroplast genomes of four Ligustrum species and compared various characteristics, including gene structure, sequence alignment, codon preference, and nucleic acid diversity. Positive-selection genes screening and phylogenetic analysis were also performed. The results showed that the cp genome of Ligustrum had a similar structure to most angiosperms, with 132-137 genes and a circular tetrad structure. Several protein-coding genes were found to be positively selected, and a phylogenetic tree showed the relationship between Ligustrum and other Oleaceae species. This study provides important genetic information for further research on the phylogenetic development and adaptive evolution of Ligustrum species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Erica S. Martins-Duarte, Lilach Sheiner, Sarah B. Reiff, Wanderley de Souza, Boris Striepen
Summary: This study focused on identifying and characterizing essential proteins involved in apicoplast genome replication, demonstrating the importance of DNA replication enzymes for parasite growth. The research also showed a highly coordinated replication and division of the apicoplast nucleoid with the nuclear genome during the parasite cell cycle.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Angeles Alonso, Manuel B. Crespo, Mario Martinez-Azorin, Ladislav Mucina
Summary: Spergularia quartzicola, a new species found in South Africa, has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other known South African relatives and may have evolved as an edaphic specialist on quartz outcrops.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chiara Berlingeri, Manuel B. Crespo, Teodardo Calles
Summary: This paper resolves the controversy surrounding the status of the Macroptilium gracile species complex and discusses nomenclatural issues regarding the naming of a newly established variety. After considering different nomenclatural evidence, a new combination is established.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mario Martinez-Azorin, Manuel B. Crespo, Maria Angeles Alonso-Vargas
Summary: This study reevaluates the taxonomy of Squilla and Scilla. Molecular phylogenetic studies, morphology, and phytochemistry data support the distinction between Charybdis and Urginea. The research identifies 12 species, with eight accommodated in Squilla and one transferred from Charybdis to Urgavania. The study provides nomenclatural types and relevant synonyms for each accepted taxon, along with an identification key for Squilla.
MEDITERRANEAN BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mario Martinez-Azorin, Manuel B. Crespo, Maria Angeles Alonso-Vargas, Michael Pinter, Neil R. Crouch, Anthony P. Dold, Ladislav Mucina, Martin Pfosser, Wolfgang Wetschnig
Summary: The taxonomy and systematics of Urgineoideae have been controversial, but this study provides a comprehensive analysis using morphological and DNA data to resolve the classification. Phylogenetic analysis reveals well-defined clades corresponding to known genera, and consistent character syndromes support genus recognition. The forthcoming revised classification of Urgineoideae is outlined.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jose Luis Villar, Maria Angeles Alonso, Manuel B. Crespo
Summary: This study provides a taxonomic revision of the Tamarix genus in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands, updating the previously published account. It includes a new identification method for the species in the area. Certain species previously mentioned are discarded or considered doubtful, while seven species are accepted, including native and recently introduced ones. A new hybrid species is also described.
ANALES DEL JARDIN BOTANICO DE MADRID
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Carol A. Wilson, Zoe Boosalis, Michael Sandor, Manuel B. Crespo, Mario Martinez-Azorin
Summary: Based on sequence data from nuclear markers and plastomes, the phylogenetic relationships of Iris subgenus Xiphium in the Mediterranean Basin were reconstructed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. The results showed that Iris subgenus Xiphium and I. xiphium were not monophyletic in the plastome and combined datasets, while they were monophyletic in the nuclear and all-gene datasets. The study hypothesized that the subgenus is monophyletic based on these analyses, morphology, and biogeography, and suggested the presence of multiple genetic exchanges between Africa and Europe, as well as the role of the Strait of Gibraltar as a barrier.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Manuel B. Crespo, Angela Cano
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Martinez-Azorin, Anthony P. Dold, Manuel B. Crespo, Maria Angeles Alonso Vargas
Summary: Our field work in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa led to the discovery of an undescribed species of Austronea, which has similarities with A. marginata and related species but differs in morphological characters and distribution. We describe Austronea oblongifolia, which has compact scales on its bulbs, a single oblong leaf, appressed to the ground with minutely scabridulous upper surface and undifferentiated leaf margin, subcapitate inflorescence with short peduncle, lowermost bracts with broad spur, and reddish flowers with smooth filaments. We also provide a detailed description of its morphology, as well as information on its ecology and distribution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alba De Juan-Perez, Mario Martinez-Azorin, Manuel B. Crespo, Maria Angeles Alonso-Vargas
Summary: A new nothospecies, Teucrium x murcigerum, is described as a result of natural hybrids between Teucrium murcicum and Teucrium lanigerum, two species endemic to the SE Iberian Peninsula. This is the first report on intersubsectional hybridization between T. subsect. Polium and subsect. Simplicipilosa. The article includes a morphological description, highlighting the diagnostic features that distinguish it from its parent species, as well as information on its biology, ecology, distribution, and relationship with other related nothospecies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lluis Serra, Jose C. Hernandez, Ma Angeles Alonso, Manuel B. B. Crespo
Summary: A new species called Helianthemum bilyanense was discovered in inland Alicante province in the south-eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. It is closely related to H. polygonoides, but has noticeable differences in appearance, floral pieces, and stem, fruit, and seed indumentum. The study provides data on the new species' morphology, ecology, distribution, and conservation, and discusses its taxonomic affinities based on phylogenetic analyses. Due to its scarce population, limited habitat, and serious threats, it is suggested that H. bilyanense be labeled as critically endangered and included in threatened plant species catalogs.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Manuel B. B. Crespo, M. angeles Alonso, Mario Martinez-Azorin
Article
Plant Sciences
Mario Martinez-Azorin, Giacomo Paonessa, Bert Zaalberg, Manuel b. Crespo, Maria Angeles Alonso Vargas
Summary: The study identified an undescribed species of Trimelopter from the Northern Cape province of South Africa, which exhibits unique morphological characters. The researchers provided a detailed morphological description and additional data on ecology and distribution. The study also reported new findings and illustrations of a known species, complementing its previously limited description.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Angeles Alonso, Manuel B. Crespo, Mario Martinez-Azorin, Ladislav Mucina
Summary: The plant incorrectly named Spergularia hanoverensis Simon in central-western South Africa has been revisited. After revising herbarium material and conducting taxonomic research, it was found that this plant is distinct from other South African species and has therefore been effectively published under the name S. hanoverensis. A detailed description of its morphology, ecology, distribution, and genetic relationships has been provided.
Article
Plant Sciences
Manuel B. Crespo, Maria Angeles Alonso, Mario Martinez-Azorin, Jose Luis Villar, Ladislav Mucina
Summary: This article discusses the taxonomic identity and phylogenetic relationships of several southern African perennial taxa related to Frankenia repens. The study restores the species status of F. nodiflora and describes two new sea-heath species, F. nummularia and F. anneliseae, within an independent lineage close to F. repens. Molecular analyses and morphological divergence support the recognition of these new species, and a detailed morphological description, ecology, habitat, distribution, and taxonomic relationships are provided. An identification key is also presented to aid in recognizing southern African taxa of Frankenia.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jose Luis Villar, Maria Angeles Alonso, Manuel B. Crespo, Mario Martinez-Azorin
Summary: This paper discusses the taxonomic and nomenclatural issues of ten species of Tamarix collected in the southwestern parts of the Mediterranean basin. Through the analysis of original material, eight intended holotypes are corrected, and one epitype, 30 isolectotypes, and 11 syntypes are identified. The taxonomic identity of all names and their possible synonymic placement are also discussed.
