Flora最新文献

{"title":"Polyploidy-driven niche divergence and biogeographic patterns in Bothriochloa Kuntze (Poaceae)","authors":"Lidia Raquel Scrivanti,&nbsp;Ana María Anton","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force that contributes to plant diversification, ecological plasticity, and biogeographic expansion. In polyploid complexes, genome duplication can promote environmental niche divergence among cytotypes, facilitating adaptation to distinct climatic conditions. Here, we test the hypothesis that polyploidization drives ecological niche differentiation and geographic distribution in polyploid cytotypes of <em>Bothriochloa</em> Kuntze in the Americas. Using ecological niche modelling (ENM), PCA-env ordination and niche overlap analyses, we evaluated environmental niche shifts between hexaploid (2n = 60) and higher ploidy (2n = 120, 2n = 180) cytotypes of five <em>Bothriochloa</em> species. We found a strong association between ploidy level and climatic niche differentiation. Higher ploidy cytotypes exhibited broader ecological niches than hexaploids and occupied a wider range of biomes, particularly those characterized by warmer and drier conditions. Niche overlap analysis revealed significant ecological divergence between ploidy levels, as evidenced by low values of Schoener’s D and non-equivalent environmental spaces. Climatic variables, such as water vapour pressure, solar radiation, and temperature range, were key drivers of niche shifts. Our findings support the hypothesis that polyploidy facilitates ecological niche divergence, potentially enhancing establishment and diversification. Genome duplication thus emerges as a key mechanism promoting adaptation and biogeographic expansion in response to climatic gradients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152860"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering the habitat and morphological variation of the narrow endemic Centaurea pangaea (Asteraceae): Implications for conservation","authors":"Spyros Tsiftsis ,&nbsp;Katerina Tseniklidou ,&nbsp;Georgios Korakis ,&nbsp;Theodora Merou","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152859","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152859","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Centaurea pangaea</em> (Asteraceae) is among the Greek endemic species of the genus with a particularly restricted distribution, occurring only on Mt. Pangeon (NE Greece) where it is found in a limited number of microsites. Through extensive field surveys, we confirmed its presence at three microsites, documenting a total of 108 mature individuals. We analyzed morphological traits of individuals sampled in two subpopulations, which revealed significant morphological variability, especially in traits like capitula width and leaf dimensions, likely driven by local environmental differences such as altitude. The absence of a pappus thus remains a stable and reliable diagnostic character distinguishing <em>C. pangaea</em> from <em>C. parilica</em>. Its limited dispersal ability – due to the absence of a pappus and elaiosomes – combined to the heavy predation of its achenes by <em>Larinus</em> weevils and its potentially low competitive ability, seem to play a crucial role in colonizing otherwise suitable habitats. The present study highlights the need for continued monitoring combined with targeted conservation actions to ensure the future survival of this poorly known yet ecologically and taxonomically significant endemic species</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152859"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145323301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Taxonomic value of leaf morphoanatomy in Brazilian Bunchosia species: Insights for the recognition of the Bunchosia clade","authors":"Ahanna Kamila da Silva ,&nbsp;João Victor da Costa Santos ,&nbsp;Josiane Silva Araújo","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This is the first anatomical approach to distinguish taxa within the Bunchosia clade, whose phylogenetic hypothesis supports its monophyly, despite gaps in the group's taxonomy in its current arrangement. Aiming to support a more natural infra- and suprageneric classification, we explored the taxonomic potential of leaf morphoanatomical characters in Brazilian species of the genus <em>Bunchosia</em> and used taxa from other genera as an outgroup. The purely structural analyses allowed us to distinguish anatomical patterns that have not yet been explored in the literature of the group. The presence and morphotype of leaf trichomes, contour and vascular system of the petiole and midrib, presence of accessory bundles in the petiole, number of epidermal layers of the adaxial surface of the leaf, mesophyll type and leaf idioblasts are important subsidies for the taxonomy of Bunchosia clade. The presence, location, and surface type of nectaries may have phylogenetic significance within the group. The ID key allows us to distinguish Brazilian Bunchosia species. These findings contribute significantly to approaches that propose a natural classification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152856"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145365352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproductive success over Calliandra fasciculata Benth. floral anthesis: evidence of adaptive generalization","authors":"Rodrigo Santiago ,&nbsp;Pedro J. Bergamo ,&nbsp;Vinícius L.G. Brito ,&nbsp;Marsal D. Amorim ,&nbsp;Lucas B. Castro ,&nbsp;Sabrina A. Lopes ,&nbsp;Cinthia S. Novaes ,&nbsp;Larissa C. Mendes ,&nbsp;Gizele C.A. Silva ,&nbsp;Danila M. Silva ,&nbsp;Ilmara A.O. Ferreira ,&nbsp;Bernardo O. Dias ,&nbsp;Leidy K.G. Cunha ,&nbsp;Matheus A. Pacheco ,&nbsp;André R. Rech","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interactions between plants and pollinators are shaped by floral traits, and the combination of these characteristics determines the level of specialization in pollination systems. Plants with generalist systems are expected to exhibit less restrictive traits and receive similar contributions from different visitors to their reproduction. For instance, greater floral longevity may enhance pollination by a wider range of visitors, leading to generalization. In this study, we investigated the pollination dynamics (floral visitors, changes in traits, reproductive success) along the floral longevity of <em>Calliandra fasciculata</em> in the Brazilian <em>Campos Rupestres</em> (rocky outcrops). The species has brush-shaped flowers, produces nectar, and changes color during anthesis. It was visited by hummingbirds and bees during the day, and by bats and hawkmoths at night. Flower color and nectar secretion changed synchronously during anthesis. High nectar production at night, when flowers are white and absorb UV, led to a higher frequency of visits than during the day. However, polyad removal and deposition on stigmas remained high throughout the floral lifespan, indicating that both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators contribute to pollination. Yet, fruit and seed production were consistently low, suggesting nutritional limitation. Our results indicate that extended floral longevity is associated with increased generalization in the pollination system of <em>C. fasciculata</em>. The comparable contribution of day and night pollinators suggests adaptive generalization, in which floral traits are linked to broader visitor diversity and enhanced reproductive success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152852"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growth phenology, cambial activity, and formation of secondary vascular tissues in Juniperus procera trees","authors":"Pervaiz R. Khan ,&nbsp;Rahmah N Al-Qthanin ,&nbsp;Ibrahim M. Aref ,&nbsp;Muhammad Iqbal","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152855","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152855","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study was undertaken to elucidate the pattern of tree phenology, cambial growth and wood formation in <em>Juniperus procera</em> Hochst. ex Endl<em>.</em> growing in a low-altitude, semi-arid region of Al-Yazid, Saudi Arabia. Primary growth was found to continue for 5.5 months (mid-March to end of August) at a rate of 10.21 cm year<strong>^-1</strong>. Following the new leaf formation, vascular cambium was active for five months (mid-March to mid-August), producing phloem for three months (April-June) and also xylem for three months (June-August). The maximum number of cell layers in the cambial zone (5-6) was observed during June at a high temperature (30° C), moderate rainfall, low relative humidity (35.3%) and a high water-saturation deficit (44%). A close relationship was found between the emergence of new leaves and the initiation<strong>/</strong>continuation of cambial activity and tissue differentiation. Variations in the maximum and the mean monthly temperatures during the period of cambial activity showed a high degree of similarity with the variation pattern of width of the cambial zone. The same applies to the relationship between the cambial-zone width and the water-saturation deficit during the active period of cambium. The wood produced by the cambial activity was dense (0.69 g cm<strong>^-3</strong>) and composed of relatively narrow and short component cells; average width of the annual growth ring was 284 µm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152855"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphoanatomical and histochemical analysis of Sloanea lasiocoma K.Schum.: A native Brazilian species","authors":"Alessandro Castanha da Silva ,&nbsp;Armstrong Lorene ,&nbsp;Marilis Dallarmi Miguel ,&nbsp;Obdúlio Gomes Miguel ,&nbsp;Deise Prehs Montrucchio ,&nbsp;Cintia Aparecida dos Anjos ,&nbsp;Jane Manfron ,&nbsp;Josiane de Fátima Gaspari Dias","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152863","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152863","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Sloanea lasiocoma</em> K.Schum. is a native tree species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This study aimed to characterise the morphoanatomical, histochemical, and micromorphological features of its leaves and stem. Analyses were performed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and histochemical tests. The leaf is hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata and dorsiventral mesophyll. Histochemical staining revealed phenolic compounds, lignin, starch grains and lipophilic substances. SEM-EDS analyses confirmed the presence of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. These integrative analyses of morphoanatomy, micromorphology, and histochemistry highlight diagnostic features of <em>S. lasiocoma</em> that may help delimit species within the genus <em>Sloanea</em>, and support botanical and pharmacognostic investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152863"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145365353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity and spatiotemporal trends of wild edible plants in Nepal: A review on wild edible plants contribution to food security","authors":"Sujan Chaudhary ,&nbsp;Hari Achhami ,&nbsp;Elina Rai ,&nbsp;Manita Shyaula ,&nbsp;Manisha Ghimire ,&nbsp;Aakriti Adhikari ,&nbsp;Indu Shrestha ,&nbsp;Nirmal Karki ,&nbsp;Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai ,&nbsp;Lalan Kumar Mahato ,&nbsp;Lok Ranjan Bhatt","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152853","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152853","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wild edible plants (WEPs) are essential to the livelihoods, cultural heritage, and food security of rural communities across Nepal, yet they face growing threats from cultural erosion and rapid modernization. This review aims to focus on the diversity of WEPs, spatiotemporal distributions, and their research trends in Nepal. Altogether, 634 species belonging to 165 families of WEPs in Nepal have been documented from 52 districts of Nepal, which included 422 species of angiosperms, 1 species of gymnosperms, 34 species of ferns, 169 species of mushrooms, and 8 species of lichens. The present review has enlisted the highest numbers of total WEPs in Kaski District, followed by Kathmandu, Dhankuta, and Chitwan. The availability of WEPs in various districts of Nepal ranged from 2 to 157, and still 25 districts were undiscovered. The mid-hill region of the country holds the highest number of WEPs. Out of 77 districts, 19 are severely food deficit, 8 are food deficit, and 9 districts are marginally deficit, especially from western regions. Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dolakha, Darchula, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Jajarkot, and Kalikot lies under severely food deficit districts. The southern belt of Madhesh Province and western regions are scarcely studied, which needs further exploration. Although very few studies were carried out until 2000, research on WEPs began in Nepal in 1980 and rapidly increased starting in 2009. The research trend revealed that ethnobotanical studies have overwhelmingly outnumbered the nutritional studies throughout time, highlighting a need for further scientific investigation into nutritional value of WEPs. The findings presented here can thus serve as a foundation source for researchers, policymakers and conservationists to develop strategies for effective conservation and sustainable use of WEPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152853"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145418415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From pollination to embryo: A closer look into the anatomical reproductive development in Epidendrum (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae)","authors":"Mariana Ferreira Alves ,&nbsp;Fábio Pinheiro ,&nbsp;Karen Lúcia Gama De Toni ,&nbsp;José Fernando Andrade Baumgratz","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152867","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152867","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Analyses of reproductive development in Orchidaceae have significantly contributed to our understanding of ontogenetic diversity and reproductive strategies in the family. In this study, we describe the development of the female gametophyte and embryo in two species from one of the largest orchid genera <em>Epidendrum: Epidendrum fulgens</em> and <em>E. puniceoluteum</em>. To describe megasporogenesis, megagametogenesis and embryo development, we performed manual self-pollinations in first-day flowers of cultivated plants. Flowers and fruits at different stages were collected and the usual methodology for performing anatomical studies and scanning microscopy following established protocols. In both species, placenta formation and ovule development are triggered by pollination. The ovules are anatropous, bitegmic, and tenuinucellate, exhibiting monosporic development. The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis, forming a triad of megaspores and a female gametophyte with seven cells and eight nuclei. Fertilization occurs between 30 and 35 days after pollination and is evidenced by the presence of the zygote and the primary endosperm nucleus, which soon degenerates. The embryo is minute and by the time of seed dispersal, its shows protoderm differentiation, smaller cells in the apical region and larger cells in the basal region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 152867"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Absorptive and transport roots of two tree species respond differently to soil salinity along soil depth","authors":"Yan Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaohui Guo ,&nbsp;Qiulin Bi ,&nbsp;Wen Zhou ,&nbsp;Hongxi Yao ,&nbsp;Jiacun Gu ,&nbsp;Yanping Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152847","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152847","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Salinization is one of the factors seriously affecting the stability of forest ecosystems in coastal areas worldwide, which limits root growth and has adverse effects on forest development. Fine roots of woody plants can be divided into absorptive and transport roots; however, their responses to salinization along soil layers and the potential adaptation mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, absorptive and transport roots of <em>Styphnolobium japonicum</em> (L.) Schott and <em>Robinia pseudoacacia</em> L. in Yellow River Delta were collected in different soil layers, and their functional trait variations were analyzed, respectively. Absorptive roots exhibited greater respiration rates (RR), specific root length and area (SRL and SRA), nitrogen content, but lower root diameter (RD), tissue density (RTD), and dry matter contents than transport roots. Generally, compared with non-salinized roots, salinized absorptive roots had higher RR, lower SRL and SRA, while transport roots were relatively conservative. <em>Robinia pseudoacacia</em> was more sensitive to soil salinization than <em>S. japonicum</em>. Additionally, with the increase of soil depth in both sites, greater responses of SRL, RR, and nitrogen content were found in absorptive roots, whereas larger changes of RD and RTD in transport roots. These results highlight that the acquisitive strategy of absorptive roots, rather than the conservative strategy of transport roots, facilitates resource acquisition in responding to soil salinity. Our findings also imply the importance of applying root functional-based classification in the ecological progress for understanding the root resource foraging strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 152847"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Leaf morphoanatomical diversity of representative gypsophyte angiosperm lineages from the Chihuahuan Desert","authors":"Manuel Alberto Ayala-Ramos ,&nbsp;Teresa Terrazas ,&nbsp;Rosaura Grether ,&nbsp;Hilda Flores-Olvera","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gypsophytes living in soils high in gypsum, which affects water availability and physiological processes, exhibit a range of foliar strategies to deal with excess Ca and S. These include xeromorphy, succulence, accumulation of large amounts of Ca, S, Mg, and gypsum, as well as calcium-secreting glands. Due to the great richness of species in the gypsum soils of the Chihuahuan Desert and the surrounding areas of the Sierra Madre Oriental, as to which species there is little knowledge of leaf anatomy, the aim of this contribution was to determine the morphological and anatomical diversity of gypsophyte species of various genera covering representative angiosperm lineages and compare this diversity with that of gypsovag or gypsophobe species of those genera from the surrounding areas. The study was conducted in cross-sections and paradermal sections of field-fixed leaves from 48 species of 29 genera belonging to 21 families within 14 orders. We generated comparative tables based on 41 characters among taxonomic groups and among gypsophytes, gypsovags, and gypsophobes. The results show remarkable morphoanatomical diversity among the studied genera and the three groups without statistical differences. The observed xeromorphic characteristics—namely, thickened cuticles and outer periclinal walls, sunken stomata, the presence of trichomes, well-developed palisade tissue, and sheath extensions—are consistent with those reported in species that inhabit nutrient-poor soils with low water availability and high levels of incident light, characteristics of the arid region in which these plants live. Original findings such as the detection of less-reported traits (e.g., vessels arranged in radial rows, gelatinous fibers) and the leaf anatomy for many species studied for the first time, contribute to anatomical knowledge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 152843"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}