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Background: Loranthaceae parasitism is a limiting factor for crops as well as many other plant diseases and pests. The present study was conducted to make an inventory of Loranthaceae present on fruit trees species grown in the Bayangam locality. It also aimed to record the damage caused by these pests on the host plants. To achieve this, 40 transects of 100 m length and 50 m width were set up in the locality of Bayangam. Observations were made on the presence or absence of the parasites on the host plants, the number of Loranthaceae clumps carried by each parasitized tree, the taxon of the parasite, and the damage caused by the Loranthaceae on the host plants. Results: The inventories identified six species of Loranthaceae belonging to four genera. These were Globimetula braunii, Globimetula dinklagei, Globimetula oreophila, Helixanthera mannii, Phragmanthera capitata, and Tapinanthus globiferus. Parasite densities varied among species and increased with the circumference of host plants. Globimetula braunii and Phragmanthera capitata were the most invasive species on host plants. Conclusion: Fruit trees in Bayangam are largely parasitized by Loranthaceae. The only control method used by the populations is pruning of parasitized branches during drought periods. This method is not effective because of the large number of trees and branches parasitized. The identification of Loranthaceae‐resistant cultivars in fruit tree production is an interesting element in the perspective of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a detailed phytochemical investigation of compounds in the twigs of the mistletoe Loranthus europaeus Jacq., which belongs to the Loranthaceae family, is presented. Specimens were collected from the mistletoe L. europaeus growing on oak trees in the mainland of Greece. The alliance of oaks and mistletoes became a symbol of knowledge and strength for many centuries. Although numerous compounds of aerial tissues of other mistletoes, e.g., Viscum album, have been published, few studies have been conducted to investigate the metabolic and physiological traits of the hemiparasitic, deciduous Loranthus europaeus. LC-HRMS-based analysis led to a detailed characterization of ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts of the twigs of L. europaeus, which, to the best of our knowledge, exhibit enhanced antioxidant potential. Hence, twenty-four and twenty-six compounds were tentatively identified from the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane twigs' extracts, respectively; these compounds belong to fatty acids, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides. Also, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, and lipid contents in the twigs of L. europaeus, which have not hitherto been published, were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mistletoes have a fraught public relations history. Vilified as toxic tree-killing weeds, they have long been targeted for removal by arborists and forest managers concerned with tree health. Research on mistletoe ecology has revealed their positive influence on diversity and community structure via complex networks of interactions. In areas where mistletoe has traditionally been removed, managers are now asking whether these parasitic plants can return on their own or whether they should be reintroduced. To evaluate the practicalities of mistletoe restoration, we inoculated 28 London plane trees Platanus × acerfolia (Aiton) Willd. in inner Melbourne with creeping mistletoe Muellerina eucalyptoides (DC.) Barlow, a locally rare species. Branch dimensions and aspect had no discernible effect on germination or seedling emergence, but trees where access to possums (Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr, 1792) and Pseudocheirus peregrinus (Boddaert, 1785)) was restricted were 30% more likely to host seedlings. Five years after inoculation, seven mistletoes successfully established on five trees, with two mistletoes bearing fruit. Communications with residents and city users elicited positive feedback, catalysing four additional inoculation trials in urban and forest settings elsewhere. In addition to representing a cost-effective means of enhancing habitat values, mistletoe restoration is useful for addressing open questions about mistletoe ecology and educating the community about the functional roles these parasitic plants play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees' responses to mistletoes occur at multiple organization levels (e.g., leaf, individual, population), yet integrating these multi‐scale responses is still challenging. Here, we compared the traits of infected versus uninfected trees over multiple scales, from leaf anatomy and physiology to canopy allometries and individual growth rate and survivorship. We tested the hypotheses that mistletoes lead in the host (1) the production of leaves with a conservative resource‐use strategy, (2) more mechanically stable canopies and (3) reductions in growth and survival probability in the trees they infect. We addressed these hypotheses in the widespread savanna tree Vochysia thyrsoidea and xylem‐tapping mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus in the Brazilian Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot. We found that (1) mistletoe infection did not affect key traits associated with resource conservativeness, such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and carbon assimilation rates (A). Likewise, (2) hosts did not increase the mechanical safety of their trunks in response to mistletoe infection since infected and uninfected trees had a similar allometric scaling between height and crown volume against stem diameter. (3) At the population level, both the relative growth rate and survival probability decreased as the number of parasites increased. However, zero growth and a 50% chance of mortality were estimated to occur in a minority of heavily infected trees (>7 and 14 parasites, respectively). Our results challenge the idea that mistletoes have a ubiquitous negative impact on their hosts. We highlight, therefore, the need for clarifying the mechanisms that allow trees to maintain their functioning even in the face of mistletoe parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don., 1834, is a mistletoe species in the Loranthaceae, characteristic of the canopy in cloud forest edges and widely distributed in northern Mesoamerica. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of P. schiedeanus, the first for a species in the Psittacantheae tribe. The circularized quadripartite structure of the P. schiedeanus chloroplast genome was 122,586 bp in length and included a large single-copy region of 72,507 bp and two inverted repeats of 21,283 bp separated by a small single-copy region of 7,513 bp. The genome contained 112 genes, of which 96 are unique, including 65 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA, and four ribosomal RNA. The overall GC content in the plastome of P. schiedeanus is 36.9%. Based on 43 published complete chloroplast genome sequences for species in the families Loranthaceae and Santalaceae (Santalales), the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree with high-support bootstrap values indicated that P. schiedeanus in the Psittacantheae tribe is sister to the tribe Lorantheae. The chloroplast genome provided in this study represents a valuable resource for genetic, phylogenetic and conservation studies of Psittacanthus species, and an important advance for unraveling the evolutionary history of these hemiparasitic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globimetula braunii is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical countries and is used in the treatment of various diseases. The plant was reported to contain several secondary metabolites that are responsible for its therapeutic activities. This study aimed to isolate more flavonoid compounds present in the n-butanol fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of the plant. The n-butanol fraction of an ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel, and repeated gel filtration with Sephadex LH-20 eluted with methanol led to the isolation of a compound identified as the flavonoid glycoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some mistletoe species (Loranthaceae) resemble their host plants to a striking degree. Various mechanisms have been proposed for the developmental origins of novel traits that cause mistletoes to appear similar to their hosts, as well as for the adaptive phenotypic evolution of such traits. Calder (1983) proposed a logically flawed group selectionist seed‐dispersal hypothesis for mistletoes to resemble their hosts. Calder's (1983) hypothesis does not provide a viable potential explanation for mistletoe resemblance to hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycaenid butterflies of the Ogyris idmo species group are endemic to Australia and obligatorily associated with Camponotus ants. Several species are threatened with extinction, but there are considerable uncertainties with the present classification. Here, the taxonomy of the species group is revised based on molecular and morphological data. Mitochondrial sequence data were obtained from GenBank for Ogyris Angas, 1847, from cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) (total of 1203 bp), and a phylogeny of the genus was reconstructed using Maximum Likelihood methods. Based on these molecular data, adult morphology and other evidence, the following eight taxa are recognised in this species group: Ogyris otanes (C. & R. Felder, 1865), Ogyris arcana M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 stat. rev., Ogyris arcana arcana M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 comb. nov. , Ogyris arcana sublustris M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 comb. nov. , Ogyris halmaturia (Tepper, 1890), Ogyris halmaturia halmaturia (Tepper, 1890), Ogyris halmaturia waterhouseri (Bethune-Baker, 1905) stat. rev. , Ogyris idmo (Hewitson, 1862), Ogyris subterrestris Field, 1999 and Ogyris petrina Field, 1999 stat. rev. The female of Ogyris halmaturia halmaturia is described for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships among the six species are as follows: (O. otanes + O. arcana) + (O. halmaturia + (O. idmo + (O. subterrestris + O. petrina))). The life history switch from phytophagy (O. otanes and O. arcana) to entomophagy (suspected myrmecophagy) within this species group has led to diversification of four species, a most unusual evolutionary pattern within the Lycaenidae globally. The taxonomic changes proposed herein affect some of the most threatened Australian butterflies and their conservation status is discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B9A6F558-DD47-47DF-AC9C-A71270B6EE09 The systematics of the bronze azure butterfly Ogyris idmo species group are revised through an integrative taxonomic approach. Morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis resolved eight taxa within this group (six species and two subspecies) and five new nomenclatural changes are proposed. A key to all taxa is provided and all taxa are illustrated. These taxonomic changes affect some of the most threatened Australian butterflies and the conservation is discussed. (Photograph by Ethan P. Beaver.) IS23032_TOC.jpg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the little-known genus Demarchus Jacoby was discovered at Pilu, East Taiwan, and is here described as Demarchus hsui sp. nov. The larvae and adults utilise showy mistletoes as food plants. Their remarkable biology is described in detail, including egg deposition and leaf mining behaviour. Their biology is compared with that of other members of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The butterfly genus Ogyris Angas, 1847 consists of several striking but poorly resolved complexes endemic to Australia and New Guinea, many of which have an obligate association with ants. Here, we revise the systematics of the Ogyris aenone (Waterhouse, 1902) complex through an integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphological examination, life histories and ecology. Mitochondrial sequence data based on concatenated cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) (total of 1203 bp) for 36 ingroup samples were generated and combined with sequences available on NCBI GenBank for Ogyris. Phylogenetic analysis inferred by maximum likelihood methods resolved five taxa within this group, with one taxon, Ogyris caelestia Beaver & Braby sp. nov., described as a new species and another, O. doddi stat. rev. , raised to full species. Phylogenetic relationships among the five taxa are as follows: (O. caelestia + O. aenone) + (O. ianthis + (O. iphis + O. doddi)). This revision brings the number of recognised Ogyris species to 16 and for the tribe Ogyrini to 18. This group of butterflies was found to be scarce – field samples of host trees that had the co-occurrence of both mistletoe and the appropriate attendant ant at 12 locations in eastern and northern Australia revealed low rates of occupancy (<50%, with an overall average of 17%) based on the presence of immature stages of the five butterfly species. The complete life histories, general biology and ecology of all members of this species-group are illustrated and diagnosed for the first time and confusing aspects of the literature are clarified. Several taxa are of conservation significance, including the new species, and future directions are discussed in relation to this. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FC258ED6-AA1F-4E11-BFE1-D0A612E4F166 The systematics of the 'sapphire azure' butterfly (Ogyris aenone) species complex is revised through an integrative taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis resolved five species within this group, with one species, Ogyris caelestia Beaver & Braby, sp. nov. , here described as new and another, Ogyris doddi , stat. rev. , raised to full species. The complete life histories, biology and ecology of all members of this species-group are illustrated and diagnosed, and confusing aspects of the literature are clarified. Several species are of conservation significance, including the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phragmanthera regularis is a hemi-parasitic shrub. It is known for treating various health ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and chemical characterization of the leaf extracts of P regularis collected from the Schinus molle host plant in Ethiopia. The antimicrobial properties of crude extracts obtained with chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water solvents were assayed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The methanol extract significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were resistant to any of these solvent extracts. The methanol extract was tested at 175, 550, and 2000 mg/kg body weight doses in white mice and did not reveal any toxicity. The LC-MS qTOF analysis detected flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids in the crude methanol extract. Further study is needed to investigate the effectiveness of these compounds against S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of methanol stem extract of Globimetula braunii. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done using standard protocols, median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by Lorke's method. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of extract were determined using acetic acid induced writhing and hot-plate model and the carrageenan-induced rat's paw edema model respectively at graded doses of 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 250mg/kg. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroid, triterpenes and saponins. Intraperitoneal median lethal dose of the extract was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg bodyweight in mice. The extract exhibited highest percentage inhibition of writhing (99.24%) at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. However, the extract showed no central analgesic activity. Furthermore, the extract at lowest and highest dose (250 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced paw size when compared to control group. The findings of this study suggest that the methanol stem extract of Globimetula braunii contains bioactive compounds with peripherally mediated analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemiparasitic plants can directly influence host plants performance through the invasion of the vascular system. However, the extent to which host plants can influence hemiparasitic plants is poorly understood. We investigated the phenology, reproductive components (pollen grains, flower buds, flowers, and fruits), and floral visitors' composition and behavior (time spent per flower and number of flowers visited) of Struthanthus polyanthus (Loranthaceae) in three different host species. Moreover, we explored the effects of abiotic (light, temperature, and humidity) and biotic factors (host plants) on S. polyanthus's floral visitors. The study was carried out from September 2015 to December 2016, in a savanna area in Brazil, in three different hosts. Our results indicated significant effects of host plants and abiotic variables on hemiparasitic plants and their floral visitors. We found that although the phenological events of S. polyanthus among hosts coincided throughout the year, the S. polyanthus' reproductive components were differently affected by hosts, and the host plants significantly influenced the S. polyanthus floral visitors' composition and behavior. Finally, abiotic factors influenced the time spent per flower and the number of flowers visited by floral visitors of S. polyanthus. Our study highlights the context-dependent performance of a hemiparasitic plant, contributing to a better understanding of plant–plant relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thus, by itself, I T. corymbosus i cannot parasitize I Nothofagus i trees but reaches a considerable abundance in the I Nothofagus i - I Araucaria i forest due to a hyperparasitism interaction with I D. mutabilis i , expanding its habitat use toward this forest type. Besides plant-animal interactions, plant-plant interactions are also important because they determine which plant species can be parasitized by mistletoes (i.e., host range; Mathiasen et al., [18]). Keywords: host; Loranthaceae; Nothofagus; plant-plant interactions; temperate rainforest EN host Loranthaceae Nothofagus plant-plant interactions temperate rainforest 1 6 6 02/03/23 20230201 NES 230201 Mistletoes are a relatively diverse group of flowering plants that have developed a parasitic strategy (Watson, [26]). I Nothofagus i trees are parasitized by I D. mutabilis i , and I T. corymbosus i parasitizes I D. mutabilis i , not directly the tree. [Extracted from the article]

Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. (Kafak mamung) is a hemiparasitic plant utilized for several ethnopharmacological and medicinal purposes. However, the hemiparasitic plant vary in correlation with the species from host plant, due to variation in the compound's profiles. This study was aimed to determine the compounds contained in leaf and stem extracts from various host plants. Soxhlet extraction was used to prepare crude extracts using ethanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. Phytochemical profiles of the stem and leaf were analyzed by GC-MS to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), while antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and ABTS assays. Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetry showed that ethanol extract of D. pentandra hemiparasite stem growing on Shorea roxburghii had the highest TPC (398.45± 2.49 mg GAE/g extract) and DPPH assays 88.518± 0.339%. Chemical analysis using GC-MS revealed the presence of 14 compounds including 9-octadecanamide (Z)-, hexadecanamide and octadecanamide. The phytochemical profiles of the compounds identified in the extracts of D. pentandra showed that this plant has a potential for future health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) is a hemiparasitic shrub that grows on dicotyledonous trees; the plant is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases. This study aims to review the ethnomedicinal uses, scientific and pharmacological studies as well as phytochemistry of G. braunii. Information related to the ethnomedicinal uses, scientific and pharmacological studies as well as phytochemistry of the G. braunii was obtained by searching using the keyword G. braunii in the following databases; Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The literature search revealed that G. braunii is widely distributed in tropical countries like Malaysia, Cameroun, Ghana and Nigeria, and is used traditionally to treat pulmonary diseases, hypertension, ulcer, cancer, epilepsy and pain. Scientific studies have shown that G. braunii possessed anticonvulsant, central nervous depressant, oxytocic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, laxative, antihypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiplasmodial activities. Approximately, thirty-two (32) compounds were isolated from the plant. Some of these compounds include; 7a,15a-epoxy-lup-20(29)-ene-30-hydroxyl-3ß-O-tetracosanoate, Lupeol, quercetin, (+)-catechin, quercitrin, rutin, avicularin, and 6-methoxy-2H-inden-5-ol. G. braunii should be used in the development of new plant-derived drugs and used as herbal supplements for the management of various diseases. In addition, studies on the clinical safety and efficacy of the plant should also be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests dominated by the genus Polylepis (Rosaceae) are highly threatened due to anthropogenic impacts and climate change. Some species such as Polylepis flavipila are also affected by hemiparasitic plants such as Tristerix chodatianus (Loranthaceae) that induce progressive damage to the host canopy, altering the structure and functioning of the forest. In this paper, we focused on evaluating the parasitism pattern of T. chodatianus on Polylepis populations, as well as how human impact and environmental factors affect the Polylepis flavipila population structure. We carried this out along an altitudinal gradient in Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve, Laraos, Lima-Peru. We laid out three transects in each forest (Shutco and Chaqsii-Chaqsii) from the bottom of their current distribution to the tree line, totaling a sampled area of 3.44 ha. Phenotypic data were taken for all individuals (parasitized and non-parasitized) with a diameter at ground height ≥ 5 cm. Environmental factors (bare cover, slope, rock cover, grass cover, and elevation) and human impact (trails, overgrazing, and felling) variables were also collected. Our results showed that the higher the elevation is, the shorter are the trees and with the increase of the slope, the diameter decreases and the frequency of trees increases. Moreover, human impact (trails and overgrazing) affected negatively the dasometric characteristics of P. flavipila. Regarding the patterns of parasitism, we observed that the larger trees (in diameter and height) had a greater presence of T. chodatianus and, as the elevation increased, the proportion of parasitized trees decreased. In conclusion, our results showed that P. flavipila forest is threatened by several factors, including human impact and T. chodatianus infestation. Future evaluations on forest dynamics would clarify the observed pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of photosynthetic species (hemiparasites) and nonphotosynthetic species (holoparasites) in the order Santalales. The complete chloroplast genomes of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus are circular molecules with lengths of 120,181 bp and 121,086 bp, respectively, containing 106 and 108 genes and 63 protein-coding genes, including 25 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes for each species. We observed a reduction in the genome size of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus and the loss of certain genes, although this reduction was less than that in the hemiparasite and holoparasitic cp genomes of the Santalales order. Phylogenetic analysis supported the taxonomic state of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus as members of the family Loranthaceae and tribe Lorantheae; however, the taxonomic status of certain tribes of Loranthaceae must be reconsidered and the species that belong to it must be verified. Furthermore, available chloroplast genome data of parasitic plants could help to strengthen efforts in weed management and encourage biotechnology research to improve host resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new cycloartane-type triterpenoid, named macrobidoupoic acid A (as an C-24 epimeric mixture, 4a, 4 b), together with three known ones (1-3), were clarified by different chromatography from the M. bidoupensis whole plants. Triterpenoids (1, 3 & 4) were detected for the first time from the Macrosolen genus. Chemical structures of them were illuminated using HR-ESI-MS, and NMR (1 D & 2 D) assessments. The cytotoxic properties of triterpenoids (3 & 4) were examined against two human cancer cell lines (A549, and RD) by MTT assay. As results shown, triterpenoids (3 & 4) possessed moderate cytotoxic activity against A549 and RD cancer cells (IC50 ranged from 5.44 to 39.52 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive forests over limestone of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) on Samar Island, Philippines harbour a rich variety of unique species. In this contribution, we describe and illustrate a new Loranthaceous mistletoe, endemic to Samar Island named Decaisnina tomentosa, representing the 12th member of the genus reported to the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fluid-feeding herbivores directly affect host plants through sap consumption. Moreover, they establish mutualistic relationships with ants, which might generate additional reproductive costs related to pollinator repellence. Here we studied the drivers of variation in the outcomes of these interactions from the perspective of Psittacanthus robustus, a hummingbird-pollinated mistletoe. We hypothesized that associations between fluid-feeding insects and ants should indirectly decrease mistletoe reproduction by repelling pollinators, and directly by reducing seed size, germination, and establishment of plants presenting denser herbivore aggregations. First, we manipulated the presence of the ant Camponotus rufipes on mistletoe inflorescences to assess their effects on visitation behavior of pollinators. We correlated fruit production and fruit and seed size to abundance of fluid-feeding insects on plants. Moreover, we conducted a field experiment assessing the effects of aggregation size of fluid-feeding herbivores on seed germination and seedling establishment. Ant presence on inflorescences did not affect the visitation rates of the main pollinator, the hummingbird Eupetomena macroura. Abundance of fluid-feeding herbivores did not explain variation in fruit crop size. However, we observed a significant reduction in seed size in those plants hosting larger aggregations of fluid-feeding herbivores. The reduction in seed size did not translate into a significant decrease in seed germination nor a decrease in seedling establishment. Our results dispute previous studies highlighting negative indirect effects on plant–pollinator interactions mediated by the presence of ant–trophobiont mutualisms. Likewise, our study underscores the need of assessing fluid-feeding herbivore effects on crucial stages of the host plant life cycle to clarify fitness consequences of multitrophic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The formation of juvenile wood featuring greater cell variation relative to mature wood is a well-known phenomenon. Once wood attains maturity, it has both more consistent cell sizes and organization. This is especially well understood for large trees used for paper and timber production, but less so for shrubs and bushes. Despite its importance, there is very little information on the wood anatomy and wood maturation available for some lineages such as the Loranthaceae (Santalales), which are mostly composed of shrubby mistletoes. Here, we studied three of the largest known mistletoe species to analyse the variation of xylem structure within both the radial and the axial axis of the stem. Using classical anatomical techniques, we determined at which point, both in thickness and in distance from the apex, these parasitic plants start producing mature wood. We measured vessel element length, fibre length, vessel diameter, and vessel density on multiple points of either very thick or very long branches of three different mistletoe species: Struthanthus rhynchophyllus , Tripodanthus acutifolius and Psittacanthus robustus. Our findings suggest that Loranthaceae mistletoes reach wood maturity rather early, with very minor differences between juvenile and mature woods. These results open new avenues for further research on the wood anatomy of mistletoe's stems, enabling the use of smaller samples, such as those commonly present in herbarium vouchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the Vietnamese plant Macrosolen tricolor (Lecomte) Danser, one new diarylpropanoid, named macrotricolorin A (1) together with three diarylheptanoids including bisdemethoxycurcumin (2), demethoxycurcumin (3) and curcumin (4), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by intensive analyses of their IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS and NMR (1 D & 2 D) spectra. It is the first time that diarylalkanoids have been reported from the genus Macrosolen. Compound 1 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 with an IC50 value of 27.54 ± 1.75 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globimetula braunii is a parasitic plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae. Traditionally, the plant has been reported to be used in the treatment of insomnia. The study was carried out to investigate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of the fractions of Globimetula braunii growing on Terminalia catappa and to isolate the phytochemical compound(s) present in the most active fraction. The CNS depressant activity of all the fractions was investigated using diazepam induced sleep. The most active fraction was further subjected to the hole board test and beam walk assay. The chromatographic technique was used for the isolation of phytochemical compound. Hexane fraction significantly (p<0.05) reduced latency to sleep and prolonged the sleeping time. Both chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions at highest and median doses showed significant increase in the duration of sleep compared to normal saline. The n-butanol fraction at all doses tested do not have any effect on time of onset and duration of sleep when compared with normal saline treated group. Hexane fraction significantly (p<0.05) decreased the number of head dip in a dose dependent manner and delayed the time to reach the goal box compared to normal saline treated group. Lupeol was isolated from n-hexane fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new showy mistletoe genus, Septemeranthus L.J. Singh with a type species, S. nicobaricus L.J. Singh sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is an aerial branch hemi‐parasite on Horsfieldia glabra (Blume) Warb. (Myrsticaceae). The conservation status, host inventory, germination ecology and remarks on its relationship with allied genera are given. Septemeranthus is distinct in vegetative morphology, inflorescence architecture and floral characters: leaves with long apex, camptodromous venation, coraceous, 5 bracts with brown margins, 3‐7 flowered racemose, 7 merous flowers, urceolate ovary, earthen pot shape fruits with prominent bracts and seeds with dark vertical streaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of natural communities is the result of interactions among species that coexist within them. Parasitic interactions are among the most common species interaction types, and analysis of parasite–host ranges can advance understanding of how host–parasite pairs structure community interactions across their geographic distributions.Using network analysis and host preference relative index, we analysed host use by the South American mistletoe, Tristerix corymbosus (Loranthaceae), in 22 localities among two biomes: Chilean matorral and temperate forest.The total number of host species recorded was 27, and 40% of these species were non‐native. The non‐native Populus sp. was shared between biomes. There was a positive relationship between host range and potential host species richness at the studied localities. On average, the mistletoe parasitized each host species relative to its abundance. However, some host species in some localities are more parasitized than expected. Network structure showed a differences in host use between the two biomes: Aristotelia chilensis was central in the temperate forest, with Populus sp. in the Chilean matorral. Host use intensity in the Chilean matorral was higher for non‐native species.Tristerix corymbosus has a wide host range and could be considered a generalist parasite across its full geographic distribution, but at local scales, host preferences differed among localities and are related to host coverage. Alterations in community composition, due to natural events or human activities, can modify the availability of possible hosts. Hence, the mistletoe with the described characteristics may be able to change its infection preference while maintaining the interaction functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitism is a pervasive phenomenon in nature with the relationship between species driving evolution in both parasite and host. Due to their host‐dependent lifestyle, parasites may adapt to the abiotic environment in ways that differ from their hosts or from free‐living relatives; yet rarely has this been assessed. Here, we test two competing hypotheses related to whether putatively adaptive genetic variation in a specialist mistletoe associates with the same, or different, climatic variables as its host species. We sampled 11 populations of the specialist mistletoe Amyema gibberula var. tatei (n = 154) and 10 populations of its associated host Hakea recurva subsp. recurva (n = 160). Reduced‐representation sequencing was used to obtain genome‐wide markers and putatively adaptive variation detected using genome scan methods. Climate associations were identified using generalized dissimilarity modelling, and these were mapped geographically to visualize the spatial patterns of genetic composition. Our results supported the hypothesis of parasites and host species responding differently to climatic variables. Temperature was relatively more important in predicting allelic turnover in the specialist mistletoe while precipitation was more important for the host. This suggests that parasitic plants and host species may respond differently to selective pressures, potentially as a result of differing nutrient acquisition strategies. Specifically, mistletoes acquire water from hosts (rather than the abiotic environment), which may provide a buffer to precipitation as a selective pressure. This work deepens and complements the physiological and other ecological studies of adaptation and provides a window into the evolutionary processes that underlie previously observed phenomena. Applying these methods to a comparative study in a host–parasite system has also highlighted factors that affect the study of selection pressure on nonmodel organisms, such as differing adaptation rates and lack of reference genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the Southern Purple Azure butterfly Ogyris genoveva (Hewitson, 1853) near Melbourne is reviewed, based on historical records (scientific literature, museum specimens and unpublished observations) and more recent observations. Overall, the species has been recorded from a total of 10 sites representing two discrete populations or metapopulations. Historically, the species was known only from a limited area (c. 80 km²) 40-50 km west-north-west of Melbourne, but anecdotal records (mostly historical, from 1939-1980) indicate that O. genoveva also occurred in a restricted area (c. 50 km²) in the outer suburbs 25-35 km north-east of Melbourne. The eastern population is probably no longer extant due to the extent of habitat loss, deterioration and fragmentation. The populations of O. genoveva near Melbourne appear to be phenotypically distinct and possibly isolated from those to the north of the Great Dividing Range. Field surveys are therefore needed to assess the species' conservation status and management options, and to determine if it still occurs east of Melbourne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two new species are described from the proposed Mulanje-Namuli-Ribáuè Centre of Endemism. Isoglossa perdita I.Darbysh. (Acanthaceae) is apparently restricted to the submontane forests of southeastern Mt Mulanje in Malawi, and is assessed as Critically Endangered. Agelanthus patelii Polhill & Timberlake (Loranthaceae) is recorded from the montane forests of Mt Mulanje and from Mt Namuli in Mozambique, and the earlier assessment of this species as Endangered is confirmed. The habitat preferences and taxonomic affinities of these species are discussed. This work contributes to the ongoing assessment of the biodiversity and endemism of this montane region, and to the identification of Important Plant Areas in Mozambique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical study was conducted on the leaves of Globimetula braunii which is a hemi parasitic plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae. Extraction was carried out using cold extraction method with increasing polarity of solvents i.e n-hexane, CH2Cl2 and MeOH. The components were separated by chromatographic technique and the structures of the compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including MS, FTIR, 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS and chemical methods. Six new pentacyclic triterpenoid esters named as globrauneine A (1), globrauneine B (2), globrauneine C (3), globrauneine D (4), globrauneine E (5), and globrauneine F (6), together with six known compounds (7 – 12) were successfully isolated from the leaves of G. braunii growing on Piliostigma thonningii. These results depict a substantial support to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Globimetula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new flavans, (2S)-7-O-galloyl-5,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavan (1), (2S)-7,3'-O-digalloyl-5,4'-dihydroxyflavan (2), and (2S)-7,4'-O-digalloyl-5,3'-dihydroxyflavan (3), together with four known compounds, (2S)-5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavan (4), (-)-epicatechin (5), (-)-syringaresinol (6), and methyl gallate (7) have been isolated from the EtOAc extract of the stems of Helixanthera parasitica. Compounds 2 and 3 were obtained as a mixture of positional isomers. The structures of the isolated compounds were established using extensive spectroscopic data. Compound 1 and the mixture of 2 and 3 exhibited significant antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values of 0.59 and 1.38 μM, respectively. In addition, flavans 1–3 showed cytotoxicity against KB, MCF-7, and NCI-H187 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values in the range of 11.1–30.0 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical geological events and climatic changes have played important roles in shaping population differentiation and distribution within species. In this study, we analysed the distribution, expansion and colonization patterns, and genetic differentiation among Psittacanthus rhynchanthus populations in Mesoamerica. Specifically, we determine the effects of major historical events and geographic barriers on population divergence using nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence data and the impact of Pleistocene glacial cycles on the distribution dynamics of P. rhynchanthus using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Our results showed that P. rhynchanthus populations split into two lineages, one distributed on the Yucatán Peninsula and the second along the Pacific and Atlantic slopes and Honduras, approximately 1 million years ago. The two lineages were fragmented at the last interglacial according to ENM predictions and experienced postglacial range expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum. Analysis of climate differentiation and niche models showed that both lineages have different climatic preferences, where the climatic characteristics of the Yucatán populations are not fully represented in the rest of the distribution range of P. rhynchanthus. Additionally, our study suggests that Pleistocene expansion of suitable habitat, environmental segregation (ecological barrier between regions) and, perhaps host shifts, have acted as the isolation mechanisms between the two lineages. Our results provide new insight as to understanding the distribution and phylogeographic patterns and the possible mechanisms underlying intraspecific evolutionary relationships of plants in the Mesoamerican tropical lowlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas is the property of Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Viscum articulatum is usually used as famous ethno-medicinal plant and popular drink in many provinces of China. In this study, the characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of V. articulatum was analyzed using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The whole chloroplast genome sequence of V. articulatum is 131,825 including a large single-copy region (LSC, 76,069 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 8990 bp), and a pair of repeated regions (IRs, 23,383 bp, each). Further gene annotation in our study revealed the chloroplast genome contains 114 genes, including 36 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes and 70 protein-coding genes. A total of 118 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic development was analyzed based on V. articulatum with other species of Loranthaceae, the phylogenetic tree in our study revealed that V. articulatum is a lineage independent of other species in genus Viscum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article focuses on a study related to the use of biological activities of mistletoes and hemiparasites in the cosmetics industry. It mentions that Mistletoe extracts contain various phenolic derivatives such as phenolic acids and flavonoids that have been attractive ingredients for cosmetics. It mentions about species of santalaceae and loranthaceae including V. album var. coloratum (Kom.) Ohwi (V. album) and Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav. (L. tanakae) that are families of mistletoe.

Chemical constituents of Scurrula parasitica leaves from Loranthaceae family and some biological activities have been studied. Cold extractions were carried out using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol to obtain the crude extracts. Purification of the extracts led to the isolation of quercetin 1, quercitrin 2, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnoside 3, (+)-catechin 4, lupeol 5, lupeol palmitate 6, β-sitosterol 7, squalene 8, octacosane 9, octadecane 10 and eicosane 11. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4, together with ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited effective antioxidant activities against DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, while n-hexane and other compounds were inactive. The ethyl acetate extract gave the highest tyrosinase percent inhibition value of 66.02%, while quercetin gave the best result with tyrosinase percent inhibition value of 79.09%. All extracts and isolated compounds showed weak activity on antimicrobial inhibition assay with the exception of quercetin which exhibited moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC and MBC value of 250 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh, belong to the family Loranthaceae an unique hemiparasitic taxon, spreads almost all the entire forest in South West Bengal. It is generally stem hemi parasitic taxa and habitat mostly on aerial part of host plant having strong in spite of common root system. It is depend on the host plant for mainly water and to some extend carbon. It synthesizes its own food. The haustoria have penetrated to the vascular bundle mainly in the xylem tissue of the host plants. It has numerous medicinal values with a long history of its use in Chinese traditional medicines. Objectives: The present work deals with the anti-diabetic property medicinal aspect. Methods: The leaves extract mixed with the amylase enzyme then add the starch solution and allow the reaction for few minutes after that the reaction mixture interrupted with DNS. Results: The responsible enzyme i.e. Alpha-amylase breaks the large starch molecules which produces free glucose and simultaneously increases the blood sugar level and as a result hyperglycemia occurs. In this experiment increase the concentration of leaves extract which has decreased the activity of this potent enzyme. Conclusions: This study also reveals that, the plant's leaves extracts have inhibitory activity on this key enzyme viz. alpha amylase which is very crucial data for drug preparation and other research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. The New World Loranthaceae correspond to a polyphyletic assembly of hemiparasites that exhibit a high floral diversity in terms of size, merism, groundplan, symmetry, and pollination strategies. Homology assessment as well as evolution of floral traits and ontogenetic pathways related to calyx, corolla, and androecium in the family have been variously interpreted. The calyx has been considered absent and replaced by a calyculus of bracteolar origin, or reduced and vestigial, or fully developed and fused to the ovary. Also, the corolla and the androecium have been described either as biseriate or uniseriate. Methodology. Here we use SEM to study floral development in Tristerix , a large-flowered genus that precedes the diversification of most New World genera. Pivotal results. We found that flowers are sitting on a cupular pedicel subtended by a partially recaulescent bract, clearly distinct from the calyx. Calyx development is irregular, yet merism is conserved, as five sepals alternating to the petals are evident; five petals arise in a single whorl, as do the five epipetalous stamens. Uneven petal elongation causes sigmoidal curvature in Tristerix secundus. Conclusions. Floral groundplan fits Hofmeister's rule between sepals and petals on one side, and stamens and carpels on the other, but such rule is disrupted between petals and stamens. Irregular calyx development, uniseriate corollas and androecia, epipetalous stamens, and actinomorphic corollas appear to be plesiomorphic in Loranthaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the Study: The sandalwood order (Santalales) includes members that present a diverse array of inflorescence types, some of which are unique among angiosperms. This diversity presents not only interpretational challenges but also opportunities to test fundamental concepts in plant morphology. Here we used modern phylogenetic approaches to address the evolution of inflorescences in the sandalwood order. Methods: Phylogenetic analyses of two nuclear and three chloroplast genes were conducted on representatives of 146 of the 163 genera in the order. A matrix was constructed that scored nine characters dealing with inflorescences. One character, "trios", that encompasses any grouping of three flowers (i.e., both dichasia and triads) was optimized on samples of the posterior distribution of trees from the Bayesian analysis using BayesTraits. Three nodes were examined: the most recent common ancestors of (A) all ingroup members, (B) Loranthaceae, and (C) Opiliaceae, Santalaceae s.l., and Viscaceae. Key Results: The phylogenetic analysis resulted in many fully resolved nodes across Santalales with strong support for 18 clades previously named as families. The trios character was not supported for nodes A and C, whereas it was supported for node B where this partial inflorescence type is best described as a triad. Conclusions: Essentially every major inflorescence type can be found in Santalales; however, the dichasium, a type of partial inflorescence, is rarely seen and is not plesiomorphic for the order. In the family Erythropalaceae, inflorescences are mostly in small, axillary fascicles or cymes. Successive families show both cymose and racemose types and compound systems (e.g., thyrses). Inflorescences in Amphorogynaceae and Viscaceae are not dichasial and in general are difficult to compare to "standard" inflorescences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims While the influence of mistletoe–host interactions on each other's evolution is well-recognized, the role of interactions between mistletoes and its mutualistic pollinators and seed dispersers mediated by host species is relatively unexplored. Methods Here, we examine the effects of host species (Mexican hawthorn Crataegus mexicana DC, black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. leather-leaf Mexican oak Quercus crassipes Bonpl.) on flower morphology, nectar production, pollinator visitation rate and female reproductive fitness in hemiparasitic Mexican mistletoe Psittacanthus calyculatus (DC.) G. Don (Loranthaceae) populations at three different locations. We first measured the lengths of corolla, style, stamen, exerted stamen and anther, the length and width of the ovary and nectar availability for mistletoe flowers in natural populations. Then, we evaluated flower visitation and measured (length and width) and weighed the fruits and its seeds of mistletoes growing on each of the three host species. Finally, we evaluated the effects of host species, location and flower traits on fruit or seed size variation (both as proxies of reproductive fitness). Important Findings We found mistletoes growing on natural hosts P. serotina and Q. crassipes produced larger flowers, fruits and seeds than mistletoes on cultivated C. mexicana. However, these differences varied across space. The amount of available nectar and hummingbird visitation rates in flowers of mistletoes on C. mexicana was higher at the three sites than in flowers of mistletoes on P. serotina or Q. crassipes. The effects of host species, study site and floral trait covariates affected significantly all fitness measures, indicating that mistletoes' reproductive fitness is affected differently depending on the host species and their site of occurrence. These host-associated differences in reproduction might have implications for interactions with mutualistic vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infestations caused by parasitic mistletoe plants, which attack wild and cultivated perennial plants of Mexico, represent one of the main limiting factors of production and are the cause of high mortality rates in plants. The objective was to study the susceptibility of different avocado materials to attack by mistletoe species and identify the genera and species of mistletoe plants that grow on the diversity of avocado trees in the Michoacán avocado region. A fraction of this region was sampled and botanical material from parasitic plants that were affecting avocado trees was collected. In nursery in ‘Hass', ‘Fuerte' and ‘creole' avocado plants, infestations were induced with seeds of the different mistletoe species collected in avocado trees in situ. Three seeds were placed per plant and by an experimental design of complete blocks at random, with six repetitions; the response was observed during one year, in terms of the rate of germination and development of endophytic tissue of the hemiparasite on the infested plants. There were three genera and four species parasitizing avocado trees (Persea americana Mill. var. drymifolia). The results of the induced colonization of the mistletoe, in Psittacanthus calyculatus, we found a highly significant statistical difference (Pr> F= 0.0024) for the development of endophytic tissue of the parasitic plant on the different avocado materials used. The highest incidence was in ‘creole' avocado with 83.3% and in ‘Fuerte' avocado it was 66.7% of infested plants; avocado ‘Hass' in none of the plants developed the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that parasitic plant distributions are constrained by host availability, we measure the effects of adding information of host distributions to predict distributions of mistletoes under climate change using ecological niche modeling (ENM). We contrasted ecological niche models of two Psittacanthus mistletoe species, P. schiedeanus, a host-generalist species inhabiting cloud forests, and P. sonorae, a Bursera-specialist restricted to the Sonoran Desert. Mistletoe models that use only climate variables were contrasted with models that also take into account biotic interactions (i.e., host) to evaluate the potential effects that future climatic conditions have on the distributions of these mistletoe-host interactions. Current potential distributions of both mistletoe species were affected by environmental conditions under future climate change scenarios. However, future projected distributions differed between mistletoe species when including host interactions, with improved accuracy models for P. schiedeanus. Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that biotic interactions can be important in structuring species distributions at regional scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ongoing re-investigation of the early Miocene Saldanha Bay (South Africa) palynoflora, using combined light and scanning electron microscopy (single grain method), is revealing several pollen types new to the African fossil record. One of the elements identified is Loranthaceae pollen. These grains represent the first and only fossil record of Loranthaceae in Africa. The fossil pollen grains resemble those produced by the core Lorantheae and are comparable to recent Asian as well as some African taxa/lineages. Molecular and fossil signals indicate that Loranthaceae dispersed into Africa via Asia sometime during the Eocene. The present host range of African Loranthaceae and the composition of the palynoflora suggest that the fossil had a range of potential host taxa to parasitise during the early Miocene in the Saldanha Bay region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our research group previously characterized the antioxidant and gastroprotective effects of Struthanthus marginatus (Loranthaceae), a medicinal herb used in Brazil as a healing agent. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition of aqueous extract of S. marginatus (AESm), as well as the mechanisms underlying its gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties using different protocols in mice. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry/diode array detection analyses to evaluate the chemical composition of AESm were conducted. The antisecretory activity (basal or stimulated) was determined using the pyloric ligature method. The gastroprotective action of nitric oxide and sulfydryl groups (–SH groups) were evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. The healing ability was evaluated using an acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer. Results: Chromatographic analyses of AESm permitted to identify several compounds, including 3-trans-caffeoylquinic acid (3-trans-CGA), quercetin, and kaempferol as the major constituents. Oral treatment of animals with AESm (500 mg/kg/day) reduced the severity of ethanol-induced gastric damage similar to omeprazole and in a more pronounced manner than 3-trans-CGA. Such effect was significantly reduced in animals pretreated with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. In addition, AESm inhibited gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated mice stimulated with histamine or pilocarpine similar to atropine or cimetidine, respectively. A decrease in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers similar to that promoted by cimetidine was also observed. Conclusion: The results show that S. marginatus is rich in flavonoids and that these compounds contribute directly to the gastroprotective and ulcer healing effects of this herb. The inhibition of gastric secretion is the possible gastroprotective mechanism. Abbreviations Used: AESm: Aqueous Extract of S. marginatus; 3-trans-CGA= 3-trans-caffeoylquinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate phylogeographical patterns of Psittacanthus mayanus (Loranthaceae), a widely distributed mistletoe species on the Yucatán Peninsula and Chiapas, using nuclear and plastid markers. An analysis of phylogeographic population structure and demography and Bayesian inference methods were conducted on P. mayanus from 16 localities across the range of the species. To assess the historical processes and changes through the Pleistocene climatic cycles that may have affected the distribution and demographic history of the species, the current potential distribution of the species was modelled using ecological niche modelling (ENM) and projected onto the mid Holocene (MH), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Last Inter Glacial (LIG). Psittacanthus mayanus exhibited higher haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the southern part of its distribution than in the northern part. Two divergent lineages were revealed in the phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses of ribotypes and haplotypes. Populations from the northern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula probably experienced a recent population growth, whereas populations from the southern portion of the Peninsula and Chiapas are marked by historical demographic stability and isolation. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analyses strongly supported a scenario of post-glacial population growth. ENM results indicate that the distribution of P. mayanus expanded and was connected into the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula during LGM conditions and colonized the northern portion of the Peninsula and fragmented during MH conditions. According to the ABC and ENM results, the genetic differentiation of P. mayanus may be linked to the effects of the glacial/interglacial cycles and environmental factors, in which populations of P. mayanus expanded during the LGM into the Petén province currently covered with semideciduous tropical rain forest followed by northward expansion, southwards contractions and post-glacial colonization of the northernmost portion of the Yucatán province, a region currently covered with seasonally dry tropical deciduous forest. Our results highlight the influence of Pleistocene events in shaping the geographical distribution of genetic variation in Neotropical lowland forest. The phylogeographic and environmental patterns in P. mayanus provide an opportunity to investigate further the evolution of Mexican lowland forest biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]