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Context: The leaves of Pyrola decorate H. Andr (Pyrolaceae), known as Luxiancao, have long been used for treating kidney deficiency, gastric haemorrhage and rheumatic arthritic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Objective: The phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in vitro of P. decorate leaves were investigated. Materials and methods: Ethanol, petroleum ether, acetidin, n-butyl alcohol and aqueous extracts of Pyrola decorate leaves were prepared by solvent sequential process, and then isolated and purified to obtain phytochemicals. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. PC12 cells were pretreated for 24 h with different extractions of P. decorate leaves at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mg/mL, then H2O2 of 0.4 mM was added in all samples for an additional 2 h. The antioxidant capacities of betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were determined in PC12 cells against H2O2 induced cytotoxicity in vitro as well. Results: Nine compounds (1–9) were isolated and structurally determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR analyses. Ethanol extract treated groups showed inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 10.83 mg/mL. Betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were isolated from P. decorate, and demonstrated with IC50 values of 6.88, 6.15 and 6.13 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, Pyrola decorate is a potential antioxidative natural plant and worth testing for further pharmacological investigation in the treatment of oxidative stress related neurological disease.

The present part of the series of miscellaneous new records provides the second recent record of Entodon concinnus in Hungary and reports Neckera pennata for the first time in Zselic (SW Hungary). The third record of Glandularia xhybrida, an escaped ornamental plant and also the second record of Sporobolus neglectus a spreading adventive species are given here from Hungary. The report confirms the occurrence of Sternbergia colchiciflora from Külső-Somogy region, and old uncertain data of Bupleurum pachnospermum from the Western-Mezőföld region. Parietaria judaica from Nagykanizsa is the first report of the species in Western Transdanubia. As a result of herbarium revision, the status of Pyrola media is re-evaluated as actually missing and probably erroneously reported from Hungary. The occurrence of the adventive Asarina procumbens in Budapest is confirmed, amended with the adventive status and phenological information on the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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2′-O-galloylhyperin, a major compound of Pyrola incarnata Fisch., possesses a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms of 2′-O-GH in microbial infection and sepsis are not clear. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of 2′-O-GH. We found that 2′-O-GH significantly reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide (NO), suppressed the expression levels of iNOS, blocked the translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to nucleus, and decreased the MAPK activation in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. 2′-O-GH also enhanced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and up-regulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and SIRT1. In addition, the administration of 2′-O-GH attenuated the TNF-α and IL-6 production in the serum, infiltration of inflammatory cells, liver tissue damage, and the mortality rate of LPS-challenged mice. Moreover, 2′-O-GH significantly upregulated Nrf2 and SIRT1 expression and inhibited the inflammatory responses in the liver of septic mice. The collective data indicate that 2′-O-GH could potentially be a novel functional food candidate in the treatment of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entire range of aspects of anthropogenic florogenesis in the southern part of the Volga Uplands is addressed. Trends in the anthropogenic dynamics of local flora in the last 100 years have been identified. A shift 50-100 km northward of the southern border of natural habitats of some boreal species (Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn., Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt, Pyrola rotundifolia L., etc.) has been noted. Data on the adventive flora and modern migration paths of the plants within the study area are provided. The adaptive activity of aboriginal species in relation to the entire range of anthropogenic habitats of the region is characterized. Information on findings of protected plant species in anthropogenic biotopes is provided. Overall, flora aridization and xerophytization have been noted, as has an increased role of tree and shrub life forms in the anthropogenic florogenesis. It is proposed to use a method based on the identification of anthropochorophilic elements in the aboriginal flora to forecast the adaptation of flora to the conditions of anthropogenic habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrola morrisonensis, an evergreen herb in the family Ericaceae, is endemic to Taiwan. We examined mycorrhizal development and the associated fungi in this species. Nine plants were collected in a naturally regenerated forest in central Taiwan. The plants were genetically identical in their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and their sequences matched the known sequence for P. morrisonensis. Fine roots of each plant were colonized by mycorrhizal fungi that formed mycorrhizas either with or without fungal mantles. DNA sequences of the ITS region of these fungi suggested that they belonged to mycorrhizal taxa that are common tree symbionts. Among them, members of Thelephoraceae were the dominant taxon in the host plants. These results indicate that P. morrisonensis is intimately associated with mycorrhizal fungi that might also connect with neighboring trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:The leaves ofPyrola decorateH. Andr (Pyrolaceae), known as Luxiancao, have long been used for treating kidney deficiency, gastric haemorrhage and rheumatic arthritic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Objective:The phytochemicals and antioxidant capacitiesin vitroofP. decorateleaves were investigated. Materials and methods:Ethanol, petroleum ether, acetidin,n-butyl alcohol and aqueous extracts ofPyrola decorateleaves were prepared by solvent sequential process, and then isolated and purified to obtain phytochemicals. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. PC12 cells were pretreated for 24 h with different extractions ofP. decorateleaves at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mg/mL, then H2O2of 0.4 mM was added in all samples for an additional 2 h. The antioxidant capacities of betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were determined in PC12 cells against H2O2induced cytotoxicityin vitroas well. Results:Nine compounds (1–9) were isolated and structurally determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR analyses. Ethanol extract treated groups showed inhibitory activity with IC50value of 10.83 mg/mL. Betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were isolated fromP. decorate, and demonstrated with IC50values of 6.88, 6.15 and 6.13 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusions:In conclusion,Pyrola decorateis a potential antioxidative natural plant and worth testing for further pharmacological investigation in the treatment of oxidative stress related neurological disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Harvest seasons have important influences on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of plants. Pyrola [ Pyrola incarnata Fisch.] is rich in antioxidants and is a valuable natural antioxidant food source in northeastern China. In order to well development and utilization of pyrola resources, in the same site, the quality of the different harvest time samples of pyrola was investigated. Variations in the active components and antioxidant activities of pyrola samples collected during six monthly harvests (from May to October) were analyzed. A principal component analysis was used to analysis of the interrelationships among total phenolic content, antioxidant activities and bioactive compound contents. The sample harvested in August had the highest total phenolic content (217.73 ± 9.14 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and the strongest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of the August sample was similar to the ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene activities. The results of a principal component analysis indicated that the active components included catechin, hyperin, 2′-O-galloylhyperin and quercitrin, which were strongly associated with the antioxidant activity of the August sample. Hyperin and 2′-O-galloylhyperin are the primary compounds found in pyrola, and they play major roles in mediating antioxidant activity. The August pyrola sample had the highest antioxidant potential and was a new, highly enriched resource for hyperin and 2′-O-galloylhyperin. Thus, August was the ideal time for the pyrola harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Although the evolution of full mycoheterotrophy has attracted many plant researchers, molecular phylogenetic studies that focus on the transition from partial tofull mycoheterotrophy are limited to a few taxa. Pyrola japonica sensu lato is an ideal model for examining the evolution of mycoheterotrophy, owing to its variable leaf size, which suggests that the species comprises several transitional stages. METHODS: To elucidate the molecular and morphological changes that occur during the evolutionary transition between partial and full mycoheterotrophy in P. japonica s.l. from 18 populations in Japan, we estimated a parsimony network of plastid haplotypes based on three noncoding regions, measured the leaf size and scape color of the shoots, and compared morphology among haplotypes. key RESULTS: The seven haplotypes exhibited star-like relationships, and at least three divergent haplotypes were associated with differences in morphology. The first was mainly observed in large-leaved and green-scaped populations, whereas the second was observed in extremely small-leaved and reddish-scaped populations, which indicated a high degree of mycoheterotrophy, and the last was detected among mixed populations with both greenand reddish-scaped shoots with intermediate leaf sizes. In addition, the inconsistent association between the haplotypes and morphology suggests a complex relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Pyrola japonica s.l. has at least three separate genetic lineages that have different leaf morphologies. The genetic lineages and their coexistence could have led to the variable leaf size and suggest the possibility that gene flow from partial tofull mycoheterotrophs could reverse the evolutionary transition tofull mycoheterotrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of green solvent named polyols-based deep eutectic solvents (PDES) combined with microwave assisted extraction (MAE) was first successfully applied in extracting phenolic compounds from pyrola. A series of PDES with mixing different ratios choline chloride (ChCl) to different polyols were investigated for extraction, and ChCl/1,4-Butanediol (1/4) was found to be the suitable extraction solvent. MAE was more effective than heat-stirring extraction and ultrasonic assisted extraction with PDES. The extraction parameters were optimized by BBD test combined with response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions were 30% of water in ChCl/1,4-Butanediol (1/4) at 70 °C for 20 min and liquid/solid ratio 10 mL/g. Moreover, RP-HPLC-UV was developed for the determination of five main active components in pyrola. This method exhibited satisfactory linearity ( R 2 > 0.999), precision (RSD < 4.03%) and recovery (96.17–103.25%). Sample analysis showed that the contents of hyperin, 2′-O-galloylhyperin, quercitrin, quercetin-O-rhamnoside and chimaphilin in pyrola were 1.627, 4.958, 0.041, 0.089 and 0.349 mg/g, respectively. These results revealed that PDES would be promising green solvents for analytical sample preparation from plant herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pyrola picta species complex of western North America comprises four species ( P. picta, P. dentata, P. aphylla and P. crypta) that grow sympatrically in some parts of their collective ranges, have remarkably similar flowers and share pollinators. These species do not exhibit the genetic signatures typical of random or heterospecific mating, but instead show genetic divergence patterns indicating that they maintain surprising levels of reproductive isolation. To better understand how species boundaries are maintained, the current study uses statistical ordination analyses to determine whether species isolation across shared geographical ranges might be achieved through subtle differences in floral characters among species. The possible contribution of differences in flowering phenology (e.g. temporal reproductive isolation) to reproductive isolation was also evaluated for the small subset of populations in which two or more species occur in direct sympatry. Among species in the P. picta complex, there are both phylogenetic and geographical trends in some floral characteristics, whereas other characters do not covary with either geography or species identity. In several sympatric populations, differences in flowering phenology among species suggest that timing plays a major role in non-random (i.e. mainly conspecific) mating. The conclusions of this study are that reproductive isolation in the P. picta species complex is reinforced by differences in the timing of floral maturation and the morphologies of androecium and floral display characters. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 00, 000-000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and effective extraction method, namely negative pressure cavitation-microwave assisted extraction technique (NMAE), was developed for the preparation of extracts of Pyrola incarnata Fisch., which are rich in the main constituents hyperin, 2′-O-galloylhyperin and chimaphilin. Single factor experiments and Box–Behnken design (BBD) were combined with a response surface methodology to examine factors affecting extraction. Maximum extraction yields of hyperin, 2′-O-galloylhyperin and chimaphilin (1.339 ± 0.029, 4.831 ± 0.117 and 0.329 ± 0.011 mg/g, respectively) were achieved under the following optimised conditions: 700 W microwave power, 50 °C extraction temperature, 30:1 mL/g liquid–solid ratio, −0.05 MPa negative pressure, 55% ethanol concentration and 12 min extraction time. First-order kinetics equation demonstrated that NMAE offered significant savings in extraction time, and enhancing extraction efficiency. Furthermore, NMAE extracts yielded excellent antioxidant activity (IC 50 0.121 mg/mL for DPPH 2.896 mmol FeSO 4 /g DW FRAP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the ethanolic extracts of 105 plants used in Russian traditional medicine, 26 vegetables and fruits and 2 mushrooms on the release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E (PGE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated differentiated human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells were studied using TNF-α and PGE assays, respectively. We found that 16 plant extracts inhibited TNF-α production and 15 extracts decreased PGE release in the cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Guilder rose, tansy, shrubby cinquefoil, wintergreen, and prince's pine, the last two of which belong to the Pyrolaceae family, notably inhibited the levels of both of the inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] There are few studies that refer to the healthy value of pyrola. [•] The constituents and antioxidant activities of different sites pyrola were analysed. [•] Pyrola is a valuable antioxidant natural source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel negative pressure and microwave assisted extraction technique (NMAE) was first proposed and applied for extraction of phenolic compounds from pyrola. [C4MIM]BF4 aqueous solution was selected as extraction solvent. Optimal extraction conditions were microwave power 700 W, negative pressure −0.07 MPa, temperature 40 °C, liquid–solid ratio 20 : 1, ionic liquid (IL) concentration 0.5 M, extraction time 15 min. The predominance of NMAE was investigated by comparing with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and negative pressure cavitation extraction (NPCE) using a first-order kinetics equation. The C∞ values of the target compounds by NMAE were from 0.406 to 5.977 mg g−1 higher than these by MAE and NPCE, which indicated that NMAE had higher extraction yields. The K values of NMAE were also the highest; it was testified that the target compounds could be transferred from matrix into solvent much more effectively by NMAE than by MAE and NPCE. In addition, the NMAE method was validated in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, the relative standard deviation for relative recovery was lower than 5.43 and 8.78%, respectively. Therefore, NMAE was a developed extraction technique for analytical sample preparation. The RP-HPLC-UV method was also successfully applied for the quantification of six target compounds in pyrola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Pyrolaceae is represented in Bulgaria by six species, belonging to three genera. The viewpoints for the taxonomical position of the species in this family are not clearly unilateral. The aim of this study is to find molecular markers, allowing the objectively differentiation of the genera in this family, without use of morphological characters. Three species of the family were examined, representing the tree genera distributed in Bulgaria: Moneses uniflora (L.) A.Gray, Orthilia secunda (L.) House and Pyrola minor L. DNA was isolated from leafs and amplified via PCR reactions using 4 primers. The results were processed using cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scalling. The consequent cladogram, obtained by the mean euclidean distances, displayed grouping of the samples by genera, independently of their locality. The independent multitudes confirm the accuracy of the method for determination of the species in Pyrolaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific hybridization may lead to novel hybrid lineages and transfer of genetic material, possibly enabling species to expand into new habitats. Alternatively, hybrids may be inviable or sterile, constraining movement of parental species and genes into each others range. Pyrola minor (L.) and Pyrola grandiflora (Rad.) hybridize on Disko Island in Greenland. A recent study found most hybrids to be F1 plants produced by P. minor mothers. Here, we test if later generation hybrids are indeed absent in a larger sample, using morphological and molecular markers. We further test if unidirectional hybridization is due to reproductive barriers. Intermediate plants were all F1 hybrids from P. minor mother plants. Our analyses indicate that hybrids originated from few hybridization events and have been maintained by clonal reproduction since then. Barriers to pollen flow between the species result from a combination of few pollinators, different flower morphology and phenology, high proportions of abnormal pollen in hybrids, and reduced pollen tube growth of heterospecific and hybrid pollen. In general, pollen from P. grandiflora grew better than pollen from P. minor, which may explain the unidirectional hybridization. Hybridization between P. grandiflora and P. minor therefore seems to operate like a tension zone in which F1 hybrids are maintained by clonal propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust seeds that germinate by obtaining nutrients from symbiotic fungi have evolved independently in orchids and 11 other plant lineages. The fungi involved in this 'mycoheterotrophic' germination have been identified in some orchids and non-photosynthetic Ericaceae, and proved identical to mycorrhizal fungi of adult plants. We investigated a third lineage, the Pyroleae, chlorophyllous Ericaceae species whose partial mycoheterotrophy at adulthood has recently attracted much attention., We observed experimental Pyrola asarifolia germination at four Japanese sites and investigated the germination pattern and symbiotic fungi, which we compared to mycorrhizal fungi of adult plants., Adult P. asarifolia, like other Pyroleae, associated with diverse fungal species that were a subset of those mycorrhizal on surrounding trees. Conversely, seedlings specifically associated with a lineage of Sebacinales clade B (endophytic Basidiomycetes) revealed an intriguing evolutionary convergence with orchids, some of which also germinate with Sebacinales clade B. Congruently, seedlings clustered spatially together, but not with adults., This unexpected transition in specificity and ecology of partners could support the developmental transition from full to partial mycoheterotrophy, but probably challenges survival and distribution during development. We discuss the physiological and ecological traits that predisposed to the repeated recruitment of Sebacinales clade B for dust seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the study: Mixotrophy is a strategy whereby plants acquire carbon both through photosynthesis and heterotrophic exploitation of mycorrhizal fungi. In Euro-American Pyroleae species studied hitherto, heterotrophy levels vary according to species, sites of study, and possibly light conditions. We investigated mycorrhizal association and mixotrophy in the Asiatic forest species Pyrola japonica, and their plasticity under different light conditions. Methods: Pyrola japonica was sampled bimonthly in sunny and shaded conditions from a deciduous broadleaf forest. We microscopically assessed the rate of fungal colonization and sequenced the ITS to identify the mycorrhizal fungi. We measured 13C and 15N isotopic abundances in P. japonica as compared with neighboring autotrophic and mycoheterotrophic plants, to evaluate P. japonica's heterotrophy level. Key results: Pyrola japonica formed arbutoid mycorrhizas devoid of fungal mantles, with intracellular hyphal coils and a Hartig net. It tended to be more colonized by mycorrhizal fungi in spring and summer. Most associated fungi belonged to ectomycorrhizal taxa, and 84% of identified fungi were Russula spp. Rate of mycorrhizal colonization and Russula frequency tended to be higher in shaded conditions. Both δ13C and δ15N values of P. japonica were significantly higher in autotrophic plants, showing that about half of the carbon on average was received from mycorrhizal fungi. Both isotopic values negatively correlated with light availability, suggesting higher heterotrophy levels in shaded conditions. Conclusions: The mixotrophic P. japonica undergoes changes in mycorrhizal symbionts and carbon nutrition according to light availability. Our results suggest that during Pyroleae evolution, a tendency to increased heterotrophy emerged in the Pyrola/Orthilia clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a morphological description and genetic examination of Pyrola picta species complex, Pyroleae: Monotropoideae: Ericaceae with the use of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and nucleotide polymorphisms of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Using the parsimony criterion, as well as maximum likelihood and Bayesian models for the phylogenetic analyses of ITS nucleotide sequence polymorphism, allowed provision of estimates for monophyly of multiple taxa.

Background and Aims Peripheral populations of plant species are often characterized by low levels of genetic diversity as a result of genetic drift, restricted gene flow, inbreeding and asexual reproduction. These effects can be exacerbated where range-edge populations are fragmented. The main aim of the present study was to assess the levels of genetic diversity in remnant populations of Hypopitys monotropa (syn. Monotropa hypopitys; yellow bird's nest) at the edge of the species' European range in Northern Ireland, since these remnant populations are small and highly fragmented. Methods Every plant found through surveys of 21 extant populations was genotyped for eight microsatellite loci to estimate levels and patterns of genetic diversity and clonality. Key Results Levels of genetic diversity were relatively high in the populations studied, and the incidence of clonal reproduction was generally low, with a mean of only 14·45 % of clonal individuals. Clones were small and highly spatially structured. Levels of inbreeding, however, were high. Conclusions The observed low levels of clonality suggest that the majority of genets in the populations of H. monotropa studied are fertile and that reproduction is predominantly sexual. As the species is highly self-compatible, it is likely that the high levels of inbreeding observed in the populations in the present study are the result of self-pollination, particularly given the small numbers of individuals in most of the patches. Given this extent of inbreeding, further genetic monitoring would be advisable to ensure that genetic diversity is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Botanists and mycologists have long debated the potential for full myco-heterotrophy in the achlorophyllous Pyrola aphylla (Ericaceae). Here we address the ecophysiology of this putative myco-heterotroph and two other closely related green species in the tribe Pyroleae ( Pyrola picta and Chimaphila umbellata). • The stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) were analysed from 10 populations of Pyroleae species in California and Oregon, USA. For all populations isotope signatures were tested for significant differences between P. aphylla, green pyroloids, surrounding autotrophs and obligate myco-heterotrophs. • Throughout all populations P. aphylla was most similar to myco-heterotrophs that associate with ectomycorrhizal fungi in its 13C signature (average enrichment ℇ13C = 6.9 ± 0.9‰) and even more enriched in 15N than many previously recorded myco-heterotrophic species (average enrichment ℇ15N = 18.0 ± 2.2‰). The two green Pyroleae species were not enriched in 13C compared with the autotrophic understory ( C. umbellata average enrichment ℇ13C = −0.5 ± 1.0‰ and P.  picta average ℇ13C = 0.3 ± 1.4‰) and their 15N signatures were similar to myco-heterotrophs that associate with ectomycorrhizal fungi ( C. umbellata average enrichment ℇ15N = 10.6 ± 1.6‰ and P. picta average ℇ15N = 10.6 ± 1.9‰). • This is the first study to analyse the isotope signatures of P. aphylla from a wide geographic region and our results confirm the variable trophic strategies of adult plants within the Pyroleae and the myco-heterotrophic status of P. aphylla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal pattern of growth and matter production of Pyrola incarnata, an evergreen herb on the forest floor in subalpine deciduous forests, was analyzed to understand the ecological significance of evergreenness in a subalpine climate with a short growing season and low temperature. Net production was highest under favorable light conditions in spring after the disappearance of snow cover, and 68% of the annual net production was attained before the canopy tree foliage had fully expanded. Most of the photosynthetic production in this period was carried out with over-wintered leaves. This appears to be an advantage of evergreenness. New leaves and inflorescences had developed in the period. Positive net production was maintained under deteriorating light conditions during summer, when 32% of the annual net production occurred. This production was used mainly for growth of fruits and underground organs. The net production of P. incarnata during summer was much higher than that of a related species that inhabits warm-temperate regions, because of its higher photosynthetic activity rather than its lower respiratory losses. The storage of dry matter in leaves and underground organs was not conspicuous. Unlike the warm-temperate species and another subalpine species that inhabits higher altitudes, P. incarnata is not strongly dependent on its reserve matter for the development of new organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maritime race of the larger wintergreen [Pyrola rotundifolia L. ssp. maritima (Kenyon) E. F. Warb.] was investigated in relation to its light environment at Braunton Burrows in south-west England. Measurements made at the site of its greatest abundance indicated that, in July, Pyrola commonly experiences an irradiance which is below 10% of full daylight with some habitats providing less than 1%. The species also occurs in situations receiving up to 100% daylight; at or towards this extreme the foliage is yellowish-green instead of deep green, giving an impression of reduced luxuriance. The mean specific leaf area of plants growing in the held was found to be inversely related to mean percentage irradiance received at each site. However, the slope of this trend was slight. Detached, rooted rosettes were removed from the field and grown for 85 days in a glasshouse under treatments which provided 100, 20.2 and 6.1% daylight. The plants in all treatments appeared normal but growth was slow. Yields and relative growth rates were significantly reduced by shading (P < 005). The depressing effect of shading on growth rate was very slightly less than on unit leaf rate, the difference being due to slight increases in leaf area ratio. This, in turn, was tracted entirely to small increases in specific leaf area. Leaf weight ratio was not affected significantly, nor were substantial effects recorded in root/shoot ratio or in fresh weight/dry weight ratio. We conclude that the vegetative growth of Pyrola has a low capacity for adjustment to both natural and experimental shading; its growth rate in the field will tend to be lower under a dense leafy canopy than in less shaded habitats. The inherently low growth rate might, however, he an advantageous feature under shade conditions. The evident success of the species in shaded situations is certainly due to factors other than a simple shade requirement for vegetative growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chimapilin is a yellow naphthoquinone which occurs naturally in various Chimaphila and Pyrola species. In Chimaphila umbellata (winter green) and C. maculata, it is a major constituent. Folk medicine recommends the leaves of Chimaphilla species as a topical application to treat skin diseases, Since 1887, winter green is claimed to have caused dermatitis and to have been responsible for "idiosyncrasy". Experimental sensitization using the open epicutaneous as well as Freund's complete adjuvant technique has now revealed that chimaphilin is a moderate contract sensitizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral scent was collected by headspace methods from intact flowers, petals, and stamens of four species of Pyrolaceae. The scent samples were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The floral scent in Pyrola spp. is differentiated into a characteristic petal scent-phenyl propanoids and a characteristic stamen scent-methoxy benzenes. In Moneses the scent is characterized by isoprenoids and benzenoids, with a larger proportion of benzenoids in the stamens compared to the petals. Specific anther scents may promote foraging efficiency in buzz-pollinated species and enhance flower fidelity. Variation in floral scent composition is consistent with the taxonomic relationships among the genera and species examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the views of the authors on a research paper about the mycoheterotrophic germination and seed development of Pyrola asarifolia. They stress that it is the first study to show the identity of the fungi responsible for such germination. They emphasize that the results of the study depict an interesting fact into the life history strategy of at least one Pyroleae species. They assert that the study also provides an undocumented symbiotic interaction between plants and fungi.