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Gladiolus izzet-baysalii is described and illustrated as a new species from Karaman province in Southern Anatolia. Gladiolus izzet-baysalii is not morphologically close to any of the species of Gladiolus in Turkey. Although it has some similarities with G. illyricus and G. hamzaoglui in terms of habitus, G. izzet-baysalii differs significantly in tunic structure, number of leaves, inflorescence, perianth, anther, style, capsule and seed features. In this study, the diagnostic morphological features, distribution, conservation status, habitat and ecological characteristics of the new species are discussed. Micromorphological characteristics of G. izzet-baysalii, G. illyricus and G. hamzaoglui seeds are also examined and compared using stereomicroscope and SEM analyses.

Evolutionary and ecological processes that influenced the assembly of the New World flora are best understood through investigation of spatio-temporal processes of specific lineages, but some groups still lack a historical overview. Here, we produced a well-sampled dated tree, reconstructed ancestral ranges and performed diversification analyses for Sisyrinchium (Iridaceae) to elucidate its evolution in the Americas. Eight molecular markers and samples representing its full geographical range and morphological diversity were used to estimate divergence times with a Bayesian relaxed clock with secondary calibrations. Ancestral range reconstruction under likelihood methods and diversification analyses were performed. Sisyrinchium originated in a broad range including the Andes and Mesoamerica in the Mid-Miocene. Diversification at high elevations occurred in the early diverging lineages, which feature the highest extinction rates. Increase in diversification rate was detected during the Pliocene/Pleistocene after the colonization of lower elevations. Later sympatric speciation in south-eastern Brazil was followed by movements to other regions, including a long-dispersal event to North America. Higher extinction rates were followed by movements to lower elevations, with periods of accelerated Andean orogeny and global temperature decrease. Our results indicate that palaeoclimate and changes in elevational range influenced diversification in Sisyrinchium.

Anemone and Gladiolus are economically important geophyte genera due to their usage as ornamental plants. However, species identification is still under debate. Recently, DNA barcoding has become a...

Iris milky-white (Iris lactea Pall.) is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Iridaceae Juss. family. The geographic area in which the plant can be found covers regions of Eastern Siberia, Trans-Baikal, Japan, eastern Mongolia, north-eastern China, as well as the Korean peninsula. This review includes the plants botanical description, chemical composition, together with the description of biological and pharmacological activity of I. lactea. Phenolic compounds can be distinguished as the main secondary metabolites of Iris milky-white, among which the most characteristic are: flavonoids, namely, flavone C-glycosides (embinin and its derivatives), isoflavonoids (irison B, tectorigenin, etc.) and xanthones (mangiferin, bellidifolin, etc.). Among other compounds of polyphenolic nature, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, phenolcarboxylic acids, stilbenoids, benzophenones and quinones were identified in I. lactea. The use of I. lactea in both traditional and modern medicine is mainly based on the presence of isoflavones in its extracts, which have been identified as «phytoestrogens». It was also found that herbal extracts of I. lactea possess immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, antihypoxant, cardiotonic, antioxidant, antiviral, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities. Thus, we can conclude the Iris milky-white is a promising source of biologically active substances with a wide range of action and it is necessary to study the chemical diversity of its compounds as fully as possible.

The genetic diversity in 11 populations of Gladiolus imbricatus in five mountain ranges, including the Tatra, Pieniny, Gorce, Beskid Niski (Western Carpathians) and Bieszczady Mts (Eastern Carpathians), was studied with inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The species is a perennial plant occurring in open and semi-open sites of anthropogenic origin (meadows and forest margins). We checked a hypothesis on the microrefugial character of the plant populations in the Pieniny Mts, a small calcareous Carpathian range of complicated relief that has never been glaciated. Plant populations in the Tatra and Pieniny Mts had the highest genetic diversity indices, pointing to their long-term persistence. The refugial vs. the non-refugial mountain ranges accounted for a relatively high value of total genetic variation [analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), 14.12%, p = 0.003]. One of the Pieniny populations was of hybridogenous origin and shared genetic stock with the Tatra population, indicating there is a local genetic melting pot. A weak genetic structuring of populations among particular regions was found (AMOVA, 4.5%, p > 0.05). This could be an effect of the frequent short-distance and sporadic long-distance gene flow. The dispersal of diaspores between the remote populations in the Western Carpathians and Eastern Carpathians could be affected by the historical transportation of flocks of sheep from the Tatra to Bieszczady Mts.

Salinity is challenging threats to the agricultural system and leading cause of crop loss. Salicylic acid (SA) is an important endogenous signal molecule, which by regulating growth and physiological processes improves the plant ability to tolerate salt stress. Considering the prime importance of Gladiolus grandiflorus (L.) in the world’s cut-flower market, the research work was undertaken to elucidate salinity tolerance in G. grandiflorus by exogenous application of SA irrigated with saline water. Results revealed that increasing salinity (EC: 2, 4 and 6 dS m–1) considerably altered morpho-growth indices (corm morphology and plant biomass) in plants through increasing key antioxidants including proline content and enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase), while negatively affected the total phenolic along with activity of defense-related enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and polyphenol oxidase activity). SA application (50–200 ppm) in non-saline control or saline conditions improved morpho-physiological traits in concentration-dependent manners. In saline conditions, SA minimized salt-stress by enhancing chlorophyll content, accumulating organic osmolytes (glycine betaine and proline content), total phenolic, and boosting activity of antioxidant and defense-related enzymes. Principle component analysis based on all 16 morphological and physiological variables generated useful information regarding the classification of salt tolerant treatment according to their response to SA. These results suggest SA (100 or 150 ppm) could be used as an effective, economic, easily available and safe phenolic agent against salinity stress in G. grandiflorus.

The genus Iris Tourn. ex L. of the family Iridaceae Juss. there are 200 different species in the Northern Hemisphere. There are more than 30 species of this genus in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, some of which are endemic to Azerbaijan or the Caucasus. All irises are decorative and used in ornamental gardening. Iris caucasica Stev. (Iris caucasica Hoffm.) and I. lycotis Woronow (Iris iberica subsp. lycotis (Woronow) Takht.) grows on rocky and grassy slopes of The Garagush Mountain. Iris caucasica Stev. is included in the Red Data Book of Nakhchivan AR as an important subcatagory of protection with the status of Lower Risk — LR (a — Conservation Dependent — CD). Iris lycotis Woronow has been to its activity and other abiotics factors, its range is reduced its biology is poorly studied and it is included as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of Nakhchivan AR with the status of Near Threatened — NT. Species included in this category should be enshrined in special protected areas and their biological characteristics should be studied.

Geophytes are abundant in the Cape fynbos vegetation and many of the Cape geophytes, such as Watsonia species, flower mostly only in the first year after a fire. This study investigates the question if these plants have a resource allocation strategy which limits sexual reproduction to the post-fire environment and that they favor resource allocation to the storage organ for the survival of the parent plant at a cost to sexual reproduction. To test the hypothesis that the Cape geophyte Watsonia fourcadei represses sexual reproduction in favor of the survival of the parent plant, three levels of defoliation (20, 50 and 100%) were applied during a phenological stage when resources were least in the parent corms. Resource allocation to different plant parts was investigated when plants were in the seeding phase. Dry mass and nutrient (N, P. K, Ca, Mg and Ca) content were used as indicators of the resource allocation pattern. Dry mass and nutrient allocation patterns were similar, with significantly higher percentages of resources allocated to vegetative survival of the parent plant than to sexual reproductive organs (inflorescence and seeds) after complete defoliation, than after 20 and 50% defoliation. The W. fourcadei plants were able to accumulate adequate resources in the post-fire growth season to support sexual reproduction after up to 50% defoliation, albeit to a lesser extent than in control plants, but sexual reproduction was poorly supported after complete defoliation. Results indicate that W. fourcadei plants must be able to accumulate at least 3.5 g of dry mass in the new developing corm before resources are allocated to sexual reproductive plant parts. Replenishment of nutrient content after defoliation was not a limiting factor for resources allocation to sexual reproduction, except in the case of phosphate. W. fourcadei plants acted as a functional unit and resources allocation to sexual reproduction was controlled and depended on the availability of resources. None of the current resource allocation models are applicable to W. fourcadei and factors that could have selected for the apparent ‘K’ survival strategy in this and other Cape geophyte species are discussed.

Moraea atromontana Goldblatt & J.C.Manning and M. cistiflora Goldblatt & J.C.Manning (Iridaceae: Iridoideae: Irideae) are two recently discovered species of this African and Eurasian genus of some 233 species. Both are members of subg. Vieusseuxia, and narrow endemics of the southern African winter rainfall zone in the Western Cape, South Africa. Moraea atromontana from the Swartberg near Calitzdorp, with a solitary leaf and derived, 3-lobed inner tepals, is morphologically similar to M. algoensis Goldblatt and M. unguicularis Ker Gawl. but differs in its larger, white flowers with a distinctive dark blue streak on the tepal claws, inner tepal limbs with a laxly spreading central cusp and short, downcurved lateral lobes, and much longer filament column; and M. cistiflora from the middle slopes of the Waaihoek Mtns near Wolseley, stands out in the section in its bowl-shaped flowers with subequal inner and outer tepals, white perianth with dark central eye, relatively long filament column with broad, spreading style branches and crests, and long capsules.

The purpose of the article is to study the allelopathic activity of generative organs of Crocus sativus L. (saffron crocus) as a new promising crop for the agrophytocenoses of Ukraine, which has valuable properties and it is used in various industries: the official pharmacopoeia for the treatment of nervous disorders, cancer and the food industry as a valuable spice and organic dye. For safe cultivation of the crop and prevention of soil fatigue, it is necessary to study the effect of water-soluble flower secretions that remain in the fields after removing the stigmas of pistils. Materials and methods. The materials for the research were plants of Crocus sativus, grown on the plots of the Mykolaiv National Agrarian University during 2019-2020. The research was conducted in 2020 on the basis of university laboratories. The collection of flowers and the study of allelopathic activity of water-soluble secretions were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. Results and discussion. As a result of our research, it was found that water-soluble secretions of Crocus sativus flowers and their parts at different concentrations stimulated the energy of seed germination and the growth of single-day seedlings L. sativum. There was a lower germination energy in the "perianth+pistil" variant at a filtrate concentration of 0.02%. With an increase in the filtrate concentration, there was a decrease in root growth for all variants except the "perianth+pistil" variant: the lowest decrease was at a concentration of 0.09 and the highest one was at 0.02 compared to the control (7.58 and 4.77%). The coefficient of variation in the root length of one-day seedlings of the test plant had a very high coefficient of variation (>40%) for all variants, except for the "perianth+pistil" variant, which was characterized by a high indicator. For perianth secretions, when the concentration increased, allelopathic activity increased from insignificant inhibitory activity (-0.98) up to stimulating activity (35.70). Other variants were characterized by an inhibitory effect. Conclusion. The growth of allelopathic activity of water-soluble secretions of flower elements at different concentrations can be depicted in the following order: for the perianth it was 0.010.09; for the perianth and stamen it was 0.010.09, for the perianth with a pistil it was 0.010.09. The highest indicators of allelopathic activity of water-soluble secretions of flowers detected at a concentration of 0.02%

Cypella cruenta (Iridaceae), the blood-stained Cypella. A new species of Cypella is described for the region of Camaquã river basin, in southeastern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The new species, named Cypella cruenta belongs to the section Cypella, being morphologically similar to the following species: Cypella Alonsoana, C. exilis and C. fucata. However, C. cruenta is easily recognized by its tepals with the concave portion and proximal half of the blade intensely painted in blood red, by the shape and size of the stamens and style with brief branches and with shorter crests, when compared with its similar taxa. Information on geographic distribution, ecology, conservation, uses and taxonomic relationships is provided. In addition, illustrations and a distinctive table among C. cruenta and its related species is presented. With the description of the new species, the genus Cypella now comprises 32 species, 17 of them belonging at section Cypella.

Eleutherine bulbosa is a known ornamental plant of the Iris family, which originated from Central Borneo, Indonesia. The bulbs of E. bulbosa have long been used as a medicinal source by the local people of Borneo. Despite its known medicinal and other values, studies on the morphology and efficiency in bulb production of this species are limited. The aims of our study are to examine the vegetative and reproductive morphology of E. bulbosa, and to determine the effect of various dosages of NPK fertilizer on flowering and bulb production. The plants were grown in pots using potting mix consists of equal volume of burnt rice hulls, cocopeat, and organic manures (1:1:1). Our study showed that E. bulbosa has a cymose rhipidium inflorescence with 25-50 mm long peduncles, have 3-4 umbel on the secondary axis, each consists of 10-12 florets that opens in turn every day. Florets are 20-30 mm long, 20 mm in diameter, 10-15 mm pedicels, and short-lived. The perianth is white, about 25 mm wide with yellow anthers and stigma. Fruits were not formed during the duration of the study. NPK fertilizer application at the lowest dose of 1 g per pot had promoted earlier shoot emergence and vegetative growth, including plant height, leaf number, leaf size, number of tillers, and bulb production compared to control (no fertilizer). Application of fertilizer at 1 and 2 g per plant significantly promoted earlier flowering, whereas application at 3 g per plant delayed and reduced the proportion of flowering plants. The results of this study can aid in taxonomic identification and efficient cultivation of this plant for uses as potted flowering ornamentals or bulb production for different purposes. Higher cultivation and reduced wild harvesting can result in the conservation of this species. Resumo Eleutherine bulbosa é uma espécie ornamental da família Iridaceae originária de Bornéu Central, Indonésia. Os bulbos de E. bulbosa são usados há muito tempo com finalidade medicinal pela população local de Bornéu. Apesar de ser conhecida pelos valores medicinais, estudos de morfologia e eficiência da produção de bulbos dessa espécie são limitados. O objetivo desse estudo é caracterizar a morfologia vegetativa e reprodutiva de E. bulbosa, e avaliar o efeito de doses do fertilizante NPK no florescimento e produção de bulbos. As plantas cresceram em vasos com substratos com proporções iguais de casca de arroz, rejeitos de coco, esterco orgânico (1:1:1). O estudo demonstrou que E. bulbosa apresenta inflorescência rhipidium cimosa ripídio com pedúnculos de 25-50 mm de comprimento, tem 3-4 umbelas no eixo secundário, cada uma com 10-12 flores pequenas que se abrem em turnos todos os dias. As flores têm 20-30 mm de comprimento, 20 mm de diâmetro, pedicelos de 10-15 mm e são efêmeras. O perianto é branco, com cerca de 25 mm de largura com anteras amarelas e estigma. Os frutos não se formaram durante o estudo. A aplicação do fertilizante NPK na dose mais baixa de 1 g por vaso promoveu a emergência de brotos e crescimento vegetativo mais precoces, incluindo a altura das plantas, número e tamanho de folhas, número de perfilhos foliares e produção de bulbos em comparação com o controle. A aplicação de 1 e 2 g de NPK por planta promoveu significativamente o florescimento mais precoce, enquanto a aplicação de 3 g por planta atrasou e reduziu a proporção de plantas com flores. Os resultados deste estudo são úteis para a identificação taxômica e cultivo eficiente dessa espécie para uso como flor envasada ou produção de bulbos para diferentes propósitos. O cultivo eficiente e a redução do extrativismo pode resultado na conservação desta espécie.

As a result of taxonomic studies on the genus Neomarica Sprague (Trimezieae, Iridoideae, Iridaceae), we noted that some names remain untypified, or were incorrectly typified. Thus, we here designate lectotypes for N. candida (Hassl.) Sprague, N. heloisamariae Occhioni, and N. silvestris (Vell.) Chukr, neotypes for N. itatiaica (Ravenna) A. Gil, N. latifolia (Ravenna) A. Gil, and N. unca (Ravenna) A. Gil, and also an epitype for N. silvestris. Comments about the typifications are provided.

Gladiolus hamzaoglui (Iridaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Erzincan province in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. It resembles G. halophilus by its secund inflorescence, obovoid fruit, and winged seed, and is related to G. anatolicus based on its leaf and flower features. Also it is compared to G. illyricus because of having some leaf, flower features, and winged seed characteristics. Its distribution, habitat and ecology, etymology, conservation status and diagnostic morphological, and taxonomic features with familiar species are discussed in this paper. Additionally, pollen and seed micromorphological characteristics of G. hamzaoglui, G. halophilus, and G. anatolicus are examined and compared using LM and SEM analyses. IUCN conservation status of G. hamzaoglui is suggested as Endangered (EN) category.

We provide typifications and taxonomic notes for Neomarica humilis and some related species, to retain the taxonomic stability in Neomarica (Trimezieae, Iridaceae). We recognize Cypella humilis, the basionym of N. humilis, as a replacement name for the illegitimate Marica humilis, and N. vittata as a superfluous illegitimate name. We discuss the identity of the material cited by Klatt for C. humilis and designate a lectotype for M. humilis. In addition, we designate a neotype for N. occidentalis and a lectotype for N. portosecurensis. Furthermore, we distinguish N. humilis from the taxonomically related N. brachypus¸ N. northiana, and N. portosecurensis. All four species are illustrated.

A newly discovered natural hybrid, Iris × ampliflora Y.E. Xiao, F.Y. Yu & X.F. Chen (Iridaceae: subgenus Limniris section Lophiris) from Chongqing, China, is described and illustrated. This hybrid is morphologically similar to I. japonica Thunb. and I. wattii Baker, but can be distinguished by its giant leaves and large purple flowers. Phylogenetic trees based on cpDNA data support the separation of I. × ampliflora from other closely related species in the section Lophiris. According to its morphological features, molecular systematic evidence and chromosome data, we speculate that I. × ampliflora [31 chromosomes] likely is a new hybrid between I. japonica [2n = 32] and I. wattii [2n = 30].

Crocus sativus L. from the Iridaceae family is a medicinal and edible plant that has recently been actively cultivated in Ukraine. Saffron spice is crocus flower stigmas exhibiting a wide range of the pharmacological activity due to its three main bioactive compounds: crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. The quality of this raw material is regulatedby various normative documents, but there is no monograph in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPhU). Aim. To perform a comparative analysis of the monograph “Saffron for homoeopatic preparations” from the Ph. Eur. 9.0, “Saffron. Croci stigma” from the Deutscher arzneimittel codex (DAC) and “Spices – Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)” from the ISO 3632 by the following indicators: description, identifcation (microscopy and TLC), impurities, loss on drying, total ash and quantifcation of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry to clarify the possibility of harmonizing the requirements of the national legal framework for Crocus stigmas withthe Ph. Eur. 9.0, DAC and ISO 3632. The results of the analysis will be taken into account in the development of the monograph of the national part of the SPhU “Crocus stigmas (saffron)”.Results and discussion. The quality indicators of Crocus stigmas and their standardization determinedby the monograph in the Ph. Eur. 9.0, DAC and ISO 3632 on the raw material studied have been analyzed; some differences in the regulated quality indicators of the raw material have been found. The results of our own research have shown that the samples of the Ukrainian Crocus (saffron) meet all these requirements. The results of the macro- and microscopic examination of the raw material are given. The chromatographic examination hasbeen performed in accordance with the Ph. Eur. 9.0 and DAC using crocin as a standard compound; the quantitative determination of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal in 8 samples of Crocus stigmas has been performed by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry in accordance with the ISO 3632. It has been proposed to introduce the following indicators to determine the specifc absorption rate: for crocin (C44H64O24; Mw – 976.70) not less than 180, for safranal (C10H14O; Mw – 150.22) – not less than 30, for picrocrocin (C16H26O7; Mw – 330.37) – not less than 60 calculated with reference to the dried raw material.Experimental part. For analysis the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus (saffron) collected in the villageLyubimivka, Kherson region, Ukraine (2016-2018), as well as commercial samples of saffron from Morocco,Azerbaijan, Spain were used. The analysis of the leading normative documents containing monographs “Crocus stigmas”, among them the Eur. Ph. 9.0, DAC and ISO 3632, was performed. The studies included description of the appearance of the whole Crocus stigmas; loss on drying and the mass fraction of volatile compounds (105 °C, 16 h); the mass fraction of total ash. The amount of picrocrocin, safranal and crocin was measured by direct reading of the absorption of 1 % aqueous solution of stigmas at 257 nm, 330 nm and 440 nm, respectively, usinga UV-Vis-spectrophotometer.Conclusions. The analysis of the requirements to quality of the medicinal raw material – stigmas of Crocus sativus – has been performed based on the monographs: “Saffron for homoeopatic preparations” from the Ph. Eur. 9.0, “Saffron. Croci stigma” from the Deutscher arzneimittel codex and “Spices – Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)” from the ISO 3632. The main criteria for standardization of the raw material have been determined. It has been proposed to introduce the monograph to the national part of the SPhU “Crocus stigmas (saffron)” according to the following requirements: identifcation (macro- and microscopic signs; thin-layer chromatography (crocin); the quantitativedetermination (the content of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) adapted to the ISO 3632, performed by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry; impurities; loss on drying; total ash.Key words: standardization; State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine; Crocus sativus stigma; saffron; crocin

U zadnjih nekoliko desetljeća sve se više radi na istraživanju i uvođenju u uzgoj samoniklih i zaštićenih biljnih vrsta. Primjenom ovih vrsta u gradskim krajobrazima doprinosi se očuvanju biološke i krajobrazne raznolikosti. U nas još vlada trend nedovoljnog uzgoja ovih vrsta. Stoga je i cilj ovog rada bio, putem anketnog istraživanja istražiti percepciju i stavove ispitanika o ukrasnim karakteristikama i primjeni odabranih zaštićenih biljnih vrsta koje rastu na hrvatskom kršu (Por. Caryophyllaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae i Ranunculaceae). Kroz opći dio rada obrađuje se uvođenje novih vrsta u ukrasnu hortikulturu s naglaskom na zaštićene biljne vrste, kao i opisi odabranih potonjih vrsta s bioekološkog i zaštitarskog aspekta. Kao izvor primarnih podataka provedeno je anketno ispitivanje, u drugoj polovici 2019. godine. Rezultati pokazuju da ispitanici ukrasne karakteristike i primjenu odabranih vrsta uglavnom vrednuju s ocjenom dobar. Prosječne ocjene po vrstama su donekle približne promatrajući ukrasne karakteristike i primjenu. Razlog tome je kontinuirana uporaba alohtonih vrsta tijekom posljednjih decenija. Postoje i izuzetci u pogledu ukrasnih karakteristika i primjene kojima su dodijeljene vrlo dobre ocjene: zvjezdasti ljiljan, vele cvjetni kukurijek i velika šumarica. Način održavanja gore navedenih vrsta u uzgoju ispitanici percipiraju kao osrednje težak. Ovi preliminarni rezultati mogu se koristiti prilikom uvođenja novih vrsta u ukrasnu hortikulturu.

Flowers producing oil resources and oil bee pollinators are involved in one of the most specialized pollination strategies. Various species of Iridaceae tribe Tigridieae are characterized by floral oil-secreting structures called elaiophores, but specialized plant–pollinator interactions among these taxa remain poorly understood. This study focused on four South American species of Tigridieae in three genera to assess the nature and extent of ecological specialization related to oil flower/oil bee interactions. Proportion, frequency and behaviour of specialist and generalist pollinators were investigated, and experiments on plant breeding system and observations on floral biology were conducted. Species of Arhysoceble (specialist bees) and Halictidae (generalist bees) formed the most representative taxonomic groups of pollinators. Even though ecological specialization for oil bees was detected in Cypella amplimaculata and Cipura sp., contrasting patterns of specialization were observed not only among the different plant species studied but also between populations of Herbertia pulchella and Cipura formosa. Self-incompatibility was reported for H. pulchella and Cipura sp., whereas C. amplimaculata and C. formosa presented a mixed-breeding system. However, all species were pollinator dependent and patterns of ecological specialization were not dependent of plant breeding system. This study revealed also that interactions between oil bees and elaiophores are not reliable predictors for efficient pollination.

Gladiolus aladagensis is described and illustrated as a new species from Bolu province in Northwestern Anatolia, Turkey. Gladiolus aladagensis is morphologically close to G. italicus and G. kotschyanus. In this study, the diagnostic morphological features, distribution, conservation status, habitat and ecological characteristics of the new species are discussed. Micromorphological characteristics of G. aladagensis, G. italicus and G. kotschyanus seeds are also examined and compared using LM and SEM analyses. In addition, a new diagnostic key is given for all species of Gladiolus in Turkey.

Here we present a first contribution to the taxonomic revision of Sisyrinchium (Iridaceae: Iridoideae) for Southern Brazil. Sisyrinchium sect. Cephalanthum is one of the six sections in which the Brazilian species of the genus are classified, and the second largest in number of taxa. This monograph presents the taxonomic treatment of 22 taxa characterized by a unique set of morphological and molecular features, assigned to the section by phylogenetic studies, as well as the unplaced S. elegantulum, which is included here due to morphological similarity. A new status and a new synonym are proposed, and nine lectotypes and one neotype are designated. An identification key is provided, and species are described, accompanied by botanical illustrations, pictures, and distribution maps. In addition, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, notes, and examined specimens are presented. Species of the section are mainly distributed in the South American biogeographic dominions of Chacoan and Parana.

Objective Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. extract (EPE) containing isoliquiritigenin and oxyresveratrol is believed to be an anticancer agent. This study evaluates colon histopathology, TNF-α, TGF-β, and hepatotoxicity on BALB/c mice colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) model treated with EPE. Methods In vivo study was performed on BALB/c mice CAC model induced by 10 mg/kgBW AOM on the first day followed by administration that each cycle consisted of 5% DSS in water for seven days and regular water for seven days. The indicators of the formation of CAC were observed by a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and serum amyloid α (SAA) test. The treatment was conducted once a week started from the seventh week up to the twentieth week with six treatment groups: I was administrated by regular water only (negative control), II was administrated by AOM and DSS only (positive control), III was administrated by doxorubicin, IV-VI were treated by EPE (0.25 mg/kg BW, 0.50 mg/kg BW, and 1.00 mg/kg BW) respectively. The colon and liver's histopathology was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, TNF-α with immunohistochemistry (IHC), and level measurement of TGF-β colon with ELISA reader. The data were used one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc as statistical analysis. Results The administration of EPE increased the expression of TNF-α, the total of goblet cells of the colon, and decreased the level of TGF-β. Administration of EPE 0.50 mg/20g BW decreased a liver histopathological score but induced a histopathological alteration of the liver at a dose of 1.00 mg/20g BW. Conclusion This study indicate that EPE could be recommended as a colon anticancer through increase the goblet cells, induce apoptosis through increase TNF-α, and decrease TGF-β.

The new name Iris zhaoana is proposed to replace I. potaninii var. ionantha, which is applied to a dwarf bearded iris described from western China, usually included in I. sect. Psammiris. It is a plant occurring at high elevation and showing roots thick and grey; leaves glaucous-green, blunt to subacute and shortly mucronate at apex; flower solitary, dichromic, bluish-violet, with standards and falls similar in shape and size; falls more richly blotched with deep-violet and with whitish areas; beard of white and blue-white hairs, tipped yellow; fruits globose-ovoid to ellipsoid, shortly acuminate at apex; and seed with a comparatively prominent, large, yellow aril. These features closely relate I. zhaoana to members of I. sect. Pseudoregelia, namely to I. tigridia, with which it has sometimes been confused. Morphological and molecular data are discussed here that support recognition of the Central Asian plant at species rank and its inclusion in I. sect. Pseudoregelia ser. Tigridiae.

The genus Iris in Russia is represented by 41 species. Four species are endemic, 11 are included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and 30 have different regional conservation status. The presented results of the study of the morphology of seeds and of seed coat surface morphology in 40 species from the genus Iris growing in Russia were obtained mainly using light and scanning electron microscopy. Seed shape is round, ovate, oblong or pear‑shaped, with the exception for I. psammocola, in which it is club‑shaped. The smallest seeds in the studied species belong to I. ruthenicaand I. uniflora. Morphometric data lead to interesting conclusions regarding the taxonomic relations between some species. For example, the species currently considered as synonyms, e.g., I. biglumisand I. pallasii in I. lactea, and I. maackii in I. pseudacorus, are found different concerning seed morphology. On the other hand, the taxonomically well distinct species such as I. halophila and I. pseudonotha share similar seed morphology. A study of the morphological characteristics of the seed coat surface in 40 species of the genus Iris made it possible to compile an atlas for determining species in the genus Iris in Russia.

The state of Iris sibirica L. in the national botanical reserve "The Valley of the Irises" is characterized. In particular, it was found that I. sibirica should be classified in the group of Euro-West Siberian, and not as a Euro-Siberian or even Eurasian species. Phenological rhythms and peculiarities of fruiting have been studied. It is established that the duration of the vegetation period of I. sibirica lasts 187–246 days. The most important stages of the reproductive cycle of I. sibirica (structure of inflorescences, flowers, fruits and seeds, phenology, seed productivity) have been studied. We first discovered that on the inner surface of the flower tube there is a multilayer secretory tissue – perigonal nectar. The fruiting of I. sibirica, which lasts quite a long time: 2–3 months (60–80 days) from June to August, was studied. In this population two ways opening of the capsule were observed. Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758) (honey bee) and Bombus bombus (Latreille, 1802) (bumblebee) are pollinators of I. sibirica in the reserve. The coefficient of seed productivity of I. sibirica was high and quite stable, but despite the high potential and actual seed productivity in the population there is a weak seed recovery, which is associated with high turfing and invasions of members of the phytophagous genus Ceutorhynchus. Their activity dramatically reduces the maturation and dissemination of full-fledged mature seeds due to damage to flowers, capsules and seeds in them. However, the population of I. sibirica in the "The Valley of the Irises" is mature, normal, with a slight predominance of young individuals, which provides it with positive dynamics.

In view of the forthcoming treatment of Turkish irises for Resimli Türkiye Florasi (The Illustrated Flora of Turkey), twenty names belonging to Iris sect. Oncocyclus are typified, or nomenclatural notes provided. Lectotypes are designated here for I. chrysantha, I. maculata, I. manissadjianii, I. medwedewii, I. paradoxa var. choschab, and I. sprengeri. A second-step lectotypification for I. heylandiana is provided. Neotypes for the names I. elisabethae, I. gatesii, I. lupina, I. polakii, I. speciosissima, and I. urmiensis are designated. Epitypes for the names I. maculata, I. paradoxa var. choschab, I. sprengeri, and I. sari are designated. For the previously typified names, the lectotypes of I. barnumiae, I. elegantissima, I. iberica, I. lycotis and I. paradoxa, and the holotypes of I. kirkwoodiae and I. sari, are indicated. Authorships of the names for I. iberica and I. urmiensis are corrected.

A Crocus population in the Northern Albanian Alps obviously belonging to C. ser. Verni was referred to C. heuffelianus, but closer field investigations revealed that it could not be identified with...

Cypella (Iridaceae): What do we know about the diversity of the genus? Cypella is a genus centered on the grasslands in Southeast South America, which can be recognized by its flowers with inner tepals having a dense area of glandular trichomes located in a central depression, style branches well developed, compressed, divided above in three crests, two of them acute and positioned in the adaxial part, and the other crest is abaxial and displays a transverse stigmatic surface. A key to distinguish Cypella and related genera is supplied. In this study are recognized 31 species and five subspecies of Cypella : C. Alonsoana, C. amambaica, C. aquatilis, C. armosa, C. aurinegra, C. catharinensis, C. charruana, C. crenata, C. curuzupensis, C. discolor, C. exilis, C. fucata, C. gloriana, C. guttata, C. Hauthalii, C. Herbertii (subspecies Herbertii, brevicristata, reflexa and Wolffhuegelii ), C. laeta, C. lapidosa, C. laxa, C. luteogibbosa, C. magnicristata, C. opalina (subspecies opalina and minuticristata ) , C. Osteniana, C. Pabstiana, C. parviflora, C. pusilla, C. Ravenniana, C. rivularis, C. suffusa, C. trimontina, and C. uliginosa . Comments about geographic distribution, taxonomic affinities, and morphology of all taxa are presented, and a key to distinguish the species of Cypella was organized. Several taxonomic novelties are treated, C. opalina is a new status and combination proposed, C. opalina subsp. minuticristata is a new combination recommended, lectotypes are designated for C. curuzupensis, C. lapidosa and C. opalina. New lectotypes are selected for C. Herbertii and C. laeta , explaining the reason for the rejection of the previously chosen lectotypes for these two species. Furthermore, C. boliviana, C. brasiliensis, C. geniculata, C. oreophila and C. unguiculata are excluded of the genus, and the generic placement of them is commented, while C. craterantha, C. elegans and C. Herbertii subsp. reflexa f. palmeti are considered doubtful taxa.

Iris x germanica L., which belongs to the Iridaceae family, has been reported in the literature for its antioxidant properties in acellular chemical-antioxidant assays. Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is an a...

Floral flavonols play specific pivotal roles in pollinator attraction, pollen germination and fertility, in addition to other functions in vegetative organs. For many plants, the process of flavonol biosynthesis in late flower development stages and in mature flower tissues is poorly understood, in contrast to early flower development stages. It is thought that this process may be regulated independently of subgroup 7 R2R3 MYB (SG7 MYB) transcription factors. In this study, two FLS genes were shown to be expressed synchronously with the flower development-specific and tissue-specific biosynthesis of flavonols in Freesia hybrida. FhFLS1 contributed to flavonol biosynthesis in early flower buds, toruses and calyxes, and was regulated by four well-known SG7 MYB proteins, designated as FhMYBFs, with at least partial regulatory redundancy. FhFLS2 accounted for flavonols in late developed flowers and in the petals, stamens and pistils, and was targeted directly by non SG7 MYB protein FhMYB21L2. In parallel, AtMYB21 and AtMYB24 also activated AtFLS1, a gene highly expressed in Arabidopsis anthers and pollen, indicating the conserved regulatory roles of MYB21 against FLS genes in these two evolutionarily divergent angiosperm plants. Our results reveal a novel regulatory and synthetic mechanism underlying flavonol biosynthesis in floral organs and tissues which may be exploited to investigate supplementary roles of flavonols in flowers.

Based on light microscopy investigation of fruits and seeds in Gladiolus imbricatus and Iris sibirica, new data on morphogenesis and histogenesis of the pericarp and seed coat development have been revealed. The inner ovary structure, vascular system and fruit dehiscence were also studied. The ovary of the studied species has trilocular basal part and unilocular upper part with incomplete septae. The vascular system in both species is composed of three dorsal veins and three septal veins. The dorsal veins are each divided into three vascular bundles radially whereas the septal veins are also each divided into three bundles but tangentially. Vascular supply of ovules is provided by septal veins in the central column. In both species, the floral tube falls down with adnate stamens and style at the beginning of fruit ripening. For both species, a dorsiventral (valvate) type of fruit dehiscence is characteristic; however, in I. sibirica, a dorsal (fissuricidal) type, in which valvae are connected at the center, top and base of the capsule, occurs as well. According to our data, capsule in both species belongs to the Lilium-type, with lignified endocarpium. In G. imbricatus, we observed early tissues differentiation in the pericarp as well as earlier and faster dorsal slits formation. The seed coat in G. imbricatus is of endotestal type, while in I. sibirica – of exotestal type. Highly specialized features of the seed coat in G. imbricatus are the following: wing formation by outer integument, few-layered mesotesta and destruction of cellular structure of the inner integument. The obtained data complement our previously suggested consideration about more pronounced morphological adaptations for dissemination of fruits and seeds in G. imbricatus. In this article, we confirm the high level of adaptiveness of fruits and seeds in the anatomy and histogenesis of the pericarp and seed coat in G. imbricatus to external conditions.

Floral anthocyanin has multiple ecological and economic values, its biosynthesis largely depends on the conserved MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) activation complex and MYB repressors hierarchically with the MBW complex. In contrast to eudicots, the MBW regulatory network model has not been addressed in monocots because of the lack of a suitable system, as grass plants exhibit monotonous floral pigmentation patterns. Presently, the MBW regulatory network was investigated in a non-grass monocot plant, Freesia hybrida. FhMYB27 and FhMYBx with different functional manners were confirmed to be anthocyanin related R2R3 and R3 MYB repressors, respectively. Particularly, FhMYBx could obstruct the formation of positive MBW complex by titrating bHLH proteins, whereas FhMYB27 mainly defected the activator complex into suppressor via its repression domains in C-terminus. Furthermore, the hierarchical and feedback regulatory loop was verified, indicating the synergistic and sophisticated regulatory network underlying Freesia anthocyanin biosynthesis was quite similar to that reported in eudicot plants., Yueqing Li, Xiaotong Shan, et al. study the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) regulatory network in a non-grass monocot plant, Freesia hybrida. They report two anthocyanin related MYB repressors FhMYB27 and FhMYBx and verified their involvement in a functional feedback loop with MBW to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis.

The Sierra of Nanchititla Natural Park is located in central Mexico. It occupies the southwestern corner of the State of México, within the municipality of Luvianos at the border with the states of Michoacán and Guerrero. It is part of the Balsas Basin biogeographical province. The sierra is a topographically complex region, isolated from the neighboring sierras, harboring several endemic species. Here, Tigridia nanchititlensis is described and illustrated as a new species. Morphologically, this taxon pertains to the subgenus Hydrotaenia. It is a rupicolous and pendulous plant characterized by its horizontal flowers and upright fruits. It is most closely related to T. meleagris, and co-occurs in the studied area with other species of Tigrideae, such as Cardiostigma longispatha, Cipura campanulata, Tigridia meleagris, T. mortonii, and T. pavonia. Two of them, Tigridia nanchititlensis and T. mortonii are endemic to the Sierra of Nanchititla.

Knowledge of factors driving reproductive isolation is essential to understand the process of speciation. To study the reproductive isolation of two closely related species with overlapping flowering seasons, Iris domestica and Iris dichotoma, we compared their reproductive system, floral biology and pollination biology. The results indicated that I. domestica was facultatively xenogamous, whereas I. dichotoma was facultatively autogamous. Although the two species differed significantly in floral colour, floral diameter, floral structure, nectar volume, flower opening and closing times, they shared the same diurnal pollinator, the honeybee Apis cerana. The frequency of pollination by A. cerana did not differ significantly between the two species, but honeybee pollination of I. domestica was more efficient compared with that of I. dichotoma. Despite the difference in floral structure between the two species, both species deposited pollen on the same parts of the body of honeybees. The temporal partitioning of within-day flowering times between I. domestica (from 07.15 to 08.15 h to 18.00 to 19.00 h) and I. dichotoma (from 15.45 to 16.15 h to 22.00 to 23.00 h), together with the time memory of honeybees, meant that the two species did not overlap in the time of their pollination, thus leading to temporal isolation as a major driver of reproductive isolation between the two species.

Crocus asymmetricus (Iridaceae) is described as a new species endemic to the southern part of the Anatolian diagonal in Turkey. It is phylogenetically related to C. vitellinus and morphologically to C. antalyensis, but differs from these species in showing an asymmetric corm and a single point of root emergence. Both C. antalyensis and C. asymmetricus are illustrated and compared in this paper. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree of the nuclear rDNA ITS region confirms the affiliation of C. asymmetricus to C. ser. Flavi, and its close relationship to C. vitellinus. A new identification key to the species of C. ser. Flavi occurring in Turkey is also presented.

Iris setosa is one of the widespread Iris species in Northeast Asia and North America. In 2018, it was found for the first time in Europe, on Kildin Island (Murmansk Oblast, Russian Federation). The presence of this plant on the island and its disjunct range are discussed. To facilitate further detection and identification, a general morphological description, information about the original material of the name I. setosa, and supporting illustrations are here provided.

Based on previous molecular analysis, it has been established that Crocus reticulatus is not a separate species with wide heterogeneity and distribution, but a species aggregate. The aim of this research is to present, for the first time, a comparative overview of the morphological and leaf anatomical characters of two species from the Crocus reticulatus aggregate, Crocus danubensis and Crocus variegatus, and to indicate the taxonomic significance of the leaf anatomical characters within this taxa. We included 17 quantitative and 13 qualitative characters in the morphological analysis and 20 quantitative parameters in the anatomical analysis, measured on cross sections of the leaves. The degree of variability between the species is displayed using statistical PCA and CDA analyses. The key morphological differences between the species are the color of the perigone and the perigone throat, while the values of all the characters measured are higher for C. variegatus. The key anatomical differences between the species are the size of the largest vascular bundles of leaves (area of the xylem, phloem and sclerenchyma) and the size and shape of the leaf cross sections. Cross sections of the leaves of C. variegatus are smaller, with mostly two ribs and a smaller parenchyma area. The leaf cross sections of C. danubensis are bigger, with four ribs and a larger parenchyma area. The results confirm our hypothesis that the leaf anatomical features are very significant for differentiating these taxa.

Several South American species of Iridaceae, especially those of Tigridieae, produce floral oils as rewards to oil-bee pollinators. The present study aimed to contribute to a deeper understanding of the reproductive biology, pollination ecology and level of specialization of the interactions of species encompassed in Tigridieae. Data on breeding and pollination systems were acquired from six species native to Southern Brazil. The visitation frequency and pollen load of pollen- and oil-collecting bees were also investigated. The results strongly suggest that the studied species are distributed along a specialization–generalization continuum. Three oil-producing taxa, Cypella herbertii, Cypella pusilla and Cypella amplimaculata, were pollinated effectively by oil-bees, whereas in the other two studied species, Kelissa brasiliensis and Herbertia pulchella, the oil-bees appeared to function as oil thieves, owing to failure to contact the plant reproductive parts during oil-foraging behaviour. New insights into aspects of the specialization–generalization continuum of pollination systems, differences in pollinator behaviour during oil and pollen foraging, and reproductive outputs of the studied species are provided. Taken together, our results provide a significant contribution towards a better understanding of reproductive biology and plant–pollinator interactions between Iridaceae and oil-collecting bees.

7 cenopopulations (CP) of a rare species of Crocus speciosus M.Bieb. in Khizi, Guba, Khachmaz regions of Azerbaijan are described, ontogenetic, demographic structure is investigated, the influence of climatic factors on morphometric variability is studied. In the ontogenesis of the studied species, 4 periods and 8 ontogenetic states were distinguished. It was revealed that except CP 1, all cenopopulations are completely, CP 3, CP 6 and CP 7 are transitional, and the others are young type. As a result of the analysis of the spatial and demographic structure of cenopopulations, it was found that the state of the studied cenopopulations is ambiguous. Individuals with the highest height were observed in CP 3 and lower in CP 1. The highest morphometric parameters of the gen-erative organs were observed in CP 5–6. It was found that the most favorable conditions for C. speciosus are the subtropical climate, as well as alluvial-meadow-forest and mountain-gray-brown rich soils. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the altitude and soilclimatic conditions of the areas have a significant effect on the individuals morphometric characteristics of C. speciosus. The smallest anthropogenic impact was noted in CP 1–3, while CP 4–7 are under high anthropogenic pressure due to the expansion of infrastructure in the Caspian coastal zone.

Some wild, morphologically diverse taxa of the genus Iris in the broad Alpine-Dinaric area have never been explored molecularly, and/or have ambiguous systematic status. The main aims of our research were to perform a molecular study of critical Iris taxa from that area (especially a narrow endemic accepted species I. adriatica, for which we also analysed genome size) and to explore the contribution of eight microsatellites and highly variable chloroplast DNA (ndhJ, rpoC1) markers to the understanding of the Iris taxa taxonomy and phylogeny. Both the microsatellite-based UPGMA and plastid markers-based maximum likelihood analysis discriminated three main clusters in the set of 32 analysed samples, which correspond well to the lower taxonomic categories of the genus, and support separate status of ambiguous regional taxa (e.g., I. sibirica subsp. erirrhiza, I. x croatica and I. x rotschildii). The first molecular data on I. adriatica revealed its genome size (2C = 12.639 &plusmn, 0.202 pg) and indicated the existence of ecotypes. For future molecular characterisation of the genus we recommend the utilisation of microsatellite markers supplemented with a combination of plastid markers.

The paper presents the morphology of the flower of Iris aphylla L., which is a protected species in many European countries. The study comprises phenological observations of flowering and assessment of nectar and pollen production, and flowering and fruiting abundance. Additionally, the number of insect visitors on the flowers was monitored. The investigations of specimens originating from 4 populations in central-eastern Poland (Wyzyna Lubelska Upland) were conducted in the Botanical Garden of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University. It was found that morphological features of the analysed flowers, i.e. the 6-angular ovary and the perianth tube, which is 2-fold longer than the ovary, are typical for the taxon I. aphylla [=I. aphylla var. typica L.]. The first flowers developed at the turn of April and May at air temperature of 12-13 °C. The plants produced, on average, 3 flowers per stem, 84.2 flowers per 1 m2, and 6.2 capsules per 1 m2. The flowers released nectar with a moderate amount of sugar and produced high quantities of pollen. Mononychus punctumalbum Herbst. and bumblebees were found to be the main flower pollinators.

Quaternary climate oscillations and complex topography have tremendous effects on current distribution and genetic structure of species, and hence the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), the largest plateau in the world, has become a hotspot for many phylogeographic studies. However, little is known about the phylogeographic pattern of herbaceous plants in QTP. Here, we investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and historical dynamics of Iris loczyi, using five chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments and seven microsatellite markers. A total of 15 populations, and 149 individuals were sampled throughout the QTP. High genetic diversity was detected both in cpDNA (Hd = 0.820) and SSR (Ho = 0.689, He = 0.699). Ten cpDNA haplotypes and 163 alleles were identified. AMOVA and clustering analyses revealed obvious differentiation between regions. The Nst, Gst and Mantel test showed significant phylogeographic structure of I. loczyi. The neutrality test and mismatch distribution analyses indicated that I. loczyi could not have undergone a historical population expansion, but population XS from the Qilian Mountain area could have experienced a local expansion. Bottleneck analyses indicated that I. loczyi had not experienced bottleneck recently. Based on cpDNA and SSR results, the Qilian Mountain area was inferred as a potential glacial refuge, and the southern Tibet valley was considered as a ‘microrefugia’ for I. loczyi. These findings provided new insights into the location of glacial refuges for the species distributed in QTP, and supplemented more plant species data for the response of QTP species to the Quaternary climate.

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract of underground parts of Iris tenuifolia Pall. afforded five new compounds, an unusual macrolide termed moniristenulide (1), 5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-4-O-2′-cycloflavan (2), 5,7,2′,3′-tetrahydroxyflavanone (3), 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyisoflavone-2′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9), 5,2′,3′-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyisoflavone (10), along with seven known compounds (4–8, 11–12). The structures of all purified compounds were established by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds 1–3, 5, 9, and 10 was investigated using the agar diffusion method against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In consequence, new compound 3 was found to possess the highest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis VRE and Mycobacterium vaccae. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity tests were also applied on all isolated compounds and plant crude extract in vitro with the result of potent inhibitory effect against leukemia cells. In particular, the newly discovered isoflavone 10 was active against both of the leukemia cells K-562 and THP-1 while 4–6 of the flavanone type compounds were active against only THP-1.

The species of Iris subser. Chrysographes are herbaceous perennials found mainly in southwestern and central China and also in the Eastern Himalayas. To date, six species have been recognized in this group. In the framework of its taxonomic revision, we have carried out molecular and morphological studies. For this, we have sequenced four chloroplast DNA regions (trnS–trnG, trnL–trnF, rps4–trnSGGA, and psbA–trnH) for 25 samples across the major distribution ranges of the six species. Our phylogenetic analyses evidence that I. subser. Chrysographes is indeed a monophyletic group, which is sister to I. subser. Sibiricae. Within I. subser. Chrysographes, we have recovered four divergent lineages further supported by diagnosable morphological traits and geographical distributions. In this context, our data confirm the recognition of I. clarkei, I. delavayi, and I. wilsonii in their traditional concepts. Furthermore, both molecular and morphological data support the close affinities and similar distribution ranges of I. bulleyana, I. chrysographes, and I. forrestii, which suggests including I. chrysographes and I. forrestii as color forms in I. bulleyana. A revised taxonomic treatment for the group, including the notes on the species distributions and habitats, and also an identification key to the species are provided.

Background Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. (BC) belongs to the family of Iridaceae and is widely cultivated and used in many Chinese patent medicine and Chinese medicinal formulae. However, due to the high similarities in appearance such as color and shape to Iris tectorum Maxim (ITM), another plant from the same family, BC is often confused or even misused with ITM. Methods Therefore, in order to distinguish the chemical constituents, qualities and biological activities of BC and ITM, multiple technologies including plant metabolomics, digital reference standard (DRS) analyzer and biological activities assay were employed to provide a sufficient basis for their practical applications. Results In plant metabolomics, the PCA and OPLS-DA score plot indicated the obvious differences in chemical profiling between BC and ITM and 6 compounds were successfully identified to contribute to the differences. In DRS study, the fingerprints of 10 and 8 compounds in BC and ITM were developed based on DRS analyzer, respectively, involving relative retention time (RRT) method and linear calibration using two reference substances (LCTRS) technique. The DRS analyzer also accurately identified 10 and 8 compounds from BC and ITM, respectively, by using only two reference standards. In biological activities assay, BC had a better anticancer effect than ITM due to the high abundance of irigenin, while ITM showed stronger hepatoprotective activity than BC because of the high abundance of tectoridin. Conclusions Therefore, due to the significant differences of B. chinensis and I. dichotoma in chemical composition and biological activities, the current studies strongly proved that these two medicinal plants could not be mixed in industrial production and clinical medication.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The bulb of Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. is an indigenous medicinal plant traditionally used among Dayak people for the management of diabetes, breast cancer, hypertension, stroke, and fertility problems in women. The bulb has been reported with a potent cytotoxic potential but with limited underlying mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic properties of E. bulbosa ethanolic bulb extracted under optimised extraction condition on retinoblastoma cancer cells (WERI-Rb-1) through in vitro cell culture bioassays. The optimised extraction condition has been determined in the previous reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cytotoxic assay was analysed through MTT assay. Comparison between non-optimised and optimised extraction condition from E. bulbosa ethanolic bulb extract was evaluated. Morphological assessment of apoptotic cells was conducted through acridine orange propidium iodide (AOPI) staining using fluorescence microscopy. Apoptosis assay was carried out through Annexin V-FITC and cell cycle analysis through PI staining. The effect of varying concentrations (IC25, IC50, IC75) of the optimised E. bulbosa ethanolic bulb extract was observed. The mRNA expression was also conducted to confirm the underlying mechanism. RESULTS The optimised E. bulbosa ethanolic bulb extract markedly suppressed the proliferation of retinoblastoma cancer cells significantly with an IC50 value of 15.7 μg/mL as compared to non-optimised extract (p

Nomenclature issues of irises associated with the Turkish flora are discussed. In particular, Iris orientalis and four related names, I. ochroleuca, I. monnieri, I. gigantea, and I. albida, are typified. Lectotypes are designated for I. orientalis, I. monnieri, I. gigantea, and I. albida; a neotype for the Linnaean name I. ochroleuca is designated. Also, further support is provided for the suggestions that I. monnieri is a synonym to I. orientalis, and the author citation of the name I. monnieri is Redouté.

In view of the forthcoming review of Turkish irises for Resimli Türkiye Florası (The Illustrated Flora of Turkey), nineteen names are typified or nomenclatural remarks are provided in the present report. Lectotypes are designated for Iris aschersonii, I. attica, I. bornmuelleri, I. purpureobractea (a taxonomic synonym of I. junonia), I. reticulata var. cyanea, I. reticulata var. sophenensis, I. suaveolens, and I. taochia. The second-step lectotypification is made for I. histrio. Neotypes are designated for the names I. histrioides, I. junonia, I. masiae, and I. reticulata var. histrioides, epitype, for the name I. reticulata var. sophenensis. For the previously typified names, I. bakeriana, I. musulmanica, and I. reticulata, lectotypes are given. The lectotypes for I. histrio var. aintabensis, I. schachtii, and Xiphion danfordiae, and the authorship for I. histrioides, are corrected. Images are provided for eight specimens selected as types that are not available online. Notes on distribution in Turkey are provided for all the accepted taxa.