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Background:Salvia species (Lamiaceae) are found in almost the countries from the tropical and temperate regions. Methods:About nine species and one variety of Salvia L were recorded in Egypt, of which S. lanigera and S.aegyptiaca are recorded on the western coast of Mediterranean sea. In floristic analysis, thirty stands were studied, in which 55 species associated with Salvia sp., were highlighted and presented here with their families, distribution, and life forms. Also, the allelopathic effect of the studied Salvia sp. on barley seeds was indicated at different concentrations.Results:Family Asteraceae recorded the highest associated species in number (14 species). Therophytes were the dominant life form. From an environmental point, segetalshad the largest number of associated species (43.64% from the total of species). Allelopathic effect of S. lanigera and S.aegyptiaca was examed on the germination with seedling growth for barley (Hordeum vulgare)grains.There were strong inhibitory effects of Salvia sp. water extracts on the germination percentage of barley. The highest reduction percentage (35%) in germination was achieved byS. aegyptiaca water extract (2.5%). The germination rate was significantly sensitive to 10% and 100% of S. lanigeravar. lanigera(type 1) extractswith the highest inhibition percentage (4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acer L. species are well known as ornamental trees due to their colourful leaves in autumn season. Acer pictum subsp. mono (Maxim.) H. Ohashi (APM) and Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala (Maximowicz) Wesmael (ATG) form leaves with completely different colours in autumn, yellow and red, respectively. In response to this phenomenon, we investigated the metabolic regulation of APM and ATG in different seasons by combining metabolomics, ionomics, the antioxidant system and pigment content. The results showed that the process of senescence and discolouration exists in leaves of different Acer species, and the regulatory strategy shows species specificity. Compared with green leaves, the accumulation of primary metabolites in autumn leaves of APM was extensively depleted, chlorophyll content was decreased, and antioxidant enzymes and C6C3C6 type phenolic compounds synergistically enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plants to cope with senescence. Carotenoid content was raised, which together with phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, rutin) provides the leaves with a yellow colour. The response of chlorophyll and the antioxidant system in autumn leaves of ATG is consistent with that of APM, while sugar content increases. The increased anthocyanin content in autumn leaves of ATG explains the transition of leaves from green to the red colour, which may be accompanied by the combined effect of elements (Fe, Zn, Mn) and isoflavones. This study provides a reference for the study of colouration mechanism and seasonal adaptation in Acer L. species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because of the certain overlapping of the genus Bupleurum, the identification features are few and the delimitation among species is difficult, Bupleurum taxonomy is under frequent revisions. In this research, hierarchical cluster analysis based on morphology characters is done to establish a dendrogram and illustrate the taxonomic relationship among Bupleurum species (Apiaceae) from China. Materials and Methods: The fruit morphology of 17 Bupleurum taxa from China was investigated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The hierarchical cluster analysis based on 41 morphological character states belonging to 9 characters was done to establish a dendrogram and illustrate the taxonomic relationship among the studied species of Bupleurum (Apiaceae) from China. Results: Based on fruit morphological characteristics, it is possible to separate the Bupleurum species into the following four groups. The research indicates that the classification of Bupleurum in China is closely related to geographical distribution, which is divided into Southwestern and Northeastern Bupleurum. Conclusion: The fruit morphological characteristics are variable enough to distinguish species between Bupleurum, such as fruit length, width, shape, colour, the curvature of the outer periclinal and so on in this article. Morphological characters could be probably the taxonomical standard of intraspecific and interspecific delamination, which is significant for understanding the classification of Bupleurum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]