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The genus Asparagus arose ∼9 to 15 million years ago (Ma), and transitions from hermaphroditism to dioecy (separate sexes) occurred ∼3 to 4 Ma. Roughly 27% of extant Asparagus species are dioecious, while the remaining are bisexual with monoclinous flowers. As such, Asparagus is an ideal model taxon for studying the early stages of dioecy and sex chromosome evolution in plants. Until now, however, understanding of diversification and shifts from hermaphroditism to dioecy in Asparagus has been hampered by the lack of robust species tree estimates for the genus. In this study, a genus-wide phylogenomic analysis including 1,726 nuclear loci and comprehensive species sampling supports two independent origins of dioecy in Asparagus —first in a widely distributed Eurasian clade and then in a clade restricted to the Mediterranean Basin. Modeling of ancestral biogeography indicates that both dioecy origins were associated with range expansion out of southern Africa. Our findings also reveal several bursts of diversification across the phylogeny, including an initial radiation in southern Africa that gave rise to 12 major clades in the genus, and more recent radiations that have resulted in paraphyly and polyphyly among closely related species, as expected given active speciation processes. Lastly, we report that the geographic origin of domesticated garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) was likely in western Asia near the Mediterranean Sea. The presented phylogenomic framework for Asparagus is foundational for ongoing genomic investigations of diversification and functional trait evolution in the genus and contributes to its utility for understanding the origin and early evolution of dioecy and sex chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparagus cochinchinensis is a member of the Asparagaceae family whose medicinal part is the dried root tuber. The distribution of A. cochinchinensis and its secondary metabolites are closely associated with environmental factors, such as climate and soil properties. By establishing and optimizing a maximum entropy model, we analyzed and predicted the distribution pattern and migration direction of suitable habitats for A. cochinchinensis and determined the main environmental factors affecting the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Under current climatic conditions, the area of suitable habitats for A. cochinchinensis (208.38 × 104 km2) accounts for 21.71% of the land area of China, and the areas of lowly, moderately, and highly suitable areas were 64.15 × 104 km2, 113.66 × 104 km2, and 30.57 × 104 km2, respectively. Under future climate scenarios, the total area of suitable habitats hardly changes. The area of highly suitable habitats significantly decreases under the SSP1‐RCP2.6 scenario (to 83.22% of the current value) and the SSP3‐RCP7 scenario (to 48.94% of the current value), but eventually increases to 112.86% of the current value under the SSP5‐RCP8.5 scenario, which indicates that A. cochinchinensis might adapt better to a high‐carbon‐emissions scenario. Under different climate scenarios, low‐impact areas mainly occur in southern China and will correspond 92.07% of the current suitable area. Highly suitable habitats primarily occur in the southeastern Sichuan Basin, northern Guangxi, eastern Guizhou, and western Hunan. HPLC analysis showed that the content of protodioscin (0.373%) and protogracillin (0.044%) in S2 was the highest. The total saponins contents of S1 and S2 were the highest, which were 35.6586 and 33.1262 mg/g, respectively. The total polysaccharide content of S9 was the highest (16.9467%). The total contents of saponins and polysaccharides in A. cochinchinensis were significantly, but oppositely, correlated with temperature, precipitation, and other factors. This study has identified environmental factors affecting the growth and quality of A. cochinchinensis, which has guiding significance for resource conservation and site selection for large‐scale cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plants employ a diversity of reproductive safeguarding strategies to circumvent the challenge of pollen limitation. Focusing on southern African Lachenalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae), we test the hypothesis that the evolution of reproductive safeguarding traits (self‐compatibility, autonomous selfing, bird pollination and clonal propagation) is favoured in species occupying conditions of low insect abundance imposed by critically infertile fynbos heathland vegetation and by flowering outside the austral spring insect abundance peak.We trace the evolution of these traits and selective regimes on a dated, multi‐locus phylogeny of Lachenalia and assess their evolutionary associations using ordinary and phylogenetic regression.Ancestral state reconstructions identify an association with non‐fynbos vegetation and spring flowering as ancestral in Lachenalia, the transition to fynbos vegetation and non‐spring flowering taking place multiple times. They also show that self‐compatibility, autofertility, bird pollination and production of multiple clonal offsets have evolved repeatedly.Regression models suggest that bird pollination and self‐compatibility are selected for in fynbos and in non‐spring flowering lineages, with autofertility being positively associated with non‐spring flowering. These patterns support the interpretation of these traits as reproductive safeguarding adaptations under reduced insect pollinator abundance. We find no evidence to support the interpretation of clonal propagation as a reproductive safeguarding strategy. See also the Commentary on this article by Burd, 244: 7–9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Globally, barriers triggered by climatic changes have caused habitat fragmentation and population allopatric divergence. Across North America, oscillations during the Quaternary have played important roles in the distribution of wildlife. Notably, diverse plant species from the Baja California Peninsula in western North America, isolated during the Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles, exhibit strong genetic structure and highly concordant divergent lineages across their ranges. A representative plant genus of the peninsula is Yucca, with Y. valida having the widest range. Although a dominant species, it has an extensive distribution discontinuity between 26° N and 27° N, suggesting restricted gene flow. Moreover, historical distribution models indicate the absence of an area with suitable conditions for the species during the Last Interglacial, making it an interesting model for studying genetic divergence. Methods: We assembled 4411 SNPs from 147 plants of Y. valida throughout its range to examine its phylogeography to identify the number of genetic lineages, quantify their genetic differentiation, reconstruct their demographic history and estimate the age of the species. Results: Three allopatric lineages were identified based on the SNPs. Our analyses support that genetic drift is the driver of genetic differentiation among these lineages. We estimated an age of less than 1 million years for the common ancestor of Y. valida and its sister species. Conclusions: Habitat fragmentation caused by climatic changes, low dispersal, and an extensive geographical range gap acted as cumulative mechanisms leading to allopatric divergence in Y. valida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Target sequence capture (Hyb‐Seq) is a cost‐effective sequencing strategy that employs RNA probes to enrich for specific genomic sequences. By targeting conserved low‐copy orthologs, Hyb‐Seq enables efficient phylogenomic investigations. Here, we present Asparagaceae1726—a Hyb‐Seq probe set targeting 1726 low‐copy nuclear genes for phylogenomics in the angiosperm family Asparagaceae—which will aid the often‐challenging delineation and resolution of evolutionary relationships within Asparagaceae. Methods: Here we describe and validate the Asparagaceae1726 probe set (https://github.com/bentzpc/Asparagaceae1726) in six of the seven subfamilies of Asparagaceae. We perform phylogenomic analyses with these 1726 loci and evaluate how inclusion of paralogs and bycatch plastome sequences can enhance phylogenomic inference with target‐enriched data sets. Results: We recovered at least 82% of target orthologs from all sampled taxa, and phylogenomic analyses resulted in strong support for all subfamilial relationships. Additionally, topology and branch support were congruent between analyses with and without inclusion of target paralogs, suggesting that paralogs had limited effect on phylogenomic inference. Discussion: Asparagaceae1726 is effective across the family and enables the generation of robust data sets for phylogenomics of any Asparagaceae taxon. Asparagaceae1726 establishes a standardized set of loci for phylogenomic analysis in Asparagaceae, which we hope will be widely used for extensible and reproducible investigations of diversification in the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipcadi (Scilloideae: Asparagaceae) is a genus of bulbous monocots with approximately 40 species, of which 13 occur in India. Species delimitation within the genus has been troublesome hindering a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. The most recent phylogeny of the subfamily Ornithogaloideae included six species of Dipcadi only from Africa. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Ornithogaloideae including 23 accessions comprising 13 recognized taxa (11 species and two varieties) of Indian Dipcadi. The phylogenetic analyses were based on nucleotide sequences of three plastid regions (rbcL, matK and trnL-F spacer) and one nuclear region (ITS). Pseudogaltonia clavata exhibited sister relationship to Dipcadi. Our combined nuclear + plastid dataset analyses revealed a monophyletic Dipcadi with five clades, Clade I-V. Clade I, II and III included mainly Indian species whereas Clade V included mostly African species. Clade IV comprised D. serotinum. Clade I included nine taxa including our newly described species, D. mukaianum. The new species was phylogenetically placed with D. erythraeum, D. saxorum and D. ursulae. Morphologically, the species resembled D. montanum and D. ursulae but differed in characters such as tepal cohesion, number of ovules per locule and foul-smelling flowers. Clade II and III included 11 and six taxa, respectively. D. erythraeum which has a native range from Egypt to western India was found in Clades I and V. The widespread Dipcadi species, viz. D. erythraeum and D. serotinum showed polyphyly however, the monophyly of Dipcadi is established. Our studies suggest that additional molecular markers (plastid as well as nuclear) should be tested for their taxonomy utility. Further work on the historical biogeography of Dipcadi on the subfamily Ornithogaloideae with more genetic data will yield insights how aridification of the landscape would have shaped the evolution of the geographical clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims - Fluorescence is the emission of light by a fluorophore that has absorbed light of shorter wavelengths. While the role of fluorescence in visual communication has been documented in some animals (budgerigars, gelatinous Zooplankton), it is controversially discussed in plants. Floral nectar fluorescence has been mainly found in flowers pollinated by bees. It has been suggested as direct visual cue by which bees can evaluate the available quantity of nectar, thus being important for pollination and foraging efficiency. However, this function has been questioned, since fluorescence is said to be obscured by floral reflections due to low quantum efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the nectar of plants pollinated by non-flying mammals, namely Eucomis regia, Massonia grandiflora, M. echinata, and M. pustulata (Asparagaceae) from South Africa. Material and methods - To detect possible fluorescence in flowers, the plants were illuminated in a darkened room under UV light and photographed with a camera equipped with a UV/IR cut filter (transmitting at 400-700 nm). Key results - Within the inflorescences, the nectar of all species showed blue to bluish fluorescence and UV absorption. Separated nectar also fluoresced. Conclusion - As fluorescence in flowers occurs not only in bee-pollinated plants but also in plants pollinated by wind, and by nocturnal or crepuscular pollinators (non-flying mammals, bats, moths) for which floral scent is an important attractant, floral fluorescence seems to have no adaptive value for the attraction of flower visitors. We discuss the potential role of fluorescence in flowers as just a by-product of compounds that might have other functions such as visual attraction by reflection (or UV absorbance), protection of genetic material in pollen from UV induced damage, or as a floral filter causing nectar to be bitter, repelling ineffective pollinators but not effective ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dracaena cambodiana Pierre ex Gagn. (Asparagaceae) is the source plant of Dragon's blood and has high ornamental values in gardening. Currently, this species is classified as the second-class state-protected species in the National Key Protected Wild Plants (NKPWP) of China. However, limited genomic data has hindered a more comprehensive scientific understanding of the processes involved in the production of Dragon's blood and the related conservation genomics research. In this study, we assembled a haplotype-resolved genome of D. cambodiana. The haploid genomes, haplotype A and haplotype B, are 1,015.22 Mb and 1,003.13 Mb in size, respectively. The completeness of haplotype A and haplotype B genomes was 98.60% and 98.20%, respectively, using the "embryophyta_10" dataset. Haplotype A and haplotype B genomes contained 27,361 and 27,066 protein-coding genes, respectively, with nearly all being functionally annotated. These findings provide new insights into the genomic characteristics of D. cambodiana and will offer additional genomic resources for studying the biosynthesis mechanism of Dragon's blood and the horticultural application of Dragon trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed scanning electron microscopy to investigate the pollen morphology of Taiwanese Asparagaceae species, revealing that their pollen morphology closely aligns with that of other monocotyledonous plant taxa such as Asparagales, Commelinales, and Bromeliales. Despite the overall similarity, variations in pollen morphology across different genera were noted, highlighting its potential utility in classification. Unlike the wide diversity observed in flower morphology, Asparagaceae pollen morphology appears conservative, rendering it less effective as a taxonomic marker at the species level. The study also delved into the effects of pollenkitt and harmomegathy on pollen morphology, discovering that pollenkitt partially or completely coats the pollen surface, potentially complicating the identification of exine sculpture. Furthermore, the harmomegathic effect was observed to influence aperture dynamics. Consequently, observing both hydrated and dried pollen is advisable, as it can more accurately depict the pollen's aperture morphology and offer additional insights for pollen grain analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Chlorophytum is described and illustrated in this article. Morphological, root anatomical, pollen and molecular features were compared with its allied species C. laxum R.Br. which has apiculate anther, lanceolate bract, 16–18 nerved flat leaf and ellipsoid pollen with contrast to obtuse anther, ovate bract, 11–13 nerved conduplicate leaf and ovoid pollen. The molecular features complement the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the anatomy of normal and metamorphosed stems from two species of the Ruscus genus (R. hypoglossum L. and R. aculeatus L.) were analyzed using light microscopy. The structural characteristics of the two species were presented, with emphasis on the adaptations they present to environmental conditions. The normal strain from the species R. hypoglossum shows a greater amount of sclerenchyma fibers in the central cylinder compared to R. aculeatus; vascular bundles are more numerous in R. aculeatus, but smaller, with few elements of sclerenchyma, especially near the phloem. The metamorphosed stem (phyllocladia) shows a similar structural plan to the two species, with assimilating tissue under the epidermis and colorless tissue in the central part. The number of vascular bundles differs, they being more numerous, arranged in a circle, in R. hypoglossum. The anatomical peculiarities of the investigated species help us to understand their adaptation to the living environment, and also can help to identify the species when we only have fragments of the plant's body [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article evaluates select Mangave cultivars, which are a new addition to the horticultural scene. Mangaves are low-maintenance, versatile plants that can withstand various temperatures and are suitable for landscapes and containers. The article provides information on the breeding of Mangaves and the trial details of the evaluated cultivars. It also includes evaluations of the cultivars based on their appearance, growth habits, and flowering characteristics, categorizing them into excellent, fair, and poor ratings. The document emphasizes the importance of considering a mangave's flowering age and response to environmental conditions when selecting a cultivar. [Extracted from the article]

This study demonstrates that the vascular flora (Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Monocotyledons) of the Chapainawabganj district area consists of 247 species with two subspecies under 126 genera and 35 families. The pteridophytes and gymnosperms are represented by 19 and four species, respectively, whereas the monocotyledons (Liliopsida) are represented by 224 species. Poaceae, with 91 species, representing 36.84% of the flora, appears to be the largest family, followed by Cyperaceae 32, Araceae 19, Asparagaceae 12, and Arecaceae 11, which collectively constitute ca. 30% of this flora. Cyperus, comprising 18 species, is recorded as the largest genus, followed by Fimbristylis, Digitaria, Panicum, Bambusa, Urochloa, Dracaena, and Dioscorea. About 87.55% of this flora's taxa are herbs, 4.42% are palms, 3.61% are shrubs, and the rest are bamboos and trees. Erect herbs, forming 61.04% of the flora, comprise the most common life form. In this flora, almost 74.30% of the taxa are native, and the rest, 25.70%, are exotic. It is found that nearly 74.70% of the taxa are wild, 14.06% are planted, and 11.24% are cultivated. About 23.29% of taxa commonly occur throughout all upazilas in this district. Most of the species are harboured in fallow lands, roadsides, gardens, and homesteads. All species of this district's flora are known to be economically useful. Most of its habitats and ecosystems are exposed to different threats. Adequate measures with effective management plans should be adopted and implemented for the sustainable use, improvement, and conservation of this precious flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper continues the publication of Aspidistra species newly discovered in the flora of Vietnam. It includes an illustrated description of A. pentagona, found in the northern part of the country. Detailed analytical color illustrations, data on morphology and ecology, phenology, tentative relationships, distribution and expected conservation status are provided for the discovered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Premise Target sequence capture (Hyb‐Seq) is a cost‐effective sequencing strategy that employs RNA probes to enrich for specific genomic sequences. By targeting conserved low‐copy orthologs, Hyb‐Seq enables efficient phylogenomic investigations. Here, we present Asparagaceae1726—a Hyb‐Seq probe set targeting 1726 low‐copy nuclear genes for phylogenomics in the angiosperm family Asparagaceae—which will aid the often‐challenging delineation and resolution of evolutionary relationships within Asparagaceae. Methods Here we describe and validate the Asparagaceae1726 probe set (https://github.com/bentzpc/Asparagaceae1726) in six of the seven subfamilies of Asparagaceae. We perform phylogenomic analyses with these 1726 loci and evaluate how inclusion of paralogs and bycatch plastome sequences can enhance phylogenomic inference with target‐enriched data sets. Results We recovered at least 82% of target orthologs from all sampled taxa, and phylogenomic analyses resulted in strong support for all subfamilial relationships. Additionally, topology and branch support were congruent between analyses with and without inclusion of target paralogs, suggesting that paralogs had limited effect on phylogenomic inference. Discussion Asparagaceae1726 is effective across the family and enables the generation of robust data sets for phylogenomics of any Asparagaceae taxon. Asparagaceae1726 establishes a standardized set of loci for phylogenomic analysis in Asparagaceae, which we hope will be widely used for extensible and reproducible investigations of diversification in the family.

A new furostanol glycoside (1), along with spirosta-5,25(27)-dien-1β,3β-diol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (2), were isolated from the leaves of Dracaena cambodiana. The structure of 1 was elucidated as (25R)-26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22α-methoxy-5α-furost-1β,3β,26-triol-1-O-β-Dglucopyranoside, which was determined by spectroscopic analysis 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS in positive mode). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phenol derivative, hostaphenol A (1), along with 16 known ones (2–17) were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the whole plants of Hosta ensata F. Maek. Their structures were elucidated by HRMS and NMR data as well as comparison with those reported in literature. The report of the first cyclopeptide and compounds 5, 6, 8, 10, 12–15, and 17 in the Asparagaceae family. Compound 2, as well as compounds 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 16 were reported for the first time from the Hosta genus and this plant, respectively. All compounds significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production at a concentration of 40 μM with no toxicity in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Among them, compounds 2–5 (40 μM) exerted obvious NO inhibitory activities, and their inhibition rate was exceeded 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plants with Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) have long been associated with a specialized anatomy, including succulence and thick photosynthetic tissues. Firm, quantitative boundaries between non‐CAM and CAM plants have yet to be established – if they indeed exist.Using novel computer vision software to measure anatomy, we combined new measurements with published data across flowering plants. We then used machine learning and phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate relationships between CAM and anatomy.We found significant differences in photosynthetic tissue anatomy between plants with differing CAM phenotypes. Machine learning‐based classification was over 95% accurate in differentiating CAM from non‐CAM anatomy, and had over 70% recall of distinct CAM phenotypes. Phylogenetic least squares regression and threshold analyses revealed that CAM evolution was significantly correlated with increased mesophyll cell size, thicker leaves, and decreased intercellular airspace.Our findings suggest that machine learning may be used to aid the discovery of new CAM species and that the evolutionary trajectory from non‐CAM to strong, obligate CAM requires continual anatomical specialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new spirostanol glycosides, (25S)-5α-spirosta-1β,3β-diol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-Dfucopyranoside (1) and 5α-spirost-(25)27-ene-1β,3β-diol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-(4-Osulfo)-β-D-fucopyranosyl 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), were isolated from the aerial part of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS in positive mode). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new homoisoflavonoid, (R)-3-(2,4-dihydroxybenzyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxychroman-4-one (1), has been isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum alte-lobatum, together with seven known compounds (2–8). The structure of the new compound 1 was determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Among the isolated compounds, compounds 1, 3, 5, and 6 showed potent inhibition with IC50 values of 18.04 ± 2.14, 19.87 ± 2.70, 16.88 ± 1.35, and 18.50 ± 1.52 μM, respectively, against LPS-induced NO generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophytum laxum of Asparagaceae is a valuable ornamental plant native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plant also has medicinal properties and is used as source for folk medicine. Despite being commercially important, genetic studies of C. laxum are still limited. To expand the genomic information of this plant species, we sequenced, assembled, and characterized its complete chloroplast genome. The chloroplast genome was 153,678 bp in length, with a large single-copy region (83,225 bp) and a small single-copy region (18,031 bp) separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,211 bp each). A total of 127 genes were predicted, including 81 protein-coding, 38 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The overall GC content was 37.3%. Based on current sampling size, phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence revealed that the relationship in Chlorophytum is well resolved; C. laxum was closely related to C. rhizopendulum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipcadi montanum (Dalz.) Baker ( Asparagaceae) is a rare scapigerous herb endemic to the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot running parallel to the western coast of India. This study reports the development of a reproducible protocol for mass propagation of this underutilized geophyte using bulb scale and immature leaf base explants. Miniature bulblets were successfully induced from both types of explants after 4 and 8 weeks of culture on full-strength semisolid MS basal medium fortified with 3% sucrose and varying levels of BAP (4.4-17.7 μM) and TDZ (4.5-18.1 μM). The addition of 2.7 μM NAA further enhanced the rate of microbulb induction. Rooting of the 8-week-old bulblets, obtained from both explants, was achieved with more than 90% efficiency on liquid as well as agar-gelled half-strength MS basal medium fortified with varying levels of IBA (2.46-9.84 μM) and NAA (2.68-10.74 μM), with or without 2.32 μM Kinetin. More than 95% of the rooted plants survived the initial acclimatization process under controlled ex-vitro conditions, and a survival rate of over 80% was recorded after 4 weeks of transfer to greenhouse conditions. After a brief dormancy, the regenerants resumed growth in the postmonsoon season and exhibited morphological resemblance to the donor plant. Comparative cytological analysis between the donor and 15 randomly selected regenerants revealed a stable somatic count of 2 n = 20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agave durangensis commonly known as agave cenizo, is an endemic Agave species in Mexico used for mescal production, yet its taxonomic delimitation is still controversial. This study aimed to enhance taxonomic clarity by characterizing its chloroplast genome. Chloroplast DNA was isolated from 2-year-old A. durangensis leaves. The complete chloroplast genome size was 156,441 bp, comprising a large single-copy region (LSC), a pair of inverted repeat regions (IR), and a small single-copy region (SSC). Annotation revealed 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs, with notable gene inversions. Phylogenetic analysis suggests, A. durangensis forms a separate lineage within the Agave genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new steroidal saponins, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22α-methoxy-5α-furost-25(27)-ene-1β,3β,26-triol 1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), and 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22α-methoxy-furosta-5,25(27)-diene-1β,3β,26-triol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside (2) were isolated and elucidated from the roots of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. Their structures were established by interpretation of spectroscopic data (1 D and 2 D NMR) and mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollination of Dipcadi saxorum Blatt. was studied in Thane and Mumbai suburban districts, Maharashtra, India, during the flowering season from June to August for a period of two years. The flowers are nocturnal, producing scent and nectar at nightfall, which extends up to morning hours, attracting many visitors. The study shows that the species is self-incompatible and that its foul-acrid odour is mainly because of aldehydes and esters. Settling moths, Heliothus peltigera and Chrysodexis acuta, as well as hovering moths, Macroglossum stellatarum and Cephanodes hylas, are pollinators of D. saxorum Blatt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saponins are naturally occurring compounds ubiquitously present in various organisms, predominantly in plants. They are noted for forming colloidal solutions in water, which foam on shaking and precipitate cholesterol. Several in vitro and in vivo tests on mixtures and individual saponins have revealed a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities, including cancer-related activity, antiphlogistic and antiallergic, immunomodulating, antihepatotoxic, antiviral, hypoglycemic, antifungal and molluscicidal activities. The Dracaena genus is renowned for an abundance of steroidal saponins utilized in treating digestive and hematological disorders. Previous studies on this genus revealed the presence of steroidal saponins, some of which showed cytotoxic activities against cultured tumor cells and interesting biological activities. This study procured steroidal saponin from the foliage of D. draco L. using various chromatographic techniques and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis. The structure was deduced as 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22-O-methylfurosta-5,25(27)-diene-1β,3β,22α,26- tetrol 1-O-{O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}; a compound previously isolated from the underground parts of Ruscus aculeatus in Japan. Future evaluation of the saponin’s biological activity is imperative to enhance chemotaxonomic data concerning the chemical composition and biological functionality of D. draco L. and, by extension, the Dracaena genus.

The pulque maguey is a perennial plant that provides several environmental benefits. Although its plantation has been drastically reduced, its primary economic and cultural use is the production of fermented, low-cost beverages. In this study, morphological and chemical analyses were conducted, which contribute to the knowledge that allows for the extraction of high-value products from pulque maguey biomass. The Agave salmiana varieties studied were Ayoteco (Ayo), Púa Larga (PL), Manso (Man), Chalqueño (Chal), Blanco Cenizo (BC), and Sha'mini (Sha), as well as a "Verde" variety known as Cosmimaco (VC). The data was analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test (α = 0.05), followed by multiple means comparison using the Tukey procedure (α = 0.05), the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, and the Dunn-Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). In order to differentiate the agave varieties by their chemical compositions, a canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was applied. The lipid percentage (1.1-1.7 %) and the cellulose content (61-71 %) were higher than those reported for other Agave species. The BC variety contains a high concentration of cellulose and the least amount of lignin, making it a viable option for the energy industry. The CDA identified two discriminant functions that explained 95 % of the variance between the A. salmiana species in this study: ash content and lignin content. The results indicate that the amount of cellulose in pulque maguey leaves is an option to obtain products with a higher commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Massonia grandiflora flowers are visited and pollinated by mice and elephant-shrews. • Pollen surrogate transfer from anthers to stigma proves mammal pollination. • M. grandiflora flowers show adaptations to non-flying mammal pollination. • Choice experiments showed that nectar scent is attractive for the mammals. • Crypsis, viscous and bitter nectar might deter bees and birds. Pollination by small non-flying mammals occurs in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Neotropics. One hotspot is in the winter rainfall zone of the Cape Floral Region of South Africa. This phenomenon is known for a handful of plant lineages, of which one comprises geoflorous monocots including the tribe Hyacintheae of the Asparagaceae. Small mammal pollination has been documented for four members of the Hyacintheae. A further representative of this taxon, Massonia grandiflora , is hypothesized to be pollinated by small mammals as it shares floral characters with other plants adapted to small mammal pollinators. The study aims at the identification of the pollinators and the characterisation of the floral features of M. grandiflora as well as to experimentally test whether the plants' nectar scent is an attractant to the flower visitors. With direct observations and video monitoring, we demonstrate the fitting between the head of elephant-shrews and rodents and the bowl-shaped flowers with protruding stigmas and styles as well as pollen transfer from the plants' anthers on the animals' body parts that made contact with the stigma. We experimentally show the transfer of pollen surrogates by elephant-shrews and rodents from the anthers via the animals' fur onto the stigmas of conspecific flowers. Pollen loads on the animals' snout and in their faeces represent indirect evidence for flower visits. Insects and birds were not observed as nectar consumers. Choice tests revealed that mice and elephant-shrews are attracted by nectar scent. We conclude that the fragrant nectar attracts mice and elephant-shrews as pollinators, whereas its bitterness and viscosity as well as the flowers' visual crypsis might filter out insects (and birds) as less effective pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Dioecy (separate sexes) has independently evolved numerous times across the angiosperm phylogeny and is recently derived in many lineages. However, our understanding is limited regarding the evolutionary mechanisms that drive the origins of dioecy in plants. The recent and repeated evolution of dioecy across angiosperms offers an opportunity to make strong inferences about the ecological, developmental, and molecular factors influencing the evolution of dioecy, and thus sex chromosomes. The genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae) is an emerging model taxon for studying dioecy and sex chromosome evolution, yet estimates for the age and origin of dioecy in the genus are lacking. Methods: We use plastome sequences and fossil time calibrations in phylogenetic analyses to investigate the age and origin of dioecy in the genus Asparagus. We also review the diversity of sexual systems present across the genus to address contradicting reports in the literature. Results: We estimate that dioecy evolved once or twice approximately 2.78−3.78 million years ago in Asparagus, of which roughly 27% of the species are dioecious and the remaining are hermaphroditic with monoclinous flowers. Conclusions: Our findings support previous work implicating a young age and the possibility of two origins of dioecy in Asparagus, which appear to be associated with rapid radiations and range expansion out of Africa. Lastly, we speculate that paleoclimatic oscillations throughout northern Africa may have helped set the stage for the origin(s) of dioecy in Asparagus approximately 2.78−3.78 million years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archives and correspondences are often overlooked resources in assessing taxonomic and nomenclatural information and this sometimes affects taxonomic proposals. Here we show that unpublished illustrations not only can definitively help in identifying unresolved or poorly known names but can be themselves original material and sometimes must serve as types, avoiding neotypes or misleading synonymizations. We present the case of three names introduced by the Neapolitan botanist Michele Tenore (Muscari strangwaysii, Asparagaceae; Pogostemon suavis and Salvia menthifolia, Lamiaceae). They have been interpreted differently over time because herbarium specimens that constituted original material were not accurately searched for (M. strangwaysii) or were unavailable (P. suavis, S. menthifolia). Although these three names are currently synonymized (with M. neglectum, P. cablin, and S. chamaedryoides) we demonstrate that these synonymies are not correct, based on the detailed study of original nineteenth‐century watercolour paintings, a re‐examination of protologues and specimens preserved in the Botanical Garden of Naples (NAP). The watercolour paintings are crucial for application of the names, because diagnostic features often disappear with drying (M. strangwaysii), or because they are the only extant original material (P. suavis). In all three cases we introduce new typifications for the names and update the synonymy to M. botryoides, P. heyneanus, and S. microphylla, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation and characterization of Yucca Filifera (Asparagaceae) fibers (YFF) and their incorporation into polypropylene (PP) matrices of two molecular weights are reported. Apart from the fibers sectioning and dehydration, saponates, phenols, hemicellulose, and lignin were systematically extracted. Moisture was a primary factor in the as‐sectioned samples, and dehydration was followed by volatiles extraction, including saponates and phenols. An optimized mixture of alcohols (80% methanol/20% ethanol v/v) was used to extract the remaining volatiles (adsorbed water, phenols, and saponates). The dried fibers were then cyclically treated in an autoclave using a dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with the purpose of decreasing external lignin and hemicellulose. After extractions, the fiber product was directly incorporated into PP of two molecular weights, film/fiber (PP35) and injection molding (PP11) grades. The average crystallization temperatures from the melt increased slightly in the presence of YFF as an indication of heterogeneous nucleation. Although the crystallization degree decreased perceptibly depending on the fiber content. The apparent viscosity measurements as a function of shear rate, at low fiber concentrations (10 wt%), displayed partial compatibility between the treated YFF and PP11. In contrast, high fiber concentrations (30 wt%) in PP35 showed only a range of partial compatibility at high shear rates. Mechanical elongation and bending demonstrated an increase in the corresponding moduli as an indication of fiber reinforcement with a biodegradable additive. The higher tensile modulus was obtained at the expense of mechanical deformation. Highlights: A desert plant fiber works as reinforcement for PP composites.The fibers preparation extracts saponates, phenols, and partially lignin and hemicellulose.Fibers are heterogeneous enough for compatibility with the PP matrices.Fibers mechanically reinforced PP in proportion to their concentration.Reinforcement depends on the molecular weight of the PP matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history and typification of the five species belonging in the genus Galtonia Decne. (Hyacinthaceae) are discussed. Lectotypes are designated for the names Hyacinthus candicans Baker and Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker. The new spontaneous hybrid Galtonia x ceredigionis J. Compton & Schrire, formed from a natural cross between G. candicans (Baker) Decne. and G. princeps (Baker) Decne., is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Lomandra (Asparagaceae: Lomandroideae) is taxonomically revised for New Guinea with two species recognised, L. banksii and L. decomposita. Both also occur in northeast Queensland,Australia, and the former is also recorded in New Caledonia. Lectotypification of the basionym Xerotes banksii R.Br., now L. banksii, is designated. Notes are provided for both species. An updated identification key for the New Guinean Lomandra species is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slugs are one of the most important pests of vegetable and fruit crops in Pamplona. The aims mas to evaluate the molluscicidal action of plant extracts from three species of Agavaceae as alternatives to control strawberry slug pests, in the municipality of Pamplona, Norte de Santander. A field experiment was developed in a Fragaria sp. in 2021 at the "Villa María" farm, Pamplona Norte De Santander (Colombia). Treatments with plant extracts of three Agavaceae plants were made in the form of juice t and in fractional form, compared with a control. Slug populations, technical efficiency and fruit damage were evaluated three, five and seven days after the treatments. The phytopesticide treatments based on Furcraea andina, both in the form of 20 % juice and in fractions of leaves at 4 kg/10 L of water, were statistically superior to the rest of the treatments in reducing slug populations and reduced damage. by slugs significantly in the fruits with the second application. The extracts of F. andina, were superior to those of the rest of the Agavaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lomandra is the largest genus in Asparagaceae subfamily Lomandroideae and possesses economic, ecological, and ethnobotanical significance in Australia. Lomandra comprises four sections, L. section Capitatae , L. section Macrostachya , L. section Typhopsis and L. section Lomandra, the latter comprising series Lomandra and series Sparsiflorae , all recognized based solely on morphology. In this study, phylogenetic relationships were estimated for 79 Lomandroideae individuals, including 45 Lomandra species and subspecies (c. 63% of species and subspecies diversity). We generated genome-scale plastome sequence data and used maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference criteria for phylogenetic estimation. Lomandra was non-monophyletic, with Xerolirion divaricata nested within it. Two major clades were recovered: Capitatae–Macrostachya (CM) and Lomandra–Typhopsis (LT). The CM clade included a monophyletic Lomandra section Capitatae with a base chromosome number x  = 7, and L. section Macrostachya (x  = 8); the LT clade included L. sections Typhopsis and Lomandra , both x  = 8. Section Lomandra series Lomandra and series Sparsiflorae were both recovered as non-monophyletic. Morphological characters were assessed to identify combinations of characters that characterize clades. A base chromosome number of x  = 8 was plesiomorphic for Lomandra. The largest number of Lomandra species occupy the Mediterranean ecoregion and occupancy of sclerophyll vegetation was reconstructed as ancestral for the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

With the aim of inferring phylogenetic relationships among 86 species (including 45 species from Vietnam) mostly of the subfamily Convallarioideae (=Nolinoideae) (Asparagaceae sensu APG IV), we analyzed their chloroplast DNA sequences (rbcL and trnL-F) by both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Our dataset included six of the seven tribes classified in this subfamily; Convallarieae, Dracaeneae, Liriopeae Nolineae, Polygonateae and Rusceae (Eriospermeae not examined). Our study supported the sisterhood between Convallarioideae and Asparagoideae and the monophyly of all the tribes except Polygonateae. Within the Convallarioideae we examined, Dracaena formed the basalmost clade. Theropogon did not positively nest in any of the tribes including Convallarieae in which it had often been classified. It was weakly defined as the second basalmost branch. Ruscus (Rusceae) nested in Polygonateae as the sister to Maianthemum, hence Polygonateae was recognized here as paraphyletic. Nolineae was discordant in position between BI and ML analyses, probably reflecting the limited molecular markers we examined. In both BI and ML analyses, all genera of Liriopeae and Convallarieae were monophyletic and their intergeneric relationships were consistent. In Liriopeae, Liriope was sister to the clade of Ophiopogon + Peliosanthes. In Convallarieae, Aspidistra + Tupistra formed the sister clade to Reineckea + Rohdea. Interspecific relationships within these genera were, however, not clearly resolved, except for several pairs of sister species. We also briefly discussed some of the resultant phylogenetic relationships from the morphological and/or evolutionary aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binomial Muscari neglectum is commonly used for a widespread Mediterranean geophyte. However, the correct authorship has long been disputed. Here we show, in a rather unusual case, that the authorship must be attributed to Michele Tenore and to the renowned zoologist Giosuè Sangiovanni; the latter is otherwise unlisted among botanical authorities. As several different lectotypes of the name have been proposed over the years, we clarify which designation should be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Journal of Economic & Taxonomic Botany, provides information on the extended distribution of two plant species in India. The first part of the article discusses the discovery of two species of Euphorbia in West Bengal that were not previously documented. The second part focuses on the identification of Tupistra nagarum in Assam, expanding its known distribution from Nagaland. The document offers detailed descriptions, habitat information, and distribution maps to aid in the identification of these plants. Additionally, it provides a taxonomic treatment of T. nagarum, describing its physical characteristics, ecology, distribution, and taxonomic classification. [Extracted from the article]

Sansevieria is a genus consisting of about 60 species natively distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Many Sansevieria species are used for ornamental purposes or in traditional medicine to treat human diseases. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii,’ commonly known as snake plant, is an evergreen perennial plant used in traditional medicine. The phytochemical investigation of the roots of S. trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ resulted in the isolation and structural characterization of two previously reported saponins: (24S,25R)-1b-[(β-D-fucopyranosyl)oxy]-3b-hydroxyspirost-5-en-24-yl β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 26-[(β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3β,22α-dihydroxyfurosta-5,25(27)-dien-1β-yl-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (2) by analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HR-ESI-MS, together with the comparison to data published in the literature.

The search for therapeutic agents that improve kidney function against doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity is important. Herein, the potential nephroprotective activity by Asparagus falcatus L. (AF, Asparagaceae) leaf extracts against doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity (5 mg/kg, ip) in Wistar rats (n = 6/group) after oral administration of hexane (55 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (35 mg/kg), butanol (75 mg/kg), and aqueous (200 mg/kg) extracts of AF for 28 consecutive days was investigated. It was noticed that the treatment with the selected extracts of AF significantly attenuated doxorubicin-induced elevations of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, β2-microglobulin, cystatin C, and proteinuria in experimental rats. The histology showed attenuation of the features of acute tubular injury. Treatment regimens significantly reversed the doxorubicin-induced reduction in total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity in renal tissue homogenates. A suppression in lipid peroxidation was noted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol extracts of AF. Moreover, a reduction in the concentration of the pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α (p < 0.05), and immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 were observed. The immunohistochemical expression of pro-apoptotic Bax protein was decreased and the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 was increased in renal tissues following the treatments. In conclusion, it was revealed that, hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous extracts of AF attenuate doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity in Wistar rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways. The plant, AF could be recommended as a promising therapeutic agent to minimize renal toxicity induced by doxorubicin in cancer patients, however, subsequent clinical trials are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chromosome number and genome size changes via dysploidy and polyploidy accompany plant diversification and speciation. Such changes often impact also morphological characters. An excellent system to address the questions of how extensive and structured chromosomal changes within one species complex affect the phenotype is the monocot species complex of Barnardia japonica. This taxon contains two well established and distinct diploid cytotypes differing in base chromosome numbers (AA: x = 8, BB: x = 9) and their allopolyploid derivatives on several ploidy levels (from 3x to 6x). This extensive and structured genomic variation, however, is not mirrored by gross morphological differentiation. Results: The current study aims to analyze the correlations between the changes of chromosome numbers and genome sizes with palynological and leaf micromorphological characters in diploids and selected allopolyploids of the B. japonica complex. The chromosome numbers varied from 2n = 16 and 18 (2n = 25 with the presence of supernumerary B chromosomes), and from 2n = 26 to 51 in polyploids on four different ploidy levels (3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x). Despite additive chromosome numbers compared to diploid parental cytotypes, all polyploid cytotypes have experienced genome downsizing. Analyses of leaf micromorphological characters did not reveal any diagnostic traits that could be specifically assigned to individual cytotypes. The variation of pollen grain sizes correlated positively with ploidy levels. Conclusions: This study clearly demonstrates that karyotype and genome size differentiation does not have to be correlated with morphological differentiation of cytotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides new karyological information on polyploid cytotypes of Muscari neglectum. Classical cytogenetic with the Feulgen technique and banding with Giemsa was used. Pentaploid, hexaploid and heptaploid levels of ploidy are here reported. The complement of the rare heptaploid cytotype consisted of 2n = 7x = 63: 49 m + 14sm chromosomes. Two heptaploid specimens with chromosome numbers 60 and 62 were also found. Karyotypes were symmetrical, with metacentric chromosomes more numerous than submetacentric. The morphometric parameters MCA and CVCL were used for the evaluation of karyotype asymmetry. For the first time, a detailed study using Giemsa C-banding is reported. The C-banding patterns included centromeric and terminal bands. In the cytotype with 62 chromosomes, the banding patterns identified the presence of a chromosome with terminal band in both arms. To explain the origin of this karyotype, we suggest that fusion occurred between a group IV chromosome and a group V chromosome. The relationship between the polyploid cytotypes of M. neglectum is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan has 16 native species of the genus Hosta Tratt. (Asparagaceae). A recent study on Hosta based on field surveys and molecular phylogenetic analyses resulted in the discovery of six unknown taxa in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku Island, southwestern Japan. We aimed to identify these unknown taxa. Therefore, we constructed a finely resolved phylogeny for 320 Hosta samples collected from the Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu Islands using multiplex inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq). Based on this phylogenetic analysis and related morphological observations, we describe five new species, H. longipedicellata sp. nov., H. minazukiflora sp. nov., H. polyneuronoides sp. nov., H. samukazemontana sp. nov., and H. takiminazukiflora sp. nov. and one new subspecies, H. takiminazukiflora subsp. grandis subsp. nov. In addition, we propose two new status assignments, H. tardiva subsp. densinervia comb. and stat. nov. and H. scabrinervia stat. nov. We also propose classifying H. kikutii var. tosana as a species, H. tosana. Further studies that combine MIG-seq with careful morphological observations are needed for Hosta plants on all Japanese islands, which may result in the discovery of even more undescribed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: The interaction between ecological and evolutionary processes has been recognized as an important factor shaping the evolutionary history of species. Some authors have proposed different ecological and evolutionary hypotheses concerning the relationships between plants and their pollinators; a special case is the interaction and suspected coevolution among Agave spp. and their main pollinators, the Leptonycteris bats. Agave spp. have, in general, a pollination syndrome compatible with chiropterophily including floral shape and size, nocturnal nectar production, and nectar quality and sugar concentration. Our goal was to analyze the interaction Agave–Leptonycteris and its dynamics during three different climate scenarios. Methods: We modeled the Agave–Leptonycteris interaction in its spatial and temporal components during the Pleistocene using Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) and three climate scenarios: Current, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and Last InterGlacial (LIG). Furthermore, we analyzed the geographic correlation between 96 Agave spp. and two of the Mexican Tequila bats, genus Leptonycteris. Results: We found that Leptonycteris spp. interact with different Agave spp. over their migratory routes. We propose an interaction refuge in Metztitlán and Tehuacán‐Cuicatlán areas, where Agave‐ Leptonycteris interaction has probably remained active. During the nonmigratory season, both bat species consume nectar of almost the same Agave spp., suggesting the possibility of a diffuse coevolution among Agave and Leptonycteris bats. Conclusions: We propose that in the areas related to migratory bat movements, each bat species interacts with different Agave spp., whereas in the areas occupied by nonmigrant individuals, both bat species consume nectar of almost the same Agave taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Crassulacean acid metabolism – or CAM photosynthesis – was described in the early to mid-20th century, and our understanding of this metabolic pathway was later expanded upon through detailed biochemical analyses of carbon balance. Soon after, scientists began to study the ecophysiological implications of CAM, and a large part of this early work was conducted in the genus Agave , in the subfamily Agavoideae of the family Asparagaceae. Today, the Agavoideae continues to be important for the study of CAM photosynthesis, from the ecophysiology of CAM species, to the evolution of the CAM phenotype and to the genomics underlying CAM traits. Here we review past and current work on CAM in the Agavoideae, in particular highlighting the work of Park Nobel in Agave , and focusing on the powerful comparative system the Agavoideae has become for studying the origins of CAM. We also highlight new genomics research and the potential for studying intraspecific variation within species of the Agavoideae, particularly species in the genus Yucca. The Agavoideae has served as an important model clade for CAM research for decades, and undoubtedly will continue to help push our understanding of CAM biology and evolution in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polygonatum kingianum has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine as well as a healthy food. Because of its highly variable morphology, this medicinal plant is often difficult to distinguish from other related verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species. The contaminants in P. kingianum products not only decrease the products' quality but also threaten consumer safety, seriously inhibiting the industrial application of P. kingianum. Methods: Nine complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of six verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species were de novo assembled and systematically analyzed. Results: The total lengths of newly sequenced cp genomes ranged from 155,437 to 155,977 bp, including 86/87 protein-coding, 38 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes, which all exhibited well-conserved genomic structures and gene orders. The differences in the IR/SC (inverted repeats/single-copy) boundary regions and simple sequence repeats were detected among the verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum cp genomes. Comparative cp genomes analyses revealed that a higher similarity was conserved in the IR regions than in the SC regions. In addition, 11 divergent hotspot regions were selected, providing potential molecular markers for the identification of the Polygonatum species with verticillate leaf types. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that, as a super barcode, plastids realized a fast and efficient identification that clearly characterized the relationships within the verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species. In brief, our results not only enrich the data on the cp genomes of the genus Polygonatum but also provide references for the P. kingianum germplasm resource protection, herbal cultivation, and drug production. Conclusion: This study not only accurately identifies P. kingianum species, but also provides valuable information for the development of molecular markers and phylogenetic analyses of the Polygonatum species with verticillate leaf types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]