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• Using SEM and LM, we examined nutlet samples at various stages, revealing stylopodium's structure. • Germination tests evaluated stylopodium's impact on seed germination under differing water conditions. • Study of five cyperoideae species, including those with both persistent and deciduous stylopodium, showed a consistent ontogenetic origin. • A revealed abscission layer in species with deciduous stylopodium, shed light on this unique trait. • Germination tests showed that persistent stylopodium potentially enhances seed germination, even in water challenges. The stylopodium is a reproductive feature found in the nutlet (fruit) of non-closely related Cyperoideae genera, with little known about its origin and function. We analyzed the stylopodium of Bulbostylis hirtella, Eleocharis sellowiana, Rhynchospora albiceps and R. sparsiflora (with a persistent stylopodium), as well as Fimbristylis dichotoma (with a deciduous stylopodium) to investigate their development and anatomical structure, previous related to water supply. The role of this structure on seed germination was tested in E. sellowiana and F. dichotoma under varying water availability conditions. The results demonstrated that the origin of the stylopodium can be traced to the enlargement of the style base, composed of tracheoids with water-related characteristics. An abscission layer was identified in deciduous stylopodium. Eleocharis sellowiana exhibited significantly higher percentages and rates of seed germination in relation to F. dichotoma , even in challenging water conditions. These findings suggest a potential role of the stylopodium in promoting seed germination, particularly under low water supply. The study emphasizes the significance of considering both historical and current ecological contexts when discussing the function of the stylopodium. Moreover, it underscores the need for further research to fully understand the role of the stylopodium across diverse environments within Cyperoideae genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schoenus vacillans is a sedge described from New Zealand in 1878 by Thomas Kirk. However, for over one hundred years, S. vacillans has been considered a synonym of the morphologically-variable S. apogon, which occurs in New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, New Guinea and possibly Japan. Here we investigate the taxonomic status of S. vacillans by examining chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences alongside morphology. Our analyses showed that S. vacillans and S. apogon are genetically distinct and are not sister taxa. Furthermore, S. vacillans is easily distinguished morphologically from S. apogon by its diffuse, many noded but few flowered inflorescences. Our results indicated that S. vacillans should be reinstated at species rank. Furthermore, it appears to be endemic to New Zealand and not conspecific with the Australian S. laxiflorus Steud., another putative segregate of S. apogon. Herbarium records indicate a distribution of S. vacillans from the central North Island northwards but there are few recent records and known populations are small. We suggest a threat ranking of Nationally Critical, with a Data Poor qualifier. Schoenus vacillans appears to prefer shady, damp sites on the sides of gullies and banks, particularly on slips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies about reproductive aspects of angiosperms rarely refer to herbaceous and anemophilous groups. Cyperaceae are cosmopolitan and diverse in terms of sexuality, inflorescence architecture, and pollination modes, such as anemophily, entomophily, and ambophily. Therefore, the evolution of reproductive traits can clarify some questions about the reproductive biology of angiosperms, especially regarding the transitions between biotic and abiotic pollination. This study was designed to investigate the evolution of reproductive traits in Cyperaceae through comparative phylogenetic methods, such as reconstruction of ancestral states and evolutionary correlation. If spicoids in Mapanioideae are indeed inflorescences, the bisexual flower in Cyperaceae would be derived, a rare case in angiosperms. In Cyperoideae, a decrease in the number of flowers and an increase in stamen loss events were observed. This result contradicts the hypothesized increase in reproductive structures in anemophilous species, in which a greater amount of pollen is produced to compensate for the waste generated by wind. Only one correlation was found: between the number of inflorescence branches and the number of reproductive units per inflorescence. Finally, the analyses showed the great diversity of reproductive biology in Cyperaceae and made evident the need to expand the theoretical studies to refine the discovery of correlated traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elongated biconvex Carex fossil fruits are relatively common in fossil assemblages, but they are of much uncertain taxonomic affinity. Three fossil-species have been erected to accommodate the materials from the respective type localities (C. klarae, C. paucifloriformis and C. paucifloroides) and a number of superficially similar-looking fossils were reported from other sites. The formerly proposed affinities mostly pointed to the extant C. pauciflora (subgen. Euthyceras) or Carex sect. Cyperoideae (subgen. Vignea), depending on the authors. But despite the similar superficial resemblance of the fossil remains to these not very closely related sedge taxa, other groups are also possible matches. We used a comparative approach employing stereomicroscope and SEM to analyze the affinities of several Old World "mummified" fossils (ca. 23 to 0.1 Ma) of elongated biconvex fruits. Several samples showed a fair preservation of previously unattested microscopic characters. In particular, one of them allowed us to detect an indirect record of fine silica body morphologies (impressions) on the periclinal walls, which permitted the sound taxonomic placement of the remains from the Miocene of Siberia as a Carex sect. Cyperoideae. In all the other fossils analyzed, the epidermal cell outline and the central position of the main silica body were sufficient to discard assignment to subgen. Euthyceras, despite a purported affinity to C. pauciflora reported in previous literature. In the absence of detailed information on silica bodies, epidermal cell (exocarp) details in fossil specimens do not seem to be determinant for the systematic placement. However, the addition of diagnostic style characters pointed to sect. Cyperoideae as the best match with the available information. Our data support a continued presence of Carex sect. Cyperoideae in the Old World since the Miocene, which candidates Eurasia as a possible place of origin for it, despite DNA-based reconstructions alone proposed North America. This study underlines the importance of detailed taxonomic studies to properly address the identity of fossils and unravel the biogeographic history of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Increases in genome size in plants—often associated with larger, low‐density stomata and greater water‐use efficiency (WUE)—could affect plant ecophysiological and hydraulic function. Variation in plant genome size is often due to polyploidy, having occurred repeatedly in the austral sedge genus Schoenus in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), while species in the other major schoenoid genus in the region, Tetraria, have smaller genomes. Comparing these genera is useful as they co‐occur at the landscape level, under broadly similar bioclimatic conditions. We hypothesized that CFR Schoenus have greater WUE, with lower maximum stomatal conductance (gwmax) imposed by larger, less‐dense stomata. Methods: We investigated relationships between genome size and stomatal parameters in a phylogenetic context, reconstructing a phylogeny of CFR‐occurring Schoeneae (Cyperaceae). Species' stomatal and functional traits were measured from field‐collected and herbarium specimens. Carbon stable isotopes were used as an index of WUE. Genome size was derived from flow‐cytometric measurements of leafy shoots. Results: Evolutionary regressions demonstrated that stomatal size and density covary with genome size, positively and negatively, respectively, with genome size explaining 72–75% of the variation in stomatal size. Larger‐genomed species had lower gwmax and C:N ratios, particularly in culms. Conclusions: We interpret differences in vegetative physiology between the genera as evidence of more‐conservative strategies in CFR Schoenus compared to the more‐acquisitive Tetraria. Because Schoenus have smaller, reduced leaves, they likely rely more on culm photosynthesis than Tetraria. Across the CFR Schoeneae, ecophysiology correlates with genome size, but confounding sources of trait variation limit inferences about causal relationships between traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation is a basic eco-friendly technique that uses to treat contaminated water and soil. The plants that remediate the water and soil by their absorption process and improve the water and sediment fertility or decrease the contamination. Form this experiment our finding suggest that the contamination decrease in majority from starting point to end point, it means plants plays the most important role in clean-up the environment and its cost-efficient method to improve the quality of water and soil. This study was carried out on Uben River which is around 50kms long and we covered around 41.88kms of area which divided into six locations. in soil minerals (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+) from Up-stream to Down-stream the concentration of minerals is in decreasing order but in heavy metals (Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+) the concentration data is varying. We selected plants that grow around riverbanks belongs to family Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Typhaceae. Most of the plants accumulate high Fe2+ concentrations in their root while in the shoots have low concentration observed from our data. For the statistical validation of data, we perform Grouped Component Analysis (GCA) and Radial Cluster Hierarchy (RCH) analysis. Further we included pollution indices: Contamination factor (CF), Degree of contamination (Cd), Geo accumulation index (Igeo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds are the main special metabolites of Cyperaceae species from phytochemical, pharmacological, and chemotaxonomical points of view. The present study focused on the isolation, structure determination, and pharmacological investigation of constituents from Carex praecox. Twenty-six compounds, including lignans, stilbenes, flavonoids, megastigmanes, chromenes, and phenylpropanoids, were identified from the methanol extract of the plant. Five of these compounds, namely, carexines A–E, are previously undescribed natural products. All compounds were isolated for the first time from C. praecox. The ACE-inhibitory activity of seven stilbenoid compounds was tested, and (–)-hopeaphenol proved to be the most active (IC50 7.7 ± 0.9 μM). The enzyme–kinetic studies revealed a mixed-type inhibition; therefore, domain-specific studies were also conducted. The in silico docking of (–)-hopeaphenol to the ACE affirmed some favorable interactions. In addition, the antiproliferative and antibacterial effects of some compounds were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyperus stoloniferus is an important species in coastal ecosystems and possesses economic and ecological value. To elucidate the structural characteristics, variation, and evolution of the organelle genome of C. stoloniferus, we sequenced, assembled, and compared its mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. Results: We assembled the mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes of C. stoloniferus. The total length of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) was 927,413 bp, with a GC content of 40.59%. It consists of two circular DNAs, including 37 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and five rRNAs. The length of the chloroplast genome (cpDNA) was 186,204 bp, containing 93 PCGs, 40 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The mtDNA and cpDNA contained 81 and 129 tandem repeats, respectively, and 346 and 1,170 dispersed repeats, respectively, both of which have 270 simple sequence repeats. The third high-frequency codon (RSCU > 1) in the organellar genome tended to end at A or U, whereas the low-frequency codon (RSCU < 1) tended to end at G or C. The RNA editing sites of the PCGs were relatively few, with only 9 and 23 sites in the mtDNA and cpDNA, respectively. A total of 28 mitochondrial plastid DNAs (MTPTs) in the mtDNA were derived from cpDNA, including three complete trnT-GGU, trnH-GUG, and trnS-GCU. Phylogeny and collinearity indicated that the relationship between C. stoloniferus and C. rotundus are closest. The mitochondrial rns gene exhibited the greatest nucleotide variability, whereas the chloroplast gene with the greatest nucleotide variability was infA. Most PCGs in the organellar genome are negatively selected and highly evolutionarily conserved. Only six mitochondrial genes and two chloroplast genes exhibited Ka/Ks > 1; in particular, atp9, atp6, and rps7 may have undergone potential positive selection. Conclusion: We assembled and validated the mtDNA of C. stoloniferus, which contains a 15,034 bp reverse complementary sequence. The organelle genome sequence of C. stoloniferus provides valuable genomic resources for species identification, evolution, and comparative genomic research in Cyperaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C. C. Gmelin) Palla is a typical macrophyte in diverse wetland ecosystems. This species holds great potential in decontamination applications and carbon sequestration. Previous studies have shown that this species may have experienced recent polyploidization. This would make S. tabernaemontani a unique model to study the processes and consequences of whole-genome duplications in the context of the well-documented holocentric chromosomes and dysploidy events in Cyperaceae. However, the inference was not completely solid because it lacked homology information that is essential to ascertain polyploidy. We present here the first chromosome-level genome assembly for S. tabernaemontani. By combining Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long reads and Illumina short reads, plus chromatin conformation via the Hi-C method, we assembled a genome spanning 507.96 Mb, with 99.43% of Hi-C data accurately mapped to the assembly. The assembly contig N50 value was 3.62 Mb. The overall BUSCO score was 94.40%. About 68.94% of the genome was comprised of repetitive elements. A total of 36,994 protein-coding genes were predicted and annotated. Long terminal repeat retrotransposons accounted for ∼26.99% of the genome, surpassing the content observed in most sequenced Cyperid genomes. Our well-supported haploid assembly comprised 21 pseudochromosomes, each harboring putative holocentric centromeres. Our findings corroborated a karyotype of 2 n = 2 X = 42. We also confirmed a recent whole-genome duplication occurring after the divergence between Schoenoplecteae and Bolboschoeneae. Our genome assembly expands the scope of sequenced genomes within the Cyperaceae family, encompassing the fifth genus. It also provides research resources on Cyperid evolution and wetland conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Structural colour is responsible for the remarkable metallic blue colour seen in the leaves of several plants. Species belonging to only ten genera have been investigated to date, revealing four photonic structures responsible for structurally coloured leaves. One of these is the helicoidal cell wall, known to create structural colour in the leaf cells of five taxa. Here we investigate a broad selection of land plants to understand the phylogenetic distribution of this photonic structure in leaves. Methods We identified helicoidal structures in the leaf epidermal cells of 19 species using transmission electron microscopy. Pitch measurements of the helicoids were compared with the reflectance spectra of circularly polarized light from the cells to confirm the structure–colour relationship. Results By incorporating species examined with a polarizing filter, our results increase the number of taxa with photonic helicoidal cell walls to species belonging to at least 35 genera. These include 19 monocot genera, from the orders Asparagales (Orchidaceae) and Poales (Cyperaceae, Eriocaulaceae, Rapateaceae) and 16 fern genera, from the orders Marattiales (Marattiaceae), Schizaeales (Anemiaceae) and Polypodiales (Blechnaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Lomariopsidaceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Tectariaceae). Conclusions Our investigation adds considerably to the recorded diversity of plants with structurally coloured leaves. The iterative evolution of photonic helicoidal walls has resulted in a broad phylogenetic distribution, centred on ferns and monocots. We speculate that the primary function of the helicoidal wall is to provide strength and support, so structural colour could have evolved as a potentially beneficial chance function of this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A search of herbarium data repositories available online revealed a notable collection of Carex scirpoidea (Cyperaceae) made by Joachim Heinrich Schuette in 1884 from Brown Co., Wisconsin, USA. This accession is the first and only known record of this now extirpated species from the state. While this locality represents a modest expansion of the known range of C. scirpoidea, errors in the aforementioned databases resulting from the complex nomenclatural history of this taxon confound our understanding of its distribution, particularly along its southern edge in the Midwest and Eastern North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phytoremediation is a basic eco-friendly technique that uses to treat contaminated water and soil. The plants that remediate the water and soil by their absorption process and improve the water and sediment fertility or decrease the contamination. Form this experiment our finding suggest that the contamination decrease in majority from starting point to end point, it means plants plays the most important role in clean-up the environment and its cost-efficient method to improve the quality of water and soil. This study was carried out on Uben River which is around 50kms long and we covered around 41.88kms of area which divided into six locations. in soil minerals (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+) from Up-stream to Down-stream the concentration of minerals is in decreasing order but in heavy metals (Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+) the concentration data is varying. We selected plants that grow around riverbanks belongs to family Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Typhaceae. Most of the plants accumulate high Fe2+ concentrations in their root while in the shoots have low concentration observed from our data. For the statistical validation of data, we perform Grouped Component Analysis (GCA) and Radial Cluster Hierarchy (RCH) analysis. Further we included pollution indices: Contamination factor (CF), Degree of contamination (C d), Geo accumulation index (Igeo).

Tribe Carpheae presently includes Carpha and Trianoptiles. Sixteen species were recovered in Carpha Banks & Sol. ex R.Br. sens. lat. by phenetic analyses and these species were separated into two clades that we recognise here as genera Carpha sens. str. and Asterochaete Nees, on the basis of phylogenetic analyses. We present a new taxonomy for the two genera, including eleven species in Asterochaete (A. acuminata X.F.Zhang, A. angustissima (Cherm.) X.F.Zhang, A. borbonica (Steud.) X.F.Zhang, A. capitellata Nees, A. dactyloides (Vahl) K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl , A. discolor T.H.Arnold ex X.F.Zhang, A. eminii (C.B.Clarke) X.F.Zhang, A. filifolia (C.Reid & T.H.Arnold) X.F.Zhang, A. nitens Kunth, A. schlechteri (C.B.Clarke) X.F.Zhang and A. ulugurensis Nelmes ex X.F.Zhang) and five species in Carpha sens. str. (C. alpina R.Br., C. curvata W.M.Curtis, C. nivicola F.Muell., C. rodwayi W.M.Curtis, and C. schoenoides Banks & Sol. ex Hook.f.), with one unassigned name (Carpha aristata Kük.). Asterochaete acuminata , A. discolor and A. ulugurensis are new species; a new combination, A. dactyloides, is made for what was previously called A. glomerata (Nees) Nees. The ranks of Asterochaete angustissima, Carpha schoenoides and C. nivicola are clarified, whereas Carpha bracteosa C.B.Clarke and C. perrieri Cherm. are synonymised with A. capitellata. From sea level to snowy mountains, from swamps to bare volcanic rocks grow two groups of flowering plants restricted to the Southern Hemisphere. These sedges, in the genera Asterochaete and Carpha , are usually treated under Carpha but evolutionary studies support recognition of both. Photogenic features of the fruit and perianth allow easy recognition of the genera and we provide tools for the identification of the species, including three new to science and the Australian alpine species particularly vulnerable to climatic changes. (Photographs by J. J. Bruhl.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of four species of Cyperaceae in the genus Rhynchospora (Rhynchosporeae) and five of Carex (Cariceae) are reported for the first time as members of the flora of the department of Lambayeque, in the northeast of the Peruvian territory, occupying the Andean ecoregions of Northwest Montane Rainforests (BPMN), Jalca, and Desert Shrub-Dry Forest transition (MD-BS). The distribution of the species and presence in herbaria are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Carex dianae Steud. is an endemic sedge of St. Helena, an isolated island in the South Atlantic. Our study provides the first molecular sequence data for this taxon. We generated sequence data for plastid matK and trnK regions and nuclear internal transcribed spacer and external transcribed spacer regions to determine the placement of C. dianae in the broader Carex phylogeny. The placement of C. dianae falls within Carex sect. Spirostachyae Drejer, and it is sister to a clade including Carex clavata Thunb., Carex aethiopica Schkuhr (both from the Cape region of S. Africa), and Carex gunniana Boott (southern Australia). The existence of three divergent nucleotype groups and two plastotypes is revealed from genetic variation within C. dianae. The results suggest that the ancestor of C. dianae likely originated in the Cape region of South Africa, followed by transoceanic dispersal to St. Helena estimated at 4.4–4.9 million years ago, likely by a bird vector. The most divergent population is that on an isolated hill known as "The Barn", which may represent a distinct taxon. The existence of highly structured molecular variation within an island only 16 km long is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smut fungal genus Anthracoidea contains more than 100 species that parasitize hosts predominantly in the sedge genus Carex. Anthracoidea species are mainly found in the boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere and many species have an arctic-alpine distribution. Recent re-organization of the taxonomy of the main host genus Carex questions current understanding of host associations in Anthracoidea. Host specificity for many of the species in this genus is considered to be quite broad and a host spectrum of over 10 host species is common. One aim of the study is to understand the potential influence that host taxonomy has on the evolutionary patterns of Anthracoidea. Additionally, by including more specimens, we clarify host specificity and species delimitation in Anthracoidea sempervirentis, a prevalent species occurring on different host species in different Carex subgroups using molecular data. Host colonization patterns within Anthracoidea are complex, and different subclades of Carex have been colonized several times independently, whereas clades of related Anthracoidea species often occur on Carex species from the same host clade. Parasites previously thought to be Anthracoidea sempervirentis occurring on the different Carex host are shown to be at least four distinct species that are restricted to individual host species. Three new species, Anthracoidea ferrugineae on Carex ferruginea from the Alps and the Carpathians, A. firmae on Carex firma from the Alps, and A. kitaibelianae on Carex kitaibeliana from mountains in the Balkan Peninsula, are described and illustrated. An emended description of Anthracoidea sempervirentis is also provided. Anthracoidea sempervirentis in its emended circumscription consists of two clades that correspond to respective clades within Carex sempervirens. The study shows that host colonization in Anthracoidea is more complex than current host taxonomy suggests. Further, including several specimens per host species results in a much higher diversity within Anthracoidea than previously assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message : The Cyperaceae fruit consistency depends on the mesocarp. Seed structure is diverse and related to the evolutionary history of their species. A new storage tissue is described for Cyperaceae. Anatomy and histochemistry of Cyperaceae fruits (including seeds) are poorly known due to their hard, isolating tissues that prevent anatomical techniques. We performed the first, most comprehensive structural diversity characterisation of fruit and seed in Cyperaceae, accompanied by an unprecedented histochemical characterisation of seeds for this family. We analysed fruits of 29 species, included in 19 genera and 12 tribes within the subfamilies Cyperoideae and Mapanioideae, using light microscopy. Cyperaceae fruits have a pericarp with a one-cell-layered exocarp and endocarp, and a multi-cell-layered mesocarp. The mesocarp of the Mapanioideae has a spongy-fleshy outer region and a hard inner region. The mesocarp of the Cyperoideae has only a hard region. The pericarp is free from the seed coat. Cyperaceae seeds have a three-layered seed coat, an embryo with haustorial function of its scutellum, and two storage tissues: the endosperm and a putative perisperm. Nine seed morphotypes and four seed subtypes were observed among the studied species. Our results suggested that the fruit consistency is determined by the mesocarp. Both the terms "nut" and "achene" should be accepted to refer to the dry fruit of the Cyperaceae until a widely accepted fruit classification for angiosperms is proposed. The Cyperaceae seed structural diversity is high and related to the evolutionary history of the species. The "perisperm" is a new tissue proposed for sedge seeds, and is here characterized for the first time. The seed coat has a different structure than the one described so far for the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the current potential range of the Pleistocene relict plant species Schoenus ferrugineus and modeling of changes in its future range under moderate (RCP4.5) and strong (RCP8.5) climate change in the middle and second half of the 21st century were carried out. The MaxEnt program was used for modeling. Climate variables from CHELSA Bioclim, the global digital soil mapping system SoilGrids, and a digital elevation model were used as predictors. Modeling has shown that climate change will lead to a significant reduction in the suitability of S. ferrugineus habitat conditions by the mid-21st century. The predicted changes in the distribution of habitats of S. ferrugineus, a diagnostic species of calcareous mires and an indicator of their ecological state, indicate a possible strong transformation of wetland complexes in the Southern Urals region even under moderate climate change. A reduction in the distribution of S. ferrugineus at the eastern limit of its range will also be facilitated by more frequent extreme droughts. To maintain the distribution of S. ferrugineus on the eastern border of its range, a number of measures are proposed to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change, contributing to the preservation of the hydrological regime of calcareous mires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptangieae has recently been revised based on morphology and molecular phylogeny, but cytogenetic data is still scarce. We conducted this study with the aim of investigating the occurrence of holocentric chromosomes and pseudomonads, as well as understanding the mode of chromosomal evolution in the tribe. We performed analyses of meiotic behavior, chromosome counts, and reconstruction of the ancestral state for the haploid number. We present novel cytogenetic data for eight potentially holocentric species: Cryptangium verticillatum, Krenakia junciforme, K. minarum, Lagenocarpus bracteosus, L. griseus, L. inversus, L. rigidus, and L. tenuifolius. Meiotic abnormalities were observed, with parallel spindles being particularly noteworthy. Intra-specific variations in chromosome number were not found, which may indicate an efficient genetic control for the elimination of abnormal nuclei. The inferred ancestral haploid number was n = 16, with dysploidy being the main evolutionary mechanism. At least five chromosomal fissions occurred in Krenakia (n = 21), followed by a further ascending dysploidy event in Lagenocarpus (n = 17). As proposed for Cyperaceae, it is possible that cladogenesis events in Cryptangieae were marked by numerical and structural chromosomal changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The quartz fields of the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) are arid and island-like special habitats, hosting ~142 habitat-specialized plant species, of which 81 % are local endemics, characterized by a rapid turnover of species between and among sites. We use several phylogenetic community metrics: (1) to examine species diversity and phylogenetic structure within and among quartz fields; (2) to investigate whether quartz field specialists are evolutionarily drawn from local species pools, whereas the alternative hypothesis posits that there is no significant evolutionary connection between quartz field specialists and the local species pools; and (3) to determine whether there is an association between certain traits and the presence of species in quartz fields. Methods We sampled and developed dated phylogenies for six species-rich angiosperm families (Aizoaceae, Asteraceae, Crassulaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae and Santalaceae) represented in the quartz field floras of southern Africa. Specifically, we focused on the flora of three quartz field regions in South Africa (Knersvlakte, Little Karoo and Overberg) and their surrounding species pools to address our research questions by scoring traits associated with harsh environments. Key Results We found that the Overberg and Little Karoo had the highest level of species overlap for families Aizoaceae and Fabaceae, whereas the Knersvlakte and the Overberg had the highest species overlap for families Asteraceae, Crassulaceae and Santalaceae. Although our phylogenetic community structure and trait analyses showed no clear patterns, relatively low pairwise phylogenetic distances between specialists and their local species pools for Aizoaceae suggest that quartz species could be drawn evolutionarily from their surrounding areas. We also found that families Aizoaceae and Crassulaceae in Knersvlakte and Little Karoo were phylogenetically even. Conclusions Despite their proximity to one another within the GCFR, the studied areas differ in their species pools and the phylogenetic structure of their specialists. Our work provides further justification for increased conservation focus on these unique habitats under future scenarios of global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Despite chromosomal evolution being one of the major drivers of diversification in plants, we do not yet have a clear view of how new chromosome rearrangements become fixed within populations, which is a crucial step forward for understanding chromosomal speciation. Methods In this study, we test the role of genetic drift in the establishment of new chromosomal variants in the context of hybrid dysfunction models of chromosomal speciation. We genotyped 178 individuals from seven populations (plus 25 seeds from one population) across the geographical range of Carex helodes (Cyperaceae). We also characterized karyotype geographical patterns of the species across its distribution range. For one of the populations, we performed a detailed study of the fine-scale, local spatial distribution of its individuals and their genotypes and karyotypes. Key Results Synergistically, phylogeographical and karyotypic evidence revealed two main genetic groups: southwestern Iberian Peninsula vs. northwestern African populations; and within Europe our results suggest a west-to-east expansion with signals of genetic bottlenecks. Additionally, we inferred a pattern of descending dysploidy, plausibly as a result of a west-to-east process of post-glacial colonization in Europe. Conclusions Our results give experimental support to the role of geographical isolation, drift and inbreeding in the establishment of new karyotypes, which is key in the speciation models of hybrid dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The medicinal plant Cyperus brevifolius (Rottb.) Hassk. 1844 has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we determined and systematically analyzed the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. brevifolius. The genome is 183,717 bp in length with a GC content of 33.24%. It comprises four distinct regions: a large-single copy (LSC) region of 101,190 bp, a small-single copy (SSC) region of 10,366 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 36,079 bp each. A total of 137 genes are present in the genome including 89 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that C. brevifolius belongs to the Cyperus genus. This newly sequenced cp genome provides valuable insights for future genetic and genomic studies on Cyperus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex section Junciformes is one of the most diverse groups of the genus in South America, consisting of approximately 30 species. Here we describe a new species, Carex recondita, belonging to this section. We studied its placement within a molecular phylogeny of the group and found it to constitute an independent lineage. The new species is morphologically very close to C. austroamericana, from southern Patagonia, despite being phylogenetically divergent to the rest of Patagonian species of sect. Junciformes. So far, this species is known only from a few specimens recently collected in its type locality, despite growing in a well-collected area in the Andes of Metropolitana Region of Santiago, the most populated administrative region of Chile. We provide a detailed morphological description, comments on its relationship with other Southern Cone species of sect. Junciformes and relevant ecological notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to realize a literature review on the use of alternative rooting agents in rhizogenesis stimulating on fruit trees, analyzing the methods used and their effectiveness, under the hypothesis that alternative rooting agents promote effective rhizogenesis on fruit trees of commercial interest, both as commercial rooters. For this, Google Scholar was used as a search platform, using the first 10 tabs, in each of the search descriptors. A total of 426 scientific works and papers were found, and 263 were used, according to the selection criteria applied. Of these, 166 were in Portuguese and 97 in English; 228 dealt with conventional rooters, and 35 with alternative rooters. 53% of the total published works dealt with fruit trees, however, only 11% used alternative rooting agents. The most used alternative rooting agent was the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae), and the most used phytohormone was Indolebutyric Acid (IBA), for comparison with the treatments. In general, the alternative rooters presented satisfactory results or even better than the other treatments used, which demonstrates the viability of using them in rooting cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the seventeenth of a series of miscellaneous contributions, by various authors, where hitherto unpublished data relevant to both the Med-Checklist and the Euro+Med (or Sisyphus) projects are presented. This instalment deals with the families Aizoaceae, Anacardiaceae, Asparagaceae, Bignoniaceae, Boraginaceae, Cannabaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Casuarinaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Compositae, Crassulaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Gentianaceae, Gramineae, Iridaceae, Labiatae, Leguminosae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Onagraceae, Orobanchaceae, Oxalidaceae, Papaveraceae, Portulacaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, Sapotaceae, Solanaceae, Typhaceae, Violaceae and Vitaceae. It includes new country and area records and taxonomic and distributional considerations for taxa in Acer, Ampelopsis, Argania, Blackstonia, Buglossoides, Carduus, Carex, Casuarina, Celtis, Chenopodium, Clematis, Eleusine, Elytrigia, Eucalyptus, Euphorbia, Euphrasia, Fraxinus, Galium, Hibiscus, Hieracium, Iris, Koelreuteria, Lathyrus, Loeflingia, Ludwigia, Malus, Melampyrum, Mesembryanthemum, Muscari, Orobanche, Oxalis, Papaver, Physalis, Podranea, Portulaca, Pseudodictamnus, Pulmonaria, Ranunculus, Schinus, Sedum, Stachys, Typha, Viola and Vitis, and a new combination in Pseudodictamnus. Citation For the whole article: Raab-Straube E. von & Raus Th. (ed.) 2024: Euro+Med-Checklist Notulae, 17. – Willdenowia 54: 5–45. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.54.54101 For a single contribution (example): Fos S., Laguna E., Smith G. F. & Verloove F. 2024: Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum A. Berger. – Pp. 7–8 in: Raab-Straube E. von & Raus Th. (ed.), Euro+Med-Checklist Notulae, 17. – Willdenowia 54: 5–45. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.54.54101 Version of record first published online on 19 February 2024 ahead of inclusion in April 2024 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial plant native to Africa, poses a significant weed concern due to its capacity for seed and rhizome fragment dissemination. Infestations can diminish pasture carrying capacity, displacing desirable species. Despite the burgeoning interest in integrated weed management strategies, information regarding the efficacy of competitive interactions with other pasture species for Navua sedge management remains limited. A pot trial investigated the competitive abilities of 14 diverse broadleaf and grass pasture species. The results indicated a range of the reduction in Navua sedge dry biomass from 6% to 98% across these species. Subsequently, three broadleaf species—burgundy bean (Macroptilium bracteatum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and lablab (Lablab purpureus), and three grass species—Gatton panic (Megathyrsus maximus), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were chosen for a follow-up pot trial based on their superior dry biomass performance. These six species were planted at three varying densities (44, 88, and 176 plants/m2) surrounding a Navua sedge plant. Among the grass pasture species, Gatton panic and Rhodes grass exhibited high competitiveness, resulting in a minimum decrease of 86% and 99%, respectively, in Navua sedge dry biomass. Regarding the broadleaf species, lablab displayed the highest competitiveness, causing a minimum decrease of 99% in Navua sedge dry biomass. This study highlights the increasing efficacy of crop competition in suppressing weed growth and seed production, with the most significant suppression observed at a density of 176 plants/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage plants are one of the main aspects in the conservation management of the Sumatran elephant. Anatomical studies of elephant food plants can provide reference data needed in identifying the diversity of elephant food plants, especially in the studies with faecal samples. This study aims to provide anatomical data of Sumatran elephant feed plants. The observed samples consisted of leaf samples from 24 species and stem samples from four species. Samples were prepared for microscopic paradermal section using the wholemount method. The results showed that rectangular epidermal cell shapes were found in samples of Poaceae leaves, Cyperaceae leaves and stems, and Arecaceae leaves. Stomata with dumbbell-shaped guard cells were only found in Poaceae leaf samples and Cyperaceae leaf and stem samples. The presence of silica cells and cork cells distinguished the Poaceae samples from Cyperaceae. Other leaf samples had qualitative anatomical characteristics that varied based on anticlinal walls of epidermal cells, type of stomata, and trichomes. Quantitative characterization of epidermal cell size; stomatal size, density, and index; and trichome density are used to complete the species description and distinguish species that have the same qualitative characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCyperus malaccensis Lam is a perennial herbaceous plant that is distributed over a large area along the southern coast of China. Some plants of the Cyperaceae family are highly similar morphologically, which makes them difficult to classify and identify. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of C. malaccensis was sequenced and assembled. The chloroplast genome is 186,098 bp long with a 33.18% content of GC. The structure of chloroplast genome includes a quadripartite structure that is composed of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 37,434 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 10,296 bp, and a large single copy (LSC) region of 100,934 bp. The genome contains 141 genes, including 94 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis showed that C. malaccensis is the most closely related to the congeneric species C. rotundus. These results enrich the genetic resources of the Cyperaceae and provide a molecular basis for further study on the phylogeny of this family.

Humans change the environment according to their need, causing modifications and affecting the local biodiversity. This work applied a set of dominant markers to test if urban populations of Cyperus ligularis L. (Cyperaceae) present less genetic diversity compared to forest/non‐urban populations, and if these environmental differences (land use) influence gene flow and population structure. Six available populations of C. ligularis were collected in different types of environments in Recife (Brazil). Overall 15 primers of DNA Amplification Fingerprinting and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat were applied and analyzed by proper statistics. The results revealed moderate genetic diversity, significant pairwise gene flow (Nem), and low differentiation between populations (FST). Land use had no direct correlation with genetic diversity or structure, however, an insular population showed higher differentiation from the remaining. Urban environments may not influence gene flow among C. ligularis populations in such environments; therefore, the genetic diversity is homogeneous in the analyzed area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex qingyuanensis, a new species of Cyperaceae from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Carex peliosanthifolia F. T. Wang & Tang ex P. C. Li, but it can be distinguished by the racemose inflorescence branches appearing single (rarely binate or ternate) (vs. binate or ternate), one (rarely two or three) (vs. 1–3) spiked, male part of linear-cylindrical spikes much longer than the female part (vs. just male part short-cylindrical and slightly longer than female part), style base thickened (vs. not thickened) and perigynium horizontally patent with a short (vs. long and excurved) beak. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the two nuclear DNA regions (ETS 1f and ITS) and three chloroplast DNA regions (matK, ndhF and rps16), suggests that the new species belongs to sect. Siderostictaes.s. of subg. Siderosticta and shows a closer phylogenetic relationship to Carex scaposa C. B. Clarke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex linanensis X.D.Qiu & X.F.Jin, a new species in sect. Mitratae of the sedge family (Cyperaceae) from north-western Zhejiang is described and illustrated. We performed a statistical comparison of the new species with other closely-related species from the same section. Carex linanensis is similar to Carex sachalinensis F.Schmidt, but differs in having leaf blades 1–2 mm wide (vs. 2.5–3.5 mm wide), utricles longer than pistillate glumes, with beak margin smooth (vs. barbate) and peduncles of lateral spikes enclosed in bract sheaths (vs. exserted from bract sheaths). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex duanensis Z.C.Lu, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin, a new species in limestone areas of Guangxi, China, was discovered and described. The morphology showed that C. duanensis is similar to C. calcicola, but differs in having culms central, leaf blades 3–5.5 mm wide, bracts longer than spikes, utricles 4–5 mm long, shorter, and nutlets abruptly contracted into an erect beak at apex. SEM microphotographs of utricles and nutlets are provided for the new and related species, C. calcicola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holocentric karyotypes are assumed to rapidly evolve through chromosome fusions and fissions due to the diffuse nature of their centromeres. Here, we took advantage of the recent availability of a chromosome-scale reference genome for Rhynchospora breviuscula, a model species of this holocentric genus, and developed the first set of oligo-based barcode probes for a holocentric plant. These probes were applied to 13 additional species of the genus, aiming to investigate the evolutionary dynamics driving the karyotype evolution in Rhynchospora. The two sets of probes were composed of 27,392 (green) and 23,968 (magenta) oligonucleotides (45-nt long), and generated 15 distinct FISH signals as a unique barcode pattern for the identification of all five chromosome pairs of the R. breviuscula karyotype. Oligo-FISH comparative analyzes revealed different types of rearrangements, such as fusions, fissions, putative inversions and translocations, as well as genomic duplications among the analyzed species. Two rounds of whole genome duplication (WGD) were demonstrated in R. pubera, but both analyzed accessions differed in the complex chain of events that gave rise to its large, structurally diploidized karyotypes with 2n = 10 or 12. Considering the phylogenetic relationships and divergence time of the species, the specificity and synteny of the probes were maintained up to species with a divergence time of ~25 My. However, karyotype divergence inmore distant species hindered chromosome mapping and the inference of specific events. This barcoding system is a powerful tool to study chromosomal variations and genomic evolution in holocentric chromosomes of Rhynchospora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The paper by Tan and co-authors in this issue of Plant and Soil explores feedback mechanisms between functional traits and soil nutrient responses in tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.), with emphasis on their growth in marginal agricultural lands. Scope: Many of the world's top food species belong to the order Poales, specifically the family Poaceae. Cyperaceae, also Poales, are recognised for their ecological importance, yet currently provide only minor contributions to global food security. Conclusions: Wide ecological tolerance and naturally weedy tendencies may provide a unique niche for a significant increase in the production of tiger nuts as a global food resource. Further research on the ecology and agronomic potential of Cyperaceae is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellites are codominant markers that, due to their high polymorphism, are a common choice for detecting genetic variability in various organisms, including fungi, plants, and animals. However, the process of developing these markers is both costly and time-consuming. As a result, the cross-species amplification has become a more rapid and more affordable alternative in biological studies. The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of 13 SSR markers, originally designed for Carex curvula, in other 14 species belonging to different sections of the genus. All the markers were successfully transferred with a mean of 90.76%, and 100% transferability was reached in two species (C. baldensis and C. rupestris). The lowest transferability was registered in the G165 marker, which did not produce amplification in six species. Together, the microsatellites amplified a total of 183 alleles, ranging from 10 to 19 alleles per locus, with an average of 14.07. The mean number of different alleles ranged from 0.846 to a maximum of 2.077 per locus. No significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected in polymorphic loci. The transferability of the 13 SSR markers proved highly successful in various Carex species, across different clades and sections of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Fimbristylis pachmarhiensis (Cyperaceae), is described and illustrated from Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve of Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh, India. This new species bears resemblance to its closest morphological relatives, F. aestivalis and F. griffithii, but differs from both by a combination of characters, primarily including its slender culm, exceptionally lax inflorescence, cylindrical spikelets, triquetrous structure, and the presence of fine hairs covering the entire length of the style. Additionally, the achenes of this species exhibit sparse tuberculation and have a depressed apex. A detailed description, phenology, distribution, IUCN conservation status, a comparative analysis contrasting F. pachmarhiensis with its closely related species, relevant taxonomic notes and colour photographs are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the incorporation of Crotalaria juncea L. as green manure on the weed community in a cassava crop in Tabasco. Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out in the Experimental Field of Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Tabasco (18° 01' N and 93° 03' W). The samplings were made on four dates: 1) at the planting of crotalaria (12/03/2018); 2) at flowering (31/01/2019); 3) 20 days after incorporation (22/02/2019); 4) at cassava harvest (25/04/2019), using metal squares 50×50 cm. Two planting densities, 50 and 80 cm (16,600 and 10,375 plants ha-1), two doses of NPK fertilization (160-40-80 and 00-40-80+GM), and a control were tested. The name of the species, number of individuals and coverage (percentage) were recorded to calculate the richness (S), Shannon diversity (H') and uniformity (E) indices, and the importance value index (IVI). Results: The weed community consisted of 32 species, 28 genera and 16 families, of which the best represented are: Convolvulaceae, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae and Poaceae. The most frequently recorded species are Lindernia crustacea, Ludwigia octovalvis, and Ageratum houstonianum. The diversity indices reflected a poor community, especially with GM treatments; diversity ranged from low to medium and uniformity from medium to high. The importance of the families was more related to the environmental conditions than to the treatments; Cyperaceae were more important in the rainy season and Asteraceae in the dry season. L. crustacea appeared throughout the cycle. Limitations/implications: It is advisable to extend the investigation period. Findings/conclusions: The weed flora consisted of 32 species; the Convolvulaceae family was the most diverse and L. crustacea was the most recorded species during the cycle. The diversity indices reflected a poor community. The importance of the families was related to environmental conditions, where Cyperaceae stood out in the rainy season and Asteraceae in the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two recent fieldwork expeditions to Peru and Ecuador resulted in the finding of two Carex species (C. hypsipedos and C. sanctae-marthae) previously known from a single collection each, and of uncertain morphological and systematic affinities. We performed phylogenetic analyses using barcode molecular markers and a detailed morphological comparison among the new specimens and the original collections. A BLAST search was used to obtain the preliminary infrageneric affinities of problematic samples. Phylogenetic results confirmed the adscription of these species to two sectional Carex groups: Carex sect. Racemosae (subg. Carex) for C. hypsipedos and Carex sect. Junciformes (subg. Psyllophorae) for C. sanctae-marthae. Morphological revision revealed unique traits in C. hypsipedos, especially geocarpy, here strikingly reported for the first time for the genus Carex. On the other hand, the careful comparison of the new materials of C. sanctae-marthae revealed unequivocal affinities with the type, confirming its identity as this species. Our work illustrated that for the understanding of poorly known groups, such as these two Neotropical Carex, integrative approaches combining basic biosystematics tools are still very necessary: field and herbaria surveys and DNA barcode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents three newly discovered interspecific hybrids of sedges found in the Czech Republic. The finds of two of them (Carex ×helenae and C. ×ploegii) are the result of authors' field work and subsequent revision of specimens in large institutional Czech herbaria, while the third, C. ×alluvialis, was documented by a herbarium specimen in the BRNU herbarium, collected in 1998. The finds of these wetland hybrid sedges are a supplement to the treatment of the genus Carex for the Flora of the Czech Republic, Vol. 9. For each of the hybrids, a detailed morphological description compiled on the basis of Czech plants is given and the location of the voucher specimens is mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo: As pastagens naturais, um dos principais ecossistemas do mundo, estão ameaçadas e as espécies nativas são desejáveis quando se trata de restauração. Os principais processos para o sucesso da restauração das pastagens são o estabelecimento das plantas e a adição de sementes no solo. Assim, isso requer a superação das barreiras que impedem a germinação e estratégias de dispersão de sementes. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial germinativo, tratamentos para superar a dormência de sementes e a dispersão por endozoocoria de espécies nativas forrageiras por bovinos. Sementes de 21 espécies nativas das quatro famílias botânicas mais comuns (Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae e Cyperaceae) foram coletadas em uma área de pastagem natural (Bioma Pampa) e utilizadas nos experimentos. Experimento I: foi realizada a germinação em condições controladas de todas as espécies e comparada com a da forragem comercial (Paspalum notatum cv. "Pensacola"). Experimento II: foram testados três tratamentos para superação da dormência das sementes (escarificação mecânica e química e priming) em seis espécies. Experimento III: foi avaliada a recuperação, viabilidade e germinação das sementes das espécies nativas Paspalum notatum Flüggé e Desmodium incanum DC em fezes de gado. Os resultados mostram que Paspalum umbrosum Trin. e Saccharum angustifolium Nees apresentam alto potencial germinativo quando comparadas à forragem comercial. Os tratamentos para superar a dormência das sementes aumentaram a germinação de D. incanum, Paspalum plicatulum Michx. e Paspalum dilatatum Poir. A recuperação total de sementes de 15% (P. notatum) e 26% (D. incanum), sem afetar a viabilidade das sementes, mostra que os bovinos são capazes de suprir o banco de sementes do solo com espécies nativas. O potencial germinativo, tratamentos para superar a dormência de sementes e dispersão endozoocórica de espécies nativas forrageiras podem ser explorados na restauração de pastagens naturais. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyperus malaccensis Lam is a perennial herbaceous plant that is distributed over a large area along the southern coast of China. Some plants of the Cyperaceae family are highly similar morphologically, which makes them difficult to classify and identify. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of C. malaccensis was sequenced and assembled. The chloroplast genome is 186,098 bp long with a 33.18% content of GC. The structure of chloroplast genome includes a quadripartite structure that is composed of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 37,434 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 10,296 bp, and a large single copy (LSC) region of 100,934 bp. The genome contains 141 genes, including 94 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis showed that C. malaccensis is the most closely related to the congeneric species C. rotundus. These results enrich the genetic resources of the Cyperaceae and provide a molecular basis for further study on the phylogeny of this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex L. as a super large genus with a high species diversity in the world, 100 species of Carex have been recorded from Guangxi at present. However, the resources of Carex in Guangxi are still unclear, and lack of research and investigation. Based on specimens identification, literature research and field investigation, we systematically cleared up the early researches of Carex in Guangxi, and summerized the research brief histories of Carex taxonomy in Guangxi. The genus Carex in Guangxi with high endemism, we focused on 16 taxa of Carex published based on types collected from Guangxi, verified the accuracy of their type locality, supplement distribution information, and made sure that eight species of Carex endemic to Guangxi. Eight newly recorded species of Carex in Guangxi are reported here, which are C. alopecuroides D. Don, C. chungii Z. P. Wang, C. hirtiutriculata L. K. Dai, C. insignis Boott, C. nubigena D. Don, C. sendaica Franch., C. sociata Boott and C. transversa Boott. The morphological feature diagnosis and voucher specimens for these newly recorded species are provided. We also discussed the species diversity, endemism, geographical distribution, and the potential utilization of Carex in Guangxi. The results provide background data for the subsequent research and sustainable utilization of Carex.

The present article tests the following general assumption: plant taxa with different specializations towards mycorrhizal interactions should have different root syndromes. Roots of 61 species common in boreal zone were studied: 16 species of Poaceae, 24 species of Cyperaceae, 14 species of Orchidaceae, and 7 species of Iridaceae. Using a fixed material of 5 individuals of each species, the following was determined: number of orders of branching roots; transverse dimensions of root, stele and cortex; number of primary xylem vessels and exodermis layers; length of root hairs; abundance of mycorrhiza. Species of each family had well-defined syndromes. Roots of Orchidaceae and Iridaceae were thick with a large stele and developed exodermis. Orchidaceae had no branching roots and had long root hairs. In Iridaceae, roots were branched, and root hairs were short. Roots of Poaceae and Cyperaceae were thin with a relatively thin stele. Root hairs were short in Poaceae and long in Cyperaceae. Our finding that root syndromes of four families of monocots differed is a new and unexpected discovery. The high specificity of root syndromes in Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Poaceae, and Orchidaceae indicates that species of these families use different strategies to obtain water and soil nutrients.

Phenolic compounds are the main special metabolites of Cyperaceae species from phytochemical, pharmacological, and chemotaxonomical points of view. The present study focused on the isolation, structure determination, and pharmacological investigation of constituents from Carex praecox. Twenty-six compounds, including lignans, stilbenes, flavonoids, megastigmanes, chromenes, and phenylpropanoids, were identified from the methanol extract of the plant. Five of these compounds, namely, carexines A–E, are previously undescribed natural products. All compounds were isolated for the first time from C. praecox. The ACE-inhibitory activity of seven stilbenoid compounds was tested, and (–)-hopeaphenol proved to be the most active (IC50 7.7 ± 0.9 μM). The enzyme–kinetic studies revealed a mixed-type inhibition; therefore, domain-specific studies were also conducted. The in silico docking of (–)-hopeaphenol to the ACE affirmed some favorable interactions. In addition, the antiproliferative and antibacterial effects of some compounds were also evaluated.

iNaturalist has the potential to be an extremely rich source of organismal occurrence data. Launched in 2008, it now contains over 150 million uploaded observations as of May 2023. Based on the findings of a limited number of past studies assessing the taxonomic accuracy of participatory science-driven sources of occurrence data such as iNaturalist, there has been concern that some portion of these records might be misidentified in certain taxonomic groups. In this case study, we compare Research Grade iNaturalist observations with digitized herbarium specimens, both of which are currently available for combined download from large data aggregators and are therefore the primary sources of occurrence data for large-scale biodiversity/biogeography studies. Our comparisons were confined regionally to the southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia). Occurrence records from ten plant families (Gentianaceae, Ericaceae, Melanthiaceae, Ulmaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Fagaceae, Cyperaceae, Juglandaceae, Apocynaceae) were downloaded and scored on taxonomic accuracy. We found a comparable and relatively low rate of misidentification among both digitized herbarium specimens and Research Grade iNaturalist observations within the study area. This finding illustrates the utility and high quality of iNaturalist data for future research in the region, but also points to key differences between data types, giving each a respective advantage, depending on applications of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex vulpina and C. otrubae are closely related and morphologically similar species that hybridize with C. remota. The spontaneous appearance of hybrids can cause difficulties in the taxonomic treatment of this group. Morphological separation of the examined species and hybrids had been tested using discriminant function analysis (DFA). We have also analysed the effect of DNA barcoding on hybrid identification from the perspective of machine learning approach (MLA). Hybrids were investigated in terms of three barcodes sequence (ITS , matK , rbcL) by means of the BLOG and WEKA (MLA). Our results provide the first insights into the morphological and genetic relationships between the studied species and their hybrids. Morphological analysis showed traits useful in the identification of hybrids, i.e. dark brown usually fibrous basal sheaths and a dorsally split beak in Carex remota  ×  C. vulpina (inherited from C. vulpina), distinctly separated spikes, and a long bract in C. otrubae  ×  C. remota (inherited from C. remota). Phylogenetic analysis also indicated a close relationship of Carex remota  ×  C. vulpina with C. vulpina and C. otrubae  ×  C. remota with C. remota. Moreover, we have presented here nomenclatural notes on the hybrids and typified the names Carex × crepinii [ C. otrubae  ×  C. remota ] and Carex × kernii [ Carex remota  ×  C. vulpina ]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]