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Begonia is the world’s fastest-growing genus and a focus of intense taxonomic research. To support this, a stable and useful sectional classification is needed. This paper reviews the feasibility and challenges of creating an infrageneric classification for Begonia based on phylogenetic data, and how to overcome phylogenetic and taxonomic conflict. In particular, it (i) tests genus-wide patterns of incongruence between phylogenies based on the nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes; (ii) explains organelle inheritance and its contribution to phylogenetic incongruence, and (iii) presents a manifesto for a workable and stable subgeneric classification in light of the above and lays the foundation for a collaborative Begonia Phylogeny Group.

Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic plant with ornamental, cultural, economic, and ecological values. China has abundant germplasm resources of Asian lotus. However, in many areas, the wild Asian lotuses have been destroyed and the germplasms is now facing extinction. In addition, the knowledge of the genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus in China is poor. To identify and protect the germplasms of Chinese wild Asian lotus, eleven genomic-SSR primers, three EST-SSR primers, and three chloroplast DNA primers were used to investigate the genetic diversity among 69 samples of wild Asian lotus from 25 locations in northern China. The genetic diversity of 27 samples of wild Asian lotus from southern China and other countries, the ancient Asian lotus, Asian lotus cultivars from China, and Asian-American hybrids was also compared. The genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus from northern China was characterized as medium, and the mean values of observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.087 and 0.552, respectively. Based on a UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE analysis, the wild Asian lotus samples in northern China were divided into three groups. The wild Asian lotus samples from northern China contained 16 haplotypes. The Nei's genetic distance between the wild Asian lotus samples from the Songhua River basin and the Liao River basin in northeastern China was relatively small, and these germplasms might be relatively primitive compared to those from other regions. This study provides essential information regarding the genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus resources in northern China, and provides a basis for further analysis of population-level genetic evolution through high-throughput sequencing.

Begonia shenzhenensis D.K.Tian & X.Yun Wang, sp. nov., a new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum of Begoniaceae from Shenzhen of Guangdong province, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is primarily similar to B. coelocentroides in the same section but differs by its denser hairs on leaf, petiole, and pedicel, abtuse anther apex, hairy ovary, and narrower adaxial fruit wing. Based on only one small population found to date, its conservation status is assigned to Critical Endangered according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Begonia scorpiuroloba sp. nov., a new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Begoniaceae) from southern Guangxi of China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is mostly similar to B. pedatifida, but differs clearly by its narrower lobes, denser hairs on leaf surface, obtuse angle of leaf base, subequal tepals of female flowers and late flowering. This new species is endemic to Guangxi and is assigned to Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Begonia is a mega-genus with about 2500 species by most estimates, with China having over 210 accepted species. After field surveys, literature review and examination of herbarium specimens, some new taxa, new records, synonyms and the hybrid-origin of some taxa have been confirmed. Here, we report that Begonia dioica Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don and B. flagellaris Hara, both from Xizang (Tibet) are new to China; Begonia lipingensis Hance, B. muliensis T.T.Yu and B. sizemoreae Kiew are synonyms of B. circumlobata Hance, B. taliensis Gagnepain and B. longiciliata C.Y.Wu, respectively; and Begonia × lancangensis S.H.Huang and B. × malipoensis S.H.Huang & Y.M.Shui are natural hybrids.

Clarifying the evolutionary processes underlying species diversification and adaptation is a key focus of evolutionary biology. Begonia (Begoniaceae) is one of the most species-rich angiosperm genera with c. 2000 species, most of which are shade-adapted. Here, we present chromosome-scale genome assemblies for four species of Begonia (B. loranthoides, B. masoniana, B. darthvaderiana and B. peltatifolia), and whole genome shotgun data for an additional 74 Begonia representatives to investigate lineage evolution and shade adaptation of the genus. The four genome assemblies range in size from 331.75 Mb (B. peltatifolia) to 799.83 Mb (B. masoniana), and harbor 22 059-23 444 protein-coding genes. Synteny analysis revealed a lineage-specific whole-genome duplication (WGD) that occurred just before the diversification of Begonia. Functional enrichment of gene families retained after WGD highlights the significance of modified carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthesis possibly linked to shade adaptation in the genus, which is further supported by expansions of gene families involved in light perception and harvesting. Phylogenomic reconstructions and genomics studies indicate that genomic introgression has also played a role in the evolution of Begonia. Overall, this study provides valuable genomic resources for Begonia and suggests potential drivers underlying the diversity and adaptive evolution of this mega-diverse clade.

Begonia pseudoedulis, a new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Klotzsch) A.DC. (Begoniaceae) from southern Guangxi of China, is here described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles B. edulis H.Lév. and B. dielsiana E.Pritz. ex Diels but differs easily by its hairy petioles and inflorescences, and red hispidulous flower tepals, ovary and capsules. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS supported that the new species was a monophyletic lineage, separating from both B. dielsiana and B. edulis. Due to its isolated distribution with several small populations, which are possibly disturbed by human activities, the species is considered as “Near Threatened” (NT) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Most waterlily flowers open at dawn and close after noon usually for three to four days, and thereafter wilt. The short lifespan of flowers restricts the development of the flower postharvest industry. The termination of flower movements is a key event during flower aging process. However, it is still unclear when the senescence process initiates and how it terminates the movement rhythm. In this study, we observed that the opening diameter of flowers was the smallest on the fourth (last) flowering day. Subsequent transcriptome profiles generated from petals at different flowering stages showed that the multiple signaling pathways were activated at the last closure stage (Time 3, T3) of the flowers, including Ca2+, reactive oxygen species and far red light signaling pathways, as well as auxin, ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling pathways. Moreover, In terms of cell metabolism regulation, the genes related to hydrolase (protease, phospholipase, nuclease) were upregulated at T3 stage, indicating that petals entered the senescence stage at that time; and the genes related to water transport and cell wall modification were also differentially regulated at T3 stage, which would affect the ability of cell expand and contract, and eventually lead to petal not open after the fourth day. Collectively, our data provided a new insight into the termination of flower opening in the waterlilies, and a global understanding of the senescence process of those opening-closure rhythm flowers.

Begonia danxiaensis, a new tuberous species of Begonia, is described and illustrated, and supported by morphological and molecular evidences. It belongs to Begonia sect. Diploclinium and is endemic to the Danxia landforms of both Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, China. The morphological similarity between the new species and its similar taxa were compared and discussed. The new species is assigned to Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Begonia yizhouensis, a new species in Begonia sect. Coelocentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi of China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is similar to the adjacently distributed B. luochengensis, but clearly separated by its waxy leaves with glabrous or sometimes sparsely puberulous surfaces, larger variation in leaf color and maculation along the main veins, white to pinkish-white flowers and late flowering. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated B. yizhouensis was a monophyletic lineage and was sister with B. luochengensis. The relationship of the new species and other similar species is also discussed. This new species is endemic to limestone hills in Guangxi and is assessed as “Endangered” (EN) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Additionally, morphological and molecular evidence for B. yishanensis not being synonymous with B. porteri is presented.

Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an economically important aquatic plant that is widely cultivated in Asia. It is mainly propagated by dividing rhizomes, which maintains genotype stability but is also laborious and time-consuming. An efficient in vitro method that ensures genetic stability is highly desirable. An optimized method was developed to produce intact and sterile mature embryos by soaking fruits in sterile water containing 2% (v/v) plant preservative mixture. Using mature embryos as explants, an improved micropropagation procedure was established in N. nucifera ‘Weishan Hong.’ The growth patterns of explants differed with the types and concentrations of cytokinins. Media containing 0.5 to 2.0 mg L−1 kinetin were suitable for elongation of unexpanded stems, while media with 1.0 to 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) the stems were shorter. Higher concentrations of about 3.0 mg L−1 BAP promoted shoot cluster formation. Liquid–solid, double-layer media promoted plantlet growth. The well-rooted plantlets could normally grow after being transplanted. Lotus is known to be recalcitrant to regeneration from callus. Apices of mature embryos, aseptic plantlets, and young embryos formed callus successfully when the medium was supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and thidiazuron. Callus morphology differed with respect to the source. However, only a few of the calluses developed axillary shoots.

The lotus (Nelumbo Adans.) is an important aquatic plant with ornamental, medicinal and edible values and cultural connotations. It has single-, semi-double-, double- and thousand-petalled types of flower shape and is an ideal material for developmental research of flower doubling. The lotus is a basal eudicot species without a morphological difference between the sepals and petals and occupies a critical phylogenetic position in flowering plants. In order to investigate the genetic relationship between the sepals and petals in the lotus, the class E genes which affect sepal formation were focused on and analyzed. Here, SEPALLATA 1(NnSEP1) and its homologous genes AGAMOUS-LIKE MADS-BOXAGL9 (NnAGL9) and MADS-BOX TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 6-like (NnMADS6-like) of the class E gene family were isolated from the flower buds of the Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). The protein structure, subcellular localization and expression patterns of these three genes were investigated. All three genes were verified to locate in the nucleus and had typical MADS-box characteristics. NnSEP1 and NnMADS6-like were specifically expressed in the sepals, while NnAGL9 was highly expressed in the petals, suggesting that different developmental mechanisms exist in the formation of the sepals and petals in the lotus. The significant functional differences between NnSEP1, NnMADS6-like and NnAGL9 were also confirmed by a yeast two-hybrid assay. These results expand our knowledge on the class E gene family in sepal formation and will benefit fundamental research on the development of floral organs in Nelumbo.

In this study, metabolome of open petals (OP) and closed petals (CP) from Nymphaea ‘Blue Bird’ was firstly investigated. A total of 455 metabolites was identified in Nymphaea ‘Blue Bird’ petals, which was mainly composed of 100 flavonoids, 83 phenolic acids, 64 amino acids and derivatives, 60 lipids, 32 alkaloids, 32 organic acids, 24 nucleotides and derivatives, and 12 lignans and coumarins. By differential analysis, 192 metabolites were identified with variable importance in project ≥ 1, among which 83 and 109 metabolites were up- and down-regulated in OP group, respectively. Further analysis (Log2 fold change ≥ 1) identified 26 and 7 metabolites exhibited significantly lower and higher contents in CP group, relative to OP group. Importantly, KEGG analysis indicated that flavonoid biosynthesis exhibited the most significant enrichment. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the PAL, CHS, and HCDBR genes showed a significantly higher expression in OP group than in CP group. These data explain the increase of naringenin chalcone and phloretin in OP. However, there was no significant difference of total flavonoids between OP and CP groups. Considering the increase of H2O2 content and ultraviolet (UV) absorption peak in OP, our results implied that diurnal stressful conditions induced the degradation of flavonoids, which contributed to environmental stress amelioration. Moreover, a higher absorption peak of 360−380 nm UV was observed in the extract liquor of OP. The sensitivity maximum of the UV-photoreceptor of bees is situated around 340−380 nm UV. This suggested, as noted for the maximum absorption of dihydrokaempferol in 340−370 nm, rhythmic accumulation and loss of these differential flavonoids in Nymphaea ‘Blue Bird’ petals might enhance UV pattern to some degree, influencing pollinator attraction.

Understanding the relationship of fruit-setting rate (FSR) with species type, flower color, and stamen petaloidy (tepal number) of the parents in the crossing and selfing of lotus (Nelumbo) can improve breeding efficiency. In this study, 193 artificial crosses with 1.932 flowers and selfing (artificial and non-interference selfing) with 1.120 flowers were carried out in 218 lotus accessions. There were no differences in the cross FSR between Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and American lotus (N. lutea), but both of their cross FSRs were significantly higher than that (7.9 %) of Asian-American hybrids. The selfing FSRs were highest in American lotus, followed by Asian lotus and Asian-American hybrids. Regardless of whether they were used as the female or male parents in crosses, lotus accessions with pink tepals had higher FSRs than those with white tepals. While the yellow-flowered American lotus obtained the highest FSRs among all flower colors in both of selfing. As the tepal number increased, the FSRs of cross and artificial selfing did not continuously decrease. Cultivars with 91–120 tepals had the highest cross FSR in the double-tepalled lotus, regardless of whether they were used as the male or female parents. Therefore, the cross and selfing FSRs of lotus were associated with parent species type, flower color, and stamen petaloidy. Generally, the results of this study provide useful insights into parent selection, cross design, and sample sizes for reducing costs and improving efficiency in lotus breeding.

The lotus (Nelumbo Adans.) is a perennial aquatic plant with important value in horticulture, medicine, food, religion, and culture. It is rich in germplasm and more than 2000 cultivars have been cultivated through hybridization and natural selection. Microsporogenesis and male gametogenesis in the anther are important for hybridization in flowering plants. However, little is known about the cytological events, especially related to the stamen, during the reproduction of the lotus. To better understand the mechanism controlling the male reproductive development of the lotus, we investigated the flower structure of the Asian lotus (N. nucifera). The cytological analysis of anther morphogenesis showed both the common and specialized cytological events as well as the formation of mature pollen grains via meiosis and mitosis during lotus anther development. Intriguingly, an anatomical difference in anther appendage structures was observed between the Asian lotus and the American lotus (N. lutea). To facilitate future study on lotus male reproduction, we categorized pollen development into 11 stages according to the characterized cytological events. This discovery expands our knowledge on the pollen and appendage development of the lotus as well as improving the understanding of the species differentiation of N. nucifera and N. lutea.

To further understand the benefits of biochar in crop production and remediation of heavy metal pollution, the effects of biochar on the growth of Nelumbo nucifera ‘Taikong 36’ and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in plant tissues were evaluated in the artificially Cd-polluted water-soil. The results showed that plant biomass significantly increased with the proportion (0–32%) of biochar in the soil mix. However, the impacts of biochar on plant physiological indicators were not clear. Compared with the control, the addition of 32% biochar significantly decreased Cd content in rhizomes, petioles, and leaves of N. nucifera ‘Taikong 36’ by 69, 81, 55%, respectively. Correspondingly, the bioaccumulation coefficient of Cd was reduced, by a maximum of 71%, and the Cd transfer coefficient from underground to aboveground tissues increased up to 1.3 fold. The bioaccumulation coefficient of Cd in rhizomes was significantly lower than that of leaves, indicating that biochar mitigated the effect of heavy metal ions and reduced the accumulation of Cd in the edible parts of lotus. Therefore, biochar has potential in green agriculture production and remediation of heavy-metal polluted water and soil due to its positive effects: improving plant growth and reducing heavy metal pollution.

Several plants of a putative hybrid of Begonia were found in southern Yunnan of China during a field survey. They were preliminarily identified as the offspring of a natural hybrid between Begonia hemsleyana as the maternal parent and B. macrotoma as the paternal parent based on the following reasons: the putative hybrid grows sympatrically with B. hemsleyana and B. macrotoma, but more closely to the former; it shows some intermediate morphological characteristics between parents; and the flowering time of parents overlaps, at least partially. Molecular information of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), chloroplast spacer ndhF-rpl32 and SSR markers supported our hypothesis of the natural hybrid between B. hemsleyana (♀) and B. macrotoma (♂). The hybrid should be the first generation (F1) and was named as Begonia × dashuigouensis D.K. Tian based on the name of place where it was discovered.

American lotus ( Nelumbo lutea Willd.) was an important food resource for native American people and continues to be a popular ornamental plant worldwide. However, its habitats have been suffering from destruction by both natural and human's activities. Little is known about the genetic diversity of this species. In this study, genetic diversity and structure of American lotus in North America were evaluated based on seven populations using 19 microsatellite markers. Sixty alleles were obtained from 19 loci in seven populations. The number of effective alleles ( N E = 1.18), Shannon's information index ( I = 0.17), expected heterozygosity ( H E = 0.11) indicated a low level of genetic diversity in populations. High level of genetic differentiation among populations was reflected by F ST = 0.81 and AMOVA analysis. UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE analysis clustered the seven populations into two clusters or gene pools. Population of Ocheechobee Lake in Florida formed an independent cluster or gene pool and is separated from other populations. Populations from Ontario and Maryland likely originated from individuals surviving floods or were introduced not long ago from other places. Further study is necessary based on more extensive sampling from other distribution regions and countries to better understand genetic diversity of American lotus.

The rDNA sites are useful chromosome landmarks and can provide valuable information for species identification and species relationships. In this study, we investigated the distribution of 5S and 45S rDNA sites in 29 species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum Irmsch. using a two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. This is the first report of chromosomal rDNA mapping in Begonia species. The analyzed species showed considerable diversity in rDNA distribution patterns. The 45S rDNA signals are always located in terminal regions on 1−4 chromosomes, while 5S rDNA signals are mainly located at proximal regions on 2−8 chromosomes, varying from specific major signals to highly dispersed minor signals. Based on rDNA FISH patterns, most of the investigated species could be distinguished from each other and species relationships were identified. In addition, the results provided clear proof that B. huangii is of hybrid origin and the triploid B. longgangensis was allotriploid rather than autotriploid as suggested before. The data will provide a useful reference for evaluation, conservation and utilization of the natural resources of the mega-diverse genus Begonia.

During the review progress of a manuscript describing a new species from Xizang (Tibet), we found that, close to acceptance of our manuscript, the same species had just been published as Begonia medogensis. For better understanding this species, we supplemented the description of this species with further illustrations, additional specimens, updated distribution map, further comparison with similar species and a conservation assessment (NT).

Shoot induction ability of explants of herbaceous peony was investigated in semisolid MS medium containing BA, TDZ and GA 3 . Callus was readily induced from stem without node and petiole explants within 2 days of culture but failed to generate shoots. Adventitious shoots were successfully produced from meristematic regions only: bud eyes on nodal stem sections, and junctions of petioles and petiolules. No shoots were induced from internode sections, petiole without junctions, or leaf sections. Nodal sections were the most efficient explants. There were up to 20 shoots in one explant generated within 20 days of culture. TDZ was more effective than BA to induce shoots. The 100% shoot induction rate was obtained in medium containing 0.1–3 mg L −1 of TDZ. However, higher concentrations of TDZ inhibited shoot elongation and only large leaf clusters were produced. Combinations of BA and TDZ failed to increase shoot induction rates but caused shoots shorter. The 2–60-min pretreatment of explants with 20 mg L −1 TDZ solution was very effective to induce adventitious shoots directly, but both shoot number and shoot length tended to decrease as treatment time increased. GA 3 was beneficial for shoot and stem elongation.

The effect of soil volume on containerized lotus (Nelumbo) production has been underreported. American lotus (Nelumbo lutea Willd.) and three cultivars (‘Embolene’, ‘98 Seed’ and ‘Karizma’) of Asian lotus (N. nucifera Gaertn.) were investigated for growth response to container soil volume in this study. Electrical conductivity, pH, plant growth indices, and plant nutritional content were influenced by container soil volume. Differences in some plant growth indices were significant between treatments with ½ and higher (½ and ¾) container height soil (CHS) in 21 or 29 liter (#5 or #7) containers. However, plant growth indices were generally not different between treatments with ½ and ¾ CHS. Lotus planted in containers with ¼ CHS usually produced the greatest plant height and underground fresh weight, while the largest number of propagules often occurred in containers with ½ or ¾ CHS. The highest number of emerging leaves was observed in plants with ¼ or ½ CHS treatments, with no significant difference in emerging leaf number between lotus grown in containers with ½ and ¾ CHS. Flower number generally decreased as soil level increased. The ¼ and ½ CHS were more efficient than ¾ CHS for lotus production in containers.

Lotus (Nelumbo) is a highly valued plant with a long history for vegetable, ornamental, and medicinal use. Little information is available on the effects of planting time on performance of lotus, especially when grown in containers. The objectives of this study were to find a suitable planting time and to determine best management practices that are of importance for container lotus production. Effects of planting time and disbudding on plant growth indices in southeast Alabama were evaluated in a container production system for the ornamental lotus, N. nucifera ‘Embolene’. Results indicated that plant growth indices were little influenced by different planting dates in March, but were much influenced by planting dates with a difference over a month between February and May. Plants potted and placed outdoors in March and April performed best, and lotus planted in the greenhouse in February and planted outdoors in February and May performed worst. Flower number was not largely influenced by the planting time, but flowering characteristics, especially the flowering peaks, were different among treatments. Planting lotus outdoors between March and May produced the largest return. Influence of planting time on plant growth indices of lotus appeared to be explained by effects of growth-season climate conditions after planting. Disbudding had no impact on plant height but significantly increased underground fresh weight and the number of propagules. Therefore, disbudding should be considered a best management practice to maximize the yield of rhizomes or propagules. Positive linear, quadratic, or cubic relationships were detected among emerging leaf number, underground fresh biomass, and propagule number. Based on the regression models, the yield of lotus rhizomes or propagules can be predicted by the number of emerging leaves. This research provided a guide for nurseries, researchers, and collectors to select the best time to plant lotus outdoors.

Storage of enlarged lotus rhizomes used as a vegetable crop has been extensively studied, but little is known about the viability of lotus propagules (rhizomes with shoots) during storage. In this study, ornamental lotus, Nelumbo nucifera ‘Embolene’, was used to evaluate the effects of gum acacia, sphagnum moss and Terra-Sorb® hydrogel on the physiology and postharvest longevity or viability of stored lotus propagules. After 45 days of storage at 5C (42F) and 95% RH, there were no decayed propagules, and 94% of total propagules maintained their viability after planting. Water retention and shelf-life of rhizomes were similar among all treatments during storage. However, more water loss occurred with treatments at higher concentrations of gum acacia. After harvest, large differences in total sugar were found among individual samples, while starch content remained unchanged. A strong quadratic relationship was observed between total sugar and storage time for all treatments, but there was no significant effect of treatment on total carbohydrate change in lotus propagules after 45 days of storage.

Petal anthocyanins were systematically identified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with diode array detection among nine wild herbaceous peony (Paeonia L.) species (15 accessions). Individual anthocyanins were identified according to the HPLC retention time, elution order, MS fragmentation patterns, and by comparison with authentic standards and published data. Six main anthocyanins, including peonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-gluco- side-5-O-arabinoside (Pn3G5Ara), peonidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glu- coside, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G), were detected. In addition to the well-known major anthocyanins, some minor anthocyanins were identified in herbaceous peony species for the first time. Detection of the unique antho- cyanins cyanidin-3-O-glucoside-5-O-galactoside and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside-5-O-galactoside in both Paeonia anomala L. and P. anomala ssp. veitchii (Lynch) D.Y. Hong & K.Y. Pan indicated these two species should belong to the same taxon. Pn3G5Ara was found only in European wild species and subspecies suggesting different metabolic pathways between European and Chinese accessions. Anthocyanins conjugated with galactose and arabinose were observed in the genus Paeonia for the first time. The North American species, Paeonia tenuifolia L., had high Cy3G content in flower petals. This anthocyanin composition is distinct from the anthocyanin composition in Asian and European species and possibly is responsible for the vivid red coloration in flowers. The genus Paeonia consists of three sections (Moutan DC., Onaepia Lindley, and Paeonia DC.) and 35 species to form an independent family, Paeoniaceae. Section Paeonia was further divided into two subsections (Foliolatae F.C. Stern and subsection Dissectifoliae F.C. Stern (Stern, 1946)) that were disjunctly distributed in eastern Asia, central Asia, the western Himalayas, and the Mediterranean regions. Section Paeonia is the largest one, consisting of 22 species, some of which are complex and polyploid. Section Paeonia is the evo- lutional biome in this genus (Ferguson and Sang, 2001; Pan, 1995; Sang et al., 1997). China is considered to be the distribution and evolution center of the genus Paeonia. The middle region of China is the most concentrated zone of Paeonia species and botanical

A comparison in non-blotches and blotches of 35 cultivars of Xibei tree peony was investigated to explore flower coloration of Xibei tree peony (the second cultivar group in Chinese tree peony). With high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, six anthocyanins including peonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (Pn3G5G), peonidin 3-O-glucoside (Pn3G), cyanidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (Cy3G5G), cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (Cy3G), pelargonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (Pg3G5G), and pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside (Pg3G) were detected in non-blotches and blotches of petals. Total anthocyanins (TA), total flavones and flavonols (TF), and the copigmentation index (CI) were also analyzed. Cyanidin-based glycosides, which accumulated abundantly at the basal petal, resulted in blotch formation. Some peculiar cultivars with only one kind of anthocyanins or without anthocyanins in non-blotches were found in this study. For example, ‘Feng Zi Xiu Se’, ‘Ou Duan Si Lian’, and ‘Xi Wang’ contained only Pn3G5G; ‘Bing Shan Cang Yu’ and ‘Jin Bo Dang Yang’ contained only Cy3G; while no anthocyanins were found in ‘Bing Shan Xue Lian’. Several cultivars were rich in Pg-based glycosides, such as ‘Ni Hong Huan Cai’, and ‘Ju Yuan Shao Nv’. These cultivars would be excellent parents for creating new cultivars with novel flower color in the future.

Begonia leipingensis D. K. Tian, L. H. Yang & C. Li (2n = 30), a new species in Begonia sect. Coelocentrum from the limestone area of Guangxi, China. B. leipingensis is is easily distinguished from any other compound-leaved species in Begonia by its large variation in petiolule number and its unique spirally-arranged petiolule pattern, which has never been seen in Begoniaceae before and rarely seen even in other angiosperm taxa. Besides having non-overlapping flowering periods, it is clearly different from B. fangii , the most morphologically similar species in the same section and with the same chromosome number. In addition to its unique petiolule pattern, B. leipingensis has longer abaxial wings, shorter internodes, and usually larger leaves, leaflets and habit. Molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that B. leipingensis formed an independent lineage belonging to Sect. Coelocentrum . Morphological and phylogenetic evidence strongly supports this species as a new taxon in Sect. Coelocentrum of Begonia . B. leipingensis was assessed to be critically endangered based on criterion outlined by IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Eutrema bulbiferum, a unique new species of Brassicaceae found in the limestone areas of Longshan and Jishou, Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. This species is most similar to E. tenue and E. yunnanense, but can be easily distinguished by its rosulate fleshy bulbils in the leaf axil or near the stem base, fewer ovules per ovary, slightly 4-angled short wand-like silique, and bended silique apex with a beak. E. bulbiferum is categorized into Eutrema by phylogenetic analysis based on the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS). It is also clearly separated from E. tenue and E. yunnanense by the results of both phylogenetic analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on morphometric characters.