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Saffron "Crocus sativus" is a plant of the Iridaceae family. Its therapeutic virtues have been known since antiquity; it is used in traditional medicine and culinary preparations. It is also known for its use in cosmetics because of its beneficial pharmacological activities for human skin. In particular, saffron tepals are the main by-product of saffron processing; they contain several bioactive compounds such as mineral agents, anthocyanins, monoterpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and flavonols (kaempferol). This review aims to describe the different properties of saffron flower tepals, including their botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and cosmetology and perfumery uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical scholars have long held that the saffron in widespread use throughout the ancient Mediterranean was Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), a sterile triploid descendant of the wild Crocus cartwrightianus, and indeed use of Crocus sativus in antiquity has been extensively borne out both by iconographic and phylogenetic studies. Two principal scholars of the Roman world, Dioscorides the physician and Pliny the natural historian, disagreed radically over the virtues and commercial value of saffron crocus from Sicily, with one praising its quality, and the other excoriating it. This study draws on ecophysiology, classical texts, environmental archeology, and phytochemistry to explain this disagreement and its implications. It explores the potential impact of microclimate on crocus cultivation in the ancient Mediterranean and proposes a new species identification for Sicilian crocus: Crocus longiflorus. The identification of Crocus longiflorus as "Sicilian saffron" offers an important corrective to the assumption that Crocus sativus was the sole crocus species of commercial value in the ancient Mediterranean and renews attention to the economic potential and utility of an indigenous southern Italian species overlooked in classical and later scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris scariosa is a rhizomatous perennial whose taxonomy and distribution range still remain unclear. The results of our examination of literature, specimens, and wild plants have shown that I. glaucescens, described from Kazakhstan, and I. timofejewii, considered to be endemic to the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, are very closely related to I. scariosa. We have carried out molecular phylogenetic analyses for the first time to clarify the taxonomy of I. scariosa. For this, we sequenced six chloroplast DNA regions of an extended sampling that comprised the accepted species I. glaucescens and I. timofejewii, which has revealed their strong affinity to the accession of I. scariosa from the vicinity of Astrakhan, Russia. A thorough revision of the morphological characters has confirmed the lack of evident differences between I. scariosa and I. timofejewii. Thus, the analyses support a broad species circumscription of I. scariosa. We here reduce I. timofejewii, as well as I. curvifolia, considered to be endemic to Xinjiang, western China, to synonymy of I. scariosa. Color illustrations, updated nomenclature, and data on distribution of I. scariosa are provided. A lectotype for I. astrachanica and a neotype for I. timofejewii are designated here. Also, the phylogenetic relationships within I. subg. Iris are outlined, and an updated classification of the subgenus is proposed. We have recovered six major lineages within four major clades which we recognize as sections. Here, we propose two new nomenclatural combinations, a revised taxonomic treatment, and a new identification key to I. subg. Iris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sisyrinchium, a large genus of the Iridaceae family, is divided into ten sections and defined by genetic, morphological and phylogenetic traits. The section Viperella, though monophyletic, encounters taxonomic hurdles, particularly within the Sisyrinchium palmifolium L. and Sisyrinchium vaginatum Spreng complexes, resulting in numerous misidentifications. The taxonomic confusion in the group may stem from various factors, emphasizing extensive morphological variations, leading to overlapping characteristics. We used morphometric approaches to better characterize the species belonging to two complexes, assess their variation and identify diagnostic traits for taxonomy enhancement. We assessed 16 quantitative traits for the S. palmifolium complex and 15 for the S. vaginatum complex, totaling 652 specimens recorded across 15 herbaria covering the entire species' distribution area. In the S. vaginatum complex, 66.5% of the variations were accounted for in the first two axes, while in the S. palmifolium complex, the first two axes explained 55.3%. Our findings revealed that both complexes exhibited many morphological variations, leading to a characteristic overlap. These characteristics may have arisen due to recent diversifications of the group and niche overlaps. Additionally, we identified some morphological characteristics that are useful for distinguishing species. Finally, we compiled a section gathering all useful characteristics for species delimitation within the group, aiming to facilitate non-experts in deciphering this species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Reticulata irises" are dwarf irises highly appreciated in horticulture, which are characterised by their tuberiform bulbs, with a single fleshy inner tunic clothed mostly with reticulate or reticulate-hairy outer tunics, and basal leaves bifacial, angulose or finely sulcate in section. The aggregate is often accepted as a taxonomically compact group to which the name Iris subg. Hermodactyloides (Iris sect. Reticulatae) is often applied. It includes between 10–22 taxa (species and subspecies) occurring disjunctly from central Türkiye and the Transcaucasus throughout the Middle East to western China. Molecular work shows that Iris subg. Hermodactyloides, is polyphyletic as frequently delineated. Alternatively, analytic treatments accept two genera, Alatavia and Iridodictyum, exhibiting clear differences in morphology, biogeography, and phylogenetic connections. Recently, new field prospection across scarcely prospected vast territories led to the description of many new taxa in the "Reticulata irises." In this context, an updated synopsis of the bulbous genera Alatavia (four species) and Iridodictyum (18 + 2 species) is reported. For each accepted taxon, main synonyms, type indication, chromosome numbers, distribution areas, and taxonomic or nomenclatural remarks are reported. Further, five new specific combinations are introduced, and also four neotypes, two lectotypes, two second-step lectotypes, and one epitype are designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neomarica longifolia is a commercially important ornamental iris plant. • Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) along with plant hormones in the medium improved the rate of shoot amplification. • Silicon NPs had a positive impact on the morpho-structural differentiation of leaves. • Silicon NPs also increased chlorophyll contents, rooting efficiency, and acclimatization of plantlets. Neomarica longifolia (Link & Otto) Sprague is a commercially important ornamental iris plant. This study aimed to explore in vitro regeneration and the relevance of silicon nanoparticles during the shoot amplification phase and their impact on the subsequent development of plants, structural differentiation, and rooting efficiency of N. longifolia. A maximum number of shoots (4.3 per explant) from node explants was recorded on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium augmented with 1.5 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). However, lower concentration of BAP (0.5 mg L−1) combined with 0.2 mg L−1 Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were optimal for multiple shoot production (9.3 shoots). The foliages of such shoots were structurally weak and underdeveloped with reduced photopigments. The incorporation of 2.0 mg L−1 SiNPs in the nutrient solution showed a positive impact on the rate of amplification (15.0 shoots per explant) and well differentiation of mechanical and vascular tissues and photopigments. The increased concentrations of SiNPs (beyond optimum) decreased the above-studied parameters. The shootlets obtained from optimized concentrations of SiNPs along with optimum plant growth regulators (PGRs) rooted maximum (94.5 % response, 13.0 roots per shoot) on ½ MS medium + 0.5 mg L−1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and survived well in the greenhouse. We, therefore, hypothesize that the incorporation of optimal SiNPs (2.0 mg L−1) along with optimal PGRs at the shoot proliferation phase is important for upregulating the rate of shoot amplification, differentiation of foliar architecture, synthesis of photopigments, root development, and survival of the plantlets during hardening. Furthermore, the present study addressed the limitations of in vitro -induced morpho-structural disorders by introducing SiNPs in the medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Iris, Iris cangshanensis, was discovered in Cangshan Nature Reserve, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, I. cangshanensis shares several key features with species in Iris subg. Crossiris, including prominent crests and stout rhizomes, but it is easily distinguished from other Iris species by its unique crest, dark purple spots on the falls, erect standards recurved to the style branches, and slightly fimbriate tips of the style branches. Phylogenetic analysis including 115 related species based on matk/trnk and trnL‐F sequences indicates that I. cangshanensis forms a distinct clade, and reveals a strong genetic connection between I. cangshanensis, the Iristectorum complex and Iris latistyla. Overall, both morphological and phylogenetic evidence strongly support the classification of I. cangshanensis as a newly discovered species. A comprehensive description of this species is provided, including a detailed illustrations and photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, as well as its IUCN conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris brandzae is one of the most threatened plant species in Romania. The current distribution of this species is very fragmented, and the population size has been reduced in the last 30 years. Information on the habitat preferences of the species has not been summarized yet. In this context, this study aimed to identify the habitat preferences of the species I. brandzae in Romania. The study was carried out in the NE (Moldova) and SE (Muntenia) regions of Romania. For the vegetation analysis, a total of 46 relevés were used. To classify the vegetation, we applied the hierarchical agglomerative clustering method, using the ß-flexible algorithm with ß = -0.25 and the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. The data were represented as mean percentage values, according to the the Braun-Blanquet scale. Relationships between floristic composition and environmental variables were analyzed with Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). The vegetation analysis showed that I. brandzae grows in xerophilous, mesophilous and halophilous grasslands and ash-alpine alluvial forests. The species occurs in the communities of the Stipion lessingianae alliance, of the Festucetalia valesiacae order, mainly. The results of the CCA analysis indicate that the variation of the floristic composition of I. brandzae is influenced by the annual mean temperature (BIO1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris luojiensis Z.Y. Wang, H.W. Huang and R. Li sp. nov. from southwest China is described and illustrated. This species occurs on shrub slopes in mountainous regions of southwest China. Iris luojiensis is morphologically similar to Iris japonica Thunb., Iris calcicola Z. C. Lu, Z.P. Huang and Yan Liu and Iris wattii Baker, but easily distinguished from them by its bluish‐violet flowers, 3–6 flowering‐stem branches, leaf size, particularly the upper leaves, and by only having two to three (seldom one) flowers per bract. A phylogenetic analysis based on the complete plastid genome supports the separation of I. luojiensis from other morphologically related species. According to morphological and molecular evidence, I. luojiensis can be placed in the I. sect. Lophiris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native populations of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio, two endangered bulbous species within the large Iris genus in Iridaceae, are threatened with extinction due to mining and other industrial activities in their natural habitats in Central Asia, including Iran. These species not only have a significant economic impact on the global horticultural industry due to their versatility and attractive phenotypic traits, but also have significant ecological value that necessitates their conservation. In this study, we examined the morphological and functional diversity between individuals within these two species, which exhibit high tolerance to environmental stresses. Our study examined 10 populations of I. hymenospatha and two populations of I. histrio based on bulb, flower, and leaf characteristics throughout Iran. We recognized a gradation of five different leaf shapes among I. hymenospatha populations with significant differences between some populations, including "Arak-Khomain" and "Arak-Gerdo". The "Jaro", "Natanz-Karkas", "Ardestan-Taleghan", "Arak-Rahjerd", "Arak-Gerdo", "Ganjnameh", and "Abas-Abad" populations of I. hymenospatha displayed maximal values in leaf width, stem diameter under flower, crown diameter, flower number, leaf number, and bulb diameter. The I. histrio "Velian" population had a significantly larger flower size, a longer stem length, a larger style width, a longer flowering date, and a higher plant height compared to the "Ganjnameh" population of I. histrio. Such characteristics of both species make them remarkable ornamental plants. Our study also revealed that I. hymenospatha populations grow on different soils and elevations and have the ability to adapt to different growing conditions. Given the threats they face, conservation through horticultural selection and propagation offers a viable conservation strategy for both species. This approach not only preserves the genetic diversity of these species, but also enables their further contribution to the horticultural industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic classification of the genus Crocus has undergone substantial revisions over the past half‐century. Likewise, over the last two decades, the number of known species in Iran has tripled with the discovery of 16 additional species. Despite these noteworthy recent findings, there is a lack of an updated taxonomic revision that encompasses all these newcomers. This revision of the genus in Iran is based on comprehensive morphological examinations conducted on fresh plant material collected in the field, cultivated plants, herbarium specimens, and an extensive literature review. Presently, 24 species are recognized in Iran. They are classified into two sections: Crocus and Nudiscapus. Notably, 18 species (75%) are endemic to Iran, with 14 among them being steno‐endemics, the five remaining species are subendemic elements whose distribution is limited to Iran and the adjacent countries. An identification key to all 24 recognized species is presented, accompanied by illustrations, detailed descriptions, distribution maps and information on the conservation status of each species. According to the IUCN criteria, the conservation status of all species, excluding C. caspius, C. damascenus,C. haussknechtii and C. michelsonii is at an alarming level. This revision aims to resolve ambiguities in the Iranian Crocus taxonomy, and offers the opportunity to collectively examine all previously described species in one comprehensive contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic and nomenclatural account on taxa of Iridaceae proposed by Ferdinand Schur, a famous investigator of the flora of Transylvania (present‐day Romania), is presented. Types are designated for 12 names, namely lectotypes for Crocus banaticus var. niveus, C. exiguus, Iris fieberi var. monantha, I. × binata, I. × cucullata, I. pseudocyperus, I. transsilvanica, I. sibirica var. salina, and neotypes for C. banaticus var. concolor, C. banaticus var. pictus, C. banaticus var. versicolor and I. pumila var. albiflora. Based on a broad examination of Schur's original and authentic material, the taxonomic application of these names, as well as of his invalidly published and unpublished names (appearing only on herbarium labels), are clarified. It is proposed to treat I. fieberi var. monantha as a taxonomic synonym of I. aphylla, I. pumila var. albiflora and I. transsilvanica as synonyms of I. pumila, and I. sibirica var. salina as a synonym of I. spuria. The names I. × binata and I. × cucullata are accepted for the hybrids I. aphylla × pumila and I. × germanica × pallida, respectively. The treatment of I. pseudocyperus as a distinct subspecies within I. graminea is supported. All names validly published by Schur in Crocus are treated as synonyms of C. heuffelianus s.l. until an adequate taxonomic revision covering the southern Carpathian allotetraploid C. cf. heuffelianus (2n = 18) is implemented. If this polyploid deserves the rank of a distinct species, the name C. exiguus, which seems to be the earliest validly published, should be accepted for this taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated whether the corm tunic structure, which is the underground part of the Crocus (Iridaceae) plant, can be used for adsorption and recovery/removal of uranium from an aqueous solution. The characterization of this structure, which has not been studied for its interaction with metals before, has been elucidated by point zero charge (PZC), FTIR, and SEM analyses. Extensive investigations were conducted on the adsorption properties of the biomass used and the pH, temperature, time, adsorbent dosage, and uranyl ion concentration variables were optimized. The experimental data were interpreted using theoretical adsorption models. The Langmuir model revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of the material to be 0.286 mol kg−1. Adsorption kinetics were also described using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intra-particular diffusion models. It is shown that the adsorption pH reaches the highest adsorption at the natural pH of the uranium solution. Experimental studies showed that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. It has been shown that this biomaterial can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of uranium as well as a biomarker for determining the environmental uranium concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distribution records of Iris pseudacorus in South Africa have increased four-fold between 2015 and 2023, with the species present in every South African province except the arid Northern Cape. • The distribution of I. pseudacorus in South Africa is likely anthropogenically determined. • Approximately 83 % of South African I. pseudacorus seeds are germinable. • The species has a high sexual reproductive output in South Africa, with ∼ 774 germinable seed produced per m2. • This study has implications for the control of I. pseudacorus in South Africa and the global south. Iris pseudacorus L. (Iridaceae), or yellow flag iris, is an emergent aquatic macrophyte which has been distributed globally as an ornamental pond plant. The species spreads rapidly through both sexual and vegetative means, and can become highly invasive in its introduced range. Iris pseudacorus is a declared invader in South Africa, but little is known about the distribution and invasive potential of the species in the Southern Hemisphere, potentially hindering the effectiveness of control efforts. This study addresses this knowledge gap in a South African context, providing insight into the invasion autecology of I. pseudacorus in the country. Through field surveys, we confirmed the presence of the invader in eight of the country's nine provinces and, as of March 2023, we report a four-fold increase in the number of distribution records obtained since 2015. Additionally, we determined a high sexual reproductive output and germinability which resulted in a mean of ∼ 774 germinable seeds produced per m2 across the invasive South African range. By mapping the confirmed distribution of the species in South Africa and quantifying its sexual reproductive output and germinability of its seeds, these results will better equip control organisations to manage I. pseudacorus invasions in South Africa to mitigate its ecological impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many plant species of family Iridaceae like Crocus, Gladiolus, Iris and Freesia are grown worldwide for their commercially valued flowers and flowering product. All these plants along with other cultivated members are known to get diseases from multiple pathogens. This leads to greater damage in yield causing huge economic losses to farmers and growers. To understand the disease cycle, their cause and prophylactic measures on broader scale, fungal and bacterial pathogens causing corm rot diseases, blight diseases, leaf spot, wilt diseases and viral diseases are discussed. The survey of the reported literature and their analysis revealed that corm and rhizome rot is most devastating disease in all commercially valued species from this family, worldwide. Fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum found to be pathogen of major concern. Viral and bacterial disease is equally recurring problem. Yet, suitable and recommended agronomic practices along with use of fungicides and bactericides have potential in preventing spread of pathogens and diseases to nearby fields. The endeavour of the article is to provide summarised information with potential to be utilised by stakeholders for better disease management and prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sierra Madre del Sur (SMS) biogeographic province parallels the Pacific Ocean from the state of Jalisco to Oaxaca and Puebla. The area is very complex tectonically and geologically and harbors the highest number of vascular and endemic plant species in Mexico. Here, we describe Tigridia nana as a new species in this province. Furthermore, during the revision of herbaria and digital collections, we created a database to provide a biogeographical analysis of Tigridieae in the SMS. Morphologically, T. nana pertains to Tigridia subgenus Tigridia. The nectary has secretory trichomes that extend across the inner tepal, the base of the much reduced limb inflexes, and then covers it. Tigridia nana is endemic to Oaxaca coexisting in the SMS with 34 other species of Tigridieae. The group is very diverse in the state of Oaxaca, with the species richness and endemism concentrated in the Oaxacan Highlands district. The pine-oak forest harbors the greatest species richness. Our findings coincide with the species richness and endemicity values of some other plant groups in the SMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effect of variations in chitosan concentration as a polymer on the physical characteristics, mucoadhesive properties, and dissolution profiles of mucoadhesive tablets in carrier microspheres. Mucoadhesive tablets are made using the direct felt method. In making mucoadhesive tablets, three different concentrations of E. palmifolia extract compared to chitosan are used, including F1 (1:1), F2 (1:2), and F3 (1:3). Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr is used as the active ingredient and chitosan is used as a polymer. Evaluation of the physical characteristics of mucoadhesive tablets includes tests for uniformity of content, size, hardness, brittleness, and crushing time. In addition, mucoadhesive properties are also evaluated, including expandability tests, wash-off tests, and dissolution tests. The measurement of content uniformity showed no significant difference from the three formulas with no significant difference (p > 0.606). The uniformity test results of size, hardness, brittleness, crushing time, and the wash-off test showed a significant difference by the significant difference in each test sequentially of 0.012, 0.018, 0.028, 0.000, and 0.004. Dissolution tests were carried out with simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2 and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) pH 6.8 dissolution media using a type 2 dissolution tester (paddle), and dissolution level measurements were carried out with UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a maximum wavelength of 340.5 nm. The dissolution values of the three mucoadhesive tablet formulas in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2 media and the median simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) pH 6.8 showed significant differences (p < 0.000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Syrian endemic Iris nusairiensis Mouterde is considered on the verge of extinction, but little available information exists for researchers, conservationists, and horticulturists. This diminutive and beautiful pale blue iris is illustrated and discussed in detail, with notes on taxonomy, biology and cultivation. The effects of armed conflict on its continued survival are described, and future actions are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The new species Moraea saxatilis is described. • Local endemic of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area. • Illustrated by colour photographs. • Distinguished from other species in ser. Galaxia by terete leaves with translucent dorsal line and pale mauve perianth. The new species Moraea saxatilis Goldblatt & J.C.Manning (Iridaceae: Iridoideae) is a narrow endemic of the Kliphuisvlakte above Porterville in Western Cape, South Africa. First recorded in September 2019, M. saxatilis is restricted to shallow, seasonally waterlogged soils on sandstone sheets. This diminutive species has unusual terete leaves with a median dorsal translucent line, and distinctive pale lilac flowers irregularly speckled or streaked with dark blue towards the centre, with the filaments ±free or connate only in the basal third. The acaulescent habit and ±campanulate flowers with subequal tepals connate below in a solid perianth tube and reduced style crests place the species in subg. Galaxia (Thunb.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning. Within the subgenus, the fringed style branches of M. saxatilis place it in ser. Galaxia , which currently includes nine species, all with white or yellow flowers. Among these, only M. luteoalba has ±free filaments but it differs considerably from M. saxatilis in having plane, ovate to elliptic leaves and larger yellow flowers sometimes creamy white distally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Experimental studies reported that some plants in the genus of Moraea (Iridaceae family) show anticancer potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moraea sisyrinchium on U87 glioblastoma multiforme and HepG2 liver cancer cells.Materials and Methods: The cells were incubated for 24 hr with hydroalcoholic extract of the stem, flower, and bulb of M. sisyrinchium. Then, the cell proliferation (MTT) assay, cell cycle analysis (propidium iodide staining), cell migration test (scratch), Western blotting (Bax and Bcl-2 expression), and gelatin zymography (for matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs) were performed. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining the levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Angiogenesis was evaluated on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.Results: The extracts of the flower, stem, and bulb significantly decreased the proliferation of HepG2 and U87 cells. This effect was more for U87 than HepG2 and for the bulb and stem than the flower. In U87 cells, the bulb extract increased oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Also, this extract suppressed the migration ability of HepG2 and U87 cells, which was associated with the inhibition of MMP2 activity. In addition, it significantly reduced the number and diameter of vessels in the chorioallantoic membrane. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of xanthones (bellidifolin and mangiferin), flavonoids (quercetin and luteolin), isoflavones (iridin and tectorigenin), and phytosterols (e.g., stigmasterol) in the bulb.Conclusion: M. sisyrinchium bulb decreased the proliferation and survival of cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress. It also reduced the migration ability of the cells and inhibited angiogenesis.

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.

Sisyrinchium, a large genus of the Iridaceae family, is divided into ten sections and defined by genetic, morphological and phylogenetic traits. The section Viperella, though monophyletic, encounters taxonomic hurdles, particularly within the Sisyrinchium palmifolium L. and Sisyrinchium vaginatum Spreng complexes, resulting in numerous misidentifications. The taxonomic confusion in the group may stem from various factors, emphasizing extensive morphological variations, leading to overlapping characteristics. We used morphometric approaches to better characterize the species belonging to two complexes, assess their variation and identify diagnostic traits for taxonomy enhancement. We assessed 16 quantitative traits for the S. palmifolium complex and 15 for the S. vaginatum complex, totaling 652 specimens recorded across 15 herbaria covering the entire species’ distribution area. In the S. vaginatum complex, 66.5% of the variations were accounted for in the first two axes, while in the S. palmifolium complex, the first two axes explained 55.3%. Our findings revealed that both complexes exhibited many morphological variations, leading to a characteristic overlap. These characteristics may have arisen due to recent diversifications of the group and niche overlaps. Additionally, we identified some morphological characteristics that are useful for distinguishing species. Finally, we compiled a section gathering all useful characteristics for species delimitation within the group, aiming to facilitate non-experts in deciphering this species complex.

Objective(s): Experimental studies reported that some plants in the genus of Moraea (Iridaceae family) show anticancer potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moraea sisyrinchium on U87 glioblastoma multiforme and HepG2 liver cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The cells were incubated for 24 hr with hydroalcoholic extract of the stem, flower, and bulb of M. sisyrinchium. Then, the cell proliferation (MTT) assay, cell cycle analysis (propidium iodide staining), cell migration test (scratch), Western blotting (Bax and Bcl-2 expression), and gelatin zymography (for matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs) were performed. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining the levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Angiogenesis was evaluated on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Results: The extracts of the flower, stem, and bulb significantly decreased the proliferation of HepG2 and U87 cells. This effect was more for U87 than HepG2 and for the bulb and stem than the flower. In U87 cells, the bulb extract increased oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Also, this extract suppressed the migration ability of HepG2 and U87 cells, which was associated with the inhibition of MMP2 activity. In addition, it significantly reduced the number and diameter of vessels in the chorioallantoic membrane. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of xanthones (bellidifolin and mangiferin), flavonoids (quercetin and luteolin), isoflavones (iridin and tectorigenin), and phytosterols (e.g., stigmasterol) in the bulb. Conclusion: M. sisyrinchium bulb decreased the proliferation and survival of cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress. It also reduced the migration ability of the cells and inhibited angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) is one of the most valuable and expensive medicinal plants in the world. In order to compare the quality characteristics of saffron in Afghanistan and Iran, samples of dried C. sativus from different saffronproducing regions of Herat province (Afghanistan) and Torbat Heydarieh county (Iran) were collected in the year 2021. The experiment was analyzed in GLM format and Nested method with three replications. The samples of saffron produced from seven different districts of Herat province in Afghanistan, including Injil, Karukh, Guzara, Pashtun Zarghun, Zendeh Jan, Ghoryan, Obeh and nine saffronproducing villages (Fakhrabad, Kadkan, Nasar, Ghaleno, Feizabad, Khorgh, Abrood, Benhang, Shadmehr) of Torbat Heydarieh county in Iran were examined. The results showed that the effect of country and region (districts and villages) on the quality traits of saffron (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) was significant. Moreover, the comparison of the mean values indicated the presence of significant differences in the qualitative characteristics of saffron among the different investigated villages of Torbat Heydarieh. The saffron produced in Afghanistan had the highest amount of crocin (on average 279.1 ɷ 440nm) and picrocrocin (on average 101 ϕ 257 nm), while the highest value of safranal (on average 34.2 θ 330 nm) was observed in saffron samples produced in Iran. The highest amount of the above quality traits belonged to the saffron of Zendeh Jan Herat region 5 (Af5, crocin: 303 ɷ 440 nm, picrocrocin: 106 ϕ 257 nm, safranal: 33 θ 330 nm), while the five Torbat Heydarieh villages had the lowest quality of saffron (Ir5, crocin: 164 ɷ 440nm, picrocrocin: 71 ϕ 257 nm, safranal: 34 θ 330 nm). In the comprehensive analysis of saffronproducing regions in Afghanistan and Iran, in terms of the qualitative attributes (crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal) it was evident that regions 1 to 6 in Herat, Afghanistan (Af1, Af2, Af3, Af4, Af5, Af6) and the Abrood village of Torbat Heidarieh, Iran (Ir7) formed a distinct cluster, demonstrating superior quality compared to other regions. Furthermore, with the exception of the Feizabad village of Torbat Heydarieh (Ir5), all examined samples surpassed the saffron ISO international standard and were categorized as firstgrade quality. The exceptional quality of Herat saffron from Afghanistan is likely attributable to the unique geographical features, virgin lands, and specific climatic conditions across diverse cultivation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New chorological data are presented for 164 species and subspecies from Bulgaria (1, 2, 76, 127-139, 142, 158-162), Greece (32-62, 77-126, 140-141, 143-157, 163, 164), Republic of North Macedonia (63-75), and Turkey-in-Europe (3-31). The taxa belong to the following families: Alliaceae (61, 77-81, 137), Amaryllidaceae (2, 82), Anacardiaceae (4, 32), Apiaceae (5-16, 129, 143, 144), Araceae (85), Arecaceae (85), Asclepiadaceae (33), Asparagaceae (138), Asphodelaceae (125, 162), Aspleniaceae (127), Asteraceae (17-26, 44-48, 63, 118, 145, 159-161), Berberidaceae (140), Betulaceae (163), Boraginaceae (64, 65, 146), Brassicaceae (49, 147), Campanulaceae (66, 67), Capparaceae (34), Caryophyllaceae (142, 150), Casuarinaceae (35), Chenopodiaceae (50), Colchicaceae (86), Convallariaceae (155, 156), Convolvulaceae (51), Cyperaceae (87-89), Equisetaceae (3), Ericaceae (52), Euphorbiaceae (27, 53, 54), Fabaceae (68, 69, 119), Grossulariaceae (130), Hyacinthaceae (90-93), Iridaceae (94-98, 126, 139, 141, 158), Juncaceae (99, 100), Lamiaceae (55, 56, 120, 131, 151), Liliaceae (101), Lythraceae (28, 132), Moraceae (121), Oleaceae (36), Onagraceae (37, 70), Ophioglossaceae (1), Orchidaceae (75, 76), Orobanchaceae (29), Pinaceae (128), Plantaginaceae (152), Plumbaginaceae (38), Poaceae (30, 31, 43, 102-117, 157), Portulacaceae (57), Primulaceae (71, 122), Ranunculaceae (123, 133, 148), Rosaceae (72, 134, 135), Rutaceae (153), Santalaceae (58, 154), Scrophulariaceae s.l. (73, 124), Simaroubaceae (39), Solanaceae (40-42, 59, 164), Thymelaeaceae (60), Typhaceae (62), Ulmaceae (136), and Violaceae (74, 149). A new taxon for a country is: Greece - Berberis aquifolium (140). The publication includes contributions by: A. Asenov (1), A. Asenov & P. Avreyska (2), M. Aybeke (3-31), B. Biel & Kit Tan (32-43), C. Cattaneo & M. Grano (44-62), D. Dimitrov (63-75), I. Gavalas, R. Jahn & Kit Tan (77-117), V. Ioannidis, D. Doulkeridou, K. Marianthi & A. Strid (118-126), T. Karakiev (127-139), D. Mermygkas & M. Dimaki (140, 141), S. Stoyanov & Y. Marinov (142), Kit Tan & G. Kofinas (143-149), Kit Tan & Sister Pachomia (150-157), V. Trifonov (158), V. Vladimirov (159-162), and G. Zarkos & Kit Tan (163, 164). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Saffron stigmas crop generates a large amount of biomass called by-product with high added value. • Saffron floral by-products (tepals, leaves, stamens, styles, spaths, and others) are rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and volatile compounds. • Chemical compounds contained in the saffron floral by-products have excellent antioxidant and anti-microbiological activities. • Bioactive compounds of saffron floral by-products are a great coloring and aromatic agents strongly used in industrial formulations. Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.), is the most expensive spice in the world, derived from the red filaments (stigmas) of a sterile triploid geophyte plant that belongs to the Iridaceae family. Saffron stigmas have been traditionally used in food and cosmetic products due to their coloring, flavoring, and aromatic aspects, attributed to their bioactive compounds, namely crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. After harvesting saffron stigmas, a considerable amount of saffron floral parts so-called by-products are generated: petals, leaves, stamens, and others. Recent scientific studies have focused on cosmetic, therapeutic, and nutraceutical applications of not only saffron stigmas but also their several floral by-products. The chemical compounds contained in the whole saffron flower such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, are endowed with excellent potentialities like antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities which makes them strongly used in food and cosmetic products. This paper aims to provide a systematic overview of specialized (secondary) metabolites applications of saffron stigmas as well as its by-products in various fields, also, the mechanisms of action of saffron bioactive compounds activities have been explained in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crocus L. (Iridaceae) is systematically a very problematic genus due to the lack of clear distinctive features, wide range of habitats and the heterogeneity of morphological features. This genus is also highly heterogeneous from a karyological point of view. Apart from the most common spiraperturate pollen grains in Crocus, the authors frequently mentioned a number of other aperture types for individual species (subspecies, variations, etc.), i.e. polyrugoidate, nonaperturate (inaperturate), polyaperturate, with more or less extensive furrows, with short furrows, etc. The purpose of this work is to perform a palyno-morphological analysis of pollen aperture types noted in the genus Crocus. The reason for the study is a significant disagreement among researchers when describing the types of pollen apertures in the genus Crocus. An analysis of the literature, as well as the results of our previous studies, showed that the genus Crocus is characterized by inaperturate (nonaperturate), polyaperturoidate, spiraperturate and net-like pollen apertures. The similar net-like apertures were observed for some representatives of the subgenus Scorpiris Sach of the genus Iris L., in particular, in Iris atropatana Grossh. In our opinion, this aperture type can serve as a link between the genus Crocus and the subgenus Scorpiris of the genus Iris. We suggest, that the spiraperturate pollen type mentioned most often for the representatives of the genus Crocus can be considered the basic type within the genus. On the other hand, formless aperture-like areas are genetically unstable transitory variations, which occurred arbitrarily due to mutations. Finally, "polyrugoidate" (or with net-like apertures) pollen type noted in the literature for C. chrysanthus subsp. punctatus F.Candan et N.Özhatay may be considered to be more advanced in the genus Crocus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study describes some morphological and anatomical features of collected specimens of Sisyrinchium rosulatum E.P.Bicknell, from the first reported locality in Bulgaria. The isolated DNA sequences from the nuclear ITS1 - 5.8S rDNA - ITS2 region and the chloroplast rpoC1 gene proved the recognition of S. rosulatum and excluded the previously noticed S. montanum and S. angustifolium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris thoroldii is a perennial herbaceous plant with yellow, blue, or purple flowers. The species is native to the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas. In the literature and databases, I. thoroldii has long been treated in synonymy with I. potaninii. Currently, yellow-flowered plants of I. thoroldii are considered I. potanii, and blue-flowered plants are considered I. zhaoana, a replacement name for I. potaninii var. ionantha. This study aimed to clarify the taxonomic identity of I. thoroldii. A critical examination of original material, herbarium specimens, images of living plants, and the literature has shown I. thoroldii to be different from I. potaninii in some previously neglected macromorphological traits and to be conspecific with I. zhaoana. Thus, I. thoroldii is removed here from the synonymy of I. potaninii and accepted as a distinct species. This is endemic to China (central Gansu, Qinghai, and northwestern Sichuan provinces, and also Xinjiang Uygur and Tibet autonomous regions) and reaches the highest elevations compared with all other species in the genus Iris s.l. A revised taxonomy of I. thoroldii is provided, and two color forms, often co-occurring, are accepted: the autonymic yellow-flowered form (including a new synonym I. tigridia var. flavescens for which a lectotype was designated) and a form with blue or purple colors is proposed here, I. thoroldii f. ionantha. In addition, images of type specimens and detailed photographs of living plants for easy identification, along with the list of specimens of I. thoroldii that were examined, and also, comments on its distribution and habitats are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tritoniopsis parviflora has three different floral rewards to attract pollinators. • The protandrous flowers secreted oil and nectar temporally segregated. • None of the oil bees predicted were observed on flowers along geographical distribution. • The potential bi-modal pollination system did not ensure high reproductive rates. Pollination in the South African species Tritoniopsis parviflora is of particular interest as it is the only oil-producing member of Iridaceae outside the Americas and the only species in the family known to secrete both floral oil and nectar. We evaluated oil and nectar secretion dynamics of T. parviflora, identified floral visitors and characterized their foraging behavior, and quantified reproductive success. Chemical and anatomical analyses suggest temporal segregation in rewards offered in male and female phases of the protandrous flowers. The diacetin amount was vestigial and none of the bees observed on flowers were specialist oil-collecting bees. Fruit set in the four studied populations was very low (c. 16 % of flowers). These results suggest that the T. parviflora pollination may be ensured by different functional bee groups and the visits by nectar-feeding and pollen-collecting bees may have been supplementary for seed production in the study period in conditions of low abundance of oil bees. The diversity of rewards in T. parviflora may serve as a form of bet-hedging that allows for pollination by generalist bees in the face of unreliable pollination service by specialist oil-collecting bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents observations about the phenological anomalies regarding the flowering of spontaneous, subspontaneous and cultivated plants from different parts of Romania during 2021-April 1, 2023. These anomalies have become more prominent particularly in the last years (2010-2022), being observed in species of spontaneous, sub-spontaneous and cultivated plants. Flowering extension was observed, sometimes even supplementary flowerings, in the cold season (November-February) and is due to the positive temperatures in the cold season. Most phenological anomalies were observed in the following botanical families: Asteraceae (30 species), Lamiaceae (11 species), Rosaceae (10 species), Fabaceae (9 species) and the least anomalies were observed in the following botanical families: Brassicaceae (6 species), Polygonaceae (5 species), Solanaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ranunculaceae (4 species), Scrophulariaceae, Convolvulaceae (3 species), Geraniaceae, Violaceae, Boraginaceae, Plantaginaceae, Chenopodiaceae (2 species), Papaveraceae, Primulaceae, Malvaceae, Oleaceae, Cornaceae, Sapindaceae, Alismataceae, Onagraceae, Urticaceae, Hypericaceae, Iridaceae, Cannaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae (1 species). If these climatic anomalies are maintained and accentuated in the future, then successive flowerings are likely to be observed over the course of a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris pseudacorus is an invasive macrophyte in wetland ecosystems around the world. In Argentina, its distribution range covers the eastern and central regions, registering its presence in protected, natural and artificial wetlands. We report its presence in desert natural wetlands and artificial irrigation systems (Mendoza River and Tunuyán River basins, Mendoza). We provide a description of the specimens and photographic material, adding new georeferenced records and the first specimens to scientific reference collections of drylands in western Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Assessment of Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in 31 Genotypes of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras L.)" explores the genetic variability and heritability of 31 different types of gladiolus. The study reveals significant variations in each characteristic among the genotypes, with heritability estimates ranging from 22% to 99%. The percentage of genetic advances also varied from 24.25% to 69.41% of the mean. Gladiolus is a popular flower crop known for its distinctive sword-shaped leaves and attractive flowers, and it is commercially cultivated for purposes such as cut flowers and floral arrangements. The article provides valuable data on the performance and variability of different gladiolus genotypes, including measurements for plant height, spike length, number of florets per plant, and days to flowering. The findings indicate that traits with high heritability and genetic advance offer greater potential for improvement through selective breeding. [Extracted from the article]

Since the early 20th century, Iris maackii (Iridaceae) has been considered a synonym of I. laevigata, a synonym of I. pseudacorus, or an accepted species. The current concept of I. maackii in the literature and databases is often applied to yellow-flowered plants with prominently veined rosette leaves, which are diagnostic features of I. pseudacorus growing in Northeast Asia. Therefore, the objective was to clarify the taxonomic identity of I. maackii. This study is based on a critical examination of the literature, on the observed morphological characters in the holotype of I. maackii, and on a morphological comparison of I. maackii with living plants of I. laevigata and I. pseudacorus. Additionally, a morphometric comparison of the seed characters was carried out to clarify the morphological distinction among I. maackii, I. laevigata, and I. pseudacorus. A careful study demonstrated that the rosette leaf texture and the morphology of the flowering stem, fruit, and seeds of I. maackii are identical to or within the variation range of I. laevigata. Thus, I. maackii is morphologically non-distinct from I. laevigata and should be recognized as a taxonomic synonym of the latter. An image of the holotype of I. maackii is provided along with detailed illustrations of I. laevigata and I. pseudacorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, cancer kills millions of people around the world. Finding more selective anticancer agents is essential to improve the low survival rates of patients with metastatic cancers. Since the research of natural products is a valuable approach to the discovery of new compounds and the Iberian flora offers a rich source of unstudied plants, we have carried out a random screening of 76 plant species from 43 families collected in Andalusia (South of Spain). Using non-malignant cells (HaCaT) and lung cancer cells (A549), we found that the extract from Arum italicum Mill. subsp. italicum (Araceae), Mandragora autumnalis Bertol. (Solanaceae), Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae), and Lomelosia simplex (Desf.) Raf. subsp. dentata (Jord. & Fourr.) Greuter & Burdet (Dipsacaceae) showed selective cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells. Extracts of plant species belonging to the Iridaceae family showed high selective activity against cancer cells, highlighting that the Xiphion xiphium (L.) M.B. Crespo, Mart.-Azorín & Mavrodiev flower extract was more selective against lung cancer cells than the standard anticancer drugs, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. This extract also showed modest selective cytotoxicity against bladder carcinoma cells (T24). The number of cells in the G1 phase increased after treatment with the extract from Xiphion xiphium. Our research indicates that various plants are potential sources for the isolation and development of new anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of the coenotic populations of Iris pumila L. (Iridaceae) were studied in the southeast of the European part of Russia (Samara Region). The phytocenotic confinement and population structure of the species were assessed. I. pumila preferred growing in steppe zonal communities. In total, 118 species of vascular plants were found in the communities, where I. pumila has been registered, and of which 34 (28.8%) were included into the Red List of the Samara Region and 8 species into the Red List of the Russian Federation. In the study area, populations of I. pumila were represented by a significant number of individuals and were in a stable state. According to the "delta-omega" criterion, the populations were mature (47.0%), transitional (23.5%), maturing (17.6%), and aging (11.9%), which testified to the diversity of population structure and thus to a satisfactory state of the species in the Samara Region. The populations recovered mainly due to individuals of vegetative origin, but this process was rather slow. Under unfavorable conditions, I. pumila populations were characterized by a vegetative settled way of life. Fires, grazing, and destruction of habitats had a significant impact on the population structure and absolute abundance in the Samara Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, bulb extracts of Tigridia vanhouttei were obtained by maceration with solvents of increasing polarity. The extracts were evaluated against a panel of pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested against two cell lines (THP-1 and A549) using the MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated in THP-1 cells by measuring the secretion of pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines by ELISA. The chemical composition of the extracts was recorded by FTIR spectroscopy, and their chemical profiles were evaluated using GC-MS. The results revealed that only hexane extract inhibited the growth of the clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 200 μg/mL. Against THP-1 cells, hexane and chloroform extracts were moderately cytotoxic, as they exhibited LC50 values of 90.16, and 46.42 μg/mL, respectively. Treatment with methanol extract was weakly cytotoxic at LC50 443.12 μg/mL against the same cell line. Against the A549 cell line, hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts were weakly cytotoxic because of their LC50 values: 294.77, 1472.37, and 843.12 μg/mL. The FTIR analysis suggested the presence of natural products were confirmed by carboxylic acids, ketones, hydroxyl groups, or esters. The GC-MS profile of extracts revealed the presence of phytosterols, tetracyclic triterpenes, multiple fatty acids, and sugars. This report confirms the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of T. vanhouttei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower traits, such as flower size or color changes, can act as honest signals indicating greater rewards such as nectar; however, nothing is known about shelter-rewarding systems. Large flowers of Royal irises offer overnight shelter as a reward to Eucera bees. A black patch might signal the entrance to the tunnel (shelter) and, together with the flower size, these might act as honest signals. We hypothesize that larger flowers and black patches indicate larger tunnels, and larger tunnels will increase pollinator visits, enhancing the plants' reproductive success. We measured seven species in a controlled environment and two species from three natural populations varying in flower size. Fruit and seed sets were assessed in these natural populations. We found a positive correlation between the flower, patch size, and tunnel volume, suggesting that the flowers and patch size act as honest signals, both under controlled conditions and in the wild. However, in natural populations, this positive relationship and its effect on fitness was population-specific. Flower size increased the fitness in YER I. petrana, and interactions between flower/patch size and tunnel size increased the fitness in YER and I. atropurpurea NET populations. This suggests that the honesty of the signal is positively selected in these two populations. This study supports the hypothesis that pollinator-mediated selection leads to the honest signaling of flower advertisement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New chorological data are presented for 114 species and subspecies from Bosnia and Herzegovina (79), Bulgaria (39-61), Greece (8-38, 62-78, 80-114), and Turkey-in-Europe (1-7). The taxa belong to the following families: Aceraceae (108), Alliaceae (38, 106), Apiaceae (8, 35, 62-65, 87), Aristolochiaceae (1), Asclepiadaceae (74), Asparagaceae (107), Asphodelaceae (89), Aspleniaceae (40-43), Asteraceae (2, 3, 9, 10, 36, 66, 75, 88, 91-93, 99, 109, 110), Athyriaceae (44, 45), Boraginaceae (11, 12, 79, 94), Brassicaceae (4, 13, 67, 100), Callitrichaceae (14), Caprifoliaceae (15), Caryophyllaceae (84), Chenopodiaceae (16), Colchicaceae (90), Convolvulaceae (17), Crassulaceae (5, 95), Cucurbitaceae (101), Cupressaceae (98), Cyperaceae (78), Cystopteridaceae (46-48), Dennstaedtiaceae (49), Dryopteridaceae (50-59), Euphorbiaceae (102), Fabaceae (6, 7, 18-20, 103), Geraniaceae (80, 96), Hyacinthaceae (97), Hypericaceae (68), Iridaceae (82), Juncaceae (73, 83), Lamiaceae (21, 37, 81, 111), Ophioglossaceae (60), Orobanchaceae (39), Paeoniaceae (104), Plantaginaceae (85), Poaceae (28-34), Polygonaceae (22, 69), Rafflesiaceae (23, 86), Resedaceae (76), Rhamnaceae (24), Rosaceae (25-27, 112), Rubiaceae (70), Scrophulariaceae s.l. (71, 113, 114), Solanaceae (72), Thelypteridaceae (61), Thymelaeaceae (105), and Valerianaceae (77). New species for science are: Plantago charalampidis Strid & al. (85) and Geranium margaritae Kit Tan & al. (96). New taxa for the countries are: Greece – Carex secalina (78), Sedum sarmentosum (95), and Scilla sicula (97). The publication includes contributions by: M. Aybeke (1-7), B. Biel & Kit Tan (8-34), C. Cattaneo & M. Grano (35-38), D. Gyurova (39), K. Lakovski & D. Ivanova (40-61), R. Marchant, Kit Tan & J. Zieliński (62- 73), K. Polymenakos, Kit Tan & V. Pantavos (74-78), E. Šabanović & V. Ranđelović (79), K.B. Simoglou & Kit Tan (80-82), K. Sutorý (83), A. Strid (84-86), Kit Tan & K. Giannopoulos (87-90), Kit Tan & G. Kofinas (91-97), Kit Tan, Sister Pachomia & J. Zieliński (98-107), and G. Zarkos & Kit Tan (108-114). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris unguicularissensu lato is an endemic species to the Mediterranean region. In Italy, the species is alien and recorded in Liguria, Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Apulia administrative regions. In the latter region, the species was recorded in Salento, Province of Lecce (Southern Apulia), in three main stations: Li Fani, in the administrative territory of the municipality of Salve, Serra del Rio, Castiglione d'Otranto (Andrano) in the residual Mediterranean scrub areas, along with the new station of Serra of Masseria Grande, Spongano, and on a site near Surano. Morphological analyses and genetic investigations made it possible to establish how the specimens from Li Fani (Salve) belong to I. unguicularis subsp. unguicularis, a species of allochthonous origin, while the plants of Castiglione d'Otranto and Spongano represent a taxonomically distinct group, identifiable as I. unguicularis subsp. carica. The presence of this subspecies in Salento redefines the western boundaries of the area known to date, constituting a novelty for the Apulian and Italian flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tigridia pavonia (Iridaceae), is a monocot native to the Americas, little is known about its reproductive biology. The aim of this work was to study the ontogeny of pollen grains and the anther wall. The first stages of floral development occur within underground bulbs that were obtained from wild plants in the State of Mexico. The anthers at different stages of development were processed for optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Tetrahedral and isobilateral tetrads occurred during microsporogenesis, and meiosis I occurred within the bulb; this process is asynchronous in the same anther, in the same flower and in the same inflorescence. The tapetum is secretory with protuberences at the tetrad stage. Pollen grains are bisulcate, curvimurate and they dispersed in clusters joined by pollenkitt and viscin threads, an uncommon feature in monocotyledons. The pollen exine is reticulate intectated, heterobrocated and curvimurate, fused pili, and numerous basal spicules in the form of granules. At anthesis, pollen grain still binucleated. The anther wall begins with a protodermis and parietal primary cells, were the subepidermal cells showed periclinal division, forming the endotecio and the intermediate strata (3-4), later these cells collapse and the endotecio develop helicoidal and reticular cell wall thickening. The epidermis of the anther has anomocitic stomata and reticulated cuticle, each theca develops a dorsal rib with epidermal cells with raised walls. This is the first anatomical description of pollen and anther development for the tribe Tigridieae and for T. pavonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Pirin Mountains, at an elevation of around 1000 m, three populations of a new species of Bulgarian flora from the genus Crocus, series Verni, were discovered. The species was compared to the morphologically related C. veluchensis, and presented with diagnostic morphological and anatomical features. Despite the high degree of morphological similarity, the molecular analysis, which included sequences from all related species (C. cvijicii, C. dalmaticus, C. jablanicensis, C. rujanensis, C. sieberi subsp. atticus, and C. veluchensis), distinguished the Pirin Mountains' populations, and revealed the closest relationship to C. heuffelianus. Despite the C. heuffelianus/C. verni complex's uncertain taxonomic status, our findings on the local population, based on morphometric, anatomical, molecular, and geographic analyses, indicate its belonging to the putative allotetraploid C. heuffelianus of south-eastern Europe and the Balkans, and an expansion of its range to the southeast. Given the taxonomic uncertainty and unclear phylogenetic relationships of the taxa in the Crocus vernus complex, we considered it appropriate to accept our taxon as Crocus heuffelianus. So far, only C. tommasinianus Herb. has been found in Bulgarian flora from the Crocus series Verni, but in terms of altitude and morphological features, the species from our collection is close to the Balkan endemic C. veluchensis, which belongs to the C. sieberi aggregate. Morphologically, it differs by the dark, heart-shaped spots on the tip of the tepals, and the presence of one bract. A detailed comparative anatomical analysis between the three species of crocuses from the series Verni in Bulgaria shows discrete differences: the width of the white stripe and lacunar area are good distinguishing features, as are the number of conducting vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sisyrinchium is one of the largest genera in Iridaceae, comprising more than 200 species and native to Hawaiian Islands, Temperate and Subtropical America to Falkland Islands. In Bulgaria, the genus was first reported in 1972 with the species S. angustifolium. In 2020, during field work near the Oshtava village, Kresna district (SW Bulgaria), a species of Sisyrinchium was discovered. The taxon was identified as S. rosulatum. The aim of the present article is to report S. rosulatum as a new species to the Bulgarian flora and to provide data about its main distinguishing morphological characters and its distribution and habitats in Bulgaria. The genome size of the species, obtained from the Bulgarian accessions, is 1C = 1.00-1.08 pg which is congruent with earlier data from elsewhere. Based on field observations, it can be inferred that S. rosulatum is a naturalized, yet non-invasive alien species in the Bulgarian flora. A careful examination of the previously collected herbarium material of Sisyrinchium from Bulgaria revealed all specimens belong to S. rosulatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the sixteenth 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 Caryophyllaceae, Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Gramineae, Iridaceae, Leguminosae, Malvaceae, Portulacaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Umbelliferae. It includes new country and area records and taxonomic and distributional considerations for taxa in Bromus, Datura, Daucus, Erigeron, Euphorbia, Iris, Minuartia, Paspalum, Portulaca, Sida and Vigna, and a new combination in Prunus. Citation For the whole article: Raab-Straube E. von & Raus Th. (ed.) 2023: Euro+Med-Checklist Notulae, 16. – Willdenowia 53: 57–77. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.53.53104 For a single contribution (example): Kunev G. Petrova G. & Pachedjieva K. 2023: Minuartia globulosa (Labill.) Schinz & Thell. – Pp. 58–59 in: Raab-Straube E. von.,... & Raus Th. (ed.), Euro+Med-Checklist Notulae, 16. – Willdenowia 53: 57–77. Version of record first published online on 9 May 2023 ahead of inclusion in April 2023 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris subgenus Xiphium is a small group of taxa that occur in the Mediterranean Basin, a long-recognized biodiversity hotspot. Phylogenetic relationships among these Iris were reconstructed based on sequence data from 110 nuclear markers (coding regions) and plastomes using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Best trees based on plastome and combined datasets resolved Iris subgenus Xiphium and I. xiphium as not monophyletic while nuclear and all-gene (combined nuclear and plastid coding regions) datasets resolved the subgenus as monophyletic but I. xiphium as not monophyletic. Topology tests indicated the alternative hypothesis of a monophyletic subgenus is not rejected by the combined dataset while a monophyletic I. xiphium is rejected. Topology tests also showed the hypothesis of a polyphyletic subgenus is rejected by the nuclear and all-gene datasets, however, a monophyletic I. xiphium is not rejected by these two datasets. We hypothesize that the subgenus is monophyletic based on these analyses, morphology, and biogeography, and that uneven patterns of missing data is a likely reason for topological incongruence among datasets. A previously suggested informal group within the subgenus was supported. Patterns of relationships among species suggest multiple exchanges between the African and European continents but also the importance of the Strait of Gibraltar as a barrier to genetic exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris sect. Psammiris comprises rhizomatous perennials distributed in the north temperate zone of Eurasia. The systematics of the section are currently based on morphology, and the phylogenetic relationships within it still remain unclear. In the framework of Iris systematics, we conducted molecular and morphological analyses of the currently recognized I. sect. Psammiris species to elucidate the taxonomic composition and relationships within the section. The phylogenetic reconstructions based on sequence variation of four noncoding chloroplast DNA regions support the monophyly of I. sect. Psammiris, which includes I. tigridia, while I. potaninii var. ionantha belongs to I. sect. Pseudoregelia. The proposed novel classification of I. sect. Psammiris recognizes three series: an autonymic series with I. humilis, I. bloudowii, and I. vorobievii and two unispecific series (I. ser. Potaninia with I. potaninii and I. ser. Tigridiae with I. tigridia). In addition, the taxonomic statuses of I. arenaria, I. ivanovae, I. kamelinii, I. mandshurica, I. pineticola, I. psammocola, and I. schmakovii are clarified herein. We provide a revised taxonomic treatment for I. sect. Psammiris, including notes on the types; updated information on species synonymy, distributions, habitats, and chromosome numbers; and a new identification key to the species. Three lectotypes are designated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report on the autumn-flowering species Crocus speciosus, belonging to C. ser. Speciosi from the Bulgarian flora. The species was found in Southeastern Bulgaria, in the area between Ahtopol and Rezovo. Re-examining the Bulgarian collections, the earliest specimen was collected in 1975, was probably overlooked, and most likely determined as C. pulchellus. The nearest known localities of the species are on the territory of Türkiye. In this study, we compared C. pulchellus and C. ibrahimii using DNA sequence data from the nuclear ITS1/2 region and morphological features. Our study showed a close relationship between the specimens from Bulgaria and the recently deposited data of C. speciosus and their separation from the closely related C. pulchellus. Together with the previously cited white anthers as a key feature for determination, the molecular data confirmed a clear distinction between the samples with white anthers in the two species. The morphological data of our taxon overlapped with the description of C. ibrahimii. The molecular data strongly supported the affiliation of C. speciosus s.l., but did not support the recognition of C. ibrahimii as a separate species and it should be referred to as a subspecies of C. speciosus subsp. ibrahimii Rukšāns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleutherine palmifolia is one of the medicinal plants widely used by the Dayak and Kutai tribes in Borneo Island, Indonesia as traditional medicines that can treat various diseases. Identification of the phytochemical content of E. palmifolia is very important to determine its potential as a medicinal plant. A significant factor in the success of the growth of E. palmifolia is the amount of fertilizer applied as a source of nutrients. In this study, the influence of various amounts of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers on the growth, total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), and antioxidant activity was investigated in different extracts of E. palmifolia. The treatments included 0, 46 or 92 kg/ha of N combined with 12.5 kg/ha of K, and 0, 25 or 50 kg/ha of K combined with 46 kg/ha of N. Using water, ethanol, or n-hexane as solvents, each sample was extracted with sonication method. TPC and TFC of the bulb extracts were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride assays, respectively. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results showed that combining N and K had no significant effects on plant height, the number of tillers, leaves, or bulbs, and bulb diameter, while the chlorophyll reading value, total plant weight, and fresh bulb weight were significantly increased. The results indicated that the availability of N and K has a substantial effect on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract had the highest TPC and DPPH scavenging activity, whereas the ethanol extract exhibited the highest TFC and antioxidant FRAP activity. Therefore, to improve fresh bulb weight, phenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant properties of E. palmifolia aqueous and ethanol extracts, supplementation of 46 kg/ha N and 12.5 kg/ha K is recommended.