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Pittosporum roimata Gemmill & S.N. Carter (Pittosporaceae, Apiales) was established in 2018 as an endemic species confined to the Poor Knights Islands group, off the eastern coastline of Northland Aotearoa / New Zealand. The new species was distinguished from P. cornifolium A. Cunn. on the basis of vegetative characters (leaf length, width, petiole length), floral characters (pedicel length, flower colour), and numbers of fruit per stem. The new species was also reported as differing from P. cornifolium by a single substitution within the nrITS cistron, with that data obtained from a paper that did not provide a phylogenetic interpretation of this result, nor specify whether the cultivated plants used were derived from seed obtained from multiple individuals or from cutting grown plants from a limited wild-sourced selection. In this paper the same morphological characters used to separate P. roimata are examined using a much wider sampling of P. cornifolium, and the specimens available for P. roimata. There are very slight differences in leaf width and length, petiole length, and pedicel length in Poor Knights Islands P. roimata specimens seen also in some collections from other northern Aotearoa / New Zealand offshore islands and some mainland stations. Flower colour is not a useful character as this is variable in P. roimata and P. cornifolium, as it is also in many other Aotearoa / New Zealand Pittosporum. On the basis of our morphological assessment we conclude that to maintain the segregation of P. roimata from P. cornifolium at the species rank is impractical, as there is a grading of characters between both species. As plants corresponding to P. roimata occur throughout the range of P. cornifolium, already a variable species, we suggest that, in line with other treatments of Aotearoa / New Zealand Pittosporum, it is better to reduce P. roimata into synonymy of P. cornifolium.

Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae) is famous as the ornamental and medical values, which is distributed tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Hemisphere. The few phylogenetic studies have included samples from the Pacific Island, but the phylogenetic relationships of Asian species has not been studied. Here, the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of ten Pittosporum species from East Asia were first sequenced and compared with those of the published species of this genus. Our results indicated that cp genomes of these species had a typical and conserved quadripartite structure. 131 genes were identical in order and orientation and no changes of inverted repeat (IR) occurred. However, the comparative analysis of cp genomes suggested that sequence divergence mainly appeared in non-coding or intergenic regions, in which several divergence hotspots were identified. By contrast, protein-coding genes showed the lowest variance under strong purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis based on the cp genome sequences showed that the tested Pittosporum species were clustered into two major clades, in which the Asian species formed Clade I and the remaining species from Australia and New Zealand formed Clade II with high support values, which was consistent with the results of ITS data with low support values. These results suggested that cp genome is a robust phylogenetic indicator for deep nodes in the phylogeny of Pittosporum. Meanwhile, these results will provide the valuable information to better understand the phylogeny and biogeography of Pittosporum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract [Objective] Investigating the distribution of the genus Pittosporum in the Bashan area of Shaanxi Province. [Methods and Results] Based on the investigation, collection, and study of Pittosporum sp. from Youhao village, Baihe County, new geographic distribution of Pittosporum brevicalyx (Oliv.) Gagnep. was discovered in Shaanxi Province. [Conclusion] Pittosporum sp. is mainly distributed in the subtropical areas of the south of the Qinling Mountains in China. This report expands the distribution of this species from northeast to the Daba Mountains of Shaanxi Province, which enriches the distribution records of plants in Qinling-Daba Mountains, as well as provides basis for the study of species diversity in the Daba Mountains.

Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae, Apiales), an attractive genus of horticulturally important trees and shrubs, is revised for Malesia (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Timor-Leste) and Papuasia (Papua Barat (Indonesia), Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands). In this report, 52 species are recognised, including many species reinstated from synonymy. Three taxa are raised to species rank (P. owenstanleyense, P. patelliplacenta and P. purpurascens), one is a new combination in Pittosporum (P. impressum), and four new species are described: P. sulawesiense, P. isolatum, P. schoddei and P. sogeriense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of rainforest shrub, described here as Pittosporum kororoense Benwell (Pittosporaceae, Apiales), was recently discovered at Kororo, 3 km north of the centre of Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Current information on the distribution, habitat, and population of this highly localised, endemic species is presented. An updated key to Pittosporum species in NSW is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was conducted on the invasive tree, Pittosporum undulatum Ventenat (Pittosporaceae) in southern Brazil (Passo Fundo – RS, latitude 28º15’46” S; longitude 52°24´24” W) aiming to know if this exotic plant might host these insects. Results indicated that P. undulatum was found hosting the stink bugs Chinavia erythrocnemis (Berg, 1878), Chinavia impicticornis (Stål, 1872) and Loxa deducta Walker, 1867. Chinavia impicticornis was rare (only one nymph collected) while C. erythrocnemis was much more abundant (30 adults collected), and nymphs were able to develop and adult to reproduce on fruits of P. undulatum in the laboratory; however, the viability of nymphs was negatively affected. Loxa deducta was intermediate (20 adults collected) and, from the only egg mass obtained in the laboratory, nymphs died few days later. The results suggest that P. undulatum may provide some nutrients and shelter, but not provide ideal conditions to guarantee the continuous development of these stink bugs species.

Four oleanane-type glycosides were isolated from a horticultural cultivar “Green Elf” of the endemic Pittosporum tenuifolium (Pittosporaceae) from New Zealand: three acylated barringtogenol C glycosides from the leaves, with two previously undescribed 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C (Eryngioside L). From the roots, the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid (Sandrosaponin X) was identified. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). According to their structural similarities with gymnemic acids, the inhibitory activities on the sweet taste TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor of an aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves and roots, a crude saponin mixture, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and Eryngioside L were evaluated.

The first complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of Pittosporum tobira were reported in this study. The cp genome of P. tobira was 153,754 bp long, which included a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,010 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,740 bp separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,002 bp. The cp genome of this species contained 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content was 38.3%. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete cp genomes within the order Apiales suggested that P. tobira, the representative of Pittosporaceae, is sister to the families of Apiaceae and Araliaceae.

Chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract of the leaves of Pittosporum lenticellatum led to the isolation of twenty-five previously undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycosides, pitlencosides A－Y (1 – 25); their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD spectra, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Among them, compounds 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 , 15 and 16 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the production of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 microglial cells by suppressing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, with IC 50 values ranging from 7.95 to 25.88 μM, which showed stereo-chemical and substituent dependents. Western blot analysis and molecular docking simulation confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 , 15 and 16. Twenty-five undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycosides were identified from P. lenticellatum. Some isolated compounds exhibited significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis and molecular docking simulation. [Display omitted] • First report of chemical constituents of P. lenticellatum. • Twenty-five undescribed eudesmane glycosides were identified from P. lenticellatum. • Six compounds showed anti-neuroinflammatory activities. • The activity was confirmed by molecular docking and western blot analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe Pittosporum roimata, the only vascular plant endemic to the Poor Knights Islands, Northland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. This new species has previously been referred to as a distinct yellow-flowered variant of Pittosporum cornifolium (tāwhiri karo, wharewhareatua), a morphologically similar epiphytic shrub known from both main islands of New Zealand as well as other offshore islands. We have segregated this new species from P. cornifolium based on morphology, DNA sequence variation, as well as distribution. Pittosporum roimata is distinguished from P. cornifolium by flowers with yellow petals, larger inflorescences, and producing several terminal fruits per stem. Herbarium specimens of P. roimata statistically have larger leaves and shorter petioles than specimens of P. cornifolium. Pittosporum roimata is locally common on the islands of Tawhiti Rahi, Aorangi, and Aorangaia, growing on rocky substrates associated with Xeronema callistemon (raupo taranga) and Metrosideros excelsa (pōhutukawa). Using the current New Zealand Threat Classification System, we suggest a preliminary classification of this new species as 'at risk/naturally uncommon' qualified data poor [DP], one location [OL]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pittosporum undulatum Ventenat (Pittosporaceae) is an invasive tree of forests and woodlands in several regions of the world. In the Azores archipelago it occupies about 30% of the forested areas and efforts to valorize its biomass are underway. Implementing sustainable forest management requires basic information on tree age and growth rate, yet this information was lacking. We used tree-ring analysis to obtain accurate age estimates and growth rates from a total of 982 live trees (1318 samples: 646 increment cores and 336 pairs of stem discs) that were sampled in São Miguel, Terceira and Graciosa islands. Pittosporum undulatum showed distinct annual growth rings with an increase in cell-wall thickness and a decrease in cell lumen of the Fibers, from early to latewood. We found trees with ages at base and at breast height ranging from 5/4 to 131/108 years, respectively. Samples taken at tree base and at breast height allowed to estimate a diameter growth rate of 0.38 cm.year −1 , with an average of 8 years needed to attain breast height, and a rotation period of 26 years to reach the average diameter of 7 cm presently found at the stands. Allometric equations relating tree age and diameter at breast height, tree height, basal area and biomass were found to be significant. Among the models with lowest AIC, equations predicting tree age from diameter at breast height or from biomass showed the best fit (R 2 = 0.65 and for R 2 = 0.70, respectively). The developed methods and the obtained results can now be used to support management of biomass valorization projects but also to better understand invasion dynamics at conservation devoted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical study of two cultivars of Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn, “variegatum” and “gold star”, led to the isolation of eight oleanane-type glycosides: seven previously undescribed and a known one. Their aglycons are oxygenated oleanane derivatives as barringtogenol C, camelliagenin A, hederagenin, and 22α-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Their structures were established by 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry as 3- O -β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21- O -angeloyl-22- O- acetylbarringtogenol C, 3- O -β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-di- O- angeloylbarringtogenol C, 3- O -β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22- O -angeloylcamelliagenin A, 3- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22- O -[(6- O -acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]camelliagenin A, 3- O -β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosylhederagenin 28- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3- O -α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucuronopyranosylhederagenin 28- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3- O -β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22α-hydroxyoleanolic acid 28- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, and the known ilexoside XLIX. These results represent a significative contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Pittosporum , highlighting hederagenin-type saponins as chemotaxonomic markers of P. tenuifolium cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims, a Pittosporaceae species, is used extensively in African traditional medicine (ATM) by various tribes. This review is an appraisal of the information concerning the description, distribution, conservation status, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this species with the aim of reconciling it with its traditional use. Materials and methods A wide-ranging literature search was conducted using database platforms such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed and books including local reports and thesis submissions. Results Ten categories to which P. viridiflorum finds use in traditional medicine (TM) were found, and they include well-being, wounds, treatment of veterinary ailments, gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted diseases, kidney, circulatory and inflammatory disorders, as well as diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and malaria. Pharmacological tests conducted include those investigating antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, antimalarial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and acaricidal properties. Promising activity was shown in a number of assays. Toxicological effects have also been reported from this species. However, it is recommended to conduct a detailed toxicological study, including genotoxicity, as this has not yet been evaluated. Compound(s) with antimalarial, anticancer and acaricidal properties have been isolated from P. viridiflorum. Conclusions The collective pharmacological and phytochemical properties of P. viridiflorum gives credence to the use of this plant species against various diseases in ATM, thus steering significant interest towards in vivo studies and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of mycotoxins as a result of fungal attack can occur before, after and during the harvest and storage operations on agricultural crops and food commodities. Considering the inhibitory property of essential plant oils on the mycelial development of fungi and the importance of Aspergillus flavus, the main producer of aflatoxins, this research was designed to evaluate the toxicity of essential oil from Pittosporum undulatum against A. flavus. The essential oils were obtained from P. undulatum leaves, collected in different months and analyzed by GC/MS. The oils were rich in hydrocarbon, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and it was observed a significant variation on the chemical composition of the essential oil of leaves at different months. Besides, the essential oils were tested against fungal growth and the results showed different spectrum of inhibition on A. flavus. However, the essential oils inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production.A presença de micotoxinas como resultado do ataque fúngico pode ocorrer antes, após e durante a colheita e também no armazenamento de grãos e alimentos. Considerando as propriedades inibitórias dos óleos essenciais de plantas no desenvolvimento do micélio dos fungos e a importâncias do Aspergillus flavus, principal produtor de aflatoxinas, relatou-se neste trabalho, a atividade tóxica do óleo essencial do Pittosporum undulatum em cultura de A. flavus. Os óleos essenciais de P. undulatum foram obtidos a partir de folhas coletadas em diferentes meses e analisado por CG/EM. Os óleos se mostraram ricos em hidrocarbonetos, monoterpenos e sesquiterpenos e foi observada uma significante variação na composição química destes óleos nos diferentes meses de coleta. Os óleos essenciais mostraram diferentes espectros de inibição do crescimento de A. flavus, porém todos foram capazes de inibir a produção de aflatoxina B1.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was applied to dsRNAs extracted from an Italian pittosporum plant infected with pittosporum cryptic virus 1 (PiCV1). NGS allowed assembly of the full genome sequence of PiCV1, comprising dsRNA1 (1.9 kbp) and dsRNA2 (1.5 kbp), which encode the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and capsid protein genes, respectively. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses confirmed that PiCV1 is a new member of the genus Deltapartitivirus, family Partiviridae. From the same plant, NSG also permitted assembly of the complete genome sequence of eggplant mottled dwarf virus (EMDV), which shared 86 % to 98 % nucleotide sequence identity with complete and partial sequences ( ca 6750 nt) of other known EMDV isolates with sequences available in the GenBank database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kinabalu Park, in Sabah (Malaysia) on Borneo Island, is renowned for the exceptionally high plant diversity it protects, with at least 5000 plant species enumerated to date. Discoveries of plant novelties continue to be made in Sabah, especially on isolated ultramafic outcrops, including in the genus Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae) with P. linearifolium from Bukit Hampuan on the southern border of the Park, and P. silamense from Bukit Silam in Eastern Sabah, both narrow endemics restricted to ultramafic soils. Results: A distinctive new species of Pittosporum ( P. peridoticola J.B.Sugau and Ent, sp. nov.) was discovered on Mount Tambuyukon in the north of Kinabalu Park during ecological fieldwork. The diagnostic morphological characters of this taxon are discussed and information about the habitat in which it grows is provided. The soil chemistry in the rooting zone of P. peridoticola has high magnesium to calcium quotients, high extractable nickel and manganese concentrations, but low potassium and phosphorus concentrations, as is typical for ultramafic soils. Analysis of foliar samples of various Pittosporum-species originating from ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils showed a comparable foliar elemental stoichiometry that is suggestive of 'Excluder-type' ecophysiology. Conclusion: Pittosporum peridoticola is an ultramafic obligate species restricted to Kinabalu Park with only two known populations within the boundaries of the protected area. It is vulnerable to any future stochastic landscape disturbance events, such as forest fires or severe droughts, and therefore its conservation status is 'Near Threatened'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta información acerca de las plantas de la familia Pittosporaceae, incluyendo Pittosporum crassifolium, Pittosporum tobira y Pittosporum undulatum.

Two new taraxastane-type triterpene saponins, named pittangretosides L (1) and C1 (2), were isolated from the leaves of Pittosporum angustifolium Lodd. Their structures were established by NMR spectroscopic, mass spectrometric and chemical means. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated against four cell lines. The compounds exhibited no cytotoxic activity up to a concentration of 130 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedychium gardnerianum (HG) and Pittospporum undulatum (PU) are invasive plants all over the world, being in the Azores supplied to cattle on periods of shortage food. As these plants produce secondary metabolites, including a diverse range of phytochemicals compounds, the aim of the present study is to identify how these metabolites can be related to animal's reproductive performances. For such purpose, plants were harvested on winter, compounds extracted by method of decoction and analysed by combination of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry as well as highperformance liquid chromatography. For nutritive evaluations, Van Soest and Weende methodologies were used. In HG quercetin-3, 4'-di-O-betaglucopyranoside, myricetin rhamnoside, quercetin rhamnoside, and gibberellin A1 and A8 were identified, while for PU were found cafeic acid derivatives, including dicaffeoylquinic acid and caffeoylquinic acid. In nutritional terms, these plants can be considered as poor, presenting percentages of dry matter (DM%) of 16.34% and 40.39%, respectively for HG and PU. Values for ash 10.4%, crude protein (CP) 7.75%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 64.5, acid detergent fiber (ADF) 34.69%, acid detergent lignin (ADL) 3.47% and ether extract (EE) 2.03% were found for HG. For PU values were ash 6.64%, CP 6.11%, NDF 43.84%, acid ADF 35.57%, ADL 3.56% and EE 2.71%. This study clearly indicated that, besides their low nutritive values, these plants can be used to feed ruminants, especially when pasture lacks. Nevertheless, as some compounds, namely the caffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids, are known to be associated to physiological reproductive mechanisms, one could speculate that these compounds can be directly or indirectly associated to reproductive performances in bovine fed with these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The phytochemical investigation of the root barks of Pittosporum verticillatum Bojer subsp. verticillatum led to the isolation of three new triterpene saponins, 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-(2-acetoxy-2-methylbutanoyl)-R1-barrigenol (1), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-(2-acetoxy-2-methylbutanoyl)-28-O-acetyl-R1-barrigenol (2), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-β,β-dimethylacryloyl-22-O-angeloyl-R1-barrigenol (3), and one known saponin senaciapittoside B (4). Their structures were elucidated mainly by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS. Compounds 1–4 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against one human cancer cell line (SW480) and one rat cardiomyoblast cell line (H9c2). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bursaria cayzerae I. Telford & L.M. Copel. (Pittosporaceae), a species endemic to north-eastern New South Wales, is described. Its distribution is mapped, and habitat and conservation status discussed. The attributes of the new species, B. longisepala and B. spinosa, are compared. A key to species of Bursaria that occur in New South Wales, including this new species, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the branches of Pittosporum senacia Putterlick (Pittosporaceae), two new triterpenoid saponins, senaciapittosides A and B (1, 2), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS) and chemical evidence as 3- O-[ β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[ α- l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[ α- l-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]- β- d-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28- O-β- d-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3- O-[ β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[ α- l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[ α- l-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]- β- d-glucuronopyranosyl-22- O-α- l-arabinopyranosyl-21-acetoxy R1-barrigenol (2). Compound 2 presents an unusual glycosylation at C-22 of its aglycone. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive review of the morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, chemistry and ecology of the endemic New Zealand facultative shrub epiphyte Pittosporum cornifolium (Pittosporaceae) is presented. Strong habitat specificity restricts this species to lowland forest and coastal habitats, which are widely yet discontinuously distributed north of latitude 42°15′S. Pittosporum cornifolium is typically associated with old growth forest systems and low nutrient substrates, with low mean daily temperatures in the coldest month (<0.6 °C) and high mean October vapour pressure deficits (>0.5 kPa) apparently restricting its distribution. Significant morphological variability is evident in leaves and flowers, especially with respect to plants from the Poor Knights Islands. Genetic analyses of five mainland populations and individuals representing Poor Knights Islands populations revealed relatively low genetic diversity at the population level which is likely to be the result of geographic isolation. Molecular phylogenetic studies suggest a New Caledonian origin for the species with close affinities to both P. pimeleoides subspecies. Several lines of evidence suggest recognition of the Poor Knights Islands entity as a new taxon. However, analysis of additional morphological, reproductive and molecular data across the full geographic range will be required to confirm current inferences. Although populations have declined, P. cornifolium is not currently threatened, however, it should be considered for reintroduction to sites in districts where its range has been severely reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pittosporum halophilum Rock originally was known only from the type collections made in 1910 and 1911 along the windward sea cliffs of Moloka'i. In the most recent revision of Hawaiian Pittosporum it was treated as synonymous with the more common species P. confertiflorum A. Gray. Since 1994, several plants fitting the circumscription of P. halophilum have been discovered near the type locality. Careful studies of these individuals and of plants cultivated from their seeds clearly revealed that they are not only characterized by salt tolerance, but differ from P. confertiflorum also in several other characters (i.e., a small, shrubby habit; smaller leaves with cuneate bases and unique tan to golden yellow wooly dense tomentum on abaxial leaf surfaces; shorter petioles; subcuboid to ovoid capsules; and, in most individuals, functionally unisexual flowers). Based on these substantial differences we conclude that P. halophilum merits recognition on species level. In this paper we give a detailed description of P. halophilum including remarks on its conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pittosporum undulatum Ventenat (Pittosporaceae) is a tree or shrub native to Australia introduced in the Azores Islands in the 19th century, presently naturalized in the nine islands. According to a random survey of vascular plants in the Azores, the invader is present throughout the archipelago, in 62% of 547 1-km2 samples. It was found in pure or mixed stands, forming groups and also as isolated trees. P. undulatum was frequently found in native scrubland (62%), mixed woodland (39%) and hedgerows (25%). The altitudinal range extended from sea level up to about 800m a.s.l., with the highest frequency between 100 and 400m. The woody species more strongly associated with P. undulatum included characteristic native and endemic species as well as non-indigenous and invasive taxa. Based on a forest inventory, 49% of the forested area in the Azores, about 24,000ha, is occupied by P. undulatum. Considerable areas inside Island Natural Parks are covered by this species. The estimated annual P. undulatum biomass production in the Azores might range from only about 150 Mg in the small island of Corvo up to more than 60,000 Mg in Pico Island. The heating value of its wood and its chemical composition make it a good candidate for use in combustion or gasification processes. Since there are no resources available to control this large-scale invasion, using P. undulatum biomass for energy production might be an important factor to stimulate the progressive and sustainable cutting of its stands and its replacement by Macaronesian species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pittosporum undulatum from the Azores archipelago was characterized by both molecular and volatiles analyses. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) evaluation was performed based on a random sampling of 77 individuals from a total of 123 samples collected on all the Azorean islands. Molecular studies grouped the samples mainly according to the geographical collection site, with some exceptions. Leaf volatiles were isolated by distillation–extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) from all the 123 samples. Cluster analysis based on the leaf volatiles chemical composition defined three main clusters, not related to sample site collection, and was based mainly on the relative amounts of limonene (3–89%), sabinene (0.1–64%) and terpinen-4-ol (traces-43%). Clusters obtained from both molecular studies and volatiles composition were not superimposable and no correlation between ISSR markers and volatile oils could be drawn. The results suggest that there is a high genetic variability among individuals of P. undulatum that can explain the invasive ability of this species in the Azores archipelago. The detailed characterization of this alien weed species may assist finding potential commercial uses as well as management strategies to help its eradication and/or control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wege, J.A. & Gibson, N. A new, rare Marianthus (Pittosporaceae) from the Bremer Range in Western Australia. Nuytsia 19(2): 295-302 (2009). Marianthus aquilonaris N.Gibson & Wege, a new species allied to M. mollis (E.M.Benn.) L.Cayzer & Crisp, is described. Morphometric analysis shows that it is most readily differentiated from M. mollis by its higher leaf L:W ratio, higher petal L:W ratio and longer petioles. Other distinguishing features include a more erect habit, smooth and more or less glabrous leaves with attenuate rather than rounded bases, fewer pilose hairs on the stems, peduncles and fruit, and paler petals. Descriptions of both taxa are provided and include the first record of glandular trichomes for the genus. Marianthus aquilonaris is endemic to the Bremer Range and potentially threatened by mining-related activities. It is gazetted as Declared Rare Flora in Western Australia under the name M. sp. Bremer (N. Gibson & M. Lyons 1776). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent was prepared on the basis of observations of different taxa belonging to this family in wild habitats, examination of herbarium specimens and reviews of taxonomic literature. On the Indian subcontinent (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India), the Pittosporaceae family is represented poorly, i.e. by 16 species (6.4 % of global number of species). The cumulative rate of phytoendemism of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent was determined. Eight species (50 %) are endemics in the analysed area, i.e. 5 species (31.25 %) are narrow range endemics and 3 species (18.75 %) are broad range endemics. For better understanding of the species dynamics of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent, the present status of phytoendemism was compared to the data of previous investigations performed in the 19th century. On the basis of phytogeographical analysis and fossil evidences of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent, endemics were divided into holoendemics and island endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pittosporaceae are a small family of flowering plants largely restricted to Australia, and entirely limited to the paleotropics. Two independent molecular datasets have been constructed with a representative sample from all nine genera of Pittosporaceae to test phylogenetic relationships suggested by recent morphological studies and to examine current morphological delimitations of genera. DNA sequence data derived from the ITS region of nuclear rDNA and from the trnL?trnF region of the chloroplast genome agree in uniting all species sampled from Pittosporum within a single clade, together with all species sampled from the previously segregated genus Citriobatus. Molecular data also confirm that members of the recently established genus Auranticarpa must be excluded from Pittosporum, and that another segregate genus, Sollya, should be placed within Billardiera. Hymenosporum remains a distinct, single-taxon lineage and Rhytidosporum is also confirmed as distinct. In most respects, our results are in agreement with recent taxonomic revisions based on morphology, and support an Australian origin of Pittosporaceae. Multiple dispersal events of Pittosporum from Australia to the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including New Zealand, are suggested, as well as island hopping throughout the Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a continuing revision of the family Pittosporaceae in Australia, we present here a monograph of the genus Cheiranthera. This treatment recognises 10 species, of which one is reinstated (C. parviflora Benth.), two are raised in rank (C. borealis, C. simplicifolia) and one is described for the first time (C. telfordii). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bioassay guided purification of the ethanolic extract of the bark of New Caledonian Pittosporum pancheri Brongn. and Gris (Pittosporaceae) led to the isolation and characterization of two new farnesyl monoglycosides, pancherins A and B. The structure of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic studies. The new compounds displayed a significant activity in the in vitro cytotoxic assay against KB cancer cell line, and pancherin A inhibits weakly farnesyl protein transferase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The first complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of Pittosporum tobira were reported in this study. The cp genome of P. tobira was 153,754 bp long, which included a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,010 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,740 bp separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,002 bp. The cp genome of this species contained 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content was 38.3%. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete cp genomes within the order Apiales suggested that P. tobira, the representative of Pittosporaceae, is sister to the families of Apiaceae and Araliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]