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The genus Fractonotus was erected on the basis of the peculiar appearance of the apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles on the buccal tube, and it has been attributed, together with the genus Microhypsibius, to the family Microhypsibiidae on the basis of the structure of the claws. A subsequent molecular investigation on Microhypsibius (18S and 28S rRNA) assigned the family Microhypsibiidae to the superfamily Hypsibioidea. Recently two other species, Isohypsibius gilvus and Calohypsibius verrucosus were transferred to Fractonotus and the latter was sequenced (18S and 28S rDNA, ITS-2), with the conclusion that the genus Fractonotus should be assigned to the family Isohypsibiidae, superfamily Isohypsibioidea. However, the transfer of I. gilvus and C. verrucosus to Fractonotus was incorrect. In fact, these two species definitely have claws of the Isohypsibius type, while Fractonotus caelatus, the type species of the genus, clearly has claws of the Microhypsibius type, in addition to other characters of the Hypsibioidea. Therefore, Fractonotus remains a monospecific genus in the Microhypsibiidae family, superfamily Hypsibioidea. The other two species belong to Isohypsibius or, if later confirmed by further morphological and new molecular data, to a new genus of Isohypsibiidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the ranges, habitats and current state of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of the study of habitats and current state of populations of two rare species of Ukrainian flora Aconitum lasiocarpum (Rchb.) Gáyer and A. variegatum L. (Ranunculaceae) in the lowlands of Ukraine. These species are members of the mountain element of the flora of lowlands of Ukraine and glacial relics, which descended from the Carpathians Mountains to the lowlands of Ukraine during glaciation. Aconitum lasiocarpum is a rare species of European flora, included to the Red Data Books of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine. Unlike the well studied A. lasiocarpum populations in the main part of the range in the Carpathian Mountains, local populations of this species near the eastern limit of the range in the lowlands of Ukraine remain undescribed. In these exclaves of the range in the lowlands of Ukraine A. lasiocarpum is a glacial relic. Here it grows in alder forests Ribo nigri-Alnetum ordo Alnion glutinosa alliance. Lowland A. lasiocarpum populations consist of 1000–10000 adults with a significant number of young individuals. In the past lowland A. lasiocarpum populations occupied a much large area. Deforestation and drainage melioration led to reduction of the populations. Taking into account the low number of glacial relic populations at the eastern limit of the range of A. lasiocarpum, all localities of this species in the lowland part of the range in Ukraine must be taken under protection in situ. Aconitum variegatum L. grows in wet alder and oak forest and in areas with hazel shrubs. The populations of this species in lowlands of Ukraine occupy a very small area and are characterized by low numbers of individuals. In the past populations of this species in the lowlands of Ukraine occupied a larger area. As a rare species of the Ukrainian flora A. variegatum deserves to be included to the Red Data Book of Ukraine. We propose to protect the unique population of A. variegatum near Susk village in Rivne region as a botanical reserve.

Thrixspermum taeniophyllum is described as a new orchid species from Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province of southwest China. It is morphologically similar to T. japonicum, but it differs from the latter in having branched stems, slightly fleshy strapshaped leaves, longer inflorescences with 3–6 flowers and a capitate gynandrium with a lip-shaped mouth opening. Its species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH and trnL-F), which showed distinct systematic boundaries from the most morphologically similar T. japonicum and their morphological relatives T. saruwatarii and T. pygmaeum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our first record of the rare and scatteredly distributed Ixeridium sagittarioides for Guizhou, China, triggered a study to assess its systematic position. The species was placed in four different genera in the course of its taxonomic history and was recently treated with doubts as a member of Ixeridium in the Flora of China. Comparative morphological investigation and phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and five non-coding plastid DNA regions (petD region, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL(UAG) and 5´rps16-trnQ(UUG) spacers) provided evidence that the species is not a member of Ixeridium and the Crepidinae but has evolved by ancient hybridisation of members of the Lactuca alliance (Lactucinae). It is reinstated as Lactuca sagittarioides and a comprehensive morphological description is provided, based on material from its entire range of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The small subunit (SSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA that codes 18S rRNA is one of the most frequently sequenced genes in phylogenetic analyses of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). However, no studies have been identified that use this method with lace bugs (Tingidae). Furthermore, the secondary and tertiary structures of the 18S rRNA have not been described nor used to interpret relationships among lace bug taxa. The number of nucleotides and shapes of the 18S rRNA length-variable regions (LVRs) have been confirmed to be phylogenetically informative; therefore, we verified their usefulness in resolving the validity issues within the Acalyptaini tribe. The lace bug tribe Acalyptaini (Tingidae: Tinginae) includes five genera, Acalypta, Derephysia, Dictyonota, Kalama, and Recaredus, and it was recently resurrected based on morphological and karyological characters. We aimed to validate the distinctiveness of this tribe using 18S rDNA sequences, which have not been used in previous Tingidae phylogenomic studies. Our results confirmed the monophyly of the tribe. Moreover, the monophyly of the subfamily Cantacaderinae and its basal position within the family Tingidae were indicated, as well as the position of the tribe Litadeini as sister to all other Tinginae. In addition, we attempted to determine the apomorphic morpho-molecular characters in the secondary and tertiary structures of length-variable regions of the 18S rRNA sequences of the analysed species. The results showed that two LVRs (LVR X and LVR L) of the hypervariable region V4 exhibited significant variability in the number of nucleotides and could be considered for apomorphic recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The family Cydnidae (so-called burrower bugs) contains 76 fossil species primarily assigned to two subfamilies, Amnestinae and Cydninae. Only five fossil species were undoubtedly classified within the subfamily Sehirinae. Eocenocydnus lisi, described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, was also tentatively placed in this subfamily. All other burrower bug subfamilies have no described fossil species to date. To verify the systematic position of E. lisi within the family Cydnidae, a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method was used. It is the first case incorporating this method into insect fossil morphological studies. It allows the recognition of many more morphological details than directly viewing a two-dimensional flat image. The fossil burrower bug Eocenocydnus lisi described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, UK, is analysed using a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method. The species, tentatively placed in the subfamily Sehirinae, is redescribed and its systematic position is discussed. Newly recovered morphological characteristics allow it to be placed in the tribe Cydnini of the subfamily Cydninae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrochilus wolongensis (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species from Sichuan Province, Southwest China, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles G. sinensis, but differs markedly from the latter in having black-purple stripes (vs. purplish-red spots) on the adaxial side of the petals and sepals, a reniform epichile densely covered with long papillate hairs (vs. sparsely pubescent) with purplish-red spots (vs. unspotted), and outside the sac of the hypochile with purplish-red stripes (vs. purplish-red spotted). The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnL-F) of 36 Gastrochilus species showed that G. wolongensis was closely related to G. ciliaris and G. formosanus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrochilus wolongensis (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species from Sichuan Province, Southwest China, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles G. sinensis, but differs markedly from the latter in having black-purple stripes (vs. purplish-red spots) on the adaxial side of the petals and sepals, a reniform epichile densely covered with long papillate hairs (vs. sparsely pubescent) with purplish-red spots (vs. unspotted), and outside the sac of the hypochile with purplish-red stripes (vs. purplish-red spotted). The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnL-F) of 36 Gastrochilus species showed that G. wolongensis was closely related to G. ciliaris and G. formosanus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Papilio elwesi was sequenced and annotated using high-throughput sequencing in the present study. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is a circular molecule of 15,082 bp in length, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes) and a putative control region. We performed mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of 34 swallowtail species employing methods of Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood. Our results further confirm that P. elwesi is a member of the subgenus Pterourus in Papilio sensu lato.

Simple Summary: Lace bugs (Tingidae) are known for their spectacular bodily appearance; the pronotum and hemelytra of the adult specimens are lacelike, with a delicate network of areolae that resemble lace. The species are phytophagous and always feed on a specific plant or groups of closely related plants. Therefore, they are recognised as mono- or oligophagous bugs, whose feeding activities may cause significant injury to plant pods and leaves. Lace bugs are distributed worldwide and reported in all continents except Antarctica. Although most of the lace bug species are distributed in a particular zoogeographical region, some genera are widely known from the Holarctic region. However, species with a Palaeotropical distribution are scarce. In this study, based on new records and ecological niche modelling, we indicate that Recaredus rex, one of the most enigmatic lace bugs, has a possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we hypothesise that R. rex is an oligo- or polyphagous species. In addition, the systematic position of the genus Recaredus is discussed. The systematic position and actual distribution of Recaredus rex, for a long time one of the most enigmatic lace bug genus and species, is very obscure because only the type specimen and three other individuals from India are known to date. In the present paper, we report the first records of R. rex from the Palaearctic region (Iran) and tropical Africa (Ghana). Based on the occurrence localities and climatic variables, we predict potentially useful ecological niches for this species using Maxent software. The areas with the best environmental conditions for R. rex indicated in our studies suggest its possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we regard these results as a good starting point for further searches for specimens of this species. This might help verify the hypothesis of the broad Palaeotropical distribution of R. rex and its oligo- or polyphagy. In addition, the lace bug genus Recaredus, based on the diagnostic characteristics provided for the tribe Acalyptaini, and the structure of aedeagus, is transferred from the tribe Ypsotingini to the Acalyptaini. A key to all genera currently included in the latter tribe is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the current state and habitats of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of the study of systematic position, habitats and modern state of populations of a rare species included in the Red DataBook of Ukraine Carlina cirsioides Klokov (=C. acaulis L.). Carlina cirsioides is well-known to European phytosozologists as an endemic and relic species of the Flora of Ukraine. At the same time, the species independence of this taxon is not recognized by the authors of monographs on the Carlina genus and by the authors of “Flora Europaea”. Comparative morphological, chorological and ecological-coenotic analyses do not give sufficient reasons to consider C. cirsioides described by Klokov as a separate species, endemic and relic species of the Flora of Ukraine. According to the morphological traits, the specimens from the lowland part of Ukraine belong to the C. acaulis caulescens subspecies, which is distributed mostly in the lowlaand regions of Europe. Ecological-coenotic conditions of habitats of C. acaulis in the plains of Ukraine are different from those in the mountain regions and are close to the plains habitats of this species in Central Europe. Steppe communities of class Festuco-Brometea, of which C. acaulis is component in the plains part of Ukraine, are close to xerothermic herbaceous communities of Central Europe; forest communities of Erico-Pinetea with C. cirsioides in Ukrainian Polissia and the North-East Poland are very сlose by floristic composition. The removal of separate species status of the plains populations of C. acaulis near the eastern border of the range does not at all downplay its sozological significance. Taking into account the low number of C. acaulis in the Volhynian-Podolian Upland and in the Polesian Lowland, all localities of this species in the lowland part of the range in Ukraine must be taken under protection in situ.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Papilio elwesi was sequenced and annotated using high-throughput sequencing in the present study. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is a circular molecule of 15,082 bp in length, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes) and a putative control region. We performed mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of 34 swallowtail species employing methods of Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood. Our results further confirm that P. elwesi is a member of the subgenus Pterourus in Papilio sensu lato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verdesmum menglaense (C. Chen & X. J. Cui) H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi is a rare species in the tribe Desmodieae (Fabaceae) from Southwest China. The morphological observation shows that the species has minute capitate stigma and ebracteolate calyces, which are entirely different from the funnel-shaped stigma and bracteolate calyces of the genus Verdesmum H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi, but are consistent with those of the genus Hylodesmum H. Ohashi & R. R. Mill. The generic placement of V. menglaense within Hylodesmum was further supported by molecular evidence. Therefore, this species should be returned to Hylodesmum as H. menglaense (C. Chen & X. J. Cui) H. Ohashi & R. R. Mill. A full description including floral characters, a colour plate and a distribution map are first provided here for this species. After excluding the solo representative in China, Verdesmum should be removed from the record in Flora of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum pittosporoides is an important timber plant endemic to southwest of China. In the present study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of C. pittosporoides and used the data to reveal the species phylogenetic in Lauraceae. The complete chloroplast genome showed a circular genome of 152,730 bp size with 39.2% GC content. The genome is of typical structure and contains a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions with 20,074 bp, separated by one large single-copy (LSC) with 93,722 bp and one small single-copy (SSC) regions with 18,860 bp. The genome contained 116 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on 26 chloroplast genomes reveals that C. pittosporoides is most related with C. chago in Lauraceae.

Bodilopsis ogloblini (Semenov et Medvedev, 1928) comb.n. (previously included in the subgenera Mendidius and Bodilus of the genus Aphodius) are recorded as new for the fauna of Dagestan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus and Russia. This species belongs to a subgenus Bodilopsis and is close to widely distributed species: B. sordidus (Fabricius, 1775) and B. rufus (Moll, 1782). B. ogloblini differs from all close species first of all by color of certain parts: dark (from dark-brown to black) antennal club, black head (sometimes clypeal margins a little lighter, darkbrown) and dark-brown abdomen. All species mentioned above have light antennal club (often yellow, sometimes brownish), head light (from yellow to red-brown) or light with dark-brown maculae, abdomen also light (from yellow to reddish, sometimes brownish). Coarse, rugose clypeal sculpture (without distinct punctation) is typical for B. ogloblini. Other species have more or less densely roughly punctured clypeus, never rugose. Besides new species differs from species of the Alocoderus by not framed anterior pronotal margin and by mostly black (sometimes dark-brown) pronotum (in A. hydrochaeris and A. digitalis anterior pronotal margin distinctly framed; pronotum in A. digitalis yellow, in A. hydrochaeris – yellow with brown spot in the middle). B. ogloblini also differs from A. sordidus by shining punctured elytral apices (in B. sordidus elytral apices distinctly shagreened, mat, without punctation). It differs from B. rufus by normal sharp lower spur of middle male tibia (male of A. rufus with modified lower spur of middle tibia, truncated at apex).

Philophyton szaferi sp. nov. belonging to the Trimerophytina was found in the Lower Devonian (Emsian) in the bore-hole Modrzewie 2A near Bostów in the Holy Cross Mountains (Gory Świętokrzyskie). The axes are sterile and fertile. their branching is dichotomous, unequally dichotomous and unequally dochotomous where the wider branch tends to form the main axis. The majority of axes branch in one plane, some in different planes; they show on their surface irregularly distributed enations in the form of rounded swellings. Some of them continue downwards as protruding ridges forming a characteristic longitudinal pattern. The apices of sterile axes are forking. Fertile axes end in clusters of fusiform. upright sporangia, arranged in pairs. The vascular strand shows protoxylem inside and metaxylem outside. Tracheids possess scalariform thickenings and what appear to be small pits between them. The systematic position of the plant and its position in the evolutionary sequence leading to megaphyllous leaves is discussed.

The occurrence of the species Chantransia hermannii (Roth) Desv. (Rhodophyceae) was found in a few sites in Poland. The description of the reproductive organs of this alga: monosporangia, tetrasporangia, antheridia, carpogones and gonimoblasts is given. The systematic position of the genera, Chantransia, Pseudochantransia and Audouinella is also discussed. The author suggests that the name of Chantransia should be retained as it is older than Audouinella, while the artificial name of Pseudochantransia should be eliminated.

The paper gives detailed morphological description, geographical distribution and some other information on Camelina anomala. Boiss. et Hausskn. In the literature the species has not been characterized precisely.

Adult head structures of Lepicerus inaequalis were examined in detail and interpreted functionally and phylogenetically. The monogeneric family clearly belongs to Myxophaga. A moveable process on the left mandible is an autapomorphy of the suborder. Even though Lepiceridae is the "basal" sistergroup of the remaining three myxophagan families, it is likely the group which has accumulated most autapomorphic features, e.g. tuberculate surface structure, internalised antennal insertion, and a specific entognathous condition. Adults of Lepiceridae and other myxophagan groups possess several features which are also present in larvae (e.g., premental papillae, semimembranous mandibular lobe). This is probably related to a very similar life style and has nothing to do with "desembryonisation". Lepiceridae and other myxophagans share a complex and, likely, derived character of the feeding apparatus with many polyphagan groups (e.g., Staphyliniformia). The mandibles are equipped with large molae and setal brushes. The latter interact with hairy processes or lobes of the epi- and hypopharynx. This supports a sistergroup relationship between both suborders.

Structural features of larvae and pupae of Prostomis mandibularis are described in detail. Larval features are discussed with respect to their functional and phylogenetic significance. The distinct asymmetry of the larval head, absence of stemmata, presence of a sensorial field on antennomere III, and elongated and broadened mandibles of pupae and adults are autapomorphies of Prostomidae. The placement of Prostomis within Tenebrionoidea is suggested by the posteriorly diverging gula with well developed gular ridges and the anterior position of the posterior tentorial arms. Affinities of Prostomidae with the pythid-pyrochroid-lineage is supported by the pad-like structure of the maxillary articulatory area, the abdominal tergite IX extending to the ventral side of the segment, and the strongly pronounced prognathous condition. Presence of a distinct molar tooth is a derived feature shared by Prostomidae, Pythidae, Pyrochroidae, Inopeplidae and Othniidae. A thorax narrower than the head and the abdomen, and a plate-like abdominal segment IX, which articulates with segment VIII, are possible synapomorphies of Prostomidae, Boridae, Mycteridae and Pyrochroidae. The strongly flattened, prognathous head and the strongly flattened body of larvae of Prostomidae are correlated with their habits of boring in wood of decaying logs.

The Skuas are one of the World’s rare birds. They are very important part of the Iceland biodiversity and most of the scientists and researchers talk about Penguin but only few people know about Skuas who are the kleptoparasite and they eat eggs of fulmarine petrel and penguin. The topic is taken for the review because these Skuas are very important bird but their identities have remained unclear due to limited studies. The review article reflects the Systematic Position of Skuas as well as the types. The convergence with raptors is also reflected. More research is required, particularly long-term studies, to better understand one of Antarctica’s most enigmatic species of Skuas. From ecological perspective, the links between migration and breeding grounds are of great importance for the better understanding of factors affecting the life cycle of birds.

The systematic position of the endemic Madagascan genus Amberiana Dist. is studied using DNA sequences (the mitochondrial 12S rDNA subunit) for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily Pentatomoidea were computed using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, minimum evolution, and maximum likelihood methods, as well as Bayesian estimation. All results based on the mtDNA analyses stand in contrast with previous morphological data. The mtDNA analysis showed close relationships of the genus Amberiana to the genus Sehirus (Cydnidae: Sehirinae) and to species of the family Parastrachiidae, whereas the morphology indicated that the genus was a typical representative of the family Dinidoridae. A new tribe, Amberianini trib. nov., is proposed for the genus Amberiana. Furthermore, a key to all tribes of the subfamily Dinidoridae is provided with their diagnostic characters and included genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Leptomedusa, Krampella tardenti is described from the deep waters of Antikythira Strait. The systematic position of the genus Krampella is precised.

Background: The chloroplast genome is important for plant development and plant evolution. Nelumbo nucifera is one member of relict plants surviving from the late Cretaceous. Recently, a new sequencing platform PacBio RS II, known as ‘SMRT (Single Molecule, Real-Time) sequencing’, has been developed. Using the SMRT sequencing to investigate the chloroplast genome of N. nucifera will help to elucidate the plastid evolution of basal eudicots. Results: The sizes of the de novo assembled complete chloroplast genome of N. nucifera were 163,307 bp, 163,747 bp and 163,600 bp with average depths of coverage of 7×, 712× and 105× sequenced by Sanger, Illumina MiSeq and PacBio RS II, respectively. The precise chloroplast genome of N. nucifera was obtained from PacBio RS II data proofread by Illumina MiSeq reads, with a quadripartite structure containing a large single copy region (91,846 bp) and a small single copy region (19,626 bp) separated by two inverted repeat regions (26,064 bp). The genome contains 113 different genes, including four distinct rRNAs, 30 distinct tRNAs and 79 distinct peptide-coding genes. A phylogenetic analysis of 133 taxa from 56 orders indicated that Nelumbo with an age of 177 million years is a sister clade to Platanus, which belongs to the basal eudicots. Basal eudicots began to emerge during the early Jurassic with estimated divergence times at 197 million years using MCMCTree. IR expansions/contractions within the basal eudicots seem to have occurred independently. Conclusions: Because of long reads and lack of bias in coverage of AT-rich regions, PacBio RS II showed a great promise for highly accurate ‘finished’ genomes, especially for a de novo assembly of genomes. N. nucifera is one member of basal eudicots, however, evolutionary analyses of IR structural variations of N. nucifera and other basal eudicots suggested that IR expansions/contractions occurred independently in these basal eudicots or were caused by independent insertions and deletions. The precise chloroplast genome of N. nucifera will present new information for structural variation of chloroplast genomes and provide new insight into the evolution of basal eudicots at the primary sequence and structural level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study dealt with the wood microstructure of the family Rhamnaceae from India. The wood microstructure and salient diagnostic features of 22 species belonging to 8 genera were described. An identification key was developed for the 22 species. Perforated ray cells were reported for the first time in Sageretia brandrethiana, Rhamnus purpurea, Rhamnus wightii, Zizyphus mauritiana, Z. oenoplia, Z. oxyphylla and Z. xylopyrus. The study revealed a need for reclassification of the family as anatomically the family is quite heterogeneous at the generic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation is an attempt to enumerate the ethno-medicinal plants distributed in Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaipur, India. Traditional medicinal knowledge on 29 plant species has been documented which have the active principles for the treatment of cold and cough. A field survey of the study area was carried out to describe for the utility of these plants. Different parts of plant (roots, stem, leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, bulb, etc.) or the whole plant/herb is used as medicinal purpose for various ailments. Short diagnostic description, systematic position and local/tribal names of plants are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DNA base compositions of 60 strains of Scenedesmus were determined and found to be a valuable indicator for the differentiation within this genus (except for the very closely related species of the subsect. Desmodesmus). The range for all Scenedesmus species was 49.9-69.3 mol% GC for nuclear DNA and 36.8-39.9 mol% GC for chloroplast DNA. The separation of the genus Tetradesmus cannot be verified by GC values, because S. obliquus and S. (' Tetradesmus') wisconsinensis have a similar GC content. S. (' Chlorella') ultrasquamata, S. costato-granulatus (sect. Costato-granulati) and S. lunatus are separated clearly from all other species of the genus because of their high GC content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light and first SEM observations on the pollen of Aegialitis indicate that the two species of the genus are clearly distinguishable from all other genera of the tribe Staticeae to which Aegialitis presently is relegated. Intraspecific exine or aperture dimorphism which appears frequently in this tribe, is not recorded in this genus. A. annulata and A. rotundifolia have distinct monomorphic pollen and show a great resemblance in exine features with the tribe Plumbagineae, particularly species of Plumbago. Considering these and other features, separate subtribal status for Aegialitis within the Plumbagineae is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporogeneses and gametogeneses in Cordia sebestena are described. Anther wall develops according to the Dicotyledonous type. Pollen grains are three-celled at the time of dehiscence. The occurrence of enlarged, precociously developing, densely cytoplasmic cells toward the proximal end of the anther and between adjacent pollen sacs is a unique feature in this species. The possible functions of these cells are discussed. A placental obturator develops simultaneously with the ovules. The dual origin of parietal tissue (from nucellar epidermis and the archesporial initial) is an unusual feature in this species. Megagametophyte development is monosporic or (occasionally) bisporic. Megaspore tetrads are linear or T-shaped. Double dyads and tetrads are frequently observed.-Maintainance of subfamily status for Cordioideae is supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two characters used by Burtt (1974) to segregate the genus Schizoboea from Didymocarpus, viz. 'terminal inflorescence' and 'fruit splitting into 4 valves', have been studied in detail: (a) The 'terminal inflorescence' represents a bracteate florescence (sensu Troll), that is an open thyrse, peculiar because of its only two extremely condensed internodes ('basic internode' + 1 following internode). Correspondingly, there are only two pairs of bracts from which the lower one only is capable to develop axillary partial florescences, i.e. pair-flowered cymes. Thus, the number of cymes is restricted to 2. Because of the condensed internodes, the inconspicuous bracts, and the densely aggregated flowers the two cymes simulate a unitary, terminal structure. By sympodial (± asymmetrically dichasial) linkage of shoot units, composed of an extended internode, a foliage leaf pair (from the axils of which the consecutive units arise) and the florescence, Schizoboea forms (polytelic) anthocladial shoot systems like some genera of the tribe Klugieae (incl. Loxonieae). (b) The fruit dehisces first loculicidally, then each valve splits into three portions (lateral rib and 2 semivalves). Moreover, the 4 placentae become isolated, thus the old fruit comprises 10 elements forming a loose fascicle.-The segregation of Schizoboea from Didymocarpus is supported. Whether the affinity is closer to Saintpaulia (as suspected by Burtt) ot to Didymocarpus, remains undecided: In regard to its shoot and inflorescence organization a morphological derivation is possible from both genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The embryology of Heliotropium scabrum and H. strigosum has been studied. The development of the anthers follows the dicotyledonous type, the tapetal cells become binucleate. The pollen grains are shed at the two-celled stage. Megaspore tetrads are linear and the development of the megagametophyte corresponds with the Polygonum type. The endosperm is cellular. The embryo development follows the Onagrad Type, i.e. the Capsella variation in H. scabrum and the Nicotiana variation of the Solanad Type in H. strigosum. The pericarp is differentiated into a one-layered epicarp with bulbous-based, unicellular hair, a 5-6-layered chlorenchymatous mesocarp and a 6-7-layered endocarp. The seed coat consists only of the thickened portions of the epidermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shoot organization and inflorescence structure of Epithema is analyzed. On the main axis micro- and macrocotyledon (the latter falling off early) are followed by a ± long epicotyl, then a large, solitary leaf (B) and above this a dimerous leaf whorl (B, B). The last internode of the main axis is the 'basic internode' of the 'main florescence' ( Troll). Peculiarly enough, the latter includes only one 'partial florescence' which is embraced by its subtending bract (B) and represents a capitulum-like, congenital, pair-flowered cincinnus. Paracladia arise from the axils of B to B (sometimes also from the macrocotyledon); they are either reduced to their co-florescence (with the same structure as the main florescence), or carry further shoots resp. co-florescences from the axils of a dimerous leaf whorl.- Epithema can be interpreted as anisophyllous.-From flower morphology and ontogenesis a number of new differential characters are revealed. Together with shoot and inflorescence characters their systematic and possible functional significance is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum pittosporoides is an important timber plant endemic to southwest of China. In the present study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of C. pittosporoides and used the data to reveal the species phylogenetic in Lauraceae. The complete chloroplast genome showed a circular genome of 152,730 bp size with 39.2% GC content. The genome is of typical structure and contains a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions with 20,074 bp, separated by one large single-copy (LSC) with 93,722 bp and one small single-copy (SSC) regions with 18,860 bp. The genome contained 116 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on 26 chloroplast genomes reveals that C. pittosporoides is most related with C. chago in Lauraceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]