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Certain species within the genus Panax L. (Araliaceae) contain pharmacological precious ginsenosides, also known as ginseng saponins. Species containing these compounds are of high commercial value and are thus of particular urgency for conservation. However, within this genus, identifying the particular species that contain these compounds by morphological means is challenging. DNA barcoding is one method that is considered promising for species level identification. However, in an evolutionarily complex genus such as Panax, commonly used DNA barcodes such as nrITS, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL do not provide species-level resolution. A recent in silico study proposed a set of novel chloroplast markers, trnQ-rps16, trnS-trnG, petB, and trnE-trnT for species level identification within Panax. In the current study, the discriminatory efficiency of these molecular markers is assessed and validated using 91 reference barcoding sequences and 38 complete chloroplast genomes for seven species, one unidentified species and one sub-species of Panax, and two outgroup species of Aralia L. along with empirical data of Panax taxa present in Vietnam via both distance-based and tree-based methods. The obtained results show that trnQrps16 can classify with species level resolution every clade tested here, including the highly valuable Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. We thus propose that this molecular marker to be used for identification of the species within Panax to support both its conservation and commercial trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two early validly published names for Assam tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica "(Choisy) Kitam.)") are identified: Thea assamica Royle ex Hook. 1847 and T. assamica Hort. Belg. ex Bosse 1854; an amended synonymy and a neotypification (with D.‐W. Zhao) for the name of Assam tea, C. sinensis var. assamica (Hook.) Steenis, are provided. The three editions (1829–1861) of Bosse's Vollständiges Handbuch der Blumengärtnerei are also the neglected places of publication of some plant‐names (or their basionyms) in current use; Grevillea lawrenceana Bosse (neotype designated here by P.M. Olde) is an earlier name for G. curviloba McGill. (Proteaceae); Hedera algeriensis (Araliaceae), the name used by Bosse for a now much‐cultivated ivy, was first published by Morren in 1853; an early valid, available name for the florist's cineraria (Senecio hybridus Bosse) is Cineraria ×kewensis Rob. (Compositae), here neotypified (with D.J.N. Hind); the basionym for the well‐known garden plant‐name, "Erysimum ×kewense" (Cruciferae) is identified and neotypified (with D.J.N. Hind), the accepted binomial validated. The currently accepted name for commercial fustic, Maclura tinctoria (Moraceae), was first validly published in Loudon's Hortus Britannicus (1830). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Licania salicifolia (L.S) Cuatrec., Persea ferruginea (P.F) Kunth, Oreopanax floribundus (O.F), and Psychotria buchtienii (P.B) belong to the families Chrysobalanaceae, Lauraceae, Araliaceae, and Rubiaceae, respectively, which have been used as medicines by communities in the Andes. This study evaluated the leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities of alcohol and non-alcohol extracts from four Andean plant extracts (L.S, O.F, P.F, and P.B). Materials and Methods: Extracts were obtained by percolation with solvents of different polarities – hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted based on reported methods. All products were evaluated in vitro to determine the leishmanicidal activity against amastigotes of Leishmania panamensis and cytotoxicity against U937 cells. Results: Flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins were the main secondary metabolites found. From the results, dichloromethane extracts from O.F and P.B, ethanol extract from P.B, and ethyl acetate extracts of all plants were active, with EC50

Context: The presence of previously unrecorded plant species in Cuba, from genus Polyscias (Araliaceae), in gardens in the city of Holguin, created the need to conduct a research study to determine their identity, origin, and properties. Aims: To unveil the nomenclature, taxonomy, and taxon description, and to provide an illustration of the plant, and comment on the main qualities that determine its usefulness, which goes beyond the ornamental value. Methods: Botanical methods like collection and herborization, matching to specimens from scientific collections, and comparison of descriptors and keys in specialized catalogs, including the description, and scientific illustration. Results: The presence of Polyscias fruticosa L. was confirmed in Cuba. The nomenclature of the plant was determined, and an analytical key was created for contrasting to other members within the genus, which have already been recorded in Cuba. Aspects related to the usefulness for gardening and medicine, based on the presence of triterpenes, glycosides, steroids, saponins, and polyacetylene are commented. Conclusions: Polyscias fruticosa L. should be included in the catalogs and scientific journals of Cuban flora. The studies of economic botany in Cuba must focus more on the plant’s usefulness for gardening and traditional medicine.

Contexto: La presencia en jardines de la ciudad de Holguín, de plantas pertenecientes al género Polyscias (Araliaceae) que no se corresponden con ninguna de las especies de este género registradas hasta el presente en Cuba, generó la necesidad investigar su identidad, procedencia y propiedades. Objetivo: Develar la nomenclatura, taxonomía y descripción del taxón, así como aportar una ilustración del mismo y comentar las cualidades principales que determinan su utilidad, más allá de lo ornamental. Métodos: Se emplearon métodos propios de la botánica, como la colecta y herborización, la el cotejo con especímenes de colecciones científicas, así como la comparación descriptores y claves incluidos catálogos especializados, la descripción e ilustración científica. Resultados: Se confirma la presencia en Cuba de Polyscias fruticosa L. Se precisa su nomenclatura, se describe e ilustra la especie y se ofrece una clave analítica para diferenciarla del resto de las integrantes del género registradas en el territorio nacional. Se comentan aspectos relacionados con utilidad para la jardinería y la medicina, a partir de la presencia de triterpenos, glicósidos, esteroides, saponinas y poliacetileno Conclusiones: Polyscias fruticosa L. deberá ser incluida en los catálogos y publicaciones especializadas sobre la flora cubana. Será necesario que los estudios de botánica económica en el país presten atención a su utilidad para la jardinería y la medicina tradicional.

For the first time, phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Heptapleurum ellipticum were investigated. One rare new 2,28-bidesmosidic lupane-type saponin, named heptaellipside A ( 1 ), along with four other lupane-type analogs ( 2-5 ) were purified by combining differently chromatographic methods. All of the separated compounds ( 1-5 ) were communicated for the first time from H. ellipticum . The structures of them were definitely illustrated following extensive and comprehensive UV/VIS, FTIR, HRMS/ESI, and NMR techniques. Further, all isolated compounds were evaluated for their α -glucosidase and α -amylase inhibition. As the results, compound 3 respectively exhibited stronger in both inhibitory activities against α -glucosidase and α -amylase (IC 50 values of 15.53 and 26.93 μM), than the acarbose standard (IC 50 values of 214.50 and 143.48 μM).

Hydrocotyle pseudoconferta was an important medicinal plant. The complete plastid genome of this species was reported for the first time. The full length of the complete chloroplast genome is 153,302 bp, with a typical quadripartite organization: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,417 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,767 bp, and a pair inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) with 25,059 bp for each. The complete chloroplast genome of H. pseudoconferta encoded 133 genes, comprising 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 2 pseudogenes. The phylogenetic analysis suggested the closest relationship between H. pseudoconferta and Hydrocotyle nepalensis.

The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction method for caffeic acid from the leaves of Dendropanax morbifera using response surface methodology (RSM), and subsequently determine the polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the D. morbifera leaves extracts. The extraction process considered operating variables such as solvent concentration, extraction temperature, and extraction time, which were optimized via Box–Behnken experimental design. In addition, the antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The optimal extraction conditions of 41.23% (v/v) methanol concentration, at 88.61 °C, and 1.86 h produced a maximum caffeic acid (CA) yield of 20.35 mg/g. Additionally, total polyphenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids contents in the leaves extracts of D. morbifera were 32.48 ± 2.05 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g, 17.61 ± 2.61 mg GAE/g, and 9.14 ± 0.17 mg QE (quercetin equivalents)/g, respectively. The results showed that methanol extracts exhibited an IC50 of approximately 14.3 mg AAE (ascorbic acid equivalent)/g. The results suggested that the extracts of D. morbifera leaves contain potential antioxidant activity, and could be a good source of functional food and used in medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I report here the first record of Heptapleurum arboricola Hayata (syn. Schefflera arboricola (Hayata) Merr.) (Araliaceae) as a casual non-native plant throughout the Mediterranean area. I observed the natural regeneration in urban areas at Castellammare del Golfo, a small coastal town in north-west Sicily (Mediterranean Italy). Due to the lack of self-sustaining populations and the short-term observational period, Heptapleurum arboricola should be considered as a casual species according to the classification of non-native plants. The detection of early signs of naturalization of non-native plants is of crucial importance for the management and control of invasive species. The main abiotic and biotic factors involved in the possible future spread of the species are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features of growth, cultivation and adaptation of introduced 4 species of woody plants from 4 genera of the family Araliaceae in the Yerevan Botanical Garden are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax bipinnatifidus belongs to the ginseng genus and it is used in traditional Vietnamese and Chinese medicine. Phytochemical studies of the roots of this plant led to the isolation of two new oleanane triterpenoid saponins, panabipinoside A and panabipinoside B, and three known compounds, ginsennoside Ro, 3- O - β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- β -glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid, and spinasaponin A 28- O -glucoside. Their structures are established by extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance) and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds is evaluated by their inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 2 – 5 showed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production with IC50 values of 0.62 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.04, 0.30 ± 0.03, and 0.45 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively, compared to value of 8.08 ± 0.09 µg/mL for the positive control compound, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as ciwujia) belongs to the Araliaceae family, which contains more than 1,500 species in 41 genera with diverse chromosome numbers and genome sizes. General consensus posits that ancient whole‐genome duplication events and rapid evolutionary radiation are the driving forces for this variation in genome properties. In an attempt to generate more genomic information for the Araliaceae family, we report a 1.30 Gb high‐quality draft genome assembly (contig N50 = 309.43 kb) of E. senticosus via PacBio long reads and Hi‐C chromatin interaction maps. We found that transposable elements accounted for 72.82% of the genome and a total of 36,372 protein‐coding genes were predicted. Comparative analyses of the E. senticosus, Panax notoginseng and Daucus carota genomes revealed a burst expansion of Tekay chromoviral elements in Araliaceae after its divergence with Apiaceae. We also found that E. senticosus underwent a lineage‐specific whole‐genome duplication event Es‐α and a whole‐genome duplication event Araliaceae‐β that was probably shared by all Araliaceae species. Even though the rediploidization of the E. senticosus genome is evident, pathway analyses show that these two whole‐genome duplication events may have contributed to the adaptation of E. senticosus to a cold environment. Taken together, the high‐quality genome assembly of E. senticosus provides a valuable genomic resource for future research on the evolution of Araliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax quinquefolium Linn., belonging to Panax, Araliaceae, contains a variety of active ingredients. In recent years, many studies have shown that P. quinquefolium Linn. has high value and development prospect in inhibiting colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. Recent advances in studies on chemical components, antitumor effects and mechanisms of P. quinquefolium Linn. are reviewed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophytes are creatures with low versatility and cannot stay away from any mix of streamflow, nutrient accessibility, and other physical and chemical attributes that impact their survival in the aquatic system. Sampling for macrophytes in Chanchaga River was conducted monthly for a 6-month period (May - October 2019). Sampling stations were selected at approximately equal distance along the streamline, the aquatic vegetation were surveyed, and some environmental variables were analysed using standard methods. Results obtained indicated that temperature ranged from 24.6-28.4°C; pH 6.4 -9.7; Electrical conductivity 28.0-79.0μS cm-1; Total dissolved solids 16-75 mg L-1; Dissolved oxygen(DO) 1.3-5.2 mg L-1; Nitrate 0.217-0.654 mg L-1; Phosphate 0.084-0.211 mg L-1; Biological oxygen demand (BOD) 0.89-5.4 mg L-1 and total alkalinity 8.00-11.00 mgL-1 for the study period. A total of eleven (11) macrophyte species belonging to ten genera and eight families were identified during the entire study. Variations in terms of families showed that Araliaceae was the most abundant followed by Poaceae, while Cyperaceae had more species throughout the study period. The high frequency of Araliaceae, Cyperaceae, and Poaceae families suggests that the environmental characteristics favour these species. We propose the use of Cyperus digitatus, Cyperus papyrus and Mimosa spp. as macrophytes indicators of organic pollution in Chanchaga River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the genus Sciodaphyllum (Araliaceae), some species have paniculate inflorescences with globose capitula as their terminal units, in which numerous tightly packed flowers develop into fruits that are appressed to each other. This informal assemblage, referred to as the "globose-capitate group," currently includes 20 described species. Three new species with this distinctive morphology are described and illustrated with photographs of plants in the field or scans of herbarium specimens: S. basiorevolutum from northern Ecuador at the border of Carchi and Sucumbíos provinces; S. chachapoyense from the department of Amazonas, Peru, known only from the province of Chachapoyas; and S. rufilanceolatum from the province of Carchi, Ecuador, north of Maldonado along the border with Colombia, and in the Cerro Golondrinas. For each new species, a distribution map and a preliminary risk of extinction assessment (following the IUCN Red List criteria) are provided; S. basiorevolutum is assessed as Vulnerable, whereas S. chachapoyense and S. rufilanceolatum are both considered to be Endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, Schefflera was the largest genus in Araliaceae (with more than 600 described species), but with a growing understanding of its polyphyly, the circumscription of Schefflera had to be limited to just eight closely related species from the Pacific Islands. To restore monophyly, it was necessary to transfer the remaining, unrelated species to other genera. In most cases, these transfers could be accommodated by resurrecting generic names that had previously been placed in synonymy (namely, Astropanax, Crepinella, Didymopanax, Heptapleurum, Neocussonia, Plerandra, and Sciodaphyllum). For two small Neotropical clades, however, no generic name was available, and for these, we describe two new genera of Araliaceae, Cephalopanax and Frodinia. As defined here, these genera have two accepted species each, for which four new combinations are made (C. jahnii, C. pachycephalus, F. gleasonii, and F. tremula). Lectotypes are designated for two accepted names, and one previously accepted species (Schefflera cuatrecasasiana) is placed in synonymy. For each accepted species, full synonymy is provided, together with geographic ranges and notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent massive development in the next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and bioinformatics tools including cloud-based NGS data analyses have proven extremely useful in understanding the deeper-level phylogenetic relationships of angiosperms. The family ‘Apiaceae Lindley / Umbelliferae Jussieu’ and Araliaceae Jussieu resemble each other in the structure of their gynoecia, were placed in the order Apiales Nakai, and are closely related. The family Araliaceae with the subfamily 1. Hydrocotyloideae Link, 2. Harmsiopanax Harms and 3. Aralioideae Eaton accepted as a monophyletic branch within the Apiales, an order within the Asterids. Of these, Hydrocotyle L. from Hydrocotyloideae Link of Apiaceae transferred to Araliaceae based on molecular phylogenetic studies. The present study evaluates the proximity of H. umbellata with Araliaceae based on plastome and phylotranscriptomic analyses using the minimum evolution method. The analyses revealed the nesting of the H. umbellata under the family Araliaceae in the MPT (Maximum Parsimony Tree), and the proximity of H. umbellata under the family Araliaceae further supported by the evolutionary divergence between the sequences and plastome alignment.

In order to explore the feasibility to enhance drying kinetics, the effects of pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) under different temperatures (55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 °C) and pulsed vacuum ratio (PVR) (3:16, 6:16, 9:16, 12:16, 9:10, 9:13, and 9:19 min/min) on the drying kinetics, energy consumption, and quality attributes of Panax notoginseng roots in terms of color parameters (L*, a*, b*, and △E), the contents of ginsenosides (R1, Rg1, Re, Rd, Rb1), and Panax notoginseng Saponins (PNS) are evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained under hot air drying (HAD) conducted at the temperature of 60 °C, relative humidity of 12%, and air flow rate of 0.3 m/s. PVD at 75 °C and PVR of 9:16 min/min resulted in the shortest drying time, i.e., 26.6 h, while PVD at the temperature of 65 °C and PVR of 9:13 resulted in the highest PNS content, i.e., 9.03%. Among different drying conditions, the temperature of 65 °C and PVR of 9:16 min/min are recommended as the most suitable ones for drying of whole Panax notoginseng roots in terms of drying time, energy consumption and quality of final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new aurone named (2Z)-2-[(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl) methylene]-6-methoxy-7-prenyl-3(2H)-benzofurane (1), together with five known compounds (2–6), were isolated from EtOAc-soluble extract of the stems of Acanthopanax senticosus. The chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. All isolates were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase. Among them, compounds 1 and 4 were found to exhibit moderate inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase with IC50 value of 64.1 ± 1.2 and 48.9 ± 1.1 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2 new oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, 23-hydroxyoleanolic acid-[28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-3-O-{ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)- [ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-3)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside}, (1) and oleanolic acid-[28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-3-O-{ß-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-2)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-3)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside} (2) were isolated from the roots of Aralia armata. Their chemical structures were elucidated by using a combination of high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1 dimensional (1D), and 2 dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data, as well as by comparison with the previous literature. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed weak cytotoxic activity toward KB and HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 25.1±1.2 and 23.7± 0.9 µM (for 1) and 29.5±1.3 and 23.9±0.7 µM (for 2), respectively, compared to that of the positive control compound, ellipticine (IC50: 1.3±0.1 and 1.6±0.1 µM, respectively) in in vitro assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• E. senticosus primary and secondary roots anatomy is analyzed for the first time. • Distribution of secretory canals is determined in perennial organs and leaves. • Secretory canals are continuously formed in the conductive phloem. • Epithelial cells-sheath cells complexes are persistent in 4 year annual rings. • Sieve tubes-companion cells are obliterated after the first vegetation period. • Autofluorescence suggests secondary metabolites occurrence in parenchyma cells also in addition to secretory structures. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Araliaceae) is widely used as adaptogen in herbal medicine. Since comprehensive anatomical analysis of its vegetative organs was not available, the present study aimed at providing the reference data on the structure of leaves and roots, under- and aboveground stems of 1–4 year-old plants by means of conventional light microscopy. In the primary structure, roots were di- or triarch, with secretory canals facing protoxylem. Concurrently with cambium initiation, additional pericyclic secretory canals differentiated close to the existing ones. In the root secondary structure, secretory canals were formed in the conductive secondary phloem and maintained in the nonconductive one. Stem primary structure encompassed uniseriate epidermis with scant prickles, primary cortex and stele. Primary cortex was composed of collenchyma, chlorenchyma, ground parenchyma with secretory canals and ca. triseriate starch sheath. In outer stele (pericycle) strands of sclerenchyma fibers (stereids) differentiated, alternated with parenchyma. In the ring of open collateral bundles, cambium became continuous concurrently with (sub)epidermal initiation of phellogen. In the wide pith, ground parenchyma occurred, with a few secretory canals close to protoxylem. Secondary structure stems retained the cortical tissues in the 4th year; new secretory canals appeared in the conductive secondary phloem. The epithelial cells/sheath cells complexes were maintained even in the oldest nonconductive phloem (and in the cortex) in stems of 4 year-old plants, while the successively formed sieve tube-companion cell complexes functioned till the end of the vegetation periods only. The bifacial leaves exhibited shade adaptation in chlorenchyma structure; secretory canals were formed mainly in veins' phloem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(7 R ,8 S ,7′ E)-9′-O-methyl-5-methoxydehydrodiconiferylalcohol-4-O- β -D-glucopyranoside (1), a novel neolignan glycoside, and twenty-six known compounds (2 – 27) were isolated and characterized from the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. Regarding the biogenic pathway, they both belong to the phenylpropanoids produced by the shikimate pathway. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by the analysis of spectroscopic data obtaining from UV, IR, CD, HR-ESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments (NOESY, HMBC and HSQC). From the current study, compounds 1 – 4 , 16 – 18 were newly isolated from the family Araliaceae, compounds 8 , 13 , 14 and 19 were newly isolated from the genus Eleutherococcu s, and compound 15 was newly isolated from Eleutherococcus senticosus. Furthermore, an insightful discussion of the chemical classification of isolated compounds was presented. [Display omitted] • A new neolignan glycoside and twenty-six known phenylpropanoids from the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus. • Used literature research in order to investigate the chemical taxonomic significance of the isolated compounds. • From the current study, compounds 1 - 4 , 16 - 18 were newly isolated from the family Araliaceae, compounds 8 , 13 , 14 and 19 were newly isolated from the genus Eleutherococcus , and compound 15 was newly isolated from Eleutherococcus senticosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La especie nueva, nombrada Sciodaphyllum sonsonense, se encuentra en los bosques altoandinos del norte de la Cordillera Central en Antioquia, Colombia. Este taxón comparte algunas características morfológicas con S. huilense y S. pubens, pero difiere entre otros caracteres, en poseer una lígula blanquecina y bífida de 1/3 a 2/3 de su longitud total. La descripción e ilustración de S. sonsonense está acompañada por mapa de distribución, apuntes de habitat, tabla de afinidades taxonómicas y fotografías.

The palynomorphological characteristics of 5 species belonging to Hedera of the Araliaceae family were studied in detail. These plant species were collected from various phytogeographical regions of Iran and Hungary. The palynological investigation was accomplished using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Pollen grains of the species are reticulate, prolate, sub-prolate, tricolporate, isopolar, radially symmetrical, and monad. The largest pollen grain was in the Hedera colchica species (72.24±1.6 µm) and the smallest pollen grain was in Hedera helix (28.63±2.1 µm). The research carried out by the TEM showed that the species were different in terms of exine thickness, tectum thickness, foot layer thickness, the diameter and length of the Columella, the thickness and shape of the Caput, the tectum to foot layer)T/F(ratio, the absence or presence of the Endexine and the thickness of the Intine layers. The main purpose of this study was the importance of the relationship between pollen grain size and the number of chromosomes and ploidy level in Hedera species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical investigation on the fruits of Eleutherococcus henryi (Araliaceae) resulted in the discovery of three novel monoterpene glycosides, eleuhenryiside A (1), eleuhenryiside B (2), and eleuhenryiside C (3), as well as a known lignan, (-)-kobusin (4). Their chemical structures were elucidated by mass, 1 D- and 2 D-NMR spectroscopy. The chemical structures of new compounds 1-3 were determined to be (2E,6R)-6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadien-1-yl-(6'-O-acetyl)-O-β-glucopyranoside, (2Z,6R)-6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadien-1-yl-(6'-O-acetyl)-O-β-glucopyranoside, and (-)-(4 R)-4,7-dihydroxy-1-menthene 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, respectively. The anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated with LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia and RAW264.7 macrophage, respectively. The results showed that new compounds 1 and 3 have inhibitory effects of NO production with IC50 values of 32.50 ± 1.60 and 3.54 ± 0.20 μM in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. Also, (-)-kobusin (4) has abilities to inhibit NO production with the IC50 values of 14.25 ± 2.69 and 36.35 ± 6.27 μM in BV2 and RAW264.7 cells, respectively, which indicated that it may possess the potential anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the recent resurrection of Sciodaphyllum P. Browne (Araliaceae) to accommodate the majority of Neotropical species formerly included in Schefflera J. R. Forst. & G. Forst., we have begun to describe the many new members of this genus documented during field and herbarium studies conducted over the past several years. Here we describe and illustrate four new hemi-epiphytic species of Sciodaphyllum from a small area of the eastern Andes in central Ecuador: the western slopes of the Cordillera Abitagua in canton Baños, Tungurahua Province, in the buffer zone of Llanganates National Park. The four new species described, all collected within a few days in an area of less than 10 km² and not known from any other locality, are S. merinoi D. A. Neill, G. M. Plunkett, Lowry & M. M. Mora, S. purocafeanum G. M. Plunkett, M. M. Mora, D. A. Neill & Lowry, S. recaldiorum Lowry, G. M. Plunkett, M. M. Mora & D. A. Neill, and S. zunacense M. M. Mora, Lowry, G. M. Plunkett & D. A. Neill. The conservation status of all four species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU D2) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds, including a nor-pimarane diterpenoid (continentanol, 1) and a phenolic derivative (aralianic acid, 2), along with the known diterpenoids (3–11), polyacetylenes (12–15), phenolic components (16–28), and phytosterols (29 and 30), were isolated from roots of Aralia continentalis. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic data interpretation, particularly HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR data including HSQC and HMBC. Also, those of the known compounds were identified by spectral comparison with those of the reported values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. (Araliaceae) is a short and edible medicinal herb, which is used in the traditional system of medicines. The review aims to report the current information of H. sibthorpioides on the basis of its botanical and taxonomical description, traditional use, active phytoconstituents, pharmacological use and toxicity. The information on H. sibthorpioides with respect to its journey from traditional uses to scientific validation was gathered based on the online survey. The results from the review signify that the plant is used by the different tribes of the world for the treatment of patients suffering from fever, edema, dysentery, rheumatalgia, whooping cough, jaundice, throat pain, psoriasis, herpes zoster infection, hepatitis‐B infection, soothing pain, dysmenorrhoea and carbunculosis. It is also used as a brain tonic, detoxifying agent and hepatoprotective agent. Scientific investigation reported that the plant has a significant pharmacological activity, viz. cognitive agent, anti‐cancer, antiviral, antibacterial, anti‐fungal and hepatoprotective. Moreover, based on the phytochemical aspects, a total of 50 phytoconstituents was identified and isolated from the plant. In conclusion, the outcome of this review will be useful for (a) developing a comprehensive plant profile; (b) assist investigators for exploring further research; and (c) to fulfil the gaps lacking in terms of clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astropanax and Neocussonia are two recently resurrected genera of Araliaceae that had long been considered as an Afro-Malagasy lineage of Schefflera. The wood structure of 11 Neocussonia spp. and eight Astropanax spp. has been studied. Neocussonia shows a higher average length of vessel elements (1319 µm) and number of bars on perforation plates (up to 66) than any other Araliaceae examined to date. Neocussonia is distinct from Astropanax by its smaller diameter and higher frequency of vessels, rare occurrence of simple perforation plates, more numerous bars on scalariform perforation plates and smaller intervessel pits. The interspecific variation in percentage of simple perforation plates, bar number on scalariform perforation plates, vessel frequency and uniseriate ray number is affected by seasonality in temperature and precipitation. The sharp distinction in wood structure between samples of A. abyssinicus from Cameroon and Burundi suggests that the populations from different parts of the disjunct range represent two different species. Our data also suggest that A. goetzenii is an artificial group. Astropanax myrianthus from Madagascar and A. polysciadus from continental Africa, two cryptic species that have long been included in Schefflera myriantha , show significant differences in vessel size and grouping, percentage of simple perforation plates and intervessel pit size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The recent development of extensively antibiotic resistant bacteria has necessitated the search for novel antibacterial compounds. An examination of aromatic plants and traditional medicines is an attractive option for drug discovery. Astrotrichia latifolia Benth. is a native Australia shrub that has yet to be tested for antibacterial activity. Methods: The ability of A. latifolia leaf extracts to inhibit the growth of a panel of bacterial pathogens was investigated by disc diffusion assay. Toxicity was examined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: A. latifolia leaf methanolic and aqueous extracts were completely ineffective at inhibiting the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative panels of bacteria. The extracts were non-toxic in the Artemia nauplii bioassay following 24 h exposure. Conclusion: A. latifolia leaf extracts were completely ineffective bacterial growth inhibitors. However, these extracts may have other therapeutic properties and testing against protozoa, virus and tumour cells is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oreopanax fulvus is a species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, assessed as rare and vulnerable in the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, respectively. This adverse situation requires conservation actions that must be supported by the understanding of its autecology. We aimed to identify the phenological patterns of O. fulvus populations from two Araucaria Rainforest remnants in Paraná. Monthly phenology monitoring of 19 trees in each site was performed over 24 months. We quantified the vegetative (i.e., leaf flushing, mature leaves, and leaf-senescence) and reproductive phenophases (i.e., buds production, blooming, immature, and mature fruits). Circular statistics based on activity index were applied to identify the phenophases seasonality. Spearman correlations were performed among phenophases and meteorological parameters. Leaf flushing and mature leaves were recorded in all months, with a decrease of mature leaves during November and December. Leaf-senescence was seasonal, occurring from May to December. The reproductive phenophases were seasonal: blooming from January to May; and fruiting from March to November, with fruits starting to mature in September. Vegetative and reproductive phenophases were highly influenced by average temperature and photoperiod. Although there were dissimilarities in reproductive phenological patterns, the different populations studied had similar phenological performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungus spores resembling teliospores of the genus Nyssopsora (Pucciniales) were found in a sample of Sakhalinian amber. Morphological features of the spores in the examined amber sample in general correspond to description of teliospores of the extant species Nyssopsora trevesiae parasitizing host plants of the Araliaceae, Trevesia sundaica in Java and Sumatra and Brassaiopsis ciliata in Southern China. It can be assumed that the plant on which those teliospores formed most likely belongs to the Trevesia–Brassaiopsis group. Extant species of these genera are characteristic of the undergrowth in humid forests from the Himalayas to Indonesia, which supports paleofaunistic data on rather warm and humid climate of Sakhalinian amber forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation on the 70% EtOH extract of the fruit of Acanthpanax senticosu s resulted in the isolation of three new triterpenoids, Falcatane C ( 1 ), Acasentrioid F ( 2 ), Acasentrioid G ( 3 ) together with twenty-seven known ones ( 4 - 30 ). Structural elucidation of all the compounds was performed by spectral methods such as 1D or 2D ( 1 H- 1 H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC), NMR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Moreover, all compounds were evaluated for their effects on H 2 O 2 -induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Ycells. Compounds 13 and 15 showed significant neuroprotective impact at a specific concentration, and compounds 1 , 3 , 5 , 9 , 11 , 13-15 , 17 , 20-21 , 23-25 , 27 , 29-30 showed moderate neuroprotective effect. The current study suggests that triterpenes in Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr.) Harms may play an essential role in the neuroprotective properties.

The complete genome sequence of a novel badnavirus, tentatively named "fatsia badnavirus 1" (FaBV1, OM540428), was identified in Fatsia japonica. The infected plant displayed virus-like symptoms on leaves, including yellowing and chlorosis. The genome of FaBV1 is 7313 bp in length and similar in size and organization to other members of the genus Badnavirus (family Caulimoviridae), containing four open reading frames (ORFs), three of which are found in all known badnaviruses, and the other of which is only present in some badnaviruses. The virus has the genome characteristics of badnaviruses, including a tRNA Met binding site (5'-TCTGAATTTATAGCGCTA-3') and two cysteine-rich domains (C-X-C-2X-C-4X-H-4X-C and C-2X-C-11X-C-2X-C-4X-C-2X-C). Pairwise sequence comparisons of the RT+RNase H region indicated that FaBV1 shares 61.4-71.2% nucleotide (nt) sequence identity with other known badnaviruses, which is below the threshold (80% nt sequence identity in the RT+RNase H region) used for species demarcation in the genus Badnavirus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that FaBV1, ivy ringspot-associated virus (IRSaV, MN850490.1), and cacao mild mosaic virus (CMMV, KX276640.1) together form a separate clade within the genus Badnavirus, suggesting that FaBV1 is a new member of the genus Badnavirus in the family Caulimoviridae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a badnavirus infecting F. japonica., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Glucose esters of sinapic and ferulic acids including a novel O-acylglycoside (1) and coumaroyl- and feruloylquinic acids were found for the first time in roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae). Compound 1 was 4-O-sinapoyl-α/β-D-glucopyranose according to UV and NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. A comparison of the biological activities of the isolated compounds found high antiradical activity (IC50 36.79–37.75 μM) for the sinapic-acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Licania salicifolia (L.S) Cuatrec., Persea ferruginea (P.F) Kunth, Oreopanax floribundus (O.F), and Psychotria buchtienii (P.B) belong to the families Chrysobalanaceae, Lauraceae, Araliaceae, and Rubiaceae, respectively, which have been used as medicines by communities in the Andes. This study evaluated the leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities of alcohol and non-alcohol extracts from four Andean plant extracts (L.S, O.F, P.F, and P.B). Materials and Methods: Extracts were obtained by percolation with solvents of different polarities -- hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted based on reported methods. All products were evaluated in vitro to determine the leishmanicidal activity against amastigotes of Leishmania panamensis and cytotoxicity against U937 cells. Results: Flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins were the main secondary metabolites found. From the results, dichloromethane extracts from O.F and P.B, ethanol extract from P.B, and ethyl acetate extracts of all plants were active, with EC50 <30 μg/mL. Ethyl acetate was the most active extract, which showed EC50 values of 9.8, 14.1, 23.7, and 25.5 μg/mL, for L.S, P.B, O.F, and P.F, respectively. Hexane extracts from P.B and O.F exhibited moderate activity with EC50 values of 84.8 and 87.4 μg/mL, respectively. Hexane and ethanol extracts from O.F, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts from L.S, and all extracts from P.F were not toxic. Alternatively, hexane and dichloromethane extracts from L.S and P.B as well as dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts from O.F displayed high toxicity. Conclusion: Based on the activity we observed, ethyl acetate extract can continue in its usage in the search for new antileishmanial drugs, mainly ethyl acetate extract from L.S showed activity comparable to meglumine antimoniate and was not cytotoxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyphyly of the pantropical genus Schefflera J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Araliaceae) is now well established, and consequently the genus has had to be restricted to its type (S. digitata J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) and seven closely related Pacific Island species. Taxonomic transfers of the members of four other, unrelated clades have mostly been completed, including those from Africa and Madagascar, the Neotropics, and Oceania. Here we treat the final and largest group, from Asia, reinstating the genus Heptapleurum Gaertn. for the 317 species that belong to the Asian clade of Schefflera. This synopsis provides 256 new combinations for 246 species and 10 varieties, along with one replacement name, and types are designated for five generic and infrageneric names. With the completion of these transfers, Heptapleurum is now the largest genus in Araliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C. arborea belonging to Araliaceae family is used traditionally to cure many alien diseases including gonorrhoeae infection, diarrhea, malaria, and diabetes mellitus. The plant has been examined on the basis of scientific in vitro and in vivo evaluations possessing the major pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antiplasmodial and anticancer properties. Aim of the study: In the present paper, we reported the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from the methanol extract of the stem bark of Cussonia arborea Hochst after a short review of the traditional and pharmacological studies done on this important medicinal plant. Materials and methods: MeOH extract of stem bark of C. arborea was suspended in water and successively extracted with EtOAc and n-BuOH. The EtOAc extract (18 g) was subjected to repeated column chromatography to yield seven (1-7) compounds. Their structures were determined by means of NMR, and published data. Results: The isolated compounds were identified as: protocatechuic acid (1), mixture of 3,23-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (2a) and 3,23-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (2b) in ratio 5/4, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), β-resorcylic acid (5), mixture of 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (6a) and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (6b) in ration 4/1, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7). Compounds 3, 4, 5, 7, 2b and 6b are herein reported for the first time in this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Opportunistic nectar‐feeders may act as effective pollinators; nonetheless, we still lack information on whether these opportunistic species differ in their pollination effectiveness from specialized nectarivorous vertebrates and insects. Many nectar specialists have coevolved with the plants on which they feed; therefore, we would expect higher pollination effectiveness in specialists than in opportunistic feeders. Here, we assessed quantity and quality components of pollination effectiveness in specialist and opportunistic vertebrate nectarivores and insects, focusing on three plants from the Seychelles: Thespesia populnea, Polyscias crassa, and Syzygium wrightii. Methods: We determined the quantity component (QNC) of pollination effectiveness with pollinator observations, and the quality component (QLC) by measuring fruit and seed set resulting from single visits by each pollinator. To detect potential negative effects of invasive ants on native plant‐pollinator interactions, we classified pollinator visits (quantity component) as disturbed (>6 ants/30 min) vs. undisturbed. Results: All focal plants were visited by insects, and vertebrate specialist and opportunist nectarivores, yet their pollination effectiveness differed. Flying insects were the most effective pollinators of T. populnea. The other two plants were most effectively pollinated by vertebrates; i.e., sunbirds (nectar specialists) in S. wrightii and Phelsuma geckos (nectar opportunists) in P. crassa, despite marked variation in QNC and QLC. Ant presence was associated with lower pollinator visitation rate in P. crassa and S. wrightii. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of all pollinator guilds, including opportunist nectarivorous vertebrates as pollinators of island plants, and the vulnerability of such interactions to disruption by nonnative species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytosterols have many benefits for human health. Phytosterols are abundant in many plant materials. We determined the amounts of lupeol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and squalene in seeds of Panax ginseng by high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. We assayed the contents of these phytosterols in seeds from plants of different ages, seeds from different varieties, and seeds cultivated from different countries. The contents of lupeol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and squalene ranged from 14.15–38.88, 21.33–31.12, 0.00–95.41, to 0.01–0.31 mg g−1 dry weight (DW), respectively. The highest content of terpenoids and steroids was found in 3-year-old seeds (29.06 mg g−1 DW), seeds of the variety Chunpoong (25.20 mg g−1 DW), and seeds from China (34.17 mg g−1 DW). This result will be useful in the application of these terpenoids and steroids from seeds of P. ginseng in the development of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fresh leaves of Metapanax delavayi (Araliaceae) have been used as a common wild vegetable for salad and soup, and also herbal tea by the local people living in its growing areas of Yunnan province, China. Detailed chemical investigation led to the identification of a new triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29-dioic acid (1) from the fresh leaves, together with 11 known compounds, including six triterpenoid saponins (2–7), two caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (8–9), and three flavonoid glycosides (10–12). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and acidic hydrolysis. Compounds 3–5 and 8–12 were isolated from M. delavayi for the first time. Moreover, the known saponins 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-3β-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29-dioic acid (3) and yiyeliangwanoside IV (5) exhibited protective effects on HepG2 cells damaged by the alcohol intakes, at a concentration of 1.0 µg/mL. The results indicated M. delavayi is an ideal dietary vegetable and herbal tea with potential hepatoprotective activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bursaphelenchus acaloleptae n. sp. is described and figured based upon its morphological characters and molecular profiles. The new species belongs to the xylophilus -group of the genus and is typologically characterised by its secretory-excretory pore being located slightly posterior to the median bulb, weakly tapering, relatively broad and straight female tail with variously shaped terminus, and rounded male bursal flap with squared terminus. The new species is phylogenetically and biologically closest to B. luxuriosae. These cryptic species share the host (habitat) tree species, Aralia elata (Araliaceae), the same carrier insect species, Acalolepta luxuriosa (Cerambycidae), and a characteristic phoretic adult form. However, the new species is typologically distinguished from all other xylophilus -group species by the combination of the above-mentioned characters and molecular profiles (SSU and LSU molecular barcodes). Further, B. acaloleptae n. sp. can be distinguished from its closest relative, B. luxuriosae , by mating experiments, i.e. , these two species did not produce a viable F1 generation in reciprocal crossings, thereby confirming separate species status using the biological species concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms. cultivating in An Giang Province, Viet Nam were investigated and led to purify two new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, named polyscioside J (1) and polyscioside K (2) together with two known saponins, ladyginoside A (3) and chikusetsusaponin IVa (4) using variously chromatographic methods. Saponin (4) was reported for the first time from this species. Their structures were verified by IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, NMR 1D and 2D experiments and compared with previous literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sciodaphyllumzarucchii M. M.Mora, Lowry, Idárraga, Jimínez-Mont.& G. M. Plunkett (Araliaceae) is described as a new species in honor of James L. Zarucchi (1952-2019). It occurs in humid premontane and montane forests on the western slope of the Cordillera Occidental in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, where it is known from only two localities, one of which is highly threatened by forest clearing. A risk of extinction assessment using the IUCN Red List criteria reveals that S. zarucchii is Endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sciodaphyllum P. Browne (Araliaceae) has recently been resurrected to accommodate the majority of Neotropical species previously included in Schefflera J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. Recent field and herbarium studies have revealed many distinctive new species of Sciodaphyllum, including three from the eastern slopes of the Andes in central Peru, which are described and illustrated here: S. geniculatum M.M. Mora, Lowry&G.M. Plunkett, S. oxapampense G. M. Plunkett, Lowry & M. M. Mora, and S. rodolfoi Lowry, G. M. Plunkett & M. M. Mora. The conservation status of S. geniculatum is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, whereas both S. oxapampense and S. rodolfoi are assessed as Near Threatened (NT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Didymopanax had been recognized for at least a century as the only genus of Araliaceae in the Americas with bicarpellate ovaries, but in recent decades, it had been treated in synonymy under Schefflera, where it has been recognized as an informal group. During this time, several new species belonging to the group were described under Schefflera, but there has been a growing understanding over the past 15 years that this broadly defined genus is polyphyletic, comprising five non-sister clades. The Neotropical species form a monophyletic group, but its five major subclades are both morphologically and geographically coherent, and are therefore being recognized as distinct genera. As a result, Crepinella Marchal and Sciodaphyllum P. Browne have been reinstated (but with new circumscriptions), and the remaining subclades will be accommodated in two new genera. Here we resurrect Didymopanax, transferring the 37 species out of Schefflera. As now defined, Didymopanax includes species with bicarpellate as well as a few with 5–6-carpellate ovaries, mostly from the rainforests and open savannic vegetations of Brazil. Twenty-one new combinations are proposed for taxa originally described under Panax L. (1), Schefflera (19), or Sciodaphyllum (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic studies have shown that Schefflera, the largest genus of Araliaceae, is highly polyphyletic, comprising five non-sister clades within the family, and that the generic name must be restricted to a small group of Pacific Island species. In an effort to establish monophyletic genera for the other elements still remaining in Schefflera, phylogenetic analyses of the large Neotropical clade have revealed five morphologically and geographically coherent groups. Here, we reinstate the genus Sciodaphyllum, which corresponds to the largest of these five groups, presenting a synopsis of the 131 currently recognized species, including 109 new combinations, one replacement name (nomen novum), and three new heterotypic synonyms. The re-establishment of Sciodaphyllum opens the way for describing an estimated 200+ new species in the genus, nearly all of which are from the Northern and Central Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of eriophyoid mites from South China are described and illustrated: Acadicrus sterculussp. nov. infesting Sterculia lanceolata Cav. (Sterculiaceae) belongs to the subfamily Phyllocoptinae (Eriophyidae), Diptacus cinnamomussp. nov. infesting Cinnamomum japonicum Sieb. (Lauraceae) and Diptilomiopus heteropanaxsp. nov. infesting Heteropanax fragrans (Roxb.) Seem. (Araliaceae) belong to the Diptilomiopinae (Diptilomiopidae). All three new species are vagrants causing no apparent damage to their host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schefflera is the largest and most complex genus of Araliaceae, with ~600 described species (and many additional species awaiting formal description), but recent studies indicate that it is polyphyletic, forming five geographically centered clades spread across the major lineages of the family. Significant progress has been made in revising the three smallest clades, but the two largest groups, centered in Asia and the Neotropics, remain poorly understood. To advance our knowledge of these groups, a taxon set of 211 Schefflera samples and 38 samples representing other genera of Araliaceae (including all genera of the "Asian Palmate clade") was assembled, from which sequences were obtained for six DNA spacer regions, including two nuclear (ITS, ETS) and four plastid markers (rpl32‐trnL, trnF‐rpl32, trnK‐rpl16, psbA‐trnH). Results were compared to an informal system of classification based on morphology. They confirm the monophyly of both the Asian and Neotropical groups, and their inclusion within the Asian Palmate clade, but not as sister groups. In the Neotropical clade, five major subclades can be recognized, four corresponding closely to morphological groupings (Cephalopanax, Crepinella, Didymopanax, Sciodaphyllum) and one that is geographically coherent (Gleasonia). Within Asian Schefflera, there are four major subclades, corresponding closely to currently recognized informal groups (Agalma, Heptaphyllum, Heptapleurum, Hypoleucoi). Biogeographic analyses suggest that both the Asian and Neotropical groups can trace their origins to SE Asia, where Asian Schefflera is still well represented and where Chengiopanax, the possible sister group of Neotropical Schefflera, is native. Trait‐evolution analyses of a remarkable series of convergences in habit, foliar, and reproductive characters suggest multiple independent origins (and some reversals), both within and between the Neotropical and Asian clades of Schefflera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]