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Key message: Cistus ladanifer L. shows an extraordinary plasticity of germination and growth. Fire promotes the regeneration of C. ladanifer by triggering its germination through thermal shock as well as by enhancing its seedling growth through the addition of ashes. On the contrary, stacking of Pinus pinaster Ait. leaf litter may hinder seedling establishment, at least in the first months after germination. Context: Pinus pinaster Ait. is affected by forest fires in the Mediterranean basin. Its extreme flammability is due to the high spatial continuity together with the massive accumulation of leaf litter. Cistus ladanifer L. is a species which is widely distributed in the west Mediterranean region where it can form vast shrublands and flourish under these pinewoods. Although high temperatures associated with the occurrence of fire trigger germination of C. ladanifer, knowledge on how other factors, such as the presence of litter on the forest floor or the ash left after the fire, influence germination and seedling growth is essential to improve land management plans. Aims: The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of different loads of litter from P. pinaster and ash from their combustion on the germination and growth of seedlings of C. ladanifer. Methods: Two experiments were carried out to assess the effect of heat shock (100 °C for 10 min) and two loads of litter and ash from P. pinaster (control, high and low loads of litter, high and low loads of ash) on the germination and growth after 2 and 4 months of C. ladanifer. Results: Heat shock significantly increased the germination of C. ladanifer. In contrast, the addition of litter and ash had no effect on total germination but affected the growth of the seedlings coming from seeds exposed to heat shock. Litter treatments reduced biomass of 2 months seedlings and ash increased biomass of 4 months seedlings. Conclusion: C. ladanifer is a species favoured by fire in different ways depending on the stage of regeneration. Germination is promoted by heat shock while seedling growth is favoured by ash nutrients. In contrast, pine leaf litter hinders seedling growth, although this effect disappears 4 months after germination. Alternative forest management practices to prescribed fires are recommended if preventing the spread of Cistus is a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Halimium, Cistaceae, is a genus of shrubs restricted to the western part of the Mediterranean basin, where it thrives in diverse habitats. Despite this ecological adaptability, little attention has been devoted to understanding the mycorrhizal biology of Halimium. Through the examination of both sporocarps and ectomycorrhizal root tip collections, together with a thorough study of data previously reported in the relevant literature, we revealed a rich diversity of ectomycorrhizal mycobiota associated with Halimium spp. In this study, we describe the noteworthy diversity of the basidiomycetous family Inocybaceae in Halimium stands. Some 17 species of Inocybe and Pseudosperma are currently reported as linked to Halimium spp., mostly on the basis of sporocarp occurrence in the proximity of the potential host plant. Of these species, over 40% (7 of 17) come from our own study based on observations in pure Halimium stands in southwestern Sardinia, Italy. We also describe two new species of Inocybe, I. halimiphila sp. nov. and Inocybe rupribes sp. nov., that were collected under Halimium and demonstrated to establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with the shrub. We discuss the main morphological and ecological characteristics that distinguish the new species, unveiling their evolutionary relationships by inferring a phylogeny based on multiple loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Key message Cistus ladanifer L. shows an extraordinary plasticity of germination and growth. Fire promotes the regeneration of C. ladanifer by triggering its germination through thermal shock as well as by enhancing its seedling growth through the addition of ashes. On the contrary, stacking of Pinus pinaster Ait. leaf litter may hinder seedling establishment, at least in the first months after germination. Context Pinus pinaster Ait. is affected by forest fires in the Mediterranean basin. Its extreme flammability is due to the high spatial continuity together with the massive accumulation of leaf litter. Cistus ladanifer L. is a species which is widely distributed in the west Mediterranean region where it can form vast shrublands and flourish under these pinewoods. Although high temperatures associated with the occurrence of fire trigger germination of C. ladanifer, knowledge on how other factors, such as the presence of litter on the forest floor or the ash left after the fire, influence germination and seedling growth is essential to improve land management plans. Aims The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of different loads of litter from P. pinaster and ash from their combustion on the germination and growth of seedlings of C. ladanifer. Methods Two experiments were carried out to assess the effect of heat shock (100 °C for 10 min) and two loads of litter and ash from P. pinaster (control, high and low loads of litter, high and low loads of ash) on the germination and growth after 2 and 4 months of C. ladanifer. Results Heat shock significantly increased the germination of C. ladanifer. In contrast, the addition of litter and ash had no effect on total germination but affected the growth of the seedlings coming from seeds exposed to heat shock. Litter treatments reduced biomass of 2 months seedlings and ash increased biomass of 4 months seedlings. Conclusion C. ladanifer is a species favoured by fire in different ways depending on the stage of regeneration. Germination is promoted by heat shock while seedling growth is favoured by ash nutrients. In contrast, pine leaf litter hinders seedling growth, although this effect disappears 4 months after germination. Alternative forest management practices to prescribed fires are recommended if preventing the spread of Cistus is a priority.

This work focuses on Cistus monspeliensis L. aerial parts (AP) and roots (R) extracts, investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the two organs in comparison. At dosages between 1.56 and 6.25 µg/mL, both extracts showed a protective effect against LPS inflammatory stimulus on a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Interestingly, only R was able to significantly reduce both IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA gene expression in the presence of LPS. Moreover, the treatment of a neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) with AP and R at 6.25 µg/mL increased the cell survival rate by nearly 20% after H2O2 insult. However, only R promoted mitochondria survival, exhibited a significantly higher production of ATP and a higher activity of the enzyme catalase than the control. Both AP and R had similar primary metabolites; in particular, they both contained 1-O-methyl-epi-inositol. Labdane and methoxylated flavonoids were the most characteristic compounds of AP, while R contained mainly catechins, gallic acid, and pyrogallol derivatives. Considering the importance of elemental composition in plants, the inorganic profile of AP and R was also investigated and compared. No potentially toxic elements, such as Pb, were detected in any sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for the recovery of bioactive and antioxidant compounds in aqueous solutions of Cistus creticus leaves and then employ the optimal extract for the enrichment of yogurt samples. The optimal conditions were established by a response surface methodology and were determined to be a liquid-to-solid ratio of 48 mL/g at 76 °C for 41 min. The optimum extract yielded TPC 157.17 mg GAE/g dw and TFC 2.38 mg QE/g dw, while FRAP and DPPH values were 1258.52 and 933.67 μmol AAE/g dw, respectively. HPLC-DAD was utilized to identify and quantify specific polyphenols, like myricetin rhamnoside, in the extract. The optimal extract was then added to yogurt desserts during their preparation at three different concentrations to study how the physicochemical characteristics of the yogurt, as well as the antioxidant capacity added during enrichment, were affected. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out in order to obtain more valid data. It seems that the most suitable concentration for yogurt fortification was 0.1% w/v of the extract as, at this concentration, the yogurts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, and their physicochemical characteristics were improved.

Plants are a significant source for identifying new compounds (particularly secondary metabolites) with medicinal value for drug development, pharmaceuticals, and food additives. Many of these healing plants are frequently used in conventional medicine to treat and prevent various diseases. The purpose of the current research is to assess the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) for phytochemical analysis, DPPH and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays for antioxidant activity (AOA), and the activity of reducing inflammation exhibited by various extracts, which were determined by measurement of absorbance with a UV spectrophotometer. The outcome demonstrated that the Cistus ladanifer L leaf aqueous extract (EAqCL) has the highest yield (15.581%) and the highest phenolic content (98.28 ± 0.32 mg GAE/gext) compared to the other extracts. Whereas, ethanol extract (EECL) exhibited the highest flavonoid content (11.39 ± 1.45 mg QE/gext), DPPH-radical scavenging activity (RSA = 94.534 ± 1.24%) at 800 µg/ml and FRAP (1.017 ± 0.12) at 400 μg/mL. The extract also showed better anti-inflammatory activity (95.61 ± 0.92%) at 1000 µg/ml. According to the results obtained, this sticky shrub growing in the Ait Ammart region has great potential for exploiting natural sources of bioactive substances and producing pharmacologically active metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halimium, Cistaceae, is a genus of shrubs restricted to the western part of the Mediterranean basin, where it thrives in diverse habitats. Despite this ecological adaptability, little attention has been devoted to understanding the mycorrhizal biology of Halimium. Through the examination of both sporocarps and ectomycorrhizal root tip collections, together with a thorough study of data previously reported in the relevant literature, we revealed a rich diversity of ectomycorrhizal mycobiota associated with Halimium spp. In this study, we describe the noteworthy diversity of the basidiomycetous family Inocybaceae in Halimium stands. Some 17 species of Inocybe and Pseudosperma are currently reported as linked to Halimium spp., mostly on the basis of sporocarp occurrence in the proximity of the potential host plant. Of these species, over 40% (7 of 17) come from our own study based on observations in pure Halimium stands in southwestern Sardinia, Italy. We also describe two new species of Inocybe, I. halimiphila sp. nov. and Inocybe rupribes sp. nov., that were collected under Halimium and demonstrated to establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with the shrub. We discuss the main morphological and ecological characteristics that distinguish the new species, unveiling their evolutionary relationships by inferring a phylogeny based on multiple loci.

• Ornamental horticulture: mediterranean shrubs. • Cistus (Cistaceae): taxonomy, morphology. • Volatile compounds in rockrose leaves and labdanum. • Flower morphology and pigmentation. • Novel taxa in cistaceae. • Mediterranean scrubland and open forests. Cistus ladanifer L. is a shrub which presents a typical flower consisting in five white petals provided or not with a basal deep purple blotch, covering less than 10% of the petal's surface. The new variety here proposed is characterized by the large dark dots that cover often an 80% of the petal's surface, hence the epithet adopted " supermaculatus ". Because the dot is superb in dimensions and is visible both on the adaxial, but also on the abaxial faces of the petal. Cistus ladanifer var. supermaculatus var. nov. is endemic to the Ciudad Real Province of Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Diversification of obligate parasites is often closely associated with historical shifts among host species. This phenomenon is well‐documented in animal parasites but still poorly understood for parasitic plants. We studied the associations between host shifts, biogeography and diversification in Cytinus, a genus of endophytic holoparasitic plants which show a remarkable disjunct distribution. Location: Mediterranean Basin, southern Africa, Madagascar. Taxon: Cytinus. Methods: We sampled numerous populations in South Africa and the western Mediterranean Basin, as well as a few populations in Madagascar where the genus is rare. We amplified two nuclear (ITS and SSU) and two mitochondrial (matR and nad1) loci, to infer its evolutionary history using maximum likelihood and time‐calibrated Bayesian analyses, to elucidate the factors responsible for its current distribution and to assess whether host switching is a main driver of speciation. Results: All genes recover lineages corresponding to the three geographic areas of Cytinus and sublineages associated with specific host plants, although they disagree on their deep‐level relationships. Ribosomal nuclear genes support an initial split of the Malagasy lineage and an Afrotropical origin of Cytinus before colonization of warm temperate latitudes. Mitochondrial genes support an initial split of the Mediterranean and Afro‐Malagasy lineages and a later split between the South African and Malagasy clades. Introgressive hybridization is the most likely explanation for this discrepancy, while horizontal gene transfers from hosts is less likely. We found strong support for cryptic host‐specific diversity, with five and eight host races in the Mediterranean and South Africa respectively, and a strong phylogenetic signal in the host–parasite associations suggestive of parasite diversification via phylogenetic host tracking. Main Conclusions: These dated phylogenies indicate that radiation through long‐distance dispersal events and adaptation to new hosts best explain the disjunct distribution of Cytinus. We emphasize the importance of host specificity and host‐switching in the diversification and biogeography of plant endoparasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is disparity between the estimated time of origin of the ‘superclade’ Dipterocarpaceae sensu lato, that includes Sarcolaenaceae, Cistaceae, Pakaraimaea, Bixaceae, Cochlospermaceae and Sphaerosepalaceae, as determined by recent molecular phylogenies (100−85 million years ago, Ma) and its strongly tropical, South American-African-Madagascan-SE Asian distribution that indicates an older Gondwanan origin (>110 Ma). We used several paleobiogeographic approaches, including recently reported fossil records, to explore the hypothesis that Dipterocarpaceae sl has a Gondwanan/early-Cretaceous origin.We created molecular phylogenies for this group, assigned each genus/family to the tectonic plate on which it is extant, and subjected the cladogram to areogram analysis. We also assessed ecological, mycotrophic and morphological traits, and global circulation patterns, as these might affect this group’s distribution.The initial analysis (omitting fossil evidence) showed that the crown of Dipterocarpaceae sl occurred concurrently on the South American and Madagascan plates. Including fossils from Africa and India changed this to a South American-African origin. Collectively, these origins represent NorthWest Gondwana with South America, Africa and Madagascar remaining conjoined until ≥105–115 Ma, setting the minimum age for this superclade with some evidence that it may be much older. We also show that the immediate ancestors of the three daughter lineages [Dipterocarpaceae- Sarcolaenaceae (in Africa/Madagascar, ≥115 Ma), Cistaceae- Pakaraimaea (South America/Africa/Eurasia, ≥105 Ma) and Bixaceae-Cochlospermum-Sphaerosepalaceae (South America/ Africa, ≥105 Ma)] also arose in NorthWest Gondwana.The immediate ancestors or basal species in Sarcolaenaceae, Sphaerosepalaceae, Dipterocarpaceae (both its subfamilies) and Bixaceae migrated from (South America)/Africa to Madagascar and we propose that the Dipterocarpoideae proceeded from Africa to India while still linked to Madagascar. In addition, much subsequent diversification of this superclade has occurred on the Eurasian, Indian, SE Asian (Sunda) and North American plates post-Gondwanan breakup.This long vicariant history is supported by fossil, ecological, mycotrophic and morphological traits, and global circulation patterns that show negligible propensity for transoceanic dispersal to explain this clade’s wide intercontinental distribution.We conclude that all these areocladogram/plate-breakup/ ecomorphological/circulation features are consistent with a Gondwanan/early-Cretaceous (>115 Ma) origin for the Dipterocarpaceae-Cistaceae-Bixaceae superclade plus its three daughter clades. Future analyses at the species level, exploring alternative diversification dates from both fossils and plate-tectonic dynamics, are needed to refine these findings.

This work focuses on Cistus monspeliensis L. aerial parts (AP) and roots (R) extracts, investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the two organs in comparison. At dosages between 1.56 and 6.25 µg/mL, both extracts showed a protective effect against LPS inflammatory stimulus on a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Interestingly, only R was able to significantly reduce both IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA gene expression in the presence of LPS. Moreover, the treatment of a neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) with AP and R at 6.25 µg/mL increased the cell survival rate by nearly 20% after H2O2 insult. However, only R promoted mitochondria survival, exhibited a significantly higher production of ATP and a higher activity of the enzyme catalase than the control. Both AP and R had similar primary metabolites; in particular, they both contained 1-O-methyl-epi-inositol. Labdane and methoxylated flavonoids were the most characteristic compounds of AP, while R contained mainly catechins, gallic acid, and pyrogallol derivatives. Considering the importance of elemental composition in plants, the inorganic profile of AP and R was also investigated and compared. No potentially toxic elements, such as Pb, were detected in any sample.

Desert truffles are edible hypogeous fungi forming ectendomycorrhizal symbiosis with plants of Cistaceae family. Knowledge about the reproductive modes of these fungi and the molecular mechanisms driving the ectendomycorrhizal interaction is lacking. Genomes of the highly appreciated edible desert truffles Terfezia claveryi Chatin and Tirmania nivea Trappe have been sequenced and compared with other Pezizomycetes. Transcriptomes of T. claveryi × Helianthemum almeriense mycorrhiza from well-watered and drought-stressed plants, when intracellular colonizations is promoted, were investigated. We have identified the fungal genes related to sexual reproduction in desert truffles and desert-truffles-specific genomic and secretomic features with respect to other Pezizomycetes, such as the expansion of a large set of gene families with unknown Pfam domains and a number of species or desert-truffle-specific small secreted proteins differentially regulated in symbiosis. A core set of plant genes, including carbohydrate, lipid-metabolism, and defence-related genes, differentially expressed in mycorrhiza under both conditions was found. Our results highlight the singularities of desert truffles with respect to other mycorrhizal fungi while providing a first glimpse on plant and fungal determinants involved in ecto to endo symbiotic switch that occurs in desert truffle under dry conditions.

Premise: Divergence of floral morphology and breeding systems are often expected to be linked to angiosperm diversification and environmental niche divergence. However, available evidence for such relationships is not generalizable due to different taxonomic, geographical and time scales. The Palearctic genus Helianthemum shows the highest diversity of the family Cistaceae in terms of breeding systems, floral traits, and environmental conditions as a result of three recent evolutionary radiations since the Late Miocene. Here, we investigated the tempo and mode of evolution of floral morphology in the genus and its link with species diversification and environmental niche divergence. Methods: We quantified 18 floral traits from 83 taxa and applied phylogenetic comparative methods using a robust phylogenetic framework based on genotyping‐by‐sequencing data. Results: We found three different floral morphologies, putatively related to three different breeding systems: type I, characterized by small flowers without herkogamy and low pollen to ovule ratio; type II, represented by large flowers with approach herkogamy and intermediate pollen to ovule ratio; and type III, featured by small flowers with reverse herkogamy and the highest pollen to ovule ratio. Each morphology has been highly conserved across each radiation and has evolved independently of species diversification and ecological niche divergence. Conclusions: The combined results of trait, niche, and species diversification ultimately recovered a pattern of potentially non‐adaptive radiations in Helianthemum and highlight the idea that evolutionary radiations can be decoupled from floral morphology evolution even in lineages that diversified in heterogeneous environments as the Mediterranean Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus ladanifer L. (Cistaceae) occupies extensive areas as a dominant species (shrublands) or is associated to other major forest typologies in the Iberian Peninsula. Cistus ladanifer shrublands are mostly present in oligotrophic lands with little valorisation and management and as they develop over the years (up to 20-years-old) they promote the ignition and perpetuation of fire. To contribute to the proper management and valorisation of such systems, a 5-year-old dense shrubland was evaluated for its labdanum resin, seeds, and biomass productivity using different non-destructive harvest periodicities (annual and biennial) and seasons (early, mid-, and late summer), in a two-year case-study. Annual harvest modality maximized labdanum resin productivity (reaching 230 ± 50 kg∙ha−1∙2 years−1 at late summer) and photosynthetic biomass productivity. In contrast, a biennial harvest yielded significant amounts of more diversified products. It maximized seeds productivity (reaching 75 ± 41 kg∙ha−1∙2 years−1 independently of the summer season) and lignified biomass. However, it also reached a labdanum resin productivity of 134 ± 20 kg∙ha−1∙2 yearrs−1 at late summer and a photosynthetic biomass productivity around two times lower than the annual harvest. In this study, we propose two modalities of periodic harvest to be considered as proper long cycle management practices of rockrose lands. It intends to minimize fire risks, break the vegetation auto-succession mechanism, and increase profit from non-productive lands based on three direct outputs with a myriad of applications and valorisation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can modulate below and aboveground communities. They are a key part of belowground communication as they produce a vast array of metabolites, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 1-octen-3-ol. Here, we tested if the VOC 1-octen-3-ol may be involved in the ECM fungal mechanisms that modulate below and aboveground communities. For that, we conducted three in vitro assays with ECM fungi and the 1-octen-3-ol volatile to (i) explore the effects of mycelium growth of three ECM species, (ii) investigate the impact on the germination of six host Cistaceae species, and (iii) study the impact on host plant traits. The effects of 1-octen-3-ol on mycelium growth of the three ECM species depended on the dose and species: Boletus reticulatus was the most sensitive species to the low (VOC) dose, while T. leptoderma was the most tolerant. In general, the presence of the ECM fungi resulted in higher seed germination, while 1-octen-3-ol resulted in lower seed germination. The combined application of the ECM fungus and the volatile further inhibited seed germination, possibly due to the accumulation of 1-octen-3-ol above the plant species' threshold. Seed germination and plant development of Cistaceae species were influenced by ECM fungal volatiles, suggesting that 1-octen-3-ol may mediate changes in below and aboveground communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus heterophyllus subsp. carthaginensis is considered one of the most endangered plants of Spain and has been object to many conservation programs and research projects. Until now, only two small spots were located in Europe: a population of one self-incompatible specimen was found in Valencia and another small population in Cartagena, disturbed by human impact and hybridization with close-relatives. Therefore, the conservation of this taxon has been one of the most defeating issues in the current plant conservation strategies of the Mediterranean workgroups. In this study, we report, describe and cense a new population of this taxon located at the furthest accessible area of the isle of Cabrera Gran in Cabrera Archipelago National Park. The population contains 59 individuals of C. heterophyllus subsp. carthaginensis, the most abundant known population of this species, with a high representation of young individuals (83%). However, some threats are currently compromising the stability of this population: the presence of Cistus albidus in surrounding areas is producing hybrids (Cistus × clausonii) and the high abundance of rats and rabbits is affecting the population recruitment. For this reason, urgent conservation actions must be designed to protect and enhance this population. Overall, this new finding offers new insights on the distribution and conservation strategies of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy varies greatly between species, clades, communities, and regions. We propose that fireprone ecosystems create ideal conditions for the selection of seed dormancy as fire provides a mechanism for dormancy release and postfire conditions are optimal for germination. Thus, fire‐released seed dormancy should vary in type and abundance under different fire regimes. To test these predictions, we compiled data from a wide range of fire‐related germination experiments for species in different ecosystems across the globe. We identified four dormancy syndromes: heat‐released (physical) dormancy, smoke‐released (physiological) dormancy, non‐fire‐released dormancy, and non‐dormancy. In fireprone ecosystems, fire, in the form of heat and/or chemical by‐products (collectively termed 'smoke'), are the predominant stimuli for dormancy release and subsequent germination, with climate (cold or warm stratification) and light sometimes playing important secondary roles. Fire (heat or smoke)‐released dormancy is best expressed where woody vegetation is dense and fires are intense, i.e. in crown‐fire ecosystems. In such environments, seed dormancy allows shade‐intolerant species to take advantage of vegetation gaps created by fire and synchronize germination with optimal recruitment conditions. In grassy fireprone ecosystems (e.g. savannas), where fires are less intense but more frequent, seed dormancy is less common and dormancy release is often not directly related to fire (non‐fire‐released dormancy). Rates of germination, whether controls or postfire, are twice as fast in savannas than in mediterranean ecosystems. Fire‐released dormancy is rare to absent in arid ecosystems and rainforests. The seeds of many species with fire‐released dormancy also possess elaiosomes that promote ant dispersal. Burial by ants increases insulation of seeds from fires and places them in a suitable location for fire‐released dormancy. The distribution of these dormancy syndromes across seed plants is not random – certain dormancy types are associated with particular lineages (phylogenetic conservatism). Heat‐released dormancy can be traced back to fireprone floras in the 'fiery' mid‐Cretaceous, followed by smoke‐released dormancy, with loss of fire‐related dormancy among recent events associated with the advent of open savannas and non‐fireprone habitats. Anthropogenic influences are now modifying dormancy‐release mechanisms, usually decreasing the role of fire as exaptive effects. We conclude that contrasting fire regimes are a key driver of the evolution and maintenance of diverse seed dormancy types in many of the world's natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims In Mediterranean ecosystems, the heat shock of wildfire disrupts physical seed dormancy in many plant species. This triggers germination in the post-fire environment where seedling establishment is optimal due to decreased competition and increased resource availability. However, to maintain the soil seed bank until a fire occurs, the minimum heat capable of breaking seed dormancy (i.e. the lower heat threshold) must be above the maximum temperatures typically observed in the soil during the summer. We therefore hypothesized that summer temperatures have shaped heat requirements for physical dormancy release. Specifically, we predicted that seeds from populations growing under warmer summers will have higher values of the lower heat threshold. Methods To evaluate this prediction, we collected seeds from two Cistus species in 31 populations (20 Cistus albidus and 11 Cistus salviifolius) along a climate gradient of summer temperatures on the eastern coast of Spain. For each population, seeds were treated to 10 min heat shocks, from 30 to 120 °C in 5 °C increments (19 treatments), to simulate increasing heat doses from summer to fire-related temperatures. Seeds were then germinated in the lab. Key Results For all populations, maximum germination was observed when applying temperatures associated with fire. Lower heat thresholds varied among populations, with a positive relationship between summer temperatures at seed population origin and the heat dose required to break dormancy. Conclusions Our results suggest that fire drives maximum dormancy release for successful post-fire germination, while summer temperatures determine lower heat thresholds for ensuring inter-fire seed bank persistence. Significant among-population variation of thresholds also suggests that post-fire seeder species have some potential to modify their dormancy release requirements in response to changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus species have seeds with hard coats which impose physical seed dormancy that can be released after seed scarification. In fire-prone habitats, the break of physical seed dormancy is usually related to the heat produced during fires. It is commonly accepted that most hard-seeded species, including those of the genus Cistus, are able to germinate under a wide range of temperatures in light as well as in darkness, once the seed becomes permeable. However, although many studies have focused on the release of physical dormancy only, a few have done so on the effect of environmental factors once dormancy is released. In this research, through a factorial experiment, we analysed the effects of light (light and darkness) and a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C) on the seed germination of eight Cistus species after a heat shock. On average, almost 60% of the seeds did not germinate despite being viable, and this lack of germination increased with higher temperatures during the treatment. Although an idiosyncratic germination response emerged, temperature had a significant effect in all the species, reaching the highest levels of germination between 10 and 20°C. Light interacted with temperature in four cases by increasing the germination, especially under the least favourable temperatures. Environmental factors, such as temperature and light, appear to modulate the germination of the studied Cistus species after the release of physical seed dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus ladanifer L. (Cistaceae) occupies extensive areas as a dominant species (shrublands) or is associated to other major forest typologies in the Iberian Peninsula. Cistus ladanifer shrublands are mostly present in oligotrophic lands with little valorisation and management and as they develop over the years (up to 20-years-old) they promote the ignition and perpetuation of fire. To contribute to the proper management and valorisation of such systems, a 5-year-old dense shrubland was evaluated for its labdanum resin, seeds, and biomass productivity using different non-destructive harvest periodicities (annual and biennial) and seasons (early, mid-, and late summer), in a two-year case-study. Annual harvest modality maximized labdanum resin productivity (reaching 230 ± 50 kg∙ha−1∙2 years−1 at late summer) and photosynthetic biomass productivity. In contrast, a biennial harvest yielded significant amounts of more diversified products. It maximized seeds productivity (reaching 75 ± 41 kg∙ha−1∙2 years−1 independently of the summer season) and lignified biomass. However, it also reached a labdanum resin productivity of 134 ± 20 kg∙ha−1∙2 yearrs−1 at late summer and a photosynthetic biomass productivity around two times lower than the annual harvest. In this study, we propose two modalities of periodic harvest to be considered as proper long cycle management practices of rockrose lands. It intends to minimize fire risks, break the vegetation auto-succession mechanism, and increase profit from non-productive lands based on three direct outputs with a myriad of applications and valorisation pathways.

In a unique study, Luna (Luna, Sci Rep 10:1–10, 2020) examined the viability and germination of 12 hard-seeded Cistaceae in the Mediterranean Basin by alternating a prolonged summer-type temperature (50/20 °C at 12 h cycles) treatment with a fire-type heat pulse. A re-analysis of their data shows that the summer treatment applied before the heat pulse was superfluous as similar high levels of germination under ambient conditions were attained with the heat pulse only. Additional tests using the hard seeds of Acacia showed that the water gap opened at once in the presence of dry heat such that contact with moisture is not required to complete the process of softening. The abundance of hard seeds remaining when the summer treatment was applied after the heat pulse is better explained by ungerminated seeds having become hard again under such dry conditions rather than remaining dormant, i.e., acquiring secondary physical dormancy, and thus becoming 'desensitized' to their environment. While this response may be adaptive, such a retarding effect will be limited in practice as most fires are expected in autumn, at least historically, and are thus close to the start of optimal winter conditions for germination. Future studies should concentrate on the fate of the water gap plug during such alternating treatments and also ensure that realistic summer temperature regimes are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Cistus ladanifer L. (Cistaceae) also known as Rock Rose called esteva. Topics include plant species comprising the genus being used in folk medicine for different purposes; using shrubs either as tea or ointments mainly for prevention and treatment of different microbial disorders and illnesses; and integrating poor siliceous and acidic soils with shale, granite, or sandstone origin.

It is known that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can modulate below and aboveground communities. They are a key part of belowground communication as they produce a vast array of metabolites, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 1-octen-3-ol. Here, we tested if the VOC 1-octen-3-ol may be involved in the ECM fungal mechanisms that modulate below and aboveground communities. For that, we conducted three in vitro assays with ECM fungi and the 1-octen-3-ol volatile to (i) explore the effects of mycelium growth of three ECM species, (ii) investigate the impact on the germination of six host Cistaceae species, and (iii) study the impact on host plant traits. The effects of 1-octen-3-ol on mycelium growth of the three ECM species depended on the dose and species: Boletus reticulatus was the most sensitive species to the low (VOC) dose, while T. leptoderma was the most tolerant. In general, the presence of the ECM fungi resulted in higher seed germination, while 1-octen-3-ol resulted in lower seed germination. The combined application of the ECM fungus and the volatile further inhibited seed germination, possibly due to the accumulation of 1-octen-3-ol above the plant species’ threshold. Seed germination and plant development of Cistaceae species were influenced by ECM fungal volatiles, suggesting that 1-octen-3-ol may mediate changes in below and aboveground communities.

Molecular systematics requires the establishment of a robust phylogenetic framework including extensive geographical and taxonomic sampling. In this work, we proposed systematic changes in the genus Helianthemum based on phylogenetic trees obtained by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of GBS data. The implications of these phylogenetic results for the systematics of Helianthemum entail the establishment of a new subgenus and novel re-ascriptions of sections and species along with some nomenclatural novelties. The following new combinations are proposed: Helianthemum subg. Eriocarpum (Dunal) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio; H. oelandicum subsp. conquense (Borja & Rivas Goday ex G.López) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio; H. nummularium subsp. cantabricum (M.Laínz) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio; H. nummularium subsp. tinetense (M.Mayor & Fern.Benito) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio.

Coastalsand frostweed (Crocanthemum arenicola (Chapm.) Barnhart [Cistaceae]) is a back dune plant of the north central Gulf of Mexico endemic to coastal Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. We initiated seed and cutting propagation experiments to test the effects of scarification, photoperiod, and temperature on germination of C. arenicola. In addition, we examined the effects of cutting maturity (vegetative or reproductive stems), auxin (IBA) concentration, and time of rooting on the percentage of cuttings with roots and the quality of rooted cuttings of C. arenicola. We conducted 3 single-factor experiments in which seeds were subjected to scarification treatments, photoperiod treatments, or a gradient of temperature treatments, and germination (radicle emergence) was monitored over time (2-4 wk). A two-factor greenhouse cutting experiment was conducted comparing cutting maturity and auxin concentration on root number and root length of C. arenicola 3 and 7 wk after sticking. We assessed cuttings for root class at 7 wk. Scarification by sandpaper abrasion (50-200 s) increased germination compared to a non-scarified control (=90% compared to 11% germination). Photoperiod had no effect on germination, with similar germination in the light and dark. Higher germination occurred under cooler temperatures than warmer temperatures. Rooting at 3 wk (51%) was lower compared to rooting at 7 wk (76%). More roots were present on vegetative cuttings compared to reproductive cuttings (4.2 compared to 2.7 roots per cutting). Root length and root class did not differ with the application of auxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Accurate inference in phylogeography requires appropriate sampling strategies. Complex questions demand a large sample size at both the population and genetic levels to obtain precise reconstructions. This is the case of the phylogeographic history of Cistus monspeliensis, a plant that displays low plastid (cpDNA) diversity in the Mediterranean Basin but high diversity in the Canary Islands. Here, we aimed to identify Mediterranean refugial areas and to accurately quantify inter‐island colonization events in the Canaries. Using a previous study as starting point, we increased sample size in two ways: (i) additional sampling of plastid genetic markers (from 1041 to 1899 bp); and (ii) additional sampling of populations (from 47 to 69) in long‐term persistence areas suggested by species distribution modeling (SDM). The synergy between SDM and extended population sampling helped find higher genetic diversity. Our deeper phylogeographic sampling of C. monspeliensis revealed the following: (i) potential refugia in long‐term persistence areas with high cpDNA diversity in western Europe and the Canary Islands; and (ii) a significant increase (from 7 to 12) in the number of inferred inter‐island colonization events across the archipelago. Our results stress the usefulness of SDM to identify the genetic signature associated with potential refugial areas. We herein propose a field sampling approach based on SDM that, in combination with a larger cpDNA sampling, can help answer a wide array of phylogeographic questions, such as the location of Quaternary refugia and number of colonizations across archipelagos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terfezia species are obligate symbiotic partners of several xerophytic host plants, mainly belonging to the Cistaceae. Yet, their mycorrhizal associations with members of the genus Cistus remain poorly characterized and their potential application in desert truffle cultivation remains unexplored. This work provides the first anatomic descriptions of the mycorrhizae formed in vitro by four Terfezia species (i.e., T. arenaria; T. extremadurensis; T. fanfani, T. pini) with C. ladanifer and C. salviifolius, two of the most widespread and common Cistus species in acidic soils. All the tested associations resulted in the formation of ectomycorrhizae with well-developed Hartig net, but with a varying degree of mantle development. Our results also demonstrate that all the experimented Terfezia-Cistus combinations expressed high mycorrhization rates. Moreover, the present work shows that C. salviifolius and C. ladanifer are suitable plant hosts for Terfezia species, including some that are, to date, known to be only associated with annual herbs or tree species. This new evidence might aid in broadening the number of situations whereby Terfezia spp. can be cultivated in acid soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halimium is a genus of Cistaceae, containing a small group of shrub species found in open vegetation types and in degraded forest patches throughout the western and central Mediterranean region. We recently described the morpho-anatomical features of the ectomycorrhizae formed by Scleroderma meridionale on Halimium halimifolium, but the mycorrhizal biology of this host plant genus is still largely unexplored. Here, we report new data on the ectomycorrhizal fungal symbionts of Halimium, based on the collection of sporocarps and ectomycorrhizal root tips in pure stands occurring in Sardinia, Italy. To obtain a broader view of Halimium mycorrhizal and ecological potential, we compiled a comprehensive and up-to-date checklist of fungal species reported to establish ectomycorrhizae on Halimium spp. on the basis of field observations, molecular approaches, and mycorrhiza synthesis. Our list comprises 154 records, corresponding to 102 fungal species and 35 genera, revealing a significant diversity of the Halimium ectomycorrhizal mycobiota. Key ectomycorrhizal genera like Russula, Lactarius/Lactifluus, Amanita, Inocybe, and Cortinarius account for more than half of all mycobionts. A large proportion of Halimium fungal species are shared with other host plants in various ecological settings, suggesting a critical role of common mycorrhizal networks in the function played by this shrub in various Mediterranean ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumana is a diverse genus of the Cistaceae family, consisting of 21 currently accepted species. In this study, nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, trnT‐L) molecular markers were used to reconstruct the phylogeny and to estimate divergence times, including 19 species of Fumana. Phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian Inference, Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood) confirmed the monophyly of Fumana and did not support the infrageneric divisions previously established. The results support four main clades that group species that differ in vegetative and reproductive characters. Given the impossibility to define morphological characters common to all species within the clades, our proposal is to reject infrageneric divisions. Molecular dating and ancestral area analyses provide evidence for a Miocene diversification of the genus in the north‐western Mediterranean. Ancestral state reconstructions revealed ancestral character states for some traits related to xeric and arid habitats, suggesting a preadaptation to the Mediterranean climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire and high summer soil temperatures can break physical seed dormancy in Mediterranean fire-prone ecosystems. Their independent effect is somewhat recognized but both factors may act together with a synergistic effect yet unknown. This study aims to determine the isolated and combined effects of fire and summer temperatures on the release of physical seed dormancy in Cistaceae species. Fire and summer temperature treatments were applied in a factorial experiment to seeds of 12 species of Cistaceae. Seeds previously exposed or not to a heat shock (fire simulation) were kept for 1 or 2 months at constant or alternating temperatures (summer temperatures simulation). Additionally, I compared the effect of exposing the seeds to a heat shock before or after they had been subjected to the summer temperatures. Heat shock increased germination of all species, but summer temperatures produced different results. When seeds were exposed to summer temperatures after heat shock, germination decreased. This negative effect disappeared when heat shock was simulated at the end of the summer temperatures. Fire and summer temperatures modulate timing of germination in Cistaceae with a joint control on post-fire regeneration. Cycling of sensitivity to physical dormancy release may be the mechanism to explain this fine-tuning, which would ensure germination when environmental conditions are suitable for growth. These results contribute to our understanding of vegetation dynamics and postfire regeneration in Mediterranean ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of the conservation status of a species is the first step in developing a conservation strategy. IUCN Red Lists assessments are an important starting point for conservation actions and the most commonly applied method for assessing the extinction risk of a species. In this study, the global conservation status of the rock rose Helianthemum caput-felis Boiss. (Cistaceae), a perennial Mediterranean plant, was evaluated using the Red List criteria. The distribution of the species was determined by monitoring historical localities and all other suitable sites along the western Mediterranean coasts for 6 years. For each confirmed locality, the ecological and population parameters and the main threats were recorded; these data were used in a quantitative analysis of the species' extinction risk. Our findings indicate there have been several recent extinctions, and there is a continuing decline in the species' area of occurrence, habitat quality and number of reproductive plants. The main threats are related to human activities. Extinction models indicate a probability of quasi-extinction risk of c. 30% in five generations or c. 45% in three generations, with the species likely to become extinct in seven currently known localities within the next 10 years. Application of the Red List criteria indicates H. caput-felis should be categorized as Endangered. This study confirms that legal protection and passive conservation measures are insufficient to guarantee the persistence of a plant species. Active conservation and management actions are needed to protect this and other threatened species of the Mediterranean Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In animal‐pollinated hermaphroditic species, larger and xenogamous flowers increase male‐biased resource allocation, whereas smaller and selfing flowers invest disproportionally more resources to female function. In Cistaceae, an entomophilous and hermaphroditic Mediterranean family, this pattern generally follows a phylogenetic signal. However, resource allocation to carpels is independent of phylogeny, which suggests trait divergences among closely related species during the diversification into different environmental conditions.We tested this hypothesis across 37 species of Cistaceae along a temperature and precipitation gradient, including semiarid, dry, subhumid and humid sites. We quantified the proportions of dry mass and nutrient investment to carpels and tested the influence of the climatic gradient and site‐specific precipitation on the interspecific variation in carpel resource allocation.Lowest and highest percentages of resource allocation to carpels ranged from 1.5–4.2% to 24.2–36.6%, respectively. The proportion of resources comprised in carpels significantly decreased with increasing precipitation/decreasing temperature. Thus, carpels comprised proportionally more resources under drier and hotter conditions, especially in semiarid sites.Our results demonstrate how the extent of climatic constraints is more important than phylogenetic relationships in determining stress‐induced differences in carpel resource allocation across species of Cistaceae in a Mediterranean environment. We suggest that allocation of proportionally more resources to carpels in drier and hotter sites lies within a strategy to deal with the most stressful conditions by means of a high reproductive effort. Resource allocation to carpels in Cistaceae is a non‐conservative trait that increases in hotter and drier sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus laurifolius is widely used in folk medicine in Anatolia for the treatment of many ailments. The leaves of the plant are used in the form of tea in the treatment of hemorrhoids in the Western Black Sea Region and Central Anatolia. It was aimed at evaluating the anti-hemorrhoidal effects of C. laurifolus leaves in croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model in rats. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of C. laurifolius were tested for in vivo anti-hemorrhoidal efficacy using an experimental hemorrhoid model, followed by histological and biochemical analysis. Hemorrhoid was created by using croton oil on the anal region of the rats. TNF- α and VEGF mRNA expression levels were assessed using real-time PCR detections. The extract was also tested for anti-inflammatory properties, which are based on the suppression of an increase in capillary permeability caused by acetic acid. LC-QTOF-MS and RP-HPLC were used for the phytochemical analysis. In comparison to the control, histological and biochemical assessment showed that the methanolic extract of C. laurifolius is particularly effective against hemorrhoids. The same extract group's TNF- α mRNA expression was found to be the lowest. Additionally, the methanolic extract showed a strong inhibitory effect on the increase in capillary permeability resulted on by acetic acid. Three phenolic compounds were discovered in the extracts by phytochemical analyses, while more than eighteen compounds were found by LC-QTOF-MS analysis. Five of these compounds are phenolic acid derivatives, and flavonoids constitute the majority of the group. This is the first evidence from the research that C. laurifolius possesses strong anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhoidal properties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desert truffles are edible hypogeous (forming fruit bodies below ground) fungi that grow in semi-arid and arid areas. They are highly valued for both their culinary and medicinal properties in the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and the Gulf areas. Desert truffles form mycorrhizae mostly with plants belonging to the Cistaceae family, mainly with Helianthemum species. These truffles are still, usually, collected from the wild, but loss of habitats due to urbanization, desertification, intensive agriculture and global warming, along with an urgent need to develop new crops adapted to arid conditions, are currently hastening efforts towards their domestication. Here, we sum up the successful research leading to cultivation of this crop, based on plots that were established in sandy to silt soils with high pH values and low mineral contents. We report suitable methods for production of mycorrhized seedlings and preferred planting methods. We found that under natural conditions yields are affected by water availability, so irrigation regimes to ensure good yields were sought. Although good yields were indeed obtained in some years, fluctuations in yields over the years were significant; the reasons for this are not entirely clear and are currently under study. This crop is particularly well suited to relatively marginal conditions but prospects for establishment of desert truffles as a niche crop for arid and semi-arid areas depend on further improvements in yields.

This study explored a heathland region in Portugal, and through morphology, biogeography, and multilocus phylogeny, two new species of Inocybaceae are described. The first species, Inocybe iberilepora , belongs to " I. flocculosa group," whereas the second species, Inocybe phaeosquamosa , belongs to a relatively isolated and understudied clade, distantly related to I. furfurea and allies. Both species are tied to a west Mediterranean distribution and ecology, associating with the local Cistaceae ecosystems. By characterizing these new species, our research contributes to the understanding of European Funga and enriches the knowledge of the genus Inocybe on a global scale.

This investigation focused on the qualitative and quantitative composition of polyphenolic compounds of Mediterranean northern shore Cistus creticus and six further, partly sympatric Cistus species (C. albidus, C. crispus, C. ladanifer, C. monspeliensis, C. parviflorus, C. salviifolius). Aqueous extracts of 1153 individual plants from 13 countries were analyzed via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extracts of C. creticus were primarily composed of two ellagitannins (punicalagin and punicalagin gallate) and nine flavonol glycosides (myricetin and quercetin glycosides, with m-3-O-rhamnoside as the dominant main compound). Differences in the proportions of punicalagin derivatives and flavonol glycosides allowed the classification into two chemovariants. Plants containing punicalagin derivatives and flavonol glycosides were especially abundant in the western and central Mediterranean areas and in Cyprus. From Albania eastwards, punicalagin and punicalagin gallate were of much lesser importance and the predominant chemovariant there was a nearly pure flavonol type. With its two chemovariants, C. creticus takes a central position between the flavonol-rich, purple-flowered clade (besides C. creticus, here represented by C. albidus and C. crispus) and the more ellagitannin-rich, white- or whitish-pink-flowered clade (here represented by C. ladanifer, C. monspeliensis, C. parviflorus and C. salviifolius). The median antioxidative capacity of C. creticus plant material was, with 166 mg Trolox equivalents/g dry wt, about half of the antioxidative capacity of C. ladanifer (301 mg te/g dry wt), the species with the highest antioxidative potential.

Osmia (Melanosmia) nigriventris (Zetterstedt) is a predominantly boreoalpine megachilid bee species, whose biology is poorly known due to its pronounced rarity all over Central Europe. The discovery of 19 nests in the Grisons and Valais (Switzerland) allowed for the investigation of its nesting biology and prompted the assessment of the species' host-plant spectrum, phenology and distribution. All nests were in thick bark pieces of Larix decidua, which lay in grassy vegetation on sun-exposed ground of open subalpine forests dominated by larch. The nests contained 1-26 brood cells constructed within one to several burrows tunneled out by the female bees with their specialized mandibles, which are distinctly stronger than those of related O. (Melanosmia) species known to nest in preexisting cavities or loose soil. The linearly arranged brood cells were separated from each other by three-layered partitions consisting of an interlayer of densely packed small bark particles sandwiched between two thin layers of chewed green leaves ("leaf pulp"). DNA metabarcoding of several nest plugs revealed that Potentilla (Rosaceae) and Helianthemum (Cistaceae) served as source of the leaf pulp. Anthrax anthrax (Bombyliidae) and Sapyga similis (Sapygidae) parasitized the brood cells of O. nigriventris as shown by DNA barcoding of prepupae overwintering in the host's nests. O. nigriventris is mesolectic and harvests pollen almost exclusively on Fabaceae (e.g. Lotus, Hippocrepis), Ericaceae (Rhododendron, Vaccinium) and Cistaceae (Helianthemum). Depending on the altitude, O. nigriventris emerges from the beginning of May to the first decade of June and thus qualifies as an early flying bee active in spring and early summer similar to the other European O. (Melanosmia) species. It likely needs two years for its development in the subalpine zone of the Alps and overwinters as prepupa in the first and probably as imago in the second winter. O. nigriventris has a Holarctic distribution, its disjunct Palaearctic range encompasses the boreal zone from Scandinavia eastwards to the Russian Far East, the Caucausus, the Alps as well as scattered locations at lower altitudes throughout Central Europe, where it is regarded as a glacial relict and has probably suffered strong declines during the last decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Flora Montibérica is the property of Flora Montiberica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)