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Exine, this complex sporopollenin-containing and highly variable among taxa envelope of the male gametophyte, consists of two layers, ectexine and endexine. We traced in detail the pollen wall development in Lysimachia vulgaris (Primulaceae), with emphasis on driving forces and critical ontogenetic time. By observation on the sequence of the emergent patterns and by analysis of their substructure with TEM, we intended to clarify the obvious and not-obvious ways of exine construction and to find out the common features in pattern development in other representatives in living nature. The ectexine and endexine ontogeny follows the main stages observed in many other species: first, the appearance of microspore plasma membrane invaginations with isotropic contents within, changed later to anisotropic state; then successive appearance of spherical, rod-like, and lamellate units in the periplasmic space. The lamellate endexine appears unusually early in the exine development. All these elements and their aggregations are manifestation of well-known physical phenomena: phase separation and micellar self-assembly. A consideration of similar surface patterns in very remote taxa suggests the participation in their development of some general nature phenomena as the lows of space-filling operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new oleanane- type triterpene saponins, lysimaponins A-G, were isolated from aerial parts of Lysimachia laxa Baudo. Their chemical structures have been elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. All compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial effects against Microcystis aeruginosa, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. harveyi, V. vulinificus, V. cholerae , and V. alginolyticus. All compounds showed potent antibacterial activities against the cyanobacteria M. aeruginosa with IC50 values ranging from 14.4 ± 1.2 to 35.3 ± 2.2 µg/mL. Compounds 1, 2, 4 - 7 inhibited V. parahaemolyticus with MIC values ranging from 64 to 256 µg/mL. The results suggested that saponins from L. laxa could be potential anti-cyanobacteria agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula medogensis W.B Ju, B. Xu & X.F. Gao 2023, a new species categorized under P. sect. Cordifoliae, was officially described in 2023. Given its recent classification, the genetic resources for this species are currently very limited. Here, we sequenced and assembled the first complete chloroplast genome of P. medogensis using Illumina sequencing technology. The complete chloroplast genome of P. medogensis is 151,486 bp in length, exhibiting a typical quadripartite structure. It consists of a large single-copy region (LSC; 83,407 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC;17675 bp), separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs; 25202 bp). A total of 131 genes were annotated, including 86 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The overall GC content was 37.1%. Phylogenetic analysis of 59 Primula species revealed a close relationship between P. medogensis and P. calliantha subsp. bryophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclamen persicum Mill., 1768, is a perennial herb of Primulaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. In this study, we sequenced the chloroplast genome of Cyclamen persicum. Its complete chloroplast contained 151,911 nucleotides, including a large single-copy (LSC) region with a length of 83,191 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region with a length of 17,922 bp, and a pair of reverse repeat IR regions (25,399 bp). The C. persicum chloroplast genome encoded 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The GC content of the entire genome was 37.25%, lower than that of many angiosperm plastome. The phylogenetic result indicated that C. persicum exhibited the closest relationship with Cyclamen rohlfsianum, and provided new information for the phylogeny relationship of genus Cyclamen.

A new compound, vestitain A (1), together with 11 known compounds were isolated from the ripe fruits of Embelia vestita Roxb., among them compounds 5,10-12 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated and characterized by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Further, the isolated new compound 1 was evaluated for its hypoglycemic effects in vivo. Our research showed that compound 1 could decrease the fasting blood glucose (FBG) by approximately 36.31% in diabetic rats at the high dose (800 mg/kg). By the Morris Water Maze experiments, we found that compound 1 had the effect of intervention on social behavior in diabetic rats, which might provide a reference basis for its development and utilization as a potential hypoglycemic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: The proportion of polyploid plants in a community increases with latitude, and different hypotheses have been proposed about which factors drive this pattern. Here, we aimed to understand the historical causes of the latitudinal polyploidy gradient using a combination of ancestral state reconstruction methods. Specifically, we assessed whether (1) polyploidization enables movement to higher latitudes (i.e., polyploidization precedes occurrences in higher latitudes) or (2) higher latitudes facilitate polyploidization (i.e., occurrence in higher latitudes precedes polyploidization). Methods: We reconstructed the ploidy states and ancestral niches of 1032 angiosperm species at four paleoclimatic time slices ranging from 3.3 million years ago to the present, comprising taxa from four well‐represented clades: Onagraceae, Primulaceae, Solanum (Solanaceae), and Pooideae (Poaceae). We used ancestral niche reconstruction models alongside a customized discrete character evolution model to allow reconstruction of states at specific time slices. Patterns of latitudinal movement were reconstructed and compared in relation to inferred ploidy shifts. Results: No single hypothesis applied equally well across all analyzed clades. While significant differences in median latitudinal occurrence were detected in the largest clade, Poaceae, no significant differences were detected in latitudinal movement in any clade. Conclusions: Our preliminary study is the first to attempt to connect ploidy changes to continuous latitudinal movement, but we cannot favor one hypothesis over another. Given that patterns seem to be clade‐specific, more clades must be analyzed in future studies for generalities to be drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maesa flabellifera (Primulaceae-Maesoideae) from southeast Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. This new species belongs to the informal long corolla-tube species group and is morphologically similar to M. permollis and M. kurzii, but can be distinguished by lacking hairs, membranaceous leaves and long panicles with 7−16 branches. According to the IUCN criteria, M. flabellifera is assessed as "Least Concern". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula meishanensis K.Huang & Z.X.Fu, sp. nov., a new species of Primulaceae from Meishan City, Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The morphological data and phylogenetic analysis, based on the complete chloroplast genome, suggest that Primula meishanensis is a separate species closely related to Primula dejuniana. The complete chloroplast genome of Primula meishanensis was 152,175 bp and the complete chloroplast genome of Primula dejuniana was 151,988 bp. The new species differs from the latter by the solitary scape, the length of petiole, acute leaf blade apex and pin flower. The distribution map, morphological comparison of related species and conservation status of the new species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclamen persicum Mill., 1768, is a perennial herb of Primulaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. In this study, we sequenced the chloroplast genome of Cyclamen persicum. Its complete chloroplast contained 151,911 nucleotides, including a large single-copy (LSC) region with a length of 83,191 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region with a length of 17,922 bp, and a pair of reverse repeat IR regions (25,399 bp). The C. persicum chloroplast genome encoded 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The GC content of the entire genome was 37.25%, lower than that of many angiosperm plastome. The phylogenetic result indicated that C. persicum exhibited the closest relationship with Cyclamen rohlfsianum, and provided new information for the phylogeny relationship of genus Cyclamen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subspecies, Ardisia crenata Sims subsp. mukdahanensis Chatan & Promprom (Primulaceae), is described from Mukdahan Province, Thailand. This discovery was made during field studies conducted from 2021 to 2023, during which the authors collected and analysed specimens, comparing them with relevant taxonomic literature and herbarium collections. A. crenata subsp. mukdahanensis is distinct from its closest relative, A. crenata subsp. crassinervosa by a combination of morphological traits, such as moderately dense minute hairs on young shoots, abaxial side of young lamina and calyx, peduncles and pedicels; larger flowers (7.0–7.5 mm) that are pure white or pinkish; larger fruits (7–8 mm) and absence of glandular punctation in organs such as lamina, calyx, corolla, anther and fruit. This new subspecies grows in slightly dense dry evergreen forests or open areas near streams and is preliminarily assigned to the Data Deficient (DD) category according to IUCN guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Lysimachia ailaoshanensis is described and illustrated. In gross morphology it is evidently allied to subgen. Palladia sect. Chenopodiopsis and is most similar to L. chenopodioides and L. remotiflora, but is distinguished from L. chenopodioides by narrower lanceolate leaf blade and longer pedicel, and longer stamens and styles, and from L. remotiflora by narrower leaf blade and longer stamens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy, discusses the need for new combinations of names in the tribe Primuleae to align with recent phylogenetic analyses. The authors propose twelve name transfers from Cortusa to Primula sect. Cortusoides. Primula is a large genus of over 500 species found in temperate and arctic zones, with a center of diversity in southwestern China. The authors provide new combinations and lectotypifications for several infraspecific names, transferring them to the genus Primula. The document provides a list of new combinations in Primula sect. Cortusoides, along with their basionyms and distribution information. The new combinations include Primula matthioli f. latidens, Primula matthioli f. longecalycina, Primula matthioli subsp. brotheri f. subcanescens, Primula matthioli f. tatrenis, and Primula matthioli subsp. brotheri f. villosula. The document also includes references to relevant studies and projects that have contributed to the research on Primula. [Extracted from the article]

SUMMARY: Specific ecological conditions in the high mountain environment exert a selective pressure that often leads to convergent trait evolution. Reticulations induced by incomplete lineage sorting and introgression can lead to discordant trait patterns among gene and species trees (hemiplasy/xenoplasy), providing a false illusion that the traits under study are homoplastic. Using phylogenetic species networks, we explored the effect of gene exchange on trait evolution in Soldanella, a genus profoundly influenced by historical introgression. At least three features evolved independently multiple times: the single‐flowered dwarf phenotype, dysploid cytotype, and ecological generalism. The present analyses also indicated that the recurring occurrence of stoloniferous growth might have been prompted by an introgression event between an ancestral lineage and a still extant species, although its emergence via convergent evolution cannot be completely ruled out. Phylogenetic regression suggested that the independent evolution of larger genomes in snowbells is most likely a result of the interplay between hybridization events of dysploid and euploid taxa and hostile environments at the range margins of the genus. The emergence of key intrinsic and extrinsic traits in snowbells has been significantly impacted not only by convergent evolution but also by historical and recent introgression events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants growing along wide elevation gradients in mountains experience considerable variations in environmental factors that vary across elevations. The most pronounced elevational changes are in climate conditions with characteristic decrease in air temperature with an increase in elevation. Studying intraspecific elevational variations in plant morphological traits and biomass allocation gives opportunity to understand how plants adapted to steep environmental gradients that change with elevation and how they may respond to climate changes related to global warming. In this study, phenotypic variation of an alpine plant Soldanella carpatica Vierh. (Primulaceae) was investigated on 40 sites distributed continuously across a 1,480-m elevation gradient in the Tatra Mountains, Central Europe. Mixed-effects models, by which plant traits were fitted to elevation, revealed that on most part of the gradient total leaf mass, leaf size and scape height decreased gradually with an increase in elevation, whereas dry mass investment in roots and flowers as well as individual flower mass did not vary with elevation. Unexpectedly, in the uppermost part of the elevation gradient overall plant size, including both below-and aboveground plant parts, decreased rapidly causing abrupt plant miniaturization. Despite the plant miniaturization at the highest elevations, biomass partitioning traits changed gradually across the entire species elevation range, namely, the leaf mass fraction decreased continuously, whereas the flower mass fraction and the root:shoot ratio increased steadily from the lowest to the highest elevations. Observed variations in S. carpatica phenotypes are seen as structural adjustments to environmental changes across elevations that increase chances of plant survival and reproduction at different elevations. Moreover, results of the present study agreed with the observations that populations of species from the 'Soldanella' intrageneric group adapted to alpine and subnival zones still maintain typical 'Soldanella'-like appearance, despite considerable reduction in overall plant size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood (Primulaceae), a new single-island endemic shrub species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated. Notes on its distribution, ecology and conservation status are included. The new species is known from an area with ca. 45 individuals, where it is restricted to the remote central windward region of Kaua'i in open bogs and along open windy ridges. Suggested IUCN Red List status is CR (Critically Endangered). It differs from its Kaua'i congeners by its longer petals and narrowly elliptic leaves with strongly undulate margins and tendril-like apex. Phylogenetic analysis using RADseq data supports the recognition of this new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on literature review, molecular phylogenetics of ITS sequences, and chromosome cytology, the taxonomy of Lysimachia s.l. (Primulaceae) of Taiwan is updated. Amongst the 15 taxa recognized in the most recent work of the genus in Taiwan, L. ardisioides is synonymized under L. simulans that has long been neglected, L. arvensis var. caerulea is elevated to specific status and replaced with the name L. loeflingii, the specific status of the newly described L. ravenii is reaffirmed, and L. congestiflora, a misapplied name, is corrected to L. taiwaniana. We also identify references that represent the genuine first reports of the genus Lysimachia and L. candida of Taiwan, respectively, and reveals L. taiwaniana as an isonym that was published independently twice by two different authors based on the same type. To stabilize the taxonomy of Lysimachia of Taiwan, L. capillipes Hemsl., L. consobrina Hance, L. decurrens var. recurvata Matsum., L. formosana Honda, L. mauritiana Lam., L. lineariloba Hook. & Arn., and L. nigropunctata are lectotypified, and L. candida Lindl. is neotypified. The recently described L. lalashanensis S.S.Ying and L. nanhutashanensis S.S.Ying are synonymized under L. capillipes Hemsl. and L. taiwaniana Suzuki, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu, from the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province in Central China. It is morphologically assigned to Primula sect. Aleuritia based on its dwarf and hairless habit, long petiole, fruits longer than calyx and covered by farina on the scape. This new species is similar to P. gemmifera and P. munroi subsp. yargongensis in the same section, but it can be distinguished by its smaller calyxes, homostylous flowers, corolla tube throat without annular appendage and only 1--2 flowers in each inflorescence. Based on the assessment conducted according to the IUCN Red List criteria, we propose that P. weiliei be classified as a Critically Endangered (CR) species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Primuloid clade or Primulaceae sensus lato is well supported and contains several pollination syndromes, including wind pollination and insect pollination with pollen, nectar, or oil as a reward. Previous studies have recognized two types of nectaries (floral and extrafloral) with different distributions (e.g. ovary, stigma, style, pedicel). This study aimed to reassess the diversity of nectary types, and their distribution and evolution within the clade. Flowers were selected to represent the four subfamilies Maesoideae, Theophrastoideae, Primuloideae, and Myrsinoideae. The flowers were investigated for nectary tissue with electron microscopy, light microscopy, and sugar tests. Nectar is mainly exuded by gynoecial nectarostomata (in Maeseoideae, Theophrastoideae, Primuloideae, and a few basal Myrsinoideae, such as Stimpsonia and Coris) distributed at the base, middle, and top part of the ovary. Myrsinoideae is the exception with an absence of a nectary linked to buzz-pollination, or presenting nectariferous or oil-producing trichomes on the perianth and stamens. The evolution of nectaries is variable in the Primuloid clade, with Primuloideae apparently the starting point of an evolutionary reversal in terms of nectary evolution within this clade, and a high diversity of nectaries within the Myrsinoideae representing various trends that are currently under-investigated. The evolution of floral nectaries in Primulaceae presents an exciting shift from nectar-producing flowers towards a loss of nectaries, and an evolutionary reversal with a shift to the co-option of either oil-producing trichomes or nectar-producing trichomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the leaf and scape anatomical features of ten Androsace taxa distributed in Türkiye were defined to contribute to plant identification. Hand sections from both the scape and leaf examined 43 anatomical characters. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were performed for the first time for Androsace. The results show that there are differences as well as similarities between Androsace species. It is noteworthy that Androsace artvinensis forms a separate main group with HCA. In addition, the fact that two of the five basic components are represented by a single variable according to the PCA results suggests that the anatomical characters examined are determinative for Androsace taxa.). In PCA, eigenvalues of PC1 (2.435), PC2 (1.749), PC3 (1.369), PC4 (1.223), and PC5 (1.006) were greater than 1.0. Cortex width, aerenchyma, arrangement of vascular bundles, and four-branched non-glandular hairs are among the important anatomical characteristics of the scape. Leaf cross-sectional shape, epidermis dimensions, glandular hair types, presence of five branched non-glandular hairs, stoma sizes, presence of crystals in the mesophyll, and types are among the qualitative and quantitative anatomical characteristics that attract attention in the leaf. This study examined almost all taxa of the genus Androsace distributed in Türkiye. The results will be important in finding new species among the examined taxa and revealing the anatomical features of the taxa for the first time. They will contribute to other studies on the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysimachia danxiashanensis, a new Primulaceae species, endemic to the Danxia landscape in Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is morphologically similar to L. pseudohenryi, L. phyllocephala, L. congestiflora and L. kwangtungensis, but it differs from the similar species by its purplish-red plants, petiole without wings, calyx with orange glandular and the corolla margin serrated on upper half with orange-red glandular punctates. This new species belongs to Lysimachia subgen. Lysimachia sect. Nummularia. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that L. danxiashanensis is a distinct clade, based on the combined data of ITS and rbcL sequences. The conservation status of the new species was evaluated as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the wound healing potential of L. verticillaris and L. vulgaris were investigated in vivo with the "Circular Excision Wound Model". Changes in wound healing have been observed with biological activity and histopathological studies. RT-PCR studies were performed to determine gene expression. Moreover, enzyme inhibitions, antimicrobial activity and HPLC studies were carried out. When the wound area closures were examined, it was determined that the wound closure effect of the ointments was better than the Madecassol®. It was observed that the species contributed to wound healing by decreasing TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-9 gene levels and increasing IL-10 levels. The collagenase enzyme inhibition values of the species were found to be close to each other and as effective as catechin. It was determined that the species showed the most pronounced antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Sinapic acid was detected as the major compound in HPLC studies. [Display omitted] • The wound healing potential of the groups that applied ointment containing 5 % extracts were found to be more effective. • It was observed that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were best in groups containing 5 % ointment. • The extracts were reduced the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-9. • Collagenase enzyme inhibition of the extracts was found to be as effective as catechin. • In HPLC studies, sinapic acid was determined as the main component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Lysimachia L., the second largest genus within the subfamily Myrsinoideae of Primulaceae, comprises approximately 250 species worldwide. China is the species diversity center of Lysimachia, containing approximately 150 species. Despite advances in the backbone phylogeny of Lysimachia, species-level relationships remain poorly understood due to limited genomic information. This study analyzed 50 complete plastomes for 46 Lysimachia species. We aimed to identify the plastome structure features and hypervariable loci of Lysimachia. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationships and phylogenetic conflict signals in Lysimachia were examined. Results These fifty plastomes within Lysimachia had the typical quadripartite structure, with lengths varying from 152,691 to 155,784 bp. Plastome size was positively correlated with IR and intron length. Thirteen highly variable regions in Lysimachia plastomes were identified. Additionally, ndhB, petB and ycf2 were found to be under positive selection. Plastid ML trees and species tree strongly supported that L. maritima as sister to subg. Palladia + subg. Lysimachia (Christinae clade), while the nrDNA ML tree clearly placed L. maritima and subg. Palladia as a sister group. Conclusions The structures of these plastomes of Lysimachia were generally conserved, but potential plastid markers and signatures of positive selection were detected. These genomic data provided new insights into the interspecific relationships of Lysimachia, including the cytonuclear discordance of the position of L. maritima, which may be the result of ghost introgression in the past. Our findings have established a basis for further exploration of the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolutionary history within Lysimachia.

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Androsace ojhorensis Y. Nasir (Primulaceae) is a narrow endemic species which is restricted to its type locality only i.e. Ojhor Valley in District Chitral, Pakistan at an altitudinal range of 12000-13000 ft. A total of 95 mature individuals (flowering and fruiting individuals) were counted and recorded in 2016, 82 in 2017 and 75 in 2018. The Grazing Index (GI) for the year 2016, 2017 and 2018 was 12.63%, 29.26% and 42.66% respectively. On the basis of extensive and intensive floristic surveys and population statistics for three consecutive years (2016-2018), geographic range (Extent of Occurrence-8 km2 and Area of Occupancy-4.407 km2), soil erosion, grazing pressure and landslides, Androsace ojhorensis is categorized as Critically Endangered (CR) species according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (2012). As this taxon is exposed to many threats, there is dire need to develop species-specific in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies to implement these managements effectively at national level in order to save this narrow endemic species from extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Primula lizipingensis W.B.Ju, L.Y.He & X.F.Gao, found in Shimian County, Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. rhodochroa and P. socialis, but can be distinguished from them in having shorter plants covering with white farinose, leaf margin sharply dentate above the middle, the leaf blade becomes papery after drying, scapes obsolete, the bract linear-lanceolate to subulate, solitary at the base of the pedicel, and the white hairs present inside the corolla tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula weimingii Bin Yang & Y.H. Tan, a new species of Primulaceae from Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses in our previous research support P. weimingii as a member of the P. sect. Obconicolisteri. Primula weimingii is characterized by having mostly creeping scape with a propagating function that terminates in a leaf rosette, carrying an umbel of 2-4 flowers, narrowly campanulate calyx, 5-7mm long, and corolla tube slightly longer than the calyx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of clearwing moth, Corematosetia parvimaculata sp. nov., is described from south-eastern China in this article. Adults and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated, DNA barcodes are provided, and immature biology and potential damage to Ardisia sieboldii Miq. and A. quinquegona Blume (Primulaceae) are both discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysimachia cavicola (Subgen. Idiophyton, Primulaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is here described and illustrated based on morphological data. Although it shares similarities with L. microcarpa, L. fooningensis, and L. capillipes, there are distinguishing characteristics that set it apart. These include erect stems either solitary or in clusters of 1 to 2, herbaceous, terete, and densely glandular hairy. The leaves are either ovate or elliptical lanceolate, with inconspicuously reticulate veins. The petiole measures 2-4 mm in length covered with minute glandular hairy. The corolla is deeply parted, measuring 6-8 mm in length, with narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblong lobes that are 1-2 mm wide. The capsule is globose, measuring 2-3 x 2-3 mm, and possesses a chalky, brittle texture, which splits into 5-valved segments. The calyx of the plant appears yellowish-white during fruiting. This newly discovered species is endemic to limestone areas in Fengshan County, Guangxi, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula veris (cowslip) is an important medicinal–aromatic plant used traditionally for its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a valuable horticultural plant with ornamental value and agroalimentary interest (edible flowers and leaves). With extensive illegal harvesting across northern Greece to date, the long-term survival of Greek cowslip wild-growing populations seems compromised. With the aim to characterize the phytochemical content of locally adapted native genotypes of P. veris subsp. veris, we examined samples from 13 wild-growing populations sourced from 8 mountain areas along a longitudinal gradient of northern Greece. Flowers, leaves, and roots were separately evaluated with HPLC-PDA-MS for their chemical content to select the genotypes associated with the best phytochemical traits. The flowers were found to contain mainly flavonoids, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol triglycosides, with varied population contents, generally higher in northwestern population samples with a colder and more humid climate; however, all in line with the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) reports. The leaves were characterized by the prevalence of kaempferol and quercetin triglycosides, being generally higher than that of the flowers. In the roots, saponins were detected in relatively low percentages, and the phenolic glycosides were found up to nearly 2%. The results of this study suggest a potential specificity of the marginal Greek genotypes being at the edge of the species' native distribution range in Europe and Asia. The phytochemical characterization herein supports the domestication process of Greek native cowslip genotypes. In turn, this may alleviate the overharvesting pressure in wild populations, thus contributing to species conservation and offering an incentive for farmers to sustainably cultivate at local scales well-adapted indigenous genotypes of high value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Primula xilingensis K.Huang & Z.X.Fu, sp. nov. (Primulaceae), is described and illustrated. In gross morphology, it is clearly allied to section Minutissimae on account of having stolons, being glabrous, leaf rosette less than or equal to corolla, flower solitary and bract not swollen at base. The new species is easily distinguished by the combination of scape densely yellow farinose, leaf apex acute, rarely broadly obtuse, corolla pale purplish blue and style 3.0–6.0 mm above base of corolla tube, stamens reaching the corolla tube mouth in thrum flower. In addition, the distribution map, morphological comparison of related species and conservation status of the new species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ardisia krauensis, a new species of Primulaceae from Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. The new species is assignable into subgenus (§) Pyrgus on account of specialised lateral reproductive branches bearing a terminal inflorescence subtended by foliose bracts. Morphologically, the new species mostly resembles Ardisia rigida in having elliptic leaves. However, the new species can be distinguished by the combination of its lateral veins number, the inflorescence branching pattern, the rachis and flower colour, and the stigma shape. Ardisia krauensis is found in an entirely protected habitat, thus, it is assessed as Least Concern (LC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare plant Primula esquirolii, a karst cave species in the family Primulaceae, endemic to Guizhou, China, and with a presumed extremely small population, had not previously been observed since 1910. It is categorized as Endangered on the China Species Red List. In surveys during 2018–2022, we were unable to locate the species in its type location in Pingba county, but we discovered a previously unrecorded population of 44 mature individuals, 37 of which were long homostylous and seven of which were heterostylous. These individuals were discovered in Xiuwen county in February 2022, in an area of c. 50 m2, c. 40 km from the type location. All seven heterostylous individuals showed the short-styled morph. The almost homostylous P. esquirolii potentially faces the same high genetic load as other homostylous plants, and this may have led to its small population size and potential sensitivity to habitat destruction. Field surveys and informal interviews with local people indicated that the main threats to this species are its small population size and the loss of suitable habitat as a result of human activities. The most urgent requirement for the conservation of this species is to protect the habitat of this single known extant population and to carry out ex situ conservation. Further field surveys and research are also required to improve our understanding of the status of this species.

A new name, Primula sinobreviscapa Idrees & J. M. H. Shaw, is proposed for the species P. breviscapa Franch., described by Franchet in 1895 from China, as its name is a later homonym of P. breviscapa Clairv. (1811). A Delavay specimen is designated as lectotype. Notes on Delavay's numbering system are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematization of Maesa, a genus of almost 200 species, has haunted taxonomists for more than a century due to its lack of distinct qualitative characters or discontinuities in quantitative characters for species delimitation. The clarification of phylogenetic relationships in such a problematic genus like Maesa is essential to aid infrageneric classification and species delimitation. Here, a species‐level phylogenetic tree of Maesa is reconstructed. Leaf materials were sampled mainly from herbarium specimens which cover 60% of the species across the entire distribution range of the genus. Targeted sequence capture with the Angiosperms353 probe set was used to acquire sequences for downstream bioinformatic analyses. We obtained a species tree inferred from 310 gene trees that divides Maesa into an African clade and an Asian‐Pacific clade. The African clade is further divided into two subclades, while the Asian‐Pacific clade is divided into three subclades; all subclades are well supported. Hence, we propose five subgenera of Maesa, namely M. subg. Maesa, subg. Indicae, subg. Monotaxis, subg. Papuanae and subg. Ramentaceae. In addition, we scrutinize some species complexes within the genus; however, with the lack of phylogenetic signal at shallow levels, we are unable to conclusively resolve all species boundaries in these complexes. This study provides the phylogenomic framework to untangle taxonomic problems in the genus Maesa and lays the foundation for further detailed studies in biogeography, trait evolution and population genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a description of a newly discovered species, Primula medogensis, found in southern Xizang, China. Additionally, we explore distinctive morphological characteristics that aid in its taxonomy. The new species belongs to sect. Cordifoliae and exhibits morphological similarities to P. baileyana and P. rotundifolia. However, it can be distinguished by its densely grayish-haired roots, petioles that are 3–7 times longer than the leaf blades, a short stock surrounded by straight and withered petioles, reniform leaf blades with revolute margins, scapes shorter than or equal to leave and both at flowering and in fruiting, flowers solitary on the scapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new oleanane-type triterpene, ardisiapunine A (1), together with eight known compounds were isolated from the roots of Ardisia lindleyana D.Dietr. Their chemical structures were determined by means of spectroscopic methods including HR-ESI-MS and (1 D, 2 D) NMR data. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment. The new compound is an unusual oleanane-type triterpene bearing an acetal and a C-13—C-18 double bond. The cytotoxicity of all isolated compounds were evaluated using four human cancer cell lines, including A549, HepG2, HeLa and U87. The new compound 1 and compound 2 were weakly active but the known compound 6 exhibited a high cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fraction enriched in triterpenoid saponins (F4) from Anagallis arvensis L. was chemically characterized by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and NMR analyses. The results proposed the presence of nine monodesmosidic saponins derived from oleanolic acid, including two reported for the first time for this species, 3: 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-13β, 28-epoxy- 22 acetyl- 28 methoxy-16α, 24-oleananediol and 4: 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-13β, 28-epoxy- 16α, 30-oleananediol. Furthermore, haemolytic activity was determined by dot-blot autography, and cytotoxicity on human lymphocyte cultures was analysed according to metabolic activity (MTT assay) and membrane integrity (Trypan blue exclusion test). F4 showed mild cytotoxicity (%V > 50% at 100 μg/mL) on human lymphocytes under conditions of activation or not by LPS; moreover, showed haemolytic activity between 50 and 500 μg. This work contributed to phytochemical knowledge of the triterpenoid saponins from A. arvensis, and its cytotoxic effects on normal human cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lysimachia L., the second largest genus within the subfamily Myrsinoideae of Primulaceae, comprises approximately 250 species worldwide. China is the species diversity center of Lysimachia, containing approximately 150 species. Despite advances in the backbone phylogeny of Lysimachia, species-level relationships remain poorly understood due to limited genomic information. This study analyzed 50 complete plastomes for 46 Lysimachia species. We aimed to identify the plastome structure features and hypervariable loci of Lysimachia. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationships and phylogenetic conflict signals in Lysimachia were examined. Results: These fifty plastomes within Lysimachia had the typical quadripartite structure, with lengths varying from 152,691 to 155,784 bp. Plastome size was positively correlated with IR and intron length. Thirteen highly variable regions in Lysimachia plastomes were identified. Additionally, ndhB, petB and ycf2 were found to be under positive selection. Plastid ML trees and species tree strongly supported that L. maritima as sister to subg. Palladia + subg. Lysimachia (Christinae clade), while the nrDNA ML tree clearly placed L. maritima and subg. Palladia as a sister group. Conclusions: The structures of these plastomes of Lysimachia were generally conserved, but potential plastid markers and signatures of positive selection were detected. These genomic data provided new insights into the interspecific relationships of Lysimachia, including the cytonuclear discordance of the position of L. maritima, which may be the result of ghost introgression in the past. Our findings have established a basis for further exploration of the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolutionary history within Lysimachia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysimachia foenum-graecum Hance (Primulaceae) is a medicinal plant used for cold, pain, ascariasis, etc., in China. Triterpenoid saponins have been found to be the main components of this genus. In this work, a pair of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins with an unprecedented 4/5/6 fused tricyclic skeleton, foegraecumoside O (1) and foegraecumoside P (2) were isolated from the butanol fraction of the aerial parts of L. foenum-graecum. Their structures were determined using chemical methods and extensive spectroscopic analyses, along with quantum chemical calculations. Compound 2 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2, MGC-803, T24, NCI-H460, A549, and A549/CDDP (drug-resistant lung-cancer cell line) with IC50 at 12.4–19.2 μM in an MTT assay, comparing with the positive control doxorubicin, which had IC50 at 0.53–4.92 μM, but was inactive for A549/CDDP. Furthermore, a possible biosynthetic pathway for forming compounds 1 and 2 was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula obconica is a perennial herbaceous flower of the Primulaceae that exhibits distinct heterostyly. Long(L)- and short(S)-styled morphs differ substantially in various ways, which can directly affect the genetic regulation of plants. We can improve genetic breeding by understanding their differences and the genetic mechanisms of heterostyly. This trial of P. obconica, which included material and morphological observation, cross-fertilization characteristics, and ISSR molecular markers, was carried out to analyze the difference in distyly comprehensively. The findings demonstrated that the pollen, anther and other floral characteristics of L- and S-morphs varied. The results of the breeding characteristics showed that there were different self-incompatible mechanisms between both morphs, the L-morphs showed partial fitness, while the S-morphs showed complete heteromorphic incompatibility. The ISSR analysis also revealed that 19 primer pairs were polymorphic, clearly banded, and stable, showing significant differences in molecular markers for different morphs. Our study reveals the differences between the morphs of the Primula, which can provide a basis for genetic evolution and breeding work on heterostyly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula amethystina subsp. argutidens (Franchet) W. W. Smith & H. R. Fletcher (1942) is a blooming plant of the family Primulaceae. Here, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. amethystina subsp. argutidens. The cp genome of P. amethystina subsp. argutidens is 151,560 bp in length with a GC content of 37%. The assembled genome has a typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,516 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,692 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,176 bp. The cp genome contains 115 unique genes, including 81 protein-coding genes, four rRNA genes, and 30 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. amethystina subsp. argutidens was closely related to P. amethystina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents new records for five alien species previously unknown from the flora of United Arab Emirates (UAE): Euphorbia cyathophora Murr. (Euphorbiaceae), Samolus valerandi L. (Myrsinaceae), Oldenlandia umbellata L. (Rubiaceae), Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae), and Corchorus aestuans L. (Malvaceae s. l. / Tiliaceae). All of them have been recorded for the first time from the emirate of Fujairah in eastern part of the UAE. Euphorbia cyathophora, which is rare in the country, was found only in “Green Oasis Nursery” at Al Dibba town, Oldenlandia umbellata– found at the beginning of the seefront at Fujairah City, and they are new for the flora of the Arabian Peninsula. Samolus valerandi was found only in the “Desert Nurseries Group store 1 (palms)” at village Al Bidiya, Corchorus aestuans – in private nursery at Al Dibba town, and Cardiospermum halicacabum was found in the Masafi friday market, they are new for the flora of Fujairah and UAE. Accepted names, synonyms, spatial distribution, habitat preferences, and species taxonomy with remarks on identification and differentiation from the most similar taxa occurring in the study area, as well as the list of localities are presented. The herbarium materials were transferred to the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE, Saint-Petersburg, Russia), the duplicates – to the Herbarium of Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul, Russia) and the Scientific Herbarium of Fujairah (FSH, Wadi Wuraya national park, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates).

Abstract Background Although knowledge of the sizes, contents, and forms of plant mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) is increasing, little is known about the mechanisms underlying their structural diversity. Evolutionary information on the mitogenomes of Primula, an important ornamental taxon, is more limited than the information on their nuclear and plastid counterparts, which has hindered the comprehensive understanding of Primula mitogenomic diversity and evolution. The present study reported and compared three Primula mitogenomes and discussed the size expansion of mitogenomes in Ericales. Results Mitogenome master circles were sequenced and successfully assembled for three Primula taxa and were compared with publicly available Ericales mitogenomes. The three mitogenomes contained similar gene contents and varied primarily in their structures. The Primula mitogenomes possessed relatively high nucleotide diversity among all examined plant lineages. In addition, high nucleotide diversity was found among Primula species between the Mediterranean and Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Most predicted RNA editing sites appeared in the second amino acid codon, increasing the hydrophobic character of the protein. An early stop in atp6 caused by RNA editing was conserved across all examined Ericales species. The interfamilial relationships within Ericales and interspecific relationships within Primula could be well resolved based on mitochondrial data. Transfer of the two longest mitochondrial plastid sequences (MTPTs) occurred before the divergence of Primula and its close relatives, and multiple independent transfers could also occur in a single MTPT sequence. Foreign sequence [MTPTs and mitochondrial nuclear DNA sequences (NUMTs)] uptake and repeats were to some extent associated with changes in Ericales mitogenome size, although none of these relationships were significant overall. Conclusions The present study revealed relatively conserved gene contents, gene clusters, RNA editing, and MTPTs but considerable structural variation in Primula mitogenomes. Relatively high nucleotide diversity was found in the Primula mitogenomes. In addition, mitogenomic genes, collinear gene clusters, and locally collinear blocks (LCBs) all showed phylogenetic signals. The evolutionary history of MTPTs in Primula was complicated, even in a single MTPT sequence. Various reasons for the size variation observed in Ericales mitogenomes were found.

The rare Primula brachystoma W.W.Sm. is an endemic species confined to Gaoligong mountain of Chinese-Burma frontier, which has been rediscovered from the same region after nearly 100 years. In total, 11 specimens from Gaoligong Mountain have been found in the herbaria worldwide, since its first collection in 1920 by Farrer, Reginald John. Previously, this species was described as homostylous but our finding shows the species also exhibited heterostyly. A complete description of the species, the distribution, morphological comparison and identification key from closely related species are provided here. An assessment of its conservation status suggests that the species is 'Endangered' (EN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula jiaozishanensis Z.K.Wu, W.H.Yang & Yuan Wu, a new species of Primulaceae is described and illustrated from Jiaozi Snow Mountain of Dongchuan District, Yunnan, China. Morphological evidence supports P. jiaozishanensis as a member of P. sect. Petiolares subsect. Davidii, which is characterized by firmly papery or leathery leaves, with veins impressed adaxially, often prominently raised and alveolate abaxially. The new species is characterized by having long and stout rhizomes, smaller leaves with short petioles, short or almost obsolete scape, and larger flowers. The distribution, phenology and conservation status of the new species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization is a key mechanism involved in lineage diversification and speciation, especially in ecosystems that experienced repeated environmental oscillations. Recently radiated plant groups, which have evolved in mountain ecosystems impacted by historical climate change provide an excellent model system for studying the impact of gene flow on speciation. We combined organellar (whole-plastome) and nuclear genomic data (RAD-seq) with a cytogenetic approach (rDNA FISH) to investigate the effects of hybridization and introgression on evolution and speciation in the genus Soldanella (snowbells, Primulaceae). Pervasive introgression has already occurred among ancestral lineages of snowbells and has persisted throughout the entire evolutionary history of the genus, regardless of the ecology, cytotype, or distribution range size of the affected species. The highest extent of introgression has been detected in the Carpathian species, which is also reflected in their extensive karyotype variation. Introgression occurred even between species with dysploid and euploid cytotypes, which were considered to be reproductively isolated. The magnitude of introgression detected in snowbells is unprecedented in other mountain genera of the European Alpine System investigated hitherto. Our study stresses the prominent evolutionary role of hybridization in facilitating speciation and diversification on the one hand, but also enriching previously isolated genetic pools. [chloroplast capture; diversification; dysploidy; European Alpine system; introgression; nuclear-cytoplasmic discordance; ribosomal DNA.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula vialii Delavay ex Franch. (1905) is an alpine species with an ornamental value. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast genome of P. vialii. The results showed that it was a double-stranded, closed circular DNA with 154,897 bp in length, comprising a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,766 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 85,379 bp and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,876 bp. A total of 113 unique genes were annotated, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. vialii is closely related to Primula flaccida. The cp genomic data will be useful for systematics and evolutionary studies of Primula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula sugongii J.D.Ya, Bin Yang & Y.H. Tan and P. zhengyii Bin Yang & Y.H. Tan, two new species of Primulaceae from Yunlong County and Luchun County, Yunnan Province, China, are described based on morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence, and colour plates of these two species are also provided. The molecular phylogenetic analysis using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and chloroplast genome, Primula sugongii was nested within the clade with most members of sect. Obconicolisteri, for Primula zhengyii, the phylogenetic position and its affiliation is somewhat controversial. Based on the comprehensive morphological evidence, they are affiliated to Primula sect. Obconicolisteri Balf. f. Primula sugongii is morphologically similar to P. barbicalyx C.H. Wright in having short and pilose scapes and calyx, but it can be easily distinguished by its longer corolla tube and corolla exannulate at throat, and series of other characters of the leaf blade. Primula zhengyii is morphologically similar to P. zhui Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang and P. intanoensis T. Yamaz., but clearly differs from P. zhui by its shorter corolla tube and smaller flowers size and differs from P. intanoensis by its distylous flowers and several other characters of leaf blade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]