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Secondary stem growth develops different cambial variants in Convolvulaceae. Here, the cambial variant features of 17 species in seven genera (Convolvulaceae) in Taiwan are presented. The xylem rings produce various successive cambial types and the primary xylem and intraxylary phloem are produced in the outer and inner pith, respectively. The two Argyreia species have round or elliptical stems with continuous secondary xylem and phloem rings. In the eight Ipomoea species, secondary growth has two to four layers of successive cambia and xylem, dispersed with parenchyma tissue, except for I. nil and I. violacea with one layer of successive cambia. The first secondary xylem segments are separated by few or many xylem rays: I. cairica and I. obscura have three to five xylem rays and I. triloba has numerous xylem rays. The first secondary xylem of Erycibe henryi is divided by numerous rays in small stems, but develops more layers, as adjacent segments separated by xylem rays, in larger stems. Owing to continuous vascular bundle division, it has a dissected xylem. The secondary growth of Distimate tuberosa and Operculina turpethum produces two layers of successive cambia; the secondary successive cambium is divided evenly by rays into many arcs/segments. The stem thickness of I. pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis increases via concentric successive cambia. Owing to shallowly lobed stems with directional successive cambia, I. obscura and I. triloba stems are irregularly shaped. I. littoralis and Stictocardia tilifolia stems are triangular without directional successive cambia. I. hederifolia and Merremia gemella stems have two to three deep lobes. Parenchyma proliferation results in thicker cortex with mucilaginous canals. The xylem vessels are dispersed and diffuse-porous; the vasicentric paratracheal parenchyma around them is common to all species. A bracketed key was developed comparing the secondary xylem structures of the 17 species, providing a basis for further morphological studies.

Descriptions of the cambial variants of the lianoids in two families, Lardizabalaceae and Sabiaceae, were lacking in Taiwan. This study aimed to diagnose the stem characteristics of seven lianoid species from these two families to update existing knowledge. Specifically, the transverse sections of fresh stems were diagnosed to generate a key. The results showed that all seven species develop one of ten cambial variant types, viz. axial vascular elements in segments. Of these species, Sabia swinhoei Hemsley, Stauntonia obovata Hemsley, and S. obovatifoliola Hayata formed secondary rays. The thick and successive periderm was apparent in Stauntonia obovata and S. obovatifoliola at older stem. The sclerenchyma ring was continuous or discontinuous in two genera (Akebia and Stauntonia), but was absent in Sabia. Four diagnostic features could be used to distinguish Lardizabalaceae and Sabiaceae; namely, the periderm, cortical sclerenchyma, vessel arrangement, and cortex ducts. The cambial variations documented for these seven lianoid species in Taiwan update existing information, facilitating comparisons between Lardizabalaceae and Sabiaceae.

Background Studies on the stem anatomical characteristics of Taiwanese species from the Clematis genus (Ranunculaceae) are scarce. This study aimed to investigate and compare the patterns of secondary growth in stems of 22 Clematis species. Results The rhytidome is composed of periderm and non-conducting phloem and formed either cogwheel-like or continuous segment bark. Key features of the genus were stem with an irregular conformation, wedge-like phloem and rays, indentations in the axial parenchyma, ray dilatation, and narrow rays. Approximately eight Clematis species formed bark arc shape, which developed the cogwheel- like rhytidome. There were with approximately 27% of the Clematis species in Taiwan having 12 vascular bundles. The vessels dispersed throughout the stem were semi-ring-porous in most species but were ring-porous in others. No species had diffuse-porous vessels. The vessel restriction pattern was only found in the two shrubs, C. psilandra and C. tsugetorum. The primary xylem ring was located around the pith in C. uncinata var. uncinata, making its pith cavity hexagon in shape. Four species had the pith cavity feature. Narrow rays that occurred in the secondary xylem increased with increasing stem diameter. Conclusions The cambial variants described in this study provide a foundation for further morphological studies of the Clematis genus.

BackgroundStudies on the anatomical characteristics of stems of Taiwanese species from the Clematis genus (Ranunculaceae) are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare cambial variation in stems of 22 Clematis species. ResultsThe rhytidome (outer bark) was either cogwheel-like or continuous, except for in the species Clematis tashiroi. Key features of the genus were eccentric to elliptical or polygonous-lobed stems, wedge-like phloem, wedge-like rays, indentations in the axial parenchyma, and ray dilatation. The cortical sclerenchyma fibers were embedded in the phloem rays with approximately 23% of the Clematis species. Both C. psilandra and C. tsugetorum had restricted vessels. There were three vascular bundle patterns, with approximately 27% of the Clematis species in Taiwan having 12 vascular bundles. The vessels dispersed throughout the stem were semi-ring-porous in most species, but were ring-porous in others. No species had diffuse-porous vessels. Only two species had a primary xylem ring located around the pith. Secondary xylem rays split the secondary xylem into parts, increasing stem diameter. The developmental stage of each sample was determined, with the initial ring-like periderm being produced in the primary phloem during the second stage. ConclusionsThe cambial variations described in this study provide a foundation for further morphological studies of the Clematis genus.

A new hemiparasitic species, Striga crispata sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Tawu Township, Taitung County, Southern Taiwan. It most closely resembles the Australian species, S. parviflora (R. Brown) Benth, but can be differentiated by longer corollas that are pink or pinkish purple in color, corolla-lobes with crispate margins, and ornamented seed surface that is only covered by the primary ridge. A morphological description, line drawings, photographs, and conservation status are provided to aid identification.

Lianas are woody vines that play an important role in forest dynamics in tropical and subtropical areas. Their relationship to various biotic and abiotic conditions is, however, not yet wholly clear. We explored how the size, climbing mechanisms, diversity and abundance of woody lianas is related to host plant size, environmental factors and topography. Liana assemblages were examined in twenty 20 × 20 m plots in each of three topographic sites (valley, slope and ridge) in a subtropical secondary forest in southeastern Taiwan. The valley site had the highest abundance and species richness of lianas. The abiotic factors, soil pH and rock cover, were related to different topographic sites. Larger lianas were always found on larger host trees, while smaller lianas were found in smaller trees; no lianas with a DBH greater than 10 cm were found. Significantly more adhesive lianas were found on larger trees whereas twining and leaning-hook lianas were found in smaller trees. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the species of liana is associated with the size and type of tree growing under different topographic conditions.

In order to better understand variation in cambium in lianas in Taiwan and to aid identification of liana species, we examined the stem structure of ten species of lianas belonging to the family Fabaceae. Samples were collected mainly from southern and eastern Taiwan and were selected from plants with different stem diameters in order to compare the structural similarities of plants. The results showed that cambium had a normal appearance and stems were round in Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., Caesalpinia crista L., and Caesalpinia minax Hance. We noted a combination of furrowed xylem and dissected xylem in Bauhinia championii (Benth.) Benth., shallowly furrowed xylem in Acacia caesia (L.) Willd., Centrosema pubescens Benth., and Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright ex Sauvalle, a combination of flattened stem and interxylary phloem in Entada koshunensis Hayata & Kaneh. and Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr., and a combination of external vascular cylinder and flattened stem in Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. Of these lianas, three species, -A. caesia, B. championii, and C. crista, -experienced two distinct developmental growth phases. We concluded that variations in cambium and xylem deposition are associated with the size of the stems. Medullary bundles occurred in the pith of P. montana, an observation that has not previously been recorded. We present the first description and photographs of these bundles and the external vascular cylinder in the pith, and it is recommended that further study of this species be conducted.

Anatomical data regarding the climbing modes and cambial variants of the stem transverse section in the Menispermaceae in Taiwan are lacking. Here, we examined the climbing modes and anomalous structure of climber stems in this family. Reviewing the previous reports of cambial variants in angiosperm liana families, a list of angiosperm liana families processing specified types of cambial variants and the terms based on description for the transverse section of a stem were provided. The results show that Cocculus laurifolius DC. is a shrub, Stephania cephalantha Hayata and Stephania longa Lour. are vines, and the remaining 13 species are lianas. In all species, the climbing mode was twining and dextrorse stems. The anomalous structure of the stem comprised successive cambia in Cocculus laurifolius, a combination of xylem in plates and dissected xylem in Cocculus orbiculatus (L.) DC., and xylem in plates in the remaining 14 species. In the genus Cyclea, parenchyma proliferation from the secondary xylem resulted in the development of 1 - 3 linear lobes in each collateral vascular bundle. The vessel diameter of C. laurifolius is

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the n-butanol extract from the branches and leaves of Reutealis trisperma resulted in the isolation of six undescribed (crotignoids L ~ Q) together with two known (12-deoxyphorbol-13-hexadecanoate and 12-deoxyphorbol-13-myristate) tigliane diterpenoids. Their structures, especially the absolute configurations, were determined from extensive spectroscopic studies, including 2D NMR spectra, CD data analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All isolates were tested for anti-HIV activity against HL4-3 virus in MT4 cells. Except for crotignoid Q, the remaining seven tigliane diterpenoids exhibited potent anti-HIV activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.0023 to 4.03 μM.

Radiating plates of xylem are a lianas cambium variation, of which, 22 families have this feature. This study investigates 15 liana species representing nine families with radiating plates of xylem structures. The features of the transverse section and epidermis in fresh liana samples are documented, including shapes and colors of xylem and phloem, ray width and numbers, and skin morphology. Experimental results indicated that the shape of phloem fibers in Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. hancei is gradually tapered and flame-like, which is in contrast with the other characteristics of this type, including those classified as rays. Both inner and outer cylinders of vascular bundles are found in Piper kwashoense, and the irregularly inner cylinder persists yet gradually diminishes. Red crystals are numerous in the cortex of Celastrus kusanoi. Aristolochia shimadai and A. zollingeriana develop a combination of two cambium variants, radiating plates of xylem and a lobed xylem. The shape of phloem in Stauntonia obovatifoliola is square or truncate, and its rays are numerous. Meanwhile, that of Neoalsomitra integrifolia is blunt and its rays are fewer. As for the features of a stem surface within the same family, Cyclea ochiaiana is brownish in color and has a deep vertical depression with lenticels, Pericampylus glaucus is greenish in color with a vertical shallow depression. Within the same genus, Aristolochia shimadai develops lenticels, which are not in A. zollingeriana; although the periderm developed in Clematis grata is a ring bark and tears easily, that of Clematis tamura is thick and soft.

A new species, Argyreia akoensis S.-Z. Yang, P.-H. Chen & Staples (Convolvulaceae) from southern Taiwan, is described and illustrated. Compared to its congeners in Taiwan and neighboring areas, Argyreia akoensis can be differentiated by the corolla lobing, sepal size, and exserted pistil and stamens. A morphological description, diagnosis, line drawings, photographs, and conservation status, as well as a key to similar species are provided to aid in identification.

Montane cloud forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems. However, there are few comprehensive studies on the distribution of subtropical montane cloud forest (SMCF). Chamaecyparis forest is one type of SMCF in Taiwan, distributed across the whole island. This study describes eleven types of this forest in Taiwan based on the Braun-Blanquet approach. Plots were selected from the National Vegetation Database of Taiwan. Two alliances were defined, both of which belong to the order Fagetalia hayatae. Topography and altitude explain the contrasting habitat requirements of these two alliances, whereas seasonality of moisture, soil properties and altitude explain differences in floristic composition at the association level. The alliance of Chamaecyparidion formosanae on slopes and ridges includes coniferous or mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forests; it is found at higher altitudes and is more influenced by the summer monsoon than the other alliance. Five associations are defined within this alliance. The alliance of Pasanio kawakamii - Machilion japonicae growing on slopes and in valleys contains evergreen broad-leaved forests or forests with a mixture of coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved species. Six associations can be determined under the alliance of Pasanio kawakamii-Machilion japonicae. Classification of each syntaxon was formalized using Cocktail Determination Key.

Background Cambial variations in lianas of Piperaceae in Taiwan have not been studied previously. The stem anatomy of seven Piper species from Taiwan was examined to document cambial variations and better distinguish the species when leaves are absent. Results A key for the seven species is provided, based on the internal stem anatomy. The seven Piper species climb via adventitious roots, and in cross section, the stems were generally eccentric and oblate, although a transversely elliptic stem was found in P. kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi and P. sintenense Hatus. A cambial variant with secondary growth of external primary vascular bundles and xylem in plates was observed in all species except Piper betle L., which developed another cambium variant with xylem furrowed deeply by parenchyma proliferation. The sclerenchymatous ring surrounding the medullary vascular bundles was always continuous except in P. betle, where it was discontinuous. Mucilage canals varied from absent to present in the center of the pith, or present in the pith and inner cortex. Different sizes of vessels dispersed throughout the stem were ring or diffuse porous. The numbers of medullary and peripheral vascular bundles were distinctive and the widths of rays were noticeably different in each species. Differences in the growth rate of the medullary vascular bundles produced two development types of vascular bundles, although in both types, the peripheral vascular bundles gradually lengthen and become separated from each other by wide rays. Conclusions We documented the internal stem anatomy of six previously unstudied species of Piper, including three endemic species, P. kwashoense Hayata, P. sintenense, and P. taiwanense Lin and Lu, and found that P. betle had deeply furrowed xylem, which had not been reported for the species before. The descriptions and photographs of seven Piper species will also provide a basis for further morphological studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-017-0172-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Additional file 1: Appendix. Terminologies of transverse section of stems in the family Piperaceae.

Aim We identify the main forest vegetation types in Taiwan, provide their formal definitions and describe their species composition, habitat affinities and distribution. Location Taiwan. Methods A data set of 9822 vegetation plots with environmental characteristics recorded in the field or derived from digital maps in GIS was compiled from historical literature and an extensive field survey. Using expert knowledge, 6574 of these plots were used to build a classification into broad vegetation types. The units of the resulting classification were formally defined using a Cocktail determination key, which can be used for the automatic assignment of new vegetation plots to these vegetation types. Results Twelve vegetation types of zonal forests and nine types of azonal forests were distinguished. Zonal types in the subtropical region, from high mountains to foothills, are Juniperus subalpine coniferous woodland, Abies–Tsuga upper-montane coniferous forest, Chamaecyparis montane mixed cloud forest, Fagus montane deciduous broad-leaved cloud forest, Quercus montane evergreen broad-leaved cloud forest, Machilus–Castanopsis sub-montane evergreen broad-leaved forest, Phoebe–Machilus sub-montane evergreen broad-leaved forest and Ficus–Machilus semi-evergreen foothill forest. Zonal types in the tropical region, from high mountains to foothills, are Pasania–Elaeocarpus montane evergreen broad-leaved cloud forest, Drypetes–Helicia sub-montane evergreen broad-leaved forest, Dysoxylum–Machilus foothill evergreen broad-leaved forest and Aglaia–Ficus foothill evergreen broad-leaved forest. Azonal types are Illicium–Cyclobalanopsis tropical winter monsoon forest, Pyrenaria–Machilus subtropical winter monsoon forest, Diospyros–Champereia tropical rock-outcrop forest, Zelkova–Quercus subtropical rock-outcrop forest, Pinus successional woodland, Alnus successional woodland, Trema–Mallotus successional woodland, Scaevola–Hibiscus seashore woodland and Kandelia mangrove. Conclusions The diversity of forest vegetation in Taiwan is strongly structured by the temperature and moisture gradient. Along the temperature gradient, five altitudinal zones can be recognized. Azonal forest types develop at sites affected by the winter monsoon, on steep slopes, rocky soils, in seashore saline habitats and in places disturbed by fire, landslides and human activities. Zonal vegetation contains a higher ratio of endemic and Pacific species and occurs in wetter habitats, whereas azonal vegetation contains co-existing species from different regions and usually occurs in drier habitats.

Jacquemontia polyantha (Schltdl. & Cham.) Hallier f., a species of the Convolvulaceae native to Mexico, was found established in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan. Jacquemontia polyantha can be distinguished from the other species of the genus in Taiwan by the pubescence density, inflorescence type, presence and shape of bracts, and shape of the outer sepals. This note provides a description of the species, keys to the three species of Jacquemontia in Taiwan and colour photographs to aid in identification.

Vegetation of boreal coniferous forests has been extensively studied in many areas of northern Eurasia and North America, but similar forests in the high mountains of subtropical and tropical eastern Asia have been poorly documented so far. This paper, focusing on such forests, is the first phytosociological study at a national scale in Taiwan. The releves from the National Vegetation Diversity Inventory and Mapping Project database were used to define vegetation types of the high-mountain coniferous forests and to characterize their distribution in Taiwan. Environmental variables such as aspect, elevation, soil rockiness and slope were related to species composition. Cluster analysis was used to classify vegetation plots and establish groups that were interpreted as nine associations belonging to two alliances. The alliance Juniperion squamatae represents woodlands and forests scattered in the subalpine belt, in which Juniperus squamata dominates the canopy and subalpine meadow species occur in the understorey. The Abieti kawakamii-Tsugion formosanae alliance includes forests dominated by Abies kawakamii and Tsuga chinensis var. formosana with shade-tolerant herb species in the upper montane belt. In addition to regional vegetation description, an identification key for the studied forests was developed based on the classification tree technique.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the roots of Anneslea fragrans var. lanceolata led to the isolation of four dihydrochalcone glucosides, davidigenin-2'-O-(6″-O-4″'-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucoside (1), davidigenin-2'-O-(2″-O-4″'-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucoside (2), davidigenin-2'-O-(3″-O-4″'-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucoside (3), and davidigenin-2'-O-(6″-O-syringoyl)-β-glucoside (4), and 13 known compounds. The structures were identified by means of spectroscopic analysis. Davidigenin-2'-O-(6″-O-syringoyl)-β-glucoside (4), 1-O-3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenyl-6-O-(3,5-di-O-methylgalloyl)-β-glucopyranoside (5), lyoniresinol (10), and syringic acid (13) showed ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] cation radical scavenging activity, with SC(50) values of 52.6 ± 5.5, 26.0 ± 0.7, 6.0 ± 0.2, and 27.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL in 20 min, respectively. Lyoniresinol (10), isofraxidin (12), and syringic acid (13) also showed DPPH [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl] radical scavenging activity, with SC(50) values of 8.4 ± 1.8, 51.6 ± 2.2, and 4.3 ± 0.7 μg/mL in 30 min, respectively.

A new orthoquinone, berryammone A (1), and four new naphthalenone derivatives, berryammone B (2), berryammone C (3), 6-O-methylberryammone C (4), and 4-O-methylberryammone C (5), have been isolated from the stem of Berrya ammonilla, together with eleven known compounds (6-16). The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Among the isolates, compounds 1-3, 5, (+)-pinoresinol (6), and betulinic acid (12) exhibited inhibition (IC50 ≤ 4.41 µM) of superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils in response to formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). Compounds 1, 2, and 5 also inhibited fMLP/CB-induced elastase release with IC50 values ≤ 3.95 µM.

The Rukai tribe is concentrated in the Wutai Township of Pingtung County, southern Taiwan. From 2000 to 2003 people of the Rukai in Wutai were interviewed on the traditional uses of plants and samples of such plant species were collected in an effort to remedy the situation of insufficient quantitative data on Taiwan’s ethnobotany. The number of citations per species and total number of citations were recorded in order to calculate diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener index, evenness index, and rarefaction curves. Thirty-seven interviewed informants cited 245 plant species, which were then classified into thirteen types of usages, such as food, medicine, tools, and decoration. Among the 245 plant species, 93 species are used as food, 73 as tools, 52 for decoration and 45 for medicinal purposes. Informants described six types of usages for Hibiscus taiwanensis Hu and Vitex negundo L. Sambucus chinensis Nakai and Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp. had the highest number of citations for medicinal usages. The Shannon-Wiener index was 2.27. The evenness values was 0.95, showing that the Wutai Rukai people had a low dominance concerning the uses of a few species and an equitability of plant uses. The diversity indices and the Coleman rarefaction curves of the Taiwan Rukai tribe could be available to compare ethnobotanical data with different areas.

Rhododendron farrerae Tate ex Sweet was first recorded in Taiwan by Kawakami in 1910. Since then, this species has been grouped with R. tashiroi Maxim. due to insufficient reports and specimens, and was eliminated from Flora of Taiwan in 1998. By examining all the specimens preserved in Taiwan herbaria and documents, we confirm that the native population of R. farrerae is actually distributed in southern Taiwan, ranging from Peitawushan to Tajen Township, in the southern part of the Central Mountain Range. The diagnostic character distinguishing R. farrerae from R. tashiroi and R. mariesii Hemsl. & E. H. Wils. is that R. tashiroi and R. mariesii bear 2-3 flowers from each bud at anthesis; in contrast, R. farrerae bears only one flower during the flowering period. We provide in this paper a detailed taxonomic treatment, morphological description, distribution map, line drawing, and a comparison table of these three species of Taiwan, together with photographs.

Since insufficient materials of Thismia taiwanensis were collected in the past, the structural details of the annulus, stamens and other characters of this critically endangered species have not been examined. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of flowers and fruits, especially those of the perianth tube and stamens, using fresh material. Seed surfaces were photographed by using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the flowers of T. taiwanensis were found either without a pedicel or with an elongated pedicel that becomes carnose in the fruit stage. The latter was more common. The perianth is not covered with glands; there are six stamens, which are separate and opposite the perianth lobes, with dilated, ribbon-like connectives, pendulous from annulus. The seeds are ellipsoid to fusiform, with somewhat tapering poles, 0.2-0.4 × 0.1-0.15 mm, and with epidermal cells that are raised, with distinctly longitudinal anticlinal walls and sunken anticlinal boundaries, forming a superficial network pattern.

Three new epoxyfuranoid lignans, 4alpha,5alpha-epoxybeilschmin A (1), 4alpha,5alpha-epoxybeilschmin B (2), and beilschmin D (3), together with nine known compounds have been isolated from the leaves of Beilschmiedia tsangii. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, beilschmin A (4) and beilschmin B (5) exhibited potent antitubercular activities (MICs = 2.5 and 7.5 microg/mL, respectively) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90 - 221387 in vitro.

Four new dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes (1-4) and a new hydroxybenzylsalicylaldehyde, forkienin (5), together with nine known compounds have been isolated from the roots of Microtropis fokienensis. The structures of the new compounds were determined through analyses of physical data. Compounds 3, 4, 7, and 8 exhibited potent antitubercular activities (MICs < or = 26.0 microM) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221387 in vitro.

The specimens of Pupalia micrantha Hauman collected from southern Taiwan have been misidentified as Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume for many years. This is because little attention was given to the diagnostic characteristics of pseudostaminodes and the hooked spines fascicled on a short stalk. The distinction between these two species is that Pupalia micrantha is without pseudostaminodes and the hooks are fascicled on a short stalk, and Cyathula prostrata has pseudostaminodes and the hooks are fascicled without peduncles. Therefore, Pupalia micrantha is a newly naturalized species of Amaranthaceae in Taiwan and represents the first generic record of Pupalia. This species was sparsely distributed for the past 20 years and is not recorded in the Flora of China. The taxonomic treatment, descriptions, photographs, line drawing, two keys about the subfamilies and genera of Amaranthaceae are provided here.

Euphorbia graminea Jacquin, a species of the Euphorbiaceae native in Mexico, has naturalized in Pingtung county, southern Taiwan. E. graminea can be easily distinguished from the other species of genus Euphorbia as leaves are alternate, leaf-bracts are opposite and linear, seeds are ovate-rounded, angular and its surface are deeply punctate with pits in regular longitudinal rows. This paper provides a description of the species, line drawings and color photographs to aid in identification.

A new record of a naturalized plant of Asteraceae, Eleutheranthera ruderalis (Swartz) Sch.-Bip. was found in southern Taiwan. Eleutheranthera Poit. ex Bosc is also a new genus to the Flora of Taiwan. E. ruderalis can be easily distinguished from Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. by its head only with disc florets, stamens free, pappus absent, achenes pubescent and angled. A taxonomic description, line drawing, photographs, and a map showing its distribution on this island are provided.

Five new prenylated flavonoids, artelastoheterol (1), artelasticinol (2), cycloartelastoxanthone (3), artelastoxanthone (4), and cycloartelastoxanthendiol (5), along with five known compounds, were isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus elasticus. The structures of 1-5 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and through comparison with data reported in the literature. The previously known compound artonol A (6) exhibited cytotoxic activity against the A549 human cancer cell line, with an ED50 value of 1.1 microg/mL.

Senecio inaequidens DC. and Sporobolus tenuissimus (Mart. ex Schrank) Kuntze were recently found in southern part of Taiwan. Senecio inaequidens occurred at middle-altitude mountain area, and Sporobolus tenuissimus was found at plain and low-altitude mountain area. The present study offered the taxonomic description, photographs and illustrations of these two species.

Carex scaposa C. B. Clarke (Cyperaceae) is a new record to the Flora of Taiwan. It was collected from the eastern face of the Central Range, southern Taiwan, at an elevation between 1,000-1,200 m, adjusted Tawu forest trail in Taitung County. This species can be easily distinguished from the other species of Carex genus of Taiwan by the width of leaves and bractole shape of inflorescence. The width of C. scaposa leaves is about 40 mm, the largest among Taiwan Carex, and the leaf shape is gladiate. The inflorescence is composed of 3-4 panicles, and each of panicle is obviously closed with an utriculiform bracteole.

One new diterpene, 8(14),15-sandaracopimaradiene-2alpha,3beta,18-triol (1), two new phenylpropane derivatives, i.e., (E)-methyl 2-(3,4-methylene-dioxyphenyl)-3-methoxypropenoate (2) and (E)-2-(3,4-methylene-dioxyphenyl)-3-methoxypropenoic acid (3), and two known diterpenes, ent-8(14),15-sandaracopimaradiene-2alpha,18-diol (4) and 8(14),15-sandaracopimaradiene-2alpha,18,19-triol (5), were isolated from the heartwoods and barks of Amentotaxus formosana, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the diterpenes 1, 4, and 5 was assessed in vitro by determining their inhibitory effects on the chemical mediators released from mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and microglial cells. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 showed significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on the release of beta-glucuronidase from rat neutrophils in response to formyl-Met-Leu-Phe/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB) with IC50 values of 5.5 +/- 1.8, 8.4 +/- 2.9 and 19.2 +/- 3.3 microM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 5 also showed significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation in rat neutrophils stimulated with fMLP/CB and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) with IC50 values of 12.6 +/- 1.2 and 9.4 +/- 1.7, and 10.7 +/- 3.3 and 12.9 +/- 0.9 microM, respectively.

People in Taiwan have identified Capparis sabiaefolia Hook. f. et Thoms. as Capparis acutifolia Sweet. In this paper we clarify the identity of C. sabiaefolia for the flora of Taiwan and further document C. acutifolia in Taiwan. C. sabiaefolia was characterized by branchlets without thorns; leaves thinly herbaceous leaves, 7.5-10 cm long, base rounded, veins obscure on both sides; and densely tomentose on inner surface petals. C. acutifolia was described as branchlets with thorns; leaves coriaceous or thinly coriaceous, 9-16 cm long, base acute, veins distinct on both sides; and petals glabrous but tomentose at the margin. Taxonomic treatment, line drawing, and photographs are provided here.

Camellia buisanensis Sasaki was first described in 1931. Unfortunately, the type specimen had been lost since its first discovery and there were no relevant materials for re-examination. Therefore, its identity is dubious. This long lost tea species was rediscovered this year at Mt. Jenlishan in southern Taiwan. However, after careful comparison, C. buisanensis is morphologically much more similar to the genus Pyrenaria than to Camellia. Consequently the species is treated as a new combination as Pyrenaria buisanensis (Sasaki) C. F. Hsieh, S. Z. Yang and M. H. Su. Besides taxonomic treatment, historical status of this species is provided here. A key to Taiwanese Pyrenaria and a line-drawing are also provided. Due to its endangered status, extraordinary restoration efforts are urgently needed to save this species.

A novel phenolic compound containing an oxepine ring, artocarpol I (1), and a new biphenylpropanoid, artocarpol J (2), were isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida. The structures, including relative configurations, were elucidated by spectroscopic data. Compound 1 and artocarpol J peracetate (3) strongly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)/cytochalasin B (CB)-stimulated superoxide anion formation in neutrophils with IC50 values of 17.1±0.40 and 20.5±2.60 μM, respectively. Biogenetically, all the novel phenolic compounds isolated from this plant seem to be derived from stilbene.

A novel compound consisting of two diterpenoid substructures, amentotaxin BA (1), and two novel terpenoids with a new skeleton, amentotaxins WA (2) and WB (3), were isolated from the barks and heart woods of Amentotaxus formosana, respectively. Their structures, including the relative configuration, were elucidated from spectroscopic data and a computer-generated plot for the 3D structure.

With the scope of our search for biologically active compounds, two new phenolic compounds, artocarpols G (1) and H (2), and two known compounds, rubraflavone C (3) and trans-stilbene-2,4,3′,5′-tetrol, were isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods and comparison with data reported in the literature. Compound 4, previously isolated from this plant, strongly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the release of β-glucuronidase and histamine from mast cell degranulation caused by compound 48/80, with IC50 values of 10.9±1.4 and 13.2±0.6 μM, respectively. Compound 4 also showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the formyl-peptide-stimulated superoxide anion formation in neutrophils with an IC50 value of 26.0±5.6 μM.

A new record species, Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don, is reported from Pingtung county, southern Taiwan. This represents the first generic record of Clidemia in Taiwan. Only one C. hirta population was collected in the secondary forest dominated by Acacia confusa Merr., Bambusa stenostachya Hackel etc. It is easy to distinguish this species from the other related taxa by having the lateral veins extending from the leaf base and fruits as berries. A key to the Melastomataceae, the taxonomic treatment, morphological description, line drawing and photographs are provided here.

Four new phenolic compounds containing an oxepine ring, artocarpols B (1), C (2), D (3), and E (4), were isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida. The structures, including relative configurations, were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data.

A novel phenolic compound, artocarpol A (1), was isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida and its structure determined by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with its diacetate derivative. Compound 1 strongly inhibited superoxide formation in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated rat neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 13.7±0.7 μM. Compound 1 also showed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) formation in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

A new ferulic acid ester derivative, tetracosane-1,24-diyl di[(Z)-ferulate] (1), and a new ellagic acid derivative, 3,4 : 3',4'-bis(O,O-methylene)ellagic acid (2), have been isolated from leaves and twigs of Pachycentria formosana, together with eight known compounds. Their structures were determined by in-depth spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses. Among the isolated compounds, oleanolic acid (6), ursolic acid acetate (7), and 3-epibetulinic acid (9) exhibited potent inhibition (IC(50) values ≤ 21.8 μM) of O₂(-) generation by human neutrophils in response to N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). In addition, oleanolic acid (6), 3-O-[(E)-feruloyl]ursolic acid (8), 3-epibetulinic acid (9), and lawsonic acid (10) also inhibited fMLP/CB-induced elastase release with IC(50) values ≤ 18.6 μM.

Three lanostanoids, 3beta-methoxycycloartan-24(24(1))-ene (1), 3beta,23beta-dimethoxycycloartan-24(24(1))-ene (2), and 3beta,23beta-dimethoxy-5alpha-lanosta-24(24(1))-ene (3), were isolated from the leaves of Amentotaxus formosana. The structures of new compounds 2 and 3 were determined by NMR and MS studies, and the structure of 3 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Compounds (I), (III) and (IV) exhibit promising cytotoxic activity against human hepatoma SK Hep-1 cells.

A novel compound consisting of two diterpenoid substructures, amentotaxin BA (1), and two novel terpenoids with a new skeleton, amentotaxins WA (2) and WB (3), were isolated from the barks and heart woods of Amentotaxus formosana, respectively. Their structures, including the relative configuration, were elucidated from spectroscopic data and a computer-generated plot for the 3D structure.