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Phytochemical investigation of Chrysanthemum indicum L. yielded two new quinolinone glycoalkaloids named as Chrysanthemumsides A-B (1-2). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by analysis of their 1D- and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS and ECD calculations. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against the Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, and the data showed that compound 2 had significant antimicrobial effects (MIC 3.9 to 7.8 μg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karelinia caspia (Compositae) is a perennial herbaceous plant owning high economic, feeding and medicinal values. It is widely distributed in desertification and saline alkali areas. The complete chloroplast genome was firstly reported in this study. The chloroplast genome of K. caspia with a total size of 151,239 bp consists of two inverted repeats separated by a large single-copy region and a small single-copy region. Its chloroplast genome contains 129 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Also, a total of 62 simple sequence repeats were identified. These results will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of K. caspia in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porophyllum macrolepidium (previously included as a synonym of P. ruderale var. ruderale) is reinstated for South America, and its synonymy list is updated. Original descriptions and type material were studied, along with materials from the general collections housed in the main herbaria of Argentina. Field trips were conducted to study the species in its natural habitat. Exomorphological and anatomical differences with Porophyllum ruderale var. ruderale and Porophyllum ruderale var. macrocephalum are presented. An extended description ofP. macrolepidium is provided, along with illustrations, photographs, vernacular names, phenology, habitat, a map of its geographical distribution, and a dichotomous key to differentiate Porophyllum macrolepidium from related species. Additionally, the names P. macrolepidium, P. ruderale var. angustifolium, and P. ruderale var. intermedium have been lectotypified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of commercially available plant allergens/extracts is limited and therefore patch testing with fresh/dried plant material may be a necessary supplement in diagnosing plant allergy. Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of patch testing with plants "as is" compared to patch testing with commercial and in‐house produced plant test materials and to report on species eliciting positive patch test reactions. Patients/Materials/Methods: Consecutive eczema patients, who were patch tested between January 2019 and December 2023 and who had at least one positive reaction to a plant allergen and/or extract and/or plant "as is" were included in the study. Results: A total 57 out of 1893 patients tested (3%) were sensitised to plants. Compositae plants were the most frequent sensitizers, followed by tomato, tulipalin A, falcarinol, and Philodendron plants. In 12 patients (21%), the diagnosis was based on patch testing with fresh plants only. Occupational sensitization occurred in 32%. Other sensitizers included Hydrangea, Pelargonium zonale, and Monstera. Conclusions: A large minority of plant‐sensitised patients would have been undiagnosed without patch testing with plants "as is." Most of the culprit plants were known sensitizers, but not commercially available, and these and new species taken into cultivation makes patch testing with fresh plants unavoidable and worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThree new compounds, including two glycosides, named gerbelavinsides E/G (1/2), and a flavone, named gerbelavin G (3), were isolated from 50% ethanol extract of Gerbera delavayi. Their structures were elucidated based on HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV and NMR spectral data, and the absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were determined by ECD spectra. Three compounds were tested for their inhibition effect against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. They exhibited different degrees of inhibition activities with rates of 40.55 ± 1.65%, 70.13 ± 0.55%, 56.74 ± 1.15%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the montane flora of Taiwan, Anaphalis nepalensis is the most widely present species of Anaphalis (Compositae), yet its taxonomic status is uncertain. In the present study, we employed both morphological and molecular data to demonstrate that A. nepalensis is misidentified and does not occur in Taiwan. In contrast, the name has been misapplied in Taiwan to the previously described endemic species, A. nagasawae, which can be further divided into two varieties based on the number of heads in the inflorescence: A. nagasawae var. nagasawae has one or two heads, while A. nagasawae var. niitakayamensis has three to five heads. Furthermore, the typification of A. nagasawae, A. nepalensis and Gnaphalium niitakayamense are discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dendrophorbium occurs in South America with one species known from the Caribbean. Despite recent advances in taxonomy and phylogeny, there is a still lack of molecular studies on the delimitation and identification of the genus. Dendrophorbium is known to occupy a wide range of ecosystems mostly restricted to subtropical montane forests and montane scrub vegetation of the central Andes. In this study, a review of the species occurring in Peru is presented, in addition to material examined at different herbaria. The new combination D. ligulatum which is separated from D. yalusay, and the new species, D. arachnoideum is described from the department of Huánuco in central Peru. The species are assessed using the standards of the IUCN and additional notes are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynotaxonomy is crucial for understanding plant evolution, biodiversity, and ecological history by systematically classifying and identifying species based on pollen morphology. In addition, a regional pollen flora is crucial for precise pollen identification in various applied fields of palynology, including melissopalynology, aeropalynology, forensic palynology, paleopalynology, and copropalynology. In this communication, we explore the pollen morphology of 28 species of Asteraceae, employing both light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the grains were monad, isopolar, radially symmetric, tricolporate, and exhibited oblate-spheroidal to prolate-spheroidal shapes. The infratectum was found to be columellate, caveate, or noncaveate. The supratectum exhibited echinate or microechinate characteristics, with the exine surface showing perforate, microreticulate, or perforate regulate features. Among some species, a lophate pattern was observed, revealing two distinct variations: one characterized by a '15 lacunae type,' while the other exhibited a '21 lacunae type'. Some unusual variations were observed in the aperture character among certain species, like the occurrence of tricolpate grains and pollen dimorphism due to variation in aperture number. Light microscopic examination was preliminary for resolving columellar structure but it clearly showed a double level of columella in some species. A cluster analysis, incorporating qualitative and quantitative features of pollen grains and an artificial pollen key have been set forth to distinguish studied species, supplemented by LM and SEM micrographs. The current findings have enriched the existing pollen database of Asteraceae and could play an important role not only in palynotaxonomy but also in allied fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karelinia caspia (Compositae) is a perennial herbaceous plant owning high economic, feeding and medicinal values. It is widely distributed in desertification and saline alkali areas. The complete chloroplast genome was firstly reported in this study. The chloroplast genome of K. caspia with a total size of 151,239 bp consists of two inverted repeats separated by a large single-copy region and a small single-copy region. Its chloroplast genome contains 129 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Also, a total of 62 simple sequence repeats were identified. These results will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of K. caspia in the future.

Abstract Various attributes are hypothesized to facilitate the dominance of an invasive species in non-native geographical and ecological regimes. To explore the characteristic invasive attributes of the family Asteraceae, a comparative study was conducted among nine species of this family, co-occurring in the western Himalayan region. Based on their nativity and invasion status, the species were categorized as “Invasive”, “Naturalized”, and “Native”. Fifteen plant functional traits, strongly linked with invasion, were examined in the test species. The analyses revealed a strong dissimilarity between all the plant functional traits (except leaf carbon [Leaf C]) represented by “Invasive” and “Native” categories and most of the traits (except leaf area [LA], leaf nitrogen [Leaf N], Leaf C, and leaf carbon-nitrogen ratio [C: N]) represented by the “Naturalized” and “Native” categories. Similarly, “Invasive” and “Naturalized” categories also varied significantly for most of the traits (except Leaf N, Leaf C, capitula per m² population [Cm²], seeds per capitula [Scapitula], and seed mass). Invasive species are characterized by high LA, specific leaf area [SLA] and germination, and low C:N and leaf construction costs [LCC]. Most of the traits represented by native species justify their non-invasive behavior; whereas the naturalized species, despite having better size metrics (plant height), resource investment strategy (aboveground non-reproductive biomass [BNR], and aboveground reproductive biomass [BR]), and reproductive output (capitula per individual plant [Cplant], and seeds per individual plant [Splant]) failed to invade, which implies that the role of these functional aspects in imparting invasion potential to a species is not consistent in all the ecosystems and/or phylogenetic groups. Results of PCA revealed that trait divergence plays a more imperative role in invasion success than naturalization in the species of the family Asteraceae. The present study is intended to refine the pre-generalized invasion concepts associated with family Asteraceae to ensure more accurate identification of the potential invaders and better management of the existing ones.

Ñeembucú is one of the least surveyed departments of Paraguay in terms of floristic diversity, largely due to its flooded topography, which has limited the accessibility to its wild areas. Previous work has systematised 676 taxa of vascular plants, demonstrating floristic richness and emphasizing the information gaps that still exist. Considering that Asteraceae is one of the largest botanical families in Paraguay, as an update to the knowledge of the flora of Ñeembucú, we present here an updated list of 88 species of Aster-aceae from the Ñeembucú region, represented by 58 genera within 17 tribes. Out of these 88 species, 50 are new departmental records for Ñeembucú, and one is a new national record for the Paraguayan flora. This work highlights the importance of regular monitoring and constant updating of biodiversity data to support sustainable development in the face of the rapid advancement of agriculture and forestry projects threatening natural ecosystems.

We present a molecular phylogeny for the subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) based on three plastid (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnQ-rps16) and two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) markers. The results of the phylogenetic reconstruction were utilised as a topological constraint for a subsequent divergence dating analysis and ancestral range reconstructions. We sampled 41 species and 40 genera (72%) of Ecliptinae and two species of Montanoa (as outgroups) to elucidate the generic relationships between the genera of this subtribe. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses were performed for the combined molecular dataset. The divergence dating analysis was performed using a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock with BEAST v1.8.4 and calibrated using a single secondary calibration point from a recently published chronogram for the family. The ancestral range reconstructions focusing on continents (i.e., South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) and biomes (Dry forests, Altitudinal grasslands, Savannas, and Rainforests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the genera of Ecliptinae are grouped into five clades, informally named the Monactis, Oblivia, Blainvillea, Wedelia, and Melanthera clades. The most recent, common ancestor of Ecliptinae was widespread in the North and South American dry forests at 8.16 Ma and mainly radiated in these regions up to the Pleistocene. At least eight dispersal events to South America and four dispersal events from North America to Africa, Asia, and Oceania took place during this period in all five informal clades of Ecliptinae. At least 13 biome shifts from dry forests to rainforests were evidenced, in addition to ten biome shifts from dry forests to altitudinal grasslands and savannas. These results corroborate the mid-late Miocene to early Pleistocene radiation of Ecliptinae in tropical dry forests. Future studies should aim to sample the remaining 14 unsampled genera of Ecliptinae to position them in one of the five informal clades proposed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various attributes are hypothesized to facilitate the dominance of an invasive species in non-native geographical and ecological regimes. To explore the characteristic invasive attributes of the family Asteraceae, a comparative study was conducted among nine species of this family, co-occurring in the western Himalayan region. Based on their nativity and invasion status, the species were categorized as "Invasive", "Naturalized", and "Native". Fifteen plant functional traits, strongly linked with invasion, were examined in the test species. The analyses revealed a strong dissimilarity between all the plant functional traits (except leaf carbon [Leaf C]) represented by "Invasive" and "Native" categories and most of the traits (except leaf area [LA], leaf nitrogen [Leaf N], Leaf C, and leaf carbon-nitrogen ratio [C: N]) represented by the "Naturalized" and "Native" categories. Similarly, "Invasive" and "Naturalized" categories also varied significantly for most of the traits (except Leaf N, Leaf C, capitula per m² population [Cm²], seeds per capitula [Scapitula], and seed mass). Invasive species are characterized by high LA, specific leaf area [SLA] and germination, and low C:N and leaf construction costs [LCC]. Most of the traits represented by native species justify their non-invasive behavior; whereas the naturalized species, despite having better size metrics (plant height), resource investment strategy (aboveground non-reproductive biomass [BNR], and aboveground reproductive biomass [BR]), and reproductive output (capitula per individual plant [Cplant], and seeds per individual plant [Splant]) failed to invade, which implies that the role of these functional aspects in imparting invasion potential to a species is not consistent in all the ecosystems and/or phylogenetic groups. Results of PCA revealed that trait divergence plays a more imperative role in invasion success than naturalization in the species of the family Asteraceae. The present study is intended to refine the pre-generalized invasion concepts associated with family Asteraceae to ensure more accurate identification of the potential invaders and better management of the existing ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A near-fully sampled phylogenetic hypothesis is presented for the Stoebe clade of Cape-centred daisies (∼ 70 spp.). • The phylogeny is based on DNA sequences from the nuclear (ETS, ITS) and plastid (psbA - trnHGUG, ycf6-psbM) genomes, as well as morphological characters. • None of the genera (except the monospecific Muscosomorphe) is recovered as monophyletic. • A new generic circumscription is proposed for the clade, comprising a reduced concept of Amphiglossa , the resurrection of Pterothrix , retention of the monospecific Muscosomorph e, and synonymisation of the remaining genera under an enlarged concept of Stoebe. • Descriptions are provided for the Stoebe clade, and for each genus. Keys are provided to the genera, and within each genus, to the species. Updated synonymy and a numbered list for herbarium use is provided for all species. The Stoebe clade is a Cape-centred lineage comprising ca. 70 species, currently in eight genera. Despite recent generic taxonomic changes, many generic characters are ambiguous, and generic circumscription is likely to remain unstable in the absence of a robust species-level phylogeny. Here, we present a hypothesis of species relationships in the clade, based on parsimony and Bayesian analyses of DNA sequence and morphological characters, in order to assess generic monophyly. The trees based on morphology alone and plastid sequences alone are poorly resolved, with few well-supported nodes, while those based on nuclear sequences alone are better resolved. There is no evidence of phylogenetic conflict, and concatenation of all three data sources produces a well-resolved tree with many highly-supported nodes. We show that none of the currently-accepted genera are monophyletic, with the exception of Muscosomorphe , which is supported as monospecific. Amphiglossa species are recovered in two separate clades, requiring the resurrection of the genus Pterothrix to house ten of the twelve species. All the characters used to circumscribe the remaining genera, such as the possession of ray florets, are shown to be homoplasious. As a result, these remaining genera (Dicerothamnus, Disparago, Elytropappus, Myrovernix, Seriphium , and Stoebe) are here synonymised with Stoebe. The main morphological synapomorphy for this enlarged concept of Stoebe is the aggregation of the tiny capitula into conflorescences with varying degrees of complexity and congestion. The proposed taxonomy for the Stoebe clade comprises just four genera: Amphiglossa, Muscosomorphe, Pterothrix , and Stoebe. We present the new combinations, keys and generic descriptions, as well as keys to the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a reference genome for the federally endangered Gaviota tarplant, Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa (Madiinae, Asteraceae), an annual herb endemic to the Central California coast. Generating PacBio HiFi, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and Dovetail Omni-C data, we assembled a haploid consensus genome of 1.67 Gb as 28.7 K scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 74.9 Mb. We annotated repeat content in 74.8% of the genome. Long terminal repeats (LTRs) covered 44.0% of the genome with Copia families predominant at 22.9% followed by Gypsy at 14.2%. Both Gypsy and Copia elements were common in ancestral peaks of LTRs, and the most abundant element was a Gypsy element containing nested Copia/Angela sequence similarity, reflecting a complex evolutionary history of repeat activity. Gene annotation produced 33,257 genes and 68,942 transcripts, of which 99% were functionally annotated. BUSCO scores for the annotated proteins were 96.0% complete of which 77.6% was single copy and 18.4% duplicates. Whole genome duplication synonymous mutation rates of Gaviota tarplant and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) shared peaks that correspond to the last Asteraceae polyploidization event and subsequent divergence from a common ancestor at ∼27 MYA. Regions of high-density tandem genes were identified, pointing to potentially important loci of environmental adaptation in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ainsliaea is an Eastern Asian genus with approximately 50 species, and is characterized by two main habit types or leaf arrangements: rosulate with leaves aggregated at the stem base or pseudo‐verticillate with leaves clustered above the stem base. Most species of Ainsliaea have been classified into two sections, A. sect. Ainsliaea and sect. Aggregatae, respectively, based on their habit type. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have challenged existing infrageneric classifications for Ainsliaea, and the systematic value of habit needs to be re‐evaluated because the habits of some key species were described differently, leading to taxonomic controversies on infrageneric classifications and species delimitations. To address these issues, this study reconstructed a more comprehensive phylogeny of Ainsliaea with two more samples of the highly variable A. lancifolia and a new sampling of A. nana. Habit variations in Ainsliaea were observed both in the field and in herbarium collections, and habit evolution was reconsidered based on the updated phylogeny. The phylogenetic analysis highly supports that A. uniflora and A. lancifolia form the first‐ and the second‐earliest diverging lineages in Ainsliaea, respectively; A. nana, recently rediscovered by us after more than 60 years, constitutes a distinct lineage sister to a large clade with all leaves aggregated above the stem base; and A. pertyoides forms another large clade with the rosulate‐leaf species. The latter three species have distinct habits: A. lancifolia with leaves sparsely alternate along the stem but often reduced to a basal rosette in rheophytic environments, A. nana with leaves aggregated at and also above the same stem base, and A. pertyoides with rosulate leaves when young. Thus, two new sections, A. sect. Alternae sect. nov. and A. sect. Intermediae sect. nov., are proposed to accommodate A. lancifolia and A. nana, respectively, and A. pertyoides is reasonably kept in A. sect. Ainsliaea. The results of this study provide insights into the evolution of habits in Ainsliaea and suggest that the traditional classification based solely on habit may not accurately mirror the evolutionary history of the genus. The newly proposed A. sect. Alternae and sect. Intermediae reflect a more natural classification of Ainsliaea and provide a framework for future studies on the evolution and ecology of the genus. Combining evidence from phylogeny and morphology, a conspectus of the genus and taxonomic updates for A. lancifolia, A. nana and A. pertyoides are provided. Overall, this study highlights the importance of combining molecular and morphological data to accurately classify and understand the evolutionary history of plant groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe one new species from Ceará state, Brazil: Wedelia figueiredoana. It is morphologically associated with W. bonplandiana, but distinguished by 0.25–1.05 cm leaf blade width (vs. 1.5–2.6 cm), linear to narrow oblong leaf blade (vs. elliptic to spatulate), 3-seriate involucre (vs. 2-seriate), and cypselae 3.9–4 mm long (vs. 6–7 mm). An anatomical analysis of cypselae is provided, and we propose a more accurate terminology to describe similar wings to Wedelia species. We also provide a scientific illustration of the new species, photos of habitat, a map of its geographic occurrence, and its taxonomic affinities are discussed with a taxonomic key to the Wedelia species with the apically pronounced wings in the cypselae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological diversity of trichomes and pappi in 20 common Asteraceae members were studied from the standpoint of species identification. Thirteen of these species bear trichomes on all surfaces and 16 types of trichomes were recorded. Non-glandular, multicellular, uniseriate trichomes with long terminal cell are the most common type recorded at 87 observed surfaces of 16 species. Some trichome types were restricted to one or two species. The trichomes of Leucomeris spectabilis are being reported for the first time. The pappi were recorded in 13 species and their morphology is quite characteristic of species and genera. Separate dichotomous keys are constructed to help identify the species on the basis of trichomes and pappi exclusively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haastia pulvinaris (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) is endemic to alpine ecosystems in the north-eastern mountains of the Southern Alps of Te Waipounamu – South Island of Aotearoa – New Zealand. Two varieties are currently recognised: H. pulvinaris var. pulvinaris and H. pulvinaris var. minor. Univariate and multivariate analyses of 37 specimens resulted in the discovery of distinct differences between these varieties in, amongst others, branchlet diameter, leaf shape and the presence of an apical style tuft. Their consistent and distinct differences, even in sympatry, are evidence that the two varieties should be recognised as species: H. pulvinaris and H. minor comb. et stat. nov. Descriptions and distribution maps of each species are provided, together with illustrations and an identification key to all species and varieties of Haastia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two oxygenated eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, possessing C21 skeleton, a pair epimers, have been isolated from the whole plants of Ligularia macrophylla (Compositae). Their structures were determined by analysis of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry data, and electronic circular dichroism as well as comparison with literature data. Of the two compounds, the compound 1 is unknown, and the other is known. These compounds are evaluated for antibacterial activity of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The Greater Cape Floristic Region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and is considered poor in polyploids. To test this assumption, ploidy variation was investigated in a widespread Cape shrub, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (renosterbos, Asteraceae). The aim was to elucidate the cytotype distribution and population composition across the species range, and to assess differences in morphology, environmental niches and genetics. Methods Ploidy level and genome size were determined via flow cytometry and cytotype assignment was confirmed by chromosome counting. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) analyses were used to infer genetic relationships. Cytotype climatic and environmental niches were compared using a range of environmental layers and a soil model, while morphological differences were examined using multivariate methods. Key Results The survey of 171 populations and 2370 individuals showed that the species comprises diploid and tetraploid cytotypes, no intermediates and only 16.8 % of mixed populations. Mean 2C values were 1.80–2.06 pg for diploids and 3.48–3.80 pg for tetraploids, with very similar monoploid genome sizes. Intra-cytotype variation showed a significant positive correlation with altitude and longitude in both cytotypes and with latitude in diploids. Although niches of both cytotypes were highly equivalent and similar, their optima and breadth were shifted due to differences mainly in isothermality and available water capacity. Morphometric analyses showed significant differences in the leaves and corolla traits, the number of florets per capitulum, and cypsela dimensions between the two cytotypes. Genetic analyses revealed four groups, three of them including both cytotypes. Conclusions Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis includes two distinct cytotypes that are genetically similar. While tetraploids arise several times independently within different genetic groups, morphological and ecological differences are evident between cytotypes. Our results open up new avenues for questions regarding the importance of ploidy in the megadiverse Cape flora, and exemplify the need for population-based studies focused on ploidy variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Asteraceae is highly diverse in the Atlantic Forest, especially in montane environments. The early-diverging tribes within Asteraceae are of particular interest because of their great representation in Brazil and unique features within the family. Thus, a floristic inventory and systematic treatment of these basal grade in Caparaó National Park, an important remnant of Atlantic Forest that has been highlighted for its diversity and endemism, were undertaken. The study was conducted by examining specimens from representative collections of Caparaó and a field expedition. A total of 15 species were found, representing six genera and four tribes, with Mutisieae and Nassauvieae being the most representatives. Six of the species have restricted distributions, either to Brazil (3 spp.), the Atlantic Forest (2) or Caparaó mountain (Mutisia lutzii). Three new records were documented for the park, namely Chaptalia integerrima, Moquiniastrum polymorphum and Mutisia coccinea. Floristic inventories and systematic treatments can make great contributions to science by bringing a better understanding our biodiversity and providing relevant information about flora for the conservation of priority areas.

O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em avaliar o potencial de utilização das espécies presentes em áreas campestres e florestais localizadas na Fazenda Santa Rita, com cerca de 200 hectares, situada na região da Coxilha Rica, Lages – SC. Para o levantamento florístico foi adotado o método de coletas por caminhamento, no período de março de 2021 a dezembro de 2022. Os espécimes coletados em campo, todos férteis, foram catalogados e incorporados ao acervo do Herbário LUSC, da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. Foram identificadas 110 espécies de Asteraceae. Para a etapa de verificação dos usos das espécies, foram pesquisados artigos científicos publicados em periódicos digitais disponíveis nos bancos de dados da Scielo, CAPES e Web of Science. Além disso, foram consultados livros impressos e artigos publicados em revistas específicas da área de botânica, para a seleção de trabalhos relevantes que tratavam sobre o potencial de uso de espécies de Asteraceae. As palavras-chave utilizadas na pesquisa foram: "uso econômico da Família Asteraceae", "Asteraceae de uso ornamental", "Asteraceae de uso medicinal", "Asteraceae de uso melífero e apícola", "Asteraceae de uso alimentício convencional e não convencional". Também houve a substituição do nome “Asteraceae” por “Compositae” em cada uma das utilidades, para localização dos artigos, bem como a análise individual das espécies, sendo, posteriormente, as mesmas avaliadas quanto ao seu potencial de uso. Das espécies confirmadas na área de estudo, 60 (54,55%) delas possuem informações sobre o uso, enquanto para as outras 50 (45,45%) espécies não foi possível localizar na literatura o seu potencial de uso. Essa pesquisa evidencia a necessidade de estudos básicos sobre espécies nativas e a importância de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre suas funcionalidades, para a manutenção dos ecossistemas, podendo oferecer diversas aplicações potenciais.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential for use of species present in grassland and forest areas located in the Fazenda Santa Rita, with about 200 hectares, located in the Coxilha Rica region, Lages - SC. For the floristic survey, the walking collection method was adopted, from March 2021 to December 2022. Fertile specimens collected in the field were cataloged and incorporated into the LUSC Herbarium, at the University of the State of Santa Catarina. 110 Asteraceae species were identified. For the species use verification stage, scientific articles published in digital journals available in the Scielo, CAPES, and Web of Science databases were searched. In addition, printed books and articles published in specialized botanical journals were consulted to select relevant works on the potential use of Asteraceae species. The keywords used in the research were: "economic use of the Asteraceae family", "Asteraceae for ornamental use", "Asteraceae for medicinal use", "Asteraceae for honey and beekeeping use", "Asteraceae for conventional and non-conventional food use". The name "Asteraceae" was also replaced by "Compositae" in each of the uses, to locate the articles, as well as the individual analysis of the species, which were subsequently evaluated for their potential use. Of the species confirmed in the study area, 60 (54.55%) have information on their use, while for the other 50 (45.45%) species, it was not possible to locate their potential use in the literature. This research highlights the need for basic studies on native species, and the importance of deepening knowledge about their functionalities for the maintenance of ecosystems, which could offer a variety of potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American central Andes have a great richness of Asteraceae, where the genus Stevia (Eupatorieae, Piqueriinae) is also especially diverse. The taxonomy of Stevia species in the southern part of the central Andes pose a challenge because of the unclear delimitation among the species and overlap of morphological characters. Two species complexes were identified for the region comprising north Argentina and southern Bolivia. In this study, our objectives were to employ morphometric analyses to assess the delimitation of taxa within the Stevia alpina Griseb. and Stevia chamaedrys Griseb. complexes. We aimed to identify informative morphological characters and gain insight into the identity of species in each group. To accomplish this, we utilised cluster analysis, principal-component analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling and univariate analyses to evaluate 37 morphological traits. In total, 200 specimens were examined, covering the entire geographic distribution of each species complex. We found support for the recognition of nine species: Stevia alpina, S. breviaristata Hook. & Arn., S. chamaedrys, S. mandonii Sch. Bip., S. mercedensis Hieron., S. minor Griseb., S. potrerensis Hieron., S. procumbens Hieron. and S. vaga Griseb. A new combination and status is proposed for S. tarijensis Hieron., incorporating it as a variety of S. mandonii, and S. centinelae Cabrera and S. crassicephala Cabrera are merged as synonyms under the name S. alpina. Two neotypes are designated for the names S. mercedensis and S. potrerensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Astereae subtribe Madagasterinae (Asteraceae) sensu Nesom encompassing four Malagasy genera (Apodocephala, Madagaster, Rochonia and Vernoniopsis) is polyphyletic, as Apodocephala is a member of the Malagasy subtribe Lowryanthinae of the tribe Athroismeae. While Madagaster was shown to belong to Astereae, the phylogenetic positions of Rochonia and Vernoniopsis (now Jalantzia) in this tribe remained to be tested with molecular data. Lowryanthinae presently contains Apodocephala with nine species and the monospecific Lowryanthus. The monophyly of Apodocephala remained to be assessed using a comprehensive sampling. The aims were to: (1) assess the phylogenetic placements of Rochonia and Jalantzia (Vernoniopsis) and test the monophyly of Jalantzia; (2) assess phylogenetic relationships within Lowryanthinae; and (3) re-assess the subtribal and generic limits within the tribe Athroismeae. New phylogenetic analyses based on plastid sequence data confirmed the position of Rochonia in Astereae. Jalantzia (Vernoniopsis) was resolved as sister to the subtribe Lowryanthinae and therefore transferred to Athroismeae. A new subtribe, Jalantziinae, is described to accommodate Jalantzia. Apodocephala is paraphyletic with respect to Lowryanthus, which is formally merged with Apodocephala. A description of the emended subtribe Madagasterinae containing Madagaster and Rochonia is presented. Citation: Bengtson A. & Razafimandimbison S. G. 2024: New subtribal and generic limits in the tribe Athroismeae (Asteraceae) and further disintegration of the subtribe Madagasterinae of the tribe Astereae. – Willdenowia 54: 103–116. Version of record first published online on 25 April 2024 ahead of inclusion in April 2024 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation of Bidens procera L.C.Xu ex X.W.Zheng afforded two novel polyacetylenes, tridecane-2E-monoene-4,6,8-triyntylen-1,13-diol-12-O-β-glucoside (1) and tetradecane-2E,8E-diene-4,6-diyne-1,14-diol-13-O-β-glucoside (2), together with ten known compounds (3 − 12). Their chemical structures were elucidated by NMR and MS spectrums as well as the comparison of the published data. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomy of the yielded compounds was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten sesquiterpenoids (1-10), including two new compounds 1 and 2, were isolated with the use of several chromatographic methods from the above-ground tissues of Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. Comprehensive spectroscopic studies, such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1D, 2D-NMR, and HRMS, were used to characterize their structures. The cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory actions and properties of the new compounds 1 and 2 were examined and briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajania flavida, a new species from western Sichuan and eastern Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. It is readily assigned to A. sect. Ajania owing to its straw-colored, glossy involucres and marginally whitish scarious phyllaries. Within the section, it is distinct in being a shrub of 1−2 m in height, and in having creamy yellow florets. It is superficially similar to A. ramosa in A. sect. Phaeoscyphus, but can easily be distinguished by, among other characters, the plant height, color of the florets and margins of the phyllaries. In addition, we provide a distribution map of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribe Anthemideae (Asteraceae) is represented in Australia by only nine indigenous species of Cotula and Leptinella. The generic placement of Cotula alpina (Hook.f.) Hook.f. is considered problematic, because it shares the stoloniferous and scapose habit of Leptinella, but lacks corollas in female florets, a trait traditionally considered defining of Cotula. A previous phylogenetic analysis of Leptinella using ITS and chloroplast data showed that the species nested in that genus, but some uncertainty remained because of incomplete sequence data and missing cytological information, and no taxonomic change was made. Here, we use target-capture data from three different sequencing initiatives to reconstruct a phylogeny of Australian native and introduced Anthemideae to resolve this outstanding question. We confirm previous results with a high degree of support and formally transfer Cotula alpina to the genus Leptinella. A lectotype is selected for the basionym, Ctenosperma alpinum Hook.f. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a pollen study of 13 species of Dendrophorbium (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) occurring in Brazil. Dendrophorbium has species distributed in the South and Southeast regions of the Brazilian territory that were previously grouped in Senecio Myriocephalus sect. and later Dendrophorbium was elevated to the rank of genus, considering the section Myriocephalus as a synonym of Dendrophorbium. The aim of this study is to advance knowledge of the pollen characteristics of the genus and thus contribute to the taxonomy of the group. The botanical material was collected from specimens deposited in national herbaria. Floral buds were acetolysed for light microscopic analysis. Pollen sediments were mounted on slides with glycerinated gelatin and analyzed under a light microscope. Measurements were taken of the diameters and thickness of exine layers of pollen grains. Examination showed pollen grains to be monadic, isopolar, medium-sized, oblate-spheroidal to prolate-spheroidal, and 3-colporate. The endoaperture has median constriction in most species, except in D. pellucidinerve. The sexine is thicker than the nexine and echinate, with large perforations at the base of echinae. The exine is caveate. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the pollen grains of the 13 Dendrophorbium species are homogeneous and can be differentiated by aperture shape and dimensions and echinus characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seriphium plumosum L. is a taxonomically recalcitrant complex of paper daisies distributed in southern Africa. • The complex has been shown to comprise at least seven independent species. • Stoebe burchellii Levyns, Stoebe virgata Thunb. and Stoebe vulgaris Levyns are reinstated in Seriphium. • Four species new to science are described in Seriphium. • Seriphium vulgaris (Levyns) Z.Shaik is the only species in the S. plumosum complex that is an agricultural weed on millions of hectares of South African rangeland. Seriphium plumosum L. from southern Africa has been shown to comprise at least seven distinct species based on analysis of morphological, environmental, and multilocus DNA sequence data. On that evidence, Stoebe burchellii Levyns, Stoebe virgata Thunb., and Stoebe vulgaris Levyns are reinstated in Seriphium , and four new species are described, viz., Seriphium alto-argillaceum Z.Shaik , Se. burrowsii Z.Shaik , Se. crypticum Z.Shaik , and Se. dunensis Z.Shaik. Four of these species are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, and one is so far known from a single high-elevation locality. We present a key to species in the Seriphium plumosum complex, and for each species provide a formal description with accompanying images, typification and synonymy, with distribution maps based on verified field-collected and herbarium specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligularia lushuiensis, a new species from northwestern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It was tentatively placed in L. sect. Ligularia ser. Ligularia on the basis of the pinnate-palmate leaf venation, racemose synflorescence and pappus which is as long as tubular corolla. Within the series, it appeared somewhat close to both L. lamarum and L. pseudolamarum. However, L. lushuiensis can be easily distinguished from the latter two species by, among other characters, the leaf margin, bract size, involucre shape and size, and number and width of ray florets. Morphologically, L. lushuiensis is also superficially similar to L. secunda but differs readily by having distally shortly yellowish and brownish puberulent stems, palmately-pinnately veined leaves regularly dentate at margin, scarious, brown and larger bracts, and larger ray laminae. In addition, a distribution map and a diagnostic key to Chinese species of L. ser. Ligularia are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins, ubiquitous in the Compositae family, are regulated by MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog), playing an important role in anthocyanin synthesis. In this study, we analyzed the regulation pathway in which the MYB protein of subgroup 6 promotes dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR) expression in Compositae, and validated this law in Saussurea medusa through yeast one-hybrid experiments. Our results showed that MYB and DFR underwent purification selection, DFR promoter analysis revealed the presence of MYB binding site (GAGTTGAATGG) and bHLH binding site (CANNTG) at the sense strand of 84–116 nucleotide residues from the start codon. These two motifs were separated by 9–10 nucleotide residues, as existed in the DFR promoters of many Compositae plants. Furthermore, the yeast one-hybrid experiment demonstrated that SmMYB1 can activate the promoter of SmDFR. Our results provide a reference for further functional study of DFR in Compositae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a molecular phylogeny for the subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) based on three plastid (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnQ-rps16) and two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) markers. The results of the phylogenetic reconstruction were utilised as a topological constraint for a subsequent divergence dating analysis and ancestral range reconstructions. We sampled 41 species and 40 genera (72%) of Ecliptinae and two species of Montanoa (as outgroups) to elucidate the generic relationships between the genera of this subtribe. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses were performed for the combined molecular dataset. The divergence dating analysis was performed using a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock with BEAST v1.8.4 and calibrated using a single secondary calibration point from a recently published chronogram for the family. The ancestral range reconstructions focusing on continents (i.e., South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) and biomes (Dry forests, Altitudinal grasslands, Savannas, and Rainforests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the genera of Ecliptinae are grouped into five clades, informally named the Monactis, Oblivia, Blainvillea, Wedelia, and Melanthera clades. The most recent, common ancestor of Ecliptinae was widespread in the North and South American dry forests at 8.16 Ma and mainly radiated in these regions up to the Pleistocene. At least eight dispersal events to South America and four dispersal events from North America to Africa, Asia, and Oceania took place during this period in all five informal clades of Ecliptinae. At least 13 biome shifts from dry forests to rainforests were evidenced, in addition to ten biome shifts from dry forests to altitudinal grasslands and savannas. These results corroborate the mid-late Miocene to early Pleistocene radiation of Ecliptinae in tropical dry forests. Future studies should aim to sample the remaining 14 unsampled genera of Ecliptinae to position them in one of the five informal clades proposed in this study.

Lonas annua (L.) Vines & Druce (Asteraceae), commonly known as African Daisy or Yellow Ageratum is a rare therophyte native to northwestern Africa (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia) and Italy (Sicily and Sardinia). In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Lonas annua was analyzed by GC-MS. No one report has been previously published on the essential oil of this species. The results showed the presence of large quantity of two unusual metabolites 2,3-dihydrofarnesol (41.64%), and acenaphthene (36.18%). Chemotaxonomic considerations were carried out in order to confirm the phylogenetic reconstructions of Anthemideae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triterpenoidal saponins have been reported to be able to restrain SARS-CoV-2 infection. To isolate antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2 from the leaves of Aster koraiensis, we conducted multiple steps of column chromatography. We isolated six triperpenoidal saponins from A. koraiensis leaves, including three unreported saponins. Their chemical structures were determined using HR-MS and NMR data analyses. Subsequently, we tested the isolates to assess their ability to impede the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (pSARS-CoV-2) into ACE2+ H1299 cells and found that five of the six isolates displayed antiviral activity with an IC50 value below 10 μM. Notably, one unreported saponin, astersaponin J (1), blocks pSARS-CoV-2 in ACE2+ and ACE2/TMPRSS2+ cells with similar IC50 values (2.92 and 2.96 μM, respectively), without any significant toxic effect. Furthermore, our cell-to-cell fusion and SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 binding assays revealed that astersaponin J inhibits membrane fusion, thereby blocking both entry pathways of SARS-CoV-2 while leaving the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and ACE2 unaffected. Overall, this study expands the list of antiviral saponins by introducing previously undescribed triterpenoidal saponins isolated from the leaves of A. koraiensis, thereby corroborating the potency of triterpenoid saponins in impeding SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Haplopappus (Asteraceae) from central Chile are described in this article. Haplopappus colliguayensis sp. nov. is restricted to La Chapa hill, Colliguay, Valparaíso Region, and is most similar to H. undulatus but differs from the latter in its stem indumentum, leaf shape and margin, and synflorescence arrangement. Haplopappus teillieri sp. nov. has been recorded from four high-Andean localities in the Choapa, Petorca, Rocín and Aconcagua river basins, and is most similar to H. punctatus but differs from the latter in its leaf length and margin, number of peduncles per twig, width of outer phyllaries, number of ray florets per capitulum, and achene dimensions. Additionally, we propose the reinstatement of H. kingii in agreement with an exhaustive revision of type material and protologues, as well as the study of herbarium specimens. Haplopappus kingii is restricted to mountainous areas in the southern portion of the Atacama Region, and resembles H. parvifolius and H. retinervius but differs from both by its leaf margin and apex, besides additional differences from each. We provide morphological descriptions, field images, distributional maps, conservation assessments, and taxonomic notes for the three species treated, as well as illustrations for the novel taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jurinea stenocarpa, is described as a new species based on morphological characters. This species is a mountainous Irano‐Turanian element distributed in the north‐west of Iran, –the Azarbaijan region. Specimens of this species were collected from Aqdagh (type location) and Talesh Mountains in Ardabil Province, Pir‐Saqqa Mountain in Eastern Azarbaijan Province. The taxonomic position of the new species is assessed using sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal ITS region, and the findings are discussed based on a morphological background as well. The new species is morphologically close to its sympatric species, J. heterophylla by having linear‐lanceolate simple and more or less entire leaves, but differs mostly in the form of inflorescence and shape and status of phyllaries. The new species also has similarities to its allopatric species J. monocephala, mainly by having semi‐globose involucre and scapose stems, but differs in plant indumentum, the shape of phyllaries and features of achenes and size of pappus rays. Description, photos and a distribution map for the new species and closely related species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The botanical publications of Boris S. Kharitontsev, who has worked on the flora and vegetation of Tobolsk District (Tyumen Region, south-western Siberia, Russia) for 30 years, make a typical case of grey literature in taxonomic botany. Kharitontsev has described about 400 local "new species" from a single district in this floristically poor territory. Although the taxonomic results of this work are not credible, this vast nomenclatural output requires attention and urges for comprehensive indexing due to requirements of the botanical nomenclature (principles of priority and homonymy). A new species name, Taraxacum stepanekii Sennikov, is proposed for Taraxacum roseolum Kirschner & Štěpánek from Kyrgyzstan, which is an illegitimate later homonym of Taraxacum roseolum Charit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamochaeta Wedd. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is a New World genus with a center of diversity in South America. The genus is characterized by capitula usually arranged in spikes or headlike clusters; pistillate florets outnumbering the bisexual florets; truncate style branches with apical sweeping trichomes; pappus bristles connate at the base into a ring that falls as a unit; and achenes with usually globose twin trichomes. We present here the first morphometric analysis of this genus. Based upon these results, 53 species are recognized, and two are newly synonymized: G. neuquensis Cabrera under the name G. chamissonis (DC.) Cabrera, and G. impatiens G. L. Nesom under the name G. americana (Mill.) Wedd. A lectotype is newly designated for Gnaphalium spiciforme Sch. Bip. The occurrence in southern Argentina of Gamochaeta procumbens (Phil.) Cabrera is reported for the first time, and G. standleyi (Steyerm.) G. L. Nesom is new for Colombia. One species, Gamochaeta thouarsii (Spreng.) Anderb., is treated as dubious. A key to the species is provided, as well as morphological descriptions, synonymy, distribution and habitat information, distinguishing characters, taxonomic affinities, distribution maps, illustrations of the species, and additional material examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bulgaria, Galatella cana was found only once near Lom town (Montana District) in 1892 and it had remained with an unconfirmed status ever since. A new locality, in the Thracian Lowland floristic region, was discovered in 2023, based on some misidentified specimens in the historical collection of Václav Stříbrný. The aim of the present article is to confirm the occurrence of G. cana in Bulgarian flora and to provide data of its only surviving population. An updated dichotomous key to the Bulgarian representatives of the genus Galatella is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on molecular phylogenetic studies, Barnadesioideae have been proposed to be the basal subfamily of Asteraceae. This is a complex of 10 genera and 87 species distributed primarily along the Andean mountains, Patagonia, and into southern Brazil and Uruguay. Phylogenetic analyses have recovered all genera as monophyletic groups and have provided insights to their inter-relationships. Four generic clades have been substantiated: (1) Chuquiraga , Doniophyton , and Duseniella ; (2) Dasyphyllum ; (3) Barnadesia and Huarpea ; and (4) Archidasyphyllum , Arnaldoa , and Fulcaldea. The remaining genus, the monospecific Schlechtendalia , has been an outlier in the subfamily, with some previous analyses recovering it as basal for the entire subfamily, and others showing it as sister to Barnadesia and Huarpea (with weak support) as well as to other genera. Recent massive sampling of loci has confirmed Schlechtendalia as the sister genus for the subfamily. Schlechtendalia luzulifolia has morphology atypical for Asteraceae. The capitula are loose aggregations of florets, and the leaves are long and strap shaped, more reminiscent of monocots. Morphological and anatomical investigations of the leaves reveal long, laminar blades with parallelodromous vascularization. The vesture is often with 'barnadesioid trichomes', especially towards the base of the plant, plus additional uniseriate trichomes consisting of 3 to many cells, newly reported for the subfamily. Some glandular trichomes with 2-4 short cells also occur. The transverse anatomy of the leaves reveals a single epidermal layer on both surfaces, which also contain the stomata (the leaf being amphistomatic). The mesophyll is undifferentiated; the vascular traces are surrounded by sclerenchyma that not only encircles the traces but also extends towards the epidermis and connects with it. The morphology and anatomy of the leaves of Schlechtendalia are divergent in comparison with other genera of the subfamily. Chuquiraga , Doniophyton , and Huarpea have leaf adaptations for survival in xeric habitats, such as dense pubescence, grey surfaces, and revolute margins. Schlechtendalia , in contrast, is adapted to a more mesic environment, especially near the Atlantic Ocean and along the Uruguay and La Plata rivers. The leaves are oriented upright, which correlates with undifferentiated mesophyll and stomata on both epidermal layers. The stem is an underground rhizome, an adaptation that permits survival during seasonal drought in the austral summer in Uruguay and adjacent regions. It is hypothesized that Schlechtendalia may have become adapted to more mesic environments in the Miocene prior to the rise of the Andes and development of the modern arid environments, into which many of the other genera of the subfamily subsequently radiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are secondary plant metabolites, which are widespread in the Compositae/Asteraceae plant family. The first SLs were detected more than 100 years ago, and allergic contact dermatitis from Compositae has been reported since the beginning of the 1900s, but it was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that a collaboration between dermatologists, chemists and botanists led to the detection of SLs as the main allergens of Compositae plants. In the 1980s, the SL mix, consisting of equimolar amounts of alantolactone, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone, was developed as a screening agent for Compositae sensitisation. Today, after inclusion of SL mix in the baseline series, the mean prevalence of reactions in Europe is around 1%, and in North America 0.8%. In countries outside Europe and North America, the prevalence ranges between 0% and 10.7%. The detection rate of SL mix is lower than that of some plant extracts, and ideally, SL mix should be supplemented with a mix of SLs from locally prevalent allergenic plants. The prevalence of positive reactions to SL mix suggests continued baseline testing in most European countries, North America, New Zealand, Australia and probably some Chinese centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum (L.) Hilliard & Burtt is a morphologically variable cosmopolitan species allied to a number of geographically restricted taxa with a confusing taxonomic history. The relationships and circumscription of these taxa have never been the subject of a global study. We subjected plastid genome and nuclear-ribosomal DNA sequences from New Zealand samples of P. luteoalbum and the threatened endemic P. ephemerum de Lange to phylogenetic analyses along with sequences from elsewhere in the world. Our analyses suggest that two lineages of the genus are present in New Zealand. One was collected from urban and periurban locations and we propose it is naturalised to New Zealand. The other was collected from peri-urban and relatively unmodified locations and we propose that it is indigenous and provide the new combination P. lanatum (G.Forst) Smissen, Breitw. & de Lange for the indigenous lineage at species rank. Pseudognaphalium ephemerum sequences were part of the lineage putatively indigenous to New Zealand but their sequences were not distinguishable from some others of this lineage in our analyses. Hawaiian Islands samples attributed to the four varieties of P. sandwicensium (Gaudich) Anderb. may all belong to different species. Sequences of two P. sandwicensium plants match those of the lineage putatively naturalised in New Zealand. Those of P. sandwicensium var. kilaueanum (O.Deg. & Sherff) W.L.Wagner are most similar to those of the putatively indigenous New Zealand lineage. Another group of Hawaiian Islands plants, including one of P. sandwicensium var. molokaiense (O.Deg. & Sherff) W.L.Wagner from west Maui, are more closely related to the Asiatic species P. affine (D.Don) Anderb. than to the other Hawaiian Islands lineages or either New Zealand lineage. The affinities of P. sandwicensium var. hawaiiense (O.Deg. & Sherff) W.L.Wagner lie with native North American Pseudognaphalium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the chemical analysis of petroleum ether extract of Eupatorium adenophorum was conducted which led to the identification of a previously unreported sesquiterpenoid, named eupatorione A (1). The structure of eupatorione A (1) was elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2DNMR techniques, as well as HRMS. Additionally, X-ray diffraction was employed to further confirm the structure. The anti-inflammatory activity of compound 1 was assessed by measuring its inhibitory effects on the production of nitric oxide (NO), induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 LPS-activated macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]