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Dipcadi (Scilloideae: Asparagaceae) is a genus of bulbous monocots with approximately 40 species, of which 13 occur in India. Species delimitation within the genus has been troublesome hindering a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. The most recent phylogeny of the subfamily Ornithogaloideae included six species of Dipcadi only from Africa. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Ornithogaloideae including 23 accessions comprising 13 recognized taxa (11 species and two varieties) of Indian Dipcadi. The phylogenetic analyses were based on nucleotide sequences of three plastid regions (rbcL, matK and trnL-F spacer) and one nuclear region (ITS). Pseudogaltonia clavata exhibited sister relationship to Dipcadi. Our combined nuclear + plastid dataset analyses revealed a monophyletic Dipcadi with five clades, Clade I-V. Clade I, II and III included mainly Indian species whereas Clade V included mostly African species. Clade IV comprised D. serotinum. Clade I included nine taxa including our newly described species, D. mukaianum. The new species was phylogenetically placed with D. erythraeum, D. saxorum and D. ursulae. Morphologically, the species resembled D. montanum and D. ursulae but differed in characters such as tepal cohesion, number of ovules per locule and foul-smelling flowers. Clade II and III included 11 and six taxa, respectively. D. erythraeum which has a native range from Egypt to western India was found in Clades I and V. The widespread Dipcadi species, viz. D. erythraeum and D. serotinum showed polyphyly however, the monophyly of Dipcadi is established. Our studies suggest that additional molecular markers (plastid as well as nuclear) should be tested for their taxonomy utility. Further work on the historical biogeography of Dipcadi on the subfamily Ornithogaloideae with more genetic data will yield insights how aridification of the landscape would have shaped the evolution of the geographical clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apostasia fujianica belongs to the genus Apostasia and is part of the basal lineage in the phylogenetic tree of the Orchidaceae. Currently, there are only ten reported complete mitochondrial genomes in orchids, which greatly hinders the understanding of mitochondrial evolution in Orchidaceae. Therefore, we assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genome of A. fujianica, which has a length of 573,612 bp and a GC content of 44.5%. We annotated a total of 44 genes, including 30 protein-coding genes, 12 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. We also performed relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis, repeat sequence analysis, intergenomic transfer (IGT) analysis, and Ka/Ks analysis for A. fujianica and conducted RNA editing site analysis on the mitochondrial genomes of eight orchid species. We found that most protein-coding genes are under purifying selection, but nad6 is under positive selection, with a Ka/Ks value of 1.35. During the IGT event in A. fujianica's mitogenome, the trnN-GUU, trnD-GUC, trnW-CCA, trnP-UGG, and psaJ genes were identified as having transferred from the plastid to the mitochondrion. Compared to other monocots, the family Orchidaceae appears to have lost the rpl10, rpl14, sdh3, and sdh4 genes. Additionally, to further elucidate the evolutionary relationships among monocots, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the complete mitogenomes of monocots. Our study results provide valuable data on the mitogenome of A. fujianica and lay the groundwork for future research on genetic variation, evolutionary relationships, and breeding of Orchidaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The folia content of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were studied in five monocot families: Amaryllidaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Orchidacea, and Poaceae. The species of different monocot families were found to have different amount of N and P and their ratio in the leaves. The lowest N content was in Iridaceae and the highest was in Amaryllidaceae. The lowest P content was in Cyperaceae and Poaceae while the highest was in Amaryllidaceae and Iridaceae. A minimum N/P ratio was observed in Iridaceae; a maximum N/P ratio, was in Poaceae. Thus, certain specifics were detected in the content of N and P and their ratio in the monocot families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly considered bispecific, Acorus is one of the most phylogenetically isolated angiosperm genera that forms the order Acorales sister to the rest of the monocots. The Acorus calamus group is widely distributed in the Holarctic regions of Eurasia and America and has strong medicinal and other practical uses since prehistoric times. Earlier studies interpreted native diploids and invasive triploids occurring in North America as two species that differed in morphology and distribution ranges. In contrast, diploids, triploids, and tetraploids occurring in Eurasia are commonly interpreted as one species because they reportedly cannot be distinguished in collections. We resolve the controversy over taxonomic concepts between Eurasia and America and provide the first detailed multidisciplinary account of Acorus in temperate Asia. We used plastid and nuclear markers, leaf anatomy, seed micromorphology, pollen stainability, flow cytometry, and direct chromosome counts. Diploids and tetraploids show stable molecular and micromorphological differences. Triploids are their sterile hybrids, with the plastid genome inherited from the diploid parent. Diploids of America and Asia tend to differ in leaf characters. Coadaptative coexistence with pollinating beetles Platamartus jakowlewi and Sibirhelus corpulentus (Kateretidae) is conserved between diploids and tetraploids and over a distance of 4700 km between Japan and Western Siberia. Diploids are self‐compatible and can set seeds in the absence of kateretid beetles. Tetraploids are self‐incompatible and/or cannot set seeds in the absence of Platamartus and Sibirhelus. Diploids (A. americanus) and tetraploids (A. verus) are two biological species; the former has two subspecies. Acorus calamus should be restricted to triploids; it apparently first evolved in temperate Asia. Diploids mostly occur in much cooler climates than triploids and tetraploids. Accessions of A. verus and A. calamus from tropical Asia are apparently derived from ancient introductions. Our data provide a new framework for the pharmacological use of Acorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alocasia sakonakhonensis Chatan & Promprom (Araceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is clearly different from other previously known species by leaves, spathe, ovary, sterile interstice, synandria, and appendix. Color illustrations, and a distribution map are provided, as well as comparative morphological characters about its similar species. The preliminary conservation status assessment of the new species was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serra do Padre Ângelo, a quartzitic massif in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, was nicknamed "Land of Giants" due to the gigantism observed in some plant species found in its campos rupestres. During fieldwork for the floristic inventory of this Serra, a small Eriocaulaceae species was collected. Initially it was believed to be a new species, but a thorough revision of names and type specimens revealed that it was conspecific with Paepalanthus minimus. This taxon was known only from the type specimen collected over 100 years ago and more than 200 km distant from the new collections. It had been overlooked in previous studies dealing with the family in Brazil, which could be explained by its diminutive size and the poor conditions of the type specimen. Here we present the implications of this rediscovery, including the combination of P. minimus in Giuliettia, a genus recently proposed based on general habit, inflorescence and seed morphology. We also present information on distribution and ecology and briefly discuss the biogeographical pattern that could explain this rediscovery far away from the previous record. Considering its likely local extinction at the type locality and threats to the quality of its remaining habitat, the species is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered. This highlights the urgent need for conservation actions to protect Serra do Padre Ângelo and its unique biodiversity. Citation: Andrino C. O., Rocha L. H. & Gonella P. M. 2024: A tiny rediscovery in the Land of Giants: a new combination in Giuliettia (Eriocaulaceae, Poales) and other implications of finding Paepalanthus minimus again. – Willdenowia 54: 81–93. Version of record first published online on 11 April 2024 ahead of inclusion in April 2024 issue. A Serra do Padre Ângelo, um maciço quartzítico no leste de Minas Gerais, Brasil, foi apelidada de "Terra de Gigantes" devido ao gigantismo observado em algumas espécies de plantas encontradas em seus campos rupestres. Durante o trabalho de campo para o inventário florístico desta Serra, uma pequena espécie de Eriocaulaceae foi coletada. Inicialmente, acreditava-se ser uma nova espécie, mas uma revisão minuciosa dos nomes e espécimes tipo revelou que ela era na verdade conspecífica com Paepalanthus minimus. Esse táxon era conhecido apenas pelo espécime tipo, coletado há mais de 100 anos e a mais de 200 km das novas coletas, tendo passado despercebido em estudos anteriores sobre a família no Brasil, o que pode ser explicado pelo seu tamanho diminuto e pelas condições precárias do espécime tipo. Aqui, apresentamos as implicações dessa redescoberta, incluindo a combinação de P. minimus em Giuliettia, um gênero recentemente proposto, com base em seu hábito geral, morfologia da inflorescência e da semente. Também fornecemos informações sobre a distribuição e ecologia, e discutimos brevemente o padrão biogeográfico que poderia explicar essa redescoberta tão distante do registro anterior. Considerando sua provável extinção local na localidade tipo e as ameaças à qualidade de seu habitat remanescente, a espécie é preliminarmente avaliada como Criticamente em Perigo. Isso destaca a necessidade urgente de ações de conservação para proteger a Serra do Padre Ângelo e sua biodiversidade única. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a result of botanical explorations carried out for the project Bromeliaceae of Mexico, we collected plants of the genus Hechtia within the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, in Xochipala, municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico. However, this plant does not resemble any known species. Question: Do the Hechtia populations in Xochipala correspond to an undescribed taxon? Studied species: Species of Hechtia previously reported from Morelos and all the taxa with greater morphological similarity to the new proposed taxon. Study site and date: Xochipala, municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico, 2023. Methods: Our research involved field work, review of herbarium specimens, protologues, and type material of all the species of Hechtia distributed in Morelos, in the neighboring states of Puebla and Guerrero, and of the most morphologically similar taxa. Results: After a careful and detailed review of the living material and herbarium specimens, we conclude that those plants belong to an undescribed taxon that we propose here. A morphological description, images, and a distribution map of Hechtia cerrostlatilpae are included, as well as an identification key and a list of examined specimens of all Hechtia species known from the state of Morelos. Conclusions: The discovery of a new species of Hechtia in Xochipala, Morelos, Mexico increases the plant diversity of Morelos, particularly at the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve. Hechtia cerrostlatilpae presents unique vegetative and floral characters that allow its recognition as a new species within the genus.

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - The palm genus Pinanga is the most diverse in Southeast Asia. - Limited ecological studies on Pinanga show the influence of environmental factors. - High Pinanga endemism in Borneo requires conservation action. ABSTRACT Palms represent some of the keystone species in tropical forests, providing numerous ecosystem services. They are widely studied by botanists because of their iconic and majestic appearance, although ecological studies of palm abundance, distributions, and diversity have only recently begun to gain attention. The abundance and diversity of palms at different spatial scales can be influenced by various factors, such as climate, soil properties, hydrology, topography and forest structure; understanding these influences is essential for conservation. This review details four abiotic factors (climate, soil chemistry, hydrology and topography) and one biotic factor (forest structure) affecting palm distribution and diversity. The genus Pinanga, one of the most diverse genera of palms, is discussed in terms of its distribution and diversity in Southeast Asia. Ecological studies on Pinanga diversity in the region are examined, revealing the influence of micro- and macro-scale variation in environmental factors, such as litter depth and thickness, canopy openness and crown cover, elevation, slope, aspect, light intensity, humidity and air temperature. The existing knowledge gaps on Pinanga ecology in Southeast Asia are discussed, and the need for more studies on population structures, functional traits and determinants of Pinanga diversity and distributions within different lowland forest types in the region are highlighted. The high endemism shown by Pinanga necessitates a more comprehensive ecological understanding of this genus to better inform its conservation and protection.

Abstract The present work is a taxonomic revision of the Dryadella species of Brazil. Dryadella comprises 61 species, distributed in humid or seasonally humid forests, from Mexico to southern Brazil, most in the Atlantic Rainforest and the Andean forests. We provide morphological descriptions, taxonomic discussions, illustrations, an identification key, new synonyms, new occurrences and distribution maps for all taxa. Fourteen species are recognised for Brazil, of these D. zebrina recorded also for Bolivia and Peru, D. aviceps in Paraguay, D. lilliputiana in Bolivia, D. gnoma in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica and recorded for the first time in Brazil. The others are endemic to the country and, with the exception of D. gnoma, which occurs in the Amazon and D. ana-paulae, which occurs in the Cerrado, the other species are restricted to the Atlantic Rainforest. We propose the synonymisation of D. osmariniana and D. cardosoi in D. gnoma, D. espirito-santensis, D. gomes-ferreirae and D. litoralis in D. aviceps, D. vasquezii in D. ana-paulae and D. xaveriana in D. toscanoi. Nine lectotypes are designed.

Backgrounds and aims -- The genus Hechtia (sensu lato) is distributed from the southern United States to northern Central America and includes 95 species. Recent botanical explorations, carried out in the Colima and Jalisco states in search of H. reticulata, led to the discovery of two new species. The aims of this work were to complete the morphological description of H. reticulata and describe these two new species. Material and methods -- This study was based on fieldwork and on the revision of literature, protologues, type material, and herbarium specimens. The specimens collected were prepared for storage in the herbarium, analysed, measured, and descriptions were made; measurements were taken from dried specimens. Due to their morphological similarities and the closeness of their populations, the proposed species are compared with H. reticulata. Key results -- We propose two new species of Hechtia for Mexico (H. costalegrensis and H. pacifica); an epitype and a complete description of H. reticulata are also provided. The diagnostic characters and morphological affinities of the new species are discussed, including complete morphological descriptions and images; a comparative table is presented, showing the morphological differences between the new species and H. reticulata. A distribution map of the taxa described here and of H. reticulata is included, as well as an identification key and a list of examined specimens of all Hechtia species known to date from Colima and Jalisco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alocasia sakonakhonensis Chatan & Promprom (Araceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is clearly different from other previously known species by leaves, spathe, ovary, sterile interstice, synandria, and appendix. Color illustrations, and a distribution map are provided, as well as comparative morphological characters about its similar species. The preliminary conservation status assessment of the new species was presented.

PremiseAdaptive divergence across environmental gradients is a key driver of speciation. Precipitation seasonality gradients are common in the tropics, yet drought adaptation is nearly unexplored in neotropical understory herbs. Here, we examined two recently diverged neotropical spiral gingers, one adapted to seasonal drought and one reliant on perennial water, to uncover the basis of drought adaptation.MethodsWe combined ecophysiological trait measurements in the field and greenhouse with experimental and observational assessments of real-time drought response to determine how Costus villosissimus (Costaceae) differs from C. allenii to achieve drought adaptation.ResultsWe found that drought-adapted C. villosissimus has several characteristics indicating flexible dehydration avoidance via semi-drought-deciduousness and a fast economic strategy. Although the two species do not differ in water-use efficiency, C. villosissimus has a more rapid growth rate, lower leaf mass per area, lower stem density, higher leaf nitrogen, and a strong trend of greater light-saturated photosynthetic rates. These fast economic strategy traits align with both field-based observations and experimental dry-down results. During drought, C. villosissimus displays facultative drought-deciduousness, losing lower leaves during the dry season and rapidly growing new leaves in the wet season.ConclusionsWe revealed a drought adaptation strategy that has not, to our knowledge, previously been documented in tropical herbs. This divergent drought adaptation evolved recently and is an important component of reproductive isolation between C. villosissimus and C. allenii, indicating that adaptive shifts to survive seasonal drought may be an underappreciated axis of neotropical understory plant diversification.

The present article tests the following general assumption: plant taxa with different specializations towards mycorrhizal interactions should have different root syndromes. Roots of 61 species common in boreal zone were studied: 16 species of Poaceae, 24 species of Cyperaceae, 14 species of Orchidaceae, and 7 species of Iridaceae. Using a fixed material of 5 individuals of each species, the following was determined: number of orders of branching roots; transverse dimensions of root, stele and cortex; number of primary xylem vessels and exodermis layers; length of root hairs; abundance of mycorrhiza. Species of each family had well-defined syndromes. Roots of Orchidaceae and Iridaceae were thick with a large stele and developed exodermis. Orchidaceae had no branching roots and had long root hairs. In Iridaceae, roots were branched, and root hairs were short. Roots of Poaceae and Cyperaceae were thin with a relatively thin stele. Root hairs were short in Poaceae and long in Cyperaceae. Our finding that root syndromes of four families of monocots differed is a new and unexpected discovery. The high specificity of root syndromes in Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Poaceae, and Orchidaceae indicates that species of these families use different strategies to obtain water and soil nutrients.

Apostasia fujianica belongs to the genus Apostasia and is part of the basal lineage in the phylogenetic tree of the Orchidaceae. Currently, there are only ten reported complete mitochondrial genomes in orchids, which greatly hinders the understanding of mitochondrial evolution in Orchidaceae. Therefore, we assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genome of A. fujianica, which has a length of 573,612 bp and a GC content of 44.5%. We annotated a total of 44 genes, including 30 protein-coding genes, 12 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. We also performed relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis, repeat sequence analysis, intergenomic transfer (IGT) analysis, and Ka/Ks analysis for A. fujianica and conducted RNA editing site analysis on the mitochondrial genomes of eight orchid species. We found that most protein-coding genes are under purifying selection, but nad6 is under positive selection, with a Ka/Ks value of 1.35. During the IGT event in A. fujianica’s mitogenome, the trnN-GUU, trnD-GUC, trnW-CCA, trnP-UGG, and psaJ genes were identified as having transferred from the plastid to the mitochondrion. Compared to other monocots, the family Orchidaceae appears to have lost the rpl10, rpl14, sdh3, and sdh4 genes. Additionally, to further elucidate the evolutionary relationships among monocots, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the complete mitogenomes of monocots. Our study results provide valuable data on the mitogenome of A. fujianica and lay the groundwork for future research on genetic variation, evolutionary relationships, and breeding of Orchidaceae.

The phenomenon of heterochrony, or shifts in the relative timing of ontogenetic events, is important for understanding many aspects of plant evolution, including applied issues such as crop yield. In this paper, we review heterochronic shifts in the evolution of an important floral organ, the carpel. The carpels, being ovule-bearing organs, facilitate fertilisation, seed, and fruit formation. It is the carpel that provides the key character of flowering plants, angiospermy. In many angiosperms, a carpel has two zones: proximal ascidiate and distal plicate. When carpels are free (apocarpous gynoecium), the plicate zone has a ventral slit where carpel margins meet and fuse during ontogeny; the ascidiate zone is sac-like from inception and has no ventral slit. When carpels are united in a syncarpous gynoecium, a synascidiate zone has as many locules as carpels, whereas a symplicate zone is unilocular, at least early in ontogeny. In ontogeny, either the (syn)ascidiate or (sym)plicate zone is first to initiate. The two developmental patterns are called early and late peltation, respectively. In extreme cases, either the (sym)plicate or (syn)ascidiate zone is completely lacking. Here, we discuss the diversity of carpel structure and development in a well-defined clade of angiosperms, the monocotyledons. We conclude that the common ancestor of monocots had carpels with both zones and late peltation. This result was found irrespective of the use of the plastid or nuclear phylogeny. Early peltation generally correlates with ovules belonging to the (syn)ascidiate zone, whereas late peltation is found mostly in monocots with a fertile (sym)plicate zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaxis ybytus is proposed as a new species from the wetlands of the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest of south Brazil, Serra do Araçatuba\Papanduva mountain chain. It is described, illustrated, and compared with other similar species. The new species is similar to Malaxis cipoensis and Malaxis sertulifera, but it is recognised by its flat to slightly conduplicate leaves, densely congested inflorescence with small flowers bearing free lateral sepals and four foveas in the lip. Due to the high degree of endemism in this environment, the few collection records and the anthropic pressure in the region, we infer that the species is critically endangered (CR) based in criterium D of the IUCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) is a disease of monocot plants caused by Xanthonionas translucens on small grains, X vasic·ola on maize and sorghum, and X. oryzae on rice. These three pathogens cause remarkably similar symptomology in their host plants. Despite causing similar symptoms. BLS pathogens are dispersed throughout the larger Xanthomonas phylogeny. Each aforementioned species includes strain groups that do not cause BLS and instead cause vascular disease. In this commentary, we hypothesize that strains of X. trans! ucens, X. vasic<, ta. and X. ory:ae convergently evolved to cause BLS due to shared evolutionary pressures. We examined the diversity of secreted effectors, which may be important virulence factors for BLS pathogens and their evolution. We discuss evidence that differences in gene regulation and abilities to manipulate plant hormones may also separate BLS pathogens from other Xanthoniona.r species or pathovars. BLS is becoming an increasing issue across the three pathosystems. Overall, we hope that a better understanding of conserved mechanisms used by BLS pathogens will enable researchers to translate findings across production systems and guide approaches to control this (re)emerging threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification and phylogenetic history of the Amaryllidaceae is reviewed since the dawn of molecular systematics in the 1990’s. The family is now recognized as comprising three subfamilies: Agapanthoideae, Allioideae, and Amaryllidoideae, of which the latter is the largest. The family likely had a Gondwanaland origin in what is now Africa. Agapanthoideae is monotypic, endemic to South Africa, and the first branch in the family tree of life; Allioidieae is sister to Amaryllidoideae. Four tribes are recognized in Allioideae: Allieae (monotypic, with nearly 1000 species of Allium across the Northern Hemisphere), Gilliesieae (5-7 genera in southern South America), Leucocoryneae (six genera mostly in southern South America), and Tulbaghieae (monotypic, with ca. 30 species endemic to South Africa). Amaryllidoideae is cosmopolitan, but mostly pantropical, consisting of 13 tribes. Centers of diversity occur in South Africa, South America and the Mediterranean region. The American clade is sister to the Eurasian clade (tribes Galantheae, Lycorideae, Narcisseae and Pancratieae) of the subfamily. The American Amaryllidoideae resolves as two monophyletic groups, 1) the hippeastroid clade (tribes Griffineae and Hippeastreae) and 2) the Andean tetraploid clade (tribes Clinantheae, Eucharideae, Eustephieae, and Hymenocallideae). Molecular analyses are reviewed for each main clade of the family, along with the resultant taxonomic changes. Directions for future studies are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent botanical explorations carried out in the Guerrero state for the project Bromeliaceae of Mexico led to the discovery of two new species, both endemic to Guerrero: Hechtia kruseana and H. rosamariae. The new taxa are compared with the morphologically similar: H. anarosae, H. caulescens, H. jaliscana and H. stenopetala. Hechtia kruseana differs from these by the diameter of the rosettes (50–60 cm) and by the length of the staminate and pistillate inflorescences (190–275 cm). Hechtia rosamariae differs from morphologically related species by the size of floral bracts (1.5–2.0 × 0.7–1.0 mm) and the length of the petals (3.0–3.2 mm) of staminate flowers; by the length (2.3–2.6 mm) and shape (ovate) of the sepals, and width of the petals (1.7–2.0 mm) of pistillate flowers. Morphological descriptions, images, and a map showing the distribution of the described taxa are included, as well as an identification key for all the species of Hechtia present in Guerrero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification and phylogenetic history of the Amaryllidaceae is reviewed since the dawn of molecular systematics in the 1990’s. The family is now recognized as comprising three subfamilies: Agapanthoideae, Allioideae, and Amaryllidoideae, of which the latter is the largest. The family likely had a Gondwanaland origin in what is now Africa. Agapanthoideae is monotypic, endemic to South Africa, and the first branch in the family tree of life; Allioidieae is sister to Amaryllidoideae. Four tribes are recognized in Allioideae: Allieae (monotypic, with nearly 1000 species of Allium across the Northern Hemisphere), Gilliesieae (5–7 genera in southern South America), Leucocoryneae (six genera mostly in southern South America), and Tulbaghieae (monotypic, with ca. 30 species endemic to South Africa). Amaryllidoideae is cosmopolitan, but mostly pantropical, consisting of 13 tribes. Centers of diversity occur in South Africa, South America and the Mediterranean region. The American clade is sister to the Eurasian clade (tribes Galantheae, Lycorideae, Narcisseae and Pancratieae) of the subfamily. The American Amaryllidoideae resolves as two monophyletic groups, 1) the hippeastroid clade (tribes Griffineae and Hippeastreae) and 2) the Andean tetraploid clade (tribes Clinantheae, Eucharideae, Eustephieae, and Hymenocallideae). Molecular analyses are reviewed for each main clade of the family, along with the resultant taxonomic changes. Directions for future studies are briefly discussed.

Neotropical Maranta has repeatedly emerged as non-monophyletic in molecular phylogenetic studies, but no taxonomic changes have been proposed due to previous weak support for the main clades and overall sparse taxonomic sampling. Our study includes a phylogenetic hypothesis strictly based on molecular evidence, using nuclear ribosomal (nrITS) and plastid (rps16 , trnL-F and rpl32-trnL) markers for Maranta and allied genera. Thirty-two species from eight genera were sampled, and maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were carried out. Non-ambiguous indels were scored in both analyses to test their contribution to internal support. Our results confirm that Maranta , as previously delimited, is non-monophyletic, with species of Hylaeanthe, Myrosma and Koernickanthe nested among clades of Maranta. The combined BI analysis without indels was the best resolved, and inclusion of indels increased support only for terminal clades. The sampled species comprise two sister clades, one with Maranta + Hylaeanthe + Myrosma + Koernickanthe and the other with Ctenanthe + Saranthe + Stromanthe. The infrageneric classification proposed by Schumann for Maranta (M. subgenera Maranta and Calateastrum) is partially corroborated by our results, but the remaining subgenera need to be further studied. Based on our strongly supported phylogenetic results, we revise the taxonomy of these genera, expanding the limits of Maranta. We propose two new combinations and a new name for Hylaeanthe in Maranta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we explore the origin of the rudimentary embryo, its relationship to other kinds of plant embryos and its role in the diversification of angiosperms. Rudimentary embryos have a length:width ratio of ≤2.0, and they have organs, including cotyledon(s) and a primary root. A literature survey failed to reveal rudimentary embryos in the pre-angiosperms, suggesting that this kind of embryo is an angiosperm invention. Although proembryos of some gymnosperms and angiosperms have a length:width ratio of ≤2.0, they have not formed meristems or organs. Thus, rudimentary embryos are not proembryos. During the development of rudimentary embryos in monocots and dicots (all non-monocots), the growth pattern of the epicotyledonary cells differs, resulting in differences in the placement of the shoot meristem and in one versus two cotyledons, respectively, but the embryo size is similar. Rudimentary embryos grow inside the seed prior to germination, which is true for linear-underdeveloped embryos, including those in some gymnosperms. Rudimentary embryos served as the starting point for the great diversification of embryos, and ultimately of seeds, in angiosperms, and they are still present in many families of extant angiosperms. The rudimentary embryo is part of the syndrome of changes, including increased speed of pollen germination and pollen tube growth, simplification of the female gametophyte, development of endosperm and elimination of multiple embryo production from each zygote, that distinguish angiosperm seed production from that of gymnosperms. We conclude that the rudimentary embryo was one of many new developments of angiosperms that contributed to their great success on earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed morphology could provide significant characters for understanding the diversification of some clades in Bromeliaceae subfamily Bromelioideae, but little is known about the anatomical diversity and ontogeny of the seed coat in this diverse subfamily. We analysed the morphoanatomy of the seed coat for 48 species from 25 genera of the major lineages of Bromelioideae, from which we selected four species for ontogenetic analysis. Standard techniques for light microscopy were adapted for the anatomical study of seeds. Thirty-three variable characters were described and compared. Flattened or angular usually exappendiculate, tegmic-endotestal seeds, with secondarily thickened endotesta and undulate or costate tegmen, are common characteristics of the tankless lineages. Long oblongoid–obovoid, appendaged or exappendiculate, exclusively tegmic and mucilaginous seeds are common to core Bromelioideae. Anatomical features of the exotegmen and testa and the number of parenchyma layers in the raphe were more variable and especially useful in delimiting genera and some species. The ontogenetic analysis was essential to propose the primary morphological homology hypotheses for the seed coat characters. Seed coat morphoanatomical features offer a promising source of phylogenetically informative characters for integrative and character evolution approaches for Bromelioideae and possibly other subfamilies of Bromeliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apostasia shenzhenica belongs to the subfamily Apostasioideae and is a primitive group located at the base of the Orchidaceae phylogenetic tree. However, the A. shenzhenica mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is still unexplored, and the phylogenetic relationships between monocots mitogenomes remain unexplored. In this study, we discussed the genetic diversity of A. shenzhenica and the phylogenetic relationships within its monocotyledon mitogenome. We sequenced and assembled the complete mitogenome of A. shenzhenica, resulting in a circular mitochondrial draft of 672,872 bp, with an average read coverage of 122× and a GC content of 44.4%. A. shenzhenica mitogenome contained 36 protein-coding genes, 16 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and two copies of nad4L. Repeat sequence analysis revealed a large number of medium and small repeats, accounting for 1.28% of the mitogenome sequence. Selection pressure analysis indicated high mitogenome conservation in related species. RNA editing identified 416 sites in the protein-coding region. Furthermore, we found 44 chloroplast genomic DNA fragments that were transferred from the chloroplast to the mitogenome of A. shenzhenica, with five plastid-derived genes remaining intact in the mitogenome. Finally, the phylogenetic analysis of the mitogenomes from A. shenzhenica and 28 other monocots showed that the evolution and classification of most monocots were well determined. These findings enrich the genetic resources of orchids and provide valuable information on the taxonomic classification and molecular evolution of monocots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite morphological similarity of lemmas and paleas in rice, lemma gene expression is similar to that of glumes, while palea gene expression is similar to that of lodicules and reproductive organs (Zong et al., [17]). Keywords: developmental genetics; evolution of floral development; floral homology; monocots; Poaceae; sepals; tepals EN developmental genetics evolution of floral development floral homology monocots Poaceae sepals tepals 1 4 4 05/03/23 20230401 NES 230401 Plant form is astonishingly diverse. If, for instance, ChINs for bract and sepal identity were defined, they could be compared to genes involved in lemma development to determine whether lemmas rely on the leaf ChIN, sepal ChIN, or a combination of both. [Extracted from the article]

One of the most important divisions in the plant kingdom is the monocotyledon division of angiosperms. More than 60,000 monocot spp. have been identified, the majority of which are economically important, such as the Poaceae, Orchidaceae, Arecaceae, Liliaceae, and certain other families. The involvement of the ABCDE model of floral organ determination during flower development is a growing area of research in the field of molecular biology due to the diversity in the floral morphology of monocots. The MADS-box gene family is a large molecular transcript family that helps identify specific proteins involved in floral development. It is classified into several classes based on its function. The review aimed to evaluate the significance of ABCDE genes for floral development and subsequent organ identification, which have been discovered in a range of monocot plants, as well as the functions of these genes in determining the sex of dioecious plants. We sought to summarise the MADS-box gene responsible for flower initiation and floral whorl differentiation reported in economically valuable monocotyledonous plants.

In preparation for a full taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genera of Costaceae (i.e., Chamaecostus, Costus, Dimerocostus, and Monocostus), we present the description of 17 new species of Neotropical Costus and one new species of the Neotropic endemic genus Chamaecostus with notes on their distribution and ecology, vernacular names (when known), and diagnostic characters for identification. Distribution maps are included for all species, and each description is accompanied by photographic plates illustrating diagnostic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf pigment complex traits of 44 wetland plant species from the Middle Urals (Russia) were studied to analyze their diversity in relation to taxonomy and life forms. The chlorophyll content per dry weight (ChlDW) and leaf area (ChlArea), the ratio of chlorophylls a and b, and CO2 uptake rates (ADW) were determined. ChlDW varied by 10-fold from 2.20 to 21.9 mg g−1 among the wetland plant species. The influence of taxonomy at the level of classes on the variation of the pigment complex traits was revealed. Dicots had greater ChlDW and had a greater proportion of chlorophylls in the light-harvesting complex (ChlLHC) than monocots. In dicots, ChlLHC was positively correlated with leaf area ratio (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), and the effect of life forms on the content and ratio of pigments was determined. In monocots, chlorophyll content was positively correlated with ADW (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and plant height (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). In monocots, the effect of families on the pigment content was observed. The lack of differences in ChlArea between the different systematic groups and life forms indicates a similar ability of the leaf area unit to absorb a solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of genomic structural evolution associated with accelerated evolutionary rates that result in avoidance of meltdown and increase biodiversity is becoming ever more possible as the number of available plastomes increases. To more comprehensively analyze rate heterogeneity among monocots and within Poaceae, we sequenced plastomes from four Poaceae species, combined them with publicly available data from ~200 plastomes, and conducted comparative analyses to quantify the pattern of rate heterogeneity between different lineages, functional groups, and periods of evolutionary time. We compared structural differences across the Poaceae to quantify how changes in plastome size correspond to different genomic subunits and the evolution of IR–SC junction boundaries. The substitution rates among ancestral Poaceae were inferred to be exceptionally rapid compared to other monocots but slowed after divergence into extant lineages, which could not be sufficiently explained by positive selection. As such, rapid rates in the ancestral lineage leading to Poaceae might be more closely linked to large‐scale structural changes like the loss of ycf1 and ycf2. The total increase in plastome size across Poaceae was positively correlated with the total length of intergenic spacers, tandem repeats, and dispersed repeats as well as large single copy, and inverted repeats (IRs). The continuous evolution of IR–SC junction boundaries was asynchronous with sizes of total genome and subunits across Poaceae. Future work is needed to better understand what factors in ancestral Poaceae evolved to harness such rapid rates of plastome evolution, avoid a mutational meltdown, and escape the stagnation of strong purifying selection as well as if these factors could be utilized to synthetically control rates. Highlights: Extensive sampling covering all monocotyledonous orders and subfamilies of Poaceae to compare different levels of plastome evolutionary rates heterogeneity.Comprehensively revealed the clade‐specific patterns of plastomes size variations among Poaceae subfamilies.Confirmed the distances of genes to IR–SC boundaries were effective for phylogeny, species identification, and maternal tracing of Poaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basalmost monocot genus Acorus is well-known for its use in traditional oriental medicine. It comprises the groups of A. calamus and A. gramineus. A recent study recognized three species in the latter group, A. gramineus, A. macrospadiceus, and A. tatarinowii. The material currently known as A. tatarinowii has been extensively studied as a source of various chemical compounds and for producing the first published genome of Acorus, which is important for understanding the origin and evolution of monocots. Using the data from morphology, anatomy, and biogeography, we argue that the type material of A. tatarinowii does not match the interpretation of the species name as adopted in the current literature and herbarium collections (to a taxon of the A. gramineus group from Southeast Asia) but rather belongs to the A. calamus group. Moreover, the name A. macrospadiceus also cannot be used because it was invalidly published. Under a narrow species concept, other appropriate species names should be found or proposed for the plants currently named A. tatarinowii and A. macrospadiceus. However, we discourage the use of a narrow species concept in the A. gramineus group as insufficiently justified and suggest recognizing a single polymorphic species, A. gramineus s.l., at least until a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the group is available. Apart from the presentation of our revised taxonomic framework, we update the geographical distributions of Acorus species in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnoliids are the largest flowering plant clades outside of the eudicots and monocots, which are distributed worldwide and have high economic, ornamental and ecological values. Eudicots, monocots and magnoliids are the three major clades of Mesangiospermae, and their phylogenetic relationship is one of the most interesting issues. In recent years, with the continuous accumulation of genomic information, the evolutionary status of magnoliids has become a hot spot in plant phylogenetic research. Although great efforts have been made to study the evolution of magnoliids using molecular data from several representative species such as nuclear genome, plastid genome, mitochondrial genome, and transcriptome, the results of current studies on the phylogenetic status of magnoliids are inconsistent. Here, we systematically describe the current understanding of the molecular research on magnoliid phylogeny and review the differences in the evolutionary state of magnoliids. Understanding the research approaches and limitations of magnoliid phylogeny can guide research strategies to further improve the study of the phylogenetic evolution of magnoliids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) are well-known key genes for initiating flowering in plants. Delineating the evolutionary history and functional diversity of FT genes is important for understanding the diversification of flowering time and how plants adapt to the changing surroundings. We performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of FT genes in 47 sequenced flowering plants and the 1,000 Plant Transcriptomes (1KP) database with a focus on monocots, especially cereals. We revealed the evolutionary history of FT genes. The FT genes in monocots can be divided into three clades (I, II, and III), whereas only one monophyletic group was detected in early angiosperms, magnoliids, and eudicots. Multiple rounds of whole-genome duplications (WGD) events followed by gene retention contributed to the expansion and variation of FT genes in monocots. Amino acid sites in the clade II and III genes were preferentially under high positive selection, and some sites located in vital domain regions are known to change functions when mutated. Clade II and clade III genes exhibited high variability in important regions and functional divergence compared with clade I genes; thus, clade I is more conserved than clade II and III. Genes in clade I displayed higher expression levels in studied organs and tissues than the clade II and III genes. The co-expression modules showed that some of the FT genes might have experienced neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization, such as the acquisition of environmental resistance. Overall, FT genes in monocots might form three clades by the ancient gene duplication, and each clade was subsequently subjected to different selection pressures and amino acid substitutions, which eventually led to different expression patterns and functional diversification. Our study provides a global picture of FT genes' evolution in monocots, paving a road for investigating FT genes' function in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate assimilation is an essential pathway of plant primary metabolism, regulated by the demand for reduced sulfur (S). The S-containing tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is the key signal for such regulation in Arabidopsis, but little is known about the conservation of these regulatory mechanisms beyond this model species. Using two model monocot species, C3 rice (Oryza sativa) and C4 Setaria viridis , and feeding of cysteine or GSH, we aimed to find out how conserved are the regulatory mechanisms described for Arabidopsis in these species. We showed that while in principle the regulation is similar, there are many species-specific differences. For example, thiols supplied by the roots are translocated to the shoots in rice but remain in the roots of Setaria. Cysteine and GSH concentrations are highly correlated in Setaria , but not in rice. In both rice and Setaria , GSH seems to be the signal for demand-driven regulation of sulfate assimilation. Unexpectedly, we observed cysteine oxidation to sulfate in both species, a reaction that does not occur in Arabidopsis. This reaction is dependent on sulfite oxidase, but the enzyme(s) releasing sulfite from cysteine still need to be identified. Altogether our data reveal a number of unique features in the regulation of S metabolism in the monocot species and indicate the need for using multiple taxonomically distinct models to better understand the control of nutrient homeostasis, which is important for generating low-input crop varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty-nine new records of species were added to the list of urban ornamental plants of Tunja (Boyacá). This contribution is presented as a catalog with three taxonomic groups: Pteridophyta (2 families, 2 genera and 2 species), Eudicotyledons (21 families with 47 genera, 72 species and 1 cultivar) and Monocotyledons (7 families, 12 genera and 15 species). Within the families, the most important in terms of richness were the Cactaceae (with 13 genera and 21 species) and the Crassulaceae (with 8 genera and 21 species). Therefore, the growth habit that prevailed were succulents. Information such as the common name and origin of each species is provided, and photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic analyses imply that monocots were a key group in the early radiation of angiosperms, yet they are much rarer than other major clades in the Early Cretaceous macrofossil record. Here we describe a well-preserved leaf and several inflorescences related to the near-basal monocot family Araceae and abundant monocot leaves of uncertain affinities from two latest Albian localities in north-eastern Spain. Orontiophyllum ferreri sp. nov. has a multistranded midrib, several orders of parallel-pinnate veins, two orders of transverse veins, and paracytic-oblique stomata. This suite of characters (but with both anomocytic and paracytic-oblique stomata) is characteristic today of Orontium in the near-basal araceous subfamily Orontioideae, and later Cretaceous and early Cenozoic leaves assigned to Orontiophyllum have similar architecture. Sedimentology and anatomy suggest a (semi)aquatic ecology. Other monocot leaves at the same locality are linear and parallel-veined but have similar stomata. Although anomocytic stomata have been proposed as ancestral in monocots, O. ferreri, the associated linear leaves, Albian–Cenomanian cuticles from Australia and Portugal, and extant data are consistent with the hypothesis that variable paracytic-oblique stomata are ancestral. Turolospadix bogneri gen. et sp. nov., from the other locality, includes spadices of ebracteate flowers with four tepals, a central gynoecium, and a long stipe (vs a spathe attached just below the fertile zone as in most Araceae). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the character combinations seen in O. ferreri and T. bogneri are ancestral for Araceae, and they could be either sister to Araceae or nested within a basal grade of the family. Together with fossils from the Aptian–Albian of Brazil and Portugal, the Spanish fossils indicate that Araceae are among the oldest extant monocot families, but they were associated with diverse linear-leaved monocots of uncertain affinities.

Aspidistra yingjiangensis L. J. Peng (Asparagaceae: Nolinoidae) earlier known from Yunnan province in China is reported here as a new record for India from the state of Nagaland. A detailed taxonomic description along with photographs of the diagnostic characters is presented. Detailed comparison of the morphological characters of A. yingjiangensis with A. longifolia Hook. f., the only known Indian Aspidistra, has been given.

Abstract Vascular epiphytes contribute significantly to the biodiversity of tropical forests. We aimed to identify the epiphyte species occurring in the Muriqui Trail at Serra do Brigadeiro State Park (SBSP), a priority area for Atlantic forest conservation in southeastern Brazil. We selected 10 phorophytes, from which we sampled epiphytes and took light intensity measurements at three strata: up to 4 m, 4 to 8 m, and above 8 m. Phorophytes represented eight species, eight genera, and six families. We found 25 epiphytic species from 17 genera and nine families. Ferns showed highest richness, especially Polypodiaceae. We report herein important data on epiphyte diversity in eastern Minas Gerais state (Zona da Mata), including the occurrence of species rarely cited in surveys. Fomenting local conservation along with environmental education may be pivotal for counteracting anthropic pressure on SBSP.

Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of zinc on Zea mays L. cv. Turda 200 seedlings in the first phases of development. For this, in the spring we treated corn caryopsis, and placed it into germinators with different concentrations of Zn, in the form of zinc acetate, namely: 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%, during the germination period. After 10 days after the beginning of the experiment, we concluded that the germination rate was not influenced by the presence of Zn in the soil, and Zn also acted as a trace element in the corn in the first ontogenetic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We assess relationships among 192 species in all 12 monocot orders and 72 of 77 families, using 602 conserved single-copy (CSC) genes and 1375 benchmarking single-copy ortholog (BUSCO) genes extracted from genomic and transcriptomic datasets. Phylogenomic inferences based on these data, using both coalescentbased and supermatrix analyses, are largely congruent with the most comprehensive plastome-based analysis, and nuclear-gene phylogenomic analyses with less comprehensive taxon sampling. The strongest discordance between the plastome and nuclear gene analyses is the monophyly of a clade comprising Asparagales and Liliales in our nuclear gene analyses, versus the placement of Asparagales and Liliales as successive sister clades to the commelinids in the plastome tree. Within orders, around six of 72 families shifted supported inferred relationships in the plastome-based tree. In Poales, the nuclear data place a clade comprising Ecdeiocoleaceae+Joinvilleaceae as sister to the grasses (Poaceae); Typhaceae, (rather thanBromeliaceae)are resolved as sister to all other Poales. In Commelinales, nuclear data place Philydraceae sister to all other families rather than to a clade comprising Haemodoraceae+Pontederiaceae as seen in the plastome tree. In Liliales, nuclear data place Liliaceae sister to Smilacaceae, and Melanthiaceae are placed sister to all other Liliales except Campynemataceae. Finally, in Alismatales, nuclear data strongly place Tofieldiaceae, rather than Araceae, as sister to all the other families, providing an alternative resolution of what has been themost problematic node to resolve using plastid data, outside of those involving achlorophyllousmycoheterotrophs. As seen in numerous prior studies, the placement of orders Acorales and Alismatales as successive sister lineages to allother extantmonocots. Only 21.2% of BUSCOgenes were demonstrably single-copy, yet phylogenomic inferences based on BUSCO andCSCgenesdid notdiffer, and overall functional annotationsof thetwosetswere very similar. Our analyses also reveal significant gene tree-species tree discordance despite high support values, as expected given incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) related to rapid diversification. Our study advances understanding of monocot relationships and the robustness of phylogenetic inferences based on large numbers of nuclear single-copy genes that can be obtained from transcriptomes and genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SEPALLATA transcription factors (SEP TFs) have been extensively studied in angiosperms as pivotal components of virtually all the MADS-box tetrameric complex master regulators of floral organ identities. However, there are published reports that suggest that some SEP members also regulate earlier reproductive events, such as inflorescence meristem determinacy and inflorescence architecture, with potential for application in breeding programs in crops. The SEP subfamily underwent a quite complex pattern of duplications during the radiation of the angiosperms. Taking advantage of the many whole genomic sequences now available, we present a revised and expanded SEP phylogeny and link it to the known functions of previously characterized genes. This snapshot supports the evidence that the major SEP3 clade is highly specialized for the specification of the three innermost floral whorls, while its sister LOFSEP clade is functionally more versatile and has been recruited for diverse roles, such as the regulation of extra-floral bract formation and inflorescence determinacy and shape. This larger pool of angiosperm SEP genes confirms previous evidence that their evolution was driven by whole-genome duplications rather than small-scale duplication events. Our work may help to identify those SEP lineages that are the best candidates for the improvement of inflorescence traits, even in far distantly related crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monocot family Cyclanthaceae (Pandanales) comprises ca. 230 known species in 12 genera restricted to the Neotropics. The family has not been the subject of a species‐level molecular phylogenetic study to date, with multiple evolutionary and biogeographic questions about Cyclanthaceae still unanswered. In this study, we address genus‐ and species‐level relationships and the historical biogeography of Cyclanthaceae based on a broadly sampled molecular phylogeny. Two low‐copy nuclear genes (phyC, rpb2) and five plastid regions (atpB‐rbcL, psbA‐trnH, trnL‐trnF, trnQ‐rps16, matK) representing 99 species and all genera of Cyclanthaceae were sampled, spanning the taxonomic and biogeographic diversity of the family. Our results strongly support the monophyly of all Cyclanthaceae genera and confirm previously proposed hypotheses of intergeneric relationships. Infrageneric relationships are generally well supported, with some exceptions in the genus Asplundia that may require a broader sampling to clarify. The early diversification of Cyclanthaceae is estimated to date back to the Paleocene‐Eocene period in South America, where the family possibly arrived through a boreotropical route. The origin of most genera is inferred from the Paleocene of the Tumbes‐Chocó‐Magdalena region, possibly indicating an earlier origin for this biodiversity hotspot. The current distribution of Cyclanthaceae is likely to have been strongly influenced by major biogeographical events in the Neotropics, such as the uplift of the Andes and the opening of the South America dry diagonal. Further studies that include a broader sample of the large Asplundia‐Dicranopygium clade and Sphaeradenia group are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There are two ontogenetic pathways for achieving fleshiness in fruits of Bromelioideae. • B. antiacantha ´s mucilage channels are a new type of mucilage secretion in the family. • Fruit aliform projection and apical elongated placenta are unique features of A. strobilaceae. Capsule-type fruits are predominant in Bromeliaceae. However, the late divergent subfamily Bromelioideae generally presents fleshy fruits, which display a diverse range of morphologies even in related genera; however, there is almost no information regarding their anatomical and ontogenetic aspects. In this study we evaluate the fruit ontogeny of species from the major lineages of Bromelioideae, to better understand the possible paths in which fleshiness can be achieved in the subfamily. Flowers at pre-anthesis and anthesis, and fruits of Acanthostachys strobilacea, Billbergia pyramidalis , and Bromelia antiacantha were collected and processed with standard methods for analysis under light microscopy. Two basic ontogenetic pathways for achieving fleshiness were identified among the examined species. In the two former species, belonging to the core Bromelioideae, the pericarp development occurs solely through cell expansion and anticlinal cell division in the mesocarp. Conversely, in B. antiacantha , belonging to the tankless lineages, the pericarp development proceeds via both periclinal and anticlinal cell divisions of the outer and inner mesocarp. The analysis of fruit anatomy in the species included in this study highlights unprecedented traits of Bromelioideae fruits, such as the presence of the pericarp´s massive extra-carpellary portion in B. antiacantha , which contains many mucilage channels and fibrous tissue, and an intrusive septum in the carpellary portion, which acts as the main nutritive portion of the fruit. Additionally, in the present study, unique features of the ovary and the fruit, essential for characterizing the species were detailed, including the elongated placental tissue and the aliform projections of A. strobilacea. Our observations highlight distinct developmental processes to fleshy fruit formation in Bromelioideae. In this way, exploring the fruit ontogenetic diversity in Bromelioideae offers an exciting opportunity for future investigations. Besides, the unique fruit features identified bring out the importance of fruits as tools for genus delineation within this subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ramicaul and root of Pabstiella had characters with phylogenetic potential. • Four morphological synapomorphies were observed for Pabstiella. • Morphological diversity of tilosomes in Pabstiella. The subtribe Pleurothallidinae encompasses approximately 48 genera, with Pabstiella standing out due to its 133 species, many of which are found in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Molecular data strongly support the genus and its ten sections. However, only a few species have been anatomically described, and a comprehensive characterization of the genus for comparative purposes is still needed. Our study aimed to examine the main vegetative morphoanatomical characters of the root, stem, and leaves, and analyze their evolution based on the phylogeny of the genus. We analysed root, stem, and leaf samples from 57 species using light and scanning electron microscopy. We selected 35 characters and mapped them onto the molecular phylogeny. Pabstiella exhibits homogeneous leaf anatomy, with aquiferous tissue on both sides and chlorophyllous parenchyma in the middle, aligned with vascular bundles. The ramicaul anatomy displays a simple epidermis with primary or secondary walls, a simple to stratified hypodermis, a parenchymatous or aerenchymatous cortex, and a sheath of sclerenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles. The roots endovelamen cells are larger than those in the epivelamen, reticulated tilosomes of varying morphotypes, and giant cells in the cortex. Despite the common occurrence of homoplasy among vegetative traits, particularly in the leaves, our analyses revealed several synapomorphies for the genus. These include the presence of giant cells in the root cortex, endovelamen cells larger than those of the epivelamen, a specific distribution pattern of tilosomes, and 2–3 layers of aquifer tissue on the adaxial face of the leaf. Additionally, for the Pabstiella section, a lignified stem epidermis wall is a synapomorphic character state. Our findings demonstrate that vegetative morpho-anatomy is a useful diagnostic character for generic and infrageneric categories within the genus. When analysed from a phylogenetic perspective, it contributes to our comparative understanding of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess relationships among 192 species in all 12 monocot orders and 72 of 77 families, using 602 conserved single-copy (CSC) genes and 1375 benchmarking single-copy ortholog (BUSCO) genes extracted from genomic and transcriptomic datasets. Phylogenomic inferences based on these data, using both coalescent-based and supermatrix analyses, are largely congruent with the most comprehensive plastome-based analysis, and nuclear-gene phylogenomic analyses with less comprehensive taxon sampling. The strongest discordance between the plastome and nuclear gene analyses is the monophyly of a clade comprising Asparagales and Liliales in our nuclear gene analyses, versus the placement of Asparagales and Liliales as successive sister clades to the commelinids in the plastome tree. Within orders, around six of 72 families shifted positions relative to the recent plastome analysis, but four of these involve poorly supported inferred relationships in the plastome-based tree. In Poales, the nuclear data place a clade comprising Ecdeiocoleaceae+Joinvilleaceae as sister to the grasses (Poaceae); Typhaceae, (rather than Bromeliaceae) are resolved as sister to all other Poales. In Commelinales, nuclear data place Philydraceae sister to all other families rather than to a clade comprising Haemodoraceae+Pontederiaceae as seen in the plastome tree. In Liliales, nuclear data place Liliaceae sister to Smilacaceae, and Melanthiaceae are placed sister to all other Liliales except Campynemataceae. Finally, in Alismatales, nuclear data strongly place Tofieldiaceae, rather than Araceae, as sister to all the other families, providing an alternative resolution of what has been the most problematic node to resolve using plastid data, outside of those involving achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophs. As seen in numerous prior studies, the placement of orders Acorales and Alismatales as successive sister lineages to all other extant monocots. Only 21.2% of BUSCO genes were demonstrably single-copy, yet phylogenomic inferences based on BUSCO and CSC genes did not differ, and overall functional annotations of the two sets were very similar. Our analyses also reveal significant gene tree-species tree discordance despite high support values, as expected given incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) related to rapid diversification. Our study advances understanding of monocot relationships and the robustness of phylogenetic inferences based on large numbers of nuclear single-copy genes that can be obtained from transcriptomes and genomes.

One of the most important divisions in the plant kingdom is the monocotyledon division of angiosperms. More than 60,000 monocot spp. have been identified, the majority of which are economically important, such as the Poaceae, Orchidaceae, Arecaceae, Liliaceae, and certain other families. The involvement of the ABCDE model of floral organ determination during flower development is a growing area of research in the field of molecular biology due to the diversity in the floral morphology of monocots. The MADS-box gene family is a large molecular transcript family that helps identifies specific proteins involved in floral development. It is classified into several classes based on its function. The review aimed to evaluate the significance of ABCDE genes for floral development and subsequent organ identification, which have been discovered in a range of monocot plants, as well as the functions of these genes in determining the sex of dioecious plants. We sought to summarise the MADSbox gene responsible for flower initiation and floral whorl differentiation reported in economically valuable monocotyledonous plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]