The study highlights the species’ importance for restoration projects and provides essential information for its identification and conservation, suggesting that its morphological traits are valuable for both in situ and ex situ recognition, as well as for management efforts.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Erythrina velutina Willd., commonly known as mulungu, is a native Brazilian tree widely used in landscaping and traditional medicine, valued for its ecological functions such as nitrogen fixation and drought resistance. This study aimed to characterize its seedling development, geographic distribution, and preliminary conservation status. Seedlings were observed for 75 days, displaying traits such as compound leaves, epicotyl with aculeus, and nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Geographic data from speciesLink revealed the tree’s occurrence in Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru, with its presence confirmed in biomes like the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Amazon. The conservation status was classified as Least Concern based on its extent of occurrence, but as Vulnerable regarding its area of occupancy. The study highlights the species’ importance for restoration projects and provides essential information for its identification and conservation, suggesting that its morphological traits are valuable for both in situ and ex situ recognition, as well as for management efforts.
The objective was to characterize the species’ biotechnological potential and its phenotypes, with an emphasis on the morphophysiology and biochemistry of fruits, seeds, and germination, as well as the antioxidant activity of the leaf essential oil.
The genus
Cinnamomum
(Lauraceae) comprises diverse evergreen trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Oceania, where they are prized for their aromatic, culinary, and therapeutic properties. In this systematic review, 230
Cinnamomum
taxa from the IUCN Red List have been assessed, where precise biogeographical metrics such as Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) have been used to estimate the population and distribution status of every taxon. These distribution boundaries are analyzed by the IUCN using standardized coordinate attributes and spatial software (GeoCat, MaxEnt, etc.). The findings reveal that 195 taxa urgently need conservation, highlighting advanced biotechnological strategies such as optimized seed germination protocols, somatic embryogenesis, and integrated in situ and ex situ preservation. Their specific threat statuses, ecological requirements, targeted breeding and conservation approaches remain entirely underexplored. This comprehensive synthesis has also addressed critical data gaps, providing a baseline for future exploration, taxonomic verification, and ecological modeling of these outlook taxa. Ultimately, protecting this evolutionarily unique genus requires scaled, science‐driven frameworks, tailored conservation strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the long‐term survival of its diversity and the integrity of its native ecosystems.
Aiswarya Bharathi Mohandass, S. Varghese, Karuppasamy Kalaiselvan et al.· Feddes Repertorium· 0 citations
Fabaceae, the third-largest family of angiosperms, occurs in diverse habitats, including limestone areas characterized by karst landscapes, and in Thailand, by frequent human disturbance due to activities such as agriculture and mining. These disturbances affect plant species, which highlights the importance of diversity studies and the use of morphology and anatomy for identification. A study of Fabaceae diversity in a limestone area in Thung Song District, southern Thailand, were conducted along three survey routes. A total of 23 genera and 30 species were encountered, including 2 vulnerable, 1 rare, and 8 introduced species. Morphological, phenological, ecological, and conservation status data were recorded. The leaf epidermis of 23 species was observed under a light microscope. Stomatal size and stomatal index were measured. Phanera tubicalyx, an endemic and vulnerable species restricted to limestone habitats, had multiple papillae on its epidermal cells, which may reduce water loss and enhance photosynthetic efficiency. Both hypostomatic and amphistomatic leaves were observed. Stomatal size ranged from 114.63 ± 17.57 μm2 to 608.88 ± 16.42 μm2, while the stomatal index varied from 0.85 ± 0.78 to 23.86 ± 0.16. Peculiar paired crystals and multiple papillae were found in Canavalia cathartica and P. tubicalyx, respectively. These and other morphological and leaf epidermal characteristics were useful for species identification. Human disturbances from agriculture and mining were common in the study area. In conclusion, this study documented 30 Fabaceae species and demonstrated the usefulness of morphological and leaf epidermal characteristics for species identification and conservation.
This review compiles and synthesizes information on the morphological, anatomical, phytochemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the species, as well as its reproductive biology, propagation techniques, agroforestry applications, carbon sequestration potential, and genomics, to support the sustainable utilization and long-term conservation of D. strictus.
C. D. Sreedevi, D. James, V. Sreekumar et al.· Frontiers in Ecology and Evo...· 0 citations
Calanthe masuca (D. Don) Lindl., a member of the family Orchidaceae, is native to Madagascar and tropical to subtropical Asia and is traditionally recognized for its therapeutic potential. Despite this, scientific evidence supporting its medicinal value remains limited. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the anatomical characteristics, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant potential of different parts of C. masuca, including leaves, pseudobulbs, and roots. Microscopic examination of the vegetative parts revealed distinct anatomical adaptations. Notably, both raphide and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals were observed simultaneously in the leaf tissues, serving as valuable diagnostic markers. The leaf sheath exhibited a rare discontinuous sclerenchymatous layering, indicating a unique form of structural reinforcement. The pseudobulb anatomy revealed vascular bundles encased in lignified sclerenchymatous cells, a feature rarely reported in orchids. Additionally, the root structure exhibited polyarch xylem and idioblasts containing raphides, signifying specialized adaptations to its terrestrial habitat. Qualitative phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts from the leaves, pseudobulbs, and roots confirmed the presence of multiple bioactive constituents. Quantitative analysis exhibited significant levels of total flavonoids and phenolic content in the ethanolic leaf extract. Antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH radical scavenging was strongest in leaf extracts with the lowest IC50 value, followed by pseudobulbs and roots. These results highlight the notable anatomical specializations and rich phytochemical profile of C. masuca, underscoring its pharmacological potential, validating its traditional medicinal use, and its potential future applications in phytotherapy.
Unknown authors· International Journal of Sec...· 0 citations
Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), also known as Indian gooseberry and part of the Euphorbiaceae family, is one of the oldest indigenous fruit tree species, widely distributed due to its adaptability to various edaphic and climatic conditions. This fruit is highly valued for its nutritional, therapeutic, postharvest, and industrial uses. Ancient texts have documented the pharmaceutical properties of aonla, either alone or in combination with other ingredients. To enhance and fully utilize the current genetic resources of aonla, it is essential to understand studies related to its uses, origin, diversity, as well as its characterization, evaluation, conservation, taxonomy, systematics, phenology, floral biology, and pollination. Alongside the plant's basic biology, knowledge of agricultural techniques, propagation methods, canopy architecture, physiological disorders, pest and disease management, and other practices are crucial for conserving aonla germplasm and improving its production. This review article aims to cover these aspects in detail concerning aonla.
Shubham Patel, H. K. Singh, Jitendra Kumar et al.· Progressive Agriculture· 0 citations
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