Cineraria L. (Senecioneae, Asteraceae) - its taxonomy, phylogeny, phytogeography and conservation

Student no:7719196 PhD thesis 2005 Faculty of Science, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences.This study aimed to investigate the phylogeny of Cineraria L. to elucidate its position in the tribe Senecioneae (Asteraceae), to delimit its generic and species boundaries, explore species relationships (infrageneric structure) and produce a monograph of the genus. It also aimed to examine its distribution, phytogeographic affinities, levels of rarity and endemism in Cineraria, to identify some of the factors contributing to rarity in Cineraria and to highlight implications for conservation. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using morphological and molecular (DNA sequence) characters to elucidate relationships within the genus and between Cineraria and selected related genera in the subtribe Senecioninae. The phylogenetic species concept was applied - suites of diagnostic characters were used to characterise species. The phenetic approach, using Cluster Analysis and Principal Coordinates Analysis, was applied to investigate variation in two highly variable species, C. deltoidea Sond. and C. lobata L’Hér. Species distributions were mapped and the number of species per degree square was plotted for southern Africa to identify centres of diversity and endemism. Rare species were identified and categorised according to Rabinowitz’s criteria of geographic range, habitat specificity and local population size. Cineraria now has a more homogenous generic concept, characterised as herbs or subshrubs with palmately veined leaves, radiate, calyculate capitula, penicillate style apices and obovate, compressed cypselae with two distinct margins or wings and a substantial carpopodium. Eleven species have been removed from the genus and two new genera, Bolandia Cron and Oresbia Cron & B.Nord. have been established to accommodate three of the species. Two species have been reassigned to and another reinstated in Senecio L. The affinities of five species remain unresolved. Cineraria now comprises 35 species with four new subspecies and two new varieties recognised. Eight species have been placed in synonymy and five new species have been described during this revision. The status of C. deltoidea as a single, highly variable species, widespread throughout the eastern mountains of Africa, has been confirmed. Cineraria lobata has been shown to be a very variable species and the geographic and morphological variation has been formally (and informally) recognised. No infrageneric classification has been applied to Cineraria as a robust phylogeny of all the species has yet to be hypothesised. A southern African origin for Cineraria in the Western and/or Eastern Cape is postulated, based on the current distribution of the sister genus Bolandia and Cineraria mollis DC. iv Cineraria appears to have undergone rapid speciation fairly recently, as indicated by the lack of variation in the molecular data analysed, with reticulate evolution playing an important role in its evolutionary history (as seen by the lack of congruence between the chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences). The centre of diversity of Cineraria is the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, part of the Maputaland-Pondoland Centre of endemism in southern Africa. Cineraria has an afromontane affinity, and fifteen species endemic to specific mountains or regions of endemism and five near-endemics have been identified in Cineraria. Eleven species have been shown to be rare (in the sense of low abundance, restricted range and high habitat specificity), however only five are considered to be threatened as indicated by IUCN Red Data Criteria. However, at least seven species are Data Deficient and require further investigation. Causes of rarity in Cineraria are linked to narrow habitat specificity, particularly soil or rock type and/or altitudinal range

Overview of Genus Prosopis Toxicity Reports and its Beneficial Biomedical Properties

Secondary plant metabolites are regarded as promising sources of plant-protecting substances and they are one of the most important lines of plant defense against pests. The range of cellular targets for these substances is very wide and covers metabolic pathways, macromolecules and organelles. In consequence, the plant derivatives study represents a critical situation in which toxic effects against other organisms need to be evaluated in relation to its biological benefits. The genus Prosopis (Fabaceae) include 44 species and is considered among the world’s most damaging invasive species. The genus had been found in 129 countries globally and many more countries are climatically suitable. Prosopis physiology evidences a wide range of adaptability, shows the capability to growth in several adverse conditions, accumulates heavy metals and synthetizes chemical defences. Curiously, since antiquity, some Prosopis species around the world were described as important source of ethnopharmacological treatments for several illnesses. Toxicity against prokaryote microorganisms, fungus, parasites, mosquitoes, vertebrate animals and humans is revised in the current work. In accordance to the reviewed literature, it is possible to conclude that more specific research could make Prosopis species an important source of nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, by its selective toxic effects, plant derivatives can be used as important source of new and successful bioactive molecules.Fil: Persia, Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Rinaldini, Estefanía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Hapon, María Belén. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Gamarra Luques, Carlos Diego. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Two new species of Cineraria (Senecioneae, Asteraceae) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

AbstractTwo new species of Cineraria L. (Senecioneae) are described: Cineraria glandulosa Cron, endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, and Cineraria dryogeton Cron from the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve on the border of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Both species are narrow endemics, restricted to specific habitats and geological formations, and are therefore vulnerable to human-induced disturbance and the threat of extinction. However, both species occur in nature reserves, which reduce the threat of extinction

Unraveling the chloroplast genomes of two Prosopis species to identify its genomic information, comparative analyses and phylogenetic relationship

Genus Prosopis (family Fabaceae) are shrubby trees, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Asia, Africa, and America and known for nitrogen fixation. Here, we have sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of two Prosopis species (P. juliflora and P. cineraria) and compared them with previously sequenced P. glandulosa, Adenanthera microsperma, and Parkia javanica belonging to the same family. The complete genome sequences of Prosopis species and related species ranged from 159,389 bp (A. microsperma) to 163,677 bp (P. cineraria). The overall GC contents of the genomes were almost the similar (35.9–36.6%). The P. juliflora and P. cineraria genomes encoded 132 and 131 genes, respectively, whereas both the species comprised of 85 protein-coding genes higher than other compared species. About 140, 134, and 129 repeats were identified in P. juliflora, P. cineraria and P. glandulosa cp genomes, respectively. Similarly, the maximum number of simple sequence repeats were determined in P. juliflora (88), P. cineraria (84), and P. glandulosa (78). Moreover, complete cp genome comparison determined a high degree of sequence similarity among P. juliflora, P. cineraria, and P. glandulosa, however some divergence in the intergenic spacers of A. microsperma and Parkia javanica were observed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that P. juliflora is closer to P. cineraria than P. glandulosa.publishedVersio

Biodiversity of the Indian Desert and it´s value

The state of Rajasthan is situated between 23º3’ and 30º12’ N latitude and 69º30’ and 78º17’ E longitude . The total land area of the state is about 3,24,239 km²out of which about 1,98,100 km² is arid and the rest semi arid. The physical features are characterized mainly by the Aravallis and to the some extent by the vindhyan formation, and the Deccan trap. A major portion of western Rajasthan has desert soils and sandy plains. Sand dunes occupy a greater part of western Rajasthan ( 1,20, 983 km²). The soils of the desert plains are loamy sand to loam and the eastern part has alluvial soil which supports good forests and agricultural crop. Occurrence of saline soils with pH up to 9.0 is a common feature in the sandy areas of Rajasthan. The average annual rainfall in the state is 525-675 mm, and the annual precipitation in different tracts of Rajasthan varies from 13 mm to 1766 mm. Out of the total areaforests cover only about 37,638 km² and are rich in biodiversity. Rajasthan is rich in biodiversity which has a great economic value. Characterization of different plant species of economic value was undertaken. (Table 1-6)

Time and Dose Dependent Antipyretic Investigations of Ethanolic Leaves and Fruits Extracts of Prosopis cineraria L. (Druce)

The aim of this Study was to establish a comparative investigation of Antipyretic activity of ethanolic extract of leaves and fruits of the Prosopis cineraria and phytochemical evaluation of ethanolic extracts of these parts. Crude ethanolic plant extracts of leaves and fruits of Prosopis cineraria at a dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight were used to evaluate the antipyretic activity. These extracts were evaluated by inducing brewer’s-yeast induced pyrexia in albino rats. Results were presented as Mean ± SEM by using SPSS 12.0. Leaves and fruit extracts of Prosopis cineraria decreases hyperpyrexia to a significant level when these results were compared to standard control. The leaves extract shows significant effects in lowering the rectal temperature of rats than fruits extract at 200mg/kg while at dose of 300 mg/kg both leaves and fruit extract reduce pyrexia significantly. The phytochemical evaluation shows that both parts of plant contain saponins, tannins, pholobatannins, flavanoids, alkaloids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. Results indicate that ethanolic leaves and fruit extract of Prosopis cineraria possess significant antipyretic activity at different doses which establishes scientific basis for its traditional uses i.e. in rheumatism. Keywords: Prosopis cineraria, Pyrexia, Paracetamol, brewer’s-yeast, albino rat

Molecular phylogeny and diversification history of Prosopis (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae)

The genus Prosopis is an important member of arid and semiarid environments around the world. To study Prosopis diversification and evolution, a combined approach including molecular phylogeny, molecular dating, and character optimization analysis was applied. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from five different molecular markers (matK-trnK, trnL-trnF, trnS-psbC, G3pdh, NIA). Taxon sampling involved a total of 30 Prosopis species that represented all Sections and Series and the complete geographical range of the genus. The results suggest that Prosopis is not a natural group. Molecular dating analysis indicates that the divergence between Section Strombocarpa and Section Algarobia plus Section Monilicarpa occurred in the Oligocene, contrasting with a much recent diversification (Late Miocene) within each of these groups. The diversification of the group formed by species of Series Chilenses, Pallidae, and Ruscifoliae is inferred to have started in the Pliocene, showing a high diversification rate. The moment of diversification within the major lineages of American species of Prosopis is coincident with the spreading of arid areas in the Americas, suggesting a climatic control for diversification of the group. Optimization of habitat parameters suggests an ancient occupation of arid environments by Prosopis species.Fil: Catalano, Santiago Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - Tucumán. Unidad Ejecutora Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Vilardi, Juan Cesar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Tosto, Daniela Sandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas; ArgentinaFil: Saidman, Beatriz Ofelia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Appendices for “Greater in Death: The Transformative Effect of Convivial Iconography on Roman Cineraria.”

Appendices to accompany a book chapter: Sulosky Weaver, C. L. “Greater in Death: The Transformative Effect of Convivial Iconography on Roman Cineraria.” In The Ancient Art of Transformation, edited by R.M. Gondek and E.M. Molacek. Oxford: Oxbow Books. Appendix I is a catalogue of funerary banquet scenes on Roman marble cineraria, and Appendix II is a catalogue of inscriptions found on the objects listed in Appendix I

Community Impacts of Prosopis Juliflora Invasion: Biogeographic and Congeneric Comparisons

We coordinated biogeographical comparisons of the impacts of an exotic invasive tree in its native and non-native ranges with a congeneric comparison in the non-native range. Prosopis juliflora is taxonomically complicated and with P. pallida forms the P. juliflora complex. Thus we sampled P. juliflora in its native Venezuela, and also located two field sites in Peru, the native range of Prosopis pallida. Canopies of Prosopis juliflora, a native of the New World but an invader in many other regions, had facilitative effects on the diversity of other species in its native Venezuela, and P. pallida had both negative and positive effects depending on the year, (overall neutral effects) in its native Peru. However, in India and Hawaii, USA, where P. juliflora is an aggressive invader, canopy effects were consistently and strongly negative on species richness. Prosopis cineraria, a native to India, had much weaker effects on species richness in India than P. juliflora. We carried out multiple congeneric comparisons between P. juliflora and P. cineraria, and found that soil from the rhizosphere of P. juliflora had higher extractable phosphorus, soluble salts and total phenolics than P. cineraria rhizosphere soils. Experimentally applied P. juliflora litter caused far greater mortality of native Indian species than litter from P. cineraria. Prosopis juliflora leaf leachate had neutral to negative effects on root growth of three common crop species of north-west India whereas P. cineraria leaf leachate had positive effects. Prosopis juliflora leaf leachate also had higher concentrations of total phenolics and L-tryptophan than P. cineraria, suggesting a potential allelopathic mechanism for the congeneric differences. Our results also suggest the possibility of regional evolutionary trajectories among competitors and that recent mixing of species from different trajectories has the potential to disrupt evolved interactions among native species

Occurrence of Two Species of Old World Bees, \u3ci\u3eAnthidium Manicatum\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eA. Oblongatum\u3c/i\u3e (Apoidea: Megachilidae), in Northern Ohio and Southern Michigan

Anthidium manicatum and A. oblongatum are two European bees species that have recently established themselves in North America. Anthidium manicatum has previously been documented in New York and Ontario, Canada, and A. oblongatum has been documented in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and eastern Pennsylvania. We surveyed a number of sites in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana for these species in 2000 and 2001, and found both bee species to have extended their ranges into northern Ohio, and A. manicatum to have moved into southern Michigan. We present a key identifying the four Anthidium species now known from northeastern North America