Inferring the history of hybridization: A case study in Iochrominae (Solanaceae)

This paper tests multiple methods for detecting and localizing hybrids in the genus Iochroma (Solanaceae). We created a series of datasets varying in the amount of expected hybridization, and we included both natural hybrids and a 'positive control' (an artificial hybrid). We found that adding hybrids to the dataset markedly increased discordance and decreased tree certainty, as predicted. Nevertheless, our analyses largely failed to correctly identify hybrid taxa and their parental lineages, even for the positive control. We suggest several paths forward for improving the detection and localization of hybridization in phylogenomic datasets.

A NEW SPECIES OF NEPENTHES (NEPENTHACEAE) AND ITS NATURAL HYBRIDS FROM ACEH, SUMATRA, INDONESIA

VICTORIANO, M. 2021. A new species of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) and its natural hybrids from Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 20(1): 17–26. — A new species of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) from Aceh Province, Indonesia, Nepenthes longiptera Victoriano is herein described and illustrated. The species is unique among all other Nepenthes in Sumatra by the presence of wings on its upper pitchers. Comprehensive description, photographs, geographical distribution and preliminary IUCN conservation assessment are provided for the new species. Hybrids of this new taxon with other species are also reported in this paper.

Parvaxanthines D–F and Asponguanosines C and D, Racemic Natural Hybrids from the Insect Cyclopelta parva

Five new compounds including three pairs of enantiomeric xanthine analogues, parvaxanthines D–F (1–3), two new guanosine derivatives, asponguanosines C and D (6 and 7), along with two known adenine derivatives were isolated from the insect Cyclopelta parva. Racemic 1–3 were further separated by chiral HPLC. Their absolute configurations were assigned by spectroscopic and computational methods. It is interesting that all of these isolates are natural product hybrids. Antiviral, immunosuppressive, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of all the isolates were evaluated.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of natural hybrids of Roegneria stricta and Roegneria turczaninovii (Triticeae: Poaceae)

Hybridization is an important part of species evolution. The hybrid progeny population had rich genetic and phenotypic variation, which made the boundaries between them and their parents blurred and difficult to distinguish. There was little research on the origin of natural hybrids of Triticeae. In this study, we found a large number of putative hybrids of Roegneria in West Sichuan Plateau, China. The hybrid plants showed strong heterosis in plant height, tiller number and floret number. Morphologically, the putative hybrids showed intermediate of Roegneria stricta Keng and Roegneria turczaninovii (Drob.) Nevski. Hybrids had 28 chromosomes corresponding to that of R. stricta and R. turczaninovii (2n=4x=28). Meiotic pairing in hybrids were less regular than those of R. stricta and R. turczaninovii. GISH analysis showed that the hybrid plants had the same genome as that of R. stricta and R. turczaninovii (StY). Phylogenetic analysis based on the single copy nuclear gene DMC1 and chloroplast gene rps16 showed the plants were closely related to R. stricta and R. turczaninovii. This study indicated that the plants were hybrids of R. stricta and R. turczaninovii. The results provided data for the utilization of hybrid. This study provided a case study of natural hybrids.

Several new records, synonyms, and hybrid-origin of Chinese begonias

Begonia is a mega-genus with about 2500 species by most estimates, with China having over 210 accepted species. After field surveys, literature review and examination of herbarium specimens, some new taxa, new records, synonyms and the hybrid-origin of some taxa have been confirmed. Here, we report that Begonia dioica Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don and B. flagellaris Hara, both from Xizang (Tibet) are new to China; Begonia lipingensis Hance, B. muliensis T.T.Yu and B. sizemoreae Kiew are synonyms of B. circumlobata Hance, B. taliensis Gagnepain and B. longiciliata C.Y.Wu, respectively; and Begonia × lancangensis S.H.Huang and B. × malipoensis S.H.Huang & Y.M.Shui are natural hybrids.

On the Romanian endemic species of Salvia (Lamiaceae) and its natural hybrids: nomenclatural and taxonomic aspects

Salvia transsylvanica is regarded to be endemic to the Transylvanian Basin, Eastern and Southern Carpathians in Romania. In natural habitats, it easily intercrosses with other sage species, such as S. nemorosa, S. nutans, and S. pratensis, with the hybrids described as nothospecies S. ×hybrida, S. ×telekiana, and S. ×bichigeanii, respectively. One specimen from GOET is designated here as a lectotype of S. pratensis var. transsylvanica, the basionym of S. transsylvanica. In addition, three specimens from LW, BP, and BUCA are designated as the lectotypes for hybrid names. Main diagnostic features of S. transsylvanica, its hybrids, and respective second parental species are compared and discussed.