NUMERICAL TAXONOMY OF GENUS FICUS L. 1753 (MORACEAE), WITH ADDITION NEW RECORD SPECIES TO EGYPT

The taxonomy of Ficus L., 1753 species is confusing because of the intense morphological variability and the ambiguity of the taxa. This study handled 36 macro-morphological characteristics to clarify the taxonomic identity of the taxa. The study revealed that Ficus is represented in the Egyptian gardens with forty-one taxa; 33 species, 4 subspecies and 4 varieties, and classified into five subgenera: Ficus Corner, 1960; Terega Raf., 1838; Sycomorus Raf., 1838; Synoecia (Miq.) Miq., 1867, and Spherosuke Raf.,1838; out of them seven were misidentified. Amongst, four new Ficus taxa were recently introduced to Egypt namely: F. lingua subsp. lingua Warb. ex De Wild. & T. Durand, 1901; F. pumila L., 1753; F. rumphii Blume, 1825, and F. sur Forssk., 1775. The application of the multivariate analyses in plant systematics namely the two-way clustering analysis and the principal component analysis revealed that the qualitative characters as the presence or absence of lateral peduncular or ostiolar bracts and the leaf margin delimit the differentiation of subgenera within genus Ficus. Whereas the qualitative characters of the leaf as leaf arrangement, lamina shape, length, ratio of length to width, base, apex, number of lateral veins, stipules and figs either pedunculate or sessile, shape, and width are significantly separating the species within the different sections. Seven different identification keys of the studied taxa based on the examined characters are provided. In addition, a diagrammatic key for all the studied taxa is given.

Three New Species of Lychnocephalus (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) from the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract— Lychnocephalus cipoensis, L. grazielae, and L. jolyanus, three new species from the Cerrado of the Brazilian Central Plateau, are hereby described and illustrated. Lychnocephalus is characterized by its tomentose to densely lanate branches, heads organized in third order syncephalia and inner pappus series with twisted setae and narrowed apex. These new species are microendemic in the campos rupestres of Serra do Cipó, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, and were previously misidentified as other species of the genus. However, they are distinguished by their habit, leaf arrangement, leaf shape and size, presence or absence of petiole, number of florets per head, and number of pappus series, among other characteristics discussed here. These new species are described and illustrated, their affinities discussed, and a key to all species of Lychnocephalus is provided.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND CHROMOSOMAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ORCHID Peristylus goodyeroides Lindl. FROM CURUG SETAWING, KULONPROGO

Peristylus goodyeroides is a terestrial orchid that scattered around Southeast Asia. Morphological characters of P. goodyeroides can vary, depending on the ecological factors and habitat. Cytological characters in the form of chromosome configurations can be used as a taxonomic tool for the process of identifying and understanding variations in taxa. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological characters and chromosome configuration of the P. goodyeroides from Curug Setawing, Kulonprogo. The method used was morphological characterization and plant chromosome preparation by squash method with the main steps of fixation, maceration, staining and observation. Data were analyzed with the help of Image raster 3, Corel Draw X7, and Microsoft Excel 2013. P. goodyeroides from Curug Setawing has the morphological characters of root tubers, cylindrical stems, ovate leaf shape, convolutive leaf arrangement and creamy white flowers. The orchid has a number of chromosomes 2n = 10 with a karyotype formula of 2n = 2x = 8m + 2t. Metacentric chromosomes are found on chromosomes 1-8 and telocentric chromosomes 9-10. The absolute arm length of the chromosomes has a range of 2.03-3.44 μm, the relative arm length of the chromosomes is 2.21-3.32 μm, the length of the p arm is 1.13-1.58 μm and the q arm is 1.23-2.12 μm.

Impatiens wutaishanensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Southeast Yunnan, China

Impatiens wutaishanensis R.L. Liao & Lei Cai, a new species from Southeast Yunnan, China, is here described and illustrated. This new species is most similar to Impatiens parvisepala S.X. Yu & Y.T. Hou in its racemose inflorescences, its four lateral sepals, the leaf arrangement, and in having yellow flowers. However, it differs in the height of the plants, the length of the petiole, the size and shape of the leaf blade, the shape of the spur, and the number of flowers in each inflorescence. A detailed description, color photographs, and a provisional IUCN red list assessment are provided, and its geographical distribution, ecology, and morphological relationship with relevant similar species are discussed.

Identification of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) in Liwa Botanical Garden Based on Leaf Morphological Characters

Orchid is one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world. One of the orchid genera that is collected in a large number and known to have high morphological variations in the Liwa Botanical Garden is Dendrobium. However, to date, many Dendrobium collections have not been identified. Given the urgency of identification and the limitations of specimens in the field, especially flower organs, this study is important. This study aims to determine variations in morphological characters, phenetic relationships, and to identify Dendrobium collections based on leaf morphological characters in the Liwa Botanical Garden. Five accessions of Dendrobium were collected, namely CAT140, CAT 144, CAT 271, CAT 274, and IR015. Observation of 11 morphological characters leaves showed that leaf had high variations. The phenetic relationship based on the Gower similarity value and the UPGMA method shows that the Dendrobium in the Liwa Botanical Garden can be classified into 2 main groups formed with a similarity index value of 0.813. Based on Principle Component analysis values, it is known that the characters that have a large influence on grouping are the ratio of leaf length and width, leaf cross section, and leaf arrangement. The phenetic dendrogram topology is supported by the morphological character classification. The results of this study are expected to be basic information in the identification of natural orchids and conservation efforts in the Liwa Botanical Garden.

Standardization, Physicochemical, Elemental Analysis and Anti-diabetic activity of Powdered Leaves of Chromolaena odorata in Alloxan-induced diabetic Rats

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, but more evidently in developing countries where there is higher incidence of the risk factors. Plants have offered an effective medicine for the treatment of illnesses since the dawn of mankind.The present study is aimed to standardize, determine the physicochemical parameters, element present and anti-diabetic activity of Chromolaenaodorata. Elemental analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, while Alloxan-induced model was used to determine anti-diabetic activity.MethodologyThe leaves were cleaned and air dried for some days. The following macroscopic characters of the fresh leaves were noted; shape, length, colour, apex, margin, base, leaf arrangement and odour. The microscopy of the surface preparation and cross section of the fresh leaves and powdered leaves were carried out using a light Microscope connected to a standard camera.Alcohol soluble extractive was determined following the method used by Azwanida, (2015). Water soluble extractive was done on the powdered leavesThe moisture content was determined following the method used by Pimentel (2006). An evaporating dish was heated to a constant weight and allowed to cool in a desiccator. Elemental Analysis (K, Na, Mn, Mg and Ca) was carried out on the powdered leaves of Chromolaena odorata using the method of Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC, 1980) with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) GBC Avanta Model. Standards and digested samples were aspirated and the mean signal responses were recorded at each of the element respective wavelengths.The acute toxicity (LD50) test was determined following the method used by Jonsson et al. (2013) with little modification.Alloxan-induced model was used to determine the anti-diabetics activity following method by Rohilia and Ali, (2007) with slight modification.Twenty-Five Albino rats of both sexes weighing 150– 200g were used for the study.The data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Student-Newman-keuls tests was used to analyze the data and results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05 when compared to the control.ResultsThe macroscopic evaluation reviewed a triangular shape, height of 6-10cm, pungent odour, acuminate apex, opposite leaf arrangement, dentate margin, hastate base and a green colour leaf. The microscopic study of both the fresh and powdered leaves of C. odorata showed the presence of anisocytic and anomocytic stomata, as well as multicellular uniseriate covering trichomes. The moisture content was 6.0 ±0.07%, the alcohol soluble extractive was 30±0.05%. while the water-soluble extractive was 40±0.05%. %. The elemental analysis of the powdered leaves of C. odorata showed that the leaves contains 29.00mg/L of K, 13.500mg/L of Na, 0.15mg/L of Mn, 4.78mg/L of Mg and 0.30mg/L of Ca.The powdered leaves showed a dose dependent anti-diabetic activity as 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the blood glucose level when compared to the negative control (p<0.05) on day 7, 14 and day 21. The 200 mg/kg dose showed significant reduction on day 14 and day 21 and the 100 mg/kg only on day 21.ConclusionThe presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids, as well as elements such as Na, K, Mn and Mgin C. odorata could be responsible for an increase stimulate the production of insulin from the pancreas thus leading to reduction in the blood glucose level. The study suggest that the powdered leaves of C.odorata possess anti-diabetic activity

Molecular phylogeny of the sect. Adonis (Genus adonis L., Ranunculaceae)

The ornamentally important genus Adonis L. (Ranunculaceae) consists of about 30 species. In Iran, 8 species are recognized. The new classification system recognizes two subgenera, six sections, and six series for Adonis. The species differentiation within the genus is controversial due to morphological overlaps in different species and extensive morphological variation. Therefore, the aims of present study were: 1- Species delimitation within the Sect. Adonis based on morphological and molecular evidences and, 2- Studying the species relationship based on molecular phylogeny. Multivariate analyses of morphological and molecular (ITS and ISSR) data differentiated the Adonis species. PCA biplot analysis of morphological characters revealed morphological characters such as leaf arrangement; leaf length, flower diameter, petal length and width, calyx length, and pedicel length are of taxonomic implication in Adonis. Bayesian tree of ITS sequences revealed that the sect. Adonis is differentiated from the sect. Adonanthe. Based on ITS data, A. microcarpa showed close affinity to A. scrobiculata, while A. aestivalis, A. icrocarpa and A.dentata were close to each other.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND POLLINIA OBSERVATION OF 10 INDONESIA NATIVE DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS

Characterization of native orchid (species) in Indonesia is important for preservation of germplasm and selection process to obtain dominant character of orchids as potential parental. Morphological characterization is a method to obtain scientific information in phenotypic manner. Characterization of plants was carried out on 10 native orchids of Dendrobium genus to obtain specific character. Characterization process based on UPOV guidebook and morphological observation of pollinia was also carried out on 10 native orchids to obtain information about the structure and physiology of pollinia. The results of morphological characterization on 10 native orchid showed several qualitative characters such as flowering position, cross section of leaf, pseudobulb firmness, and leaf arrangement in D. Canaliculatum was different from 9 other native orchid. Morphological pollen of 10 native orchid shows the diversity structure of pollinia and the physiological conditions of mature pollen which are ready to pollinate are pollinia with a golden yellow colored. Knowledge and information about parental relationships is the main point for developing ornamental plant breeding programs. Selection of native orchids as potential elder is important where selected elders will be used as a source of genetic diversity. The results of this study are expected to provide scientific information and phenotypic selection for the development of hybrid orchids.

Agave lexii (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae), a New Species from Mexico

A new species of Agave L. (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae), A. lexii García-Morales, García-Jiménez & Iamonico, from Tamaulipas (northeastern Mexico) is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to A. tenuifolia Zamudio & E. Sanchez and A. striata Zucc. Agave lexii differs from A. tenuifolia and A. striata in leaf arrangement, size, and color, flower number and length, and fruit size. The distribution of A. lexii in Mexico, notes on its preferential habitat and phenology, and an assessment of its IUCN conservation status are provided.