Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2)

Sommaire
:: S. SCIANDRELLO, A. GUGLIELMO & G. SPAMPINATO
Spatial patterns and floristic composition of plant communities in coastal salt marshes of southeastern Sicily (Italy)
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 99-109. Anglais
Abstract

The results of a study on the spatial patterns, composition and structure of coastal salt marsh plant communities of a central Mediterranean area are presented. Eleven transects perpendicular to the salt marsh shore were selected in southeastern Sicily. For each transect, the floristic composition and cover were determined using standard relevé methods, collecting 220 plots. The plot data were analysed using classification (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean, similarity ratio) and ordination methods (Detrended Correspondence Analysis). A total of 15 plant communities with specific floristic compositions were recognized, mainly distributed in two different habitats: a regularly flooded lower zone and an irregularly flooded upper zone. According to detrended correspondence analysis, the spatial patterns of plots follow an ecological gradient that can be related to flooding time, the main ecological factor affecting the distribution of communities in the salt marshes. Moreover, floristic richness and diversity index increased from the lower zone towards the upper zone. The regularly flooded soils contain the lowest shrub abundance and the lowest diversity, whereas the irregularly flooded soils have the highest shrub abundance and the highest diversity.

 
:: R. P. WAGENSOMMER, T. FRÖHLICH & M. FRÖHLICH
First record of the southeast European species Cerinthe retorta Sibth. & Sm. (Boraginaceae) in Italy and considerations on its distribution and conservation status
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 111-115. Anglais
Abstract

Cerinthe retorta Sibth. and Sm. has been detected in calcareous rocky slopes in Valle dell’Inferno on the Gargano promontory (Apulia, southeastern Italy). It is the first record of the species in Italy and the westernmost site of the distribution of this mostly Aegean species. This disjunction may provide evidence for past amphi-Adriatic/amphi-Ionic terrestrial connections. The IUCN assessment of the species in Italy and in Europe and the global assessment are briefly discussed.

 
:: E. IMBERT, HUI WANG, B. ANDERSON, B. HERVOUET, M. TALAVERA & B. SCHATZ
Reproductive biology and colour polymorphism in the food-deceptive Iris lutescens (Iridaceae),
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 117-127. Anglais
Abstract

Among the diversity of pollination strategies, food deception is intriguing because of the lack of rewards offered for the pollination services. Floral food deception has been frequently recorded in orchids; however, there is little evidence for food deception outside the Orchidaceae. One putative non-orchid candidate is the Mediterranean Iris lutescens, which displays an heritable polymorphism for flower colour, with yellow and purple morphs. Colour polymorphism is frequently thought to be maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection, where rare morphs are visited more frequently than common ones. Here, we present data on reproductive biology and pollination ecology of the species in the light of the deceptive pollination strategy and the maintenance of flower colour polymorphism. There was no difference in sex allocation and flowering phenology between morphs, with a blooming period early in spring. Both colour morphs are equally self-incompatible and they depend on insects for seed production. The most common visitors with pollen loads are small and large Apoids. These were observed foraging for non-existent nectar (rather than pollen) on Iris flowers. Most of them appear to learn to avoid Iris flowers as classically observed for rewardless species, and there was no evidence of an advantage for the rare morph. Instead, we found that in some populations, large bee pollinators appeared to prefer the most common morph (positive frequency-dependent selection). Iris lutescens appears to be a hitherto neglected but relevant candidate to investigate deceptive reproductive strategy and selective pressures in generalist plants.

 
:: H. AKYALÇIN, T. ARABACI & B. YILDIZ
Pollen morphology of some Achillea L. sect. Babounya (DC.) O. Hoffm. (Asteraceae) species from Turkey
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 129-149. Anglais
Abstract

The pollen morphology and exine structure of 52 specimens of the 14 species (15 taxa) of the genus Achillea L. section Babounya (DC.) O. Hoffm. (Asteraceae) distributed in Turkey were examined with light and scanning electron (SEM) microscopes. The pollen characteristics of 13 species (except for Achillea tenuifolia Lam.) are newly reported here. The pollen grains were oblate-spheroidal, prolate-spheroidal, subprolate and generally tricolporate, but sometimes tetracolporate, and even pentacolporate. The size of grains varied, ranged from 21.20 to 45 μm on the polar axis mean, and from 18.10 to 43.14 μm on the equatorial axis mean. The structure of the exine was doubletectate (Anthemoid pattern) and mean of exine thickness varied from 3.61 to 8.16 μm. The sculpture was echinate both in light and SEM micrographs. Moreover, rugulate, microperforate and rugulate-microperforate ornamentations were observed in SEM. The results indicate that the examined species showed heterogeneity in pollen characteristics, both at an interspecies level and between specimens of a species collected from different localities. In addition, correlation between pollen size and chromosome number was discussed.

 
:: Y. YAHIA, H. HANNACHI & A. FERCHICHI
Genetic diversity of Vicia faba L. based on random amplified polymorphic DNA and simple sequence repeat markers
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 151-158. Anglais
Abstract

The genetic diversity of 13 Tunisian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions, and the commercial variety “Aguadulce”, were studied using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. In comparison to RAPD markers, SSRs showed a higher level of polymorphism and greater information content, as assessed by the expected heterozygosity. One hundred and fourteen bands were amplified using six SSR primer combinations and 376 bands were observed using four RAPD primers. The percentages of polymorphic fragments were 100% and 60.63% for SSR and RAPD markers, respectively. The polymorphism information content, gene diversity and population differentiation test were 0.370, 0.490 and 0.746, respectively, for SSR markers and 0.319, 0.406 and 0.775 for RAPD markers. The correlation coefficients of similarity based on the Mantel test were statistically significant for the both marker systems used, but were higher for SSR data than for RAPD. Dendrogram topologies, conducted separately on polymorphic RAPD and SSR markers, showed minor differences in the grouping of accessions. The dendrogram based on combined RAPD and SSR data sets identified clustering of accessions according to their geographic diffusion. Collectively, these results will aid Tunisian faba bean germplasm management, conservation and breeding.

 
:: M. LONATI, M. PASCALE, B. OPERTI & G. LOMBARDI
Synecology, conservation status and IUCN assessment of Potentilla fruticosa L. in the Italian Alps
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 159-173. Anglais
Abstract

Potentilla fruticosa L. is a self-incompatible clonal shrub, characterized by a wide circumpolar distribution (Asia and North America). In Europe the species has many peripheral isolated populations, and within the Alps it is confined to a restricted area of the Maritime Alps (Italy and France). In alpine environments P. fruticosa is affected by a significant lack of information about current population status and little and conflicting information is reported about its potential habitat. Our study investigated P. fruticosa populations on the Italian side of the Alps to evaluate its synecology, syntaxonomy and conservation status. Results showed that six out of the seven populations inventoried in the area during the study, consisted of 20 or fewer individuals, and only one included a high number of plants. The species was observed in the study area within the Caricetum frigidae association (Caricion davallianae alliance), very close to small creeks characterized by fairly constant water levels. In the Italian Alps P. fruticosa has a very restricted geographic range, estimated at around 16 km2 (extent of occurrence). Isolation of populations affected viable seed production. A continuing decline in the quality and extent of the habitat is expected due to the continuing abandonment of pastures that began 40 years ago in the study area. According to the most recent IUCN categories and criteria the species should be listed at the regional/national level as Critically Endangered.

 
:: Y. BENCHIKH & H. LOUAILÈCHE
Effects of extraction conditions on the recovery of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 175-181. Anglais
Abstract

The extraction of phenolic compounds from carob pulp was studied. The effects of solvent nature (acetone, ethanol, methanol and water), solvent concentration (40–100%), solid-to-solvent ratio (15/10 to 75/10 mg/ml), extraction time (60–120 min) and extraction temperature (25–90°C) were investigated. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were used for determination of phenolic compounds of carob pulp extract, whereas the antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the free radical-scavenging activity and the ferric-reducing power. Experimental results showed that all examined parameters had statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects on phenolic compound extraction and antioxidant activities of extracts. The best extraction conditions were 70% acetone, 25 mg/10 ml, 90 min and 90°C with values of 3554 mgGAE/100 gDW, 1700 mgQE/100 gDW, 4032 mgAAE/100 gDW and 3929 mgAAE/100 gDW for the total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content, the free radical-scavenging activity and the ferric-reducing power, respectively. As a function of investigated extraction parameters, phenolic compound contents were positively correlated with antioxidant activities.

 
:: N. M.G. ARDENGHI, M. TRENTIN, G. TRIVELLINI & S. ORSENIGO
Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth. var. hirtus Regel (Lamiaceae) in Italy: a new naturalized alien species for the European flora
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 183-188. Anglais
Abstract

Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth. var. hirtus Regel (Lamiaceae), a neophyte native to Asia, is recorded for the first time in Europe. A naturalized population was discovered in the Milan railway area (Italy). Diagnostic characters and an updated identification key for the genus Lycopus in Europe are presented. Furthermore, the invasive status and the possible means of introduction are discussed.

 
:: C. BVENURA & A. J. AFOLAYAN
Ethnobotanical survey of wild vegetables in Mbashe and Nkonkobe municipalities, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 189-199. Anglais
Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Nkonkobe and Mbashe local municipalities of the Amathole District Municipality in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa to reveal and document some of the wild vegetables growing in the Province and to examine the state of the communities’ knowledge of wild vegetables. A total of 66 individuals aged between 17 and 59 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The study allowed identification of 22 vegetable species belonging to 12 different families. Tulbaghia violacea, Centella coriacea, Cotula heterocarpa, Sonchus oleraceus, Sisymbrium thellungii and Corchorus olitorius were the only wild vegetables native to South Africa. Cucurbita pepo and Ipomoea batatas were under cultivation in gardens and the field. About 45% of the wild vegetables cited possessed medicinal properties. Berries of Physalis peruviana and Solanum nigrum were consumed as fruits in both localities. Sun-drying was the most common method of preservation in both municipalities, although informants preferred consuming the wild vegetables in their fresh state. This survey revealed that men and the younger generation knew less about wild vegetables compared with older women. A lack of interest to learn about wild vegetables and include them in their diet was revealed in favour of conventional vegetables such as spinach and cabbage.

 
:: S. HAYTA & E. BAGCI
Essential oil constituents of the leaves, bark and cones of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. from Turkey
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 201-207. Anglais
Abstract

The essential oil composition of the leaves, bark and cones of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus collected from natural habitats in Bursa (Turkey) were determined by hydrodistillation, in 0.7, 0.9 and 0.7% (weight/weight) yields, respectively. The essential oils were analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A total of 75 compounds have been identified constituting 99.5% in bark, 89.3% in leaves and 97.7% in cones of the essential oils of the taxon. The predominant compounds were α-pinene (42.9, 72.8 and 20.9%), β-pinene (3.8, 10.7 and 8.9%), β-myrcene (3.9, 5.5 and 21.7%) and limonene (17.8, 1.9 and 3.4%) in the oils from the leaves, bark and cones, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative variations were determined in the essential oil composition of different parts of the studied plant. The high amount of monoterpenes α- and β-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene and the sesquiterpene germacrene D make the studied taxon a privileged potential source for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial products. The essential oil composition of different parts of Juniper oxycedrus from Bursa (Turkey) confirm the relevance of the medicinal usage of these plant parts.

 
:: M. NOBIS, A. L. EBEL, A. NOWAK, O. T. TURGINOV, A. N. KUPRIYANOV, A. NOBIS, M. V. OLONOVA, B. PASZKO, R. PIWOWARCZYK, WEN-LI CHEN, P. D. GUDKOVA, E. KLICHOWSKA, S. NOWAK & A. J. PUJADAS-SALVÀ
Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records
Paru dans Acta Botanica Gallica, 2014, 161 (2), pp. 209-221. Anglais
Abstract

The paper presents new records for 20 vascular plant species from eight Asian and two European countries. Five taxa (Artemisia campestris, Artemisia tanacetifolia, Delphinium sajanense, Diarthron vasiculosum var. undulatum, Epilobium adenocaulon) are reported from Kazakhstan, four (Deyeuxia yanyuanensis, Poa arnoldii, Stipa gracilis, Stipa macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica) from China, three (Nepeta pamirensis, Silene bucharica, Scrophularia pamiro-alaica) from Uzbekistan, two (Epilobium nervosum, Stellaria zolotukhinii) from Mongolia, two (Oenothera deflexa, Scirpus georgianus) from Poland, one (Coronopus didymus) from Tajikistan, one (Orobanche rumseiana) from Italy, one (Stipa macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica) from Kyrgyzstan, one (Poa polozhiae) from Russia, and one (Agrostis rupestris) from Azerbaijan. All of these taxa are new to the floras of listed Asian and European countries or its regions (as it is in the case of China or Russia). Four of the presented taxa (Coronopus didymus, Epilobium adenocaulon, Oenothera deflexa and Scirpus georgianus) are regarded as alien to the studied areas, whereas the other 16 are new native elements to the flora of the countries. For each species synonyms, general distribution, habitat preferences, taxonomy with remarks on recognition and differentiation of the species from the most similar occurring in a given country, as well as a list of localities recorded (often far from the previously known areas) are presented. In the case of Orobanche rumseiana, a new variety O. rumseiana var. sarda R. Piwowarczyk and A. Pujadas is described and illustrated.