Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics and a series of important palaeobotanical discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of angiosperm diversification. Yet, the origin and early evolution of their most characteristic feature, the flower, remains poorly understood. In particular, the structure of the ancestral flower of all living angiosperms is still uncertain. Here we report model-based reconstructions for ancestral flowers at the deepest nodes in the phylogeny of angiosperms, using the largest data set of floral traits ever assembled. We reconstruct the ancestral angiosperm flower as bisexual and radially symmetric, with more than two whorls of three separate perianth organs each (undifferentiated tepals), more than two whorls of three separate stamens each, and more than five spirally arranged separate carpels. Although uncertainty remains for some of the characters, our reconstruction allows us to propose a new plausible scenario for the early diversification of flowers, leading to new testable hypotheses for future research on angiosperms.

The Brazilian flora has a large number of species with ornamental potential. These species are poorly recognized or even completely unexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of four accessions belonging to the species of Anthurium plowmanii, A. raimundii, A. bonplandii and A. Affine for cutting foliage. The accessions from Embrapa Germplasm Bank of Tropical flowers were evaluated for 21 morphological and phenological characteristics and post-harvest longevity. The ornamental characterization was based on the evaluation of this data and florist acceptance as well. The accessions presented differences in almost all the characteristics related to the morphology of the inflorescence and the leaf. Some characteristics such: fruit color, petiole, spadix, and spathe length, are highly variable within the species and depend on the developmental stage. Some characters like petiole length and inflorescence position are particularly important as indicators for the use as cut foliage. The plants have slow development as typical from members of this family and and the production of leaves per year ranged between 6.6 (A. plowmanii) to 10.5 (A. bonplandii), which might be increased with the improvement of cultivation aspects, with an emphasis on spacing, plant management and fertilization. The leaves of Anthurium plowmanii, A. raimundii, A. bonplandii and A. affine present high postharvest durability and great potential as cut foliage, possessing florist acceptance as well. Keywords: cut foliage, germplasm bank, floral arrangement, and postharvest durability. RESUMO Avaliação do Potencial de uso de espécies nativas de Anthurium para folhagemA flora brasileira tem um grande número de espécies com potencial ornamental, muitas dessas são pouco reconhecidas ou inexploradas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso potencial de quatro acessos pertencentes às espécies de Anthurium plowmanii, A. raimundii, A. bonplandii e A. Affine para produção de folhagem de corte. Os acessos pertencentes ao Banco de Germoplasma de flores tropicais da Embrapa foram avaliados quanto a 21 características morfológicos e fenológicos, bem como a longevidade pós-colheita e potencial ornamental, baseado na aceitação de floristas. Os acessos apresentaram diferenças significativas em quase todas as características relacionadas com a morfologia da inflorescência e da folha. Algumas características tais: cor de fruta, pecíolo, espádice e comprimento espata, são altamente variáveis entre e dentro dos acessos e dependem do estágio de desenvolvimento. As caracteristicas comprimento do pecíolo e longevidade pós-colheita são particularmente importantes como indicadores para a utilização como folhagem de corte. As plantas têm desenvolvimento lento como típico de membros desta família, e a produção de folhas medio por ano variou entre 6,6 (A. plomanii) a 10,5 (A. bonplandii), o que talvez possa ser incrementado com o aprimoramento dos aspectos de cultivo, com ênfase no espaçamento, manejo da planta e adubação. As folhas de ...

The study presents a new and expanded treatment of the taxonomy, diversity and conservation status of all species of the genus Philodendron Schott (Araceae) so far discovered in Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil. It contributes to taxonomic and biological knowledge of the humid flora of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a globally recognized hotspot of biodiversity. The taxonomic treatment is based on 60 field collecting expeditions carried out since 2006, mainly in Southeastern Brazil, and the study of over 2200 herbarium specimens. Twenty eight species are recognized and their morphological descriptions, nomenclature and typification of relevant names are given. Lectotypes are designated for fourteen names, neotypes are designated for two names and epitypes for twelve names. Illustrations of all species are provided, together with a key and information on habitat and phenology for each species. The evaluations of the conservation status of the species were based on field observations, specialist literature, information from herbarium specimens and lists of endangered species. Evaluations of 16 of the 28 species found in Rio de Janeiro State are presented for the first time here and revised evaluations are presented for another six (P. altomacaense, P. cordatum, P. inops, P. hastatum, P. hatschbachii, P. roseopetiolatum) (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma has been a well-circumscribed group since 1829. Members of this group are easily distinguished by diagnostic morphological characters as well as by a distinct ecology and geographical distribution. Based on molecular, morphological and cytological evidence, we propose the recognition of P. subg. Meconostigma as a distinct genus, Thaumatophyllum Schott. We also present the necessary new combinations, an emended key and some nomenclatural and taxonomic corrections regarding 21 names of Thaumatophyllum.

The Anthurium genus comprises about 1100 species, most of them with ornamental potential. In the last few years the commercialization of new foliage has been growing up. It is necessary to introduce new foliage crops into the market and Anthurium species are an excellent option for cut foliage exploration. The aim of this work was to evaluate ten native Anthurium accessions, through morphological descriptors. The following characteristics were evaluated: leaf shape; petiole colour, length and diameter; main nervure colour; pulvine colour and aspect; inflorescence peduncle length and diameter; spadix colour; spathe shape, length and colour. Evaluation was made for: plant height, growth habit, leaf number, pot fulfillment and emitted shoot number. A large variation was observed for leaf, inflorescence and general plant aspects in all accessions. Some plant characters like height, growth habit, number of emitted shoots are important to define plant spacing, pot size and crop management. The leaf appearance was the most important part of plant to be considered in a first selection: leaf shape, long and straight petioles, diameter with no more than 20 mm are desired morphological characteristics for cut foliage. Accessions with short petioles and a large number of leaves and high pot fulfillment capability maybe better adapted to growth as potted plants. The ten characterized accessions present foliage characteristics for commercial exploration and could be used as material for future breeding programs since wild species plays an important role in the interspecific breeding. As its commercial exploitation is relatively recent, basic information is needed regarding growth aspects of the native Anthurium.