No abstract

The first total synthesis of the Murraya alkaloid murrastifoline-F (3), an unsymmetric, N,C-bonded heterobiarylic biscarbazole, is described. Starting from the likewise naturally occurringbut here synthetically prepared“monomer” murrayafoline-A (6), lead tetraacetate-mediated oxidative non-phenolic biaryl coupling gives 3 as the main regioisomer. The existence of this natural product as a pair of stable atropo-enantiomers was demonstrated analytically through LC−CD investigations. Preparatively, the racemate resolution succeeded by O-demethylation, derivatization with Mosher's reagent, and chromatographic separation of the resulting diastereomers. The absolute configurations of the atropisomers were assigned by CD spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical CD calculations at the stage of the alkaloid 3 and by ROESY experiments of the diastereomeric Mosher derivatives. In the root extract of the curry leaf plant Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae), murrastifoline-F (3) was found to exist as a 56:44 mixture in favor of the M-enantiomer, by LC−CD coupling.

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An outstanding flagship species in the plant kingdom is the Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), which produces a fountain-like bloom up to 3 m high. The unique appearance of three simultaneous inflorescences in May 2006 was a chance to analyse the flowering behaviour and thermogenesis of this giant. For the first time, the heating of the central column (spadix) could be documented using a high-performance thermographic camera. Time series analyses of the infrared image sequences revealed that the 3-m high spadix surface heats up in pulses emanating from the base of the inflorescence. The surface temperature reaches over 36 degrees C, compared to the ambient temperature of 27 degrees C. Waves of the carrion-like odour are synchronised with these heat pulses. The combination of heat pulses, the fountain-like shape plus the enormous size lead to a unique type of 'convection flower'. On the basis of our observations, we assume that Amorphophallus titanum is able to overcome thermodynamic decoupling by a self-produced convective process.

We reviewed the history and conservation of Sophora toromiro, a species that has been extinct in the wild since 1960 but has survived as scattered individuals in botanic gardens and private collections. The short‐term conservation of S. toromiro is dependent on the management of surviving ex situ stocks. This is being achieved through international collaboration by a working group established to coordinate the conservation management of the species. Molecular evidence indicates that the species retains greater genetic variability than expected. The greatest amount of genetic variability was located in specimens outside botanic garden collections. No unmodified natural habitat survives on Rapa Nui ( Easter Island); so opportunities to establish a viable wild population are limited. Evidence from past reintroductions indicates that the best short‐term opportunity for the species is through conventional horticultural management in botanic gardens and traditional farm plots on Rapa Nui. Some extinct‐in‐the‐wild taxa (sensu World Conservation Union 1994), such as the Toromiro, retain genetic variability, and appropriate reintroduction sites exist. These taxa represent valid priorities for conservation management.