Floral ontogeny of Ruteae (Rutaceae) and its systematic implications

Abstract

Floral development was investigated in Ruta graveolens and Psilopeganum sinense, representing two genera in the tribe Ruteae. Special attention was paid to the sequence of initiation of organ whorls in the androecium and gynoecium. The antepetalous stamens arise at the same level as the antesepalous stamens in both species. The carpels are antepetalous in both taxa, indicating the androecium in both genera is obdiplostemonous. Compared with floral ontogeny of the ancestral genus Phellodendron (Toddalioideae), the obdiplostemonous androecium is a derived condition. The floral apex in P. sinense is quadrangular before initiation of the two carpels. Additionally, there are four dorsal and four ventral traces in the ovary. Integrated morphological and anatomical evidence indicates that the bicarpellate gynoecium in Psilopeganum most likely evolved from a tetracarpellate ancestor. Considering the similarities in morphological, geographical and chromosomal features, the ancestor may be Ruta-like. Further molecular phylogenetic and genetic studies are needed to verify this assumption.

Phylogenetic placement of Psilopeganum, a rare monotypic genus of Rutaceae (the citrus family) endemic to China

“…One of the clearest differences between Psilopeganum and Ruta is the number of carpels: two in Psilopeganum vs. four or five in Ruta (Table ). Wei et al () mention in this respect that the gynoecial primordium in Psilopeganum is quadrangular, suggesting that Psilopeganum might have evolved from an ancestor with four carpels. Within Clade 2 (Fig.…”

“…Despite the obvious morphological differences between Ruteae and Aurantioideae (e.g., growth form, fruit type, and thorns), a strongly uniting character of the two groups (Clades 1 and 2; Fig. 1) is their obdiplostemony (Wei et al, 2012(Wei et al, , 2015. All taxa of Ruteae have two whorls of stamens and all genera whose floral ontogeny has been studied show an obdiplostemonous arrangement (Wei et al, 2012(Wei et al, , 2015.…”

“…1) is their obdiplostemony (Wei et al, 2012(Wei et al, , 2015. All taxa of Ruteae have two whorls of stamens and all genera whose floral ontogeny has been studied show an obdiplostemonous arrangement (Wei et al, 2012(Wei et al, , 2015. Aurantioideae often exhibit an increased number of stamens (Kubitzki et al, 2011); however the early-branching clades within Aurantioideae also display obdiplostemonous androecia (Bayer et al, 2009;Wei et al, 2015).…”

Phylogenetic Relationships and Evolution of the Androecia in Ruteae (Rutaceae)

“…Many studies have examined floral development and make contributions of systematic relevance for different taxa [ 29 – 34 ]. Within Ruteae, the floral development of Psilopeganum sinense and Ruta graveolens has been studied in detail [ 35 ]. Both genera possess an obdiplostemonous androecium.…”

Murrayanine Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Inflammation and Protects Mice from Sepsis‐associated Organ Failure

“…Murraya Koenigii is an aromatic plant belonging to the family Rutaceae and commonly known as curry leaf tree. It has been long used as a folk medicine in tropical and subtropical Asia . This tonic plant has long been used for various disease conditions and has been reported to have a potential role as a remedy for cancer and inflammation .…”