Smilax ligneoriparia sp. nov.: A link between herbaceous and woody Smilax (Smilacaceae) based on morphology, karyotype and molecular phylogenetic data

Abstract

A population of Smilax found in southeastern Yunnan was originally considered to be a local race of S. riparia with unusual woody, perennial stems, but its status as a distinct species is supported here by morphology, karyology, and molecular phylogenetics. This new species, Smilax ligneoriparia C.X. Fu & P. Li, shares several unique morphological characteristics with S. riparia, such as ovate herbaceous leaves and smooth stem lacking prickles, but its stem is "woody" and its chromosome number is 2n = 32, unlike that of S. riparia (2n = 30). Molecular phylogenetic analysis also confirms that it is distinct, but tentatively supports the position of this new taxon as sister to a clade of woody Asian species, which in turn is sister to the herbaceous, annually emergent Smilax clade. Herbarium specimens show that S. ligneoriparia has been collected in at least three locations in southeastern Yunnan and southern Zhejiang Provinces, but we suspect that the population from Xichou, occurring on limestone mountain slopes at 1550–1600 m, may be the only extant population.

Phylogenetics, character evolution, and distribution patterns of the greenbriers, Smilacaceae (Liliales), a near-cosmopolitan family of monocots

“…Members of subclades C2 and C3 show characters intermediate between herbaceous Smilax (clade C1) and Heterosmilax (clade C4). For example, Li et al (2011) described S. ligneoriparia C.X.Fu & P.Li as a new transitional species pivotal to understanding the evolution of the non-climbing, herbaceous habit in Smilax. Another unusual species from this lineage, S. pottingeri Prain, is worthy of discussion because of its controversial taxonomical history.…”

“…Li et al . () noted a strong New World vs. Old World pattern among species of Smilacaceae. However, the species sampling included in most of these studies was limited and/or resulted in conspicuous polytomies among major lineages.…”

“…Fu et al (2005) studied herbaceous Smilax (section Nemexia) and showed an East Asian-western and eastern North American disjunction pattern with a probable East Asian origin. Li et al (2011) noted a strong New World vs. Old World pattern among species of Smilacaceae. However, the species sampling included in most of these studies was limited and/or resulted in conspicuous polytomies among major lineages.…”

Synthesis, Characterization, and DRAK2 Inhibitory Activities of Hydroxyaurone Derivatives

“…Aurones possess a wide range of biological activities, including as inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, inhibitors of chorismate synthase, oxidant resistance, inhibitors of tyrosinase, and as drug candidates to treat cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Aurone has A, B, and C tricyclic rings as shown in Figure 1.…”

A tool for the analysis of chromosomes: KaryoType

“…Karyotype is the size, number and appearance of chromosomes of a eukaryotic cell. Such characteristics, along with morphological and molecular data, can be used to learn about patterns and mechanisms of evolution and speciation (Peruzzi & al., 2009(Peruzzi & al., , 2012(Peruzzi & al., , 2016Li & al., 2011;Mandakova & al., 2012;Borzatti von Loewenstern & al., 2013;Astuti & al., 2014Astuti & al., , 2015Peruzzi & Altinordu, 2014;Braeuchler, 2015;Harpke & al., 2015;Roma-Marzio & al., 2015). The karyotyping process is very time consuming when performed manually.…”