Search Results (1,310)

Narrow-range endemic plant species are highly sensitive to environmental variability due to their restricted distributions and narrow ecological niches, yet quantitative assessments of such species in Central Asian mountain ecosystem remain limited. This study applied an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) approach to assess the ecological constraints and conservation efforts of Lepidium olgae, a strict endemic species of the Nuratau Mountains in Uzbekistan. Species occurrence records from field surveys and herbarium data were integrated with remotely sensed climatic, vegetation, topographic, soil, and atmospheric variables. Parsimonious models (Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Surface Range Envelope (SRE)) were implemented in BIOMOD2 4.3.4, and ensemble predictions were used to reduce algorithmic uncertainty and identify core habitat patterns. Results showed that wet-season precipitation was the dominant driver of species distribution, followed by vegetation productivity (NDVI) and thermal stability, indicating a strong dependence on moisture availability and stable microhabitats. Ensemble projections revealed a highly fragmented potential distribution, with suitable habitats covering only 8% of the reserve area, closely matching the observed distribution of 6.5%. This strong spatial overlap confirms a narrowly constrained realized ecological niche. These findings highlight the critical role of microhabitat stability for the persistence of Lepidium olgae and provide a spatially explicit basis for prioritizing in situ conservation and guiding model informed translocation efforts. Full article

Kazakhstan harbors the richest flora in Central Asia. However, its current plant diversity faces significant challenges. We present an updated checklist of vascular plants for Kazakhstan, comprising 6035 taxa from 134 families and 1016 genera. This includes 485 endemic taxa (8.0% of the flora) from 38 families and 147 genera, and 359 threatened taxa (6.0%) from 66 families and 203 genera. Among them, the genera with the most endangered species are Tulipa, Astragalus, and Allium. Based on the latest available data, we describe and analyze the diversity and distribution of vascular plants at a phytogeographic regional scale of 29 regions and 7 subregions. Our analyses specifically quantify patterns of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and the spatial distribution of both threatened and endemic species. Furthermore, floristic similarity analysis revealed clear patterns of species turnover: high similarity between adjacent mountain regions and low similarity between mountains and arid western regions. Analysis revealed five key biodiversity hotspots, including the Karatau Mountains and Western Tien Shan, which host high concentrations of threatened species yet have limited protected area coverage. Our findings underscore the need to align national and international conservation assessments, expand protected area networks, and enhance cross-border collaboration. These results provide important guidance for the conservation and sustainable management of plant diversity in Kazakhstan. Full article

The rise in emerging viral outbreaks has intensified the need for novel antiviral therapies and highlighted the untapped potential of natural products. Influenza viruses, particularly avian strains, continue to evolve rapidly, yet the antiviral properties of Jordan’s native plants remain largely unexplored. This study focused on avian influenza and screened twelve endemic plant species, using ethanol to selectively extract polar phytochemicals likely to interact with the hydrophilic active site of neuraminidase (NA). Among these, Arbutus andrachne leaf and fruit extracts emerged as potent in vitro inhibitors of recombinant N9 neuraminidase, a key enzyme in influenza replication, with IC₅₀ values of 31.6 µg/mL and 32.9 µg/mL, respectively. LC-MS analysis identified hyperoside as the major shared flavonoid in both extracts, which may contribute to the observed inhibitory activity. These findings support the potential of A. andrachne as a natural source for herbal preparations with antiviral activity. Full article

Verbascum hasbenlii Aytaç & H. Duman is a narrowly distributed endemic species native to Çanakkale, Türkiye. This study aimed to establish and optimize callus induction and cell suspension culture systems for V. hasbenlii. Leaf explants obtained from 10-week-old seed-derived in vitro plants were cultured on six Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing different combinations of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.5 or 1.0 mg/L) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP; 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 mg/L). After four weeks, callus induction was achieved in all treatments (96–100%), although significant differences were observed in explant browning, callus biomass, diameter, and morphology. The medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA produced the highest callus biomass (1.245 g) and diameter (5.06 mm), while maintaining low explant browning and a compact-friable texture suitable for suspension culture establishment. Cell suspension cultures exhibited a typical growth pattern with lag, exponential, and stationary phases. On day 9, cultures showed increased growth parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV: 7.50%), fresh weight (FW: 0.0580 g), and dry weight (DW: 0.0052 g), with relatively high cell viability (80.72%). Biomass accumulation reached maximum levels between days 18–21, while cell viability decreased to 66.82%. These findings provide an optimized in vitro culture system for future studies on secondary metabolite production in V. hasbenlii. Full article

Bessera elegans (Asparagaceae) is an endemic Mexican species that is traditionally valued for ornamental purposes and locally reported medicinal uses, yet it remains largely underexplored from phytochemical and biological perspectives. The identification of bioactive secondary metabolites from under-investigated plant species is a key step toward developing plant-derived compounds with potential biotechnological applications. Therefore, in this context, we compile and critically analyze the available information on the botany, phytochemistry, and reported cytotoxic and insecticidal activities of B. elegans. Phytochemical studies, mainly focused on the bulbs, have led to the isolation of steroidal glycosides, homoisoflavonoids, flavonoids, and norlignans. Several of these compounds exhibit cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, including leukemia and lung adenocarcinoma models. More recent investigations of flower extracts have revealed additional classes of secondary metabolites and preliminary insecticidal activity, highlighting the species’ chemical diversity. Although the current biological evidence remains limited, the reported cytotoxic and insecticidal effects provide a biochemical basis supporting the relevance of B. elegans as a potential source of plant-derived bioactive compounds. This review highlights existing knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for further phytochemical and biological studies to support future biotechnological applications of metabolites from underexplored endemic plant species. Full article

Accurate classification of fish trophic strategies based solely on gut contents can be misleading, especially when plant material is ingested incidentally during predatory benthic foraging. The Pátzcuaro chub (Algansea lacustris) is a critically endangered cyprinid endemic to Central Mexico. It has historically been described as omnivorous with a tendency toward algivory, despite limited anatomical evidence. In this study, integrated anatomical, morphometric, and functional approaches were used to reassess the feeding strategy of A. lacustris and inform conservation-oriented aquaculture. Double-staining techniques revealed a specialised filtering and crushing branchial–pharyngeal system adapted to capture and process animal prey. Relative intestinal length (RIL) was measured from freshly dissected intestines. Intestinal transit time was experimentally evaluated using a formulated diet and live Artemia. Algansea lacustris exhibited a short intestine (RIL = 0.86 ± 0.10) and rapid intestinal transit (<30 min), both of which are characteristics of carnivorous teleosts. These results provide consistent anatomical and physiological evidence that A. lacustris is primarily adapted to a low-trophic carnivorous or insectivorous feeding strategy, with important implications for its ecological characterisation. Moreover, intestinal transit was faster after ingestion of live Artemia than after the formulated diet, likely due to differences in moisture content. The observed short transit times indicate the need for more frequent feeding and support the refinement of diet formulation and feeding strategies in conservation aquaculture programmes. Full article

The cactus Pelecyphora chihuahuensis is endemic to northern Mexico and represents an interesting subject on the integration of classical taxonomy with modern biotechnological tools to solve conservation issues. Because of its narrow ecological range and high ornamental value, the species is increasingly at risk from degradation of its habitats, climate change, and plant poaching. This review includes current knowledge on its taxonomic status, ecological distribution, and conservation needs, with a focus on biotechnological means to aid its preservation. Aspects such as molecular markers, next-generation sequencing, and previously reported GIS-based species distribution models provide valuable insights into its identity and ecological niche. Biotechnological tools for ex situ conservation include in vitro propagation and cryopreservation. Potential applications of CRISPR-Cas and synthetic biology in preserving rare cacti are also discussed. By uncovering gaps, this review opens a window of opportunity to urgently promote the sustainable management of P. chihuahuensis and related endangered cacti by merging biotechnology with ecology and taxonomy, the results presented here underscore the importance of integrating scientific findings into future research that supports the development and implementation of effective policies that prioritize the conservation and biocultural preservation of arid-land flora, ensuring that both ecological integrity and cultural values are maintained for these unique ecosystems. Full article

Climate change-induced drought threatens the persistence of Araucaria araucana, an endangered and endemic conifer of the Southern Andes. Beneficial plant–microbe interactions may contribute to drought resilience. Here, we evaluated the effects of a root-endophytic bacterium with the capacity to produce N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) on the growth and drought tolerance of A. araucana. For this, a root endophytic bacterium was isolated from A. araucana and identified as Erwinia billingiae. It was characterized for plant growth-promoting traits, and inoculated into A. araucana seedlings under drought conditions). The bacteria produced N-butyryl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) under control conditions and C4-HSL and N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) under drought stress. The strain also produces indoleacetic acid, ammonia, siderophores and solubilizes phosphate. Under drought stress, non-inoculated seedlings showed marked reductions in shoot and root biomass, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), and soluble sugars. In contrast, inoculated seedlings under drought displayed significantly higher shoot and root biomass, reaching levels comparable to those of well-watered controls. Chlorophyll content increased from 5.42 to 9.35 mg L⁻¹, and RWC increased from 62% to 71% in inoculated plants under drought conditions. Soluble sugar content increased from 25.74 to 36.34 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight following inoculation. Drought-induced oxidative stress was significantly alleviated in inoculated seedlings, with lower malondialdehyde and proline accumulation compared to non-inoculated drought-stressed plants. Antioxidant responses were modulated, indicating improved redox balance under water limitation. These results demonstrate that a root-endophytic bacterium with AHL production can enhance drought tolerance in A. araucana seedlings. This study provides novel evidence supporting the role of beneficial endophytes in microbiome-based strategies for conserving native forest species under climate change. Full article

Plants adapted to gypsum-rich habitats often display unique metabolic specializations. This study investigated the organ-specific chemical diversity and biofunctional potential of Ebenus laguroides subsp. laguroides, a gypsum-endemic legume from Central Anatolia. Methanolic extracts of flowers, leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed for phenolic composition by LC–ESI–MS/MS and evaluated for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Twenty-one phenolics were identified, dominated by hesperidin, verbascoside, and (+)-catechin, particularly abundant in stems. Stems exhibited the highest total phenolic (82.60 mg GAEs/g) and flavonoid (45.79 mg QEs/g) contents, correlating strongly with antioxidant capacity across multiple assays (r > 0.95). Enzyme inhibition tests revealed moderate but consistent activities, with roots showing the strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibition and stems the highest tyrosinase inhibition. Correlation analyses confirmed strong links between phenolic content, antioxidant potential, and enzyme modulation. The results highlight distinct organ-dependent metabolite patterns and demonstrate that E. laguroides subsp. laguroides is a noteworthy source of multifunctional phenolics. These findings contribute to understanding the chemical biodiversity and bioactivity relationships within Fabaceae species adapted to gypsum soils and provide a foundation for further phytochemical and pharmacological exploration. Full article

Hieracium L. s. str. is a taxonomically critical genus of perennial herbaceous plants widely distributed across temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Italy, its diversity is mainly concentrated in the Alps and northern Apennines, whereas southern Italy hosts only a limited number of relict taxa. Recent floristic surveys conducted in the Pollino National Park (southern Italy) revealed the presence of five Hieracium taxa, which were subsequently subjected to critical taxonomic evaluation. Detailed morphological analyses, supported by original herbarium comparisons and multivariate morphometric analyses, resulted in the description of a new species, here named H. petrocastellanum, the confirmation of H. pallescens subsp. tephrochlorum in the Italian flora after nearly 130 years from its discovery, and the first record for the Pollino area of H. symphytifolium, previously considered endemic to the Madonie Mountains (north-central Sicily), as well as H. pellitum subsp. pellitum and H. caesioides subsp. caesioides. The new species, Hieracium petrocastellanum, differs in having basal leaves with cuneate bases, only 0–1 cauline leaves, and bracts with sparse simple hairs and moderately dense glandular hairs. Ecological information and data on taxonomic relationships are also provided. The conservation status is assessed for H. petrocastellanum, H. pallescens subsp. tephrochlorum, and H. symphytifolium. An analytical key is presented to distinguish the new species from its closest relatives. These results confirm the Pollino National Park as a biodiversity hotspot and improve current knowledge of Hieracium. Full article

Helichrysum Mill. is one of the largest genera in the Asteraceae family, and in Madagascar, a plant paradise with ca 14,000 species, 111 Helichrysum species are known, 110 of which are endemic. In this work, the essential oil of endemic Helichrysum manopappoides Humbert, obtained by steam distillation, was investigated chemically and biologically. The spectrometric data obtained by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) analysis highlighted the presence of three major compounds, such as eucalyptol (7.38 ± 0.36%), α-humulene (14.75 ± 0.79%), and β-caryophyllene (19.78 ± 0.89%), which were also structurally confirmed by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopic investigation. Biological results showed potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiofilm effects of both the H manopappoides essential oil and the main components identified by GC-MS, enhancing an interesting approach for intestinal infections, being active against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella sonnei, and Salmonella enterica ser. typhimurium strains. Full article

This study assessed the conservation priorities for Cycas panzhihuaensis, a relict plant endemic to the dry-hot valleys of the Jinsha River, by integrating habitat suitability prediction with habitat quality evaluation. We used the MaxEnt model to identify its potential distribution and key environmental drivers and the InVEST model to evaluate habitat quality and degradation risk within the study area. Conservation priorities—categorized as hotspots, transition zones, and coldspots—were delineated by overlaying suitability classes with habitat quality levels. Spatial clustering of hotspots was examined using global spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results indicate that: (1) The highly suitable habitat for C. panzhihuaensis covers an area of 799.12 km², primarily concentrated in the dry-hot valleys of the Jinsha, Yalong, and Anning Rivers. January land surface temperature was the most significant environmental determinant of its distribution (contribution: 36.1%). (2) The overall habitat quality of the study region was relatively low (mean: 0.38), with a moderate risk of degradation. Areas of severe degradation spanned 14,629.31 km² (26.10% of the total area), largely coinciding with the river valleys and showing substantial overlap with the species’ suitable habitat. (3) The identified conservation hotspots (799.63 km²) exhibited a moderate and statistically significant positive spatial autocorrelation (global Moran’s I = 0.326). This integrated approach provides a spatially explicit framework for conservation planning, offering valuable insights applicable to other rare species in human-impacted landscapes. Full article

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and Malaria are serious infectious diseases endemic in tropical regions, caused by protozoan parasites, and necessitating an urgent development of new antiprotozoal drugs. As part of our ongoing search for new antiprotozoal steroidal alkaloids from plants, we investigated the methanolic stem bark extract of Holarrhena pubescens (Apocynaceae). H. pubescens is a tropical tree that some Kenyan coastal communities have long used to treat various ailments, including fever and stomach pain. The crude extract, alkaloid fraction, and 16 subfractions acquired through centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) displayed promising in vitro antiprotozoal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr) and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). Partial least squares (PLS) regression modeling of UHPLC/+ESI QqTOF-MS data and the antiprotozoal activity data of the crude extract and its fractions was performed to predict compounds that may be responsible for the observed antiplasmodial activity. Chromatographic separation of the alkaloid fraction afforded one new steroidal alkaloid (5), along with 18 known compounds (1, 2, 4, 6–20), and one artifact (3) that was presumably formed during the acid–base extraction process. The structural characterization of the isolated compounds was accomplished using UHPLC/+ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated compounds were tested for their in vitro antiprotozoal properties against the two aforementioned pathogens, as well as for their cytotoxicity against mammalian cells (L6 cell line). Compounds 2 and 16 (IC₅₀ = 0.2 μmol/L) demonstrated the highest antitrypanosomal activity, with compound 2 showing the highest selectivity (SI = 127). The new compound 5 exhibited the strongest antiplasmodial activity and selectivity against Pf (IC₅₀ = 0.7 μmol/L, SI = 43). Our findings provide further promising antiprotozoal leads for HAT and Malaria. Full article

The taxonomic status of Arbutus pavarii Pamp., a rare and geographically restricted species endemic to northeastern Libya, has long been debated, with some treatments considering it a synonym of A. unedo. To resolve this uncertainty, we applied an integrative molecular framework that combined multilocus DNA barcoding, phylogenetic inference, and multivariate statistical analyses. Five barcode loci—nrITS, matK, rbcL, trnH–psbA, and rps16—were analyzed using barcode-gap diagnostics, TaxonDNA identification tests, and single-locus and concatenated phylogenetic analyses. Barcode-gap analyses based on Kimura 2-parameter distances revealed clear and reproducible separation between intra- and interspecific variation for A. pavarii, particularly for nrITS and the concatenated multilocus dataset, whereas conserved plastid loci showed limited discriminatory power when used individually. Phylogenetic reconstructions consistently recovered A. pavarii as a strongly supported monophyletic lineage, distinct from A. unedo and other Mediterranean congeners, with congruent topologies across the nuclear, plastid, and combined datasets. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis and heatmap clustering, further corroborate the genetic cohesion and distinctiveness of A. pavarii samples. Collectively, these results provide robust molecular evidence supporting the recognition of Arbutus pavarii as a distinct evolutionary lineage, rather than an intraspecific variant of A. unedo. This study established a reproducible multilocus framework for species delimitation in Arbutus and highlighted the importance of integrating nuclear and plastid markers to resolve complex taxonomic relationships. The clarified taxonomic status of A. pavarii has important implications for biodiversity assessment and conservation planning in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the Cyrenaican floristic province. Full article

The East Alashan–Ordos Dryland of Inner Mongolia, China is the core area of the South Mongolian region, and one of the eight biodiversity centers in China. The plant biodiversity in the East Alashan–Ordos Dryland is diverse and unique, but its distribution and characteristics are yet to be well understood. Our results indicate that there are 5 endemic genera (Tetraena, Potaninia, Tugarinovia, Stilpnolepis, and Pugionium) and 2 Central Asian desert endemic genera (Ammopiptanthus and Elachanthemum) in this region. These 7 local and semi-local endemic genera are all distributed in plain or piedmont areas. There are 92 species and 18 varieties of local and semi-local endemic species of seed plants, accounting for 11.3% of all seed plants in this area. Eleven species are associated with endemic communities that are found in the Helan mountainous area and plain or piedmont areas. The flora of this region is a mix of both ancient and young species and exhibits clear spatial differentiation. Most endemic taxonomic groups in the plains are considered to originate from old arid regions, whereas endemic taxonomic groups in the mountains are considered to have formed through recent differentiation. The area has a rich xeric biota in which the xeric types account for 45% of all mountainous endemic plants as well as 78% of all plain endemic plants. Our study provides the first comprehensive, occurrence-based synthesis of endemic plant diversity and spatial differentiation in the East Alashan–Ordos Dryland, highlighting its long under-appreciated conservation value. Full article