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Morphological variability of the gynostemium structure in Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz complicates species identification. A total of 122 flowers of E. helleborine were collected, prepared, and analysed for gynostemium morphological variation. Geometric morphometric methods (GMMs) and statistical tests were used to assess variation in the shape, size, and stigma inclination angle among populations, individual plants (ramets), and years of research. The results indicate that most variations in gynostemium shape and size show a correlation with population, with relatively little variation within populations or between research years. Both morphometric parameters and the overall structural pattern of gynostemium morphology, including dorsal, frontal, ventral, and right lateral views, should be considered for taxonomic identification of E. helleborine.

Background and aims - The highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros region comprise one of the largest savannah areas in central Brazil. The region includes large areas of the rare and little-known cerrado rupestre, which is home to numerous endemic species. During research on the Arecaceae flora of Chapada dos Veadeiros, a new species of Butia was discovered, and it is described here. Material and methods - The morphology and anatomy are described based on field collections. Following the default methodology, pinnae and flowers were analysed using LM (freehand cross- and longitudinal sections) and SEM. The new species is compared to its morphologically similar species from the Brazilian central plateau, and an identification key and distribution map were established. Key results - At first sight, the new species Butia soffiae resembles B. archeri, but with staminate and pistillate flowers, which are always purple, different in size, and congested in the rachillae. After close inspection, it is morphologically allied to B. buenopolensis, differing mainly by its glaucous peduncular bract - similar size to the inflorescence, herbaceous peduncle, numerous rachillae, purple floral colour, and inconspicuous staminodes. Differences in leaf anatomy, such as the presence of raphides, a cross-sectionally truncated midrib, and the number of accessory bundles on the midrib, also support the description of a new species. Two structures were recorded for the first time for the genus: squamiform trichomes at the base of the pistil and osmophores on the staminodes. The new species is assessed as Critically Endangered based on the restricted area of occurrence and anthropogenic threats. Conclusion - Butia soffiae is the first endemic Butia species described in Chapada dos Veadeiros. The type population is located near Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, which is the subject of a bill that aims to reduce its area by 73%. The discovery of this new species reinforces the uniqueness of the local flora and the importance of maintaining the park. Keywords: acaulescent, Goiás State, new species, Palmae , plant anatomy, raphides, squamiform trichomes, taxonomy

Rapid wilting after harvest greatly decreases the ornamental and economic value of fresh-cut flowers. To determine how chlorine dioxide (ClO[sub.2]) affects postharvest flower quality, Paeonia lactiflora ‘Hushui Dangxia’ cut flowers in bottles were treated with different concentrations of ClO[sub.2] (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L[sup.−1]). Among the treatments, ClO[sub.2] 75 (i.e., 75 mg L[sup.−1]) decreased the bacterial growth and lignin content at the P. lactiflora flower stem base, while also decreasing the degree of flower stem vessel blockage. Additionally, the ClO[sub.2] 75 treatment increased the relative fresh weight, water balance, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), but decreased the malondialdehyde content and ethylene release rate of P. lactiflora cut flowers. Thus, the aging of P. lactiflora flowers was delayed, thereby maintaining the cut flower quality. Furthermore, the vase life (i.e., ornamental period) increased by three days.

Several key processes in plant development are regulated by TCP transcription factors. CYCLOIDEA-like (CYC-like) TCP domain proteins have been shown to control flower symmetry in distantly related plant lineages. Gerbera hybrida, a member of one of the largest clades of angiosperms, the sunflower family (Asteraceae), is an interesting model for developmental studies because its elaborate inflorescence comprises different types of flowers that have specialized structures and functions. The morphological differentiation of flower types involves gradual changes in flower size and symmetry that follow the radial organization of the densely packed inflorescence. Differences in the degree of petal fusion further define the distinct shapes of the Gerbera flower types. To study the role of TCP transcription factors during specification of this complex inflorescence organization, we characterized the CYC-like homolog GhCYC2 from GERBERA: The expression of GhCYC2 follows a gradient along the radial axis of the inflorescence. GhCYC2 is expressed in the marginal, bilaterally symmetrical ray flowers but not in the centermost disk flowers, which are nearly radially symmetrical and have significantly less fused petals. Overexpression of GhCYC2 causes disk flowers to obtain morphologies similar to ray flowers. Both expression patterns and transgenic phenotypes suggest that GhCYC2 is involved in differentiation among Gerbera flower types, providing the first molecular evidence that CYC-like TCP factors take part in defining the complex inflorescence structure of the Asteraceae, a major determinant of the family's evolutionary success.

Pollination and Floral Ecology is the most comprehensive single-volume reference to all aspects of pollination biology--and the first fully up-to-date resource of its kind to appear in decades. This beautifully illustrated book describes how flowers use colors, shapes, and scents to advertise themselves; how they offer pollen and nectar as rewards; and how they share complex interactions with beetles, birds, bats, bees, and other creatures. The ecology of these interactions is covered in depth, including the timing and patterning of flowering, competition among flowering plants to attract certain visitors and deter others, and the many ways plants and animals can cheat each other.