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Obico JJA, Lapuz RSC, Barcelona JF, Pelser PB. What explains the high island endemicity of Philippine Rafflesia? A species distribution modeling analysis of three threatened parasitic plant species and their hosts. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16267. [PMID: 38059662 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Rafflesia are rare holoparasitic plants. In the Philippines, all but one species are found only on single islands. This study aimed to better understand the factors contributing to this distributional pattern. Specifically, we sought to determine whether narrow environmental tolerances of host and/or parasite species might explain their island endemicity. METHODS We used Maxent species distribution modeling to identify areas with suitable habitat for R. lagascae, R. lobata, and R. speciosa and their Tetrastigma host species. These analyses were carried out for current climate conditions and two future climate change scenarios. RESULTS Although species distribution models indicated suitable environmental conditions for the Tetrastigma host species in many parts of the Philippines, considerably fewer areas were inferred to have suitable conditions for the three Rafflesia species. Some of these areas are on islands from which they have not been reported. All three species will face significant threats as a result of climate change. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that limited inter-island dispersibility and/or specific environmental requirements are likely responsible for the current pattern of island endemicity of the three Rafflesia species, rather than environmental requirements of their Tetrastigma host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper J A Obico
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - R Sedricke C Lapuz
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Julie F Barcelona
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Pieter B Pelser
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
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Cai L. Rethinking convergence in plant parasitism through the lens of molecular and population genetic processes. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2023; 110:e16174. [PMID: 37154532 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The autotrophic lifestyle of photosynthetic plants has profoundly shaped their body plan, physiology, and gene repertoire. Shifts to parasitism and heterotrophy have evolved at least 12 times in more than 4000 species, and this transition has consequently left major evolutionary footprints among these parasitic lineages. Features that are otherwise rare at the molecular level and beyond have evolved repetitively, including reduced vegetative bodies, carrion-mimicking during reproduction, and the incorporation of alien genetic material. Here, I propose an integrated conceptual model, referred to as the funnel model, to define the general evolutionary trajectory of parasitic plants and provide a mechanistic explanation for their convergent evolution. This model connects our empirical understanding of gene regulatory networks in flowering plants with classical theories of molecular and population genetics. It emphasizes that the cascading effects brought about by the loss of photosynthesis may be a major force constraining the physiological capacity of parasitic plants and shaping their genomic landscapes. Here I review recent studies on the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of parasitic plants that lend support to this photosynthesis-centered funnel model. Focusing on nonphotosynthetic holoparasites, I elucidate how they may inevitably reach an evolutionary terminal status (i.e., extinction) and highlight the utility of a general, explicitly described and falsifiable model for future studies of parasitic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Cai
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Phylogenetics and historical biogeography of Encyclia (Laeliinae: Orchidaceae) with an emphasis on the E. adenocarpos complex, a new species, and a preliminary species list for the genus. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-022-00575-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Diway B, Yasui Y, Innan H, Takeuchi Y. New locality and bud growth of the world biggest flower, <i>Rafflesia tuan-mudae,</i> in Naha Jaley, Sarawak, Malaysia. TROPICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3759/tropics.ms21-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bibian Diway
- Research Development and Innovation Division, Forest Department Sarawak
| | - Yasuo Yasui
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
| | - Hideki Innan
- School of Advanced Sciences, Graduate University for Advanced Studies
| | - Yayoi Takeuchi
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies
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Niissalo MA, Gardner EM, Khew GS, Šída O, Poulsen AD, Leong-Škorničková J. Whence Came These Plants Most Foul? Phylogenomics and Biogeography of Lowiaceae (Zingiberales). Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.794977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lowiaceae (order Zingiberales) is a small family of forest herbs in Southeast Asia. All species belong to the genus Orchidantha. They are known for possessing orchid-like flowers that are smelly, apparently mimicking dead animals, feces, or mushrooms. Little is known of the biogeographic patterns or character evolution of the family. We sampled the family extensively, including many recently discovered species, and reconstructed the phylogeny of the family using HybSeq with Lowiaceae-specific RNA baits. Our phylogenetic reconstructions confirm that the family is most closely related to Strelitziaceae, and that species with dark, foul-smelling flowers form a grade in which a clade of species with paler flowers are embedded. The pale-flowered species produce a distinct odor, resembling edible mushrooms. Apart from a single species, the species from Borneo form a clade, and the same is true for Indochinese species. The remaining species form a more widespread clade. A biogeographic analysis shows that the distribution of Lowiaceae can explained by vicariance and gradual dispersal from a shared ancestral range of Borneo and Indochina. There is no evidence of long-distance dispersal, only a later extension in distribution to Peninsular Malaysia which coincides with the presence of a land bridge. Different directions of spread are possible, but none require long-distance dispersal. The results are consistent with the geological history of Southeast Asia. In particular, the relatively early isolation between Indochina and Borneo could be explained by the presence of a sea barrier that developed 10–15 MYA, and the continuous movement of plant species between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia could be explained by a land bridge that existed until c. 5 MYA. The lack of an extensive land bridge with a suitable habitat may explain the absence of this genus from Sumatra and other Indonesian islands aside from Borneo. The strict reliance on a continuous habitat for the range expansion of Lowiaceae can be explained by their fruits and seeds, which lack obvious adaptations for long-distance dispersal. The inability to disperse to new areas may also explain why the extant species have very restricted distributions.
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Molina J, Nikolic D, Jeevarathanam JR, Abzalimov R, Park EJ, Pedales R, Mojica ERE, Tandang D, McLaughlin W, Wallick K, Adams J, Novy A, Pell SK, van Breemen RB, Pezzuto JM. Living with a giant, flowering parasite: metabolic differences between Tetrastigma loheri Gagnep. (Vitaceae) shoots uninfected and infected with Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) and potential applications for propagation. PLANTA 2021; 255:4. [PMID: 34841446 PMCID: PMC8627921 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolites in Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma were compared which may have applications in Rafflesia propagation. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, here reported for the first time in Vitaceae, were abundant in non-infected shoots and may be a form of defense. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxylipins, which mediate immune response, were elevated. Endemic to the forests of Southeast Asia, Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a genus of holoparasitic plants producing the largest flowers in the world, yet completely dependent on its host, the tropical grape vine, Tetrastigma. Rafflesia species are threatened with extinction, making them an iconic symbol of plant conservation. Thus far, propagation has proved challenging, greatly decreasing efficacy of conservation efforts. This study compared the metabolites in the shoots of Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma loheri to examine how Rafflesia infection affects host metabolomics and elucidate the Rafflesia infection process. Results from LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis showed benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were naturally more abundant in non-infected shoots and are here reported for the first time in the genus Tetrastigma, and in the grape family, Vitaceae. These metabolites have been implicated in plant defense mechanisms and may prevent a Rafflesia infection. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxygenated fatty acids, or oxylipins, and a flavonoid, previously shown involved in plant immune response, were significantly elevated. This study provides a preliminary assessment of metabolites that differ between Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma hosts and may have applications in Rafflesia propagation to meet conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanmaire Molina
- Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Rinat Abzalimov
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Facility, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eun-Jung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ronniel Pedales
- Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Elmer-Rico E Mojica
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danilo Tandang
- Philippine National Herbarium (PNH), Botany Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Academia Sinica, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Kyle Wallick
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James Adams
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ari Novy
- San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, CA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan K Pell
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Richard B van Breemen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - John M Pezzuto
- College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA
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Thorogood CJ, Teixeira-Costa L, Ceccantini G, Davis C, Hiscock SJ. Endoparasitic plants and fungi show evolutionary convergence across phylogenetic divisions. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:1159-1167. [PMID: 34251722 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endoparasitic plants are the most reduced flowering plants, spending most of their lives as a network of filaments within the tissues of their hosts. Despite their extraordinary life form, we know little about their biology. Research into a few species has revealed unexpected insights, such as the total loss of plastome, the reduction of the vegetative phase to a proembryonic stage, and elevated information exchange between host and parasite. To consolidate our understanding, we review life history, anatomy, and molecular genetics across the four independent lineages of endoparasitic plants. We highlight convergence across these clades and a striking trans-kingdom convergence in life history among endoparasitic plants and disparate lineages of fungi at the molecular and physiological levels. We hypothesize that parasitism of woody plants preselected for the endoparasitic life history, providing parasites a stable host environment and the necessary hydraulics to enable floral gigantism and/or high reproductive output. Finally, we propose a broader view of endoparasitic plants that connects research across disciplines, for example, pollen-pistil and graft incompatibility interactions and plant associations with various fungi. We shine a light on endoparasitic plants and their hosts as under-explored ecological microcosms ripe for identifying unexpected biological processes, interactions and evolutionary convergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Thorogood
- University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | | | - Gregório Ceccantini
- Dp. of Botany, University of São Paulo, IB-USP, Rua do Matão 277, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Charles Davis
- Harvard University Herbaria, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Simon J Hiscock
- University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
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Cai L, Arnold BJ, Xi Z, Khost DE, Patel N, Hartmann CB, Manickam S, Sasirat S, Nikolov LA, Mathews S, Sackton TB, Davis CC. Deeply Altered Genome Architecture in the Endoparasitic Flowering Plant Sapria himalayana Griff. (Rafflesiaceae). Curr Biol 2021; 31:1002-1011.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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King C, Cheek M. Nepenthes maximoides (Nepenthaceae) a new, critically endangered (possibly extinct) species in Sect. Alatae from Luzon, Philippines showing striking pitcher convergence with N. maxima (Sect. Regiae) of Indonesia. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9899. [PMID: 32974102 PMCID: PMC7489237 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nepenthes maximoides sp. nov. (Sect. Alatae) is described and assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) from Luzon, Philippines and appears unrecorded in 110 years. The spectacular, large, narrowly funnel-shaped upper pitchers, lids with recurved basal and filiform apical appendages, unlike any other species in the Philippines, closely resemble those of N. maxima (Sect. Regiae) of Sulawesi-New Guinea, likely due to convergent evolution. Following recent phylogenomic analysis, sect. Alatae is divided into two, Sect. Alatae sensu stricto of Luzon to Sibuyan (including N. maximoides), and Sect. Micramphorae, expanded and recircumscribed to encompass those species of the southern Visayas, and Mindanao. A key is provided to the six species now recognised in the newly narrowly recircumscribed Sect. Alatae. The number of Nepenthes species recorded from Luzon has increased from two in 2001, to eight in 2020, all but one of which are endemic to that island, and four of which appear to be point endemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles King
- Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK
| | - Martin Cheek
- Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK
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