BookYunheng Ji.
Summary: This book provides essential information on the morphology, biology, phytochemistry, pharmaceutical prospects, evolution, phylogeny, biogeography, and taxonomy of Paris (Melanthiaceae), a morphologically distinctive plant genus with great economic importance. Since the establishment of this genus, 70 species and 24 subspecific taxa have been described, resulting in considerable confusion in species delimitation. In this book, the taxonomy of all described taxa is carefully revised. Based on multi-disciplinary evidences, a revised classification system of Paris containing five sections is outlined. Every species is provided with a concise but diagnostic description, a color illustration, photographs that highlight distinguishing characters, examined specimens and distribution range. The interspecific relationships are clarified with an identification key. This monograph offers taxonomists, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, horticulturalists, phytochemists, and practitioners a thorough and up-to-date overview about this interesting plant group. It is equally valuable for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers and professionals engaged in related fields.
Contents:
Intro
Preface
Acknowledgements
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction: Taxonomic History
1.1 Establishment of the Genus
1.2 Affinities
1.3 History of Species Discoveries
1.4 Generic Circumscription and Subdivision
1.5 Issues to Be Resolved
References
Chapter 2: Morphology
2.1 Gross Morphology
2.1.1 Rhizome
2.1.2 Mycorrhiza
2.1.3 Leaves
2.1.4 Flower
2.1.5 Fruit
2.1.6 Seeds
2.1.7 Taxonomic Significance
2.2 Pollen Morphology
2.2.1 Pollen Size, Shape, and Ornamentation
2.2.2 Taxonomic Implications
References
Chapter 3: Biology 3.1 Distribution and Habitat
3.2 Phenology
3.3 Propagation and Growth
3.3.1 Pollination
3.3.2 Seed Production
3.3.3 Seed Dispersal
3.3.4 Life Cycle
3.4 Chromosomes
3.4.1 Karyotype
3.4.2 B Chromosomes
3.4.3 Chromosome Evolution
3.5 Genomes
3.5.1 Genome Size
3.5.2 Possible Mechanisms Underlying the Formation of Large Genomes
3.5.3 Plastid Genomes
3.5.3.1 General Features
3.5.3.2 Pseudogenization of Plastid cemA
3.5.3.3 Hotspots of Sequence Variation
References
Chapter 4: Economic Importance
4.1 Medicinal Importance 4.1.1 Overall Information
4.1.2 Traditional Uses and Ethnopharmacological Properties
4.2 Horticultural Potential
4.2.1 P. cronquistii (Takht.) H. Li
4.2.2 P. delavayi Franch
4.2.3 P. lancifolia Hayata
4.2.4 P. luquanensis H. Li
4.2.5 P. marmorata Stearn
4.2.6 P. yunnanensis Franch
4.3 Phytochemistry
4.3.1 Steroidal Saponins
4.3.2 Phytoecdysones
4.3.3 Phytosterols
4.3.4 Flavonoids
4.3.5 Triterpenoid Saponins
4.3.6 Others
4.4 Pharmaceutical Prospects
4.4.1 Anti-Tumor
4.4.2 Hemostatic Activity
4.4.3 Uterine Contractile Agonistic Activity 4.4.4 Antimicrobial
4.4.5 Other Activities
References
Chapter 5: Phylogeny, Classification, Biogeography, and Evolution
5.1 Ancient and Recent Hybridization
5.2 Generic Circumscription
5.3 Infrageneric Classification
5.4 Historical Biogeography
5.5 Species Diversification
5.6 Origin and Evolution of Genomic Gigantism
References
Chapter 6: Taxonomic Revision
6.1 Section Paris
6.2 Section Kinugasa
6.3 Section Thibeticae
6.4 Section Axiparis
6.5 Section Euthyra
References
Chapter 7: Conservation Considerations
7.1 Conservation Status 7.1.1 Species Rarity
7.1.2 Extinction Risk
7.2 Principal Threats
7.2.1 Commercial Collecting
7.2.2 Arbitrary Introduction
7.2.3 Habitat Degradation
7.3 Conservation Priorities
7.4 Conservation Strategies
7.4.1 Commercial Cultivation
7.4.2 In situ Conservation
7.4.3 Ex situ Conservation
References