Despite the paramount role of plant diversity for ecosystem functioning, biogeochemical cycles, and human welfare, knowledge of its global distribution is still incomplete, hampering basic research and biodiversity conservation. Here, we used machine learning (random forests, extreme gradient boosting, and neural networks) and conventional statistical methods (generalized linear models and generalized additive models) to test environment-related hypotheses of broad-scale vascular plant diversity gradients and to model and predict species richness and phylogenetic richness worldwide. To this end, we used 830 regional plant inventories including c. 300 000 species and predictors of past and present environmental conditions. Machine learning showed a superior performance, explaining up to 80.9% of species richness and 83.3% of phylogenetic richness, illustrating the great potential of such techniques for disentangling complex and interacting associations between the environment and plant diversity. Current climate and environmental heterogeneity emerged as the primary drivers, while past environmental conditions left only small but detectable imprints on plant diversity. Finally, we combined predictions from multiple modeling techniques (ensemble predictions) to reveal global patterns and centers of plant diversity at multiple resolutions down to 7774 km2 . Our predictive maps provide accurate estimates of global plant diversity available at grain sizes relevant for conservation and macroecology.

Research into matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibition in certain cancers has moved significantly, studies on MMP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains scarce. MMP-9, a gelatinase-degrading enzyme, destroys matrix proteins in gingivitis and adult periodontitis. MMP-9 genetic (mRNA) and protein profiles were examined to determine MMP-9 expression in oral cancer in this study. Our gender findings indicate that the majority of patients were males and consumers of various tobacco forms.The buccal mucosa was involved in 52% of OSCCs, followed by the tongue (33%), and the gingivobuccal sulcus (9%).The levels of MMP-9 detected in OSCC grades were higher than controls in the order of well-, followed by moderately- and lastly poorly-differentiated grades.Immunohistochemistryseemed to be a reliable approach for measuring MMP-9 expression in OSCC samples when compared to RT-qPCR and western blotting. The association of high MMP-9 levels with well-differentiated OSCC grade implies its potential as a biomarker for early detection of OSCC which could lead to the development of early OSCC treatments. More studies with larger samples might aid in the evaluation of the techniques used.

Daphne ( Thymelaeaceae ) is a small group of shrubby plants mainly distributed in subtropical and temperate regions of the world with a few species also occurring in alpine habitats. Of ca . 95 species in the world, six species and one variety are reported from India. Phylogenetic relationships of the Indian Daphne were investigated based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid ( rbc L and trn L-F) regions. A total of 21 sequences representing five taxa of the six species reported from India were newly generated for the present study. The phylogenies using ML and Bayesian analyses obtained from individual and combined datasets were congruent and strongly supported the monophyly of the genus Daphne . Combined analyses revealed two major well-supported clades. The systematic relationship of the narrow endemic species, D . thanguensis was also confirmed as sister to the morphologically similar D . tangutica. The study supports the independent species status of D. retusa and D . tangutica . Ancestral state reconstructions were done using two major features, viz. presence or absence of indumentum on calyx and colour of the calyx occurrence of species. A taxonomic key has also been provided for the Indian taxa. This is the first comprehensive molecular study on the Indian Daphne .

Despite the paramount role of plant diversity for ecosystem functioning, biogeochemical cycles, and human welfare, knowledge of its global distribution is incomplete, hampering basic research and biodiversity conservation. Here, we used machine learning (random forests, extreme gradient boosting, neural networks) and conventional statistical methods (generalised linear models, generalised additive models) to model species richness and phylogenetic richness of vascular plants worldwide based on 830 regional plant inventories including c. 300,000 species and predictors of past and present environmental conditions. Machine learning showed an outstanding performance, explaining up to 80.9% of species richness and 83.3% of phylogenetic richness. Current climate and environmental heterogeneity emerged as the primary drivers, while past environmental conditions left only small but detectable imprints on plant diversity. Finally, we combined predictions from multiple modelling techniques (ensemble predictions) to reveal global patterns and centres of plant diversity at multiple resolutions down to 7,774 km 2 . Our predictive maps provide the most accurate estimates of global plant diversity available to date at grain sizes relevant for conservation and macroecology.

The present study deals with first-hand information on quantitative assessments of different vegetation layers (viz. trees, saplings, seedlings, shrubs and herbs) collected from 57 permanent plots (size 400 m2), established for long-term monitoring of biodiversity and study of functional aspects in Namdapha National Park (NPP), Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India during 2017. We grouped all the plots into six clusters as study sites. A total of 60 taxa of trees, 67 shrubs and 81 herbs were recorded within 57 plots during the study. The average species richness per site for trees was 20.83 ± 1.62, saplings 16.0 ± 1.15, seedlings 15.83 ± 1.35, shrubs 23.83 ± 1.58 and herbs 32.67 ± 0.92. Total stem density varied from 117.5 to and 181 ha –1 (152.58 ± 10.04 ha –1 ) for trees (circumference m31.5 cm), 881 to 3000 ha –1 (1652.17 ± 317.61 ha –1 ) for shrubs and from 76750 to 98545 ha –1 (92032.17 ± 3246.60 ha –1 ) for herbs. Tree regeneration status at all the six study sites was ‘good’ (i.e. density of seedlings > saplings > trees). The distribution of tree stems (circumference m31.5 cm) into different size classes showed highest relative density in the lowest stem size class (10–20 cm diameter) which also indicates good tree regeneration in the study area. Dipterocarpus retusus Blume was the most dominant tree species in the core zone area of NNP with ‘good’ regeneration status.

The present study was conducted in the Namdapha National Park (NNP), Eastern Himalayas, which is India's largest Dipterocarpus dominant lowland tropical rainforest. The aim of this study was to examine the spatial pattern of climber species composition and its relationship with tree and environment attributes. Field data was collected by establishing sampling plots (each of a size 20 m × 20 m) in random stratified method. We divided testing variables into four classes to assess the changing pattern in climber attributes viz., altitude classes 300–400 m, 400–500 m, 500–600 m, and > 600 m; slope 72angle classes 0–15°, 15–30°, 30–45° and > 45°; slope aspects as east, west, north, and south while canopy cover classes were < 55%, 55–70%, 70–85% and > 85%. The differences in the climber attributes among the classes were tested applying non-parametric ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test). A total of 47 climber species belong to 44 genera and 32 families were recorded from 2.28 ha area (400 m2 × 57 plots). Six communities were recognized through TWINSPAN classification using species matrix. Ficus pumila, Thunbergia coccinea, Rhaphidophora hookeri and Erythropalum scandens revealed as indicator taxa for different communities on the basis of indicator value (IV) scores. The present results revealed that the climber abundance, species richness (SR), and diversity dwindle with an increase in canopy cover and slope angles; with a decrease in altitude and tree SR.

Terrestrial mosses which retain moisture provide a suitable ambience for diatoms colonization and suitable experimental platforms for observing climate change impact. The distribution and diversity patterns of such epibryic diatom communities are governed by various biotic and abiotic factors of moss habitats. The present study is first of ever attempt to investigate the moss-inhabiting diatoms in relation to various abiotic environmental variables from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Samples were collected from 23 different sites in the Neora Valley National Park in Eastern Himalayas and analyzed through standard methods. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and cluster analysis (CA) performed to classify the samples and habitats while direct canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to determine the linkage between moss-inhabiting diatom species from various sample and abiotic environmental gradients. A total of 27 diatoms found colonizing on terrestrial moss patches from 23 sites of the park. CCA ordination plots showed that pH, conductivity and relative humidity were the primary factors influencing the diatom diversity and distribution, but altitude and temperature had no influence on the species distribution. But, correlation study on the average valve length of the most abundant and frequent taxa of Neora Valley National Park, i.e.Eunotia paludosa,E. bigibbaandHantzschia amphioxys, in relation to the environmental variables like, altitude, moisture content, relative humidity and temperature revealed a significant inference. The average valve length of these three diatoms decreases in warmer and drier climatic conditions at lower altitudes. Thus, these can be considered as potential indicator species to observe any climate change.

Corallodiscus cooperi (Craib) B.L. Burtt is reported here as a new record for India. The IUCN Red-listed Vulnerable species was earlier known only from Bhutan and has been collected for the first time from outside the country, from Zemithang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed description along with images and notes are provided to facilitate its easy identification.

Codonopsis bhutanica Ludlow, a lesser-known endemic species to central and eastern Himalaya, collected for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh, India. The species was previously known only from Bhutan and Nepal. The species is reported here with a detailed taxonomic description along with habitat image, a photo-plate illustrating different features and a map showing the locality in Arunachal Pradesh as a new record to Indian flora.

Floristic diversity of Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, a world heritage site in Indian Himalayan Region has been documented. A total of 614 taxa (609 species, 3 subspecies and 2 varieties) belonging to 277 genera and 70 families have been recorded. Among these, 31 plant species are under different threat categories, 05 endemic and one plant namely Cuscuta europaea recorded as invasive. The paper, for the first time, records 72 plant species as additions to flora of Valley of Flowers National Park. Importance of floristic diversity and conservation needs are also discussed.

Despite an existing India-wide inventory of alien plant species, an inventory documenting the occurrence of naturalized alien plant species in each of the Indian states (including union territories) was not available yet. We compiled from the literature a list of naturalized alien vascular plant species with data on their occurrence in 33 Indian states, and related the richness of naturalized species per state to climate, socioeconomic parameters and human influence. In total, we report 471 naturalized species in India, which represents 2.6% of the total flora of this country, and for 449 of them we provide the distribution in the states. The highest and lowest numbers of naturalized species are reported from Tamil Nadu (332) and the island Lakshadweep (17), respectively. The families richest in naturalized species are Compositae (75), Leguminosae (60) and Poaceae (36). The highest numbers of naturalized aliens occurs in states located at lower latitudes in the tropics, and in more northernly located states that even in the dry period still have relatively high amounts of precipitation. Naturalized species richness of a state is furthermore positively related to socioeconomic factors represented by the percentage of the population living in urban areas, and human population density. The state-wise inventory of naturalized alien species improves our knowledge on threats associated with plant invasions in India, and can be used to provide arguments for promoting programs on conservation of native biodiversity in the country as well as in particular states.

The phytosociological attributes of temperate forests were investigated in the Upper Range, Neora Valley National Park (NVNP), Eastern Himalaya. The area was grouped into three altitudinal zones viz., lower, middle and upper temperate and tree species were sampled at three life stages (seedlings, saplings and mature trees). The average species richness of trees, saplings and seedlings per forest stands was 15.67 +/- 4.04, 14.0 +/- 3.61 and 14.67 +/- 1.53 respectively which reflects a medium diversity status. The mean density of seedlings (32278.6 +/- 3713.13 ha(-1)) > saplings (840 +/- 141.07 ha(-1)) > trees (248.5 +/- 22.79 ha(-1)). Basal area ranged from 9.36 m(2) ha(-1) to 29.95 m(2) ha(-1) for trees, from 1.34 m(2) ha(-1) to 2.07 m(2) ha(-1) saplings and from 1.92 m(2) ha(-1) to 5.75 m(2) ha(-1) for seedlings at different study sites. It was observed that majority of the tree species at all life stage showed contiguous distribution pattern. Good regeneration status was recorded for maximum species at all the sites. Density-diameter distribution exhibited decrease in tree densities towards higher DBH classes. The present study has provided a baseline data for the long term monitoring of tree communities in the area that will help to assess the effect of present ecological consequences of ongoing and future climate changes.

This account of contribution is a sequel of additions to the flora of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Western Himalaya communicates additional 48 species of seed plants that are newly reported from the Park. All the species are enumerated alphabetically with brief description based on field character, phenology and local distribution pattern.

TAXONVolume 66, Issue 3 p. 760-761 Systematics and Phylogenys (2529) Proposal to conserve the name Podostemum (Podostemaceae) with that spelling Sameer Chandrakant Patil, Sameer Chandrakant Patil sameerpatil.c@gmail.com Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, 7 Koregaon Road, Pune – 411 001 Maharashtra, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorPakshirajan Lakshminarasimhan, Pakshirajan Lakshminarasimhan Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, 7 Koregaon Road, Pune – 411 001 Maharashtra, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorParamjit Singh, Paramjit Singh Botanical Survey of India, CGO complex, Block F, Sector I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700 064 IndiaSearch for more papers by this author Sameer Chandrakant Patil, Sameer Chandrakant Patil sameerpatil.c@gmail.com Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, 7 Koregaon Road, Pune – 411 001 Maharashtra, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorPakshirajan Lakshminarasimhan, Pakshirajan Lakshminarasimhan Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, 7 Koregaon Road, Pune – 411 001 Maharashtra, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorParamjit Singh, Paramjit Singh Botanical Survey of India, CGO complex, Block F, Sector I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700 064 IndiaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 June 2017 https://doi.org/10.12705/663.28AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume66, Issue3June 2017Pages 760-761 RelatedInformation

Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsley, an IUCN Red Listed Endangered tree species has been collected from Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India which constitutes the first distributional record of the monotypic genus Bretschneidera and the family Akaniaceae in India. Lectotypification of the name Bretschneidera sinensis proposed here along with detailed taxonomic account of the species.

A note on phytogeographical distribution and economic importance of a threatened, medicinally important species Lycium ruthenicum Murray (Solanaceae) in India and adjoining Countries is being provided.