Molecular phylogenetics and character evolution of the “sacaca” clade: Novel relationships of Croton section Cleodora (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract

a b s t r a c tPhylogenetic relationships of Croton section Cleodora (Klotzsch) Baill. were evaluated using the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the chloroplast trnL-F and trnH-psbA regions. Our results show a strongly supported clade containing most previously recognized section Cleodora species, plus some other species morphologically similar to them. Two morphological synapomorphies that support section Cleodora as a clade include pistillate flowers in which the sepals overlap to some degree, and styles that are connate at the base to varying degrees. The evolution of vegetative and floral characters that have previously been relied on for taxonomic decisions within this group are evaluated in light of the phylogenetic hypotheses. Within section Cleodora there are two well-supported clades, which are proposed here as subsections (subsection Sphaerogyni and subsection Spruceani). The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis identifies the closest relatives of the medicinally important and essential oil-rich Croton cajucara Benth. as candidates for future screening in phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

New ent-Clerodane and Abietane Diterpenoids from the Roots of Kenyan Croton megalocarpoides Friis & M. G. Gilbert

“…In this study, twenty-two compounds were isolated from the roots of C. megalocarpoides including twelve new ent-clerodane diterpenoids (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12), a new abietane diterpenoid (13), the known crotocorylifuran (4 a) [7] (l " Fig. 1), the two known abietane diterpenoids, isolophanthin A [8] and abietic acid [9], four known ent-trachylobane diterpenoids, ent-3α,18-dihydroxytrachylobane [10], ent-trachyloban-18-ol [10], ent-trachyloban-18-oic acid [10,11], ent-3α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-al [12] and the triterpenoids, lupeol [13] and acetyl aleurotolic acid [14,15].…”

“…All these species possess a grey scaly bark, their leaves are silvery beneath and produce tri-lobed fruits [2]. The Croton genus consists of over 1300 species of monoeceous and dioeceous trees, shrubs and herbs that are distributed worldwide with extreme diversity, especially in the West Indies, Southern Brazil, and Madagascar and are known for their ethno-medicinal value [3,4]. C. megalocarpoides is one of the fifteen Croton species that occur in Kenya and there are no reports of any ethno-medicinal usage for this species.…”

Croton (Euphorbiaceae) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: an update

“…In Brazil, Croton is also one of the largest genera, with 316 species and a high degree of endemism (BFG 2015). The genus occurs in almost all kinds of habitats but has a great number of species growing in open vegetation and disturbed sites (Gomes-Pompa 1971, Caruzo et al 2011.…”

Croton sapiifolius Müll.Arg. In: a new occurrence for the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

“…Brazil has 316 species of the genus, which ranks Croton as the 4 th largest Angiosperm genus in the country (BFG 2015). It occurs in almost all types of vegetation, but most species grow in dry and open vegetation, secondary forests and disturbed sites (van Ee et al 2011, GomesPompa 1971, Caruzo et al 2011.…”