Berula

Abstract: Previous studies of the Sium alliance within Apiaceae tribe Oenantheae, based only on nrDNA ITS sequences, revealed that the genera Sium and Berula may not be monophyletic. To confirm issues of relationships and implement nomenclatural changes, we obtained additional ITS sequences as well as independent data from the cpDNA rps16-5'trnK( UUU ) region which includes the rps16 intron and the spacer region between genes rps16 and 5'trnK. We examined 78 accessions of tribe Oenantheae including representatives of all 23 species of the Sium alliance (Afrocarum, 1 sp.; Apium pro partel/Helosciadium, 5 spp.; Berula, 1 sp.; Cryptotaenia, 4 spp.; Sium, 12 spp.). Results of Bayesian analysis and maximum parsimony analyses of partitioned and combined data revealed that the Sium alliance is strongly supported as monophyletic. Within this clade, four major subclades are resolved. Three of these subclades comprise species that were traditionally placed in Cryptotaenia, HelosciadiumlApium pro parte, and Sium s.str. (9 spp.). A restitution of the genus Helosciadium, including all Eurasian species ofApium with the exception of A. graveolens, the generitype, is supported by both molecular data and morphology. The fourth subclade, Berula sensu lato, encompasses all representatives of a widely distributed B. erecta, a monotypic African Afrocarum, and three members of Sium from Africa (S. repandum) and Saint Helena (S. bracteatum, S. burchellii). The Sium species from Saint Helena form a sister group to African representatives of B. erecta. The Berula sensu lato clade is recognized at the generic level and these four African/Saint Helena species are transferred into Berula. African and North American populations of B. erecta are distinct from their Eurasian relatives and are therefore proposed to be treated as separate species (B. thunbergii and B. incisa, respectively).

Abstract: SUMMARY. Monthly changes in the biomass of Ranunculus, Berula and Callitriche were recorded on two 50-m sites on the River Lambourn at Bagnor between March 1971 and October 1973. On the unshaded site. Ranunculus was the dominant macrophyte and characteristically its biomass changed from 20–40 g dry wt m-2 in March to around 400 g dry wt m-2 at the end of the growing season. On the shaded site, where Berula was the dominant macrophyte. the biomass of Ranunculus was lower than on the unshaded site. There was no significant difference between the mean biomasses of Berula on these two sites but Callitriche had a signifieantly higher biomass on the shaded site. Estimates of the total biomass of macrophyte on each site were calculated and the biomass of macrophyte removed during cutting operations each summer was also assessed.

Abstract: The essential oil of Berula erecta (Apiaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. One hundred and twenty-five components identified accounted for 96.2% of the total oil. The oil was characterized by the presence of (Z)-falcarinol (21.5%), β-sesquiphellandrene (17.2%), β-caryophyllene (14.9%) and γ-terpinene (14.8%). Terpenoids (66.2%) constituted the main fraction of the oil, with monoterpene (19.3%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (39.2%) as the most abundant compound class.