Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 210-220 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 210 Invited Review Open Access Conservation of Winged Papilionate Flowers: A 30 Million Year Journey James X. Fang Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xuanjun.fang@hitar.org Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024 Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0021 Received: 02 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 03 Oct., 2024 Published: 14 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Fang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Fang J.X., 2024, Conservation of winged papilionate flowers: a 30 million year journey, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(5): 210-220 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0021) Abstract Winged Papilionate flowers, characterized by their unique floral morphology and significant role in legume evolution, represent a fascinating subject of study within evolutionary biology and conservation science. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolutionary history, ecological roles, and conservation challenges associated with these flowers. We trace the origins of winged Papilionate flowers from their earliest fossil records to their present-day distribution, emphasizing the evolutionary significance of their unique winged structures and their co-evolution with specific pollinators. The study explores the ecological adaptations that have enabled these flowers to thrive in diverse habitats, highlighting the role of genetic diversity in their ecological success. A focused case study on Phaseolus species (common beans) illustrates the agricultural importance of winged Papilionate flowers and the evolutionary adaptations leading to their distinctive morphology. Conservation challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, and genetic erosion, are examined, along with potential strategies such as in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches, the use of genomic tools, and modern breeding techniques like CRISPR/Cas9. The paper concludes by discussing future research priorities, emphasizing the need for an integrative approach that combines evolutionary and conservation biology, the application of emerging technologies, and the importance of policy and public engagement in conservation efforts. Understanding the evolutionary journey and conservation needs of winged Papilionate flowers is vital for preserving these ecologically and economically significant plant species. Keywords Papilionate flowers; Winged morphology; Co-evolution; Conservation genetics; Phaseolus species 1 Introduction Papilionate flowers, also known as butterfly-like flowers, are a distinctive floral form within the legume family (Fabaceae). These flowers are characterized by their bilateral symmetry, with petals differentiated into a standard (banner), wings, and a keel that encloses the reproductive organs (Cardoso et al., 2015). This unique floral architecture is not only aesthetically appealing but also functionally significant, facilitating specialized pollination mechanisms. The evolution of papilionate flowers marks a critical phase in legume diversification, contributing to the ecological success and adaptive radiation of this plant family. These flowers play a pivotal role in ecosystem services, including nitrogen fixation, which enhances soil fertility and supports various plant and animal communities (Prenner et al., 2015; Carvalho et al., 2023a). Winged papilionate flowers exhibit unique morphological traits that distinguish them from other floral forms. Notably, the upper calyx lobes are often enlarged and wing-like, a feature that is particularly prominent in the Dipterygeae clade. This morphological adaptation is believed to enhance the efficiency of pollination by specialized pollinators, ensuring effective reproductive success. The conservatism of these traits over millions of years underscores their evolutionary significance. These flowers maintain stable stamen numbers and a specialized stamen sheath, which are crucial for their interaction with pollinators (Carvalho et al., 2023a; Carvalho et al., 2023b). The role of winged papilionate flowers in plant-pollinator interactions is vital, as they have co-evolved with specific pollinators, leading to mutualistic relationships that benefit both the plants and their pollinators (Prenner et al., 2015). This study provides a detailed review of the morphological characteristics and evolutionary history of winged papilionaceous flowers, systematically analyzing their ecological roles and interactions with pollinators. The
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