Leaf anatomy of Cunoniaceae

A study of leaf anatomy of 24 genera of Cunoniaceae was made. The prevailing petiole vasculature is a nearly complete, usually adaxially flattened, medullated cylinder with the flat dorsal segment separated from the ventral arc. Medullary and cortical vasculation in Codia, Cunonia, Geissois and Pancheria is correlated with an increase in leaf coriaceousness. Very few characters are uniformly found in leaves of all species; these are druse or prismatic crystals, bifacial mesophyll and unicellular and simple trichomes. In most species vein sheathing occurs. Characters of the lamina that show variation and are useful in generic delimitation are: trichome type, presence of a hypodermis, occurrence of mucilaginous cells, presence of specialized terminal veinlet cells, major and higher order venation patterns, vein sheathing type, and mature stomatal types. Stomata are of the anomocytic, paracytic or anisocytic types. Leaves of various cunoniaceous species of xerophytic environments exhibit a leathery texture, thicker cuticle, more intensive sclerification along the veins, a sclerified hypodermis, and an increase in the amount of vascular tissue per unit area. Leaf anatomy does not provide immediate clues toward elucidating the relationships of cunoniaceous genera.     

Leaf anatomy of the subtribe Hyptidinae (Labiatae)

The leaf anatomy of the subtribe Hyptidinae (Labiatae), which consists of four small genera and the largr genus Hyplis , is dercribed. The leaves may be dorsiventral or isobilateral. Variable characters of the lainina include: frequency and forms of trichomes, cuticular markings, presence of adaxial stoinata, thickness of leaf, thickness of adaxial epidermis, presence of a hypodermis, occurrence of sclcrified tissues (especially sclerified bundle sheath extensions, phloem and xylem fibres), mesophyll structure and venation pattern. Petiole vasculature varies from simple to complex, sometimes with medullary traces present. Most of the variable characters are related to xeromorphy and are tax-onomically useful within the framework of the present classification.     

Leaf anatomy of the Menispermaceae tribe Tiliacoreae Miers

WILKINSON, H. P., 1988. Leaf anatomy of the Menispermaceae tribe Tiliacoreae Miers . An anatomical study of the leaves of 25 species belonging to 12 of the 19 genera has been made. The anatomical characters found to be of the most use in distinguishing taxa or groups of taxa are: in surface view–stomatal outline, stomatal density and distribution, subsidiary cell or surrounding cell patterns, presence /absence of hairs; in transverse sections–dimensions of adaxial epidermal cells, morphology of spongy mesophyll, midrib outline, number and distribution of vascular bundles, presence/absence of an upper pulvinus, presence/absence of sclereids in the upper pulvinus, presence/absence of secretory sacs, crystal type and distribution.     

中国芸香科植物叶分泌囊比较解剖学研究

利用整体透明、石腊和薄切片方法对芸香科22属,40种和2变种植物叶分泌囊的形态结构和分 布进行了比较研究。成熟分泌囊都由鞘细胞和一层上皮细胞围绕圆形腔隙构成,上皮细胞扁平,细胞壁 薄、完整,故分泌囊属裂生方式发生。鞘细胞1～5层,不同种类的层数有变化,个别种缺乏。内层鞘细 胞为扁平的薄壁细胞,外层的细胞壁较厚。分泌囊的形态结构、着生位置和分布密度等在不同属或不同 种间存在一定差异。根据分泌囊在叶中的分布位置和形态结构特点,可将其划分为:叶缘齿缝分泌囊, 叶肉分泌囊和两者混合型。叶肉分泌囊又可分海绵组织分泌囊和栅栏组织分泌囊。在此基础上对该科各类型分泌囊的形态演化关系以及各亚科或各属间的亲缘关系进行了探讨。     

Leaf structure of the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) woody plants

With the aim of recognizing the commonest leaf pattern found in the woody flora of the cerrado (the Brazilian savanna) we analyzed the leaf anatomy of 30 representative species. The leaves are mostly dorsiventral and hypostomatic and covered by trichomes and a thick layer of wax and cuticle; the vascular bundles are surrounded by a sheath of fibers. The mesophyll has a developed palisade tissue, dispersed sclerified cells and idioblasts bearing crystals and phenolic compounds. We compared the results with those reported for other species (60 species) from the same biome and for the families that the studied species belong. The present study suggests that the xeromorphism observed for the cerrado leaves is related to the evolutionary history of this biome, since its first floristic elements must have faced deficient water conditions as well as the consequent soil acidity and toxicity. Therefore we may infer that the leaf anatomical pattern here observed was already present in the first elements of the cerrado and was selected to guarantee the survival of those species in the new environment. Furthermore, the xeromorphic features present in those leaves continue nowadays to help the plants protecting themselves from the different biotic and abiotic factors they are subjected to.     

Leaf anatomical studies of Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae) species from the Malay Peninsula

KHATIJAH, H. H., CUTLER, D. F. & MOORE, D. M., 1992. Leaf anatomical studies of Eugenia L. species from the Malay Peninsula. The leaf and petiole anatomy of 25 Malaysian species of Eugenia L. sensu lato was investigated to determine the value of vegetative anatomy for the identification of non-flowering material. Twelve characters proved useful for the identification of species: type of stomata; shape of leaves in T.S.; shape of midrib bundle; sclerenchyma sheath; cutinization of outer epidermal wall; presence or absence of sclereids, idioblasts, hypodermis, columnar epidermal cells, solitary crystals; number of palisade layers and the shape of vascular strand, sclerenchyma sheath and sclereids in the parenchyma of the petiole. Using these characters an anatomical key was constructed to assist identification of the species. Only the closely related species E. stapfiana and E. nilidula could not be separated on anatomical characters.
The anatomical data support the treatment of Henderson (1949) of section Acmena but not of sections Cleistocalyx and Fissicalyx , which fit better in section Syzygium.     

Cell specialization within the parenchymatous bundle sheath of barley

Abstract. Structural and physiological aspects of the parenchymatous bundle sheath (PBS) were studied in cultivars of Hordeum distichum L. The PBS of intermediate, lateral and midrib veins consisted of a single layer of cells closely appressed to the mestome sheath. These cells were large, vacuolate and approximately cylindrical in shape, extending parallel to the vein. Mean PBS cell volume was 4 × 10⁻⁵mm³ compared to 1.23 × 10⁻⁵mm³ for mesophyll cells. Transverse sections revealed three cell types within the PBS, cells with small chloroplasts (S-type), cells with large chloroplasts (L-type) and structural cells. The majority of cells were S-type, containing chloroplasts of approximately a third of the volume of mesophyll chloroplasts; they were able to reduce tetranitro blue-tetrazolium and synthesize starch. Structural cells interrupted the phloem and xylem are of the sheath in lateral veins and the midrib, whilst between one and four PBS cells within the phloem are of each vein type contained chloroplasts similar in volume and starch content to those of the mesophyll. Only these L-type cells contained noticeable starch grains at the end of an 8-h dark period, a further 4 h darkness being required for complete mobilization of starch. Starch deposition within S-type and structural cells was detectable after 4 h illumination but was only appreciable in leaves excised from the plant and illuminated for 9–12 h. The role of S-type PBS cells in assimilate transport is discussed in relation to these findings.     

The Development of the Fruit Walls in Carya

Both the pistillate flowers and the developing fruits of CaryaovataandC. cordiformis are covered with secretory and protectivehairs. There are two kinds of the secretory hairs. In the morefrequent one the volatile oils are accumulated under the cuticlecovering the cells of the head. In the other the secretory substancesare accumulated inside the cells. The flowers and the developingfruits of the two investigated species have quite large emergenceson which the stomata most often occur. During the developmentof the fruit lenticels are formed in the green hull. Tanninsare accumulated not only in the green hull, but also in thecarpellary layer and in the packing tissue. There are some differences between C. ovata and C. cordiformisin the course of sclerification of the green hull. In C. cordiformisthe hull is less sclerified than in C. ovata, and the sclerificationof the carpellary layer occurs later. At a certain period ratherlarge gaps are present in the lignifying shell (in the regionsof the sutures) where the cells have thin cellulose walls. Thesegaps are partly filled with sclereids. The gaps become reducedto narrow chinks, in which the cell walls remain unlignified.The hard shell is not formed in all its width at the same time.During the process of formation of the hard fruit shell theremay arise single sclereids surrounded by thin-walled cells.Within a short time these undergo a similar modification andthe tissue becomes uniform as sclerenchyma. The sclereids ofthe hard shell have, in general, strongly folded cell walls.Owing to this they overlap each other.     

Comparative leaf' anatomical studies of some Mallotus Lour. (Euphorbiaceae) species

A comparative study was undertaken on the leaves and petioles of 16 species of Mallotus in order to investigate anatomical variations of potential in species identification. There is a range of characters which varies between species. These include the outline of the midrib and petiole in transverse sections, the shape of the vascular tissue in midribs, the presence of central bundles in the petiole, the presence of terminal sclereids, enlarged tracheids, presence or absence of non-glandular trichomes, and parenchymatous sheaths in vascular bundles. A combination of these characters may be used to identify species. Anatomical data support the placing of only a few species into the respective sections.     

THE TERMINAL IDIOBLASTS IN MAGNOLIACEOUS LEAVES

The idioblasts terminating the foliar veinlets were studied in 152 species of the following magnoliaccous genera: Alcimandra, Aromadendron, Elmerrillia, Kmeria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Manglietia, Michelia, Paramichelia, and Talauma. In all genera, except Liriodendron, some of the veinlets in mature leaves terminate in enlarged, nonliving cells called tracheoidal elements. Only one wall-facet (rarely 2) in such elements is differentially thickened; this wall lies adjacent to a conventional tracheary element. Ultimate cells of other veinlets in the Magnoliaceae differentiate as thick-walled sclereids, conventional tracheids, clavate tracheids, reticulate-walled dilated tracheids, or secretory cells. The terminal elements differentiate relatively late during leaf enlargement. In the Magnoliaceae, foliar structure is frequently characteristic at the generic level, and in some cases at the species level.     

Light-guiding function of foliar sclereids in the evergreen sclerophyll Phillyrea latifolia: a quantitative approach

The anatomy and orientation of the foliar sclereids of the evergreen sclerophyll Phillyrea latifolia suggest a light-guiding function. Light microscope observations of enzymatically isolated sclereids showed that they possessed very thick cell walls, lobes and branches which occurred mainly at the end of the idioblasts reaching the abaxial epidermis. Leaf cross-sections showed that sclereids occurred diffusely within the mesophyll and were oriented vertically with respect to the lamina. In paradermal sections, the cut cell walls of the sclereids appeared as bright light spots among the dark-green background of the mesophyll cells. The heterogeneity of the radiation field transmitted through the same paradermal section was quantified by image analysis and two- or three-dimensional representations. The amount of light transmitted through the sclereids was found to be up to 30-fold higher compared to that transmitted through the neighbouring mesophyll cells. The light guiding capacity of the sclereids at the spongy mesophyll level was estimated to be 40-80%. In leaves illuminated from the adaxial surface, light passing through the ends of the sclereids seemed to be reflected from the internal surface of the abaxial epidermis. In sunny conditions when leaf thickness tends to increase, the number of sclereids per unit leaf area was increased significantly compared to the shaded ones. It is proposed that the anatomy and orientation of the foliar osteosclereids of P. latifolia, are suitable for a light-guiding function. Thus foliar sclereids, besides other roles, may contribute both qualitatively and quantitatively, to the enhancement of the light microenvironment within the mesophyll of these sclerophyllous leaves.Keywords: Phillyrea latifolia L. (incl. P. media L.), foliar sclereids, light guiding, image analysis.      

The pathways of water movement in leaves modified into tents by bats

A number of species of bats modify leaves into tents, which they use as roost-sites. Through this process, some areas of the leaf lamina are damaged or become detached from the midrib. Such injuries do not cause death of the leaf or the detached areas, indicating that water supply to these areas must be maintained. We examined the anatomy of the vascular systems and water transport in the leaves of three species of plants: Heliconia pogonantha L., Manicaria plukenetii Griseb. & H. Wendl., and Cryosophila warcsewiczii (H. Wend.) Bartlett. In altered leaves of all three species, detached areas of the laminae were supplied with water by minor transverse veins branching from the first major parallel vein that remained intact next to the cut. These transverse veins conducted water through single xylem elements of narrow diameter (approximately 10 urn) previously thought to supply water only to mesophyll cells in their immediate vicinity. The short lengths of these veins compensates their high resistance to water flow (a consequence of their small diameter xylem elements), indicating that small transverse veins have a large capacity for water transport. Water typically flowed through transverse veins into detached major and minor parallel veins, filled these parallel veins in both directions (i.e. toward the midrib and the leaf edge), and continued on into subsequent transverse and parallel veins, thereby supplying water to the entire leaf. Water conduction through these small transverse veins could support large areas of leaf lamina, keeping the leaf-tent alive for at least several months. The maintenance of the flow of water and nutrients to areas of leaves detached by bats during the tent-making process increases the longevity and decreases the conspicuousness of leaf-tents, and is likely a key factor in the success of this roosting strategy.     

Shifts in leaf vein density through accelerated vein formation in C4 Flaveria (Asteraceae)

Background and Aims

Leaf venation in many C₄ species is characterized by high vein density, essential in facilitating rapid intercellular diffusion of C₄ photosynthetic metabolites between different tissues (mesophyll, bundle sheath). Greater vein density has been hypothesized to be an early step in C₄ photosynthesis evolution. Development of C₄ vein patterning is thought to occur from either accelerated or prolonged procambium formation, relative to ground tissue development.

Methods

Cleared and sectioned tissues of phylogenetically basal C₃ Flaveria robusta and more derived C₄ Flaveria bidentis were compared for vein pattern in mature leaves and vein pattern formation in developing leaves.

Key Results

In mature leaves, major vein density did not differ between C₃ and C₄ Flaveria species, whereas minor veins were denser in C₄ species than in C₃ species. The developmental study showed that both major and minor vein patterning in leaves of C₃ and C₄ species were initiated at comparable stages (based on leaf length). An additional vein order in the C₄ species was observed during initiation of the higher order minor veins compared with the C₃ species. In the two species, expansion of bundle sheath and mesophyll cells occurred after vein pattern was complete and xylem differentiation was continuous in minor veins. In addition, mesophyll cells ceased dividing sooner and enlarged less in C₄ species than in C₃ species.

Conclusions

Leaf vein pattern characteristic to C₄ Flaveria was achieved primarily through accelerated and earlier offset of higher order vein formation, rather than other modifications in the timing of vein pattern formation, as compared with C₃ species. Earlier cessation of mesophyll cell division and reduced expansion also contributed to greater vein density in the C₄ species. The relatively late expansion of bundle sheath and mesophyll cells shows that vein patterning precedes ground tissue development in C₄ species.Key words: Bundle sheath, C₄ photosynthesis evolution, Flaveria, heterochrony, leaf development, mesophyll, vein density, vein pattern formation     

Cell and tissue dynamics of olive endocarp sclerification vary according to water availability

Endocarp developmental timing in drupe‐type fruits, involving tissue expansion and sclerification processes, is increasingly used as marker for biological studies and crop management. In spite of its wide application, however, little is known regarding how these morphogenetic processes unfold or the factors that modify it. This study evaluates endocarp expansion and sclerification of olive (Olea europaea) fruits, used as an example of drupe‐type fruits, from trees growing under different water regimes: full irrigated, deficit irrigated (moderate reduction of water availability) and rainfed (severe reduction of water availability). Fruits were sampled weekly until pit hardening, and fruit and endocarp areas were evaluated in histological preparations. An image analysis process was tested and adjusted to quantify sclerified area and distribution within the endocarp. Individual stone cells differentiated independently but distribution and timing indicated the overall coordination of endocarp tissue sclerification. Increase in sclerified area was initially gradual, accelerated abruptly the week prior to the end of endocarp expansion and then continued at an intermediate rate. These results suggest that the end of the expansion period is driven by sclerification and the morphogenetic signals involved act first on sclerification rather than endocarp size. Intensification of sclerification and the end of expansive growth occurred first with lowest water supply. Moderate and severe reductions in water availability proportionately decreased endocarp expansion and prolonged the sclerification, delaying the date of physically perceived hardening but not affecting the final degree of endocarp sclerification.     

马来西亚番荔枝科紫玉盘属(Uvaria Linn.)、杯冠木属(Cyathostemma Griff.)和 Ellipeia Hook. f. et Thomson叶的比较解剖学(英文)

对紫玉盘属８种,杯冠木属３种和Ｅｌｌｉｐｅｉａ属 １种进行了叶的比较研究,以调查不同种之间解剖 学的不同点,这对种的鉴别和了解它们的分类学意义可能是有用的。有意义的解剖学特征是：末端石细 胞,表皮细胞的晶簇,毛状体,在中脉和叶柄的薄壁组织内的短石细胞以及中脉和叶柄横切面的形状。 有某些特征仅出现在某些种中,这对种的鉴别是有用的。结果亦显示这三个属的联系十分紧密。     

A Comparative Study of the Structure-Function Relationship of Cross Veins in Leaves of Digitaria eriantha and Zea mays

Ultrastructural and functional differences between the crossveins of Digitaria eriantha and Zea mays were investigated.Cross veins of both genera possess similar conducting tissues,namely one tracheary element and one sieve cell. In Digitariaeriantha these conducting elements are associated with onlytwo parenchyma cells, and, those in Zea mays are completelysurrounded by chJorenchyma cells. The protein ribulose 1,5-bisphosphatecarboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) was used as a probe for CO₂fixation sites by comparing its distribution in the varioustissue types in the leaves of the two genera. The protein wasfound to be equally and uniformly distributed in the stromalregions of the chlorenchyma sheath cell chloroplasts of longitudinalveins of both genera. The chlorenchyma sheath cells in crossveins of Zea mays show a similar distribution of the enzymeas the longitudinal bundles. However, this enzyme was shownto be absent in the cross vein parenchyma cells of Digitariaeriantha and in the mesophyll cells of both genera. Cross veins, immuno-gold labelling, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, Digitaria eriantha, Zea mays     

马来西亚番荔枝科紫玉盘属(Uvaria Linn.)、杯冠木属(Cyathostemma Griff)和Ellipeia Hook.f. Thomson 叶的比较解剖学

对紫玉盘属8种,杯冠木属3种和Ellipeia属1种进行了叶的比较研究,以调查不同种之间解剖学的不同点,这对种的鉴别和了解它们的分类学意义可能是有用的.有意义的解剖学特征是:末端石细胞,表皮细胞的晶簇,毛状体,在中脉和叶柄的薄壁组织内的短石细胞以及中脉和叶柄横切面的形状.有某些特征仅出现在某些种中,这对种的鉴别是有用的.结果亦显示这三个属的联系十分紧密.     

Leaf anatomy of Bruniaceae: ecological, systematic and phylogenetic aspects

CARLQUIST, S., 1991. Leaf anatomy of Bruniaceae: ecological, systematic and phylogenetic aspects. Quantitative and qualitative data are given for 60 species of the 12 genera of Bruniaceae; most data are based on liquid-preserved material. Leaves of Bruniaceae are basically linear (broader forms are probably derived) with an apicula that contains phellogen activity. Most bruniaceous leaves have some degree of isolateral construction, with transition to normal bifacial construction in a few species, but more commonly transition to 'inverse' bifacial structure (stomata on adaxial face, palisade on abaxial face). The latter type is correlated with the tendency for leaves to be appressed to stems. Tannins and very likely other dark-staining materials are very characteristic of mesophyll cells. Six genera have a large strand of fibres on the midvein and rhomboidal crystals in bundle sheath cells. The other six genera have few or no fibres on veins and have druses in mesophyll cells (but not in bundle sheath cells). These distinctions may relate to intrafamilial taxonomy, but they also support the primitive position usually accorded to Audouinia, Thamnea and Tittmannia. A key to genera based on leaf antomy is offered. Details of epidermal cell shape, cuticular relief and trichome form and structure based on scanning electron microscopy are given. Leaf anatomy, combined with other features, favours a relationship between Bruniaceae and Grubbiaceae in particular and in broader contexts allies Bruniaceae to rosalean and possibly hamamelidalean families.     

马来西来番荔枝科紫玉盘属(Uvaria Linn.)、杯冠木属(Cyathostemma Griff.)和Ellipeia Hook.f.et Thomson叶的比较解剖学

对紫玉盘属8种,杯冠木属3种和Ellipeia属1种进行了叶的比较研究,以调查不同种之间解剖学的不同点,这对种的鉴别和了解它们的分类学意义可能是有用的.有意义的解剖学特征是末端石细胞,表皮细胞的晶簇,毛状体,在中脉和叶柄的薄壁组织内的短石细胞以及中脉和叶柄横切面的形状.有某些特征仅出现在某些种中,这对种的鉴别是有用的.结果亦显示这三个属的联系十分紧密.