Anatomically preserved seeds of Nuphar (Nymphaeaceae) from the Early Eocene of Wutu, Shandong Province, China

Well-preserved seeds from the early Eocene of Wutu, Shandong, China are assigned to the genus Nuphar (Nymphaeaceae) based on morphology and anatomy. The seeds of Nuphar wutuensis sp. nov. are ellipsoidal to ovoid, 4-5 mm long with a clearly visible raphe ridge, and a truncate apex capped by a circular operculum ca. 1 mm in diameter bearing a central micropylar protrusion. These features, along with the testa composed of a uniseriate outer layer of equiaxial pentagonal to hexagonal surface cells and a middle layer 4-6 cells thick composed of thick-walled, periclinally elongate sclereids, correspond to the morphology and anatomy of extant Nuphar and distinguish this fossil species from all other extant and extinct genera of Nymphaeales. These seeds provide the oldest record for the genus in Asia and are supplemented by a similar well-preserved specimen from the Paleocene of North Dakota, USA. These data, together with the prior recognition of Brasenia (Cabombaceae) in the middle Eocene, indicate that the families Nymphaeaceae and Cabombaceae had differentiated by the early Tertiary.     

Foliar sclereids in the Magnoliaceae

The foliar sclereids in 136 species representing 11 of the 12 genera of Magnoliaceae were studied and compared. Sclereids occur in four different cell assemblages within the leaf: diffuse idioblasts, mesophyll, dermal system, and the vein sheath including terminal elements. Tropical members tend to have the most highly sclerified leaves. In species of Manglietia the leaves have sclerified spongy mesophyll and either sclerified epidermis or hypodermis. In Talauma , sclerification affects the vein sheath and terminal cells of veinlets, with a specialized thick marginal vein in the Asian taxa but not in the American ones. Liriodendron and the magnolias native to the north temperate zone have only minimal sclerification, which usually is confined to the vein sheath of the midrib and the main lateral veins, and as idioblastic sclereids in the petiole and the midrib near the base of the blade. The two largest genera Magnolia and Michelia are heterogeneous and include species which vary as to their combinations of sclerified elements among the four possible types.     

Study on the Pollen Morphology of the Chinese Family Oleaceae

This paper deals with the pollen grains of 11 genera, 22 species in Chinese Oleaceae. A comparative study on the pollen grains was carried out by means of scanning electron microscope and light microscope. The pollen grains of the family Oleaceae are almost spheroidal, oblate and prolate, in polar view tlie majority of the pollen grains are tri-lobulate-circular, the minority are tetra-lobulate-circular and dilobulate-circular. Pollen size: (15-65) × (12- 60)μ, 3-colporate and 3-colpate the minority of the pollen grains 4-colpate and 2- colpate colpus usually distinct and the en doaperature vague. The exine oonsists of two layers, the sexine thicker than the nexine, with big reticulum or fine reticulum, the majority of the reticulum are very distinct. On the basis of the pollen size and exine ornamentation, the pollen grains are divided into following two main types: (1) The larger pellen grains and the exine with big reticulum are found in the genera: Jasminum, Nyctanthes, Ligustrum, and Syringa. (2) The smaller pollen grains and the exine with finer reticulum are found in the genera: Osmanthus, Olea, Chionanthus, Fraxinus, Forsythia, Fontanesia and Linociera. In view of the features of pollen morphology, this family is much similar to the family Itamamelidaeeae. For example, the first pollen type resembles the genus Coryiopsis of the family Hamamelidaceae, but there are some differences between them, the former with a bigger reticulate exine and without any colpal membrane, the latter with a finer reticulate apocolpium and eolpate membrane. The second pollen type is much similar to that of the genera Hamamelis and Loropetalum of family Hamamelidaceae.     

Comparative stem anatomy of Mirabilis (Nyctaginaceae)

Mirabilis, a primarily American genus of 50?C60 species almost restricted to the New World, is the most diverse within Nyctaginaceae. It not only has the greatest number of species, but also many life forms, with annual herbaceous, suffrutescent and shrubby species and with prostrate, decumbent to erect stems that are sometimes clambering. Stem anatomy has been studied only for M. jalapa, and its characteristics extrapolated to the entire genus. In this study we evaluated the taxonomic significance of stem anatomical characters from 24 species of Mirabilis, as well as their potential relation to habit evolution. Qualitative and quantitative characters of transverse and longitudinal sections were evaluated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Stem anatomy varies in several features. The phloem is arranged in short tangential spreading bands or in large tangential bands forming semi-complete rings; the conjunctive tissue is fibrous, with thin-walled sclereids and fibres, or parenchymatous; the vessels are solitary or grouped in radial multiples or clusters; the xylem fibres are very thin-walled or thin- to thick-walled with simple to minutely bordered pits; most species are raylessness; the pith has parenchyma or thin-walled sclereids or brachysclereids. The distribution of anatomical characters in Mirabilis does not correspond with the current infrageneric classification. We suggest that some stem anatomical characters are correlated with habit and that the vascular cylinder and pith characters are related to an increase in mechanical strength. This study provides new information and novel characters about the stem anatomy not only of Mirabilis, but of the family.     

Comparative Anatomy of the Secondary Phloem of the Stem in Cephalotaxus

The family Cephalotaxaceae contains only one genus, Cephalotaxus, with 9 species and some varieties, mostly endemic to China. The present paper deals with the comparative anatomy of secondary phloem of stems in 4 species and I cultivar, of this genus under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The main results are as follows: (1) The structure of secondary phloem is rather uniform in the various species of this genus. In cross section, sieve cells, phloem parenchyma cells form continuous tangential rows of one cell in width respectively, which occur alternately. Sclerenchyma cells also form continuous tangential rows, each with a radial width of 1-4 cells. The interval between the rows is rather wide. (2) The type of phloem fiber and the quantity of sclereids can be served as the characters for identification of species and the evidence for the separation of two sections of Cephalotaxus, namely: Cephalotaxus and Pectinatae. (3) The secondary phloem of this genus contains more or less crystalliferous parenchyma cells, in the inner tangential walls of which calcium oxalate crystals are embedded. So far this character has not been reported in the other families and the genera of conifers. Our conclusion, therefore, agrees with the opinion that Cephalotaxaceae is a natural taxon and includes only one genus, Cephalotaxus.     

The comparative stem and root anatomy of Goniothalamus andersonii, G. macrophyllus, G. malayanus and G. velutinus (Annonaceae) from the peat swamps of Sarawak

The stem and root anatomy of G. andersonii, G. macrophyllus and G. velutinus from the peat-swamps of Sarawak is compared. Sufficient anatomical differences exist to differentiate the four species. The main distinguishing anatomical features between the stems are the cork cells, the nature and relative quantity of cortical sclereids and the presence or absence of lignified pith parenchyma. In differentiating between the roots of G. andersonii, G. macrophyllus and G. malayanus. the principal features are the cork cells and the relative quantity of cortical sclereids. In addition, the medullary rays of G. macrophyllus root in transverse sections are noticeably broader in the xylem towards the phloem than those of the other species.     

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.     

14种木犀榄族植物叶表皮微形态的研究

利用光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜对木犀榄族（Oleeae）5属14种植物的叶表皮微形态特征进行了观察,结果表明：（1）叶表皮细胞形状有无规则形和多边形两种;下表皮腺点的数目远远大于上表皮,流苏树上表皮细胞没有腺点;叶下表皮有气孔器,形状为圆形、椭圆形;气孔器均为不规则型;气孔器外围角质层有放射状、条状、环状、颗粒状等多种类型;（2）气孔器和叶表皮细胞许多特征具有明显的种间差异,可以作为种间鉴定的重要依据;（3）叶表皮微形态结构上的许多共同特征,表明木犀榄族植物是单独一自然类群。上述特征可为木犀榄族植物属及物种的划分与鉴定、系统演化关系的探讨等提供参考。     

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.     

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.      

Leaf Anatomy of Androstachys johnsonii Prain and its Functional Significance

The anatomy of the lamina and petiole of Androstachys johnsoniiis described. Most notable features are: (1) the variabilityof the vascular anatomy of the petiole; (2) the upper epidermisof the lamina which consists of large cells some of which arepericlinally divided and project into the mesophyll; (3) a complexpattern of unlignified sclereids which, it is suggested, shouldbe referred to as gelatinous sclereids and which effectivelylink the veins with the two epidermises; (4) unique trichomes,clothing the abaxial surface, which consist of a long upper,relatively thin walled cell and a thick walled basal cell. Thiscell, apparently according to the level of water stress in theleaf, is either completely sap filled or else contains a bubbleof gas. It is suggested that this may act as a one-way watervalve allowing water into the leaf via the trichome but preventingthe outward passage of water. These and other aspects of anatomyare discussed in relation to the characteristic environmentalrequirements of the species. Androstachys, cuticle, dry forest, gelatinous fibres, perforation plates, trichomes, savannah, sclereids, stomata, water stress     

African species of Chionanthus L.(Oleaceae) hitherto included in Linociera Swartz

Chionanthus L.(1753) and Linociera Swartz (1791) being considered congeneric.nine continental African species and three Madagascan species hitherto included in Linociera are transferred to Chionanthus .Synonymy, concise statements of distribution and a key are provided. Chionanthus richardsiae is a new species from Zambia; a biographical note on its collector, Mary Richards (1885–1977), is included.     

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。     

Anatomical diversity of Indian rattan palms (Calamoideae) in relation to biogeography and systematics

Of the 13 genera and 600 species of the subdivision Calamoideae, only four genera– Calamus, Daemonorops, Korthalsia , and Plectocomia –represent the Indian rattans which are found in three major regions: Western Ghats of Peninsular India, Andaman and Nicobar islands and north and north-eastern India. Detailed anatomical survey of 42 species shows considerable differences among the four genera. The vascular bundle in Calamus, Daemonorops and Korthalsia is characterized by a solitary metaxylem vessel and two phloem fields, while Plectocomia shows 1–2 metaxylem vessels and a single phloem field. The mechanical tissues show diversity in Korthalsia and Plectocomia with sclereids as a yellow cap on the outer side of the fibrous sheaths of vascular bundles. The size of the different cells, the diameter of the metaxylem vessel in particular, appears to be related to species habit, geography and stem size. The Andaman and Nicobar islands with equable temperature and high humidity provide the best environment for cane growth–the widest vessels are in canes from this region. While altitudinal influence on vessel diameter appears to be relatively small, the higher latitude is associated with narrow and short vessel elements. With the exception of C. erectus , an erect species with the thickest stem, vessel diameter shows positive correlation with stem diameter. Vessel perforations are simple or rarely scalariform. Climbing palms which grow to enormous heights generally have wider vessels with simple perforations, an adaptation for conductive efficiency. Based on these results, the implications of stem anatomy for rattan biogeography, systematics and identification are discussed, and identification keys to species presented.     

Fruit structure and systematics of Monimiaceae s.s. (Laurales)

Fruit structure (anatomy) was studied in 27 species of 15 genera of Monimiaceae s.s. Almost all have apocarpous gynoecia, with the carpels more or less surrounded by a floral cup. The fruitlets are presented on the opened floral cup, which, depending on its pre‐ and post‐floral development, differentially contributes to the attractive part of the mature fruit. Morphologically similar fruits may differ conspicuously in anatomical structure. Based on anatomical characters two different fruit forms were found: drupe(let)s (with compact sclerenchymatic endocarp forming a stone: putamen) and berry(let)s (with parenchymatic endocarp, and mesocarp parenchyma containing isolated sclereid nests). Four types of drupelets differing by the endocarp structure were tentatively distinguished: (1) the Monimia‐type has a many‐cell‐layered putamen of large isodiametric sclereids, interrupted on the ventral side by few radial rows of small sclereids; (2) the Hortonia‐type has a few‐cell‐layered putamen of isodiametric, especially thick‐walled sclereids – it may be composed of two lateral halves, i.e. with the sclerenchyma partially interrupted on the ventral and dorsal sides (but without rows of small sclereids); (3) the Mollinedia‐type has a few‐cell‐layered putamen, with more or less radially elongate sclereids with wavy cell walls; and (4) the Hedycarya‐type has a one‐cell‐layered putamen of pronouncedly radially elongate sclereids with wavy cell walls. Drupelets of some taxa with a single‐cell‐layered endocarp with only weakly thickened cell walls may represent a transition from drupelets to berrylets. The fruit structure supports three major clades recognized earlier by morphological studies and by molecular phylogenetic analyses: (1) Monimioideae (Monimia‐type drupelets), (2) Hortonieae of Mollinedioideae (Hortonia‐type drupelets), and (3) the remainder of Mollinedioideae (Hedycarya‐ and Mollinedia‐types) and berrylets. Fruit structure also supports the close relationship of Monimiaceae and Lauraceae. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 153 , 265–285.     

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.     

The protective shell: sclereids and their mechanical function in corollas of some species of Camellia (Theaceae)

Studies of rain-wash effects on pollen have shown that flower structures can protect susceptible pollen from rain. It remains unclear, however, how a thin corolla can withstand external force and perform its protective function. The sclereids in petals of several species of Camellia (Theaceae) were anatomically investigated to determine their mechanical properties. To examine the effects of changing physical environment on the occurrence of sclereids in petals, sclereid density in petals of six species, including wild samples from different rainfall zones and samples from a greenhouse under mild conditions without wind and rain, were examined and statistically analysed. The results showed that the occurrence of sclereids in petals varied with physical environment. The number of sclereids in the same species increased with the increasing rainfall. There were abundant sclereids in petals of the wild species, but few or no sclereids in species cultivated in the greenhouse. Moreover, the anatomical features of sclereids, especially the unique distribution pattern that has not hitherto been described, were correlated with external environmental pressures. Our observations reveal a novel mechanical system in the corolla and provide further evidence for the hypothesis that flower structures may protect rain-susceptible pollen.     

A study of Foliar Anatomy of Gnetum parvifolium

The present research was undertaken to examine the foliar anatomy of Gnetum parvifolium (Warb.) C. Y. Cheng ex Chun. It is hoped that the observations may contribute to provide additional evidence for identification on Chinese species of this genus. A special morphological features inside of epidermal anticlinal wall designated here as the globose cuticular sac, and is the special feature of this epidermis not yet reported in this genus. During the course of an investigation on sclereid type of leaf in this species I observed the striking type of these cells in cleared leaf preparations, viz. filiform sclereids (368–624 μm long, 10 μm broad), one not hitherto described for any other species in this genus.     

An ecological interpretation of the difference in leaf anatomy and its plasticity in contrasting tree species in orange kloof,table mountain,South Africa

Leaf anatomy and morphology were studied in 11 tree species growing in an undisturbed forest and the adjoining fynbos for over 50 years. Functional anatomical results suggest that the forest and the fynbos are ecologically distinct. Moreover, leaf anatomy suggests that the foliage is primarily adapted for photosynthesis rather than for control of transpirational water loss. Forest precursor tree species and scrub species exhibit xeromorphy in the fynbos whereas they exhibit mesomorphic features inside the forest. The wide-ranging species, such as Olea capensis subsp. capensis, simulated the response of the forest precursors, with the cuticle being phenotypically plastic between the forest and the fynbos but not between the stream and non-stream habitats. Finally, the forest precursors, the scrub species, and the wide-ranging taxa seem to have anatomical characters which can be modified in the fynbos and therefore allow its colonization by a variety of different species.     

Comparative leaf anatomy of the Penaeaceae and its ecological Implications

The leaf anatomy of species representing all seven genera of the Penaeaceae was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Due to variability and inconsistency, leaf anatomical characters are not regarded as particularly useful for systematics within or among genera in this family. Across the family, a number of taxa exhibit a trend towards amphistomatous, isobilateral leaves, generally associated with increased leaf thickness and amount of palisade mesophyll. This trend is not apparent in closely related families, e.g. Alzateaceae, Cryp-teroniaceae, Oliniaceae and Rhynchocalycaceae. Most species are found in comparatively mesic habitats and it is difficult to postulate primary xeromorphic trends in leaf anatomy. The sclerophylly encountered across the family as a whole is likely to be related to paucity of soil nutrients rather than a response to water stress.