Variation in petiole anatomy of the European spiny species of Astragalus L. (Leguminosae– Papilionoideae–Galegeae)

Transverse sections of petioles from the fourteen species of European spiny Astragalus have been examined. Variation between species was found in several anatomical characters including shape of petiole in transverse section; number of cortical layers; number of vascular bundles; amount of collenchyma tissue and shape and abundance of pith cells. Two major groups of species may be recognized on the basis of anatomical features.     

Comparative leaf anatomical studies of some Sterculia L. species (Sterculiaceae)

A comparative study was undertaken on the leaves of 12 Sterculia species in order to assess anatomical variations which may be useful in species identification and to evaluate their significance in the taxonomy of the genus. All species have glandular and non-glandular trichomes, anomocytic stomata, multiple and mucilaginous epidermis, mucilaginous cavities and druses in mesophyll tissues. A small amount of variation was observed in the outline of transverse sections of midribs and petioles, the presence of central vascular bundles, and the type of trichomes. Some characters, such as the vertically divided adaxial epidermis in S. macrophylla , are unique to certain species and are therefore useful in diagnostic characters, while S. coccinea and S. elongata appear to be similar in the structure of the petiole and midrib. The results, however, do not show any groupings of species and do not support the observations of others on groups derived from wood anatomy.     

Leaf anatomical studies of Chamaecrista subsect. Baseophyllum (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae): new evidence for the up-ranking of the varieties to the species level

This study aims to determine whether morphoanatomical characters of the leaves of the species of Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsection Baseophyllum could be used to support an up-ranking of C. cytisoides varieties to the species level as previously defined by molecular studies. The significance of anatomical adaptive strategies to arid environments is also discussed. Standard light microscopy techniques and histochemical tests were used for both morphoanatomical and histochemical characterization of the leaves. All the species studied share a single-layered epidermis, actinodromous–camptodromous–brochidodromous type of venation, vascular bundles surrounded by layers of fibers bounded externally by a sheath of cells containing solitary crystals, enlarged tracheids at the vein endings, vascular petiole/rachis tissue with a parenchymatous pith, accessory vascular bundles, mucilage idioblasts and hypodermis in the mesophyll, colleters, and non-secretory trichomes. The position and type of stomata, type of mesophyll, number of palisade and spongy parenchyma layers, position of mucilage idioblasts in the mesophyll, and the number of accessory vascular bundles of petiole/rachis provided useful characters for discriminating the eight species of the subsect. Baseophyllum. Histochemical tests reveal the presence of total polysaccharides, pectins, mucilage and phenolic compounds in the idioblasts. Other xeromorphic characters such as thickened outer periclinal cell walls, compact mesophyll, mucilage idioblasts and hypodermis in the mesophyll may help enable the studied species to survive in exposed sunny areas.     

Leaf anatomy of the subtribe Conceveibinae (Euphorbiaceae)

A comparative study of the leaf anatomy of the subtribe Conceveibinae was carried out. Leaves show a similar structural arrangement in all species, however, there are small variations among the taxa that allow definitions of species or groups. It is not possible to recognize infrageneric divisions or to maintain some genera as different from Conceveiba. The analysis included the study of 11 characters of taxonomic importance of the leaf: the form, the size and the apex of the papillae of the lower side of the blade, the number of layers of the palisade parenchyma, the presence or absence of the midrib pith, the number of vascular bundles of petiole as well as the central cylinder and the medulla, and the presence or absence of the sclerenchyma in the different levels of the petiole. The results are evaluated from a taxonomical point of view. With leaf anatomy characters only, it is possible to separate the genus Conceveiba in the subtribe.     

Foliar anatomy and fiber motifs in Mammea (Clusiaceae, Kielmeyeroideae)

Anatomical observations of the petiole and lamina of Mammea L. (Clusiaceae, Kielmeyeroideae) show extensive variation. All species have a complex folding pattern of the vascular bundle within the petiole, differing from most of the patterns found in the rest of the family. Except for the species found in the Neotropics and Africa, the laminas of almost all species contain fibers not immediately associated with the vascular tissue—a unique feature in the Clusiaceae. Fiber motifs range from bundles originating within the petiole, sheets forming an almost contiguous layer, to fibers with various patterns of organization derived from the secondary veins. Species groups based on fiber motif are recognized, and these correlate with other anatomical and morphological characters.     

Leaf anatomical characters and their value in understanding morphoclines in the Araceae

Leaf anatomy and petiole anatomy of the Araceae are discussed in terms of their potential use as character states in a phylogenetic analysis. The characters include leaf venation and structure, leaf epidermis, mesophyll ground tissue, vascular bundles, sclerenchyma, collenchyma, laticifers, secretory ducts, and raphide crystals. Characters that seem to have the greatest potential for use in phylogenetic analysis include those of ground tissue, vascular bundles, fibers, trichosclereids, collenchyma, and laticifers. Other, equally distinguishable, characters have states that are apparently autapomorphies, providing little phylogenetic signal. Therefore, although most leaf and petiole structural variation is useful diagnostically, some characters will probably be less valuable in phylogenetic analysis than originally hoped.     

Anatomical characterization of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) species from the northern Western Ghats of India and its implication for identification at vegetative state

A comprehensive study of stem, leaf and petiole anatomy of 10 species of Strobilanthes from northern Western Ghats of India was carried out to identify characteristics which would enable species identification when flowering material is unavailable. In Strobilanthes, some species bloom annually, others are plietesials, i.e. they grow without blooming for several years and then produce huge quantities of flowers, release seeds and die. Therefore, alternative methods, such as anatomical characters, are essential to distinguish Strobilanthes species in their vegetative stage. We collected ten species of Strobilanthes for anatomical characterization. Under the bright‐field microscope, stem cross‐sections of different species were found to be undulate, quadrangular, quadrangular‐winged or terete. Study of the stem revealed a distinct outer and inner cortex, the distribution of cystoliths (CaCO₃ crystals), raphides (CaC₂H₂O₅ crystals) and sclereids which varied from species to species. Study of leaf anatomy showed structural variation and vascular bundle shapes that differed between the species. Leaf epidermal characters under light and scanning electron microscopy exhibited variation in characters such as stomatal index, stomatal length and width, stomatal type and presence of glandular and non‐glandular trichomes. The petiole anatomy was species‐specific, especially with respect to vascular bundle structure and the distribution of structures such as sclereids, cystoliths, sphaeraphides and tannin cells varied. Hence, unique anatomical features of the stem, leaf and petiole could be used as taxonomic characters to identify Strobilanthes species in a vegetative state.     

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.     

A reclassification of Notopterygium Boissieu (Umbelliferae)

The genus Notopterygium is endemic to China. The plants of this genus are important traditional Chinese medicine. When established by H. de Boissieu in 1903, Notopterygium included only two species, i.e.N. franchetii and N. forbesii. Within nearly a century, five more specific names had been added to this genus, i.e.N. forrestii H. Wolff, N. oviforme Shan, N. incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang, N. pinnatiinvolucellatum Pu et Y. P. Wang, N. tenuifolium Sheh et Pu. Based on field ervation and examination of herbarium specimens, all the taxa in this genus were taxonomically reviewed and their nomenclature was carefully checked. N. oviforme was treated as a subspecies under N. forbesii. We agree with Chang He-Tseng in reducing N. franchetii to N.forbesii as a synonym. As a result, five species, one of which contains a subspecies, are recognized. Based on the morphology of involucel bractlets as well as their relevant characters, Notopterygium is divided into two sections.Sect. 1. Notopterygium Basal and proximal cauline leaves 2-ternate to 2 ～3-ternate-pinnate, ultimate divisions broadovate or ovate-lanceolate; involucel bractlets linear, entire, vascular bundles of petiole approximately equal in size. This section contains two species and one subspecies.Sect. 2. Tenuifolium Pu, sect. nov.Basal and proximal cauline leaves 2 ～3-ternate-pinnate, ultimate divisions ranceolate,ovate-lanceolate or linear; involucel bractlets linear, entire or oblanceolate, 2 ∽ 3-fid or pinnate at the apex; vascular bundles of petiole unequal in size. This section centains three species.     

Comparative analysis of qualitative anatomical characters of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trifolium</Emphasis> L. (Fabaceae) and their taxonomic implications: preliminary results

A comparative anatomical study of 20 Trifolium species was carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy in order to investigate the structure of their vegetative and reproductive organs and to evaluate the taxonomic significance of qualitative characters for distinguishing between the taxa. Characters were coded and analysed by multiple correspondence analysis. The combination of selected qualitative anatomical characters of the petiole, stipules, stem, peduncle and calyx (not previously studied in detail) were significant in delimiting sections of the genus Trifolium, but not for identification of species. The characters that contributed most to the separation of sections were peduncle cross-section shape, the presence of trichomes on the calyx tubes and the presence of trichomes and crystals in the stipules.     

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF THE NODAL AND VASCULAR ANATOMY IN THE NEOTROPICAL CYATHEACEAE. III. NODAL AND PETIOLE PATTERNS; SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Comparative studies of the nodal and vascular anatomy in the Cyatheaceae are discussed as they relate to the taxonomy and phylogeny of the family. There is in the Cyatheaceae (excluding Metaxya and Lophosoria) a basic nodal pattern consisting of four major phases of leaf trace separations. Abaxial traces arise from the leaf gap margins, and the last abaxial traces from each side of the gap are larger and undergo numerous divisions. Distally adaxial traces separate from the gap margins, and the last adaxial traces are usually larger and undergo multiple divisions. In addition, medullary bundles frequently become petiole strands of the adaxial arc in the petiole. Rarely, cortical bundles form petiole strands in the abaxial arc in the petiole. Leaf gaps of the squamate genera of the Cyatheaceae are fusiform and possess prominent lateral constrictions which result from medullary bundle fusions and the separation of leaf traces. A characteristic petiole pattern is found in all members of the Cyatheaceae. There is an increase in the complexity of the petiole vascular tissue which results in a gradation from the undivided strand in Metaxya, to the three-parted petiole pattern in Lophosoria, and finally to the much-dissected petiole vascular tissue in the advanced genera. Nodal and vascular anatomy data basically support Tryon's phyletic scheme for the family. The Sphaeropteris-Alsophila-Nephelea line shows certain tendencies toward increased complexity of nodal and vascular anatomy, whereas the Trichipteris-Cyathea-Cnemidaria line shows the same anatomical and morphological characters in a direction of increased simplification or reduction.     

绞股蓝营养器官的结构及其人参皂甙的组织化学定位研究

绞股蓝是多年生草质藤本植物。根系由不定根组成,根的初生结构木质部为2－4原型,次生结构中栓内层较厚,攀缘茎,具5棱,周围纤维连成一环,幼茎的维管束排成两圈,外圈5个,内圈4或5个,老茎圆柱形,周围纤维呈不连续环状,维管束具次生木质部和次生韧皮部,排成一圈,掌状复叶互生,小叶5－7片,背腹型,叶柄具5束维管束,进入小叶时分为7－9束,茎和叶的初生维管束为双韧维管束,组织化学实验表明,绞股蓝人参皂甙主要分布在营养器官的同化组织及韧皮部薄壁细胞中,厚角组织,表皮及周皮的栓内层也有少量分布。     

Leaf anatomy as an additional taxonomy tool for 16 species of Malpighiaceae found in the Cerrado area (Brazil)

This work describes the leaf anatomy of 16 species belonging to three genera of the Malpighiaceae family found in the Cerrado (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). The scope of this study was to support the generic delimitation by contributing to the identification of the species and constructing a dichotomous identification key that includes anatomical characters. The taxonomic characters that were considered to be the most important and used in the identification key for the studied Malpighiaceae species were as follows: the presence and location of glands; presence of phloem in the medullary region of the midrib; mesophyll type; presence and type of trichomes; and presence, quantity, and disposition of accessory bundles in the petiole. It was also possible to indicate promising characters for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in the Malpighiaceae family, especially for the Banisteriopsis, Byrsonima, and Heteropterys genera.     

Comparative anatomy of the young stem,node, and leaf of Bonnetiaceae,including observations on a foliar endodermis

A comprehensive study of the nodal and leaf anatomy of Bonnetiaceae was completed in order to provide evidence for evaluation in relation to systematics. Nodal anatomy is trilacunar, three-trace or unilacunar, one-trace. Basic leaf anatomical features of the family include: complete or incomplete medullated vascular cylinder in petiole; paracytic mature stomata with encircling ridges; large mucilaginous cells in the adaxial surface of mesophyll; periclinal divisions in upper surface layers; and discrete patches of phloem within the vascular bundles. Especially noteworthy is the presence in some genera of foliar vascular bundles enveloped by a sheath composed of two concentric regions, i.e., an inner region consisting of multiple layers of fibers and an outer specialized endodermis composed of thin-walled cells with Casparian strips. Leaves are variable with respect to lamina and cuticle thickness, relative amount and number of palisade and spongy layers, venation of lamina, and the presence or absence of sclereids and crystals in the mesophyll. A major feature in the evolution of Bonnetiaceae is development of a highly divergent, essentially parallel, leaf venation that is superficially similar to that of some monocotyledons and apparently unique among dicotyledons. Foliar anatomy provides important characters for the recognition of subgroups within Bonnetiaceae and is consistent with the segregation of Bonnetiaceae from Theaceae.     

Systematic consideration of petiole anatomy of species of Echinodorus Richard (Alismataceae) from north-eastern Brazil

Petiole anatomy of the north-eastern Brazilian species Echinodorus glandulosus, E. palaefolius, E. pubescens, E. subalatus, E. lanceolatus and E. paniculatus were examined. All species had petioles with an epidermis composed of tabular cells with thin walls. The chlorenchyma just below the epidermis alternates with collateral vascular bundles. The interior of the petiole is filled by aerenchyma with ample open spaces or lacunas. The lacunas are bridged at intervals by plates, or by diaphragm-like linkages. There are lactiferous ducts and groups of fibres throughout the entire length of the petiole, but more frequently in the chlorenchyma. Important taxonomic characteristics for the genus Echinodorus include the shape and outline of the petiole in transversal section, the presence of winged extensions, and the number of vascular bundle arcs. Exceptions occur in E. lanceolatus and E. paniculatus, whose petioles have similar anatomic patterns. A comparative chart of the petiole anatomic characteristics analyzed is presented.     

Comparative anatomy of conifer leaves

The epidermis and internal structure of 103 species and 8 varieties of conifer leaves belonging to 37 genera of 7 families have been comparatively investigated. The anatomical characters of leaves of all the genera (or sections) studied are described systematically and a key to the genera (or sections) is also presented. It is shown that in order to identify at the genus level, the leaf types of LaubenFels’ may be used as the primary characterization. And it can also be seen that the following characters which are relatively constant at the genus level provide an important basis for identification: the epidermal structure, the presence or absence of hypodermis, the degree of differentiation of mesophyll, the occurrence of vascular bundle sheath or endodermis, the transfusion tissue type, the number and relative spatial position of vascular bundles, the number and distribution of resin canal and the presence of sclereid or sclerenchyma. The genera of Cupressaceae (except for Juniperus and Sabina) are of scale leaves (Leaf type-III) with little differences in structural characters. It’s difficult to distinguish them from each other. In addition, some problems concerning the significance of the resin canal, the endodermis with Casparian-strip, the sclerenchyma and the vascular bundle in identificationare here also discussed.