Leaf architecture and epidermal characters in Zelkova, Ulmaceae

Zelkova , with six extant species in Eurasia - three in East Asia (Z. schneideriana, Z. serrata, Z. sinica) , one in south-western Asia (Z. carpinifolia) and two in southern Europe (Z. abelicea, Z. sicula) - was investigated with respect to leaf architecture and epidermal characters by LM and SEM. The leaf venation of Zelkova is relatively uniform, while leaf size and shape are highly variable. Characters such as teeth and epidermal cells, trichomes and stomata provide useful specific distinctions. Beginning in the Miocene, increasing aridity in Central Asia would appear to have been responsible for isolating the eastern Asiatic species from their European/western Asiatic counterparts. The European range underwent further changes in response to Quaternary climatic oscillations.     

European and Mediterranean oaks (Quercus L.; Fagaceae): SEM characterization of the micromorphology of the abaxial leaf surface

This paper examines micromorphological characteristics (trichomes, waxes, stomata) of the abaxial leaf surface of European and Mediterranean oaks. Observations were performed In-scanning electron microscopy, and the purpose of the investigation was to ascertain whether it is possible to distinguish the different species taxonomically using these features. Several species, as well as some subspecific entities and taxa considered doubtful, were taken into consideration. Subgenera appear to be well-defined: e.g. the subgenus Quercus is characterized by waxes arranged in vertical scales, the subgenera Cenis and Sclerophyllodris by smooth waxes. They differ because the former has markedly elliptical stomata, while the latter two have roundish stomata. The different species are also fairly easy to distinguish, and this fact confirms the taxonomical validity of the parameters we have taken into consideration. In some cases subspecific entities and doublful species do not diflcr at all from the related species, but in others they present such marked variations that it is difficult even to classify them with certainty. The most critical taxonomic groups (i.e. those which include a number of specific and subspecific entities often too difficult to distinguish from each other) are the series Quercus robur – Quercus petraea,– Quercus pubescens and the Quercus faginea,– Quercus Insitanica Quercus canariensis group.     

Infraspecific variation of leaf anatomy in Origanum vulgare grown wild in Greece

The histological components of the leaf were studied in dried herbarium material of the three Origanum vulgare subspecies (subsp. hirtum , subsp. viridulum and subsp. vulgare ) grown wild in Greece. These three, geographically distinct, taxa showed remarkable differences in their leaves. The leaves of subsp. hirtum grown in the Mediterranean climatic zone of Greece are characterized by thick cutinized outer walls of the epidermal cells and a thick mesophyll with highly developed chlorophyllous tissues. Peltate glandular trichomes and stomata are numerous on bom leaf surfaces. The thickness of the mesophyll decreases in the other two subspecies grown in the northern part of the country, where a Continental type of climate occurs. The number of glandular trichomes and stomata also decreases. Besides these differences, a noticeable reduction in the size of the essential oil-accumulating subcuticular chamber of the glandular trichomes and in the number of the peribasal cells, has also been recorded in die plants of subsp. vulgare and viridulum.     

两种忍冬属植物叶表皮扫描电镜观察及其生态适应性的研究

利用扫描电镜观察2种忍冬属植物的叶表皮形态特征,观察指标包括气孔器、表皮毛、表皮细胞等。扫描电镜观察结果表明:气孔仅分布在下表皮,气孔器散生并为无规则型;下表皮密被表皮毛(包括腺状毛和非腺毛);上表皮细胞的垂周壁呈沟槽状下陷;同时在下表皮还分布有瘤状的草酸钙簇晶。为进一步研究这2种忍冬属植物叶的形态解剖特征,通过光学显微镜观察发现,叶均为异面叶,栅栏组织发达,细胞长柱形;海绵组织细胞类圆形,排列紧密;叶脉机械组织发达。以上这些构造特征,都有利于减少植物体水分的散失,以适应我国西南岩溶区干旱环境特征。通过进一步分析电镜观察结果,发现在忍冬叶的上表皮中脉处有呈线状分布的腺状表皮毛,而华南忍冬叶的上表皮则无表皮毛分布,这一微形态特征可以作为二者种间特异性差别,从而为二者的合理区分提供一定的依据。     

Palaeogene leaf compressions of myrtaceous affinity from Pasekovo, Middle Russian Upland, southern European Russia

Leaf compressions from Pasckovo, Voronezh oblast, a Late Eocene site, constitute the first record of mummified 'paper coal' leaves of myrtaceous affinity in Russia. The fossil leaves are assigned to the organ-genus Rhodomyrtophyllum Rüffle & Jähnichen (Myrtaceac) on the basis of epidermal and venation features. The exceptionally high level of preservation is illustratcd by LM and SEM reproductions of anomo-, anomostauro- and laterocytic stomatal sets including giant stomata, double cuticular rims, trichome bases (scars) and a buttressed structure of the epidermal cell wall. Leaf structure is mesoxeromorphic. In both western and eastern Europe, species of the genus do not post-date the terminal Eocene and are the index taxa for the middle to late Eocene interval. The newly described Russian species R.pasekovicum Vikulin, sp.now is considered against the background of British, German and Czech extinct species along with comparisons with possible 'nearest living relatives' which include mesoxeromorphic Eugenia L., Syzygium Gartn.and Rhodomyrtus DC, from South-East Asia, Australia and South America. Ancient Tethys-ocean migrational channels may explain European palacofloristic relations with the Australo-Malesian area during Eocene timeS. A later Eocene age is postulated of the Pasekovo palaeoflora in contrast to the early Oligocene age suggested by other authors.     

Systematic leaf anatomy of Caladeniinae (Orchidaceae)

Leaf anatomy of 25 species in 15 genera of Caladeniinae (Diurideae, Orchidaceae), excluding Caladenia, was investigated to determine diagnostic characters to be used in forthcoming, broad-based cladistic analyses of the subtribe and to assess interspecific and intergeneric relationshipS. Of the characters examined, those that show the most variation among the study taxa are presence and types of trichomes, cuticular sculpturing, anticlinal walls of epidermal cells, heterogeneity of chlorenchyma, distribution and length: width ratios of stomata. Anatomical evidence supports the generic concept of Leptoceras Lindley but contradicts that of Drakonorchis Hopper & A.P. Brown. Paracaleana is not sufficiently distinct from Caleana to warrant generic status. Lyperanthus serratus and L.suaveolens are hyperstomatic, a rare condition in Orchidaceae. On the basis of these and other characters, Lyperanthus, as currently circumscribed, is polyphyletic. From leaf structure Caladeniinae as now conceived is polyphyletic and comprises seven groups: (1) Caladenia, Leptoceras, Elythranthera, Eriochilus, Glossodia, Aporostylis; (2) Adenochilus, Rimacola; (3) Arthrochilus, Chiloglottis, Spiculaea, Leporella; (4) Caleana (including Paracaleana); (5) Bumettia; (6) Lyperanthus suaveolens and L.serratus; (7) Lyperanthus nigricans.     

Anatomical and morphological parameters of leaves and leaf petioles of Actinidia deliciosa

Differences in anatomy and morphology of the kiwifruit leaves and leaf petioles might play a considerable role in the sex-determination. Three months after bud break (June), the kiwifruit leaves of both male and female plants, grown on the vegetative and generative shoots showed different leaf area (128.6 ± 13.45 cm2 in male and 104.5 ± 4.02 cm2 in female plants) and shape. The most frequently leaf shape was determined as "folium cordatum" and "folium rotundato-cordatum". Higher values of total leaf thickness of the female leaves (190 ± 3.84 μm) in comparison to male leaves (174 ± 3.52 μm) were estimated, resulting in the thicker adaxial leaf epidermis and especially in thicker palisade parenchyma in female leaves (136 ± 2.76 μm in comparison to 104 ± 1.61 μm in male leaves). Typically bifacial leaves were observed in both male and female leaves. Anomocytic stomata in hypostomatic leaves were found. The reticulate venation appears to be the main type of leaf venation. Stalked stellate multicellular trichomes on the abaxial leaf side were frequently observed in the leaves of both sexes. No important differences between male and female plants were found in the structures of vascular system in leaves and leaf petioles. Thus leaf thickness and surface morphology of adaxial leaf epidermis can be considered as important structural parameters in the sex determination. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Scanning electron microscopy studies of cuticle micromorphology in Cycas L. (Cycadaceae)

Abstract

A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of Cycas cuticle characteristics was undertaken in order to expand our knowledge of microscopic characters not observable under light microscopy and to clarify unresolved affinitites among some species within the genus. Whole leaf and isolated cuticle specimens from the middle region of leaflets of greenhouse-grown plants of Cycas revoluta, Cycas rumphii, Cycas circinalis, Cycas media, and Cycas normanbyana were examined using SEM for interior and exterior features. Characteristics in common include hypostomy, hair bases on abaxial and adaxial surfaces, adaxial cells randomly arranged, adaxial exterior cuticle smooth, and stomata sunken to various degrees but stomatal pit always formed by two layers of epidermal cells. Stomatal complex is of the polyperigenous type. Stomata randomly dispersed and oriented, and except C. revoluta, are not contiguous. Stomata deeply sunken in C. revoluta, intermediate in C. rumphii and C. normanbyana, and less sunken in C. circinalis and C. media. Aperture between guard cells extends the entire stomatal length in C. rumphii and C. normanbyana, ～80% in C. circinalis and C. media, and ～50% in C. revoluta. Cuticular features of C. revoluta show the greatest difference from the other species in complex relief of exterior cuticle and interior cuticular structure of subsidiary cells; C. media and C. circinalis show close similarity to each other and their stomatal complex dimensions fall within the same unique cluster using principal component analysis under normalized variables. C. normanbyana and C. rumphii show the most similarity to each other in cuticular micromorphology. Stomatal complex dimensions of these two species fall into a second cluster that also includes C. revoluta. These data contrast with current taxonomy placing C. normanbyana synonymous to C. media.     

Role of micromorphological leaf traits and molecular data in taxonomy of three sympatric white oak species and their hybrids (Quercus L.)

Hybridisation and introgression occur with high frequency in the genus Quercus and interspecific hybrid individuals show patterns of morphological traits that might be influenced in different ways. Micromorphological leaf traits appear to be positive and stable in Quercus species, and by combining genetic and micromorphological analyses, it is possible to compare the patterns of variation in micromorphological leaf traits of pure and hybrid individuals. Trichomes and stomatal traits were examined using scanning electron microscopy at 150–2000 × magnification in sympatric oak species collected in a natural deciduous wood. Q. frainetto, Q. petraea and Q. pubescens appear to have a relatively predictable complement of trichome types. Both the pattern and quantitative values of each micromorphological trait examined (stomata and trichomes) have an important role in identifying hybrids and pure species; putative hybrids show a pattern of trichomes that is a combination of the parental types. These results, combined with the fact that micromorphological traits generally exhibit higher consistency, indicate that this source of information can be an excellent clue to hybridisation and introgression and useful in taxonomical, systematic and evolutionary studies on the European white oaks.     

Species of the genus Quercus in Italy: Characterization by means of leaf surface observation

Abstract

We propose a study of the main species belonging to the genus Quercus in Italy, characterized and identified by means of leaf surface observation, with special attention devoted to waxes, trichomes and stomata. Comparing our results with the classification proposed by SCHWARZ (1984), we find that species belonging to Schwarz's subgenus Quercus are recognizable because their waxes are structured in vertical scales; the two other subgenera (Sclerophyllodrys and Cerris) present smooth wax structures, their distinctive feature being the shape of the stomatal rima, which is roundish in Sclerophyllodrys and elliptical in Cerris. The study characterizes Quercus pubescens Willd. and Quercus petraea Liebl. by analyzing some morphometric traits; but the authors feel that further research is needed on these critical taxonomic entities. Lastly, the study examines forms of was degeneration correlated to the phenomenon known as oak decline.     

The internal cuticle of Cirsium horridulum (Asteraceae) leaves

Leaf internal cuticle has not previously been studied in detail, and yet its existence has profound implications for the path of water movement. The internal cuticle forms a uniform layer on the inner periclinal epidermal walls that border substomatal cavities. This cuticle is continuous with the external cuticle through the stomatal pores. The thickness of the internal cuticle on nonstomatal epidermal cells is approximately one-third that of the external cuticle on the same cells. On both the abaxial and adaxial sides of the leaf the internal cuticle forms irregularly shaped islands bordered by mesophyll cells. The size of the islands coincides with the epidermal area of the substomatal cavity. The internal cuticle remains intact and connected to the external cuticle after incubation in cellulytic enzymes. After treatment with sulfuric acid or chloroform, both cuticles remain intact. The autofluorescence of both cuticles is increased by staining with auramine O. These results indicate that large portions of the leaf epidermis are covered by both an internal and an external cuticle.     

Xeromorphic features of three stem assimilants in relation to their ecology

The anatomy of the assimilating stems of three brooms (Fabaceae) all show distinct xeromorphic features in their tissues, but these are developed to different degrees. The epidermis consists of very thick, cutinized outer walls, deeply sunken stomata, and a dense layer of trichomes, at least in younger steins. In older sterns some of the stomata are blocked by cell-plugs. The chlorenchyma is multilayered. The main supporting tissue consists of peripheral gelatinous fibre strands. It is argued that these may function in water storage. Parenchymatous water storage cells are present in the pith of two species. The structure and function of the xeromorphic features are discussed in relation to the ecology of the plants.     

Observations on the structure of epidermal cells, particularly the cork and silica cells, from the flowering stem internode of Lolium temulentum L. (Gramineae)

Features of the epidermis such as stomata, hairs, cork and silica cells are described from both light and electron microscope studies. The stomatal complex consists of two guard cells and two subsidiary cells. After division of the guard mother cell a pore is left at each end of the dividing wall. The cork and silica cells arise from a single another cell and develop differentially. The silica cell enlarges more than the cork cell and finally becomes filled with solidified silica. The outer tangential and radial walls of the cork cells become very thick-walled, whereas the inner tangential and radial walls of the silica cells become thickened. The outer tangential wall of the silica cell remains thin and is covered with a thin layer- of cuticle. This wall frequently collapses in old cells leaving a depression in the surface of the stem. The change in the ultrastructure of the cork and silica cells are described and the possible functions of these cells discussed.     

地黄叶和茎的解剖学及组织化学研究

采用解剖学和组织化学方法对地黄叶和茎的显微结构以及梓醇、多糖的分布进行观察研究,以明确梓醇和多糖在地黄叶和茎中的分布特征。结果显示:(1)地黄叶的上、下表皮均分布有腺毛和非腺毛,腺毛都属于头状腺毛,包括长柄和短柄的头状腺毛,两类腺毛的分泌物化学成分主要是黄酮和多糖;叶的上、下表皮上都分布有无规则型气孔,下表皮的气孔密度比上表皮的大,但气孔指数相差不大;栅栏组织由2～3层薄壁细胞构成,排列紧密,海绵组织薄壁细胞形状无规则,细胞间隙大。(2)组织化学研究表明,海绵组织中黄斑样的薄壁细胞是梓醇和多糖的贮存场所,这类薄壁细胞在叶片边缘的齿末端处最为集中,茎的皮层、韧皮部和木质部的薄壁细胞也都是梓醇和多糖的贮存场所。     

Comparative studies of vegetative anatomy in the Theaeeae of Sri Lanka

Anatomical characters of the mature leaf blade, petiole, young stem and wood were examined in order to substantiate taxonomic boundaries between genera and species of Theaeeae in Sri Lanka. Two species of Temstroemia , one of Adinandra , four of Eurya and two of Gordonia were studied.
The presence of sclereids in most organs of the plant was found to be a common character within the family. However, three distinct types of sclereid are reported. Two basic types of stomata, anomocytic and gordoniaceous, are recognized. The origin of phellogen in the young stems is pericyclic in Gordonia and subepidermal in the other three genera. The species within these genera also appear to have several distinctive characters of their own. Important wood characters have been tabulated in order to illustrate the primitive and advanced characters. Gordonia , especially, exhibits anatomical features which are quite different from those of Temstroemia, Adinandra send Eurya.