The inflorescence structure of Campylotropis (Leguminosae)

Racemose inflorescences were investigated organographically and ontogenetically in three species of Campylotropis. An additional phyllome was found to be borne at the base of the pedicel in C. hirtella and C. giraldii but not in C. polyantha. Organographic observations revealed that the additional phyllome is the prophyll on the reduced lateral branch borne in the axil of the phyllome on the central inflorescence axis, and that the additional phyllome subtends the pedicel terminating in a flower. The flower presents its abaxial side to the additional phyllome in accordance with the organographic observations. Ontogenetic observations, moreover, revealed the presence of a rudimentary apex of the reduced branch in earlier stages of development. On the basis of such evidence, the central inflorescence axis of Campylotropis is interpreted as being composed of reduced lateral branches each of which usually bears only one flower in the additional phyllome axil. The inflorescence structure is kept in spite of the loss of the additional phyllome. In comparison with allied genera, the inflorescence of Campylotropis is regarded as a reduced pseudoraceme. An evolutionary trend in the inflorescence structure of the genus is inferred.