Leaf epidermal features of Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (Fagaceae) and their systematic significance |
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| Authors: | Min Deng Andrew Hipp Yi‐Gang Song Qian‐Sheng Li Allen Coombes Alexa Cotton |
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| Institution: | 1. Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, , Shanghai, 201602 China;2. The Morton Arboretum, , Lisle, IL, 60532‐1293 USA;3. The Field Museum, , Chicago, IL, 60605 USA;4. School of Ecology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, , Shanghai, 201418 China;5. Herbarium and Botanic Garden, Benemerita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, , Puebla, 72000 Mexico |
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| Abstract: | Leaf epidermal features are important taxonomic features in Quercus. We studied leaf epidermal features of 91 species and one forma of Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis using light and scanning electron microscopy. Trichome terminology in oaks was assessed and clarified, aiming to score the epidermal features accurately for genus‐wide comparison. Nine trichome types, anomocytic and cyclocytic stomatal apparatus, smooth layer and platelet epicuticular wax flakes, and two trichome base types were found in subgenus Cyclobalanopsis. The epidermal features revealed three main groups in subgenus Cyclobalanopsis. The epidermal features of Quercus s.l. were uniform, supporting recognition of Cyclobalanopsis as a subgenus of Quercus rather than as a separate genus. Most leaf epidermal features show a mosaic pattern, although their numerous variations offered valuable resources for species identification. The leaf epidermal features that can be used for identification of Quercus leaves are also discussed and summarized. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 176 , 224–260. |
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| Keywords: | anatomy evergreen oak light microscope SEM trichome |
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