HISTOGENESIS OF LEAF VENATION IN TRIFOLIUM WORMSKIOLDII (LEGUMINOSAE)

The histogenesis of the leaf venation in Trifolium wormskioldii was followed, using whole cleared leaflets and transverse and paradermal microtome sections. Mature leaflets are about 8 mm in length. The midvein precambium appears in leaflets 100 μ in length; secondary vein procambium is first seen in 230 μ leaflets; procambium of minor veins first appears in leaflets 400-600 μ in length. Phloem is apparent before xylem, in midvein, secondary veins, and minor veins. Vein endings are initiated and they mature last. No evidence was found to support the theory of “vein breakage.” In the greenhouse 24 days elapsed from leaf initiation to exposure of leaf tips; 6 more days elapsed until full leaf expansion.