Details - Leaf anatomy and systematics of New World Velloziaceae

Leaf anatomy and systematics of New World Velloziaceae

Title

Leaf anatomy and systematics of New World Velloziaceae

Related Titles

Series: Smithsonian contributions to botany, no. 15

By

Ayensu, Edward S.

Type

Book

Material

Published material

Publication info

Washington, Smithsonian Institution Press; [for sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.], 1974

Notes

The leaf anatomy of 106 species of New World Velloziaceae has been studied with the purpose of providing important character-states in assessing the systematics of the family. Transverse section of the leaves have shown the type of sclerenchyma and mesophyll patterns that are assignable either to the genus Vellozia or Barbacenia (sensu lato). In addition to the light microscope, the scanning electron microscope was used to examine epidermal surfaces of the leaves as well as their internal structures. The SEM has served as a remarkable tool in allowing us to examine the topography of the leaf surface in three-dimension. Details of the structure of the stomata, the furrows in the leaf, and the types of hairs, including coalescent hairs, have been observed for the first time. The application of leaf anatomy in the taxonomy of the family has been stressed. Light and scanning electron micrographs are presented as an aid in the identification of each species.