The Vessel Member of Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham.

ABSTRACT- The vessel members of Myrica escu/enta from two_ trees, one in Sarawak, the other in Singapore, are described. The differences in habitat as well as in vertical position in each-tree have a minor influence on dimensional characteristics of the vessel members. However, radial position is very significant. Average length of element increases from 600μ, to 950μ, b~tween .05 cm from the pith to 1.75 cm from the pith and then ceases to elongate appreciably. Average diameter over the same radial distance increases from 30μ, to l 05μ. Also over the same radial distance, the average number of perforations of the end-wall decreases from 16 to 7 and the average end-wall angle increases from 14° to 42 °. In these respects Myrica escu/enta has primitive to intermediate vessel members. The data provide a basis for evaluation of the evolutionary status of the other species of the Myricaceae which are available to us only in the form of fragmentary wood specimens

Inflorescence Architecture and Evolution in the Fagaceae

First paragraph: Inflorescence architecture is receiving increasing attention with respect to its role in the life of plants, but much remains to be learned of its effects on pollination and dispersal biology (see Wyatt, 1982). Little is known of the biology of fagaceous inflorescences or of their relationships with the growth or the reproductive patterns of the trees. Most studies (Abbe, 1974; Macdonald, 1979; Fey & Endress, 1983) have concentrated on the nature of the flower clusters (often called dichasia or partial inflorescences) and cupules. Hjelmqvist (1948) and Soepadmo (1972) briefly reviewed the variety of inflorescences in the Fagaceae. Čelakovský (1889) compared fagaceous inflorescences with betulaceous and juglandaceous ones and enumerated the criteria by which he judged levels of specialization. Jäger (1980) analyzed inflorescences of the Betulaceae, the family perhaps closest to the Fagaceae. For this study, we have analyzed a sample of Fagaceae much larger than those of previous workers, and we here assess their inflorescences in terms of structural as well as functional criteria. Although our emphasis is on Paleotropical species, some species of the northern Temperate Zone are also included. The appendix lists the species studied, as well as the provenance of the specimens

Inflorescence Architecture and Evolution in the Fagaceae

First paragraph: Inflorescence architecture is receiving increasing attention with respect to its role in the life of plants, but much remains to be learned of its effects on pollination and dispersal biology (see Wyatt, 1982). Little is known of the biology of fagaceous inflorescences or of their relationships with the growth or the reproductive patterns of the trees. Most studies (Abbe, 1974; Macdonald, 1979; Fey & Endress, 1983) have concentrated on the nature of the flower clusters (often called dichasia or partial inflorescences) and cupules. Hjelmqvist (1948) and Soepadmo (1972) briefly reviewed the variety of inflorescences in the Fagaceae. Čelakovský (1889) compared fagaceous inflorescences with betulaceous and juglandaceous ones and enumerated the criteria by which he judged levels of specialization. Jäger (1980) analyzed inflorescences of the Betulaceae, the family perhaps closest to the Fagaceae. For this study, we have analyzed a sample of Fagaceae much larger than those of previous workers, and we here assess their inflorescences in terms of structural as well as functional criteria. Although our emphasis is on Paleotropical species, some species of the northern Temperate Zone are also included. The appendix lists the species studied, as well as the provenance of the specimens

Woodsia × abbeae

Pteridophyte

Carex aenea Fernald (typical) in Cook County, Minnesota

Volume: 56Start Page: 231End Page: 23

Phegopteris connectilis

Pteridophyte