Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Wilber, Heather [1], Carlsward, Barbara [1], Abbott, J. Richard [2].

Leaf Anatomy and Systematics of Polygaleae (Polygalaceae).

Polygalaceae are comprised of approximately 1000 species found worldwide in a variety of habitats. Over half of the species in the family were traditionally grouped into the polyphyletic genus Polygala and need resolution. Leaves from 21 species in 13 genera within tribe Polygaleae were collected from specimens at the Missouri Botanical Garden Herbarium (MO) to find phylogenetically useful characteristics of the foliar anatomy. The leaves were rehydrated using 5% sodium hydroxide, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned at 10 µm thickness using a rotary microtome. To observe epidermal features, rehydrated leaves were also cleared using 3% potassium hydroxide. Of the characteristics observed, ten showed phylogenetic variation and were mapped onto a molecular phylogeny to find diagnosable features for the various clades. While foliar anatomy showed a high degree of homoplasy, there were a few informative characteristics. The most distinct clade was that of Phlebotaenia and Rhinotropis, which were united based on having a plane margin, fibrous vascular bundles, an absence of hairs on either epidermis, and a thick adaxial cuticle.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL, 61920, USA
2 - Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

Keywords:
Polygalaceae
Anatomy
leaf.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY024
Abstract ID:442
Candidate for Awards:None