Authors: Min Deng Qiansheng Li Shuting Yang YanChun Liu Jin Xu
Publish Date: 2013/01/10
Volume: 299, Issue: 3, Pages: 659-681
Abstract
Leaf epidermal features are considered to be taxonomically important in Fagaceae In this study we examined and compared leaf epidermal features of 112 specimens representing 105 species and one variety of Lithocarpus from China and adjacent areas and Notholithocarpus densiflorus As a result of the different interpretations of terms in previous studies trichome terminology in Lithocarpus and its relatives was reassessed aiming to reveal the trichome evolutionary patterns in Fagaceae Twelve types of trichomes and five types of trichome bases were detected in Lithocarpus among which the broadbased trichome BBT is newly reported Stomata in Lithocarpus are restricted to the cyclocytic type and their size range is 286 ± 82 μm × 265 ± 93 μm The distribution of epidermal features in Lithocarpus revealed three distinct morphological groups glabrous BBT and appressed parallel tufts APT The importance of epidermal features across Fagaceae for taxon delimitation is evaluated Species of Lithocarpus can be accurately identified by the presence of APT or flat epidermal cells combined with nondark stained subsidiary cells and noncutinized trichome bases only or in addition fasciculate trichome bases The phylogenetic distribution of epidermal features and their evolutionary trends in Fagaceae is also discussedWe thank Mr Allen Coombes of the Herbarium and Botanic Garden of the University of Puebla and Professor Arshad Ali of University of Florida for their kindest help in correcting the language of the manuscript Gratitude is expressed to the curators of KUN IBK CSH and SWFC for providing specimens This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China 31100154 and 31270267 Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation 11ZR1435500 the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Forestation and City Appearances F112419 and the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission 12YZ157
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