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A reappraisal of Trianaeopiper Trelease: convergence of dwarf habit in some Piper species of the Chocó
Author(s) -
Jaramillo M. Alejandra,
Callejas Ricardo
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
taxon
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1996-8175
pISSN - 0040-0262
DOI - 10.2307/4135607
Subject(s) - biology , monophyly , inflorescence , piperaceae , habit , genus , botany , phylogenetic tree , clade , piper , psychology , biochemistry , gene , psychotherapist
The genus Trianaeopiper Trealese was described to have axillary inflorescences, a rare character within Piperaceae. Here we present phylogenetic evidence suggesting that Trianaeopiper is not monophyletic and should not be recognized as a distinct genus (new names and combinations are provided). The structure interpreted as an axillary inflorescence is a reduced axillary branch, a by–product of generalized reduction of shoots in these species. Reduction of plant size to a dwarf condition is a phenomenon observed in other angiosperms of the wet tropics. The dwarf habit is correlated with shady environments, suggesting that dwarfism may be an adaptation to the shady understory of wet tropical forests.