z-logo
Premium
Sympodial structure of spikelets in the tribe Schoeneae (Cyperaceae)
Author(s) -
Zhang Xiufu,
Wilson Karen L.,
Bruhl Jeremy J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.3732/ajb.91.1.24
Subject(s) - glume , biology , cyperaceae , tribe , botany , inflorescence , poaceae , sociology , anthropology
Spikelet morphology of 250 specimens of 47 species of Schoeneae was examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We confirmed that spikelet structure in Schoeneae is cymose with a sympodial “rachilla.” Monopodial spikelets, as described by most current literature, were not found in Schoeneae. Prophylls are not always present in sympodial spikelets and cannot be used to determine whether a spikelet is sympodial or monopodial. Spikelets of Schoeneae develop acropetally, and the uppermost glume may or may not produce a flower. The last feature may be variable within species and within individual plants, so presence or absence of this flower is not an indication of sympodial or monopodial spikelet structure in Schoeneae. Relative position of flower, glume, and axis is a reliable criterion to judge whether spikelets are sympodial or monopodial. In some species of Schoenus and in Ptilothrix , formation of the arch‐shaped base of the fertile glume relates to the shape of the inclined nodes on which the glume grows. This study highlights the need to reinvestigate spikelet structure in other tribes of Cyperaceae.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here