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Journal article
The evolutionary and ecological significance of phylloclade formation - a morpho-anatomical approach
Current opinion in plant biology, Vol.79, 102545
2024
PMID: 38710125
Abstract
Instead of leaves, in a few species the main photosynthetic organ is a flattened structure that can be a modified branch (e.g. Ruscus, Jacksonia) or a fused combination of branch and leaf tissue (e.g. Phyllocladus) called a phylloclade. The phylloclades of Phyllocladus lack xeromorphic features in their wet habitat. They are broad under the low light conditions as are those of Ruscus which can occur in forest understories. However Ruscus is also common in dry habitats and shows numerous xeromorphic features. In Jacksonia extensive sclerenchyma and thick cuticle protect the phylloclades from desiccation damage in xeric seasonal conditions. Despite former contrary definitions of phylloclades we advocate they be defined as pseudo-petiolate organs determinate in growth which arise from axillary buds in the axil of reduced leaves and resemble a leaf.
Details
- Title
- The evolutionary and ecological significance of phylloclade formation - a morpho-anatomical approach
- Authors/Creators
- Veit M. Dörken - University of KonstanzPhilip G. Ladd - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityRobert F. Parsons - La Trobe University
- Publication Details
- Current opinion in plant biology, Vol.79, 102545
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991005662064507891
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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