STRUCTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCLEREIDS IN THE LEAVES OF PALMS

Abstract

Foliar sclereids have been found in four genera of palms. They are short, lignified and columnar in Eugeissona, but long, unlignified and fibre‐like in Bactris and Licuala. In Daemonorops hystrix fibre‐like sclereids are present which may be homologous with the fibres sheathing the transverse veins, as is indicated by transitional types found in other species of Daemonorops. The phylogenetic implications of these observations are discussed. Sclereids in palm leaves have no obvious biological function. They are quite useful in diagnosis. Interesting points for comparison between palm leaves and the leaves of the Quiinaceae are reviewed. No development studies have been made, but morphogenetic considerations are discussed briefly. Copyright © 1959, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved