First report of reticulate perforation plates in the Melastomataceae

Abstract

For the first time, the occurrence of reticulate perforation plates in Melastomataceae is reported. They were discovered in the course of a study of the wood anatomy of the tribe Microlicieae. The occurrence and frequency of the types of plates are discussed with respect to their structure, function, and environment. The reticulate perforation plates seem to be the result of parallel evolution. Some speculations are offered about their possible adaptive value. © 2014 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden.