Do Hydatellaceae belong to the monocotyledons or basal angiosperms? Evidence from seedling morphology.

Abstract

Seedlings of Hydatellaceae are described for the first time. The seedlings of three species from SW Australia, Hydatella dioica, Trithuria submersa and T. bibracteata were investigated. All proved monocotylar, the cotyledon structure as well as the overall seedling morphology being typical for the monocotyledons. The results are discussed in the light of recent molecular analyses. Seedling morphology does not support the assignment of the family to the Nymphaeales and basal angiosperms, respectively. systematics, Hydatella, Trithuria, cotyledon structure.