Phyllocladus and Its Bearing on the Systematics of Conifers

Abstract

The so-called phylloclade--the flattened, simple or compound, leaf-like organ which emerges from the axil of an acicular leaf-of Phyl- locladu8 is a complicated lateral branch system. It possibly represents a relic structure resembling the photosynthetic organ of the advanced mem- bers of Progymnosperms. It is therefore suggested to uphold the erection of a monogeneric family Phyllocladaceae as proposed by CORE, and to accept the basic scheme of' classification of Coniferales as proposed by BUCHHOLZ.