Wood Anatomy of Berberidaceae: Ecological and Phylogenetic Considerations

Abstract

Drosophyllum lusitanicum, the sole woody species of Droseraceae, has wood anatomical features very much like those of Dioncophyllaceae and Nepenthaceae. Features in common include vessel elements with simple perforation plates, fibriform vessel elements, tracheids with large fully bordered pits, diffuse (plus variously grouped) axial parenchyma, and paedomorphic rays 1-2 cells wide. Wood anatomy thus validates the close relationships claimed among Drosophyllum, Dioncophyllaceae, and Nepenthaceae on the basis of recent DNA studies. Wood anatomy of Drosophyllum is xeromorphic, in accord with the dry habitats of the species.