Comparative Anatomy and Systematics of Moutabeae (Polygalaceae)

Abstract

Vegetative anatomy of members of the 3 genera from South America and Panama and the monotypic genus Eriandra from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands was studied. Previous work in comparative morphology was reviewed. The wood of all species studied is similar. Wings are associated with the diffuse paratracheal parenchyma and aliform parenchyma is present. Eriandra, though arborescent, shows lianous wood. Leaf anatomy shows that Barnhartia and Diclidanthera are similar. Moutabia differs in having columnar sclereids, paired cells in the inner rather than outer epidermis and bundle sheath cells thickened on outer periclinal walls rather than inner. In Eriandra vein endings taper, are recurved, and consist of fibers with bordered pits in the walls rather than being clavate, straight and ending in enlarged, spirally-thickened tracheary elements. Epidermal cells are sinuous in outline and do not occur in pairs in Eriandra. Guard cells are elliptical and some parenchyma cells of the spongy mesophyll have prominent secondary spiral thickenings. In addition, Eriandra does not have extrafloral nectaries.