Floral morphology and phylogeny of Vochysiaceae.
Item
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Title
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Floral morphology and phylogeny of Vochysiaceae.
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Identifier
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AAI9946192
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identifier
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9946192
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Creator
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Litt, Amy Jane.
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Contributor
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Advisers: Scott A. Mori | Dennis W. Stevenson
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Date
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1999
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology, Botany
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Abstract
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Traditionally Vochysiaceae have been divided into two tribes, Erismeae and Vochysieae. Vochysieae include five Neotropical genera, whereas Erismeae include one Neotropical genus (Erisma) and the only Paleotropical member of the family (Erismadelphus). Studies of floral structure indicated that the tribes were based on poorly understood characters, and that some of the genera were not well defined, therefore a phylogenetic analysis of Vochysiaceae was undertaken to clarify relationships within this family. Chapter one of this dissertation includes background information on Vochysiaceae and a brief taxonomic history. Chapter two covers floral development, in particular with reference to the structure of the gynoecium. Chapter three includes developmental and anatomical information regarding the position of the single fertile stamen. The final chapter presents the results of the phylogenetic analysis.;The work presented here shows that the single fertile stamen, described as being antesepalous or antepetalous in different genera, is fundamentally antepetalous throughout the family, although in one clade it is unique in being slightly offset. The results also clarify several elements of gynoecium structure among the genera, in particular the number of locules and the position of the ovary. Regarding the latter, the work presented here shows that although the position of the ovary does vary, it is always initiated in an inferior position, on a concave floral apex.;The results of the phylogenetic analysis bear out the hypotheses that the tribes and genera as currently recognized are not all monophyletic. The species form three clades, but the relative positions of these clades are unresolved. one clade consists of the Erismeae, with Erismadelphus as sister-group to Erisma. A second group comprises Vochysia, with the monotypic Salvertia nested within. The third group includes Qualea, with Ruizterania and Callisthene nested within. These latter two clades include the members of Vochysieae, thus these results do not support the monophyly of that tribe. They also indicate that Salvertia, Ruizterania , and Callisthene can not be recognized as distinct genera.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
