Comparative morphology of leaf epidermis in the genus Lithocarpus and its implication in leaf epidermal feature evolution in Fagaceae

Leaf epidermal features are considered to be taxonomically important in Fagaceae. In this study, we examined and compared leaf epidermal features of 112 specimens, representing 105 species and one variety of Lithocarpus from China and adjacent areas and Notholithocarpus densiflorus. As a result of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plant systematics and evolution 2013-03, Vol.299 (3), p.659-681
Main Authors: Deng, Min, Li, Qiansheng, Yang, Shuting, Liu, YanChun, Xu, Jin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal cuticle
Biological taxonomies
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Epidermal cells
Epidermis
Evolution
Fagaceae
Genera
Leaves
Life Sciences
Lithocarpus
Morphology
Notholithocarpus densiflorus
Original Article
Phylogeny
Plant Anatomy/Development
Plant Ecology
Plant Sciences
Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography
Stomata
Trichomes
Waxes
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Summary:Leaf epidermal features are considered to be taxonomically important in Fagaceae. In this study, we examined and compared leaf epidermal features of 112 specimens, representing 105 species and one variety of Lithocarpus from China and adjacent areas and Notholithocarpus densiflorus. As a result of the different interpretations of terms in previous studies, trichome terminology in Lithocarpus and its relatives was re-assessed aiming to reveal the trichome evolutionary patterns in Fagaceae. Twelve types of trichomes and five types of trichome bases were detected in Lithocarpus, among which the broad-based trichome (BBT) is newly reported. Stomata in Lithocarpus are restricted to the cyclocytic type and their size range is 28.6 ± 8.2 μm × 26.5 ± 9.3 μm. The distribution of epidermal features in Lithocarpus revealed three distinct morphological groups: glabrous, BBT, and appressed parallel tufts (APT). The importance of epidermal features across Fagaceae for taxon delimitation is evaluated. Species of Lithocarpus can be accurately identified by the presence of APT or flat epidermal cells combined with non-dark stained subsidiary cells and non-cutinized trichome bases only, or in addition, fasciculate trichome bases. The phylogenetic distribution of epidermal features and their evolutionary trends in Fagaceae is also discussed.
ISSN:0378-2697
1615-6110
2199-6881
DOI:10.1007/s00606-012-0751-0