Cuticle Micromorphology of Prumnopitys Philippi (Podocarpaceae)

• Author(s) / Creator(s)

  • Frevel, B.J.
  • Stockey, R.A.

• Cuticle micromorphology of leaves from all 10 species and one variety of the conifer genus Prumnopitys Philippi (Podocarpaceae) was studied with scanning electron microscopy. Both herbarium and preserved specimens were examined and showed no differences in micromorphology. External and internal features of abaxial and adaxial cuticles are characterized for all 10 species and compared to other known podocarps. External cuticles exhibit undulating surfaces that may reflect underlying epidermal cell outlines, Florin rings, and stomatal plugs. Stomata have two to seven subsidiary cells, often with polar subsidiary cells lacking. There is a crease in subsidiary cell cuticle near the guard cells that corresponds to the Florin ring externally. Cuticle on subsidiary cells usually shows an irregular outer wall flange, granular to pitted surface, and horizontal and/or vertical striations. Polar extensions occur in all species but are less pronounced in section Sundacarpus. A rolled flange of cuticle occurs between guard cells and subsidiary cells and can be extensive in some taxa. Epidermal cell outlines are sinuous in most species; however, this character is variable within the genus. Epidermal cell surfaces are generally granular and pitted. Cuticle micromorphology supports the separation of P. amara into a separate section (or even separate genus) from the other taxa in the genus and indicates the reevaluation of P. montana var. meridensis as a separate species of the genus.

• Date created

  1997

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Micromorphology
  • Podocarpaceae
  • Prumnopitys Philippi

• Type of Item

  Article (Published)

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R31P2T

• License

  Copyright 1997 by The University of Chicago