ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 2670
Session = 21.2.4


EVOLUTIONARY TRENDS IN THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MYRTOIDEAE (MYRTACEAE)


Eimear Nic Lughadha, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, U.K.


The reproductive biology of the genera of the Myrtoideae is discussed in the context of current (patchy) understanding of the phylogeny of this group. Taxa sampled include most of the Neotropical genera of the family and selected Old World Myrtoideae. Characters discussed range from those traditionally used in the delimitation of supraspecific groups (e.g. hypanthial prolongation) through those rarely reported or used at species level (e.g. stamen number) to those known only for a handful of taxa as a result of intensive field studies (e.g pre-emergent reproductive success). Areas of particular interest for future research are highlighted. Informative characters which are easily observed in the field but are difficult or impossible to score from herbarium material are drawn to the attention of potential future collectors.


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