ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 5096
Session = 15.12.7


PODOSTEMACEAE: SYSTEMATIC STUDIES OF ODD PLANTS IN AN ODD ENVIRONMENT


C. Thomas Philbrick, Biol. and Envir. Sci., Western CT State University, Danbury, CT 06810. USA.


Podostemaceae carry out their life-cycles in river-rapids and waterfalls. Interpretation of vegetative structures in these unusual plants remains controversial. Typical root, shoot, and stem categories can be difficult to apply. Even so, ongoing controversies are not an underlying cause of taxonomic problems. Sufficient understanding exists to allow the development of reliable taxonomic and phylogenetic frameworks. Present taxonomic problems are a consequence of inadequate collections and misinterpretation of relationships between local environmental conditions and plant form. Results from study of several New World genera will be used to illustrate the changing systematic perspectives in Podostemaceae, especially regarding the high levels of species endemism that are reported in the family.


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