| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Gahagen, Benjamin [1], Ballard Jr, Harvey [2]. A Preliminary Morphological Study of Tovomita weddelliana Planch. & Triana (Clusiaceae). Tovomita is one of 27 genera in the family Clusiaceae and reportedly includes approximately 45 species distributed throughout Central America and the Amazonian region of South America. The genus is characterized by 1 ovule per carpel, distinct stylodia, 2 outer sepals enveloping the bud, moderately excavated petiole bases, and a vascularized ariloid structure visible when the fruit dehisces. Within this genus are several species complexes, one of which is the problematic and variable Tovomita weddelliana complex. The complex is distinctive in the genus in many traits, including leaves clustered near branch tips; (sub)sessile oblanceolate blades with distinctly pale or glaucous lower surface; ovate-suborbicular sepals; numerous stamens with linear-subulate filaments; and an oblong obtuse glabrous ovary with four locules. Examination of herbarium collections suggests several taxa presently subsumed under the name T. weddelliana, which is exceedingly well represented in herbarium collections.The present study reexamines the T. weddelliana species complex morphologically, uncovering correlated patterns of variation in many characteristics of branch, leaf phyllotaxy, leaf shape, petiole development and leaf decurrence, lateral veins, margin, and lamina surface; inflorescence, sepals and petals; and fruit anatomy, shape, indument, and locules. Preliminary investigation has delimited at least nine distinct morphological species including T. weddelliana sensu stricto. Imminent future research will examine molecular phylogenetic relationships among these and other members of Tovomita. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Ohio University, Environmental and Plant Biology, Porter Hall 315, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
2 - Ohio University, ENVIR & PLANT BIOLOGY-PORTER H, 315 Porter Hall, Athens, OH, 45701-2979, USA
Keywords:
Clusiaceae
Tovomita
Tovomita weddelliana
morphological variation
species complex
South America.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY026
Abstract ID:515 |
