Using leaf anatomy to solve taxonomic problems within the Anemopaegma arvense species complex (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae). (6th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Firetti‐Leggieri, Fabiana; Lohmann, Lúcia G.; Semir, João; Demarco, Diego; Castro, Marília M.
• Is Part Of: Nordic journal of botany. Volume 32:Number 5(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 620
• Page End: 631
• Publication Date: 2013-12-06
• Subjects: Botany -- Periodicals; Mycology -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-1051.2013.00275.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0107-055X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Anemopaegma</italic> is a monophyletic lineage included in the tribe Bignonieae. The genus is taxonomically problematic, especially in the <italic>Anemopaegma arvense</italic> species complex, a group whose taxa have been delimited on the basis of leaf external morphology. Here we study the leaf anatomy of all three species and nine varieties currently included in this species complex (<italic>A. acutifolium</italic> DC., <italic>A. arvense</italic> (Vell.) Stellf. ex de Souza and <italic>A. glaucum</italic> Mart. ex DC.) in search for additional characters that may help circumscribe taxa within this group. For comparison, this study also investigated the leaf anatomy of two species that are morphologically similar to representatives of the species complex but currently placed outside it (<italic>A. album</italic> Mart. ex DC. and <italic>A. scabriusculum</italic> Mart. ex DC.). All taxa were analyzed using standard anatomical procedures and light microscopy. In addition, leaves of <italic>A. acutifolium</italic> and <italic>Anemopaegma album</italic> were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, stomata position, composition of the vascular system of the petiole, midrib, lateral veins and margin constitution represented the most important anatomical features for the recognition of the species and varieties. The study also demonstrated that <italic>A. scabriusculum</italic> presents leaf anatomical traits that differ from those encountered in species of the <italic>Anemopaegma arvense</italic> complex, corroborating earlier anatomical and molecular phylogenetic results and indicating that <italic>A. scabriusculum</italic> is indeed best placed outside the <italic>A. arvense</italic> species complex. Leaf anatomical data also support the synonymization of some varieties of <italic>A. mirandum</italic> with <italic>A. arvense</italic>, as well as varieties of <italic>A. glaucum</italic> into this species.</p> </abstract>