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Sand-binding roots in Haemodoraceae: global survey and morphology in a phylogenetic context

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Abstract

Aims

To illustrate the morphology of sand-binding roots of Haemodoraceae, to conduct a comprehensive survey of the trait, spanning different climates across four continents, and to explore evolutionary hypotheses within a molecular phylogenetic framework.

Methods

Sand-binding roots in Haemodoraceae were examined, measured and photographed in the field and on herbarium specimens. Photomicrographs were taken of southwest Australian species. The presence and absence of the sand-binding trait was mapped onto previously published phylogenies and an ancestral state reconstruction was performed.

Results

Sand grains were very tightly bound to the root surface by persistent root hairs in Haemodoraceae. The majority of genera and species were found to possess sand-binding roots and only 2 of the 14 genera, Conostylis and Tribonanthes, had sister taxa with and without the trait. The trait was recorded in tropical, sub-tropical and wet temperate species, but mainly in semi-arid species. Sand-binding roots were likely to have been present in the ancestor of the family and both sub-families.

Conclusions

The presence of sand-binding roots is the probable ancestral condition for Haemodoraceae, associated with a high degree of phylogenetic conservatism and some secondary loss, notably in Conostylis. Experimental studies are needed to understand the ecological and evolutionary forces at work.

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Acknowledgements

We dedicate this paper to Professor Alan Robson, Vice Chancellor of The University of Western Australia, and distinguished plant scientist, for his unstinting focus on achieving excellence and international collaboration in research and teaching. Professor Robson was instrumental in strengthening research collaboration between UWA and Kings Park and Botanic Garden while SDH was Director of the latter (1992–2004), and in subsequently securing a Chair in Plant Conservation Biology at UWA for SDH in 2004–2006. He remains a firm friend and ally for the now expanding collaboration between UWA plant scientists and staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Work on Haemodoraceae now spans four decades, supported by grants from the Australian Biological Resources Study and the Australian Research Council (ARC), as well as by facilities and operational funds from the Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Department of Environment and Conservation, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, UWA and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This research was supported by grant DP1092856 from the ARC to MS, an ARC Postdoctoral Research Fellow. We are grateful for the assistance of many friends and colleagues at these institutions and elsewhere. The Directors/Curators at several herbaria, especially PERTH, K and NBG, are thanked for enabling access to specimens. Staff at KPBG, HAJB, INPA and Rupununi Trails also assisted greatly with field collections and Alexander Papadopulos advised on ancestral state reconstruction. Kingsley Dixon and Ellen Hickman kindly provided additional images. Professor Hans Lambers encouraged us to prepare this contribution. Professor Paula Rudall provided a helpful critique of the manuscript. The referees and editor also suggested valuable improvements to the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK

    Rhian J. Smith & Stephen D. Hopper

  2. School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia

    Stephen D. Hopper & Michael W. Shane

Authors
  1. Rhian J. Smith
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  2. Stephen D. Hopper
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  3. Michael W. Shane
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Correspondence to Rhian J. Smith.

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Responsible Editor: Michael Denis Cramer.

Appendix I

Appendix I

Table 2 Detailed documentation of the occurrence of sand-binding roots in recognised taxa of Haemodoraceae from herbarium and field evidence
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Smith, R.J., Hopper, S.D. & Shane, M.W. Sand-binding roots in Haemodoraceae: global survey and morphology in a phylogenetic context. Plant Soil 348, 453–470 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-011-0874-z

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