Ecological Developments in Leguminous Fruits

Abstract

This review has a mixed character. It shows, first, the late plasticity of the fruit during speciation, acting also via dispersal. It is also to some extent a typological classification of the fruits, to some extent a trial in the direction of organ phylogeny, but in both respects with emphasis on the ecological background. We shall not enter into the eternal general question whether form or function is primary, but have here to emphasize the bonds with the biotic and abiotic environment. The review (already in van der Pijl, 1956) must also try to maintain contact with current taxonomy, perhaps assist it. The result will show that, although the Mimosoideae again prove basic, it is possible to align the developments in the three subfamilies, where the limits are sometimes vague.