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Comparative morphology of leaf epidermis in the genus Lithocarpus and its implication in leaf epidermal feature evolution in Fagaceae

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Abstract

Leaf epidermal features are considered to be taxonomically important in Fagaceae. In this study, we examined and compared leaf epidermal features of 112 specimens, representing 105 species and one variety of Lithocarpus from China and adjacent areas and Notholithocarpus densiflorus. As a result of the different interpretations of terms in previous studies, trichome terminology in Lithocarpus and its relatives was re-assessed aiming to reveal the trichome evolutionary patterns in Fagaceae. Twelve types of trichomes and five types of trichome bases were detected in Lithocarpus, among which the broad-based trichome (BBT) is newly reported. Stomata in Lithocarpus are restricted to the cyclocytic type and their size range is 28.6 ± 8.2 μm × 26.5 ± 9.3 μm. The distribution of epidermal features in Lithocarpus revealed three distinct morphological groups: glabrous, BBT, and appressed parallel tufts (APT). The importance of epidermal features across Fagaceae for taxon delimitation is evaluated. Species of Lithocarpus can be accurately identified by the presence of APT or flat epidermal cells combined with non-dark stained subsidiary cells and non-cutinized trichome bases only, or in addition, fasciculate trichome bases. The phylogenetic distribution of epidermal features and their evolutionary trends in Fagaceae is also discussed.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Mr. Allen Coombes of the Herbarium and Botanic Garden of the University of Puebla and Professor Arshad Ali of University of Florida for their kindest help in correcting the language of the manuscript. Gratitude is expressed to the curators of KUN, IBK, CSH and SWFC for providing specimens. This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31100154 and 31270267); Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation (11ZR1435500); the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Forestation and City Appearances (F112419), and the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (12YZ157).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, 3888 Chenhua Rd, Shanghai, 201602, People’s Republic of China

    Min Deng, Shuting Yang, YanChun Liu & Jin Xu

  2. School of Ecology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, 201418, People’s Republic of China

    Qiansheng Li

  3. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Technology, Shanghai, 201403, People’s Republic of China

    Qiansheng Li

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  1. Min Deng
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  2. Qiansheng Li
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  3. Shuting Yang
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  4. YanChun Liu
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  5. Jin Xu
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Correspondence to Qiansheng Li.

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Deng, M., Li, Q., Yang, S. et al. Comparative morphology of leaf epidermis in the genus Lithocarpus and its implication in leaf epidermal feature evolution in Fagaceae. Plant Syst Evol 299, 659–681 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-012-0751-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-012-0751-0

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