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Systematic root anatomy of Asparagales and other monocotyledons

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Abstract

Root anatomy of several taxa of Asparagales and some taxa formerly included in Asparagales is described in a systematic context together with a literature review. The presence of a dimorphic outer layer with long and short cells is widespread in monocotyledons, indicating that it originated early in the monocot lineage, but whereas this layer is rhizodermal in most monocotyledons, in Asparagales and Araceae it is usually hypodermal. There may be a correlation between the presence of a velamen or a persistent rhizodermis in many Asparagales and Araceae and the presence of a dimorphic hypodermal layer. Many other root anatomical characters, such as the presence of vascular bundles in the central pith and a multi-layered sclerenchymatous cylinder, are probably xeromorphic and developed convergently.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. FB Biologie, Abt. Allgemeine Botanik, Universität Kaiserslautern, Postfach 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany

    F. Kauff

  2. Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, TW9 3DS, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom

    P. J. Rudall

  3. Department of Environmental Biology, The University of Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia

    J. G. Conran

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  1. F. Kauff
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  3. J. G. Conran
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Kauff, F., Rudall, P.J. & Conran, J.G. Systematic root anatomy of Asparagales and other monocotyledons. Pl Syst Evol 223, 139–154 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00985275

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