Trichome structure and evolution in Neotropical lianas.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Trichomes are epidermal outgrowths generally associated with protection against herbivores and/or desiccation that are widely distributed from ferns to angiosperms. Patterns of topological variation and morphological evolution of trichomes are still scarce in the literature, preventing valid comparisons across taxa. This study integrates detailed morphoanatomical data and the evolutionary history of the tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae) in order to gain a better understanding of current diversity and evolution of trichome types.

Methods

Two sampling schemes were used to characterize trichome types: (1) macromorphological characterization of all 105 species currently included in Bignonieae; and (2) micromorphological characterization of 16 selected species.

SUBMITTER: Nogueira A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3806532 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature