Silica bodies and their systematic implications at the subfamily level in Podostemaceae

Silica bodies and their systematic implications at the subfamily level in Podostemaceae

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Abstract Podostemaceae is a family of eudicotyledonous rheophytes with unique LIQUID LANOLIN morphology, sometimes resembling algae, lichens or bryophytes.This study evaluates the taxonomic value of silica-body morphology (presence, location, size, shape, ornamentation) in species representing the three subfamilies: Tristicha trifaria (Bory ex Willd.) Spreng.(Tristichoideae), Weddellina squamulosa Tul.(Weddellinoideae) and Diamantina lombardii Novelo, C.

T.Philbrick & Irgang (Podostemoideae).T.trifaria and D.lombardii have silica bodies in stems and leaves.

In contrast, W.squamulosa exhibits silica bodies only in the scale-like leaves.The morphology of these Oil serum bodies is unique to each species.The results denote the taxonomic usefulness of silica characteristics and a need for a more complete study of silica bodies throughout the family.