Date of Award:

5-1-1976

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biology

Department name when degree awarded

Biology

Committee Chair(s)

Arthur H. Holmgren

Committee

Arthur H. Holmgren

Abstract

A comparative anatomical study of fourteen species in eight sections of the genus Polygonum was undertaken. The general anatomy of the stem, leaf, and petiole is described and compared. Qualitative attributes of the cortical and vascular tissue are considered to be taxonomically useful. The section Avicularia is recognized as possessing a number of significant anatomical differences as compared to the other sectlons. The anatomy suggests the widely accepted Linnean classification of Polygonum does not reflect the true relationships existing between the groups in the genus. Possible environmental influences on the anatomic structure are noted. Interesting anatomical structures such as cortical lacunae and isolateral mesophyll found in the species examined are discussed. Leaf veination patterns, nodal anatomy, and the complete petiolar anatomy are areas suggested for further anatomical study.

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