The evolution of leaf anatomy in Badiera (Polygalaceae)

Abstract

Leaf samples from Polygalaceae: nine species of Badiera, two species of
Bredemeyera, three species of Hebecarpa, and two species of Polygala were taken from
herbarium specimens for anatomical observations. Several methods of rehydration were
compared to a control of fresh material fixed in the field for four species of Badiera.
Soaking in concentrated ammonium hydroxide proved to be the best overall means of
rehydrating leaves of the genus Badiera and related genera. All leaves were embedded in
paraffin for sectioning and cleared in 5% aqueous sodium hydroxide for examining
epidermal features. Twelve anatomical characters were mapped onto a molecular
phylogeny to determine patterns of variation for the genus Badiera and related genera.
The clade of Badiera + Hebecarpa is defined by having level hair bases and biseriate
palisade mesophyll. Species of Badiera are united by a thick adaxial cuticle and revolute
margins. Species of Hebecarpa are united by the presence of a thin adaxial cuticle,
amphistomatal leaves, palisade mesophyll distributed isobilaterally, and a plane margin.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	J. Richard Abbott (Supervisor)