Authors: Wang, Yin-Zheng; Li, Zhen-Yu; Pan, Kai-Yu; Zou, Kiu-Hong
Publication: Acta Botanica Sinica
Year: 2002
Genera: Titanotrichum
Abstract

The seedling development of Titanotrichum oldhamii (Hemsl.) Solereder has been investigated to provide insight into the evolution and systematic position of Titanotrichum. In T. oldhamii, the size differentiation of the two cotyledons begins while the hypocotyl grows. However, both of the two cotyledons develop normally and locate at the same level. Finally, the two cotyledons are almost equal in size. The aerial shoot (including stem and leaves) is produced from the permanent activity of the apical meristem in the plumular bud. Even though the seedling development in Titanotrichum basically conforms to the general growth pattern of the seedling in the Cyrtandroideae, it is remarkably different from that of other Cyrtandroideae. Based on the revealed evidence in seedling development in Titanotrichum and other comparative data, the authors have evaluated the possible evolutionary pathway of Titanotrichum and further discussed the familial placement of this genus.