Abstract Detail

Systematics

Wright, Alexander [1], Roalson, Eric [2].

New models of stem architecture for Berberis sensu lato (Berberidaceae) and their taxonomic implications.

Stem architecture in Berberis sensu lato (≡Berberideae, Berberidaceae) has been explicitly used to divide the genus from at least 1901, but the substantial diversity in gross bauplan has been described either by uncomfortably applying models developed for other taxonomic groups, or by describing individual features without presenting a unified model for the genus. We examined species across the genus for shoot type differentiation and transitions to generate new architectural models for Berberis s.l. Shoot types in Berberis s.l. are remarkably consistent across the genus but are assembled in different ways to produce highly dissimilar total architectures. All species bear shoots differentiated into long and short types, so none can be described as having monomorphic stems, but their shoot systems do collapse into a few discrete and taxonomically coherent models.

1 - Washington State University, Marion Ownbey Herbarium, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
2 - Washington State University, School Of Biological Sciences, Abelson Hall 339, Pullman, WA, 99164, United States

Keywords:
Architecture
Berberis
Mahonia
Berberidaceae
Taxonomy 
Bauplan.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: SYST I005
Abstract ID:987
Candidate for Awards:None