Showing papers on "Lygodium published in 1983"

Indeterminate growth and ramification of the climbing leaves of Lygodium japonicum (Schizaeaceae)

Abstract: Morphological and anatomical specializations of the climbing leaves (CL) of Lygodium japonicum were investigated. Examination of growth relationships between the rachis and pinnae of the circumnutating CL revealed a close relationship to the "searcher" morphology of twining shoots. The CL has resting pinna apices (leafbuds) capable of replacing a damaged leaf apex or ramifying the foliar axis. Their structure and growth is similar to the main leaf apex. CL growth is indeterminate and occurs at a steady rate. Crozier uncoiling and rachis elongation occurs by a mechanism of unequal rates of cell division and elongation. The adaptations of the CL are interpreted as specializations within the basic principles of fern leaf morphogenesis. LEAVES OF ADULT PLANTS of the fern genus Lygodium are uniquely adapted as climbing organs. Their features which are related to the climbing habit include: indeterminate growth; circumnutation; rapid rachis elongation; delay in pinna expansion; ramification from pinnaborne leafbuds (Mueller, 1982a). Investigations of shoot branching and leaf initiation and development led to the conclusion that, in spite