Abstract Detail
Developmental and Structural Section Gardner, Stuart K. [1]. A Unique Structure: leaf ontogeny and morphology in Acacia. The recently redefined genus Acacia consists of more than 1000 species, nearly all of which are endemic to Australia. Acacia foliage is highly variable and all species exhibit heteroblastic leaf development to some extent as seedlings, with a typical progression from pinnate to bipinnate leaves in the first few seedling nodes followed in most species by the transition to phyllodes. The phyllode is unique in the plant kingdom and its structure, development and the genetic processes involved in its formation are little understood. Despite its significance for classification, the homology of this character remains uncertain. Modern microscopy and molecular genetic techniques resolving details of the morphology and development suggest a different way of interpreting the foliage changes exhibited by Acacia species. Conceptualization of Acacia leaf development using aspects of continuum morphology suggests elegant molecular controls of this apparently complex change. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - The University of Melbourne, School of Botany, Reception, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
Keywords: Acacia phyllode Leaf development compound leaf leaf morphology ontogeny.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections Session: P Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007 Time: 8:00 AM Number: P48009 Abstract ID:1016 |