Abstract

A comparative study of the floral structure in the species of the genus Rhapis (Arecaceae, Coryphoideae, Rhapidinae) is presented. Flowers are mainly unisexual, with three sepals, three petals, 6 stamens or staminodes and three carpels or carpellodes. Some evidences of basal congenital and apical postgenital fusion of the carpels, first time reported in the genus, were observed in the gynoecium. Ovules are basally attached and crassinucellate; they appear to be slightly anatropous. The morphology of the filaments suggests a division of the species into two groups: Rhapis excelsa and R. subtilis exhibit thick and keeled filaments, whereas R. gracilis, R. humilis, R. laosensis, R. micrantha and R. multifida have slender, non-keeled filaments. Relationships of Rhapis with the rest of the genera of Rhapidinae are inferred on the light of floral structure.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.