Morphology of Dianthoveus cremnophilus (Cyclanthaceae)

Abstract

Dianthoveus cremnophilus exhibits terminal inflorescences and rhizomes composed of renewal shoots. A rhizome bears two kinds of vegetative buds directly, viz. renewal buds that form renewal shoots and nonrenewal buds that may develop into new rhizomes. Adult leaves consist of sheath, petiole, transition zone, and a bifid lamina that varies from unicostate to subtricostate. The inflorescence axis consists of peduncle and spadix and bears two kinds of spathes, conspicuous and inconspicuous. Seeds exhibit four outer cell layers and become split periclinally throughout the third layer, as well as longitudinally down to this layer, along one edge. Tissue outside the region of splitting may be abscinded; wall ingrowths of the ruptured third layer adhere to, and appear outermost on, the remaining portion of seed, where they directly contact the environment. Seedlings exhibit a primary root, very short hypocotyl, cotyledon, and epicotyl with plumular leaves. Shoots manifest substantial mirror-image symmetry.