Abstract
Development of ovular structures in the `eucalypt group' (Eucalyteae, Myrtaceae) was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Different modes of placental expansion account for the variation in initiation and arrangement of ovules and ovulodes. In Eucalyptus sensu stricto placental elongation proceeds proximally and the distally-positioned ovulodes develop from the first primordia initiated (congenital ovulodes). In Angophora, Corymbia, Arillastrum, Allosyncarpia and Stockwellia placental elongation is bi-directional and the ovulodes develop from last-initiated primordia (residual ovulodes). Bi-directional elongation and residual ovulodes are present in the outgroup taxon Lophostemon confertus and is presumably plesiomorphic. This suite of characters is potentially informative for resolving relationships for several key taxa: E. microcorys (subgenus Symphyomyrtus) has proximal placental expansion and congenital ovulodes, which is consistent with most Eucalyptus; E. curtisii (subgenus Gaubaea) has the plesiomophic condition and may be sister to all other species of Eucalyptus.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
