Eriocaulon schimperi (Eriocaulaceae) and Some Related Species in Eastern Africa

Phillips, S. M.

doi:10.2307/4119327

Cited by 9 publications

(14 citation statements)

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“…In Eriocaulaceae, the seed ornamentation may be used to identify the genera and the species (e.g. Nair, ; Giulietti et al ., ; Phillips, ; Zona et al ., ; Barreto, Echternacht & Garcia, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ovule, fruit and seed development inAbolboda(Xyridaceae, Poales): implications for taxonomy and phylogeny

Oriani

Scatena

2014

Bot J Linn Soc

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Xyridaceae belongs to the xyrid clade of Poales, but the phylogenetic position of the xyrid families is only weakly supported. Xyridaceae is divided into two subfamilies and five genera, the relationships of which remain unclear. The development of the ovule, fruit and seed of Abolboda spp. was studied to identify characteristics of taxonomic and phylogenetic value. All of the studied species share anatropous, tenuinucellate and bitegmic ovules with a micropyle formed by the inner and outer integuments, megagametophyte development of the Polygonum type, seeds with a tanniferous hypostase, a helobial and starchy endosperm and an undifferentiated embryo, seed coat derived from both integuments with a tanniferous tegmen and a micropylar operculum, and fruits with a parenchymatous endocarp and mesocarp and a sclerenchymatous exocarp. Most of the ovule and seed characteristics described for Abolboda are also present in Xyris and may represent a pattern for the family. Abolboda is distinguished by the ovule type, endosperm formation and the number of layers in the seed coat, in agreement with its classification in Abolbodoideae. The following characteristics link Xyridaceae to Eriocaulaceae and Mayacaceae, supporting the xyrid clade: tenuinucellate, bitegmic ovules; seeds with a tanniferous hypostase, a starchy endosperm and an undifferentiated embryo; and a seed coat with a tanniferous tegmen. A micropylar operculum in the seeds of Abolboda is described for the first time here and may represent a synapomorphy for the xyrids.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ovule, fruit and seed development inAbolboda(Xyridaceae, Poales): implications for taxonomy and phylogeny

Oriani

Scatena

2014

Bot J Linn Soc

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“…As mentioned for species of Lachnocaulon, Paepalanthus, Philodice, Syngonanthus and Tonina, the sculptures of the endotesta provide the seeds with a rib-like appearance that is less noticeable in some species of Eriocaulon. Details on the surface of the seed coat, as presented by NAIR (1987), GIULIETTI et al (1988), PHILLIPS (1995), ZHANG (1999), have been used to identify not only genera but also species within the family. NAIR (1987) studied this characteristic in 18 species of Eriocaulon and observed that even when floral characteristics varied in certain taxa, seed coat morphology remained consistent.…”

Section: Seed Coatmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative embryology and taxonomic considerations in Eriocaulaceae (Poales)

2010

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The genus concept within Eriocaulaceae is widely discussed because it is mainly based on a small number of floral characteristics of unknown functional and evolutionary significance. The aim of the present work is to comparatively study the embryology of representatives of most genera of Eriocaulaceae to identify relevant features that might aid in circumscribing them. In Eriocaulaceae, the uniformity of the embryological characteristics makes it difficult to interpret the existing relationships among the genera. Some embryological characteristics, especially those related to the number of microsporangia, are shown to be unstable and restricted to Paepalanthoideae. The unique pollen morphology may be related to mechanical processes to accommodate the increase in volume after early formation of the pollen wall and may indicate a relationship to an inaperturate ancestor. The placentation, formerly stated to be axile, is more likely to be central due to protusions of the locular base. The shape of the proximal region of the megagametophyte may be responsible for the formation of the antipodal cyst. The seed coat structure is uniform in origin and is a consistent taxonomic characteristic of the family. A review of Eriocaulaceae is necessary, in which additional morphological and anatomical characteristics should be considered and combined.

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“…When we further compare the characteristics of E. schimperi with those of A. pumila, more remarkable resemblances appear. Both species form very dense cushions and possess leaves that can survive for several years (Phillips ). The cushions, formed by tightly clustered E. schimperi plants are so strong that it is even possible to walk across them without causing damage or affecting the peat below.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The vast majority of these studies were carried out in New Zealand and Tasmania, where cushion plants occupy extensive areas. Phillips () mentioned the occurrence of a number of Eriocaulon species that form cushion carpets in the highlands of Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. However, from her review, it is in most cases not clearly stated if the Eriocaulon species occurs on peat soils or on mineral soils.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radial oxygen loss by the cushion plant Eriocaulon schimperi prevents methane emissions from an East‐African mountain mire

et al. 2017

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Groundwater-fed fens are known sources of methane (CH ) emissions to the atmosphere, and these are known to be mediated by the vegetation. In a fen located in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, we assessed the effects of a cushion plant (Eriocaulon schimperi) and a sedge (Carex monostachya) on rhizosphere biogeochemistry. Methane and CO concentrations and pH were measured in pore-water at different depths in the profile. Redox potentials and NaCl-extractable element concentrations were analysed in soil samples from sites dominated by either E. schimperii or C. monostachya. Nutrient and element concentration were analysed in plant tissues. At Carex-dominated sites, CH concentrations increased from 70 μmol·l at a depth of 10 cm to 130 μmol·l at a depth of 100 cm. CH concentrations at Eriocaulon-dominated sites were almost zero (<1 μmol·l ) to a depth of 100 cm. Simultaneously, soil redox potentials and CO concentrations were higher at Eriocaulon-dominated sites, indicating a low potential for CH production and a high potential for CH oxidation. Eriocaulon schimperi displayed a root investment strategy to cope with the harsh environment, similar to the cushion plant Astelia pumila in Patagonian bogs. This strategy is characterised by high root/shoot ratios, high root porosity and density under high redox conditions. Both cushion plant species create an aerobic rhizosphere through radial oxygen loss from deep roots, which strongly reduce CH fluxes to the atmosphere.

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Eriocaulon schimperi (Eriocaulaceae) and Some Related Species in Eastern Africa

Cited by 9 publications

References 1 publication

Ovule, fruit and seed development inAbolboda(Xyridaceae, Poales): implications for taxonomy and phylogeny

Ovule, fruit and seed development inAbolboda(Xyridaceae, Poales): implications for taxonomy and phylogeny

Comparative embryology and taxonomic considerations in Eriocaulaceae (Poales)

Radial oxygen loss by the cushion plant Eriocaulon schimperi prevents methane emissions from an East‐African mountain mire

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