P. Barry Tomlinson, James W. Horn, and Jack B. Fisher
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199558926
- eISBN:
- 9780191810077
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199558926.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
The palm leaf axis is a complex organ divided into three discrete and disparate regions: leaf sheath, petiole, and rachis, each with a different function — basal support, blade extension, and blade ...
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The palm leaf axis is a complex organ divided into three discrete and disparate regions: leaf sheath, petiole, and rachis, each with a different function — basal support, blade extension, and blade support, respectively. Although this leads to different anatomical features there is a structural continuity from one to the other because they are developmentally continuous as a unit and vascular bundles extend from one region to another. This chapter first discusses the palm petiole, covering surface layers, peripheral sclerenchyma, V-arrangement, vascular bundles, ground tissue, and transverse veins. It then examines the unique attributes of leaf morphology in palms as a consequence of their frequently massive construction and great diversity. It covers monocotyledons, open and closed leaf sheaths, and the palm leaf sheath.Less
The palm leaf axis is a complex organ divided into three discrete and disparate regions: leaf sheath, petiole, and rachis, each with a different function — basal support, blade extension, and blade support, respectively. Although this leads to different anatomical features there is a structural continuity from one to the other because they are developmentally continuous as a unit and vascular bundles extend from one region to another. This chapter first discusses the palm petiole, covering surface layers, peripheral sclerenchyma, V-arrangement, vascular bundles, ground tissue, and transverse veins. It then examines the unique attributes of leaf morphology in palms as a consequence of their frequently massive construction and great diversity. It covers monocotyledons, open and closed leaf sheaths, and the palm leaf sheath.
