A contribution to the taxonomy of Bolboschoenus (Cyperaceae), with particular reference to fruit morphology and the African species.
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Date
1998
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Abstract
Using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), fruit surface and pericarp anatomy were
investigated in the African species of Bolboschoenits (Ascherson) Palla [B. maritimus (L.)
Palla; B. glaucus (Lam.) S.G. Smith; B. nobilis (Ridley) Goetghebeur & D.A. Simpson; B.
grandispicus (Steud.) K. Lewejohann & W. Lobin] and extended worldwide to cover most
known species. There was consideration of type specimens wherever possible. Two main
patterns of pericarp construction were revealed, with modifications. Using fruit samples from
field populations, a surveillance of embryos was carried out to gain some information on
percentages of perfect embryo development and variability in embryo outline (as seen in
optical, median sagittal section), within and between selected species. Inflorescence structure
within African species was studied and illustrated photographically and diagrammatically.
The collective information obtained was directed towards better understanding of species
limits within the genus and towards gaining evidence of the significance of natural
hybridisation as a cause of morphological variability within some taxa. Formal taxonomy
including a key to the identification of the African species is provided. Profuse illustrations of
pericarp structure of world species are given, as are colour photographs of the African
species, excepting B. grandispicus. A tentative pattern for subgeneric division of
Bolboschoenus based primarily on pericarp morphology, is suggested supplemented by a
world map illustrating the presently known distribution of the suggested groupings.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.
Keywords
Cyperaceae--Africa, Southern., Bolboschoenus spp., Theses--Botany.