| Abstract Detail
Recent Topics Posters Magnaghi, Emily B. [1], Daniel, Thomas F. [2].
A Systematic Study of Paleotropical Mendoncia (Acanthaceae)
. A taxonomic treatment of the Paleotropical species in the genus Mendoncia is presented in which several new species from Madagascar are recognized. Mendoncia is one of five genera in the subfamily Thunbergioideae of Acanthaceae. There are 10 species in the Paleotropics with four in Africa and six in Madagascar. Recent molecular studies have shown that Mendoncia is monophyletic. The Paleotropical species form a basal grade from which the monophyletic Neotropical species (~70) are derived. Species of the genus consist of woody vines that occur in both Neotropical and Paleotropical wet forests. Mendoncia is unique within the family by its drupaceous fruit, well-developed bracteoles, and climbing habit. Little is known about the ecology of these plants, including pollinators and modes of dispersal. The bracteoles of several species are filled with water which may protect the flowers while they are in bud and during anthesis. Flowers are visited by passerine birds and various insects. This is the first synthesis of the genus from throughout the Paleotropics. Broader Impacts:
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1 - California Academy of Sciences, Botany, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco, CA, 94010, USA
2 - California Academy of Sciences, Department of Botany, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT003
Abstract ID:1102 |
