On the structure of inflorescences in the genus Anthyllis (Papilionaceae, Loteae)

摘要

Flower arrangement pattern is studied in all species of Anthyllis, as well as in all genera of the tribe Loteae, for comparison. The length of main axis internodes within the partial inflorescence and position of foliage leaf on the peduncle are discussed as significant taxonomic characters of subgenera in Anthyllis. The length of first visible internode on the peduncle, the structure of subtending leavis of peduncles, the presence/absence and the structure of subtending leaves of flowers are suggested as important taxonomic features of sections in Anthyllis subgen. Barba-Jovis. The study of branching and flower arrangement patterns shows that biaxial and triaxial architectural units are present in the genus Anthyllis. Taxonomic significance of axiality needs, however, additional confirmation in the group under discussion. Each peduncle possesses in Anthyllis, as a rule, a single foliage leaf. The foliage leaf situated at the middle or distal part of partial inflorescence (head or raceme) in Anthyllis vulneraria, A.lemanniana, A.terniflora, and A.cytisoides is supposed to be homologous to the foliage leaf found at the base of heads of the remaining species of the genus. The foliage leaf can be described as a prophyll of peduncle. The partial inflorescences have in Anthyllis and other members of Loteae more or less evident dorsiventral structure. The dorsiventrality in partial inflorescence structure of Loteae is not similar to the other variants of dorsiventrality known in Leguminosae (see: Weberling, 1989, for complete review).