Authors: Pressel, Silvia; Matcham, Howard; Duckett, Jeffrey

Source: Journal of Bryology, Volume 27, Number 4, December 2005 , pp. 311-318(8)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

This systematic investigation of the filament systems in nine species of Ephemerum and two of Micromitrium revealed a range of new characters in the Ephemeraceae. Above ground most taxa have pointed chloronemata with widely spreading branches, whereas in Micromitrium, Ephemerum cohaerens and E. spinulosum, the branches are fastigiated. Four species of Ephemerum (E. sessile, E. cohaerens, E. spinulosum and E. hibernicum) have massive lipid-laden tubers, the last three with prominent spinulose side branches. Tubers, comprising chains of rounded cells, are described for the first time in Micromitrium. Unique to E. recurvifolium are starch-laden tubers and fragile chloronemal branches. The morphology of the diaspores reinforces the pottialean affinities of the Ephemeraceae. The production of long-lived tubers provides Ephemerum species predominantly found on lake and reservoir margins in the British Isles, with an alternative means of perennation on sites susceptible to inundation prior to sporophyte maturation.

Keywords: MICROMITRIUM; NEW TAXONOMIC CHARACTERS; RHIZOIDS; POTTIACEAE; DIASPORES; EPHEMERUM; PIONEER SPECIES; TUBERS

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174328205X71451

Publication date: 2005-12-01

More about this publication?

• Journal of Bryology is Maney's Journal of the Month for February! For the entire month, we're giving away 3 year's worth of content absolutely FREE! Visit the Journal of the Month page to sign up for this free content, meet the editors, watch videos, read about hot topics in the field, find out more about the British Bryological Association, get discounts on subscriptions and much, much more!

  Online submission, tracking and refereeing system now live. Click here for further information

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Other botany titles from Maney
• Top articles
• MORE Open Choice
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Botany
• By this author: Pressel, Silvia ;  Matcham, Howard ;  Duckett, Jeffrey

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers