Pericarp Anatomy and Systematics of the Simaroubaceae sensu lato

Abstract

Descriptions are given of the anatomy of the pericarp in representatives of 28 genera of the Simaroubaceae sensu lato, including Stylobasium, as well as the ontogeny of the endocarp in 9 of them. There is marked heterogeneity in the family in both pericarp structure and endocarp ontogeny. Eight different endocarp types are recognised, the distribution of which shows considerable correlation with the subfamilial classification of Engler. This study provides further evidence that the family in the broad sense is an artificial assemblage. Endocarp structure provides support for the inclusion of both Recchia and Stylobasium in the Surianoideae. Guilfoylia has no recognisable endocarp; the occurrence of periclinal divisions within the inner protoderm of young pericarps suggests that this is a derived condition. The inclusion of Allantospermum and Nothospondias within the Irvingioideae and Simarouboideae respectively is not supported by their pericarp structures.