Diversity and Evolution of Inflorescences in Celastrales

Abstract

Inflorescences structures in context of their evolution have been conducted for 60 genera and 170 species of Celastrales (according to APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group) III 2009, almost 60% of genera and 15% of species from this taxon of the world flora). There are two big groups of inflorescences in Celastrales-intercalary (more often) and terminal. For many genera of Celastrales both types of inflorescences can be observed, although the frequency of their occurrence varies. There is an important difference between two types of inflorescences: character of completion of the main axis (the terminal flower present or absent). Flower opening can be in basipetal (Celastraceae, Brexia) or acropetal (Stackhousiaceae) order. Partial inflorescence types included: simple, compound or umbrellate dichasia, spike, raceme, thyrse. Simple flowers of Parnassia are large, nested on long reproductive shoots, emerging from a rosette, with amplexicaule leaf.