Morphology and identification of the seedlings of selected woody/semi-woody species of dicotyledons sensu lato growing wild in South Florida (U.S.A.). Part I. Species with epigeal germination

Abstract

We describe and compare the seedlings of 70 species of trees, shrubs, and woody/semi-woody vines of dicotyledons sensu lato which have epigeal germination and which grow wild in south Florida. For each species we characterize the macroscopical features of the hypocotyl, cotyledons, supra-cotyledonary internodes, and supra-cotyledonary leaves as well as the presence vs. absence of, the kinds of, and the distribution of trichomes. We conclude with a taxonomic key for identifying the seedlings of all considered species. Fifty-nine and 11 of the investigated species are native to, and exotic within Florida, respectively.

Morphology and identification of the seedlings of selected woody/semi-woody species of dicotyledons sensu lato growing wild in South Florida (U.S.A.). Part II. Species with hypogeal germination

“…I do so, because the limited data from the poorly represented species permit their identification and enhance our general understanding of seedlings. I identified specimens to species, using the methods of Wilder and Relish (2022). Like Wilder and Relish (2022) I was careful to distinguish seedlings from root sprouts.…”

“…Veintidós especies son nativas y dos exóticas en Florida. introduction This is the second of two papers about the morphology and identification of the seedlings of selected species of woody/semi-woody dicotyledons sensu lato which grow wild in South Florida (Wilder & Relish 2022). Wilder and Relish (2022) focused on 70 species having epigeal germination, whereas I consider 23 species having hypogeal germination and one species having germination intermediate between epigeal and hypogeal (Sideroxylon foetidissimum).…”

“…introduction This is the second of two papers about the morphology and identification of the seedlings of selected species of woody/semi-woody dicotyledons sensu lato which grow wild in South Florida (Wilder & Relish 2022). Wilder and Relish (2022) focused on 70 species having epigeal germination, whereas I consider 23 species having hypogeal germination and one species having germination intermediate between epigeal and hypogeal (Sideroxylon foetidissimum). Herein, I apply the classical definition of cotyledons rather than de Vogel's (1980) more restrictive definition (see Wilder & Relish [2022] concerning both definitions).…”

“…Wilder and Relish (2022) focused on 70 species having epigeal germination, whereas I consider 23 species having hypogeal germination and one species having germination intermediate between epigeal and hypogeal (Sideroxylon foetidissimum). Herein, I apply the classical definition of cotyledons rather than de Vogel's (1980) more restrictive definition (see Wilder & Relish [2022] concerning both definitions).…”

“…An ensuing section provides a taxonomic key to the species, based on their seedlings. Appendices 1 and 2 include lists of species of woody/semi-woody dicotyledons which grow wild in South Florida, which I judge to have epigeal germination (Appendix 1) and hypogeal germination (Appendix 2), but which-because of insufficient study specimens-are/were not formally described presently or by Wilder and Relish (2022).…”