Systematic studies on Philippine Alocasia (Schott) G. Don (Araceae)

Date of Publication

2010

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Adviser

Domingo A. Madulid

Defense Panel Member

Reyenaldo M. de la Paz
Ma. Carmen Ablan Lagman
Emelina H. Mandia
Justo P. Rojo

Abstract/Summary

The genus Alocasia in the Philippines was studied morphologically and anatomically (leaf). The pollen characters as well as the ecology, distribution and conservation were investigated. Phenetic and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed to derive the infrageneric classification of the taxa. Results showed that gross morphological characters can be used in delimiting taxa while leaf anatomy showed continuous variation. Pollen grains are inaperturate, bilateral and of echinate type. The combined morphology, anatomy and pollen characters showed a clear distinction on the ‘macrorrhizos’, ‘coriaceae’, ‘macrorrhizos’, odora’ and ‘longiloba’ group which correspond to the proposed classification of Hay (1991, 1998, 1999). Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that the Philippine Alocasia assemblage is not monophyletic, whereas A. zebrina appeared to be paraphyletic. The center of diversity of Alocasia is Mindanao and Luzon. The analyses suggest that A. zebrina is deeply rooted in New Guinea while all the remaining species are of West Malesian, Bornean, and Asian origin. A total of seventeen (17) species was recognized for the Philippines, one (1) of which was published already while two species were proposed as new to science, namely: A. calochora M.P. Medecilo & Madulid, sp. nov. prop. and A. marginatusa Medecilo, sp. nov. prop.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG004717

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Keywords

Araceae; Arum; Flowers; Species

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