| Popis: |
This chapter focuses on the nonreproductive features of the grape family, especially the unique and unusual ones. The most unusual is the initiation of the uncommitted primordia directly from the shoot apical meristem (SAM) opposite the leaf primordium. This results in a unique mature shoot architecture in which the tendrils or inflorescences are opposite the leaves. Tendrils occur at every node, or at two of three nodes, and this pattern, combined with differing patterns of axillary bud presence, results in 5 shoot architectural patterns. The developmental fate of the uncommitted primordium is a tendril, an inflorescence or a hybrid organ. The internal and external factors that may determine these fates are discussed. The structure of the complex buds, as well as the occurrence of supernumerary buds in some genera, is also clarified. The initiation, early development and mature forms of leaves are included. Hairs are useful identification features in the family, and there is a short section on the most commonly found types. Two interesting insect–plant interactions found in the Vitaceae are discussed. The first is between ants and pearl bodies, which are structurally variable throughout the family, and the second is between mites and domatia, which are present in vein angles of the lower leaf surface of some species. |
