Plant Anatomy: An Applied Approach

Acknowledgements.

Introduction.

1 Morphology and tissue systems: the integrated plant body.

General background.

Adaptation to aerial growth.

The systems in detail.

2 Meristems and meristematic growth.

Introduction.

Apical meristems.

Lateral meristems.

Practical applications and uses of meristems.

3 The structure of xylem and phloem.

Introduction.

The xylem.

The phloem.

Structure–function relationships in primary and.

secondary vascular tissues.

4 The root.

Introduction.

Epidermis.

Cortex.

Endodermis.

Pericycle.

Vascular system.

Lateral roots.

5 The stem.

Introduction.

Stems – cross-sectional appearance.

Transport phloem within the axial system.

Transport tissue – structural components.

Concluding remarks.

6 The leaf.

Introduction.

Leaf structure.

The epidermis.

The mesophyll.

Strengthening systems in the leaf.

The vascular system.

The phloem.

Specifi cs of the monocotyledonous foliage leaf 111.

Secretory structures.

Concluding remarks.

7 Flowers, fruits and seeds.

Introduction.

Vascularization.

SEM studies.

Palynology.

Embryology.

Seed and fruit histology.

8 Adaptive features.

Introduction.

Mechanical adaptations.

Adaptations to habitat.

Xerophytes.

Mesophytes.

Hydrophytes.

Applications.

9 Economic aspects of applied plant anatomy.

Introduction.

Identifi cation and classification.

Taxonomic application.

Medicinal plants.

Food adulterants and contaminants.

Animal feeding habits.

Wood: present day.

Wood: in archaeology.

Forensic applications.

Palaeobotany.

Postscript.

10 Practical microtechnique.

Safety considerations.

Materials and methods.

Microscopy.

Appendix 1 Selected study material.

Appendix 2 Practical exercises.

Glossary.

Cited references.

Further reading.

Index