| The two species of Mitchella (Southeast Asian and North American) and several species of the Southeast Asian genus Damnacanthus are investigated. Vegetative character states (growth form, branching pattern, leaves) of the two genera are described and compared. Damnacanthus always exhibits heterophylly and some species have paired thorns. The latter are interpreted as paired lateral shoots in the proximal part of a sympodial branch unit, and it is speculated that the paired thorns may be modified inflorescence shoots. Detailed information is also given on inflorescence structure and floral morphological and anatomical details of Damnacanthus and Mitchella. Particular emphasis is placed on the ovaries, the structure of which is remarkably similar in the two... |
