An atlas of inflorescences, culm morphology and anatomy of Restionaceae in New South Wales, Australia

Tareg H. Shaldoom; Barbara G. Briggs; Russell L. Barrett; Jeremy J. Bruhl

doi:10.7751/telopea19787

Authors

Tareg H. Shaldoom Botany & N.C.W. Beadle Herbarium, University of New England https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7863-7249
Barbara G. Briggs National Herbarium of New South Wales, Australian Botanic Garden https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7304-0773
Russell L. Barrett National Herbarium of New South Wales, Australian Botanic Garden https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0360-8321
Jeremy J. Bruhl Botany & N.C.W. Beadle Herbarium, University of New England https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9112-4436

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea19787

Keywords:

DELTA, Identification, Interactive Keys, Intkey, Monocots, Taxonomy, SEM

Abstract

Restionaceae (Poales) are difficult to identify when plants are not fertile. Even when flowering, the accurate identification of Restionaceae remains difficult, especially for non-specialists. Several factors contribute to this challenge, including the dioecious nature of many species, pronounced sexual dimorphism, complex inflorescence structures, and the small size of flowers in some taxa. These morphological characteristics complicate both field and herbarium identification, requiring specialized knowledge and careful observation. Comparative culm morphology and anatomy of male and female plants of all 27 species of the family that occur in New South Wales, Australia were examined and imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM; JEOL JSM-6010LV) and light microscopy (LM; Nikon SMZ25 motorised stereomicroscope and Nikon 90i motorised compound microscope) to explore their utility for identification. This study, using SEM, includes observations on features not covered by earlier investigations of stem morphology in Restionaceae, providing valuable insights into the structural differences between species. By clearly highlighting these morphological distinctions, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the family and aid in the identification of its diverse species in New South Wales. Images are presented for each species that demonstrate that culm morphology (including epidermis micromorphology) and anatomy enabled the identification of Restionaceae specimens to genus in all cases, and to species in almost all cases. There were no major differences in the culm anatomy and morphology between male and female plants, except in Baloskion longipes. However, in most species, the dried culms of female plants had a more intense colour than those of the male plants. To complement the atlas, a novel character list and an associated Intkey dataset for interactive identification are presented. To complement the atlas, a novel character list and an associated Intkey dataset for interactive identification are presented.

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