Leaf Venation Patterns.Volume 1:Annonaceae.1986. 140 plates(line drawings).256 p.gr8vo.Bound.

Because of their abundance and seemingly distinctive features,leaves always been used to identify or aid in the identification of extant and fossil woody plants.The venation of leaves offers many possibilities for identifying woody plants but there is a general lack of information concerning the distribution of venation patterns among the woody families of floweringplants.This work centers on the leaf venation of the Annonaceae,a large family of primitive woody angiosperms found predominantly in the tropics.The venation patterns of 103 genera of the family are characterized and over 100 plates show the venation of more than 400 species.The work also provides a key for the identification of these species and presents a new approach for the grouping venation patterns.These characterizations provide a basis for comparing venation patterns between Angiosperm families and will prove useful in identifying sterileherbarium specimens,fossil leaf remains and extant woody plants.In addition its approach to venation patterns suggests an explanation for the sudden appearance of distinct patterns rather than appearance through a gradual development.