Patterns of Endothecial Wall Thickenings in Araceae: Subfamilies Calloideae, Lasioideae, and Philodendroideae

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Abstract
The pattern of wall thickenings in the endothecium of representative species from 37 genera of Calloideae, Lasioideae, and Philodendroideae (sensu Engler) was examined, using clearings, macerations, and sections. Virtually all genera have a well-defined endothecium with thickenings. The form of the thickenings varies widely, and some taxa show consistent patterns. The overall cell shape and pattern of thickenings have some features in common throughout: anticlinally elongated cells predominate, with bars or reticulate thickenings always present on anticlinal walls and variably discontinuous thickenings occurring on outer and inner periclinal walls. The basic pattern is a modified annular-helical organization and was described previously in Pothoideae and Monsteroideae with anticlinally elongated cells. No distinct endothecial layer with wall thickenings is present in Cercestis and Rhektophyllum or in Philodendron except for two unusual pedate-leaved species, P. goeldii and P. leal-costae. These results provide additional evidence to realign tribe Nephthytideae with Philodendroideae and further indicate that a close relationship exists among Culcasia, Cercestis, Rhektophyllum, and Philodendron.

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