Research Training Program

Kerry Inman
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island

Robert Faden, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Botany

Leaf Anatomy of Two Genera in the Commelinaceae: Anthericopsis and Murdannia

Anthericopsis and Murdannia, the genera being studied in this project, belong to the family Commelinaceae. Anthericopsis, which consists of only one species, A. sepalosa , was recently included in the tribe Commelineae even though in the past it had been considered quite different from other genera in the family. Murdannia, which contains approximately 50 species,was also one of the 13 genera included in the Commelineae. Some of the features of Anthericopsis, including floral characteristics, are similar to those of Murdannia . The purpose of this project is to determine, through leaf anatomy, if there are enough shared characteristics between these genera to give proof of a closer relationship, and perhaps even to make A. sepalosa a species of Murdannia. The species to be studied are M. edulis, M. simplex, and 2 A. sepalosa from different areas.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program ( Award: DIR-9200203).