The genus Theophrasta (Theophrastaceae). Foliar structures, floral biology and taxonomy

Abstract

The genus Theophrasta is endemic to the island of Hispaniola. Two species are recognized, viz. T. jussieui and T. americana. T. jussieui is restricted to the central part of northern Haiti, whereas the latter is distributed over most of Hispaniola. Only floral characters have been practically useful to distinguish the species. T. jussieui differs from T. americana primarily by its larger flowers and inflorescences. The two species are considered closely related. An investigation of leaf surface structures and foliar anatomy, particular the sclerenchyma, is presented. Floral biology, including adaptions to sapromyophilous pollination, is described and discussed, and notes on habit, ecology, and pollen morphology are given.