Leaflet Anatomy of Phaseoleae (Leguminosae:Papilionoideae) and Its Relation to Taxonomy

Leaflet anatomy of the tribe Phaseoleae was studied by light microscopy of cleared material and by scanning electron microscopy of leaflet surfaces. Anatomical results compared favorably with the recently revised subtribal classification of the tribe. The following taxonomically useful characters were found: (1) Bulbous-based and vesicular glands are restricted to the subtribe Cajaninae; (2) hooked hairs are present in three generic groups: (a) Phaseolus, Alepidocalyx, and Minkelersia, (b) Clitoria, Periandra, Clitoriopsis, and Centrosema, and (c) one species each of Canavalia and Camptosema; (3) glandular hairs are particularly well developed in the Diocleinae, Phaseolinae, and Kennediinae; (4) branched (two- to several-armed) hairs are restricted to Erythrina; (5) paraveinal mesophyll is widespread in the tribe; and (6) peculiar, paired epidermal crystals occur in Canavalia.