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Anatomy of the Dicotyledons

Campomanesia pubescens (Myrtaceae) stem, showing a continuous band of internal phloem separating the pith from the secondary xylem, a feature found in several families of the order Myrtales.

The monographic volume series Anatomy of the Dicotyledons was initiated by C. R. Metcalfe, former Keeper of the Jodrell Laboratory. The first edition by Metcalfe & Chalk (1950) was published in two volumes; this is now being revised and updated in several volumes (see Annex 1 for volumes published). The series focuses on providing detailed comparative descriptions of vegetative anatomy arranged in a systematic context using up-to-date classifications.  Descriptions are supplemented by illustrations including line drawings, and since 1982, light and scanning electron micrographs.  Relevant literature is reviewed, supported by the Plant Micromorphology Bibliographic Database maintained at Kew. In some volumes a summary of diagnostic characters is included.

The current focus is on the systematic vegetative anatomy of Myrtales (Volume 5, due for completion in 2007). Families such as Myrtaceae, Penaeaceae, Gunneraceae and Rhizophoraceae are currently being written up for publication. An extensive systematic survey of wood anatomy of Leguminosae also fits into this programme.

Since their retirement from the core staff, David Cutler and Mary Gregory continue their role as editors for this volume, with assistance from Peter Gasson and Dennis Stevenson (New York Botanical Garden).

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