Structure and development of the branching system in Melica sarmentosa Nees (Poaceae)

Abstract

The branching system of cultivated and wild populations of the climbing grass Melica sarmentosa NEES is described on the basis of cultivated and field plant observation. Two types of axes are recognized, namely, 'basal climbing axes' and 'distal climbing axes'. These axes differ in position and morphology and show a particular distribution of branching and branch repression zones associated with their climbing habit. The branching system of the plant can be summerized by the following traits: (1) limited production of innovation axes (basal climbing axes); (2) vigorous development of such axes, which produce a large number of internodes as well as profuse distal branching (distal climbing axes, enrichment shoots), and consequently, (3) remarkable ability of the distal region of the plant for environmental exploration.