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Sztein et al. characterize IAA (auxin) metabolism in liverworts, mosses, and tracheophytes in order to explore its roles in land plant evolution. Their data appear to define two strategies–a biosynthesis-degradation strategy for regulating free IAA levels in liverworts vs. a conjugation-hydrolysis strategy in mosses and tracheophytes. These different metabolic strategies may have influenced the developmental mechanisms operating in land plant evolution. (see p. 1544)

Evolution of vegetative propagules

Moody, Diggle, and Steingraeber explore the evolutionary origin of the vegetative propagules of Mimulus gemmiparus (Scrophulariaceae), an annual in which sexual reproduction is very rare. Comparative developmental analysis of M. gemmiparus and the presumed sister species Mimulus guttatus shows that the evolution of the propagule, a bulbil, has involved both the incorporation of features present in shoots of M. guttatus and the acquisition of novel features. (see p. 1512)

Endosperm development in Platanus

Floyd et al. describe endosperm development in Platanus (Platanaceae), a basal eudicot. Comparison with several closely and distantly related taxa points to greater diversification of endosperm construction patterns than previously thought. Their study provides a model for future work on the evolution of reproductive characters in the angiosperms, and brings us one step closer to an understanding of the remarkable events associated with the origin and early radiation of flowering plants. (see p. 1523)

Serpentine ecology

Rajakaruna and Bohm give the first description of soil/plant variation within a serpentine site, using two physiologically differentiated races of Lasthenia californica (Asteraceae) growing in the Jasper Ridge Biological Reserve of Stanford University. Their study emphasizes the importance of physiological adaptations to different edaphic conditions as a driving force in the diversification of flowering plants. (see p. 1576)

This Article Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content