Anatomy and morphology of Behnia (Behniaceae) and its relationships within Lilianae: Asparagales

Abstract

The vegetative and floral anatomy, morphology, embryology and seedlings of Behnia reticulata (Thunb.) Didr. are described, and the relationships of the recently described endemic southern African monocot family Behniaceae Reveal are discussed. Recent molecular studies place the family with the Agavaceae, Hostaceae, Anthericaceae, Herreriaceae and Ane-marrhenaceae. Behnia shows some morphological similarities with this clade, such as the woody shrub habit, a secondary thickening meristem in the rhizomes, small flowers and baccate fruits; but differs in several features, such as reticulate leaf venation, cryptodioecious flowers and seeds lacking phytomelan. Embryologically, the Behniaceae agree with the other members of their clade, although there are no clear synapomorphies by which the group may be defined from other Asparagalean clades.