| This thesis compares the morphology of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper) with that of Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy) to better understand how the tendril is incorporated in the shoot architecture of the Vitaceae. Tendril/inflorescence development is described from inception to maturity using different types of microscopy. The shoot apex initiates tendril/inflorescence primordia low on the apical flank, which is indicative of a monopodium. A tendril/inflorescence primordium produces several bract-opposed branches resembling the main shoot development. However, a tendril develops sympodially because it does not produce lateral buds. The early tendril/inflorescence development changes to one like that of other vitaceous tendrils and inflorescences. The shift between early and late development suggests how other vitaceous tendrils and inflorescences may be related to the shoot. A tendril/inflorescence develops like a shoot which grows out as a sympodium. This lends evidence to the idea that the unique monopodial system in the Vitaceae may be derived. |
