The Structural Biology of Palms

Book excerpt: This book provides an in-depth analysis of research done in the past 30 years on the anatomy and morphology of palms, presenting an integrated view of this highly distinctive plant form. The work goes beyond simple description to show the interrelationships between functional processes that are usually treated independently. Functional morphology and development are emphasized and each organ of the plant is examined. Readers will find a comprehensive, systematic picture of how the palm "works" through the volume's in-depth examination of the plant's life cycle, as well as convenient summaries of recent literature on palm biology, and discussion of the palm's relationship to other flowering plants.