Abstract:

In order to find out the science, authenticity of syllepsis and prolepsis in Magnolia subfamily, and its application prospects in the subfamily classification system, the author selected the representative species of the Magnolia Linn., Yulania Spach and Michelia Linn.: Magnolia grandiflora Linn., Yulania denudate (Desr.) D.L.Fu and Michelia gelida T.B.Zhao, Z.X.Chen et D.L.Fu, and investigated theis bud types, branching habit, etc., and the structure of the bud by anatomical observation. The results indicated that: there were 4 types of bud on the current year’s branches of Magnolia grandiflora Linn: blind bud, dormant bud, leafbud and mixed bud, 3 types of Yulania denudate (Desr.) D.L.Fu: dormant bud, leafbud and Yulania-alabastra and 4 types of Michelia gelida T.B.Zhao, Z.X.Chen et D.L.Fu: dormant bud, leafbud, alabastrum and mixed bud. At the same time, it was first discovered that Michelia Linn. consisted mixed bud and monochasial cyme. Moreover, there were obvious differences between mixed bud and Yulania-alabastra of the three genus. So this finding had a systematic significance. Secondly, syllepsis and prolepsis proposed by R.B. Figlar had different foundation, so there was no comparable and systematic significance. The plants liked Magnolia grandiflora Linn. had the phenomenon of prolepsis and prolepsis-syllepsis, but no syllepsis. As the different condition of tree species, site condition, cultivation measures and tree-age, the branching rule of these plants had obvious differences. So it was inappropriate to incorporate Michelia into Magnolia by R.B. Figlar according to different branching habit.