GROWTH FORM AND ADAPTIVE CHARACTERS OF DOLICHANDRA CYNANCHOIDES CHAM. (BIGNONIACEAE)

Abstract

The objective of this work is to study the growth form of Dolichandra cynanchoides, species characteristic of the hilly forest (Province of Córdoba - Argentina) in order to analize adaptive characters. The studies were carried out in the field during three consecutive years, and in greenhouse the first two years of development. The growth form of this species is determined by the presence and combination of the following characters: perennial liana, cryptohypogeous germination, predominantly orthotropic aerial shoots and slightly plagiotropic subterranean stems, thyrse synflorescences with partial dichasial florescences, tap root and adventitious roots.The stem shows unusual structure that makes it flexible and allows it to climb. One of the limiting factors is the water supply due to pronounced slopes and incipient soils. Therefore, this species developed subterranean structures to accumulate water and to regulate its hydric balance. The leaves have xeromorphic features which limit their transpiration.