Cork Layer Development and Cuticle Thickening in Stems of the Genus Magnolia Subgenus Yulania

Abstract

Cork layer development and cuticle thickening were examined in stems of the genus Magnolia subgenus Yulania. Three types of stem anatomy were distinguishable. The first type found in M. acuminata, M. heptapeta, M. quinquepeta and M. tomentosa is characterized by the rapid development of a cork layer between cortex and epidermis and the thin cuticle. The second type is observed only in M. praecocissima. In this species cork layer development is rather slow and the cuticle becomes thick. The third type found in M. salicifolia (and presumably in M. biondii) is characterized by very slow development of a cork layer and by a thick cuticle.