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Image Title: Convergent inflorescence morphology in the mimosoid legume genera Parkia and Dichrostachys
Image Credit: Melissa Luckow, Cornell University
AJB Editor: Karl Niklas, Cornell University
Intended End User: Teacher, Student
License Details: BSA - Terms for Image Use
Copyright held by: Melissa Luckow, BSA
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About the Image

Convergent inflorescence morphology in the mimosoid legume genera Parkia (right) and Dichrostachys (left). Parkia nitida Miquel from Ecuador has pendant inflorescences specialized for bat-pollination. The basal flowers are sterile, with white staminodia forming a fringe that overhangs the nectar-producing flowers; the yellow distal flowers are bisexual. Inflorescences of Dichrostachys cinerea (L). Wight and Arnott also have a staminodial fringe, but the staminodia are rose colored when the flowers first open, and gradually change to white postanthesis. These inflorescences also lack specialized nectar-producing flowers, and are presumably entomophilous.

Link to the AJB Abstract for the article:

A cladistic analysis of Parkia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)

National Science Foundation  Development Supported by the National Science Foundation