Phylogeny of the Araceae

The study of the Morphology of the Aroids has been almost completely neglected by botanists. This is unfortunate, since the group is, in a sense pivotal. Its anatomical characteristics indicate a relationship with the Naiadaceae and their allies together with a more distant connection, on the one hand with the Screw-pines and Palms, and on the other with the grasses. Points of relationship to the Liliaceae are not lacking, and there are some indications of affinity with the more primitive members of the Dicotyledons. At the same time, the group is by no means a doubtful assemblage, but has a distinctive character of its own. In view of these facts, its Morphology and Phylogeny should prove most interesting, and should throw some light on the more general problems of descent and relationship