The Storied-Structure-Features and the Taxonomic Rank of the Leguminous Taxa

The distribution of the minor storied-structure features in the Leguminous taxa is recorded. The features mentioned in the first three columns of the Tables occur in a lessening degree from the Papilionaceous to the Mimosaceous to the Caesalpiniaceous taxon. The other features occur in the sequence Papilionaceous, Caesalpiniaceous, Mimosaceous taxon. From a wood anatomical point of view the taxa may be elevated to family rank or divided into 3 subfamilies or 2 families may be distinguished viz. Mimosaceae and Papilionaceae, the latter family subdivided into 2 subfamilies. Which classification is desirable cannot be decided at present, although the distribution of the major storied-structure features might be in favour of accepting two families.