How do plants grow the way they do? In the last century many have attempted to develop theories of plant growth to answer this very question. Many books have been written on the subject both from the mathematical and morphological points of view with no one system to encompass all plant forms. There is presently no one theory available to answer the evolution of stele form in the various plant groups nor that of growth changes in an individual plant. Until now.
Welcome to Vascullotaxy (studio nov.). Vascullotaxy was originally developed based on the stele evolution in Parataxodium to Metasequoia within the Taxodiaceae. The book begins with an introductory to the study of Vascullotaxy and its importance. A variety of taxa are then employed to illustrate evolution in various plant lines. The stelar evolution in the gymnosperm/angiosperm lines are highlighted. The book culminates with examples of growth changes in a variety of individual taxa. A brief survey of fossil Cupressaceae (sensu lato) is given with problems noted.
The book is an excellent introduction to plant stele evolution and anatomy for the professional paleobotanist, botanist or interested student.
Kevin Aulenback has over thirty years experience in the field of paleontology, and over twelve of those years in paleobotany. ln 2009 Kevin produced the ldentíficatíon Guide to the Fossil Plants of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation of Drumheller, Alberta, With the University of Calgary Press. This was followed by two shorter works entitled New Fossil Plant Finds from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation, Summer 2008 and New Fossil Plant Finds from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation, Summer
2009. Both were published privately.
“The author has provided his readers with a panorama of the evolution of the vascular network in all of its detail and phylogenetic grandeur. Not since the time of Esau and Fahn has stelar anatomy and morphology been so richly displayed and analyzed”
– Karl Niklas, PhD