Application of nodal characters in the studies of scrophulariaceae

The nodal structure in 15 genera has been studied. The leaves are mostly opposite, rarely alternate or whorled and exstipulate. The foliar nodes are uniformly unilacunar and one-traced or rarely three-traced. Antirrhinum has both, unilacunar three-traced and unilacunar one-traced node. The single trace shows variation in its branching pattern in different taxa. The origin of axillary bud trace is either independent or in association with leaf trace. The sclerenchyma occurs at four comers of node in certain taxa. It is inferred that unilacunar one-traced condition of the node in the family is a result of reduction. The variation in the nodal characters can be employed in the delineation of taxa.