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Floral development and anatomy of two species of Aechmea (Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae).

Authors :
Santa-Rosa, Sandra
Versieux, Leonardo M
Rossi, Monica Lanzoni
Martinelli, Adriana Pinheiro
Source :
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society; Oct2020, Vol. 194 Issue 2, p221-238, 18p
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Aechmea (Bromeliaceae) is a large genus with controversial systematics and distinct flower shapes and pollinators. We explored floral anatomy and development in two Aechmea spp. belonging to different subgenera to contribute useful information on reproductive biology and taxonomy. We examined floral buds using scanning electron and light microscopy to characterize the development of septal nectaries, petal appendages, ovules, stamens and carpels. In A. gamosepala, we confirmed that the petal appendages develop late, whereas in A. correia-araujoi they develop earlier during floral development. Petal appendage formation included positional changes, possibly affecting floral attributes and visitation by insects, rather than vertebrates. Nectar is released through three basal orifices distally on the ovary, and here we document the link between the nectary region, through discrete canals, upward to the conduplicate lobes of the wet stigma. Improved understanding of the floral development and morphology of Aechmea may help to explain the existence of polymorphic flowers in this genus and may have implications for studies on interactions with pollinators and systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00244074
Volume :
194
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
146103080
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boaa033