Articles
COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF AREOLE AND GLOCHIDS OF TWO OPUNTIA SPECIES
Article number
1067_7
Pages
59 – 65
Language
English
Abstract
Opuntia is a genus of the cactus family, Cactaceae. In several zones of Spain it is habitual to find individuals of Opuntia ficus-indica or Opuntia dillenii. There is a big confusion in the nomenclature of this genus, and it is usual to find a few names for the same species, or find researchers that divide a single species into several, creating a chaotic situation.
So, observing these two common species by means of stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we have analysed and compared its characteristics, in order to differ between them, and also between two forms of O. ficus-indica (inermis and spiny forms), which some researchers designate as two different species.
Our research indicates that in fact the two forms of O. ficus-indica have more similarities than differences, and should not be considered as different species.
The main variation between these two forms is the number and characteristics of their spines.
Probably, the wild spiny form recovers the spines of its predecessor species like an adaptation to the hard environmental conditions in which it lives.
On the contrary, O. dillenii differs deeply in its traits, with the naked eye and at a microscopic scale, so it is appropriate to consider it another species.
So, observing these two common species by means of stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we have analysed and compared its characteristics, in order to differ between them, and also between two forms of O. ficus-indica (inermis and spiny forms), which some researchers designate as two different species.
Our research indicates that in fact the two forms of O. ficus-indica have more similarities than differences, and should not be considered as different species.
The main variation between these two forms is the number and characteristics of their spines.
Probably, the wild spiny form recovers the spines of its predecessor species like an adaptation to the hard environmental conditions in which it lives.
On the contrary, O. dillenii differs deeply in its traits, with the naked eye and at a microscopic scale, so it is appropriate to consider it another species.
Authors
A. Lloret-Salamanca, P.G. Lloret, M. Blasco, M.J. Angulo
Keywords
cacti, O. ficus-indica, O. amyclaea, O. dillenii, spine, prickly pear, cactus pear, cladodes, fruits, retrorse barbs
Online Articles (58)