Articles
Development of floral structures of Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Myrtaceae)
Article number
1231_12
Pages
67 – 74
Language
English
Abstract
Genetic resources of a megadiversity country such as Brazil, have high potential use, and represent a pool of genetic adaptability to face environmental and climatic changes.
Brazilian native Myrtaceae plant species are a potential source for several uses, especially food, medicinal, ornamental, forestry, restoration of degraded areas and urban landscaping.
The present work aimed at to elucidate aspects of the floral biology in the Guabirobeira (Campomanesia xanthocarpa) associated to the structural development of the flower buds.
The results revealed the presence of protective structures on the sepals (cuticle, oil glands and trichomes) and structures related to transpiratory, photosynthetic and stomatal routes (stomatal complexes and chloroplasts). The white petals protect the androecium and the gynoecium until the flower is completely open, due to the presence of oil glands and the convex shape of the cells that form a barrier around the reproductive organs.
The androecium is poly-staminate and plays a role in pollinator attraction due to the abundance of pollen and protein material, in addition to dehiscent anthers, which guarantee the production of functional gametes and facilitate their dispersion at the anthesis.
The gynoecium is structured to facilitate the adhesion and the germination of compatible pollen grains.
The stigma shows a central rupture and the style is formed of a hollow tube, which extends into the ovarian cavities.
The ovary has six to eight loci, with seminal rudiments biseriate.
Oil glands and trichomes protect the flowers from biotic and abiotic stresses, to ensure the survival of this species and its colonization of new landscapes.
Brazilian native Myrtaceae plant species are a potential source for several uses, especially food, medicinal, ornamental, forestry, restoration of degraded areas and urban landscaping.
The present work aimed at to elucidate aspects of the floral biology in the Guabirobeira (Campomanesia xanthocarpa) associated to the structural development of the flower buds.
The results revealed the presence of protective structures on the sepals (cuticle, oil glands and trichomes) and structures related to transpiratory, photosynthetic and stomatal routes (stomatal complexes and chloroplasts). The white petals protect the androecium and the gynoecium until the flower is completely open, due to the presence of oil glands and the convex shape of the cells that form a barrier around the reproductive organs.
The androecium is poly-staminate and plays a role in pollinator attraction due to the abundance of pollen and protein material, in addition to dehiscent anthers, which guarantee the production of functional gametes and facilitate their dispersion at the anthesis.
The gynoecium is structured to facilitate the adhesion and the germination of compatible pollen grains.
The stigma shows a central rupture and the style is formed of a hollow tube, which extends into the ovarian cavities.
The ovary has six to eight loci, with seminal rudiments biseriate.
Oil glands and trichomes protect the flowers from biotic and abiotic stresses, to ensure the survival of this species and its colonization of new landscapes.
Authors
C.M. Ribas-Santos, M. Santos, M.P. Guerra
Keywords
Campomanesia xanthocarpa, floral biology, Myrtaceae
Online Articles (29)