Comparative floral morphology of Melastomataceae Juss

Author(s)

João Paulo Basso Alves

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2016-06-29

Examining board members

Simone de Pádua Teixeira; Rosana Romero; Priscila Andressa Cortez; Maria das Graças Sajo; Aline Oriani

• Advisor: Renato Goldenberg; Simone de Pádua Teixeira

Abstract

Melastomataceae is the largest group of Myrtales, with about 5000 species, mainly distributed in the Neotropics. Although the family is monophyletic, its members exhibit great morphological heterogeneity, which hinders the establishment of synapomorphies, especially in terms of floral characters. The overall objective of this thesis was to compare the flower anatomy and development in some species of Melastomataceae in order to elucidate important structural aspects for the group. For this, flowers and buds of several developmental stages of Henriettea saldanhae, Leandra melastomoides, Miconia dodecandra, Microlicia euphorbioides, Rhynchanthera grandiflora and Tibouchina grandiflora were collected, fixed in Karnovsky solution or FGAA and prepared for observations under light and scanning microscopy. The results are presented in four chapters that with objectives: (1) To compare the floral structure and vasculature of the species mentioned, plus Pleiochiton ebracteatum and Rupestrea johnwurdackiana; (2) To analyze the ontogenetic basis for the variation of the ovary position in Melastomataceae (in which the ovary varies from superior, semi-inferior or inferior); (3) To study the stamen morphology diversity in Melastomataceae from an ontogenetic approach; and (4) To elucidate the "double calyx" in Leandra melastomoides, which displays two distinct opposite parts. The data obtained for each chapter are discussed in a phylogenetic framework, which can be extrapolated to other Melastomataceae and Myrtales species. The results will contribute to the systematization of issues in floral morphology for further studies in Melastomataceae (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/02701-0 - Floral development in Melastomataceae Juss. species
• Grantee: João Paulo Basso Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate