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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Anatomy of the floral nectary of ornithophilous Elleanthus brasiliensis (Orchidaceae: Sobralieae)

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Author(s):
Nunes, Carlos E. P. [1] ; Castro, Marilia de Moraes [2] ; Galetto, Leonardo [3] ; Sazima, Marlies [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Vegetal, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Nacl Cordoba, CONICET, Inst Multidisciplinario Biol Vegetal, RA-5000 Cordoba - Argentina
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society; v. 171, n. 4, p. 764-772, APR 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 12
Abstract

Orchidaceae show enormous floral diversity. However, anatomical studies of nectary tissues relative to nectar composition and pollinators are scarce. This work aims to present a detailed anatomical study of the labellar nectary of Elleanthusbrasiliensis, analyse the chemical composition of its nectar and relate these findings to pollination biology. Basally, the labellum bears a pair of fleshy, whitish, ovoid calli on its adaxial surface. Nectariferous callus tissue consists of a papillate epidermis and enlarged subepidermal parenchyma cells with thin walls, large nuclei and dense cytoplasm which stained positively for hydrophilic substances, interpreted as pre-nectar. The paired calli lack vascular tissues, but at the point of callus insertion, the diameters of vascular bundles supplying the lip are larger. Nectar is secreted as droplets on the adaxial callus surface. It is produced in small quantities, c. 4L per flower. Callus cell contents tested negative for polysaccharides, lipids and phenolic compounds. The nectar is sucrose-dominant, as in other hummingbird-pollinated species. It is suggested that other ornithophilous species of Sobralieae have anatomically similar nectaries.(c) 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 171, 764772. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 03/12595-7 - Floristic composition, structure and functioning of the Dense Rainforest nuclei of Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia of Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Grantee:Carlos Alfredo Joly
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants