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- Title
Simple scales make complex compartments: ontogeny and morphology of stamen–corolla tube modifications in Hydrophyllaceae (Boraginales).
- Authors
Jeiter, Julius; Weigend, Maximilian
- Abstract
Small structures such as scales together with outgrowth of other floral organs modify floral architecture and function. Here, the Hydrophyllaceae, a medium-sized family in the order Boraginales, are studied. The simple tetracyclic, pentamerous flowers have a stamen–corolla tube with typically ten scale-like appendices (modifications) on the inside. The morphology and development of these modifications and the morphology of the spatially associated nectaries are studied using standard and cryo-scanning electron microscopy. There are always ten modifications in antepetalous position, even in species previously described as lacking modifications. Modifications develop late in floral ontogeny and follow similar developmental trajectories. The size and shape of these modifications are correlated with elongation of the filaments and the corolla tube. They divide the overall internal space of the flower into separate compartments. The nectaries are five-lobed or arranged in five glands, each in antepetalous position and juxtaposed to the modifications. Nectaries and modifications are spatially and functionally integrated – producing, presenting and protecting the nectar. A function in plant–pollinator interactions is inferred, but observational and experimental data are lacking. An evolutionary series for the stamen–corolla tube modifications in Hydrophyllaceae is proposed. Similar, possibly homologous types of modifications can be found in related taxa from the Boraginales, but a detailed comparative study has yet to be provided.
- Subjects
HYDROPHYLLACEAE; FLORAL morphology; NECTARIES; PLANT evolution; SCANNING electron microscopy
- Publication
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2018, Vol 125, Issue 4, p802
- ISSN
0024-4066
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/biolinnean/bly167