João Renato Stehmann & Jenny Paucar on The structure and function of the petal appendages in Schwenckieae (Solanaceae)
Abstract. The tribe Schwenckieae comprises three genera: Heteranthia, Melananthus and Schwenckia, all with Neotropical distribution (except S. americana, also in Africa). The corolla is very peculiar, where each petal is characterized by the presence of three lobules, one median, generally developed and called appendage (lacking in Heteranthia), and two laterals. Field observation suggested that the appendages could be related to the production of scent and involved in attracting pollinators, once the corolla (and the appendages) open in the evening when a fragrance is released and close at dawn. We investigated the micromorphology and anatomical structure of the appendages and lateral petal lobules of three species of Schwenckia and one of Melananthus. We also performed histochemical tests to determine if the appendages are involved in the production of volatiles, acting as a fragrance secretory structure. Our results demonstrate the presence of secretory tissues and the production of lipids in the corolla appendages of Schwenckia and Melananthus (as well as in the lateral petal lobules), which indicate their osmogenic function. Empirical data on pollination are lacking.
Watch this talk here: https://youtu.be/RTcxDfGdsdc
Add new comment