M.I. Mercado, K. Mehltreter, D.A. Neira, N.F. Ríos, M.A. Hernández
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Melpomene peruviana is one of the ecologically toughest fern species that prospers under climatically extreme conditions between 3400-5200 meters above sea level and occasionally in dry areas at lower elevations. To gain a better understanding of the adaptations that allow this species to withstand such extreme environmental conditions, we investigated the anatomy and histochemistry of the sporophyte of three populations of M. peruviana. All plant organs exhibited thick cuticles, and vascular bundles surrounded by a ring or cap of sclereids and suberized endodermis. Roots also showed an exodermis with U-shaped thickening. The sclereids and the chlorenchyma of the leaf mesophyll were rich in phenolic compounds. Tannins were detected in the spongy parenchyma close to the vascular bundles of the leaf. Hydathodes revealed a cutinized endodermal layer and the presence of flavonoids, lipidic/terpenoid droplets, and free sugars in the epidermis and parenchyma cells. Rhizome scales had basal idioblasts and apical clavate glands with complex contents rich in phenolic compounds, lipids, terpenes, mucilaginous polysaccharides and proteins. Some of the observed morpho-anatomical characteristics such as microphylly, small stomata in high densities, thick cuticles and sclerenchyma close to the vascular tissue, reduce water loss by evapotranspiration and correspond to typical xeromorphic fern features. Among the histochemical characteristics, mucilaginous polysaccharides may act as gels to absorb and retain water while phenolic compounds are recognized for their antioxidant activity. The three populations exhibited a remarkable uniformity concerning their histochemical assays, stomatal dimensions and densities, and tissue thickness. The anatomy and histochemistry of M. peruviana are described for the first time, highlighting morphoanatomical and histochemical characteristics that act as key adaptations to xeric environmental conditions.
期刊介绍:
FLORA publishes original contributions and review articles on plant structure (morphology and anatomy), plant distribution (incl. phylogeography) and plant functional ecology (ecophysiology, population ecology and population genetics, organismic interactions, community ecology, ecosystem ecology). Manuscripts (both original and review articles) on a single topic can be compiled in Special Issues, for which suggestions are welcome.
FLORA, the scientific botanical journal with the longest uninterrupted publication sequence (since 1818), considers manuscripts in the above areas which appeal a broad scientific and international readership. Manuscripts focused on floristics and vegetation science will only be considered if they exceed the pure descriptive approach and have relevance for interpreting plant morphology, distribution or ecology. Manuscripts whose content is restricted to purely systematic and nomenclature matters, to geobotanical aspects of only local interest, to pure applications in agri-, horti- or silviculture and pharmacology, and experimental studies dealing exclusively with investigations at the cellular and subcellular level will not be accepted. Manuscripts dealing with comparative and evolutionary aspects of morphology, anatomy and development are welcome.