Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2026.152924
Nuran Ekici (EKİCİ)
In this study, female gametophyte and endosperm development in Jurinea kilaea, which grows naturally in sea dunes in a very limited area in Türkiye and Bulgaria, were investigated cyto-embryologically for the first time using light microscopy methods. J. kilaea has an inferior, unilocular, bicarpellary and syncarpous ovary as in other previously studied Asteraceae members. Only one ovule develops in the ovary, and this also has basal placentation. The ovule is anatropous, unitegmic and tenuinucellate type. The megaspore mother cell develops directly from the archespore cell. The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form a linear tetrad. Of these four megaspores, the megaspore on the chalaza side forms the active megaspore, the others become atrophied. The active megaspore undergoes mitotic divisions and forms the Polygonum type embryo sac. Mature embryo sac contains an egg apparatus on the micropylar side, the central cell with two polar nuclei and three antipodes on the chalazal side. The egg apparatus includes two synergid cells and one egg. Polar nuclei are located close to the egg apparatus. Antipodal cells can each have more than one nucleus. Towards the end of megasporogenesis, in the tetrad stage the integumentary tapetum is seen surrounding the embryo sac. Endosperm development is initially of the nuclear type but later turns into the cellular type.
{"title":"Female gametophyte and endosperm development in Jurinea kilaea Azn. (Asteraceae)","authors":"Nuran Ekici (EKİCİ)","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, female gametophyte and endosperm development in <em>Jurinea kilaea</em>, which grows naturally in sea dunes in a very limited area in Türkiye and Bulgaria, were investigated cyto-embryologically for the first time using light microscopy methods. <em>J. kilaea</em> has an inferior, unilocular, bicarpellary and syncarpous ovary as in other previously studied Asteraceae members. Only one ovule develops in the ovary, and this also has basal placentation. The ovule is anatropous, unitegmic and tenuinucellate type. The megaspore mother cell develops directly from the archespore cell. The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form a linear tetrad. Of these four megaspores, the megaspore on the chalaza side forms the active megaspore, the others become atrophied. The active megaspore undergoes mitotic divisions and forms the <em>Polygonum</em> type embryo sac. Mature embryo sac contains an egg apparatus on the micropylar side, the central cell with two polar nuclei and three antipodes on the chalazal side. The egg apparatus includes two synergid cells and one egg. Polar nuclei are located close to the egg apparatus. Antipodal cells can each have more than one nucleus. Towards the end of megasporogenesis, in the tetrad stage the integumentary tapetum is seen surrounding the embryo sac. Endosperm development is initially of the nuclear type but later turns into the cellular type.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152924"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The genus Pterostemon is endemic to Mexico and has historically been difficult to taxonomically place, having previously been included in different families. Recent molecular studies have placed it within the Iteaceae family, although some authors have proposed that it should have its own family, the Pterostemonaceae. This study aims to describe the floral ontogeny of three Pterostemon species: P. bravoanus, P. mexicanus y P. rotundifolius to provide information that may contribute to their taxonomic classification. Anthetic flowers and flower buds at different stages of development were collected and analyzed using morphological, anatomical and histochemical studies with optical and scanning electron microscopes to describe the sepals, petals, androecium, gynoecium, and nectaries. We found that the three species of Pterostemon exhibit similar floral characteristics, with some differences in the number of petals, pubescence type and distribution, exine ornamentation, style and stigma connation, and ovary position. Studies of floral ontogeny have revealed contorted aestivation in the petals. The androecium development is secondary obdiplostemony type II, and the carpels are arranged in antepetalous position. These results are important for improving our understanding of floral ontogeny and morphology. They also suggest that further research is required to determine the systematic position of Pterostemon in relation to Iteaceae and other Saxifragales.
翼蒜属是墨西哥特有的植物，历史上很难对其进行分类，以前曾被包括在不同的科中。最近的分子研究将其归入天目科，尽管一些作者提出它应该有自己的科——翼龙科。本研究旨在描述三种翼蒜属植物（P. bravoanus， P. mexicanus和P. rotundifolius）的花体发育，为其分类提供信息。采集不同发育阶段的花和花蕾，利用光学显微镜和扫描电镜对花萼、花瓣、雄蕊、雌蕊和蜜腺进行形态、解剖和组织化学分析。结果表明，3种蕨类植物在花瓣数量、短柔毛类型和分布、外壁纹饰、花柱和柱头构成、子房位置等方面具有相似的花学特征。对花的个体发生的研究揭示了花瓣中的扭曲现象。雄蕊发育为次生双柱型，心皮呈前瓣状排列。这些结果对于提高我们对花的个体发生和形态的认识具有重要意义。还需要进一步的研究来确定翼蒜属植物在天目科和其他沙盆属植物中的系统地位。
{"title":"Floral ontogeny of the genus Pterostemon (Pterostemonaceae) endemic to Mexico","authors":"Mónica Karina Pérez-Pacheco , Judith Márquez-Guzmán , Martha Martínez-Gordillo , Emmanuel Martínez-Ambriz , Jaime Jiménez-Ramínez","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152922","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2026.152922","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Pterostemon</em> is endemic to Mexico and has historically been difficult to taxonomically place, having previously been included in different families. Recent molecular studies have placed it within the Iteaceae family, although some authors have proposed that it should have its own family, the Pterostemonaceae. This study aims to describe the floral ontogeny of three <em>Pterostemon</em> species: <em>P. bravoanus, P. mexicanus</em> y <em>P. rotundifolius</em> to provide information that may contribute to their taxonomic classification. Anthetic flowers and flower buds at different stages of development were collected and analyzed using morphological, anatomical and histochemical studies with optical and scanning electron microscopes to describe the sepals, petals, androecium, gynoecium, and nectaries. We found that the three species of <em>Pterostemon</em> exhibit similar floral characteristics, with some differences in the number of petals, pubescence type and distribution, exine ornamentation, style and stigma connation, and ovary position. Studies of floral ontogeny have revealed contorted aestivation in the petals. The androecium development is secondary obdiplostemony type II, and the carpels are arranged in antepetalous position. These results are important for improving our understanding of floral ontogeny and morphology. They also suggest that further research is required to determine the systematic position of <em>Pterostemon</em> in relation to Iteaceae and other Saxifragales.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152922"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Neotropical subtribe Pliniinae (Myrtaceae) is a taxonomically complex group whose genera (Algrizea, Myrciaria, Neomitranthes, Plinia, Siphoneugena) are not all monophyletic. Recent phylogenies highlight the polyphyly of Plinia and the paraphyly of the Neomitranthes/Siphoneugena complex. While leaf anatomy is a proven taxonomic tool in Myrteae, it remains significantly understudied in Pliniinae, limiting its use in resolving these persistent systematic issues. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the leaf venation and anatomy of 38 species, representing all five genera. We used standard light microscopy and leaf clearing techniques to (1) identify novel anatomical diagnostic traits and (2) assess whether these traits align with recent phylogenetic clades, providing stable characters for taxonomic delimitation. The results revealed several characters with high diagnostic value. While primary (pinnate) and secondary (brochidodromous) venation were conserved, midvein vascular bundle arrangement, margin contour, and mesophyll structure were highly variable. Key findings include a hypodermis exclusive to Myrciaria and bicollateral vascular bundles in the secondary veins, a trait unique to the Plinia s.s. clade. Furthermore, a compact spongy parenchyma—a previously unreported feature—was identified in several species of Neomitranthes, Myrciaria, and Plinia. This study demonstrates that leaf anatomical characters are highly informative for the systematics of Pliniinae. These traits not only provide a practical means for species identification but also offer strong anatomical support for the major clades identified in recent phylogenies, particularly the internal division of Plinia and the Neomitranthes/Siphoneugena complex. An identification key based on these foliar characters is provided.
{"title":"Leaf structure of the subtribe Pliniinae (Myrtaceae): taxonomic implications and phylogenetic considerations","authors":"Leonardo Cazuza Bondezan , Aline Stadnik , Káthia Socorro Mathias Mourão , Marcela Thadeo","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Neotropical subtribe Pliniinae (Myrtaceae) is a taxonomically complex group whose genera (<em>Algrizea, Myrciaria, Neomitranthes, Plinia, Siphoneugena</em>) are not all monophyletic. Recent phylogenies highlight the polyphyly of <em>Plinia</em> and the paraphyly of the <em>Neomitranthes/Siphoneugena</em> complex. While leaf anatomy is a proven taxonomic tool in Myrteae, it remains significantly understudied in Pliniinae, limiting its use in resolving these persistent systematic issues. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the leaf venation and anatomy of 38 species, representing all five genera. We used standard light microscopy and leaf clearing techniques to (1) identify novel anatomical diagnostic traits and (2) assess whether these traits align with recent phylogenetic clades, providing stable characters for taxonomic delimitation. The results revealed several characters with high diagnostic value. While primary (pinnate) and secondary (brochidodromous) venation were conserved, midvein vascular bundle arrangement, margin contour, and mesophyll structure were highly variable. Key findings include a hypodermis exclusive to <em>Myrciaria</em> and bicollateral vascular bundles in the secondary veins, a trait unique to the <em>Plinia s.s.</em> clade. Furthermore, a compact spongy parenchyma—a previously unreported feature—was identified in several species of <em>Neomitranthes, Myrciaria</em>, and <em>Plinia</em>. This study demonstrates that leaf anatomical characters are highly informative for the systematics of Pliniinae. These traits not only provide a practical means for species identification but also offer strong anatomical support for the major clades identified in recent phylogenies, particularly the internal division of <em>Plinia</em> and the <em>Neomitranthes/Siphoneugena</em> complex. An identification key based on these foliar characters is provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152915"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152914
Carlos A. Matallana-Puerto , João C․F. Cardoso , Laura J․Pérez Uscategui , Mariana O. Duarte
Plants inhabiting high-elevation environments often experience pollinator limitation and may favor autonomous self-pollination (ASP) as a reproductive assurance mechanism. Although ASP occurs in ∼20% of orchids, its mechanisms remain poorly understood in tropical montane species. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and mechanism of ASP in a high-Andean orchid (Ponthieva similis). We hypothesized that ASP yields higher fruit set than natural pollination in emasculated flowers, ensuring reproductive success. We used histochemical tests to detect floral secretory tissues, monitored diurnal floral visitors, and conducted an emasculation experiment to evaluate the contribution of ASP and pollinators to reproductive success. The breeding system was analyzed using controlled pollination treatments and seed viability. Finally, floral buds and pollen tube growth were examined to characterize the ASP mechanism. We did not detect secretory tissues in the small, whitish flowers of P. similis, and no diurnal floral visitors were observed. In the experiment, emasculated flowers had lower fruit set (13.33%) than unmanipulated (100%) and manipulated controls (86.67%), indicating pollinator limitation. All controlled pollination treatments produced high fruit set except emasculation. However, seeds from ASP showed 29% higher viability than those from hand cross-pollination, suggesting outbreeding depression. ASP occurred within floral buds and was mediated by early withering of the anther cap and filament, which transported pollinia to the stigma, characterizing a novel prior ASP mechanism. Our study provides the first empirical evidence of prior ASP in a tropical montane orchid, underscoring its role as an adaptive strategy under pollinator limitation in high-elevation environments.
{"title":"Prior autonomous self-pollination as a reproductive assurance mechanism in a high-Andean orchid","authors":"Carlos A. Matallana-Puerto , João C․F. Cardoso , Laura J․Pérez Uscategui , Mariana O. Duarte","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants inhabiting high-elevation environments often experience pollinator limitation and may favor autonomous self-pollination (ASP) as a reproductive assurance mechanism. Although ASP occurs in ∼20% of orchids, its mechanisms remain poorly understood in tropical montane species. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and mechanism of ASP in a high-Andean orchid (<em>Ponthieva similis</em>). We hypothesized that ASP yields higher fruit set than natural pollination in emasculated flowers, ensuring reproductive success. We used histochemical tests to detect floral secretory tissues, monitored diurnal floral visitors, and conducted an emasculation experiment to evaluate the contribution of ASP and pollinators to reproductive success. The breeding system was analyzed using controlled pollination treatments and seed viability. Finally, floral buds and pollen tube growth were examined to characterize the ASP mechanism. We did not detect secretory tissues in the small, whitish flowers of <em>P. similis</em>, and no diurnal floral visitors were observed. In the experiment, emasculated flowers had lower fruit set (13.33%) than unmanipulated (100%) and manipulated controls (86.67%), indicating pollinator limitation. All controlled pollination treatments produced high fruit set except emasculation. However, seeds from ASP showed 29% higher viability than those from hand cross-pollination, suggesting outbreeding depression. ASP occurred within floral buds and was mediated by early withering of the anther cap and filament, which transported pollinia to the stigma, characterizing a novel prior ASP mechanism. Our study provides the first empirical evidence of prior ASP in a tropical montane orchid, underscoring its role as an adaptive strategy under pollinator limitation in high-elevation environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152914"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Himalayas are the most vulnerable regions to climate change, and they have been experiencing diverse impacts on mountain vegetation. Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) is an evergreen conifer which grows at altitudes of 1800–4300 m in dry valleys in Nepal Himalaya. We carried out a dendroecological study to examine growth-climate response of P. wallichiana on contrasting topography—relatively moist North facing and dry South facing slopes. Tree-ring width indices exhibited a significant positive correlation with the previous year’s September rainfall and negative correlation with the current year maximum temperature of June. The Basal Area Increment (BAI) generally showed a positive trend, however, both sites showed declining trends of BAI particularly after the 1980s, with a more pronounced decrease observed on the south-facing slope. This may be due to changes in topographic conditions due to slope exposure; higher evapotranspiration, strong wind and lower moisture supply due to low runoff from snow melting in the southern slope. However, we emphasize that responses from similar aged tree populations should be validated using more precise local climatic data to improve the interpretation of microclimate-driven growth-climate relationships and to strengthen climate adaptation strategies for Himalayan forests. Nonetheless, the results underscore the role of topographic variability in shaping forest sensitivity to climate, highlighting the importance of slope-specific considerations in forest management and adaptation strategies in Himalaya.
{"title":"Slope mediates growth-climate response of Pinus wallichiana in central Nepal","authors":"Aashish Bidari , Giri Prasad Joshi , Chitra Bahadur Baniya , Raju Bista , Achyut Tiwari","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Himalayas are the most vulnerable regions to climate change, and they have been experiencing diverse impacts on mountain vegetation. Blue Pine (<em>Pinus wallichiana</em>) is an evergreen conifer which grows at altitudes of 1800–4300 m in dry valleys in Nepal Himalaya. We carried out a dendroecological study to examine growth-climate response of <em>P. wallichiana</em> on contrasting topography—relatively moist North facing and dry South facing slopes. Tree-ring width indices exhibited a significant positive correlation with the previous year’s September rainfall and negative correlation with the current year maximum temperature of June. The Basal Area Increment (BAI) generally showed a positive trend, however, both sites showed declining trends of BAI particularly after the 1980s, with a more pronounced decrease observed on the south-facing slope. This may be due to changes in topographic conditions due to slope exposure; higher evapotranspiration, strong wind and lower moisture supply due to low runoff from snow melting in the southern slope. However, we emphasize that responses from similar aged tree populations should be validated using more precise local climatic data to improve the interpretation of microclimate-driven growth-climate relationships and to strengthen climate adaptation strategies for Himalayan forests. Nonetheless, the results underscore the role of topographic variability in shaping forest sensitivity to climate, highlighting the importance of slope-specific considerations in forest management and adaptation strategies in Himalaya.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152911"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152913
Matheus Abdon do Nascimento , Bárbara de Sá Haiad , Silvia Rodrigues Machado , Yve Canaveze
Pseudobombax longiflorum (Mart.) A. Robyns (Bombacoideae, Malvaceae), a tree species found in cerrado areas and pollinated by bats, blooms in the dry season, being important sources of pollen and floral nectar for floral visitors. Through structural and histochemical analyses, we characterized the floral anatomy of P. longiflorum, seeking to highlight aspects related to environment and pollination. In addition, we characterized anatomical and ultrastructurally the sites of scent production. Pollen grains were released in monads, in the bicellularized microgametophyte stage. Claviform trichomes occurred in the outer epidermis of the ovary. Ovarian septa were incomplete, configuring the compitum region. Ovules were anatropous, bitegmic, with zigzag micropyle. The megagametophyte was an 8-nucleate, 7-celled Polygonum type. The style had a stylar canal surrounded by transmitting tissue. The stigma was wet, covered by secretory papillae. The components of the various floral organs had multiple layers of cells, which may provide the necessary strength to withstand pollinator visits. Mucilage, a substance that may help regulate water, and phenolic idioblasts, which aid in protection against UV radiation, were frequently observed in all the floral organs. There was a secondary floral nectar presentation, and the nectar chamber was located between the petals and the staminal tube. Scent-producing sites were located on the adaxial face of the proximal portion of the petal and the petal fold. In these areas, cells showed anatomical and ultrastructural features consistent with scent production and release; this being the first report for a Malvaceae species.
{"title":"Floral anatomy of Pseudobombax longiflorum (Malvaceae) reveals scent-producing sites","authors":"Matheus Abdon do Nascimento , Bárbara de Sá Haiad , Silvia Rodrigues Machado , Yve Canaveze","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152913","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152913","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pseudobombax longiflorum</em> (Mart.) A. Robyns (Bombacoideae, Malvaceae), a tree species found in cerrado areas and pollinated by bats, blooms in the dry season, being important sources of pollen and floral nectar for floral visitors. Through structural and histochemical analyses, we characterized the floral anatomy of <em>P. longiflorum</em>, seeking to highlight aspects related to environment and pollination. In addition, we characterized anatomical and ultrastructurally the sites of scent production. Pollen grains were released in monads, in the bicellularized microgametophyte stage. Claviform trichomes occurred in the outer epidermis of the ovary. Ovarian septa were incomplete, configuring the compitum region. Ovules were anatropous, bitegmic, with zigzag micropyle. The megagametophyte was an 8-nucleate, 7-celled <em>Polygonum</em> type. The style had a stylar canal surrounded by transmitting tissue. The stigma was wet, covered by secretory papillae. The components of the various floral organs had multiple layers of cells, which may provide the necessary strength to withstand pollinator visits. Mucilage, a substance that may help regulate water, and phenolic idioblasts, which aid in protection against UV radiation, were frequently observed in all the floral organs. There was a secondary floral nectar presentation, and the nectar chamber was located between the petals and the staminal tube. Scent-producing sites were located on the adaxial face of the proximal portion of the petal and the petal fold. In these areas, cells showed anatomical and ultrastructural features consistent with scent production and release; this being the first report for a Malvaceae species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152913"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152912
José Danizete Brás Miranda , Analu Zanotti Ávila , Valeria Ferreira Fernandes , Letícia Schunk Endringer , Renata Maria Strozi Alves Meira
Laticifers are internal secretory structures formed by one or a group of cells that take on a tube shape and are responsible for the production and storage of latex. This exudate is composed of complex substances and plays a role in the healing of lesions and protection against herbivory in some species. Data such as the distribution, typology, and chemical composition of latex are useful for systematic studies and contribute to understanding the relationships between species. Light and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied for ontogenetic, histochemical, and ultrastructural evaluation of the lactiferous vessels of Sapium glandulosum (L.) Morong, circumscribed in the subfamily Euphorbioideae. This species, traditionally used in healing treatments, is popularly known as leiteiro (milk tree) due to the exudation of whitish, voluminous latex when injured. Articulated lactiferous were described, previously considered absent in the genus and rare in the subfamily. The data obtained are promising and answered questions about the chemical compounds present in the latex, the secretion process, and the organelles involved in synthesis.
{"title":"Laticifer typology and latex composition in Sapium glandulosum (L.) Morong (Euphorbioideae, Hippomaneae)","authors":"José Danizete Brás Miranda , Analu Zanotti Ávila , Valeria Ferreira Fernandes , Letícia Schunk Endringer , Renata Maria Strozi Alves Meira","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Laticifers are internal secretory structures formed by one or a group of cells that take on a tube shape and are responsible for the production and storage of latex. This exudate is composed of complex substances and plays a role in the healing of lesions and protection against herbivory in some species. Data such as the distribution, typology, and chemical composition of latex are useful for systematic studies and contribute to understanding the relationships between species. Light and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied for ontogenetic, histochemical, and ultrastructural evaluation of the lactiferous vessels of <em>Sapium glandulosum</em> (L.) Morong, circumscribed in the subfamily Euphorbioideae. This species, traditionally used in healing treatments, is popularly known as leiteiro (milk tree) due to the exudation of whitish, voluminous latex when injured. Articulated lactiferous were described, previously considered absent in the genus and rare in the subfamily. The data obtained are promising and answered questions about the chemical compounds present in the latex, the secretion process, and the organelles involved in synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152912"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152910
Élder Antônio Sousa e Paiva , Denise Maria Trombert Oliveira , Viviane Gonçalves Leite , Simone Pádua Teixeira
Resin biosynthesis occurs across plant groups in secretory structures such as ducts, cavities, and trichomes. In Leguminosae, it is mainly reported for Caesalpinioideae, while in Papilionoideae it is scarcely documented, with Myroxylon peruiferum as a notable case. This study investigates the morphology and secretory activity of the ovary and fruit glands of M. peruiferum, revealing new aspects of their cell biology and ecological role in plant-insect interactions. Samples of ovaries and fruits were processed for light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Secretory cavities and ducts are found in the ovary wall and pericarp of M. peruiferum. The glands originate in the ovary wall and young fruits, expanding during fruit growth into an anastomosing network throughout the pericarp. They consist of a lumen lined by a uniseriate secretory epithelium, with schizogeny as the main mechanism of lumen expansion. In the initial stages, however, cell lysis was also observed, indicating a schizolysigenous origin. Secretory epithelial cells display dense cytoplasm with conspicuous nuclei and nucleoli, and are rich in plastids, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and vacuoles. Unlike the highly vacuolated adjacent cells, they retain this dense cytoplasm during exudate synthesis. Organelle distribution is polarized, with plastids and endoplasmic reticulum concentrated basally, and vesicles and small vacuoles predominating apically. These findings provide new insights into the cell biology of secretory structures and highlight the multifunctional ecological role of the resin-secreting system, which enhances floral display during anthesis and later forms effective physical and chemical defenses against herbivores and pathogens during fruit development.
{"title":"Morphology and secretory activity of resin-secreting glands in the fruits of Myroxylon peruiferum (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae)","authors":"Élder Antônio Sousa e Paiva , Denise Maria Trombert Oliveira , Viviane Gonçalves Leite , Simone Pádua Teixeira","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Resin biosynthesis occurs across plant groups in secretory structures such as ducts, cavities, and trichomes. In Leguminosae, it is mainly reported for Caesalpinioideae, while in Papilionoideae it is scarcely documented, with <em>Myroxylon peruiferum</em> as a notable case. This study investigates the morphology and secretory activity of the ovary and fruit glands of <em>M. peruiferum</em>, revealing new aspects of their cell biology and ecological role in plant-insect interactions. Samples of ovaries and fruits were processed for light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Secretory cavities and ducts are found in the ovary wall and pericarp of <em>M. peruiferum.</em> The glands originate in the ovary wall and young fruits, expanding during fruit growth into an anastomosing network throughout the pericarp. They consist of a lumen lined by a uniseriate secretory epithelium, with schizogeny as the main mechanism of lumen expansion. In the initial stages, however, cell lysis was also observed, indicating a schizolysigenous origin. Secretory epithelial cells display dense cytoplasm with conspicuous nuclei and nucleoli, and are rich in plastids, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and vacuoles. Unlike the highly vacuolated adjacent cells, they retain this dense cytoplasm during exudate synthesis. Organelle distribution is polarized, with plastids and endoplasmic reticulum concentrated basally, and vesicles and small vacuoles predominating apically. These findings provide new insights into the cell biology of secretory structures and highlight the multifunctional ecological role of the resin-secreting system, which enhances floral display during anthesis and later forms effective physical and chemical defenses against herbivores and pathogens during fruit development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152910"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145801893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152909
Yun Wu , Lingzhi Liu , Jiali Tang , Xin Wu , Sha Shuang , Guangli Liu
Estimating the effects of diverse arrangements of flowers within inflorescence on intra- and inter-specific pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success is key to understanding the biodiversity and coexistence of sympatric co-flowering plants. In this study, we examined the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs on pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success in two syntopic co-flowering plants through experimental arrays. For this purpose, we used an orchid species (Spiranthes sinensis) characterized by three floral arrangement morphs (clockwise, anticlockwise and vertical) and a syntopic co-flowering plant (Prunella vulgaris). We constructed 15 synthetic arrays that included single or three floral arrangement morphs of S. sinensis and transplanted with P. vulgaris at a common-garden site to estimate pollinator visitation and reproductive success. The results indicated that transplantation with P. vulgaris reduced the fruit set of S. sinensis. When S. sinensis was transplanted with P. vulgaris, the combination of the three floral arrangement morphs of S. sinensis improved the pollinator visitation of the anticlockwise and vertical morphs and improved the weight of the seeds per fruit of the clockwise morph compared with the single floral arrangement morph. For P. vulgaris, pollinator visitation was greater when it was transplanted with a combination of three floral arrangement morphs of S. sinensis than when it was transplanted with one floral arrangement morph of S. sinensis. The results highlight the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs in interspecific competition for pollinators. More generally, the results imply the potential role of diverse floral arrangement morphs in maintaining the coexistence of syntopic co-flowering and pollinator-sharing plants.
{"title":"Diverse floral arrangement morphs of Spiranthes sinensis (Orchidaceae) enhance pollinator visitation and reproductive success when competing with syntopic co-flowering plants","authors":"Yun Wu , Lingzhi Liu , Jiali Tang , Xin Wu , Sha Shuang , Guangli Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Estimating the effects of diverse arrangements of flowers within inflorescence on intra- and inter-specific pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success is key to understanding the biodiversity and coexistence of sympatric co-flowering plants. In this study, we examined the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs on pollinator visitation and plant reproductive success in two syntopic co-flowering plants through experimental arrays. For this purpose, we used an orchid species (<em>Spiranthes sinensis</em>) characterized by three floral arrangement morphs (clockwise, anticlockwise and vertical) and a syntopic co-flowering plant (<em>Prunella vulgaris</em>). We constructed 15 synthetic arrays that included single or three floral arrangement morphs of <em>S. sinensis</em> and transplanted with <em>P. vulgaris</em> at a common-garden site to estimate pollinator visitation and reproductive success. The results indicated that transplantation with <em>P. vulgaris</em> reduced the fruit set of <em>S. sinensis</em>. When <em>S. sinensis</em> was transplanted with <em>P. vulgaris</em>, the combination of the three floral arrangement morphs of <em>S. sinensis</em> improved the pollinator visitation of the anticlockwise and vertical morphs and improved the weight of the seeds per fruit of the clockwise morph compared with the single floral arrangement morph. For <em>P. vulgaris</em>, pollinator visitation was greater when it was transplanted with a combination of three floral arrangement morphs of <em>S. sinensis</em> than when it was transplanted with one floral arrangement morph of <em>S. sinensis</em>. The results highlight the effects of diverse floral arrangement morphs in interspecific competition for pollinators. More generally, the results imply the potential role of diverse floral arrangement morphs in maintaining the coexistence of syntopic co-flowering and pollinator-sharing plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"336 ","pages":"Article 152909"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145801935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2025.152908
Carlos Henrique Goulart dos Reis , Marcelo Ramos de Anchieta , Amanda Coletti Santolino , Kauê Shindi Dias Nakamura , Murillo Tinheira do Prado , Vitor Hugo Silva Ribeiro , Vinícius Politi Duarte , Evaristo Mauro de Castro , Fabricio José Pereira
Typha domingensis Pers. (cattail) is an aquatic plant presenting high growth capacity and tolerance to various environmental stressors. However, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on growth and development have not yet been explored for T. domingensis. Furthermore, increased UV radiation is expected due to climate change, which may favor T. domingensis in competition with other species. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of UV radiation on the growth, photosynthesis, anatomy, and biochemistry of T. domingensis depending on leaf position. The individuals were subjected to the following conditions: unshaded (US), shaded net (SN), greenhouse (GH), and greenhouse plus UV supplementation (GH+UV). We performed a completely randomized two-way ANOVA to analyze the interaction effects between UV radiation and leaf position (leaf apex and middle parts). Growth, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, anatomy, anthocyanin, and chlorophyll concentration were evaluated. UV radiation reduced the effective photochemical yield and the carboxylation efficiency of T. domingensis. The highest UV intensity (US) reduced T. domingensis dry mass but increased its clone production, suggesting a UV-defense mechanism by enhancing population growth and self-shading. Moreover, the leaf apex of T. domingensis showed higher photosynthesis compared to its middle part. Typha domingensis leaves synthesize anthocyanins as a UV-defense mechanism due to the absence of relevant anatomical defense traits. Therefore, our results indicate that T. domingensis is a UV-tolerant species, although some degree of damage is found in its photosynthetic system.
{"title":"UV radiation decreases photosynthesis in Typha domingensis, but the species shows tolerance mechanisms related to anthocyanin production and clonal growth","authors":"Carlos Henrique Goulart dos Reis , Marcelo Ramos de Anchieta , Amanda Coletti Santolino , Kauê Shindi Dias Nakamura , Murillo Tinheira do Prado , Vitor Hugo Silva Ribeiro , Vinícius Politi Duarte , Evaristo Mauro de Castro , Fabricio José Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Typha domingensis</em> Pers. (cattail) is an aquatic plant presenting high growth capacity and tolerance to various environmental stressors. However, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on growth and development have not yet been explored for <em>T. domingensis</em>. Furthermore, increased UV radiation is expected due to climate change, which may favor <em>T. domingensis</em> in competition with other species. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of UV radiation on the growth, photosynthesis, anatomy, and biochemistry of <em>T. domingensis</em> depending on leaf position. The individuals were subjected to the following conditions: unshaded (US), shaded net (SN), greenhouse (GH), and greenhouse plus UV supplementation (GH+UV). We performed a completely randomized two-way ANOVA to analyze the interaction effects between UV radiation and leaf position (leaf apex and middle parts). Growth, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, anatomy, anthocyanin, and chlorophyll concentration were evaluated. UV radiation reduced the effective photochemical yield and the carboxylation efficiency of <em>T. domingensis</em>. The highest UV intensity (US) reduced <em>T. domingensis</em> dry mass but increased its clone production, suggesting a UV-defense mechanism by enhancing population growth and self-shading. Moreover, the leaf apex of <em>T. domingensis</em> showed higher photosynthesis compared to its middle part. <em>Typha domingensis</em> leaves synthesize anthocyanins as a UV-defense mechanism due to the absence of relevant anatomical defense traits. Therefore, our results indicate that <em>T. domingensis</em> is a UV-tolerant species, although some degree of damage is found in its photosynthetic system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 152908"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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