Flower anatomy related to blooming development of Berberis microphylla G. Forst (Berberidaceae).

S RADICE; M ARENA

Advances in Horticultural Science

Firenze University Press

Lugar: Florencia; Año: 2017 vol. 31 p. 39 - 44

1592-1573

Berberis microphylla G. Forst., is a Patagonian native shrub commonly named ?calafate?, which has a growing economic potential due to its dark blue berries that are consumed fresh, as jams and preserves, and are used for the production of soft drinks and ice cream. Moreover, the fruits have a high content of carbohydrates, phenols and antioxidants. The objective of this work was to show the changes observed in the flower from the emergence in relation to the floral phases and the importance that they have on pollination and fertilization. During the anthesis, the nectar is excreted inside and outside of the petal through the epidermis of the secretory tissue. The epidermis of the stigma is papillae with cells of greater length in the periphery of this structure simulating an additional ring. Secretory tissue is also present on the area of the fusion carpel. During anthesis, the epidermis glands of the stigma are with active secretion and these conditions favor pollen grain germination. Germinated pollen grains are showed after 12 hours of pollination and ten days later the pollen tube growth surrounded the ovules probably being some of them already fertilized.