Gynoecium with carpel dimorphism in Tricomaria usillo, comparison with other genera of the Carolus clade (Malpighiaceae)

S.S. ALISCIONI.; M.M. GOTELLI; TORRETTA, JUAN PABLO

PROTOPLASMA

SPRINGER WIEN

Lugar: Viena; Año: 2019

0033-183X

Weanalyzed the gynoecium morphology and anatomy of Tricomaria usillo inyoung and mature flowers from diverse populations in order to analyzethe differentiation of structure and function of the parts of thecarpel. We also aimed to find the potential pollinators and associatethe morphology of the gynoecium with its role. We compare thecharacteristics of the gynoecium of T. usillo and discuss the carpeldimorphism with other genera within the Carolus clade in relationwith their pollination syndromes. Carpels were processed according toclassic techniques for scanning electron microscopy and bright fieldmicroscopy. Weconducted field observation in different populations of T. usillo andcaptured the insects that were identified to specific level. Thegynoecium of T. usillo shows inter-population and intra-individualvariability. Some have three well developed carpels, while most ofthem present two posterior carpels with differentiated styles andstigmas and the anterior one with a shorter style with or withoutstigma. The ovary has three locules with one ovule each. A compitumis formed and all ovules may be fecundated. However, generally fruitshave generally one seed that develops in the anterior locule. Centrisbrethesi is the potential pollinator. The gynoecium of T. usilloreflects part of the variation in the carpel dimorphism that probablyarose in the branch of the Carolus clade, and evolved in diverse waysin the lineages of this group. Tricomaria usillo seems to represent arecent transition towards reaching a stable form of carpel dimorphismand definitive division of labors of the carpels.p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; }