Abstract

GONZALEZ, Ana M. Domatia and extrafloral nectaries in Bignoniaceae: two components of a mutualistic interaction. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2011, vol.46, n.3-4, pp.271-288. ISSN 1851-2372.

Plants have mutualistic relationships with insects in two ways: through domatia provide housing of predators, and extrafloral nectaries secreting nectar and provide food in exchange for control of herbivores or fungal pathogens. The foliar anatomy of 52 species of Bignoniaceae was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy, in order to describe the different types of domatia and extrafloral nectaries. Two types of domatia were observed: small hair-tufts and pockets; the presence and type of domatia represents important taxonomic characters in Bignoniaceae. Extrafloral nectaries are found in all studied species. They are located in different positions: along the midvein, associated with domatia, or grouped in glandular fields, either in leaf or interpetiolar. The Bignoniaceae have simultaneously domatia and extrafloral nectaries on their leaves, these features are described as plant components in a probable mechanism of indirect defense.

Keywords : Anatomy; Bignoniaceae; Domatia; Extrafloral nectaries; Glandular fields; Leaf.

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