Heteromorphism of stamens in monoclinous flowers of Tinantia erecta (Jacq.) Fenzl as an example of high variability of the androecium in the Commelinaceae family

Abstract

Representatives of the family Commelinaceae are characterised by morphologically, anatomically, or functionally diverse stamens (common presence of staminodia), which produce diverse pollen grains. The heteromorphism of stamens noted in all Commelinaceae species is a particular example of the evolutionary modification of the androecium in entomophilous plants. The morphological, anatomical, and cytological analyses of the androecium as well as the analysis of the microsporogenesis process and the formation of the male gametophyte in Tinantia erecta (a species belonging to the family Commelinaceae) have demonstrated that the morphologically diverse stamens in this species do not differ anatomically. Furthermore, the process of microsporogenesis followed by gametogenesis occurring in the stamens yields pollen grains with the same morphology, cytology, and function. Therefore, despite the large morphological diversity of the androecium, all anthers in T. erecta produce male gametophytes that are identical in every respect, which is a unique feature in species from the Commelinaceae family. Additionally, T. erecta is capable of self-pollination; hence, it can be claimed that the species uses its entire reproductive potential to produce seeds and a next generation.