Leaf glands of Banisteriopsis muricata (Malpighiaceae): distribution, secretion composition, anatomy and relationship to visitors

Abstract

Leaf glands are common structures in Malpighiaceae and exhibit great morphological diversity, yet information on their anatomy, secretion and type of visitors remains scarce. Th e aim of this study was to describe the distribution, anatomical development and chemical and functional properties of leaf glands of Banisteriopsis muricata (Malpighiaceae). Leaves at diff erent stages of development were collected and processed according to standard techniques for light and scanning electron microscopy. Secretion composition was determined by histochemical tests and test-strips, while gland funciton was determined by fi eld observation of interactions with visitors. Leaf glands were located on the petiole and on the abaxial base of the leaf blade. Th e gland secretion was found to be a protein-rich nectar that was foraged upon by ants (Solenopsis); it was found accumulated in subcuticular spaces without pores or stomata for its release. Leaf glands were found to develop from protoderm and ground meristem, and consisted of typical secretory epidermis, nectariferous parenchyma and vascularized subnectariferous parenchyma. Th erefore, it can be concluded that the distribution, chemical nature of secretion and anatomy of leaf glands of B. muricata characterize them as EFNs, while foraging by ants indicate a mutualistic relationship that possibly protects the plant against herbivores.

Anatomia foliar como subsídio para a taxonomia do gênero Camarea St.-Hil (Malpighiaceae)

“…As glândulas foliares são importantes nos estudos de anatomia de Malpighiaceae, e alguns trabalhos relevantes com relação à essas estruturas na família são o de Possobom et al Research, Society and Development, v. 9, n. 10, e1739108525, 2020 (CC BY 4.0) | ISSN 2525-3409 | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i10.8525 20 (2010) onde a autora descreve a morfologia, ultraestrutura, e secreção dessas glândulas na espécie Diplopterys pubipetala e a relação dessas estruturas com formigas, em Nery et al (2017) ocorre uma relação mutualística entre as formigas e as glândulas, em que os dois de beneficiam. Araújo & Meira (2016) onde foi feito um estudo comparativo com a anatomia e a histoquímica das glândulas foliares e calicinais de Banisteriopsis C. B.…”

Taxonomic revision of Mcvaughia W.R.Anderson (Malpighiaceae): notes on vegetative and reproductive anatomy and the description of a new species

“…Glandonia species also show leaf glands varying from two to four basilaminar and a few to several laminar glands, which can be conspicuous or inconspicuous to the naked eye (Guesdon et al 2018). Stalked glands have been recorded in the literature for Banisteriopsis (Araújo and Meira 2016; Nery et al 2017), and Stigmaphyllon (Almeida and Mamede 2016); as well, sessile glands are known in Diplopteryspubipetala (Possobom et al 2010), and sessile to immersed glands in Amorimia (Mello et al in press.) and Glandonia species (Guesdon et al 2018).…”

“…data), being only previously reported in D.pubipetala (Possobom et al 2015). Leaf and bracteole glands have been described as true nectaries (Possobon et al 2010; Araújo and Meira 2016, Nery et al 2017; Guesdon et al 2018). The sepal and petal glands have been identified as elaiophores on the sepals and as osmophores on the petals (Possobom et al 2015; Araújo and Meira 2016; Guesdon and Meira unpubl.…”

Comparison of Sample Preparation Techniques for Inspection of Leaf Epidermises Using Light Microscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscopy

“…Fresh leaf tissues were observed using the SEM equipped with the Coolstage, which maintained the tissues at temperatures below 0°C to avoid water evaporation (Nery et al, 2017;Yuan et al, 2019). Samples observed at −15°C were used to represent the SEM Coolstage method to compare with other methods.…”

“…Observing the micro-structure of the leaf epidermis is of important theoretical and applied value. For example, observation of the micro-structure of glandular hairs contributes to understanding of their ontogeny, anatomy, secretory compound composition, and relationship to herbivores (Nery et al, 2017;Yan et al, 2017). Moreover, analysis of epidermis micro-structure can provide evidence for taxonomic classification and genetic relationships (Kang et al, 2017;Khan et al, 2017;Gutiérrez-Ortega et al, 2018;Hussain et al, 2018;Shah et al, 2018).…”