The structure of the ovary epidermis emitting odorous compounds in Allium karataviense Regel

Abstract

Many plants develop in the petal epidermis papillae emitting essential oils. In species of the genus <em>Allium</em>, papillae occur in the ovary epidermis. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of papillae in <em>Allium karataviense </em>Regel and to perform histochemical tests that would allow the components of their secretion to be investigated, mainly the presence of essential oils. Examination was performed using light and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that in conical papillae, with a height of about 83 μm, there were large cell nuclei, a thick outer wall with a layer of striated cuticle, and a varying degree of cell vacuolation, depending on the age of the ovary. Using histochemical reactions, we demonstrated neutral lipids, acid lipids and pectins to occur in the papillae. Neutral lipids are characteristic of essential oils.

The flower morphology in three Convallariaceae species with various attractive traits

“…Short papillae on the lower portion of filaments as well as papillose trichomes on the adaxial surface of tepals of this species have striated cuticle, resembling tepaline osmophores in other members of the order Asparagales: Asphodelus aestivus [28], Galanthus nivalis [29], and Crocus vernus [30]. Papillose osmophores with striate cuticle were also found on the ovary in some Allium species [31][32][33]. The long trichomes in the upper portion of the filaments in P. multiflorum can prevent nectar outflowing from the pendant flower, as was presumed in Asphodelus albus with erect flowers [34], or they can provide sites for secondary pollen load.…”