ABSTRACT
Morphoanatomical studies can provide useful and relevant information to support taxonomic groupings. Jacquemontia evolvuloides shows great morphological variability, which has led to numerous taxonomic classifications. To determine if anatomical characters can be used to recognize operational taxonomic units within populations of that species, we analyzed the leaves and stems of 22 populations using light and scanning electron microscopy. The variability of the analyzed characters allowed the grouping of these populations into five morphotypes. The presence of paracytic stomata, laticiferous canals, and stellate trichomes can be considered diagnostic characters of J. evolvuloides. The presence and types of epicuticular waxes, as well as a layer similar to palisade parenchyma in the petioles and stems, the classifications of glandular trichomes, and new types of stomata (anomocytic, anomotetracytic, and brachyparatetracytic) are reported here for the first time for Jacquemontia. The results discussed here help clarify the classification of this species complex and contribute to the taxonomy of Jacquemontia-a genus that has historically been difficult to define due to its wide morphological variation at the species level. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Seven types of epicuticular waxes were identified among J. evolvuloides specimens: granules, threads, entire platelets, coiled rodlets, fissured layers, membranous platelets, and tubules. Six types of trichomes were observed among J. evolvuloides populations: stellate, malpighiaceous, sessile peltate glandular, short pedunculate glandular, stipitate-glandular, and capitate glandular. We observed that six populations of Jacquemontia evolvuloides located in the Brazilian Caatinga domain have unprecedented sessile peltate trichomes restricted to the main leaf midrib, which were only observed under light microscopy.
Subject(s)
Convolvulaceae , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Plant Leaves/anatomy & histology , Trichomes/anatomy & histology , WaxesABSTRACT
The family Convolvulaceae is widely distributed in tropical regions, mainly in open areas. Convolvulaceae flowers are characterized mainly by being beautiful and ephemeral, attracting many flower visitors that belong to different taxonomic groups. This work aimed to investigate the interactions between insects and flowers of Jacquemontia bracteosa (Convolvulaceae), focusing on the pollination efficiency, in an area in the Brazilian semiarid. From November 2011 to October 2012, floral biology of J. bracteosa was investigated as well as the flower visit frequency, behavior, and morphology of floral visitors. The flowers of J. bracteosa are white, showy and open early in the morning, lasting less than 12 hours, with fruiting occurring both by selfing and outcrossing fecundation. A total of 337 specimens insects were collected on J. bracteosa flowers during the field observations. The Neotropical bee, Ancyloscelis apiformis, was considered the most efficient pollinator of J. bracteosa. This bee showed appropriate behavior, high frequency (64% of the total sample), and was constant on the flowers. Furthermore, they arrived soon when the flowers began to open and presented 90% of efficiency in tests of flower pollination of J. bracteosa. Other native bee species also visited the flowers of J. bracteosa and may be considered potential pollinators because they presented behavior and morphology compatible with the flowers. This study suggests that maintenance of weeds or ruderal plants, especially those that also have ornamental potential in anthropic area, may be an option for the preservation of local native pollinators, which are threatened by environmental degradation.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Bees , Pollination , Convolvulaceae , Behavior, AnimalABSTRACT
The family Convolvulaceae is widely distributed in tropical regions, mainly in open areas. Convolvulaceae flowers are characterized mainly by being beautiful and ephemeral, attracting many flower visitors that belong to different taxonomic groups. This work aimed to investigate the interactions between insects and flowers of Jacquemontia bracteosa (Convolvulaceae), focusing on the pollination efficiency, in an area in the Brazilian semiarid. From November 2011 to October 2012, floral biology of J. bracteosa was investigated as well as the flower visit frequency, behavior, and morphology of floral visitors. The flowers of J. bracteosa are white, showy and open early in the morning, lasting less than 12 hours, with fruiting occurring both by selfing and outcrossing fecundation. A total of 337 specimens insects were collected on J. bracteosa flowers during the field observations. The Neotropical bee, Ancyloscelis apiformis, was considered the most efficient pollinator of J. bracteosa. This bee showed appropriate behavior, high frequency (64% of the total sample), and was constant on the flowers. Furthermore, they arrived soon when the flowers began to open and presented 90% of efficiency in tests of flower pollination of J. bracteosa. Other native bee species also visited the flowers of J. bracteosa and may be considered potential pollinators because they presented behavior and morphology compatible with the flowers. This study suggests that maintenance of weeds or ruderal plants, especially those that also have ornamental potential in anthropic area, may be an option for the preservation of local native pollinators, which are threatened by environmental degradation.
Subject(s)
Animals , Bees , Behavior, Animal , Convolvulaceae , PollinationABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The family Convolvulaceae is widely distributed in tropical regions, mainly in open areas. Convolvulaceae flowers are characterized mainly by being beautiful and ephemeral, attracting many flower visitors that belong to different taxonomic groups. This work aimed to investigate the interactions between insects and flowers of Jacquemontia bracteosa (Convolvulaceae), focusing on the pollination efficiency, in an area in the Brazilian semiarid. From November 2011 to October 2012, floral biology of J. bracteosa was investigated as well as the flower visit frequency, behavior, and morphology of floral visitors. The flowers of J. bracteosa are white, showy and open early in the morning, lasting less than 12 hours, with fruiting occurring both by selfing and outcrossing fecundation. A total of 337 specimens insects were collected on J. bracteosa flowers during the field observations. The Neotropical bee, Ancyloscelis apiformis, was considered the most efficient pollinator of J. bracteosa. This bee showed appropriate behavior, high frequency (64% of the total sample), and was constant on the flowers. Furthermore, they arrived soon when the flowers began to open and presented 90% of efficiency in tests of flower pollination of J. bracteosa. Other native bee species also visited the flowers of J. bracteosa and may be considered potential pollinators because they presented behavior and morphology compatible with the flowers. This study suggests that maintenance of weeds or ruderal plants, especially those that also have ornamental potential in anthropic area, may be an option for the preservation of local native pollinators, which are threatened by environmental degradation.
ABSTRACT
A new species of Youngomyia Felt, 1908, inquiline in galls on inflorescences of Jacquemontia holosericea (Convolvulaceae), is described (larva, pupa, male and female) based on material from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Uma nova espécie de Youngomyia Felt, 1908, inquilina de galhas em botão floral de Jacquemontia holosericea (Convolvulaceae), é descrita (larva, pupa, macho e fêmea) baseado em material do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
ABSTRACT
A new species of Youngomyia Felt, 1908, inquiline in galls on inflorescences of Jacquemontia holosericea (Convolvulaceae), is described (larva, pupa, male and female) based on material from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Uma nova espécie de Youngomyia Felt, 1908, inquilina de galhas em botão floral de Jacquemontia holosericea (Convolvulaceae), é descrita (larva, pupa, macho e fêmea) baseado em material do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.