Androecium and gynoecium anatomy of Bromeliaceae species

• Published in: Flora. Morphologie, Geobotanik, Oekophysiologie Geobotanik, Oekophysiologie, 2020-02, Vol.263, p.151538, Article 151538
• Main Authors: Oliveira, Fernanda Maria Cordeiro de, Rodrigues, Ana Claudia, Lusa, Makeli Garibotti, Melo-de-Pinna, Gladys Flavia de Albuquerque
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Endothecium-like tissue; Floral vascularization; Interlocular zone; Pollen tube transmitting tissue; Secretory structures; Septal nectaries
• ISSN: 0367-2530; 1618-0585
• DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2020.151538

•Floral anatomy of Bromeliaceae revealed characters for taxonomic delimitation.•We described the interlocular zone in anthers of Aechmea and Quesnelia species.•Vascularization of the gynoecium provided a new synapomorphy for Pitcairnoideae.•The vertical zonality of carpels were discussed for inferior and superior ovaries. In this study, we performed a detailed anatomical analysis of the androecium and gynoecium in 16 species belonging to three out of the eight Bromeliaceae subfamilies, with a first-time description of the interlocular zone in anthers, a diagnostic character for Quesnelia and Aechmea species. Other potential taxonomic characters were observed: protuberances formed by growth in the connective region of anthers, which only occurs in species belonging to the Nidularioid complex; and an endothecium-like tissue in the anthers, near to the connective region, characterizing Dyckia species. Besides these characters, the vascularization of filaments and style are discussed from a phylogenetic perspective. In that sense, the vascularization of style is supplied by three vascular bundles that may represent a synapomorphy for Pitcairnoideae and should be further investigated in the family. In addition, the vertical zonality of carpels is described for analyzed inferior and superior ovaries and the position of the nectaries is discussed in this context. Regarding the secretory structures present on the gynoecium we provided novel data for future evolutionary studies on this group. Furthermore, characters presented in this study are discussed from an ecological point of view.