Stylar trimorphism in four functionally andromonoecious Prosopis species (Mimosaceae)

• Published in: Plant systematics and evolution 1994-09, Vol.190 (3/4), p.143-156
• Main Authors: Hoc, Patricia S., Agulló, María A., Palacios, Ramón A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Economic plant physiology; Flower stigma; Flowering, floral biology, reproduction patterns; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Growth and development; Inflorescences; Lipids; Morphology, anatomy, histology, cytology; Plant cytology, morphology, systematics, chorology and evolution; Pollen; Pollen tubes; Skin glands; Spermatophyta; Stamens; Starches; Styles; Viability
• ISSN: 0378-2697; 1615-6110
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00986190

The reproductive system of Prosopis chilensis, P. pugionata, P. flexuosa, and P. torquata is described. Observations were made of floral morphology, stigmatic receptivity, pollen grain viability, and the nature of pollen reserves. Scanning electrone microscopy and statistical analysis were carried out. The results allow us to conclude that: 1) The studied species have three distinct floral morphs characterized by significantly different style lengths and, to a lesser extent, different stamen lengths; 2) style precocity found in all species does not indicate protogyny; 3) flowers with shortest styles are not receptive; 4) the pollen grains of all floral morphs showed high viability; 5) peroxidase is present in both the pollen and pistil; 6) viable pollen grains invariably have both starch and pollenkitt; 7) the studied species are andromonoecious.