Pollinarium morphology and floral rewards in Brazilian Maxillariinae (Orchidaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

There is strong support for the monophyly of the orchid subtribe Maxillariinae s.l., yet generic boundaries within it are unsatisfactory and need re-evaluation. In an effort to assemble sets of morphological characters to distinguish major clades within this subtribe, the pollinarium morphology and floral rewards of representative Brazilian species of this subtribe were studied.

Methods

The study was based on fresh material from 60 species and seven genera obtained from cultivated specimens. Variation of pollinarium structure and floral rewards was assessed using a stereomicroscope and by SEM analysis.

Key results

Four morphological types of pollinaria are described. Type 1 appears to be the most widespread and is characterized by a well-developed

SUBMITTER: Singer RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4242263 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature