Micromorphology and anatomy of flowers and nectaries of Saxifraga Stolonifera L.

Abstract

Saxifrages are plants commonly found in all continents. Many of them are adapted to flowering and reproduction under mountainous and rocky conditions. They are pollinated by various groups of insects and have intrastaminal nectaries. The Morpho- Anatomy of the flowers and nectaries of Saxifraga stolonifera L. was examined using Bright-Field light and stereoscopic microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. The abaxial surface of the sepals has multicellular glandular trichomes containing anthocyanins in the base cells and polyphenols in the secretory cells of the head, whereas visual attractants in the form of color spots are found on the petals. The nectary gland is located at the apex of the ovary and forms a Yellow-Orange fleshy Half-Ring. Nectar is secreted through numerous modified stomata. The glandular parenchyma does not have vascular elements. Moreover, Orange-Brown polyphenols were observed in the nectary cells.