Morphoanatomy of the ovary and ovule in Bromeliaceae subfamily Tillandsioideae and its systematic relevance

Abstract

Tillandsioideae are composed of nine genera, most of these with unclear delimitation. The morphoanatomy of ovules and ovaries of 83 species from seven different genera was studied under light or scanning electron microscopy to contribute to the understanding of the relationships in the group. The nucellar epidermis and the parietal tissue showed a regular pattern for all Tillandsioideae. The presence of chalazal appendages, however, and their shape and size varied between the genera analysed. Most species had a single acuminate chalazal appendage. Catopsis was the only genus with multiple appendages. Guzmania and Racinaea lacked this structure. The integuments also presented a variable length and thickness among the different genera. The four to six layers of the outer integument were unique in Catopsis and the three cell layers condition in the inner integument of Tillandsia should be a retained feature as it was also observed in Catopsis. Many characteristics in ovule morphology presented here have great systematic value for distinguishing genera of the Tillandsioideae. In addition, these features can also help in the understanding of ovule evolution in Bromeliaceae as a whole.