Abstract
The structure of septal nectaries in <i>Asphodelus aestivus</i> flowers was investigated by using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (EM). It was found that the outlets of the three parts of the nectary were situated on the ovary surface at 2/3 of its height and had the shape of elongated openings. The nectariferous tissue was in the septa of the lower part of the ovary. The secretory tissue cells formed 1-3 layers surrounding the nectary slits. They contained thin cell walls with the cuticle layer from the slit side, large cell nuclei, numerous mitochondria and plastids characterised by various shapes. In plastids, small starch grains occurred sporadically. At the beginning of anthesis, the cells were poorly vacuolized. ER cisternae and secretory vesicles were located near the outer cell wall. Fibrous substance was present in the nectary slits. In the subglandular tissue, numerous starch grains occurred at the beginning of anthesis. In this zone, cells containing raphides and xylem elements were observed. Based on the ultrastructure of the nectary it can be stated that granulocrine nectar secretion occurs in <i>A. aestivus</i>.
Highlights
As concerns the pollen and nectar produced, species of the genus Asphodelus are included among valuable melliferous plants (Floris et al 1996; Lifante, 1996; Prota et al 1997).Asphodelus aestivus Brot. occurs in natural sites in South Europe countries where it can form single-species meadows
Abundantly secreted by A. aestivus flowers, is produced in nectaries located inside the ovary
Nectar secretion takes place through three outlets located at the 2/3 height of the ovary in the hollows between adjacent carpels (Figs. 1, 2)
Summary
As concerns the pollen and nectar produced, species of the genus Asphodelus are included among valuable melliferous plants (Floris et al 1996; Lifante , 1996; Prota et al 1997).Asphodelus aestivus Brot. occurs in natural sites in South Europe countries where it can form single-species meadows. Occurs in natural sites in South Europe countries where it can form single-species meadows. It is found in olive groves, open pine. El¿bieta Weryszko Chmielewska, Thomas Sawidis, Krystyna Piotrowska forests, on rocky slopes, seashores, waste ground and roadsides Root tubers of this plant are used as food for humans and animals (Sawidis et al 2005). Abundantly secreted by A. aestivus flowers, is produced in nectaries located inside the ovary. Septal nectaries in Asphodelus are situated in the septa of the trilocular ovary. They have the form of slits lined with glandular tissue forming the epithelium layer. Nectar produced in them gets outside through an outlet of a tubular nature, located on the surface of the ovary (E s a u , 1973)
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