Abstract
Crepidium is a large genus of mainly pantropical orchids. The lips of its flowers are upwardly directed and do not serve as landing platforms for pollinators. This role is assumed by the dorsal sepal and/or gynostemium. Information about the pollination and floral morphology of this genus is scarce. To date, no papers have been published on these topics. Field observations have revealed that the flowers are visited by small flies, midges, fruit flies, other small dipterans, ants, spiders, and mites. Preliminary observations revealed at least two forms of small liquid droplets secreted on the lip surface of Crepidium species: simple secretions from epidermal cells, and cell sap released upon the rupturing of raphide-producing cells. Further research revealed that this was the first time liquid secretion was recorded in this genus. Floral secretions were subjected to sequential organic solvent extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Floral parts were investigated by means of scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and histochemical tests. The presence of liquid droplets on the lip of Crepidium, the presence of a food reward, and the sequence of raphide development are reported here for the first time.
Highlights
In terms of adaptations to different pollination syndromes, orchids are recognized as one of the most advanced plant families [1]
We investigated the floral parts and their role in pollination by means of scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, histochemistry, and floral autofluorescence
Flowers of C. hoi, C. metallicum, C. resupinatum, C. rheedii, C. tixieri, and C. taurinum become more intensely colored with time
Summary
In terms of adaptations to different pollination syndromes, orchids are recognized as one of the most advanced plant families [1]. These adaptations may include simple changes in flower shape or color, and more sophisticated modifications, such as imitating the shape and fragrance of a female bee This section contains nearly 90 species [1] (Figure 1), and its representatives are usually terrestrial, sometimes epiphytic or lithophytic plants that generally form fairly numerous and scattered colonies. Their rhizomes are elongated (the plants are well-spaced; e.g., C. distans (Schltr.) Szlach.) or abbreviated
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