Abstract
Premise of research. Anther glands display great morphological diversity and features with potential ecological and taxonomic value in the Mimosoideae group. The current knowledge about these glands is mainly based on external morphological observations, lacking data on the anatomy of the glands. A detailed anatomical study of the glands is a crucial step toward a more comprehensive understanding about these structures because it provides valuable information for further studies about their ontogeny, functions, and homology. Therefore, the goal of this study was to revisit anther gland anatomy in Mimosoideae species to provide a more detailed characterization.Methodology. We investigated anther glands from 25 species of Mimosoideae placed in different clades. Buds immediately preceding anthesis were collected and fixed in neutral buffered formalin solution. Anthers were removed and processed for surface and anatomical analyses.Pivotal results. We found four main types of anther glands in Mimosoideae. The general Piptadenia type is characterized by a stalked gland with rounded apex and includes three subtypes: Piptadenia, characterized by a gland composed of isodiametric cells; Adenanthera, a gland composed of one epidermal layer and isodiametric central cells; and Entada, composed of one epidermal layer that delimits a lumen. The Pentaclethra type is a robust gland composed of a palisade epidermal layer and isodiametric central cells, with vascularized stalk; the Prosopis africana type is a robust sessile and vascularized gland; and, finally, the Gagnebina type is an acuminate gland with elongated cells.Conclusions. The diversity of anther gland morphology lies in both external and anatomical features. Piptadenia subtype Piptadenia occurs in most of the studied species and likely is the common type for Mimosoideae. Glands with anatomical similarity occur in closely related groups, suggesting that the type of anther gland is a character with potential phylogenetic significance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
