Genus Heliotropium Research Articles

Pollen morphology of the Boraginaceae from Santa Catarina State (southern Brazil), with comments on the taxonomy of the family

Abstract The pollen morphology of 30 Boraginaceae taxa native to the Santa Catarina State was investigated by both light and scanning electron microscopy. The species were classified into nine pollen types on the basis of aperture characteristics and surface ornamentation. Sub-types were defined with regard to differences in shape, surface ornamentation and the number of apertures. The general agreement of these pollen types with taxonomic classifications was verified, with a few exceptions. An extensive re-evaluation of the systematics of the subfamily Heliotropioideae, especially of the genus Heliotropium, is suggested.

A new species of flea beetle (Alticinae) showing male‐biased feeding at withered Heliotropium plants

AbstractA new species of chrysomelid beetle from Kenya is described and named Gabonia gabriela Scherer. Microscopic peculiarities of the male antennae are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy. The males of G.gabriela are attracted to and feed at withered plants of the genus Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) at dusk. No females were found. It is assumed that feeding at Heliotropiumprovides pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), but the adaptive significance of the behaviour is not clear. The findings are discussed in the context of utilization of PAs by Lepidoptera.