Open AccessA Rudimentary Labellar Speculum in Cymbidium lowianum (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f. and Cymbidium devonianum Paxton (Orchidaceae)
Author(s) -
K. L. DAVIES,
Małgorzata Stpiczyńska,
Michael P. Turner
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
annals of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.567
H-Index - 176
eISSN - 1095-8290
pISSN - 0305-7364
DOI - 10.1093/aob/mcl065
Subject(s) - biology , cymbidium , tepal , botany , orchidaceae , pollinator , stamen , pollination , pollen
The labellar 'hairs' of some Cymbidium spp. are said to be thin-walled and to contain 'plasma', oil and sugars and it has long been speculated that they may function as food-hairs. However, the present authors' preliminary studies showed that certain atypical papillae may have a different role and, by reflecting light, function as a speculum. The purpose of the paper is to test this hypothesis.
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