ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Scarabaeidae
;
Palmae
;
Pollination
;
Brachysclereids
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The peach palm, Bactris gasipaes H.B.K., in Costa Rica, possesses unusual trichomes on the inflorescence epidermal surface. Certain cells of the trichome possess a thick, highly lignified cell wall and are consumed by the beetle Cyclocephala amazona L. before it ingests pollen from the same inflorescence. Chemical analyses show the trichome to possess no nutritive value. The thick-walled trichome cells pass intact through the beetle's digestive system, while ingested pollen is crushed. We suggest that the specialized plant cells function as gastroliths in the beetle's digestive tract.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00317493
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