The position and structure of the nectary in spring heath (Erica carnea L.) flowers

Abstract

Ecological traits of Erica carnea L. flowers and the morphology of floral nectaries were investigated using stereoscopic, light and scanning electron microscopy. The nectary in the flowers of Erica carnea is located in the basal part of the ovary. It represents the gynoecial nectary type. It has the form of a yellow, ribbed ring with eight outgrowths, pointed towards the base, which alternately adjoin the stamen filaments. The height of the nectary is 400 µm and its thickness 200 - 250 µm. The parenchyma of the nectary is composed of 6 - 8 layers. Nectar secretion occurs through anomocytic stomata with a diameter of 17 µm. Guard cells are only found on the outgrowths of the nectary and they are situated most frequently at the level of other epidermal cells. During nectar secretion, a small degree of pore opening was observed. In the flowers of Erica carnea, secondary nectar presentation was found, with the nectar accumulating at the base of the fused corolla.