FLORAL STRUCTURE OF LESQUERELLA-FENDLERI

The fine structures of the floral nectaries and stomata of Lesquerella fendleri (Brassicaceae), an emerging new oilseed crop, were determined using scanning electron microscopy. The external morphology of nectaries and their location relative to other floral structures are described. Most noteworthy is the discovery of stomata that are identical in appearance to those of the nectaries and uniformly dispersed along the entire style except immediately below the stigma where they occur in greater density. The distribution of these putative secretory structures suggests that they are involved in the pollination biology of the species. Somewhat dissimilar stomata, whose function is also unknown, were found on the ovary wall along the pericardial septum.