Corona development and floral nectaries of Asclepiadeae (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae)

ABSTRACT Flowers of Asclepiadoideae are notable for possessing numerous nectaries and elaborate coronas, where nectar can accumulate but is not necessarily produced. Given the complexity and importance of these structures for reproduction, this study aimed to analyze the ontogeny of the corona, the structure and position of nectaries and the histochemistry of the nectar of species of Asclepiadeae. Two types of coronas were observed: androecial [C(is)] and corolline (Ca). The development of the C(is)-type of corona initiates opposite the stamens in all species examined with the exception of Mat...