Floral resins of Philodendron adamantinum (Araceae): secretion, release and synchrony with pollinators

ABSTRACT Philodendron is the only genus of Araceae in which resin release occurs in the inflorescence. The resinous secretion adheres to the smooth body surface of the pollinating scarab beetles and allows attachment of pollen grains, making its transport possible. In order to understand the process of resin synthesis and release to the external environment, we used structural, ultrastructural and histochemical analyses at different stages of development of the inflorescences of Philodendron adamantinum. Two types of secretory canals were observed in the spathe: small caliber canals near the a...