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ROWENA M. O. GALE, SIMON J. OWENS, Cell distribution and surface morphology in petals, androecia and styles of Commelinaceae, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 87, Issue 3, October 1983, Pages 247–262, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1983.tb00993.x
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Abstract
Epidermal cell shape, distribution, surface topography and cuticular morphology in petals, androecia and styles of 10 species in the Commelinaceae are described. Petals of all species possess a basal area of elongated, straight-sided cells and an area of cells with sinuous, anticlinal walls. The degree of convolution of anticlinal wall and the length of cells varies between genera. The surface of cells in Aneilema, Commelina and Cyanotis are micropapillate. In all other genera they are low-domed. Cuticular surfaces of the three genera are smooth, while in the remainder heavily striated. The cells of stamens, staminodes, staminal hairs, and styles are variably elongated and straight-sided, their surfaces convex and cuticle striated. The degree of striation is less pronounced at the base of each organ but becomes more densely arrayed towards the apex. Petal pigments are located in upper epidermal cells in Tradescantia and Thyrsanthemum, in upper and lower epidermises in Dichorisandra and Commelina, and in both epidermises, and mesophyll of Aneilema. In most species pigmentation of androecium and style is similar to petals though often fainter at base and apex. Flavonols in the pigments give rise to spectral polmorphisms visible in longwave UV light. Epidermal adaptations for light capture in petals is compared to that in leaf structure.