Keywords
photographs
surface texture
pollinators
electron microscopes
biological taxonomies
anthers
linearization
epiphytic orchids
terrestrial orchids
orchid pollination
Soconusco
high vacuum
How to Cite
Abstract
This is a report of a morphological study of the pollinaria and pollinia of 91 species of orchids native to the region of Soconusco in southeast Mexico. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to obtain details of forms and patterns. The 91 species are divided according to taxonomic groups into 4 sections for ease of management. The flowering dates for each species are presented, and the pollinaria and pollinia are characterized and compared using the following parameters: number of pollinia per pollinarium; size and shape of the individual pollinia; details of the caudicles (if present); size of stipe (if present); internal texture of the pollinia; size and form of the tetrads; and finally, the form, superficial exine layer and internal exine layer, of the surface tetrads. The data and images will be useful for taxonomic studies, for the identification of pollinaria carried by pollinating insects and birds, and for continuing research into the mechanisms of orchid pollination.
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