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Gynostegium [ Botany ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

:
     
  (In Asclepiadaceae family)   The gynostegium is a characteristic and complex structure formed by the fusion of the stamens with the stigma.  
     
   
The gynostegium is a typical feature of members of the Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae).  It is a complex structure formed by the fusion of the stamens, styles, and stigmatic surfaces. The gynostegium is commonly provided with colourful and variously shaped appendages (see: Annulus, Corona) and along with the calyx and corolla contribute the give the flower some inimitable and distinctive shape that serve to lead insects to nectar cavity so that pollination is most likely to happen.

 

The gynostegium is also the most important factor used for Asclepiadaceae classification.
 

Compare with: Column (The central part of gynostegium formed by the fusion of the stamens only)


See also: Asclepiadaceae flower anatomy.

 


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Holdfast roots  [ Botany  ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

 
     
  Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.  
     
Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans),  develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994
     

 

 

 

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