Anterior hood extension

Title

Anterior hood extension

Definition

An extension of the ligule beyond the point where the androecial hood splits into two extensions, this extension is the uppermost division of the androecial hood split and extends forward from the split.

Notes

In species with an anterior hood extension, the ligule expands, either subapically or apically, and vestigial stamens and sometimes staminodes arise from that expansion. The vestigial stamens appear to be swept inward and sometimes the appendices are more or less fused and those that are free are often stalked (i.e., constricted at the point of their attachment). These features are limited to Bertholletia excelsa, the Lecythis chartacea, and the L. poiteaui (= Holopyxidium) clades. The morphology of the androecium of a species with an anterior hood extension from the proximal to the distal ends of the ligule is as follows: 1) staminal ring with fertile stamens, 2) appendage-free ligule, 3) beginning of androecial hood at the point from which the androecial appendages arise, 4) the posterior hood extension which possesses staminodes, vestigial stamens, or both, and 4) the anterior hood extension. In order to see the hood expansion and the anterior hood expansion make a medial longitudinal section through a flower. Drying the flower overnight often makes these features easier to see.

Related Terms

Androecium (pl. = androecia)

Ligule

Androecial hood

Posterior hood extension