Anthers black
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Title
Anthers black
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Definition
Anthers that look black at anthesis either because the anther is black or because the pollen is black.
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Notes
Black anthers are only known in Eschweilera micrantha in which they have been seen at full anthers. In other inviduals of this species the anthers are yellow as they are in most species of neotropical Lecythidaceae. The staminodes of the Lecythis sect. Pisonis group may turn black after the flowers have passed anthesis but this color change is not included in our definition of black anthers. In those species with this character, the staminodes produce sterile pollen that services as a reward to pollinators (generally bees).
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Related Terms
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