Term:
Posterior hood extension
Posterior hood extension
Definition:
An extension from the androecial hood split that gives rise to staminodes and/or vestigial stamens that are swept inward.
An extension from the androecial hood split that gives rise to staminodes and/or vestigial stamens that are swept inward.
Notes:
In species with an posterior ligular extension, the ligule splits 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 the Bertholletia excelsa, Lecythis chartacea, and the L. poiteaui (= Holopyxidium) clades. The morphology of the androecium of a species with an posterior 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) split of the androecial hood at the point from which the androecial appendages arise from a proximal hood expansion, and 4) anterior ligular extension. In order to see the hood expansion and the anterior hood expansion it is necessary to make a medial longitudinal section through a flower. Drying the flower overnight often makes these features easier to see.
In species with an posterior ligular extension, the ligule splits 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 the Bertholletia excelsa, Lecythis chartacea, and the L. poiteaui (= Holopyxidium) clades. The morphology of the androecium of a species with an posterior 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) split of the androecial hood at the point from which the androecial appendages arise from a proximal hood expansion, and 4) anterior ligular extension. In order to see the hood expansion and the anterior hood expansion it is necessary to make a medial longitudinal section through a flower. Drying the flower overnight often makes these features easier to see.