FLORAL STRUCTURE OF LESQUERELLA-FENDLERI

The fine structures of the floral nectaries and stomata of Lesquerella fendleri (Brassicaceae), an emerging new oilseed crop, were determine d using scanning electron microscopy. The external morphology of necta ries and their location relative to other floral structures are descri bed. Most noteworthy is the discovery of stomata that are identical in appearance to those of the nectaries and uniformly dispersed along th e entire style except immediately below the stigma where they occur in greater density. The distribution of these putative secretory structu res suggests that they are involved in the pollination biology of the species. Somewhat dissimilar stomata, whose function is also unknown, were found on the ovary wall along the pericardial septum.