Remains of secretory cavities in pinnules of Stephanian pteridosperms fromBlanzy-Montceau (Central France): a comparative study

Authors
Citation
M. Krings, Remains of secretory cavities in pinnules of Stephanian pteridosperms fromBlanzy-Montceau (Central France): a comparative study, BOTAN J LIN, 132(4), 2000, pp. 369-383
Citations number
39
Categorie Soggetti
Plant Sciences
Journal title
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
ISSN journal
00244074 → ACNP
Volume
132
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
369 - 383
Database
ISI
SICI code
0024-4074(200004)132:4<369:ROSCIP>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
Remains of secretory: cavities, so-called resin or secretion bodies, in pin nules of Stephanian pteridosperms from the Blanzy-Montceau Basin (Central F rance) are examined from cuticles of four species: Dicksonites leptophylla, D. plurkenetii, Pseuodomariopteris paleaui, and ribeyronii. The distributi on of the secretion bodies in pinnules may be (1) simple and in consistent patterns, (2) random, but topographically unequal, or (3) completely random . Differences in the morphology of the bodies may be related to different m odes of development of the secretory cavities, i.e. schizogenous or (schizo -)lysigenous development. The value of using these features in fossil plant taxonomy is discussed. Finally, some comments on possible ecological funct ions of the secretion of lipophilic substances in pteridosperm pinnules are suggested. The secretion of lipophilic substances is abundant among taxa w ith a vine-like life-form, and this may be related to special demands on pr otection of climbing or scrambling plants. (C) 2000 The Linnean Society of London.