In the present work, we update floral associations and geographical distribution for four species of Bombus present in Chile, two native (B. dahlbomii and B. funebris) and two introduced species (B. terrestris and B. ruderatus). We also examine possible associations among native or introduced bees with native or introduced plant species. We found a significant non-random plant association among non-native bumble bee species and non-native plant species. Because of the distributional overlap between B. dahlbomii with the two non-native bee species, it is likely that B. dahlbomii interacts with these non-native bees. Distribución geográfica y flora asociada de abejorros nativos (Bombus spp) e introducidos en Chile ResumenEn este trabajo actualizamos las asociaciones florales y la distribución geográfica de las cuatro especies de Bombus presentes en Chile, dos especies nativas (B. dahlbomii y B. funebris) y dos especies introducidas (B. terrestres y B. ruderatus). Examinamos las posibles asociaciones entre abejas nativas o introducidas con las especies nativas o introducidas de plantas. Encontramos una asociación significativa no aleatoria entre especies de abejorros introducidos con especies de plantas introducidas. El solapamiento de la distribución de B. dahlbomii con los abejorros introducidos es probable que se produzca por la relación entre estas especies.

Artículo de publicación ISIThe family Myrtaceae in Chile comprises 26 species in 10 genera. The species occur in a diverse range of environments including humid temperate forests, swamps, riparian habitats and coastal xeromorphic shrublands. Most of these species are either endemic to Chile or endemic to the humid temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. Although many taxa have very restricted distributions and are of conservation concern, little is known about their biology and vegetative anatomy. In this investigation, we describe and compare the leaf anatomy and micromorphology of all Chilean Myrtaceae using standard protocols for light and scanning electron microscopy. Leaf characters described here are related to epidermis, cuticle, papillae, stomata, hairs, mesophyll, crystals, secretory cavities and vascular system. Nearly all the species have a typical mesophytic leaf anatomy, but some species possess xerophytic characters such as double epidermis, hypodermis, pubescent leaves, thick adaxial epidermis and straight epidermal anticlinal walls, which correlate with the ecological distribution of the species. This is the first report on leaf anatomy and micromorphology in most of these species. We identified several leaf characters with potential taxonomic and ecological significance. Some combinations of leaf characters can reliably delimitate genera, while others are unique to some species. An identification key using micromorphological and anatomical characters is provided to distinguish genera and species

• Premise of the study: Here we propose a staining protocol using toluidine blue (TBO) and ruthenium red to reliably identify secondary compounds in the leaves of some species of Myrtaceae.• Methods and Results: Leaves of 10 species representing 10 different genera of Myrtaceae were processed and stained using five different combinations of ruthenium red and TBO. Optimal staining conditions were determined as 1 min of ruthenium red (0.05% aqueous) and 45 s of TBO (0.1% aqueous). Secondary compounds clearly identified under this treatment include mucilage in the mesophyll, polyphenols in the cuticle, lignin in fibers and xylem, tannins and carboxylated polysaccharides in the epidermis, and pectic substances in the primary cell walls.• Conclusions: Potential applications of this protocol include systematic, phytochemical, and ecological investigations in Myrtaceae. It might be applicable to other plant families rich in secondary compounds and could be used as a preliminary screening method for extraction of these elements.

Background: Ugni molinae Turcz. is one of the most studied species of South American Myrtaceae due to its edible fruits and foliar medicinal compounds. However, there is no anatomical study of the leaves or secretory cavities. This paper seeks to describe the leaf micromorphology and anatomy of the species using standard protocols for light and scanning electron microscopy. Secretory cavities were anatomically characterized in young and mature leaves. Histochemical staining of the cavities was performed. Results: The leaves of U. molinae are hypostomatic, have a wavy surface and possess scattered hairs. Leaf anatomical features include dorsiventral mesophyll, two to three layers of palisade parenchyma with abundant chloroplasts, calcium oxalate crystals and internal phloem in vascular bundles. Schizogenous secretory cavities are present on the abaxial surface and are mainly located on the margins of the leaves. Histochemical tests of these cavities suggest the presence of lipophilic substances.