The root-tuber anatomy of Asphodelus aestivus

Sawidis, Thomas; Kalyva, Sofia; Delivopoulos, Stylianos G.

doi:10.1016/j.flora.2004.10.002

Cited by 31 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…(2) A. ramosus is a Mediterranean perennial geophyte, which can reach ages up to nine years (Diaz Lifante, 1996). It has thick tuber-like roots (up to 1.5 cm diameter), which tend grow laterally as well as in length, and grow within the first 15 cm of the soil in big clumps (Sawidis et al, 2005). (3) Herbaceous plants are composed of annuals and non-woody perennials (hemicryptophytes and geophytes), excluding A. ramosus (Boeken and Shachak, 1994).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controls on plant functional surface cover types along a precipitation gradient in the Negev Desert of Israel

Buis

Veldkamp

Boeken

et al. 2009

Journal of Arid Environments

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controls on plant functional surface cover types along a precipitation gradient in the Negev Desert of Israel

Buis

Veldkamp

Boeken

et al. 2009

Journal of Arid Environments

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“…The large amount of raphid idioblasts found in the cortex of the analysed rhizophores suggests an investment in an anti-herbivore strategy, as observed in the parenchyma of the tuberous roots of Asphodelus aestivus (Xanthorrhoeaceae) (Sawidis et al, 2005). In addition, because the rhizophore is an organ capable of expanding the rhizosphere and conferring resistance and vegetative propagation (Andreata and Menezes, 1999), it is understandable that the rhizophore accumulates large amounts of starch grains, such as the ones regularly found in the cortex and throughout the vascular cylinder of the structure in both studied species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Axillary bud and pericycle involved in the thickening process of the rhizophore nodes in Smilax species

et al. 2015

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The species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are widely used in folk medicine due to the antirheumatic properties of its underground structures. Smilax fluminensis and S. syphilitica occur in forested areas and form thickened stems called rhizophores from which adventitious roots grow. To provide information for more accurate identification of the commercialised product and for elucidating the process of stem thickening, a morphology and anatomy study of the underground organs of the two species was conducted. The adventitious roots differ in colour and diameter depending on the stage of development. They are white and have a larger diameter in the early stages of development, but as they grow, the adventitious roots become brown and have a smaller diameter due to the disintegration of the epidermis and virtually the entire cortex. In brown roots, the covering function is then performed by the lignified endodermis and the remaining walls of the cells from the last parenchyma cortical layer. These results are similar to those found in studies of other Smilax and suggest that the anatomy of the roots can be useful for identifying fraud in commercialised materials. The thickening process of the nodal regions of the rhizophores in both species involves the activity of axillary buds and pericyclic layers.Keywords: sarsaparilla, Smilax, underground system, rhizophore, anatomy.Gema axilar e periciclo envolvidos no processo de espessamento nodal do rizóforo em espécies de Smilax ResumoAs espécies de Smilax, conhecidas popularmente como salsaparrilha, são amplamente utilizadas na medicina tradicional devido às propriedades antirreumáticas das estruturas subterrâneas. Smilax fluminensis e S. syphilitica ocorrem em áreas florestais e formam caules espessados denominados rizóforos a partir dos quais são emitidas raízes adventícias. Com o intuito de fornecer informações para a identificação mais precisa do material comercializado e no entendimento do processo de espessamento do caule, foi realizado o estudo morfológico e anatômico dos órgãos subterrâneos das duas espécies. As raízes adventícias apresentam diferenças na coloração e no diâmetro dependendo da fase de desenvolvimento. As raízes nas fases iniciais do desenvolvimento são brancas e possuem diâmetro maior, porém com o desenvolvimento, devido à desintegração da epiderme e de praticamente todo o córtex, as raízes tornam-se marrons e de diâmetro menor. Nas raízes marrons, a função de revestimento passa a ser exercida pela endoderme lignificada e pelas paredes remanescentes das células da penúltima camada cortical. Os resultados são semelhantes aos encontrados nos estudos de outras Smilax e sugerem que a anatomia das raízes pode ser útil na identificação de fraudes em materiais comercializados. O processo de espessamento das regiões nodais dos rizóforos nas duas espécies envolve a atividade das gemas axilares e de camadas pericíclicas.

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“…One of the prominent features of the Mediterranean climate is its periodicity, to which A. aestivus is adapted by synchronizing its annual biological cycle (Pantis et al 1994). In A. aestivus, nectar production is supported by carbohydrate storing at the below-ground parts (Sawidis et al 2005). Changes of the nectary colour provide insects with a signal that no reward is offered by a particular flower, thus forcing the insect to seek reward elsewhere.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Under the term "Tsinisse", the root tubers of Asphodelus bulbosus, were used in eastern countries as mucilage and to adulterate powdered salep. The ultrastructure and function of A. aestivus root tubers have been recently studied in order to explain the abundance of this plant in the Mediterranean region (Sawidis et al 2005). Because of the importance of A. aestivus as a consistent component of the Mediterranean vegetation and its dominance over wide areas, we have undertaken several studies, which are focused on various features and processes in order to identify mechanisms that contribute to its remarkable distribution in the Mediterranean region.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The secretory glands of Asphodelus aestivus flower

Sawidis

Weryszko-Chmielewska²,

Anastasiou

et al. 2008

Biologia

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Various secretory glands are observed on Asphodelus aestivus flower, a common geophyte of Mediterranean type ecosystem. The floral nectary has the form of individual slits between the gynecium carpels (septal nectary). The septal slits extend downwards to the ascidiate zone of the carpels. The nectar is secreted by the epidermal cells of the slits, which differentiate into epithelial cells. The latter contain numerous organelles, among which endoplasmic reticulum elements and golgi bodies predominate. Nectar secretion results in an expansion of the space between the septa. The nectar becomes discharged through small holes on the ovary wall. Six closely packed stamens surround the ovary and bear numerous papillae at their basis. These papillae are actually osmophores, i.e. secretory structures responsible for the manufacture, secretion and dispersion of terpenic scent. A mucilage gland (obturator) exists between the lateral ovule and the ovary septa, giving a positive reaction with Schiff's reagent. This gland secretes a mucoproteinaceous product to nourish the pollen tube and to facilitate its penetration into the ovary.

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The root-tuber anatomy of Asphodelus aestivus

Cited by 31 publications

References 27 publications

Controls on plant functional surface cover types along a precipitation gradient in the Negev Desert of Israel

Controls on plant functional surface cover types along a precipitation gradient in the Negev Desert of Israel

Axillary bud and pericycle involved in the thickening process of the rhizophore nodes in Smilax species

The secretory glands of Asphodelus aestivus flower

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