Botanical aspects of Heteropterys umbellata (Malpighiaceae): a cytological and palynological approach.

ABSTRACT

The genus Heteropterys is one of the major genera in Malpighiaceae. However, few cytological and palynological studies were reported. The present work described for the first time the chromosome number, heterochromatin pattern, meiotic behavior, pollen viability and palynological aspects of Heteropterys ubellata, a very spread species. One large Brazilian population was evaluated using conventional techniques for meiotic studies and acetolyse to access the pollen morphology. The species showed 2n = 20 chromosomes, normal meiotic development and viable pollens. Great blocks of heterochromatin were observed around the centromers. DAPI staining was positive for centroeric heterochroatin, hile CMA3 ark as observed just at terinal regions of one pair of hoologues chromosomes. This result and the presence of one chromosome pair attached to the nucleoli during the pachytene and diakinesis suggested the presence of only one pair of NORs. Palynological analysis revealed that pollen grains are apolar, 6 porate and with colpoids associated to all pores. The pollen content was positive for the starch test, and the exine was rugulate with little psilate regions.