Morphology and Anatomy of Foliar Nectaries of Pithecellobium macradenium (Leguminosae)

The complex foliar nectaries of Pithecellobium macradenium Pittier represent one of the more highly specialized types of nectaries found in the Leguminosae. The vascular bundles that supply the nectaries are branches from adaxial bundles of a complex petiole or leaf-rachis supply. Small cupular glands occur on the rachides of the leaves, and each gland has a branched vascular supply with a discontinuous ring of supporting sclerenchyma. A large functional petiolar nectary is present, with its vasculature consisting of bifurcating veins that form an interrupted cylinder. A continuous ring of supporting sclerenchyma is peripheral to the vascular tissue. The secretory tissue of the nectaries is supplied by both phloem and xylem.