Ultrastructural Aspects of the Nectary Spur of Limodorum abortivum (L) Sw. (Orchidaceae)

The ultrastructure of the nectary spur of Limodorum abortivum(L) Sw. was examined before and after anthesis. In cross sectionthe nectary spur shows an internal epidermal layer of thin-walledcells bordering the secretory cavity and 10–12 layersof parenchyma cells. The ultrastructure of the secretory cellssuggests the involvement of ER, Golgi and plastids in nectarsecretion. The nectar accumulated in the sub-cuticular spaceis released into the nectariferous cavity by rupture of theouter layer of the cuticle. Limodorum abortivum (L) Sw., Orchidaceae, nectary spur, nectar secretion, ultrastructure, anthesis, endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes, plastids