Morphology of secretory trichomes within the fig (Ficus) and their role in ovary development

Resumen

Ficus, the largest genus within the Moraceae family, is distinguished by its urn-shaped inflorescences, known as figs, which enclose the flowers. Various gland types, such as secretory trichomes, phenolic idioblasts, laticifers, osmophores, and colleters, have been observed within the fig, although their specific functions remain uncertain. This study aims to identify the glands responsible for producing the exudate that fills the fig's interior during the post-pollination and post-oviposition periods in four species: Ficus citrifolia, F. obtusiuscula, F. microcarpa, and F. religiosa. Anatomical and histochemical analyses of the figs revealed the presence of secretory trichomes at the base of ostiolar bracts, sepals, ovaries, and on the receptacle surface. Two types of trichomes were identified: (1) clustered trichomes with elongated, biseriate heads, containing four or more secretory cells of polysaccharides and phenolics, and (2) solitary trichomes with uniseriate heads, containing two or three phenolic cells. The morphology, location, and secretory content of the clustered trichomes indicate that they function as colleters, producing the internal exudate that likely lubricates the developing ovary, facilitating the formation of either fruit or gall. The solitary trichomes probably protect the ovaries from damage caused by wasps during pollination, oviposition, and mating.

 Citation: Pedersoli, G.D., Pereira, R.A.S. & Teixeira, S.P. 2025. Morphology of secretory trichomes within the fig (Ficus) and their role in ovary development. Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46 (Número especial 1): 118.

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Estructura, Fisiología y Desarrollo.