Modulation of anatomical adaptations of leaves of Avicennia schaueriana (Acanthaceae) by a galling Meunieriella (Cecidomyiidae)

摘要: Abstract Globoid leaf galls with an abaxial concavity are induced by undescribed species of Meunieriella Kieffer, 1909 (Cecidomyiidae) in Avicennia schaueriana Stapf & Leechm. ex Moldenke (Acanthaceae), a plant extremely adapted to mangroves. The gall-inducers may potentiate anatomical adaptations host plants for producing better shelter and food. We expected that some A. important adaptations, such as salt glands, were potentiated galls. Anatomical, histochemical histometric analyses non-galled leaves performed assess which adaptive features gall development. Epidermis was not significantly altered adaxial surface, the hypertrophy epidermal cells seems compensate increment surface area during Both outer inner compartments, separated sclerenchyma cap, maintain dorsiventral arrangement. In proliferated water-storage parenchyma occupies layers, followed palisade parenchyma, elongated spongy cells. Therefore, dorsiventrality is marked differential hyperplasia (predominant layers) cell Few layers small nutritive observed contact chamber, accumulating proteins, lipids, sugars. galling sp. can manipulate its own benefit, but have strong constraints ontogenesis, possibly due specific variable salinity flooding. function site ion accumulation, could increase bioaccumulation potential organ. boundaries plasticity, related environmental constraints, be determinant diversity.