Research articles
ScienceAsia 46 (2020): 657-664 |doi:
10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2020.080
Visualization of micromorphology of petal epidermal
features of waxy and velvety flowers in Phalaenopsis
Wenfang Xiao, Zuo Li*, Heming Chen, Fubing Lv*
ABSTRACT: Phalaenopsis, also known as moth orchids, are well known for their use as potted plants and high-grade cut
flowers. The flower petals of Phalaenopsis have two specific natural textures, waxy and velvety. In order to look for the
factors that affect the flower petal textures, in this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy
were used to observed, compared, and analyzed the cell shape and arrangement of petal epidermal cells among seven
samples from Orchidaceae family, including six Phalaenopsis cultivars of different colors and optical textures, and one
Paphiopedilum sample as the out-group. The observational results revealed that waxy petals were formed by parallel
and tight arrangement of flat epidermal cells with relatively thick and smooth cuticles, whereas soft (velvety) petals
were formed by independent and loose arrangement of conical epidermal cells with thin cuticles. This research showed
that the petal epidermal cell structure and arrangement and the accumulation of cuticles directly affect the petal texture
of Phalaenopsis germplasm, but not strongly relate to germplasm sources, floral color, floral stripe color, and floral size.
The study could provide basic information for further studies on floral texture formation mechanisms in Phalaenopsis,
and could provide more insight and evidence for directional breeding of ornamental traits in orchid.
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Guangdong Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization,
Environmental Horticulture Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou
510640 China |
* Corresponding author, E-mail: lizuo8375@126.com, lvfubing@gdaas.cn
Received 10 Feb 2020, Accepted 3 Sep 2020
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