Microgramma squamulosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Suborder: Polypodiineae
Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Microgramma
Species:
M. squamulosa
Binomial name
Microgramma squamulosa
(Kaulf.) de la Sota, 1961

Microgramma squamulosa is an epiphytic fern endemic to Brazil, known for its interaction with certain gall-inducing organisms, specifically a moth from the Gelechiidae family.[1][2]

Morphology[3][4][5]

Stem

The fern exhibits a creeping stem which is densely covered with scales. The organization of the stem allows for clear distinctions between nodes and internodes.

Leaves

Leaves are present only on the dorsal side of the stem. A notable feature is the characteristic vein pattern visible on the leaves.

Roots

Adventitious roots emerge solely on the ventral side of the stem.

Gall formation

The term 'gall' refers to abnormal growths on plants resulting from the attacks of certain organisms.[5] Historical data suggests that such interactions between plants and arthropods have been occurring since the Devonian period.[6] The M. squamulosa fern has been studied for its susceptibility to gall formation due to gall-inducing organisms.[2]

Interactions with gall-inducing organisms[2]

While there are over 15,000 known types of galls found across various species like algae, fungi, and angiosperms, the primary inducer for M. squamulosa is an insect from the Gelechiidae family. This interaction results in the growth of galls, leading to significant changes in the fern's anatomy and structure.

Gall formation instigates changes in the M. squamulosa fern's vascular system. This involves the development of special nutritive tissues and the emergence of sclerified tissues surrounding the gall's larval chamber. These changes are hypothesized to serve as potential defense mechanisms against the invading gall-inducing organism.

The presence of galls on the M. squamulosa may play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. The formation of these galls might offer protection to the plant from the invading organism, but simultaneously, it may also provide a safeguard for the gall-inducing larva against potential predators.

References

  1. ↑ "Microgramma squamulosa". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
  2. 1 2 3 Kraus, Jane Elizabeth; Montenegro, Gloria; Kim, Aaron Julius (1993). "Morphological Studies on Entomogenous Stem Galls of Microgramma squamulosa (Kauf.) Sota (Polypodiaceae)". American Fern Journal. 83 (4): 120–128. doi:10.2307/1547588. ISSN 0002-8444. JSTOR 1547588.
  3. ↑ Bloch, R. (1965), Lang, Anton (ed.), "Abnormal development in plants: A survey", Differenzierung und Entwicklung / Differentiation and Development, Handbuch der Pflanzenphysiologie / Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 1803–1830, doi:10.1007/978-3-642-50088-6_43, ISBN 978-3-642-50088-6, retrieved 2023-09-03
  4. ↑ Kahl, Günter; Schell, Josef S. (2014-06-28). Molecular Biology of Plant Tumors. Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-4832-8195-7.
  5. 1 2 Mani, M. S. (2013-12-01). Ecology of Plant Galls. Springer. ISBN 978-94-017-6230-4.
  6. ↑ Scott, A. C.; Chaloner, W. G.; Paterson, S. (January 1985). "Evidence of pteridophyte–arthropod interactions in the fossil record". Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences. 86: 133–140. doi:10.1017/S0269727000008058. ISSN 2053-5910.


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