Sem based anatomical studies in Stipular extra floral Nectary tissues in Cassia alata Linn

Presently an attempt is made to get detailed information on anatomical architect of the nectariferous tissues present in the ventrally folded stipules in Cassia alata using Cross section of stipule and its SEM images. The anatomical studies revealed that nectar secreting tissues are present both on ventral and dorsal fold of the stipules located on both sides of petiole in C. alata. The cross section of the stipule show upper and lower ends made of epidermal tissues and secretary paranchymatous tissues in between. The paranchymatous cells are found to be loaded with nectar and spreading towards upper and lower epidermis. However, a closer observation on the SEM images it is noticed that amount of nectar is seen more on the lower end than upper side confirming the higher degree visitation of ants to the lower side of the stipule for nectar. The secretion is tested for sucrose using Benedict’s solution after hydrolyzing the nectar. The nectariferous cells are devoid of any intracellular bodies as found in other nectaries. Therefore, it is presumed that nectar oozes out either through pores in the epidermis or by rupturing epidermal layer. This aspect requires further SEM studies to find out the way out for the nectar.