THE EXTRAFLORAL NECTARIES IN THE SUBTRIBE CASSIINAE (CAESALFINIACEAE) OF PATNA DISTRICT.

摘要

Species with extrafloral or without extrafloral nectaries occur together in our area in many species of Senna Mill. Based on the position of extrafloral nectaries, the species of Senna Mill, are grouped into two types: 1. Species with nectar on the petiole, e.g.. Senna sophera and S. occidentalis, and 2. Species with nectaries between the leaflets, e.g., Senna tora and Senna surattensis. The extrafloral nectaries are minute, glistening and coloured outgrowths found at the adaxial surface of the leaves. These glands are structurally diverse in shape and number. Ants feed on nectar secreted by the foliar nectaries and intum protect the plants from being eaten by herbivores to exhibit mutualism.