Lipoidal Labellar Secretions in Maxillaria Ruiz & Pav. (Orchidaceae)

Labellar secretions in Maxillaria

Labella of members of the Maxillaria acuminata alliance (Orchidaceae) secrete a wax-like or viscid material which is collected by bees. Davies et al. (pp. 439-446) describe the formation, secretion and chemical composition of this substance and discuss its possible relevance to the pollination biology of these orchids.