Fig Macula as a Key Multifunctional Structure Mediating the Fig-Fig Wasp Mutualism.

Simone Pádua Teixeira1, Jackeline Varanda Silva1,2, Vitor Cassius Santos1,2

  • 1Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil.

Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Fig maculae are specialized structures that support fig wasp pollination. These pigmented regions act as nectaries, regulate gas exchange, and cool the fig, ensuring wasp larval development.

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