# Patterns of Extrafloral Nectar Production in Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae: Caesalpinoideae)

## TL;DR

This paper studies how a plant produces nectar to attract ants for protection, finding that new leaves produce more nectar than older ones.

## Contribution

The study reveals that nectar production in new leaves is higher and not increased by regular removal, suggesting a fixed allocation strategy.

## Key findings

- Newly developed leaves have larger extrafloral nectaries and produce more nectar than older leaves.
- Nectar production does not increase with regular removal, indicating a non-plastic response.
- Nectar production may prioritize apical meristem areas to protect vulnerable plant tissues.

## Abstract

Chamaecrista fasciculata
develops extrafloral nectaries at the base of most of its leaves that attract a variety of insects, including ants that aid in defense against herbivores. Here, we show that the extrafloral nectaries on newly developed leaves are larger and produce more nectar than those on older leaves. In addition, we demonstrate that nectar production does not increase with regular nectar removal, as might be experienced with routine visitation by patrolling ants, suggesting that the mass of nectar produced by individual nectaries is not plastic in response to removal. It’s possible that plants prioritize producing nectar closer to their apical meristems to encourage ants to patrol and defend the full extent of their vegetative structures or to protect the tissues most vulnerable to herbivory.