Gametogenesis and seed development in Hereroa hesperantha (Dtr.) Dtr. et Schwant (Aizoaceae).

Abstract

Hereroa hesperantha belongs to the embryologically little known group of mesembryanthemums. The anther wall is four-layered, the innermost layer constituting the secretory tapetum with multinucleate cells. Prominent Ubisch granules dot the inner tangential and radial walls of the tapetal cells. Cytokinesis in the microspore mother cells is simultaneous, and either tetrahedral or decussate tetrads are formed. The mature pollen is three-celled.

The ovules are anacampylotropous, bitegminal, crassinucellar, and non-arillate. The need for employing a uniform terminology for ovular curvature in the Aizoaceae is stressed in view of the existing confusion. The ovules are borne on parietal placentae each of which bears an obturator. The archesporium is one- to many-celled, but only one cell functions. Sporadic cases of double megaspore tetrads and two-nucleate dyad cells were observed. The development of the female gametophyte conforms to the Polygonum type. The synergids and antipedal cells are short-lived.

The endosperm is of the Nuclear type and produces a weakly haustorial chalazal caecum. Perisperm takes over the function of endosperm in the mature seed. The embryogeny corresponds to the Solanad type. There is a massive suspensor with some multinucleate cells.

The mature seed coat resembles closely that of the Cactaceae and comprises the outer layer of the outer and inner layer of the inner integument, both of which become greatly enlarged and tanniniferous.

In features like the presence of staminodes and inferior ovary and the absence of aril, Hereroa differs from other Aizoaceae.