Unusual Cells in the Mesophyll Zone of the Leaves of Araucaria

Abstract

Examination of unusual cells in the mesophyll zone of Araucariaceae leaves has been made. These cells are confined to the genus Araucaria. The cells are characterized by the lack of cytoplasm and the presence of numerous partitions in the lumen. The partitions divide the cell lumen into compart- ments, and it is suggested that these cells be referred to as 'compartmented cells'. Histochemical tests indicate that the partitions are pectinous.