The Flower Structure and Anther Dehiscence of Wolffia arrhiza (Lemnaceae)

• Main Authors: Chang-Sheng Kuoh, Mei-Ju Yang, Gow-Ing Liao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Taiwan University 2000-03-01
• Series: Taiwania
• Subjects: Flower structure; Lemnaceae; Stomia; Wolffia
• Online Access: http://tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=249

Light and electron microscopic studies were undertaken on the flower structure and anther dehiscence of Wolffia arrhiza L. The anthesis is protogynous. The pistil and the stamen were located in dorsal flower cavity and the pistil protrude first. The inner structure of the pistil and the stamen described with special notes on the anther dehiscence line and the septal cells. The pistil is comprised of a concave stigma, a style and a unilocular ovary with one orthotropous ovule. The bitegumic ovule is covered with a secretary substance within the ovary. The stamen has a filament and bilobed monothecous anther. The tannin body in the stomial cells as well as stigma and style may act as a deterrent. Meanwhile, the uneven thickening of the septal walls and the massive central vacuole of the septal cells probably aid the dehiscence of the anther sac.