J Syst Evol ›› 1995, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (4): 357-361.

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Fertilization and the Development of Embryo and Endosperm in an Endangered Plant—Ranalisma rostratum Stapf (Alismataceae)

Tian Hui-qiao, Chen Jia-kuan, Guo You-hao   

  • Published:1995-08-18

Abstract: Ranalisma rostratum Stapf is a rare and endangered species. This paper deals with the fertilization and the development of embryo and endosperm in this plant.The embryogenesis is of Caryophyllad type and the development of endosperm belongs to Heobial type.Before fertilization,the two polar nuclei are located respectively at both ends of embryo sac. In most angiosperms with two polar nuclei,the polar nuclei may fuse eiher before fertilization to form a secondary nucleus or during fertilization called triple fusion. In Ranalisma rostratum Stapf, however, it is found that only in case when the micropylar polar nucleus is fertilized,it can move to the chalazal end and fuse with the chalazal polar nucleus.This phenomenon is very rare and the process must take more time to fulfil fertilization both polar nuclei. This feature of fusion of polar nuclei is therefore thought as a primitive character from the view of phylogeny.

Key words: Ranalisma rostratum, Endangered plant, Fertilization, Embryogenesis, Endosperm formation