The Floral Development and Embryogeny of Eriocaulon septangulare

Abstract

1. Eriocaulon gives evidence of derivation from a bisporangiate ancestor in that the pistillate and staminate flowers possess rudimentary stamens and pistil respectively. 2. The flower is tetracyclic. 3. The ovules are placed laterally upon the axis. 4. Four megaspores are produced, the innermost of which is fertile, but the others in a large number of ovules begin germination. 5. The embryo sac develops in the usual way. 6. "Double fertilization" occurs. 7. The embryo has no suspensor; its first division wall is transverse; quadrant, octant, and periclinal divisions follow; and no embryonic organs are recognizable in the ripe seed.