Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Nucellus and Chalaza in monocotyledons: Structure and systematics

  • Published:
The Botanical Review Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The majority of monocotyledons are crassinucellate, including some early-branching taxa (sensu Chase et al., 1995a, 1995b) such asTofieldia, although Araceae are predominantly tenuinucellate. The tenuinucellate condition occurs in a taxonomically wide range of monocotyledons, and there is some congruence between this character and existing monocot topologies at higher levels. For example, present evidence indicates a few tenuinucellate asparagoid clades, including Alliaceae sensu stricto and Hypoxidaceae, possibly two tenuinucellate lilioid lineages, and at least two tenuinucellate commelinoid lineages.

Proximal nucellar structures arise from a multi-layered region of the ovule and include hypostase, enlarged dermal cells and conducting passage (Zuleitungsbahn), haustoria, postaments, podia, and perisperm. In some cases they may represent the same tissues at different developmental stages; in general the last three are seed structures. For example, a postament may be a resistant conducting passage from which the surrounding dermal cells have degenerated, or alternatively a resistant hypostase, although both are nucellar in origin. Such terminological confusions cause problems in establishing homologies. Several characters relating to the nucellus are outlined.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  • Alden, J. 1912. A contribution to the life history ofUvularia sessilifolia. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club.39: 439–446.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arekal, G. D. &C. D. Nagendran. 1975. Embryo sac ofHydrobryopsis sessilis (Podostemonaceae), origin, organization and significance. Bot. Notizbl.128:332–338.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnott, H. J. 1962. The seed, germination and seedling ofYucca. Univ. Calif. Pub!. Bot.35: 1–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ashurmetov, O. A. & S. S. Yengalycheva. In press. Anatomy of ovary and ovule structure inAllium crystallinum Vved. (Alliaceae). Bot. Jahrb. Syst.

  • Asplund, E. 1920. Studien uber die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Bluten einiger Valerianaceen. Konigl. Svenska Vet.-Akad. Handl.61:1–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aulbach-Smith, C. A. &J. M. Herr. 1984. Development of the ovule and female gametophyte inEustachys petraea andE. glauca (Poaceae). Amer. J. Bot.71:427–438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Batygina, T. B. 1994. Embryology of flowering plants. Terminology and concepts. Vol. 1. Generative organs of flower. World and Family, St. Petersburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &M. S. Yakolev. 1990. Comparative embryology of flowering plants. Vol. 5. Monocotyledons. Nauka, St. Petersburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, R. Y. 1962. Contribution to the comparative embryology of the Liliaceae:Scoliopus, Trillium, Paris andMedeola. Oslo University Press, Oslo.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1978. Development of ovule, embryo sac and endosperm inBrodiaea (Liliales). Nordic J. Bot.25: 1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1996. Development of ovule, embryo sac and endosperm inDipterostemon andDichelostemma (Alliaceae) relative to taxonomy. Amer. J. Bot.83: 790–801.

    Google Scholar 

  • Björnstad, I. N. 1970. Comparative embryology of Asparagoideae-Polygonatae, Liliaceae. Nytt. Mag. Bot.17:169–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boesewinkel, F. D. 1989. Ovule and seed development in Droseraceae. Acta Bot. Neerl.38:295–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bor, J. R. &F. Bouman. 1974. Development of the ovule and integuments inEuphorbia milii andCodiaeum variegatum. Phytomorphology24: 280–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &R. N. Kapil. 1975.Euphorbia geniculata—ovule to seed. Acta Bot. Neerl.24: 257–268.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouman, F. 1984. The ovule. Pages 123–153in B. M. John (ed.), Embryology of angiosperms. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. C. &H. L. Mogensen. 1972. Late ovule and early embryo development inQuercus gambelii. Amer. J. Bot.59:311–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Browne, E.T. 1961. Morphological studiesin Aletris. I. Development of the ovule, megaspores and megagametophyte ofAletris aurea and their connection with the systematics of the genus. Amer. J. Bot.48: 143–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buell, M. F. 1938. Embryogeny ofAcorus calamus. Bot. Gaz.99: 556–568.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, D. H. 1900. Studies on the Araceae. Ann. Bot.14:1–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1905. Studies on the Araceae III. Ann. Bot. 19:329–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capeletti, C. 1927. Processi degenerativi negli ovuli in seuito ad empedita fecondazione. Nuovo Giom. Bot. Ital., n.s.34:409–490.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cave, M. S. 1941. Megasporogenesis and embryo sac development inCalochortus. Amer. J. Bot.28: 390–394.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1952. Sporogenesis and gametogenesis inOdontostomum hartwegii Torr. Phytomorph.2: 210–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1955. Sporogenesis and the female gametophyte ofPhormium tenax. Phytomorph.5:247–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1966. The female gametophytes ofLapageria rosea andPhilesia magellanica. Gayana15: 25–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1967. The megagametophyte ofAndrocymbium. Phytomorphology17: 233–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1975. Embryological studiesof Stypandra (Liliaceae). Phytomorphology25:95–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chase, M. W. & many others. 1993. Phylogenetics of seed plants: an analysis of nucleotide sequences from the plastid generbcL. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard.80: 528–580.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,M. R. Duvall, H. G. Hills, J. G. Conran, A. V. Cox, L. E. Eguiarte, J. Hartwell, M. F. Fay, L. R. Caddick, K. M. Cameron &S. Hoot. 1995a. Molecular systematics of Lilianae. Pages 109–137in P. J. Rudall, P. J. Cribb, D. F. Cutler & C. J. Humphries (eds.), Monocotyledons: systematics and evolution. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,D. W. Stevenson, P. Wilkin &P. Rudall. 1995b. Monocot systematics: a combined analysis. Pages 685–730in P. J. Rudall, P. J. Cribb, D. F. Cutler & C. J. Humphries (eds.), Monocotyledons: systematics and evolutioa. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,P. J. Rudall &J. G. Conran. 1996. New circumscriptions and a new family of asparagoid lilies: genera formerly included inAnthericaceae. Kew Bulletin51: 667–680.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheah, C. H. &B. C. Stone. 1975. Embryo sac and microsporangium development inPandanus (Pandanaceae). Phytomorphology25:228–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coe, G. E. 1954. Distribution of carbon in ovules ofZephyranthes drummondii. Bot. Gaz.115:342–346.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dahlgren, K. V. O.1927. Die Morphologie des Nuzellus mit besonderer Berucksichtigung der deckzellosen Typen. Jahrb. Wiss. Bot.67: 347–426.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1939. Endosperm und Embryobildung beiZostera marina. Bot. Notizbl.1939: 607–615.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1940. Postamentbildung in den Embryosäcken der Angiospermen. Bot. Notizbl.1940:347–369

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlgren, R. M. T. 1975. The distribution of characters within an angiosperm system. I. Some embryological characters. Bot. Notizbl.128:181–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &H. T. Clifford. 1982. The monocotyledons—a comparative study. Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &A. M. Lu. 1985.Campynemanthe (Campynemaceae): morphology, microsporogenesis, early ovule ontogeny and relationships. Nordic J. Bot.5: 321–330.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. &P. F. Yeo. 1985. The families of the monocotyledons. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, G. L. 1966. Systematic embryology of the angiosperms. John Wiley, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Vos, M. P. 1949. The development of the ovule and the seed in the Hypoxideae. II. The generaPauridia Harv. andForbesia Ecklon. J. S. Afr. Bot.15: 13–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1950. Die ontwikkeling van die saadknop en saad byCyanella capensis L: “n geval van polyembryonie. S. Afr. J. Sci.46:220–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dutt, B. M. S. 1970. Comparative embryology of angiosperms: Haemodoraceae, Cyanastraceae, Amaryllidaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Velloziaceae. Bull. Indian Natn. Sci. Acad.41: 358–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • Endress, P. K. 1987. The Chloranthaceae: reproductive structures and phylogenetic position. Bot. Jahrb. Syst.109: 153–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1990. Evolution of reproductive structures and functions in primitive angiosperms (Magnoliidae). Mem. New York Bot. Gard.55: 5–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1994. Floral structure and evolution of primitive angiosperms: recent advances. Pl. Syst. Evol.192: 79–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engler, A. 1901. Beitrage zur Flora von Afrika XX: Berichte über die botanischen Ergebnisse der Nyassa-Secund Kinga-Gebirgs-Exped.,Cyanastraceae. Bot. Jahrb.28: 357.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eunus, A. M. 1950. Contributions to the embryology of the Liliaceae. I. Development of the embryo sac and endosperm ofAlbuca transvalensis Moss-Verdoom. J. Indian. Bot. Soc.29: 68–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1951. Contributions to the embryology of the Liliaceae. V. Life history ofAmaianthium muscaetoxicum Walt. Phytomorphology1: 73–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fagerlind, F. 1940. Stempelbau und Embryosackentwicklung bei einigen Pandanazeen. Ann. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg49: 55–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fay, M. &M. W. Chase. 1996. Resurrection of Themidaceae for theBrodiaea alliance, and recircumscription of Alliaceae, Amaryllidaceae and Agapanthoideae. Taxon45:441–451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fries, T. C. E. 1919. Der Samenbau beiCyanastrum. Svensk. Bot. Tidskr. 13:295–304.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gäumann, E. 1919. Studien über die Entwicklungsgeschichter eineger Saxifragales. Rec. D. Trav. Bot. Néerl.16:285–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldblatt, P. 1986. Systematics and relationships of the bigeneric Pacific family Campynemataceae (Liliales). Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat, Paris, ser. 4, 8, B, Adansonia 117–132.

  • Graven, P., C. G. De Koster, J. J. Boon &F. Bouman. 1996. Structure and macromolecular composition of the seed coat of the Musaceae. Ann. Bot.77:105–122.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grayum, M. H. 1991. Systematic embryology of the Araceae. Bot. Rev.57:167–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grootjen, C. J. 1983a. Development of ovule and seed in Marantaceae. Acta Bot. Neerl. 32:69–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1983b. Development of ovule and seed inCartonema spicatum R.Br. (Cartonemataceae). Austral. J. Bot.31:297–305.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &F. Bouman. 1988. Seed structure in Cannaceae: taxonomic and ecological implications. Ann. Bot.61:363–371.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grove, A. R. 1941. Morphological study ofAgave lechuguilla. Bot. Gaz.103: 354–365.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haberlandt, G. 1923. Zur embryologie vonAllium odorum. Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Gesell.41:174–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haeckel, I. 1930. Uber Iridaceen. Flora125:1–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamann, U. 1964. Embryologie und Systematik am Beispiel der Farinosae. Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Ges.77: 45–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1966. Embryologische, morphologisch—anatomische und systematische Untersuchungen an Philydraceen. Willdenowia 4: 1–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1975. Neue Untersuchungen zur Embryologie und Systematik der Centrolepidaceae. Bot. Jahrb. Syst.96:154–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1976. Hydatellaceae—a new family of Monocotyledoneae. New Zealand J. Bot.14:193–196.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haque, A. 1951. The embryo sac ofErythronium americamm. Bot. Gaz.112: 495–500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herr, J. M. 1995. The origin of the ovule. Amer. J. Bot.82: 547–564.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horner, H. T. &H. J. Arnott. 1966. Histochemical and ultrastructural study of pre-and postgerminatedYucca seeds. Bot. Gaz.127:48–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huss, H. A. 1906. Beitr ge zur Morphologie und Physiologie der Antopoden. Beih. Bot. Zbl.20:77–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jobansen, D. A. 1928. The hypostase: its presence in the ovule of Onagraceae. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.14: 710–713.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellogg, E. A. &H. P. Linder. 1995. Phylogeny of Poales. Pages 511–542in P. J. Rudall, P. J. Cribb, D. F. Cutler & C. J. Humphries (eds.), Monocotyledons: systematics and evolution. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kenton, A. &P. Rudall. 1987. An unusual case of complex-heterozygosity inGelasine azurea (Iridaceae), and its implications for reproductive biology. Evolutionary Trends in Plants1:95–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuo, J., H. Iizumi, B. E. Nilsen &K. Aioi. 1990. Fruit anatomy, seed germination and seedling development in the Japanese seagrassPhyllospadix (Zosteraceae). Aquatic Bot.37:229–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linder, H. P. &E. A. Kellogg. 1995. Phylogenetic patterns in the commelinid clade. Pages 473–496in P. J. Rudall, P. J. Cribb, D. F. Cutler & C. J. Humphries (eds.), Monocotyledons: systematics and evolution. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &P. Rudall. 1993. The megagametophyte inAnarthria and its relatives: systematic implications. Amer. J. Bot.80:1455–1464.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, A. M. 1985. Embryology and probable relationships ofEriospermum (Eriospermaceae). Nordic J. Bot.5: 229–240.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maheshwari, P. 1950. An introduction to the embryology of angiosperms. McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makde, K. H. 1981. Hypostase in Cyperaccae. Curr. Sci.50:421–422.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masand, P. &R. N. Kapil. 1966. Nutrition of the embryo sac and embryo—a morphological approach. Phytomorphology16: 158–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maze, J. &L. R. Bohm. 1973. Comparative embryologyof Stipa elmeri. Canad. J. Bot.51: 235–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menezes, N. L. de. 1976. Megasporogenése, megagametogenése e embriogenése em Velloziaceae. Bol. Bot., Univ. São Paulo4:41–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monteiro-Scanavacca, W. R. &S. C. Mazzoni. 1978. Embryological studies inLeiothrix fluitans (Mart.) Ruhl. (Eriocaulaceae). Revista Bras. Bot.1: 59–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mücke, M. 1908. Uber den Bau und die Entwicklung der Früchte und über die Herkunft vonAcorus calamus L. Bot. Zeit.66: 1–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Doblies, D. 1970. Über die Verwandtschaft vonTypha undSparganium in Inflorescenz-und Blütenbau. Bot. Jahrb. Syst.89:451–562.

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Doblies, U. 1969. Über die Blutenstände und Blüten sowie zur Embryologie vonSparganium. Bot. Jahrb. Syst.89: 359–450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nietsch, H. 1941. Zur systematischen Stellung vonCyanastrum. Ost. Bot. Z.90:31–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogura, H. 1964. On the embryo sac of two species ofTricyrtis. Sci. Rep. Tohoku Univ., ser. 4 (Biol.)30: 219–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oikawa, K. 1961. The embryo sac ofChionographis japonica Maxim. Sci. Rep. Tohoku Univ., ser 4 (Biol.)27:155–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ono, T. 1926. Embryologische Studien anHeloniopsis breviscapa. Sci. Rep. Tohoku Univ., ser. 4,2: 93–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1929. Embryologie der Liliaceae, mit besonderer Rucksicht auf die Endospermbildung. I. Melanthioideae und Aletroideae. Sci. Rep. Tohoku Univ., ser. 4,4:381–393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palm, B. 1915. Studien uber Konstruktionstypen und Entwicklungswege des Embryosackes der Angiospermen. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Stockholm.

  • Palser, B. F. 1975. The bases of angiosperm phylogeny: embryology. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard.62: 621–646.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pate, J. S. &B. E. S. Gunning. 1972. Transfer cells. Ann. Rev. Pl. Physiol.23:173–196.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pbilipson, W. R. 1974. Ovular morphology and the major classification of the dicotyledons. Bot. J. Linn. Soc.68: 89–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poole, A. L. 1952. The development of theNothofagus seed. Trans. Roy. Soc. New Zealand80: 207–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robbing, W. W. &H. A. Borthwick. 1925. Development of the seed ofAsparagus officinalis. Bot Gaz.80: 426–438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robertson, B. L. 1976. Embryology ofJubaeopsis caffra Becc: 2. Megasporangium, megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis. J. South African Bot.42:173–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rombach, S. 1911. Die entwicklung der Samenknospe bei den Crassulaceen. Rec. Trav. Bot. Néerl.8: 182–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rudall, P. J. 1990. Development of the ovule and megagametophyte inEcdeiocolea. Austral. Syst. Bot.3: 265–274.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1994. The ovule and embryo sac in Xanthorrhoeaceaesensu lato. Flora189:335–351.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &M. W. Chase. 1996. Systematics of Xanthorrhoeaceaesensu lato: evidence for polyphyly. Telopea6:629–647.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &L. Clark. 1992. The megagametophyte in Labiatae. Pages 65–84in R. M. Harley & T. R. Reynolds (eds.), Advances in Labiate Science. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &H. P. Linder 1988. The megagametophyte and nucellus in Restionaceae and Flagellariaceae. Amer. J. Bot.75:1777–1786.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,S. J. Owens &A. Y. Kenton. 1984. Embryology and breeding systems inCrocus (Iridaceae), a study in causes of chromosome variation. PL Syst. Evol.148:119–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • -,E. M. Engleman, L. Hansen & M. W. Chase. In press. Systematics and embryology ofHemiphylacus, Anemarrhena and Asparagaceae. PL Syst. Evol.

  • -,M. W. Chase, D. F. Cutler & J. Rusby. Submitted. Anatomical and molecular systematics of Asteliaceae and Hypoxidaceae. Bot. J. Linn. Soc.

  • Schlimbach, H. 1924. Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Samenanlagen und Samen der Amaryllidaceen imit Berucksichtigung des Wassergehaltes der Samen. Flora117:41–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schnarf, K. 1928. Über das Embryosackhaustorium beiAnthericum. Oesterr. Bot. Zeit.77: 287–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1971.Capsella embryogenesis: the chalazal proliferating tissue. J. Cell Sci.8:201–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinecke, H. &U. Hamann. 1989. Embryologisch-systematische Untersuchungen an Haemodoraceen. Bot. Jahrb. Syst.111:247–262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stenar, H. 1925. Embryologische Studien I. und II. II. Die Embryologie der Amaryllideen. Pages 79–195. Ph.D. dissertation, Uppsala.

  • —. 1927. Uber die Entwicklung des siebenkemigen Embryosackes beiGagea lutea Ker. nebst einigen Bemerkungen uber die Reduktions—teilung beiGagea minima Ker. Svensk Bot. Tidskr.21: 344–360.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1928. Zur Embryologie derVeratrum-und Anthericum-Gmppen. Bot. Notizbl.1928:357–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1932. Studien uber die Entwicklungsgeschichte vonNothoscordum fragrans Kunth undNothoscordum striatum Kunth. Svensk Bot. Tidskr.26:25–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1933. Zur embryologie derAgapanthus-Gruppe. Bot. Notizbl.1933: 520–530.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1952. Notes on the embryology and anatomyof Luzuriaga latifolia Poir. Acta Horti Berg.16: 219–232.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, D. W. &H. Loconte. 1995. Cladistic analysis of monocot families. Pages 543–578in P. J. Rudall, P. J. Cribb, D. F. Cutler & C. J. Humphries (eds.), Monocotyledons: systematics and evolution. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Google Scholar 

  • Subramanyam, K. &L. L. Narayana. 1972. Some aspects of the floral morphology and embryology ofFlagellaria indica Linn. Pages 211–217in Y S. Murty, B. M. Johri, H. Y M. Ram & T. M. Varghese (eds.), Advances in plant morphology. Sarita Prakashan, Meerut.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takaso, T. &F. Bouman. 1986. Ovule and seed ontogeny inGnetum gnemon L. Bot. Mag., Tokyo99: 241–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tieghem, P. van. 1866. Recherches sur la structure des Aroidees. Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., ser. 5,6:72–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1898. Structure de quelques ovules et parti qu’on en peut tirer am liorer la classification. J. Bot. (Paris)12: 197–220.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1901. L’oeuf des plantes consid re comme base de leur classification. Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., ser. 8,14:213–390.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilton, V. R. 1980a. The nucellar epidermis and micropyleof Ornithogalum caudatum (Liliaceae) with a review of these structures in other taxa. Canad. J. Bot.58:1872–1884.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1980b. Hypostase development inOrnithogalum caudatum (Liliaceae) and notes on other types of modifications in the chalaza of angiosperm ovules. Canad. J. Bot.58: 2059–2066.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varitchak, B. 1940. Le développement du sac embryonaire et le nombre des chromosomes chez la planteNarthecium scardicum Kosanin. Bull. Acad. Sci. Math. Nat. Belgrade6B: 97–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkateswarlu, J., P. Sarojni Devi &A. Nirmala. 1980. Embryological studies inEleutherine plicata Herb, andBelamcanda chinensis Lern. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (P1. Sci.).89: 361–367.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venturelli, M. &F. Bouman. 1986. Embryology and seed development inMayaca fluviatilis (Mayacaceae). Acta Bot. Neerl.35:497–516.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1988. Development of ovule and seed in Rapateaceae. Bot. J. Linn. Soc.97:267–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westermaier, M. 1890. Zur Embryologie der Phanerogamen, inbesondere uber die sogenannten Antipoden. Nova Acata d. Ksl. Leop. -Carol. Deutschen Akad. d Naturforscher 57.

  • —. 1897. Zur physiologie und morphologie der Angiospermen-Samenknospe. Beitr. Wiss. Bot.1: 255–280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiegand, K. M. 1900. The development of the embryo-sac in some monocotyledonous plants. Bot. Gaz.30:25–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilms, H. J. 1980. Development and composition of the spinach ovule. Acta Bot. Neerl.29:243–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, D. J. &L. Watson. 1970. The classification of dicotyledons: a study of the upper levels of the hierarchy. Austral. J. Bot.18:387–433.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu-fen, L. &S. Jia-Heng. 1990. The studies on embryology inFritillaria ussuriensis Maxim. Acad. Bot. Sin.32: 499–504.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB, Richmond, Surrey, UK

    Paula J. Rudall

Authors
  1. Paula J. Rudall
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rudall, P.J. The Nucellus and Chalaza in monocotyledons: Structure and systematics. Bot. Rev 63, 140–181 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02935930

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02935930

Keywords

Search

Navigation