Structural Analysis of Reproductive Development in Staminate Flowers of Laurus nobilis L.

Abstract

Male (staminat) flower development, being separated in 8 phases, was investigated in Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae) through the usage of histological sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Flower development starts when apical meristem differentiates, followed by the conversion of this structure to floral meristem. Initial development phases comprise incidents similar to the ones of the female flower. 4 tepals and 8-10 stamens primordia develop through floral meristem in turn. In early stages of the development, sexual dimorphism occurs when the carpel primordium arrests. Filaments carry 2 nectaries in stamens which arise in 3 whorls. Anther wall consists of epidermis, endothecium, 2 or 3 middle layers and a single-layered glandular tapetum. Anthers are bisporangiate. Meiotic division is regular in pollen mother cells, and pollen grains do not contain aperture. Beside the pollen scattered individually within the pollen sacs, groups which contain some pollen tied to each other are rarely observed, as well. Pollen grains seldom germinate within microsporangium. Anthers are opened with 2 valves which widen from the base through the top. Accumulation of polysaccharides, lipids and proteins were identified by histochemical methods in stamens. These organic substances are greater within and around the vascular bundle compared to other tissues.