Comparison of synandrium structure and development in three species from the Myristicaceae

Abstract

Species of Myristicaceae have diverse morphology and structure of their synandria, making them an interesting group for androecium evolution research. To clarify the morphology, structure, and origin of the synandrium, scanning electron microscopy and histology were performed on staminate flowers of Horsfieldia pandurifolia H.H.Hu, H. tetratepala C.Y.Wu & W.T.Wang, and Myristica fragrans Houtt. at different developmental stages. A whorl of stamen primordia was rapidly initiated around the margin of the floral apex in groups of two in H. pandurifolia and groups of three in M. fragrans. Each stamen primordium grew longitudinally, producing a pair of anther lobes and four microsporangia, accompanying one vascular bundle in H. pandurifolia and M. fragrans. In H. tetratepala, three stamen primordia groups were formed, and each group with several anthers was supported by one vascular bundle, indicating a secondary increase of stamen. Three types of synandrium origin were observed: in M. fragrans, the central sterile column tissues originated from the elongate receptacle; in H. pandurifolia and H. tetratepala they were derived from a combination of floral meristem and fused connectives, and a combination of receptacular tissue and stamen groups. The diverse origins of the central sterile column suggest that the synandrium develops differently and independently in different genera and species of Myristicaceae.