A study of ovule-to-seed development in <i>Ceratiosicyos</i> (Achariaceae) and the systematic position of the genus

Abstract

A light microscope study of developing ovules and seeds of Ceratiosicyos laevis (Thunb.) A.Meeuse was undertaken to aug­ ment an investigation of ovule and seed structure in Achariaceae. a tri-generic family comprising three species of herbaceous perennials endemic to southern Africa. Tests for myrmecochory suggest that seed of Ceratiosicyos Nees is not dispersed by ants like those of Acharia Thunb. and Guthriea Bolus. Structural differences include the absence of a raphal ridge and imbibition lid and the presence of long funicles and medium-sized embryos in Ceratiosicyos.

Keywords

• Achariaceae
• <i>Ceratiosicyos</i> Nees. embryology
• fringe layer
• sarcotesta. seed coat
• transfer cells