Inflorescence and Flower Initiation and Development in Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep (Zingiberaceae)

Accession number;05A0364405
Title;Inflorescence and Flower Initiation and Development in Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep (Zingiberaceae)
Author; FUKAI SEIICHI (Kagawa Univ., Kagawa, Jpn) UDOMDEE WARAPORN (Kagawa Univ., Kagawa, Jpn)
Journal Title;Japanese Journal of Tropical Agriculture
Journal Code:F0874A
ISSN:0021-5260
VOL.49;NO.1;PAGE.14-20(2005)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.5, REF.20
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;English
Abstract;Morphological development of inflorescence and floral organs of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep (Zingiberaceae), native to northern Thailand, was determined using a scanning electron microscope. Inflorescence of C. alismatifolia was a mixed inflorescence named thyrse; the main axis was indeterminate and secondary axes were determinate. Apex of the main axis produced primary bracts continuously. On the other hand, the apex of each axil produced secondary bracts and terminated in the first flower. The secondary bract subtended the secondary axis that terminated in the second flower. Tertiary and higher order bracts and flowers appeared similarly, leading to the formation of a cincinnus. The flowers underwent a petaloid transformation of the stamen (petaloid staminode), which is one of the characteristics of Zingiberaceae. The flowers consisted of a gamosepalous calyx, three petals, a polliniferous stamen, a labellum developed from two petaloid staminodes, two lateral petaloid staminodes, and a pistil. Ovule primordia had a lobed appendix that developed into a large seed aril. (author abst.)