Development of the seed-cones Taxus canadensis in culture (Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden RAS, Moscow, Russia)

Abstract

The development of the seed-cones of Taxus canadensis was studied. Aril is multilayered. The seed coat is multi-layered, its structure changes during development. Initially, it consists of 33–35 layers of cells, and by the time of maturation they are reduced to 10 layers. A marker sign of changes of seed-cones structure is the appearance of an aril from under the scales. At this time, there is an active thickening of the cuticle of the epidermic cells of the seed, sclerenchymatization of zone I of mesotesta cells and obliteration of zone II, differentiation of cells in the chalaza area. The nucellus is reduced, the endosperm and embryo grow, and oil droplets appear in the cells of the endosperm. A week later, even greater differentiation of cells in the chalaza area starts and a rapid growth of the aril is observed during the week.