Origin, development and structure of spiny projections on the pericarp of Datura innoxia MILL

Abstract

The ornamentations called spines of Datura pericarp originate from the local active meristems of the subhypodermal tissue of the ovary wall. The complete development of the spine is traced here. The mature spine is composed of outer epidermis consisting trichomes. A zone beneath the epidermis is 2–3 layered chlorenchymatous cortex with intercellular spaces. The vascular skeleton of spine is branched and anastomosed; and connected at the base with the vascular cylinder of the mesocarp, so the spine is persistent with the pericarp. There are 1–3 vascular bundles in the spine tip. The parenchymatous pith in its basal and middle parts contains starch. The pith at the spine tip and the bundles in the entire spine become sclerenchymatic towards the maturity of the spine. Definition of spiny ornamentations is amended.

Germination Response of Datura stramonium L. to Different pH and Salinity Levels under Different Temperature Conditions

“…This is an annual species belonging to the Solanaceae family growing up to two metres in height. It can be branched, has large leaves shading the soil, and has easily recognizable white trumpet-like flowers, from which are formed fruits—spiny capsules—containing up to 30,000 dark, kidney-shaped seeds [ 5 , 8 ]. The origin of this species is disputable and there are many different citations in the literature.…”