Abstract
A detailed description of female reproductive structures inCrocus is given, using three different techniques: wax embedding and sectioning, SEM, and observation of cleared ovules by interference contrast microscopy. The results of this examination, and a chromosomal investigation of the intraspecific hybrids obtained by crossing specimens ofC. speciosus of different karyotypes, are used to test the hypothesis thatCrocus is apomictic. Although facultative diplospory cannot be entirely ruled out, it is suggested that apomixis is an unlikely explanation from the unusual amount of chromosomal variation found in some species ofCrocus, and alternative causes are discussed.
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