Some observations on the life history of Podocarpus falcatus

Abstract

Podocarpus falcatus (R.Br. ex Mirb.) belongs to the 1-year life cycle type of podocarp. Ripe seeds are shed 12–13 months after pollination. There is a single gynospore mother cell in a well-defined tapetum, and the inner spore of a linear tetrad is functional. Pollen tubes make contact with the developing female prothallus before the stage of free nuclear division is complete. They continue to grow downwards between it and the nucellus. There are several superficial archegonia, some of which may be enveloped by a common jacket layer. They are of intermediate length, and develop along the line of contact between the pollen tube and prothallus. The gynospore layer membrane remains thin at this point. Five free mitoses of the zygote nucleus take place, the first two in the mid archegonial area. The proembryonic nuclei become tiered with a low number in the embryonic layer. The embryonic cells have the usual binucleate phase followed by tetrad formation. Simple polyembryony is common, and though fission may occur it is not general.