Tapetum character states: analytical keys for tapetum types and activities

Abstract

The different types of tapetum found in the spermatophyta are described, along with associated characters. The characters (taken singly, pairwise, or in multiple combinations) are (i) tapetum types; (ii) cell walls, tapetum types, and loculus; (iii) tapetal cells individually, tapetum types, and loculus; (iv) number of pollen grains enveloped by tapetal cells and type of pollen dispersing unit; (v) cell types and tapetum types; (vi) number of nuclei per cell and tapetum type; (vii) cycles of hyperactivity; (viii) exine formation; (ix) orbicles; (x) peritapetal membrane; (xi) plastid differentiation; (xii) stage of pollen development in which tapetal cells degenerate and type of pollen coat; (xiii) storage vacuoles; (xiv) sporophytic proteins; and (xv) devices of tapetal origin responsible for compound pollen formation and pollination. Examples are given and an analytical key of structural and functional diversity is provided as a helpful approach to the study of the tapetum. Key words: tapetum types, activities, pollen dispersing units.