The Transfer of Pollenkitt in Smyrnium perfoliatum (Apiaceae)

Abstract

In Smyrnium perfoliatum the formation of pollenkitt within a secretory tapetum, and the subsequent breakdown of the cell organelles, is followed by the transformation of pollenkitt lumps into pollenkitt droplets. These droplets move within a locular fluid towards the pollen exine, where they enter the exine cavities after passing a fibrillar layer (remnants of the primexine-matrix) in between the tectum elements. This is followed by the fusion of pollenkitt droplets, forming a distinct layer at the bottom of the exine cavities