We studied the microsporogenesis in Tarenna gracilipes (Hayata) Ohwi, with special attention to the mode of exine deposition and tapetum development. We based this research on light (LM), scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations of developing anthers of T. gracilipes, from the microspore mother cell stage towards anther dehiscence. Evidence is supplied that the microsporogenesis in T. gracilipes can be considered as simultaneous. Columellae, foot layer and tectum develop in a fibrillar matrix. Similar with earlier studies in Rubiaceae species, a single white line formed near the plasmalemma in the extra-apertural region. The developing endexine dilated into several white line centered lamellae at the apertures. An... |