Development of anther and sectile pollinium in Herminium lanceum (Thunb. ex Sw.) Vuijk-a massulate orchid

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1. Anther characters in orchids have a key role in the taxonomy, cladistic analysis and understanding the development and evolution of various characters. Herminium lanceum (Thunb. Ex Sw.) Vuijk lacks information about these characters, therefore was selected for the study._x000D_ 2. Anther primordium developed two thecae directed towards the lateral side. Archesporial cells through repeated mitotic divisions produced wedge-shaped, rectangular or triangular structures called massulae. _x000D_ 3. Anther wall was formed from the outer secondary parietal layer and inner secondary parietal layer, and made up of epidermis, endothecium, a middle layer and tapetum._x000D_ 4. In the center of each theca, a septum was formed that completely divided the anther theca into two microsporangia. Tapetum of dual origin was observed. _x000D_ 5. Cytokinesis was of the simultaneous type which produced isobilateral, tetrahedral, linear, T-shaped and decussate type of microspore tetrads. Ring- shaped fibrous thickenings were developed in the endothecium. _x000D_ 6. In each theca, septum degenerated during the development of male gametophyte. Massulae of two locules were united to the reticulum and formed bipartite sectile pollinium. _x000D_

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