Floral morphology and embryology of two Australian species of 'Citrus' (Rutaceae)

Abstract

The floral morphology and embryology of two species of Australian Citrus L. occurring in the most southerly range of the genus, 'C. australasica' F.Muell. and 'C. australis' (Mudie) Planchon, have been studied. Cytokinesis in the microsporocytes was simultaneous resulting in tetrahedral tetrads. Tapetal cells were bi- to multinucleate and unevenly one- or two-layered. Microspore development was frequently asynchronous. Anther wall consisted of a layer of endothecium, three to five middle layers and one or two layers of Secretory tapetum. The ovules were anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate. Although multiple sporogenous cells that grew into multiple megasporocytes were common, occurrence of twin or multiple gametophytes was rare. Development of the female gametophyte was of the Polygonum type, with antipodal cells frequently persisting until after fertilisation. Endosperm was of the Nuclear type while embryogeny was of the Onagrad type. Both integuments contributed to the seed coat. Cells of the outer layer of the testa developed fibrous thickenings and secreted mucilage. Seeds were monoembryonate and seed germination was hypogeal. The recent move incorporating Australian native citrus species in to the genus Citrus was supported on the grounds of close embryological similarities.