The Structure Anomalous Secondary Growth of Stem in Gnetum montanum

In the stem of Gnetnm montanum Mgr. the general arrangement of various tissues and its pattern of secondary growth are very similar to those of angiosperms. The most conspicuous similarity lies in that the xylem contains vessels and the phloem, sieve elements and “companion ceils”. In climbing species of G. montanum, secondary growth initiates in s normal manner which is followed by the development of new combium at various loci among the parenehyms cells towards the periphery of each bundle. It does not initiate from the phloem parenchyma which is in agreement with the findings of Pearson (1929) and Maheshwari etc. (1961). Gradually these loci become incorporated into a continuous cylinder, producing a normally oriented ring of xylem and phloem separated by broad medullary rays. The growth of the first ring ceases at the commencement of the further formation of the outer, successive rings.