Localization of Starch in the Base of Narcissus Leaves

The localization of starch in the leaves and flower stalk ofNarcissus tazetta is related to stages of development includingleaf abscission. Starch begins to appear in the newly vacuolatedparenchyma of the leaf primordia when primordia are about 0.5mm in length, and becomes localized in the leaf bases at theonset of differentiation into sheath and blade. The part playedby the intercalary meristems as a physiological and anatomicalbarrier to the distribution of starch in these organs is stressed,and the possible mechanism is discussed.