Ontogeny of the translator inAsclepiadaceae s.str.

The ontogeny of the translator is analysed inFockea edulis, Pachycarpus dealbatus, andCalotropis procera. The three species show a similar basic pattern in the construction of the corpusculum. Each side wall consists of two originally separate flanks. In the primitive state (Fockea), these flanks remain separate throughout their development, only the two inner flanks fuse along their base. In the derived state, the two flanks on each side fuse to form solid side walls, and the corpusculum develops a floor by additional secretion. The primitive state of divided flanks is recapitulated in early ontogeny. InFockea, the pollinia are attached apically and dorsally to the outer flanks by means of unmoulded adhesive material; in more advanced translators, caudicles are inserted as new elements between the outer flanks and the pollinia. The caudicles are attached to the lower part of the corpusculum. Within the four tribes of the family, many species have retained parts of the primitive structure in their corpuscula. Flanks divided in the lower part of the corpusculum and caudicles attached dorsally to the outer flanks seem to be common inMarsdenieae andStapelieae. InAsclepiadeae andGonolobeae the side walls are solid throughout the length of the corpusculum. — The question of cellular mechanisms underlying the formation of the translator is discussed. In all probability, the main factor responsible for the complex structure of the corpusculum is a differential secretory activity of the glandular field. This, in turn, points to differential genetic activity as a regulating factor of the ontogeny of the translator.