Ontogeny and Organization of the Inflorescence in Balanophora

The locus of origin of the inflorescence in the tuber of BalanophoraJ.R. & G. Forst, is predetermined. A small nest of deep-seatedhypodermal cell-layers of the tuber, encircled by compositeconducting strands, becomes meristematic and organizes a morecompact club-shaped body. Its anterior broader end is sharplydelimited from the rest of the tuber tissue. One or two celllayers of the tuber abutting its broader end break down to forma lysigenous cavity that enlarges schizogenously. These changescoincide with cessation of growth of the composite conductingstrands. The inflorescence axis redifferentiates epidermal andhypodermal tissues prior to the initiation of flowers. The procambialsystem of the inflorescence originates from (1) the base ofthe inflorescence in the tuber and (2) the shoulder regionsof the composite conducting strands; the two extensively anastomosewith each other and yet remain wholly independent of the hostvasculature. Balanophora, inflorescence, ontogeny