Thread–like formations in the anthers of Strelitzia reginae

In the dehiscent anthers of Strelitzia reginae Ait. thread–like formations occur among the pollen grains. The threads are derived from specialized epidermal cells in the stomium region. These cells are liberated from the normal epidermal cells and from each other along their radial walls. By remaining attached to each other along the transversal walls the cells form multicellular threads.
Storage products occur in the thread–forming cells as starch grains and protein crystals in plastids. After their release the threads lose these products and are strongly vacuolated. Finally their cell content disintegrates.