THE ROOT APEX OF MALVA SYLVESTRIS. I. STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The apical organization of the primary root of Malva sylvestris was analyzed at several growth stages, beginning with the embryo, to determine the structural changes that occurred during growth. Seeds were germinated, and plants were grown under controlled conditions. There were three discrete groups of initials in the embryonic root: those of the central cylinder, cortex, and secondary columella. The secondary columella initials consisted of a plate of cells flanked by a ring of cortical initials. The lateral portion of the rootcap shared a common origin with the epidermis. During growth both the initials of the secondary columella and outer cortex produced rootcap cells. The first indication of the outer cortical initials participating in rootcap formation was observed in roots 3 cm long. In 6-, 9-, and 16-cm roots the cellular continuity between the outer cortex and rootcap was marked, but in 23- and 33-cm roots the histogenic continuity between the outer cortex and rootcap was not evident. In all growth stages the initials of the central cylinder and inner cortex retained their histogenic integrity.