Ovule development in Cycads: observation on anatomy and nucellus morphology in Zamia and Cycas

In the ovule evolution, the integument is the most attention point in discussion as a morphologic character of the seed plants. There are several theories and hypotheses about the origin of the integument were presented in the history. However, the development and function of the ovule envelopes are not so clear until now. The development of thehe basal gymnosperms Cycas and Zamia were to investigated, especially of the integument to complement the existing knowledge in seed plants. The development of ovules of seed plant is documented with morphological and anatomical using LM and SEM. The nucellar beak found in Zamia is a structure that has not been recorded previously. It protrudes from the micropyle at pollination and may be the primary acceptor for pollen. There are striking similarities to the lagenostom or salpinx in Lyginopteridatae. There may be an evolutionary way to interpret the pollination drop existing in the Lyginopteridatae. Probably the nucellar beak of Cycads, even Ginkgoales have the same function with the lagenostom or salpinx of the Lyginopteridatea. Unfortunately, pollen and transport inside the pollination chambers have not been observed. Further analysis of this unusual structure seems to be very important.