Embryology of Calypso bulbosa. II. Embryo development

Calypso bulbosa is a terrestrial orchid that grows in north temperate regions. After fertilization, the zygote enlarges and grows towards the chalazal end of the embryo sac. An unequal cell division gives rise to a smaller terminal cell and a larger basal cell. A constriction forms in the basal cell. Further growth results in a U-shaped embryo. Two patterns of initial terminal cell division have been observed. In a majority of developing embryos, the terminal cell first divides periclinally and then anticlinally. In approximately 5% of the embryos, the initial division of the terminal cell is anticlinal. Despite differences in early cell division patterns, subsequent embryo development is the same. The suspensor consists of a large, highly vacuolated basal cell and a 4-celled filamentous region. Highly conspicuous starch granules are present within the basal cell of the suspensor. At maturity, the embryo proper is small, consisting of approximately 24 cells and lacking marked differentiation of the apical end. Starch and lipid are the main storage products within the embryo proper. Key words: Calypso orchids, embryo development, suspensor.