The Origin of Epicotylary Meristem and Cotyledon in Halophila ovata Gaudich

The consensus of opinion of the organization of the monocotyledon embryo assumes a terminal origin of the cotyledon and a lateral origin of the shoot apex. Alternative views, although they are sporadic, have not received the attention they deserve. Details of the embryology of Halophila ovata show that both the epicotylary meristem and the cotyledon arise from one and the same terminal locus of the proembryo while the derivatives of the subterminal middle tier become incorporated into the hypocotyl region.