Fruit development in eucalypts (Myrtaceae: Eucalypteae)

Abstract

Developmental anatomy of eucalypt flower buds from flower to mature fruits was investigated using light microscopy. Several important features contribute to the maturity of flower and fruit. The epidermis of the flower in many species is replaced by periderm in the fruit. Brachysclereid idioblasts develop in the parenchymatous zone beneath the epidermis; fibres develop from cambium-like activity in the vascular bundles located in the mid-region of the ovary wall; and cells adjacent to the locule lining mature as transversely oriented filiform sclereids. The initiation of these features in relation to anthesis varies among taxa, and this influences flower and fruit anatomy and morphology. In ..