Structure and cytochemistry of the pistil in Arachis hypogaea

Abstract

In Arachis hypogaea (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae), the stigma is of the dry papillate type. The papillae are multicellular and multiseriate. They are covered with a thin lining of pellicle which responds for proteins, non-specific esterases and acid phosphatases. The style is 3-6 cm long and hollow throughout its length. The stylar canal is bordered by a layer of canal cells. The canal cells in most of the stylar region are not glandular, they are vacuolate with scant cytoplasm. The canal cells at the base of the style, however, are glandular with dense cytoplasm and prominent nuclei. The structural features of the pistil of Arachis are discussed with those of other Papilionoideae.