Observations on the Morphology, Pollination and Cultivation of Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica (J F Gmel.) Pers., Palmae)
Figure 5
Inflorescence structure of male L. maldivica. (a) Transverse section of fresh male inflorescence in situ on Curieuse Island, (b) four flowers at different stages of development, dissected from the same inflorescence branch, viewed with a dissecting microscope, (c) four anthers at different stages of development, roughly approximating to the development of the flowers in Figure 5(b), viewed with dissecting and compound microscope, (d) male flowers at anthesis in situ, showing anthers with apical pore for pollen release (these are more easily seen in the slightly less open flower, arrowed), (e) pollen grains on anther surface viewed under SEM, (f) single pollen grain viewed under SEM showing reticulate surface with pollen-kitt. Scale bars: (a) = 5 mm; (b) = 1 mm; (c) = 500 μm; (d) = 5 mm; (e) = 100 μm; (f) = 10 μm.
