Studies on Inferior Ovary of Some Selected Dicotyledonous Taxa

Abstract

A great attention has been focused by taxonomists on the ovary position with respect to the other parts of the flower. They take this position into account as a basic classification criterion of the flowering plants into minor categories "orders, families and genera". The nature of the inferior ovary is generally discussed on the basis of two theories; appendicular and axile "receptacular", the interpretation of the nature of inferior ovary is not easy to explain and the delimitations of the receptacular tissue is mostly impossible. Thus, the validity of using the anatomical method of flower buds in determining the nature of inferior ovary becomes of vital significance Sharawy (1995). In this work (17 species) belonging to 13 families are dealt with. Both the families and the taxa studied are arranged according to Melchior (1964). The flower buds of the studied taxa were s ally sectioned at 10-15 J.l. Drawings were made at bench level by the aid of a "Ken A vision Microprojector". In addition to the drawings, some photomicrographs of some sections were presented as documentation.