The Use of a New Clearing Technique for the Study of Early Ovule Development, Megasporogenesis, and Megagametogenesis in Five Species of Cornus L.

The application of a new clearing technique proved successful for the study of ovule development, megasporogenesis, and megagametogenesis in Cornus asperifolia Michaux., C. stricta Lam., C. amomum Miller, C. florida L., and C. alternifolia L. These were the first studies of embryological features in C. asperifolia and C. stricta. Consistent features for both species include: slightly crassinucellate nucelli, megaspore mother cells, and equal dyads with the upper member obliquely aligned to the parietal cell. Alignment of nucelli of the 4‐nucleate megagametophyte is not the same for both species. More than one mature 8‐nucleate megagametophyte per nucellus was recorded for C. asperifolia. Embryological features not revealed in previous investigations of the other three species include: equal dyad cells for C. alternifolia and C. amomum, although disintegration of defunct megaspores is variable for both species; vacuole formation at the micropylar end at the 2‐nucleate stage of C. amomum; a 4‐nucleate stage in C. amomum and C. alternifolia with different alignments of nuclei; synergids that disintegrate rapidly in both species although antipodal shapes vary for each; and fusion of polar nuclei at varying locations within different species. A prominent hypostase is formed in all five species. Because of embryological features, it is recommended that C. forida be separated from the genus Cornus.