Developmental anatomy of Ficus ingens syconia in relation to its wasp faunula

Syconial development in Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq., extends over a period of 70–80 days and displays the same basic pattern reported by earlier workers. Developmental anatomical observations of the different components of the syconium are presented. Following pollination, structural changes of gall and seed flowers differ and the implications of some of these are considered. Since hairs occur at different stages of development, speculations are presented on their role. In most instances, the anatomical changes could be related to wasp development and behaviour, thus highlighting the close mutualistic relationship that exists between figs and wasps. Die ontwikkeling van die sikonium van Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. duur vir ’n periode van 70–80 dae en vertoon dieselfde basiese patroon soos reeds vroeër deur ander werkers aangetoon. Waarnemings betreffende die ontwikkelingsanatomie van die verskillende dele van die sikonium word aangebied. Die strukturele veranderings in die gal- en saadvormende blomme nadat bestuiwing plaasgevind het verskil en die implikasies van sommige hiervan word bespreek. Weens die feit dat hare op verskeie stadiums van ontwikkeling ontstaan, word daar oor hulle rol gespekuleer. Die anatomiese veranderings hou in die meeste gevalle verband met die ontwikkeling en gedrag van wespe waardeur die noue mutualistiese verwantskap tussen vye en wespe beklemtoon word.