Structure and Function of the Stigma in Relation to the Germinative Requirements of the Pollen in the Easter Lily

Stigma of Easter Lily is papillate. Over the surface of the papillae a mucilaginous layer is formed and from this mucilaginous layer the pollen absorbs the requisite amount of water for germination. The papillae and nearly all cells of the stigma previous to the opening of the flower contain much starch which is transported from cell to cell chiefly in the form of dextrin. As the starch disappears in the papillae the mucilage appears on the outside of their walls. The pollen germinates on almost any media or in almost any solution that furnishes the required amount of water