Development of Female Gametophyte in Three Species of ChlorophytumKer Gawl. (Liliaceae).

The development of female gametophyte have been studied in three species of Chlorophytum (C. elatum C. heyneii and C.laxum) of tribe asphodeleae of Liliaceae. Embryo sac development conforms to the monosporic and polygonum type in all the three species. However, the organized mature embryo sac has a broader micropylar end and a narrow chalazal region in C. elatum and C. heynei, while in C. laxum. The chalazal end is broad and a lateral coecum is organized. These studies indicate that there is closer relationship among the 3 species. However, the shape of the embryo sac, the nature of egg apparatus, the antipodal cells and the location of secondary nucleus may be used to distinguish the species