Calcium oxalate crystals during development of male and female gametophyte in Leucojum aestivum (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

In this study, calcium oxalate crystal content of Leucojum aestivum was investigated during its life cycle. Ca-oxalate crystals were observed in adventative roots and leaves in all life cycle of L. aestivum but they were seen in pedicel and tepals from budding to flowering stages. During sporogenesis, gametogenesis and mature embryo sac phase, crystals were observed in ovary, style and tepals. Ca-oxalate crystals were found only at pollen mitosis phase in anthers. It is established that calcium oxalate crystals were of the raphide type.