Cytological Studies in Rhopalostylis Sapida (G. Forst.) Wendl. and Drude

Abstract

The karyotype of Rhopalostylis sapida was analyzed; the chromosomes are relatively small and most of them (75%) are of the median/submedian category. Budding of the nucleolus occurs during prophase I. The free nuclei of the endosperm was studied with the Nomarski interference contrast optics. They divide mitotically and there is no evidence of endopolyploidy; the chromosome count conforms to the expected 3n = 48 value. But during mitosis of the free nuclei, anaphase aberration, such as fragmentation occurs. Studies of pollen grains, pollen tube mitosis, and the effect of calcium and boron on pollen germination were also attempted. Boric acid enhances the germination of R. sapida pollen in vitro.