Anatomical observations on pistil morphogenesis and fertilization in salak (<i>Salacca wallichiana</i> C. Mart.)

Salak palms (Salacca spp.) are important fruit species in Southeast Asia, but the morphogenesis of their reproductive organs is unknown. To observe female gametogenesis, pistil S. wallichiana and subsequent fertilization were observed. The ovary contained three ovule primordia months before flowering (BF). one mono-nucleate megaspore at center degenerated megaspores on chalazal side two BF, a embryo sac (ES) month BF. nucellus enlarged, protruded beak-like from integuments, forming micropylar structure. was anatropous, unitegmic, crassinucellate. Three weeks ES 8-nucleate stage. Two an egg apparatus comprising egg-cell nucleus synergid nuclei developing side. central cell polar (PN). One week synergids became multi-nucleate multiple-PN dispersed ES. Several days PN again observed, remaining appeared to develop groups along wall. Antipodals existed day PN, after pollination (DAP), zygote primary endosperm occurred remained functional enlarged even fertilization. Four DAP thereafter, suspensor cells early side, multiple free nuclei. In wallichiana, likely indicates intermediate between Polygonum Oenothera types, suggesting unique development pattern among palms.