Aspects of Floral Morphology and Development in the Seagrass Syringodium filiforme (Cymodoceaceae)

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Abstract
Inflorescences in S. filiforme are initially racemose and subsequently extensively cymose, with terminal units referred to as flowers. The species is dioecious. Each unit is normally enclosed by a pair of bracts which may subtend renewal shoots. The male flower consists of 4 pr of microsporangia which arise by equal subdivision of 2 lobes of the floral apex. Each pair of microsporangia is associated with a late-developing protuberance, which collectively fuse to form a perianth ridge, soon obscured by the enlarging microsporgania. The female flower is naked and consists of 2 carpels which arise separately on the floral apex. The carpel is initially peltate but matures as a closed structure with a single pendulous ovule and 2 styles. The homology of these structures with the parts of a normal flower is discussed and compared with several related genera [Lepilaena bilocularis, Alteinia filiformis and Vleisia aschersoniana] for which similar information is available.

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