Abstract

The amount of insoluble carbohydrates in the shoot apical meristem of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. shows an annual periodic change. The accumulation of the insoluble carbohydrates starts in the early spring (February to March), reaches its maximum in April, then decreases gradually, reaching its lowest content in winter (January). A zonation pattern can be seen in the apical region based on both the cell lineage and the PAS distribution in most specimens. The zone of surface initials always contains more PAS granules than in the other cells of the promeristem. Though the apical zone of the winter collected materials had the lowest amount of PAS particles, yet the apical cell constantly contains more PAS stained particles than its neighboring cells. The significance of the apical cell is emphasized in the present report.