Botany · Ch 4 — Reproductive Morphology
Anther dehiscence
Anther dehiscence
Anther dehiscence is the process by which a mature anther splits open to release its pollen grains, and it happens in one of four ways. Longitudinal dehiscence occurs along a suture that runs parallel to the long axis of each anther lobe, as in Datura, China rose and cotton. Transverse dehiscence occurs at right angles to the anther lobe's long axis, as in the Malvaceae. Poricidal dehiscence occurs through small pores at one end of the thecae, as in the Ericaceae, Solanum, potato, brinjal and Cassia. Valvular dehiscence occurs throu …
What this figure shows. Four labelled anther cross-section panels: (A) Longitudinal dehiscence - a suture splitting open along the anther lobe's full length, parallel to its long axis (Datura, cotton). (B) Transverse dehiscence - a split running across the lobe at right angles to its long axis (Malvaceae). (C) Poricidal dehiscence - pollen grains shown escaping through a small terminal pore ('apical pore') at the tip of the lobe (Solanum). (D) Valvular dehiscence - a small hinged flap ('valve') shown lifte …