ABSTRACT:

The stigmatic surface of each lobe of Alocasia brisbanensis consisted of a head of closely packed vertical papillae 160-220(- 250) f.Lm long by (9.5-)11.4(-13.3) f.Lm wide, some tapering to 3.8-5.7 f.Lm wide towards the base, each unicellular with a rounded tip. Deterioration and disorganization of stigmas occurred with deliquescence after about Day 7 from unfurling. The styles were short (0.2-)0.3(-0.4) mm long, with scattered idioblasts and raphide bundles in an outer zone encircling an inner solid core with some vascular elements. Stigmas pressed gently onto clean, dry, glass slides left an imprint consisting of minute amorphous particles, and the stigmas are therefore tentatively classed as wet Group III. Sampling of attached and detached inflorescences via a trapdoor cut into the spathal chambers, as well as through the spathal gaps (using Quantofix (R) Peroxide 25 test sticks) indicated receptivity of the stigmas during the bud stage and gaping of the spathal limb, and even after closure of the gap.