Germination of pollen inside anthers in some non-cleistogamous species

The occurrence of pollen grains germinated inside the anthers is described in eleven non-cleistogamous plant species systematically unrelated and with various ecological requirements. The germination process is similar to the normal one as it occurs on the stigma; pollen tubes are often covered by tryphine. Germination percentages inside the anthers vary, sometimes widely, both inter- and intra-specifically. The probable factors both causing and affecting this germination are discussed. © 1982 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.