THE FEMALE GAMETOPHYTE 



133 



lind in 1939c), and Albuca (Eunus, 1950) are essentially similar; and 

 in some Cucurbitaceae (Fig. 86^4) both the synergids become large 

 and prominent and seem to play an important role in the nutrition of 

 the embryo sac. 



Fig. 86. Modifications of synergids. A, Luffa acutangula, embryo sac, showing 

 extremely long synergids reaching down to level below middle of sac. {After 

 Kirkwood, 1905.) B, Limnanthes douglasii, embryo sac showing three-celled 

 embryo and persisting synergid. {After Fagerlind, 1939c.) C, Ursinia anthe- 

 moides, beak-shaped synergids protruding through micropyle. {After Dahlgren, 

 1924.) 



In none of the plants cited above do the synergids extend beyond 

 the limits of the embryo sac wall. This condition has so far been 

 noted to a pronounced extent only in the Compositae. Dahlgren 

 (1924) found that in Ursinea (Fig. 86C) and Calendula the synergids 

 elongate so much that their tips project to a considerable distance 

 into the micropyle and outside it, sometimes reaching as far as the 

 funiculus. 



Certain other reports of the occurrence of synergid haustoria, 



