YamPOLSKY: Study of OU palin. 147 



of the endosperm are dull white in color. When the endosperm is eut in 

 cross section it can be detected with tiie naked eye that the cells are 

 arranged in rows radiating from the periphery towards the center of the 

 kernel. This can be seen in Figures 130 and 131 Plate XVI and in Figure 

 144 plate XVll. In a tangential section (Figure 80, Plate IX) the cells are 

 polygonal in outline, they de not show a radial arrangement. The walls of 

 the cells are thick and the cells are in communication with their neighbors 

 on ail sides through pits in the wall (Figure 145, Plate XVll). The cells of 

 the endosperm in their structure are like the cells of the date, Phoenix 

 dactylifera described by Sachs (^') with this différence, namely the cell 

 walls between the pits are not so strongly developed. The présence of the 

 pits every where in the cell walls, allows for éasy movement in ail directions 

 so that sécrétions from the haustorium can readily find their way to 

 remote parts of the endosperm and movement of substances from the 

 endosperm to the haustorium likewise is facilitated. 



It has been previously stated that in the endosperm there are two 

 cavities, one in which the embryo lies the form of which follows the 

 outline of the embryo and the other in the center which in longitudinal 

 section of the kernel is seen as a fissure running up and down or as a 

 triangular opening in cross section. As a rule the two cavities are united by 

 a tiny canal, running from the base of the cavity of the embryo into the larger 

 one. This can be seen from Text Figure 57. Such an arrangement permits 

 a very rapid passage of substances from the embryo to the endosperm. The 

 cells of the endosperm do not end abruptly into thèse cavities. In the cavity 

 in which the embryo lies the ends of the radiating cell rows are bent back so 

 that they form a sort of felt zone lining the cavity. The cells of this 

 felt zone are for the main empty and crushed together so that they 

 can hardly be recognized as cells. The same holds true for the cell rows 

 entering the larger cavity. They too form a felt zone lining the cavity. 

 Occasionally where the cavity is rather large the frayed ends of the radiating 

 rows of cells are not bent back against the sides ofthe cavity but they mat 

 themselves half way into the cavity. 



In the mature state the cavity is devoid of any fluid. There is nothing 

 to correspond with the "milk" of the coco-nut. In fruits where the endo- 

 sperm is just beginning to grow and fill up the cavity within the already well 

 developed shell, that cavity is completely filled with a watery liquid. 

 Contrary to the condition in the coco-nut fruit where germination can take 

 place when the nut is hung up— the oil palm seed must hâve water before 

 it can proceed to germinate. The intercommunication between cavities and 

 the relation of the enbryo with the operculum aiso allows communication 

 with the exterior of the seed. This can aIso be seen in Text Figure 57. 

 The fibres emerging from the upper part of the operculum are in commu- 

 nication with the outside. There is no doubt that even when the fibres are 

 dead, water passes through them towards the embryo. 



