Growth of Corallorhiza maculata

Abstract

The initial growth of the scape (flowering shoot) of C. maculata was measured. The scape meristem at the base of the first internode was conjoined with that of the sheathing scale. Its growth constituted the elongation of the first stages of the scape. This depended upon growth-promoting substances in the basal region. The meristem was progressively pushed upward. Second and 3d scales arose successively from nodes on the scape and dried out. Their zone of growth was entirely basal. Solutes were then translocated upward through the active meristems by obscure mechanisms. The inflorescence pushed from the tip of the uppermost scale and was followed by flowers and seed-pods. The flowers opened only after their axis region of origin had ceased elongation.