Abstract:The microsporogenesis and development of male gametophyte in Tsoongiodendron odorum Chun were observed by using the paraffin section method. The anther was tetrasporangiate, originated from the stamen primordium. The anther wall was composed of epidermis, fibrous endothelium, middle layer (2~3 layers) and tapetum (1~2 layers). The middle layers became smaller at the tetrad stage, and disappeared at last. The tapetum was of glandular type, which degenerated to supply the nutrient to the pollens and finally disappeared when the pollens were mature. The primary sporogenous cells divided into the second sporogenous cells which would turn into microspore mother cells in a microsporangium. The cytokinesis in meiosis of the microspore mother cells was of modified simultaneous type, forming the decussate, isobilateral or T-shaped (rarely) tetrads. Mature pollen grains, which were dispersed at anthesis, were 2-celled type and degenerated seriously.
