Abstract:In order to understand the development process of rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, the microstructure and ultrastructure of Z. officinale rhizome at different developmental stages were studied under light and electron microscopes, and the developmental process of secretory cavities in rhizome was also observed. The results showed that there were cortex, endodermoid layer and central cylinder within epidermis in young rhizome. The secondary thickening meristem originated from the cells located in the outermost of the central cylinder. Cell division and enlargement resulted in the development of rhizome. There were a lot of starch grains in parenchyma cell, which varied in shape, size and number during the development. Secretory cavities were widely distributed in Zingiber. There were 3 stages during the whole development: the formation of original cell groups, the ontogenesis of secretory cavities and the formation of mature secretory cavities. The ginger essential oil mainly synthesized in the mitochondria, plastid and cytoplasm. This research supplied theory foundation for medicinal exploitation and utilization of Z. officinale.
