Abstract

The floral anatomy of four species of saprophytic orchids, Anoectochilus elatus, Aphyllorchis prainii, Galeola lindleyana and Epipogium roseum are described in detail. The double nature of the ovule bearing placental bundle is clearly demonstrated. A trend of increasing complexity of the vascular pattern in the perianth is seen in the derivation of the marginal traces of one whorl from those of the other and their anastomosis. Vestigial staminal traces are observed in Galeola lindleyana. Gynostemium is considered as an appendicular structure