PECULIARITIES OF GYNOECIUM FORMATION IN <i>COCCYGANTHE FLOS-CUCULI (CARYOPHYLLACEAE)</i>
The gynoecium of Coccyganthe flos-cuculi (Caryophyllaceae) develops according to syncarpous-paracarpous variant at early stages. Later, it transforms into lysicarpous-syncarpous type. A star-shaped column is formed at the ovary centre. Intrusive angular placentae are arranged at the column. Placentation is central-angular (axile). A number of processes precede to the column isolation and lysicarpy development. First of all the septa cells increase and then their cytoplasm and nuclei are degenerated. Druses (probably calcium oxalate crystals) are accumulated in the degenerating cells, beginning from middle stages of the morphogenesis. The druses accumulated in the sterile areas of the ovary (lower syncarpous, upper paracarpous and apocarpous zones) disappear in the course of development. Through most of the ovary length, the cavities in septa are formed as a result of a gradual breaking down the cells with druses. The process of cell destruction goes in basipetal direction and affects the parenchyma cells first, and then epidermal layers. At the base of the ovary, septa are not destroyed and gynoecium remains syncarpous. The problems of gynoecium typification are discussed in accordance with static and dynamic approaches.