Improvements for observing Anthurium (Araceae) floral structures by light microscopy

Three major obstacles must be overcome in the anatomical study of Anthurium floral structure and embryo development including presence of mucilage, hardened carpel walls, and hardened seed coat in the developing fruit and seed. Fixation in 6% glutaraldehyde and 1% cetylpyridinium chloride in 0.05 M sodium cacodylate, pH 6.8, effectively fixed or removed mucilage from the locules of Anthurium andraeanum Hort. in spadices. This treatment enhanced infiltration of the embedding medium through the hardened carpel wall into the locule space and decreased the quantity and size of holes in the embedding block during sectioning. Specimens 16 weeks after pollination could be fixed, infiltrated, and observed without physical removal of the seed coat. Embryos may be excised from the seed at later stages without compromising embryo structure.