ABSTRACT
Connective-the sterile part of the anther joining all the microsporangia together. It is essentially an extension of the filament.
Connectives may vary in structure, shape and in the number of tissue layers present in them. In some species, the connective is very massive (Magnoliaceae, Eupomatiaceae, Degeneriaceae, Trapaceae, Brexiaceae), in others (which are many) it is not bulky, being sometimes represented by no more than a few tissue layers (Tetradiclidaceae). In some aquatic plants, air pockets occur between the cells of the connective (Zannichelliaceae). Occasionally, die connective develops multicellular outgrowths-placentoids-which grow into each microsporangium (Eames, 1961), thus giving a horseshoe-like appearance to the connective (Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae, Bignoniaceae, some members of Campanulaceae). These outgrowths may also originate at the septum between the microsporangia (Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae). The anther connective cells accumulate starch (Nandinaceae, Bignoniaceae), tannins (Escalloniaceae, Brexiaceae, Marantaceae), and calcium oxalate crystals (Peganaceae). Within the anther connective of some plants, specific storage cells occur which accumulate various substances: fats (Pittosporaceae), mucilage of polysaccharide nature (Nitrariaceae), etc.
