Gynophore

Sepals wider and gynophore shorter than Orthurus heterocarpus. 

Fig 11.8 A. celastrifolia, mature carpel. (A) Mature carpel with a gynophore, the ovary and a long style. (B) Stigmatic area of mature carpel with the outline of a polyad projected onto its surface. Note that the polyad covers almost the entire receptive surface of the style. (C) Mature ovary with many stomata on its surface (circles) and with a distinct basal gynophore. (D) Dissected ovary with seven ovules. (E) Detail of ovules. Note that only the outer integument and the nucellus are visible. Gyn= gynophore, 1 = outer integument, N = nucellus, O = ovule. Scale bars (A) = 1 mm (B) = 30 pm (C)-(E) = 200 pm. 

Jacobs WP (1951) Auxin relationships in an intercalary meristem further studies on the gynophore of Arachis hypogaea L. Am J Bot 38 307-310 Jacobs WP (1952) The role of auxin in differentiation of xylem around a wound. Am JBot 39 301-309... 

It has been identified also as useful for industrial applications. Unique is the maturing of the fruit 2-7 cm under the soil. This is caused by a needlelike tissue (the peg or gynophore), which develops and elongates quickly about a week after fertilization by a positive geotropism, thus growing into the soil. The peg protects the maturing ovary. 

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