The structure of the salt gland of Aegiceras corniculatum.

The salt glands of Aegiceras corniculatum have been examined by light- and electron-microscope techniques. A gland consists of a large number of abutting secretory cells and a single, large basal cell. The secretory cells and basal cell are joined by well defined plasmodesmata. The glandular cuticle shows differences between the top and sides of the gland, which may indicate a variation in the nature or quality of wax deposited. These variations may be significant in the secretion process, in view of the lack of evidence for the presence of pores. In ultrastructure, the secretory cells are generally similar to others that have been described, though there is no evidence of any particular association of vacuoles within these cells.