Abstract: The senescent process of scales in Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. was observed by means of light and transmission electron microscopy. Several layers of parenchymal cells near the adaxial cortex degraded at the outset, forming a clear broken cell zone. The degradation of cell protoplasm proceeded actively and orderly. Dictyosomes and endoplasmic reticulums produced many vesicles which were of priority importance during the process of protoplasmic degradation and intercellular transport of the degraded products. The abundant plasmodesmata between cells provided an efficient channel for the intercellular transport.

Key words: Fritillaria thunbergii, Scale, Ultrastructure, Vesicle, Plasmodesma