EN
Successive degradation of tissues in a strict order was observed in unfertilized ovules of the endemitic species Daphne arbuscula (Čelak) before flower drop. Cell death begins in the nucellus and inner integument in the vicinity of the vascular bundle terminal, proceeds in the outer integument and ends in the ovary wall. This successivity corresponds with that of programmed recycling described for senescing leaves of deciduous trees. In the extreme conditions of the D. arbuscula habitus, flowering is abundant but fertilization of ovules is relatively rare and seed set is low, so recycling of nutrients from tissues of unfertilized ovules should be expected as part of the life strategy of this species.