Flower structure and development in Tupidanthus calyptratus (Araliaceae): an extreme case of polymery among asterids

Flowers of Tupidanthus show an extreme case of floral polymery among asterids. Floral development and gynoecium structure have been examined. The floral meristem has a complex folded shape. The tiny calyx is initiated as a continuous ring primordium. The corolla is initiated as a lobed ring and deve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plant systematics and evolution 2007-10, Vol.268 (1-4), p.209-234
Main Authors: Sokoloff, D. D, Oskolski, A. A, Remizowa, M. V, Nuraliev, M. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Araliaceae
Bracts
Calyx
Carpels
Corolla
development
evolution
Fasciation
Flowering
Flowers
Gynoecium
Meristems
Mutation
Pattern formation
Petals
polymery
Primordia
Schefflera
Stamens
Tupidanthus
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Summary:Flowers of Tupidanthus show an extreme case of floral polymery among asterids. Floral development and gynoecium structure have been examined. The floral meristem has a complex folded shape. The tiny calyx is initiated as a continuous ring primordium. The corolla is initiated as a lobed ring and develops into a calyptra. All stamen primordia appear simultaneously as a single whorl. The carpels, also in a single whorl, tend to alternate with the stamens. Some Schefflera species related to Tupidanthus are also studied. The flower of Tupidanthus is interpreted as a result of fasciation. Further investigation should determine whether mutation(s) in gene(s) of the CLAVATA family are responsible for the fasciation here. The significance of Tupidanthus for understanding spatial pattern formation in flowers of Araliaceae, and both functional and developmental constraints in angiosperm flowers with a single polymerous carpel whorl are discussed.
ISSN:0378-2697
1615-6110
2199-6881
DOI:10.1007/s00606-007-0559-5