Corolla and androecium development in someEudesmia eucalypts (Myrtaceae)

Abstract

In the early stages of ontogeny, the corolline parts of theEudesmia eucalypts develop as compound structures directly comparable to the early stages of the petals ofAngophora and the bloodwood eucalypts, but with the onset of androecial formation a marked difference takes place. Rather than forming on the floral apex, the stamen primordia arise on the basal adaxial components of the young corolline parts; this basal component develops into the staminophore of the mature flower. The operculum consists only of the dorsal components of the corolline parts, the homologues of the “dorsal keels” of theAngophora petals. If the corolline parts remain more or less free in their early developmental stages, corresponding groups of stamens are produced. Early corolline continuity leads to a continuous ring of stamens. The staminophore is not an organ sui generis, but a derivative of the corolla. The bundles of stamens in some species are best referred to as epipetalous groups, not antepetalous fascicles.