Flower morphology and ontogeny of endemic Crataegus tanacetifolia (Lam.) Pers. (Rosaceae) from Turkey

Abstract

In this study, flower morphology and ontogeny of Turkish endemic Crataegus tanacetifolia Lam. Pers. (Rosaceae) were studied using stereo, light and scanning electron microscope. C. tanacetifolia has corymb type of inflorescence which bears 5-10 hermaphrodite flowers. The first sign in appearance of the flowers is the differentiation of apical meristem as a roundish bulge. It transforms into the floral meristem which gives rise to floral organ primordia in advanced stages. 20 stamen primordia differentiate as roundish bulge from the sides of floral meristem. Subsequently, the stamen primordia start stretching and differantiating into filaments and anthers respectively. After a short time of stamen initiation, 5 carpel primordia differentiate from the floral meristem. In following stages, the carpel primordia elongate and form an ovary with 5 loculi. During the ovary formation, 5 styles occur on the ovary and then stigmas evolve out of styles tips.