Inflorescence and Floral Development in Pelargonium X hortorum

Abstract

Abstract Floral initiation and development in the hybrid geranium, Pelargonium X hortorum Bailey, were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Inflorescence initiation was marked by a raising of the apex followed by the formation of convex flower primordia. In floral development, 5 sepal primordia were delimited, closely followed by 5 petal primordia. Imbricate sepals enclosed the floral apex during later developmental stages. Five antesepalous, then 5 antepetalous stamen primordia were initiated. Five gynoecial primordia arose, forming a pentagonal ridge, carpellary lobes, and eventually an elongate style with stigma. Three of the antepetalous stamen primordia developed into filaform starninodia.