Abstract
Organogenesis of the male reproductive structures of Myrica pilulifera, Gale, and Comptonia is compared. In M. pilulifera, which has a compound inflorescence, one to three stamens form in the axils of second-order bracts of the partial inflorescence. In Gale and Comptonia, which do not have compound inflorescences, four stamens arise simultaneously on the flank of the apex of the second-order axis. It is concluded that this defines a floral condition for the family. A model is proposed which explains the probable development of the floral condition from the inflorescence state more adequately than existing floral concepts. Hence, speculation of the phylogenetic status of this family is avoided. Similarly, it is not necessary to debate notions of an angiospermous archetype. Recent knowledge of the family is collated from various disciplines such as taxonomy, anatomy, and palaeobotany to provide a framework for assessing the significance of the discussion of the ‘flower’ vs. ‘inflorescence’ problem.
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