The Developmental Morphology of Leea guineensis. II. Floral Development

Abstract

The floral development of Leea guineensis G. Don is described, using three-dimensional and histological observations. Inflorescences may be terminal or axillary. Axillary inflorescences, however, arise only in the axil of the uppermost leaf on the shoot in conjunction with a terminal inflorescence. Inflorescence branches are initiated spirally and are preceded by the formation of subtending bracts. Subsequent orders of branches arise as pairs of primordia, each at 90⚬ from the previous pair. The ultimate inflorescence pattern is a compound dichasium. Flowers are pentamerous. Sepals arise spirally. Petals arise simultaneously, alternate with the sepals, and are cucullate, valvate, and reflexed at anthesis. Stamens are petal-opposed. The anthers are connivent and hook over the floral disc prior to anthesis. At anthesis the anthers are reflexed and may appear extrorse. Pollen is tricolporate. The gynoecium arises as a ring primordium, from which three units are formed as the result of inward growth of three ...