|
We investigated the relationship between the mitotic action of floral meristems and the development of floral organs in single (normal) and proliferous flowers of Hisbiscus syriacus. Center of dome-shaped floral meristems, in single flowers became invaginated, and consequently turned into cup-shaped as the petal primordium developed further. Floral meristems widened the most in diameter at carpel initiation stage, and then gradually diminished in size and eventually disappeared. Mitotic action was also the highest right before the differentiation of carpels. In proliferous flowers, the developmental patterns of the floral meristems were similar to those of single flowers up to carpel (petaloid) initiation stage. The width and mitotic action of invaginated floral meristems in proliferous flowers, however, remained unchanged even after the initiation of carpels, which resulted in the development of numerous abnormal secondary floral organs (petaloids).
|