Figure 2

Early flower developmental landmarks. (A) Scanning electron microscopy image of a young inflorescence with the shoot meristem terminating into the inflorescence meristem, and the sympodial shoot meristem initiating the youngest leaf axil on the flank of the inflorescence, the youngest floral bud 1, and the second youngest bud 2 had also emerged from the inflorescence meristem. (B) Light microscopy image of a section from a young inflorescence showing the floral meristem, the youngest bud 1 and the third youngest bud 3. (C) Scanning electron microscopy images of a floral bud three days after flower initiation with sepal primordia, and (D) four days after floral initiation, with sepals enclosing over the floral meristem. (E) Light microscopy images of a section across two consecutive floral buds, three and four days after initiation, and (F) a floral bud six days after floral initiation, with petals and stamens emerging under the sepals. (G) Scanning electron microscopy images of floral buds at six days after floral initiation, with carpel primordia starting to emerge. The sepals were removed to visualize the developing petal, stamen and carpel. (H) Six days after floral initiation, with the central column rising and displaying the formation of the two locular cavities. (I) Seven days after floral initiation the carpel walls continue to elongate with the central column lagging behind. (J) Eight days after floral initiation, the ovary is closed and style has initiated. 1, youngest bud; 2, second youngest bud; 3, third youngest bud; 4, fourth youngest bud; IF, inflorescence meristem; SU, sympodial unit. Size bar in all images measure 50 μm.