BI266 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Primordium, The Terminal, Liliopsida
Document Summary
Flowers begin as embryonic primordium that develops into a bud. The terminal bud, - starts to develop a flower bud instead of vegetative growth. This bud - slowly swells with an undeveloped flower inside. When the bud reaches maximum size- it opens up, the flower uncurls from inside until it opens in full and the petals harden to the outside air. Flowers occur at tips of flower stalk- pedicels. An inflorescence may be defined as a cluster of flowers, all flowers arising from the main stem axis or peduncle. Receptacle - swollen end of peduncle or pedicel. Other parts of flower attached to receptacle in whorls: sepals, petals, stamens and pistil. Can be in different sizes, various colors, textures, odors. Corpse flower: an inflorescence of more than 2 m tall, protects smaller flowers within. Has an offensive smell and carrion beetles are attracted and act as pollinators. Very rare, less than 100 in recorded history.
