Abstract Detail

Developmental and Structural Section

Nikolov, Lachezar [1], Endress, Peter K. [2], Matthews, Merran L. [3], Manickam, Sugumaran [4], Wong, Khoon-Meng  [4], Kramer, Elena M [5], Davis, III, Charles C. [6].

Floral Development of Rafflesiaceae.

Rafflesiaceae are an enigmatic family of three holoparasitic genera from Southeast Asia, whose members produce the world’s largest flowers. Despite their claim to fame, the reproductive morphology of Rafflesiaceae has been poorly known and difficult to reconcile with the stereotypical angiosperm groundplan. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that Rafflesiaceae originated from within a clade of tiny-flowered species (i.e., Euphorbiaceae sensu lato), which further adds to their mystery. We reconstruct the gynoecium and the androecium of Rafflesia cantleyi and Rhizanthes lowii from different developmental stages to make inferences about their development. We employ a comparative phylogenetic framework to discuss their evolutionary origins. Focal points of the study include the organization of the anthers and their connection to the vasculature of the outer floral organs, the nature of the pollen tube transmitting tract, and the organization and architecture of the ovary. Putative synapomorphies between Rafflesiaceae and their closest relatives, Peraceae and Euphorbiaceae s.str., will also be discussed.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Davis Laboratory

1 - Harvard University, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
2 - Universität Zürich, Institut für Systematische Botanik, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zürich, CH-8008, Schweiz
3 - University of Zurich, Institute of Systematic Botany, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zurich, ZH, 8008, Switzerland
4 - University of Malaya, Faculty of Science , Institute of Biological Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
5 - Harvard University, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 16 Divinity Ave, Biolabs 1109 , Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
6 - Harvard University, Department of Organismal and Evoloutionary Biology, 22 Divinity Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02138

Keywords:
Rafflesiaceae
floral evolution
gynoecium
androecium
floral development
Euphorbiaceae.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 29
Location: 551A/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 29012
Abstract ID:214