The development of the flower of Amelanchier alnifolia from initiation to the onset of anthesis is described. Sepals are formed sequentially, but interprimordial zonal growth results in the initiation of the hypanthium. Petals and stamens arise in whorls around the floral meristem as the hypanthium extends. They show neither coalescence nor adnation and do not appear to contribute to the development of the hypanthium. Gynoecial primordia arise individually, give rise to the styles and stigmas, and are joined basally by zonal growth to produce the roof of the ovary. The wall of the inferior ovary is interpreted as a gynoecial hypanthium. It is difficult to determine the extent to which the gynoecial primordia contribute to the development of the ovary. They do not give rise to most of its structure but may be responsible for the initiation of the ovules. There is evidence of postgenital fusion of the septal margins as they converge in the centre of the ovary. The timing of events in floral development is recorded for the locality of the study. The observations are discussed in relation to current theories concerning the nature of the inferior ovary. Key words: Amelanchier, flower, development, inferior ovary, hypanthium.
The morphology and development of the inflorescence of Amelanchier alnifolia, a potential fruit crop, are described. Although racemelike in appearance, the 8- to 12-flowered inflorescence is determinate, and the occasional branching of the basal member indicates its compound nature. This basal member in the axil of a foliage leaf frequently bears three to four bracteoles instead of the two characteristic of the remaining lateral flowers, and an arrested bud may be found in the axil of one or more of the bracteoles. The inflorescence is thus interpreted as a much reduced panicle. The phenology of inflorescence development in relation to seasonal shoot growth has been documented. Transformation of vegetative shoot apices to the flowering condition begins after the differentiation of a set of cataphylls and as the current fruit crop is ripening. It is marked by the accelerated formation of bract primordia with precocious axillary buds, culminating after about 2 weeks with the initiation of a terminal flower. Although the last to be formed, the terminal flower at all subsequent stages is equivalent in development to those at the base of the inflorescence. The buds in the axils of three to five bracts immediately below the terminal flower are arrested at an early stage and variation in inflorescence size may in part be due to variability in their development.
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