Myricaceae: floral hypothesis for Gale and Comptonia

Abstract

Organogenesis of the male reproductive structures of Myrica pilulifera, Gale and Comptonia is compared. In M. pilulifera, which has a compound inflorescence, 1-3 stamens form in the axils of 2nd-order bracts of the partial inflorescence. In Gale and Comptonia which do not have compound inflorescences, 4 stamens arise simultaneously on the flank of the apex of the 2nd-order axis. This defines a floral condition for the family. A model is proposed which explains the probable development of the floral condition from the inflorescence state more adequately than existing floral concepts. Hence, speculation of the phylogenetic status of this family is avoided. Similarly, it is not necessary to debate notions of an angiospermous archetype. Recent knowledge of the family is collated from various disciplines such as taxonomy, anatomy and palaeobotany to provide a framework for assessing the significance of the discussion of the flower vs. inflorescence problem.