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The floral organogenesis of Koelreuteria bipinnata and its variety K. bipinnata var. integrifolia (Sapindaceae): evidence of floral constraints on the evolution of monosymmetry

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Abstract

The floral organogenesis and anatomy of Koelreuteria bipinnata and its variety K. bipinnata var. integrifolia (Sapindaceae) has been investigated to clarify the identity of the two taxa in relation to other species of Koelreuteria, and to understand the shift to monosymmetry in the genus. Although the floral development is highly similar, we found a number of striking differences. Flowers arise in thyrses, with lateral branches forming cincinni of 5–9 flowers. Sepals initiate in a spiral sequence. Five petals arise unidirectionally alternating to the sepals. The last formed petal and one stamen between sepals 3 and 5 are strongly delayed, appearing as a common primordium, while this petal is completely suppressed in var. integrifoliola. Eight stamens initiate sequentially, differ in size and partly precede the development of petals. The gynoecium develops as a triangular primordium on which three carpellary lobes become demarcated simultaneously. Placentation is axile. Septal slits occurring within the style are interpreted as a deep-reaching non-nectariferous extension of the stigma. The massive, oblique disk with crenate apex develops in an extrastaminal position, but is interrupted on the radius of the lost petal. Floral developmental evidence supports variety K. bipinnata var. integrifolia rather than being synonym of K. bipinnata. Floral development is compared with K. paniculata and is discussed in the context of floral evolution of Sapindaceae. Our study demonstrates the importance of developmental shifts on floral evolution. The triangular gynoecium has a strong spatial impact in obliquely reorganizing the symmetry of the flower. It is demonstrated that spatial constraints of calyx and ovary are responsible for the reduction in one of the petals, two stamens and a shift in symmetry of the flower.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31470008, 31360038). We are grateful to Xiao-Zhao ZHAO, Changsha Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, for assistance with the SEM, Frieda Christie, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, for assistance with the LM, and Xu-Li Wu, Hengyang Normal University, for helping us in collecting materials. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is supported by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services Division.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Life Sciences and Environment, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, 421008, China

    Limin Cao, Jianhui Liu & Qiong Lin

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, Scotland, UK

    Louis P. Ronse De Craene

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  1. Limin Cao
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  2. Jianhui Liu
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  4. Louis P. Ronse De Craene
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Correspondence to Louis P. Ronse De Craene.

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The authors declare that they do not have any commercial or associative interest that represents a conflict of interest in connection with the work submitted.

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Handling editor: Martin A. Lysak.

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Cao, L., Liu, J., Lin, Q. et al. The floral organogenesis of Koelreuteria bipinnata and its variety K. bipinnata var. integrifolia (Sapindaceae): evidence of floral constraints on the evolution of monosymmetry. Plant Syst Evol 304, 923–935 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-018-1519-y

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