A flowering stem of Primula florindae at the stage of seed development,partially dissected.The picture shows phyllody - the process whereby the normal development of flowers is disrupted,giving rise to leaves. This can produce "green" flowers; e.g. by roses when each petal develops as a leaf.Here,some of the flower primordia in the centre of the inflorescence have developed into a single leaf. Normal flowers are borne on a pedicel (flower stalk,here cream,and later green). By contrast the leaves are borne on petioles ( leaf stalks ),which are reddish in hue here.The cause of a particular example of phyllody is difficult to determine. It may be due to environmental (climatic) factors. Many cases arise from infection by mycoplasmas - small pleiomorphic bacteria (in plants known as phytoplasmas). Such factors can alter plant hormone levels,resulting in developmental abnormality | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Bildgröße: | 3468 px × 5212 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |