6926 views

The flowering of Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)

This is the flowering process in Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae). For a long time Drimys was considered some kind of relict or "prototype" of the "primitive" plants. This view was likely supported by a set of features (vesselless wood, apocarpic gynoecium, etc) that today are interpreted as homoplasic. Phylogenetic analyses place Winteraceae well inside the Magnoliids. The flowers are strongly protogynous (flowers act as pollen receptors first and later as pollen-releasers). Notice that the perianth enlarges as the flower ages.

You need to login to download this video.
login or signup