Flowering
Flower arises as a flower primordium in an axillary or
terminal position. Primordium differentiates into a pedicel and the floral axis.
The floral leaves arise as the lateral appendages from the axis at the
successive nodes in the order of acropetal (produced in succession towards the
apex). These appendages arise in form of small protuberances called primordia and grow into various floral
organs. More commonly the process of development, from the outside towards the
center, is sepals, petals, stamens and carpels.
These primordia increase in size due to terminal and marginal growth in a nature
that is similar to that of vegetative leaves. The development of some areas (parts)
of the flower is complete by the time the flower opens, while in some, growth
continues even after the opening of the flower. For example, carpel (gynoecium)
continues in its growth as the ovary develops into a fruit.
Fruit growth
Fruits are ripened ovary, normally; a fruit develops from the ovary after
fertilization. The ovary wall
of the fruit nurtures the ripening changes and forms the fruit wall, called the
pericarp. The ovules then develop
into seeds. During ripening
(maturation), various structural, physiological and biochemical changes take
place in the fruit wall (ovary wall). Fertilization provides the adequate stimulus
necessary for initiating these changes. Some plant hormones are probably
released in the ovary by the pollen tube during fertilization. The mature fruit
may have one or more seeds. The pericarp at maturity may as well remain soft
and fleshy or may become dry. It may be dehiscent or indehiscent.
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| Flowering and fruit growth |
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