High-frequency in vitro flowering of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack

Shoots of orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata) a member of the Rutaceae family flowered in vitro on half-strength MT basal medium containing 5% sucrose. The highest percentage (95%) of flowering was obtained on medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l^–1 N⁶-benzyladenine and pH 5.7. A “floral gradient” was detected among the stem internodes and root segments derived from seedlings, with shoot and flower formation significantly influenced by position on the shoot internodes and root segments. Flower buds originating from shoots derived from seeds but not other tissues developed into normal flowers and produced zygotic embryos. Received: 10 December 1997 / Revision received: 5 November 1998 / Accepted: 2 December 1998