Floral development and anatomy of Dirachma socotrana, (Dirachmaceae): a controversial member of the Rosales

The floral development and anatomy of Dirachma has been investigated with SEM and LM to discuss the relationship of Dirachmaceae with putative sister taxa (e.g. Rhamnaceae, Malvaceae, Barbeyaceae, Elaeagnaceae) on the basis of morphological synapomorphies. Flowers are initiated in axillary position on terminal branches. An epicalyx consisting of six to eight bracteoles surrounds the valvate calyx. Petal initiation is strongly retarded and primordia arise independently opposite the stamen primordia. The carpels arise independently and become weakly fused at the base; a single ovule develops in an axile position. A hypanthium develops by interprimordial growth between petals and stamens. Nectaries arise in a pouch and are covered with trichomes positioned on a protuberance at the base of the petal. It is suggested that the solitary flowers are derived from compound cymose inflorescences. Comparison between Dirachma and species of Rhamnaceae demonstrates striking similarities in floral structure and anatomy. However, several characters are unique to Dirachma and support a family Dirachmaceae separate from Rhamnaceae.We thank Frieda Christie for technical assistance with the SEM and LM preparations. We very much appreciate the constructive comments of Peter Endress and Paula Rudall.