View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by RERO DOC Digital Library Bot. Rev. (2012) 78:345–397 DOI 10.1007/s12229-012-9106-3 The Immense Diversity of Floral Monosymmetry and Asymmetry Across Angiosperms Peter K. Endress1,2 1 Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland 2 Author for Correspondence; e-mail:
[email protected] Published online: 10 October 2012 # The New York Botanical Garden 2012 Abstract Floral monosymmetry and asymmetry are traced through the angiosperm orders and families. Both are diverse and widespread in angiosperms. The systematic distribution of the different forms of monosymmetry and asymmetry indicates that both evolved numerous times. Elaborate forms occur in highly synorganized flowers. Less elaborate forms occur by curvature of organs and by simplicity with minimal organ numbers. Elaborate forms of asymmetry evolved from elaborate monosymme- try. Less elaborate form come about by curvature or torsion of organs, by imbricate aestivation of perianth organs, or also by simplicity. Floral monosymmetry appears to be a key innovation in some groups (e.g., Orchidaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiales), but not in others. Floral asymmetry appears as a key innovation in Phaseoleae (Fabaceae). Simple patterns of monosymmetry appear easily “reverted” to polysymmetry, where- as elaborate monosymmetry is difficult to lose without disruption of floral function (e.g., Orchidaceae). Monosymmetry and asymmetry can be expressed at different stages of floral (and fruit) development and may be transient in some taxa. The two symmetries are most common in bee-pollinated flowers, and appear to be especially prone to develop in some specialized biological situations: monosymmetry, e.g., with buzz-pollinated flowers or with oil flowers, and asymmetry also with buzz-pollinated flowers, both based on the particular collection mechanisms by the pollinating bees.