A QUANTITATIVE MODEL OF LEAFLET INITIATION ILLUSTRATED BY MURRAYA-PANICULATA (RUTACEAE)

A modified mathematical model based on the concept of generative cente rs is proposed to describe organogenesis in young leaf primordia of Mu rraya paniculata. Measurements of specific parameters on leaf primordi a at different stages of development support the basic assumptions of the model. These assumptions are exponential elongation and widening o f primordia in the organogenetic phase and rhythmic production of late ral elements at a fixed distance from the apex of the developing primo rdium. In general, the model provides good estimates for growth parame ters such as elemental growth rates. It also provides a relatively acc urate description of the shape of the primordium during the organogene sis of lateral elements or leaflet primordia.