Untangling inflorescences in Miconieae (Melastomataceae): development, typology, and the systematic and evolutionary implications

This study aimed to describe the origin, position, development and typology of inflorescences in Miconieae through ontogenetic and morphological analyses using light microscopy. We observed three morphological character states: terminal, pseudo-axillary and axillary; and two ontogenetic states: terminal and axillary. The terminal and pseudoaxillary inflorescences originate from terminal reproductive meristems. Pseudoaxillary inflorescences result from unequal development of vegetative meristems which flank the terminal flowering unit, whereas in terminal inflorescences, both vegetative meristems develop equally. In axillary inflorescences, the terminal reproductive meristem is not involved, while axillary inflorescences originate from reproductive axillary meristems. The inflorescences range from heterocladic and thyrsoid to simpler types, such as botryoid and triad. Such characteristics can also be seen in paracladia, particularly those most distal. The terminal inflorescence is observed in all clades of Miconieae, and pseudoaxillary and axillary inflorescences should be apomorphic states in the tribe and derived from the terminal condition.