Pattern formation and cell interactions in epidermal development of Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Liliaceae)

In the leaf epidermis of the monocotyledon Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge a characteristic pattern of stomata and papilla cells is developed. The ontogeny of both kinds of specialized cells is initiated by a formative mitosis yielding one daughter cell with aberrant structure and competence. It is shown that these distinctive cell types affect the fate of neighbouring epidermal cells. The final epidermal pattern is due to random initial events, as well as cell lineage, and cell‐to‐cell interactions during development.