LEAFY (LFY) is a plant-specific transcription factor that acts as a major integrator for floral induction and regulator of flower development in many model plants. However, its function in orchid species, which exhibit enormous variation in floral morphology, has until now been unexplored. Jang (on pp. 2234-2247) found that PhapLFY, a Phalaenopsis ortholog of LFY is expressed in the inflorescence meristem and affects floral meristem
determination and/or floral organ development in the orchid. Moreover, PhapLFY is able to functionally complement Arabidopsis lfy mutants and cause early heading in rice. These results broaden our understanding of flower development and also provide a valuable molecular tool for orchid breeding. The cover shows PhapLFY knock-down flower phenotypes with reduced pigmentation in the lip and increased chlorophyll content in the sepals (top panel), and in situ hybridization of PhapLFY mRNA in the inflorescence meristems of emerging and elongating spikes of orchids (bottom panels).