DISSERTATION RESEARCH: From two dimensions to three: origins and evolutionary development of the sepal crest in Iris

这种花的起源被认为是导致当今地球上植物形态多样化的最重要的创新之一。典型的花的成分是扁平的和二维的。然而，在有冠的蝴蝶花物种中，花的组成部分具有垂直生长，从而形成三维的、色彩精美的流苏的花。这种新颖但形态多样的花的发展将在进化的背景下进行研究。对花蕾内的空间和时间因素的研究将考察新的结构如何通过综合进化与其他花器官的关系进化。该项目将为研究新结构的进化、花器官发育的遗传基础以及传粉者与植物的相互作用提供信息和模型。这项研究将提高人们对蝴蝶花和园艺中珍视的其他花器精致的艳丽纹饰发展的了解。实地考察将包括一家美国和三家中国植物科学机构的研究人员和研究生，并将提供一个机会，向当地中国人宣传保护稀有蝴蝶兰物种的重要性。

The origin of the flower is considered one of the most important innovations resulting in the diversity of plant forms present on earth today. The flower components of a typical are flattened and two-dimensional. However, in crested Iris species, the flower components have perpendicular growth giving rise to a three-dimensional, elaborately colored, and fringed flower. The development of this novel, yet morphologically diverse flower, will be studied in an evolutionary context. The study of spatial and temporal factors within the floral bud will examine how novel structures evolve in relation to other floral organs through integrative evolution. This project will provide information and models for studies on the evolution of novel structures, the genetic bases for development of floral organs, and pollinator-plant interactions. This research will enhance knowledge on the development of the showy crest found in Iris and other floral organ elaborations that are prized in horticulture. Fieldwork will include researchers and graduate students at one USA and three Chinese plant science institutions and will provide an opportunity to inform local Chinese of the importance of conservation of rare Iris species.