ABC model of flower development well as in the determination of the floral meristem. Therefore, the "AG" mutants are devoid of androecium and gynoecium and they have petals and sepals in their place. In addition, the growth in the centre of the flower is undifferentiated, therefore the petals and sepals grow in repetitive verticils. The "PLENA" ("PLE") gene is present in "A. majus", in place of the "AG" gene, although it is not an ortholog. However, the "FARINELLI" ("FAR") gene is an ortholog, which is specific to the development of the anthers and the maturation of pollen. In "Petunia", "Antirrhinum" and in maize the C
Flower preservation Flower preservation Flower preservation has existed since early history, although deliberate flower preservation is a more recent phenomenon. In the Middle East, the bones of pre-historic man were discovered with delicate wild flowers probably as a tribute to a passing loved one. Evidence of deliberate use of specific flowers is indicated by the pollen grains that were present. Brightly colored and vivid flowers were also found in Egyptian tombs. These flowers were approximated to be 4,000 years old. In the sixteenth century medicinal nosegays began to give way to ornamental ones. Flowers essentially started to be used for decorative purposes