Probable transcription factor that plays an important role in building the laminar joint between leaf blade and leaf sheath boundary, thereby controlling ligule and auricle development. Expressed in stems, leaf sheaths, and young panicles. Weakly expressed in ligules, auricles, and leaf sheaths at the basal region. Expressed in developing laminar joint and meristematic regions. The SBP-type zinc finger is required for the binding to DNA. Plants show upright attitudes and the absence of laminar joints, ligules and auricules in all the leaves including the flag leaves.