Probably acts as a transcriptional activator. Binds to the GCC-box pathogenesis-related promoter element. May be involved in the regulation of gene expression by stress factors and by components of stress signal transduction pathways (By similarity). Repressor of flowering. Repressed by miR172 after photoperiod changement. 'Schlafmuetze' means 'nightcap' in German. Belongs to the AP2/ERF transcription factor family. AP2 subfamily.