Probable transcription factor that may be involved in protoderm differentiation and radial pattern formation during early embryogenesis. Specifically expressed in the L1-layer of the meristem and protoderm (epidermis) of leaf primordia. During leaf development, expressed in protoderm from plastochron 1 (P1) to P4 and down-regulated at P5 to then disappear. Expressed in the epidermis of primary rachis branch, and in the protoderm of secondary rachis branch primordia. Expressed similarly in L1-layer or protoderm in young and developed floral shoots. During embryogenesis, expressed in the outermost (epidermal) cells 2 days after pollination (DAP) and later at 4 DAP in protodermal cells without any organ differentiation. In nearly mature embryo, strongly expressed in protoderm in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and lateral organ primordia. Belongs to the HD-ZIP homeobox family. Class IV subfamily.