Probable transcription factor that prevents vernalization by short periods of cold. Acts as a floral repressor. Expressed in most plant tissues, roots, seedlings, leaves, stems, inflorescences, pollen, siliques and flowers. Requires EARLY FLOWERING 7 (ELF7) and ELF8 to be expressed. Up-regulated by HUA2. Early flowering. Complex rearrangements within the MAF2-5 gene cluster plays a role in the variation of the flowering time, an ecologically important variable phenotype.