Transcriptional regulator of cell proliferation and axillary bud outgrowth. Involved in maintaining the structure of the shoot apical meristem as well as plastochron and phyllotaxy. Activates several genes involved in cell cycle regulation and dormancy breaking, including CYCD3-3, DPA, and BARD1. Strongly down-regulates DRM1, DRMH1, MARD1 and several genes encoding different types of cell wall-remodeling proteins. Interacts with AHL27 and AHL29. Strongly expressed in proliferating cells. Detected in root tips, stipules, shoot apex, floral tissues, young siliques and abscission zones. Expressed during the S phase of the cell cycle. Transiently up-regulated 6 to 15 hours after decapitation. Belongs to the AP2/ERF transcription factor family. ERF subfamily.