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Structure of Lupinus arboreus |
Flowers
are arranged in a group called an inflorescence. These are at the ends of the branches and
they are arranged vertically so that they are more visible to pollinating bees.
Marlene.Wiryawan
 Compound
Lupin leaf. These have between 5 and 9 leaflets which are folded along the length of the
leaflet. The upper surface has a greater density of stomata compared with the lower
surface. The lower surface has a dense covering of white leaf hairs to help reflect heat
and slow transpirational water losses.
Drawing by James van Rij
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The drawing
shows Lupinus arboreus seedling shows the plant a few weeks after germination. The first
seed leaves (cotyledons) are the fleshy leaves just above ground level. There are three
sets of true leaves visible.
The apical meristem is the growing tip of the stem, it is found near the base of the middle leaflet.
The seedling has quickly established a tap root with many root hairs arising just above the growing tip of the root.
At this stage the aerial part of the plant (epicotyl) is all green, both the leaves and the stem are able to photosynthesise, they are covered with a layer of fine hairs which will reflect heat and slow transpirational water losses. Later a thick bark will form on the stem to protect from herbivorous insects and fire.
Liesl Marsh
This
photograph shows the growing tip of the plant with the seed leaves and the first two sets
of true leaves. A third leaf is just forming in the axil of the leaves.
Greg McKenzie
Cut-away
section of the flower of Lupinus arboreus. This shows the pistil with its
"feathery" stigma and the two sets of stamens. If cross-pollination does not
occur then the lower stamens will ripen and be able to pollinise the flower.
Greg McKenzie
Young plant growing in
the shelter of marram grass
