Contribution to the Knowledge of the Floral Structure in Sabal palmetto (Walter) Lodd. Ex Schult. (Arecaceae: Coryphoideae)

The floral structure of the neotropical palm Sabal palmetto is described. The species is characterized by the presence of hermaphrodite solitary flowers; congenitally united imbricate sepals and free imbricate petals. The six stamens are fertile, with filaments congenitally united towards the base. Contrary to previous reports indicating complete syncarpy, the three carpels are free in the basal region and postgenitally fused above the level of the septal nectary; they are ascidiate throughout the ovary and plicate from the style base up to the stigma. Our study supports the close relationships between Sabaleae and the rest of Cryosophileae