Pattern formation in Passiflora incarnata: An activator-inhibitor model

Abstract

Based on a careful examination of the onset of violet colored dots along the filaments in the developing floral bud stage and the formation of alternating bands of violet and white color in the matured flowers of Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower), it is concluded that the pattern arises from a competition between the production of violet colored anthocyanin and the colorless flavonols along the filaments. The activator-inhibitor model of Gierer and Meinhardt along with the reaction diffusion theory of Turing is used to explain the formation of concentric rings in the flower.