Abstract:The information in the literature concerning the concept ofheteranthery, the distribution ofheteranthery in angiosperm, the function of heteranthery in pollinating processes, as well as stamen development are reviewed, and the prospects in heteranthery studies are also discussed. Heteranthery, the phenomenon of stamens in a flower differing notably in shape, size, color and with labor discrimination, was first described more than one hundred years ago. Heteranthery exists in several angiosperm families, such as Melastomataceae, Solanaceae, Lythraceae, Leguminosae and Pontederiaceae, but the aspects and extent of differentiation often vary in taxa. Although people had realized this phenomenon for a long time, the studies are much less in-depth. Studies on heteranthery could strengthen people＇ s understanding about the relationship between plants and their pollinators, and provide new purviews and inspiration for pollination biology and plant breeding system research.
