and were first identified in Antirrhinum
majus (snapdragon, Plantaginaceae, asterid) based on the ability
of closely related AmSBP1 and AmSBP2 to bind to the promoter
of the floral meristem identity gene SQUAMOSA (SQUA) (Klein
et al., 1996). This review focuses on the diversification of SPL
genes following both gene duplication and speciation events, and
illustrates the importance of research into these genes for a better
understanding of plant development and evolution.