Michelia figo is a species from the family Magnoliaceae. As shown, the flower is a single flower where numerous stamens and pistils are spirally arranged. The spiral arrangement is a primitive feature. Also, since the perianth is not well differentiated, the white structures shown are called tepals.
Michelia figo is commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes because of its beautiful flowers. One unique feature of the flower is that it smells like banana. Therefore, some will call Michelia figo the 'banana shrub'.
Unlike other advanced angiosperms, the Michelia figo retains a primitive spirally arrangement of the stamen and pistil. Are there any selective advantages or adaptations behind this arrangement?