In plants, stem cells are grouped in structures called meristems at the root of almost all plant organs. Thus flowers grow from floral meristems that arise on the sides of the stems. The identity of the floral meristem is conferred by a few genes, among them the transcription factor LEAFY plays an important role. Recent studies have shown that LEAFY actually has a dual function: it is able to stimulate the formation of the stem before turning them into flower cells.