Encodes PUCHI, a member of the ERF (ethylene response factor) subfamily B-1 of ERF/AP2 transcription factor family. The protein contains one AP2 domain. There are 15 members in this subfamily including ATERF-3, ATERF-4, ATERF-7, and leafy petiole. PUCHI is required for morphogenesis in the early lateral root primordium of Arabidopsis. Expressed in early floral meristem (stage 1 to 2). Required for early floral meristem growth and for bract suppression. Triple mutant with bop1 and bop2 displays a strong defect in the determination of floral meristem identity with reduced LFY expression and the lack of AP1 expression.