OsMADS2 controls the shape and fleshy characteristics of the second-whorl floret organ by regulating cell proliferation and by maintaining a unique differentiation pattern. Knockdown of OsMADS2 perturbs the lodicule differentiation, creating cell types present in more peripheral floral organs. High level OsMADS2 expression is restricted to specific regions of lodicules and expression is generally downregulated in stamens. OsMADS2 expression promotes second-whorl-specific cell differentiation throughout the lodicule as the transformed organs have dramatic alterations in vascular differentiation.