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Most floral homeotic genes that have been identified (the ABC genes) encode MADS domain transcription factors. Yamaguchi et al. (pages 500-509) report that carpel specification in rice is regulated by DROOPING LEAF (DL), a YABBY gene closely related to Arabidopsis CRABS CLAW. As shown on the cover, severe loss-of-function mutations of DL cause complete homeotic transformation of carpels into stamens in the rice flower. In addition, dl mutants fail to form a midrib in the leaf, producing the characteristic drooping leaf phenotype. In contrast with the functions of DL, CRABS CLAW has only a partial role in regulating carpel development and no apparent function in vegetative development. The authors conclude that DL may have been recruited to have distinct and more essential functions in specifying carpel identity and leaf midrib formation during the evolution of rice.