Reproductive ecology of Seseli ghafoorianum (Apiaceae) restricted to rocky cliffs in Iran

Authors : Yousef AJANI, Regine CLASSENBOCKHOFF

Pages : 343-357

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Endemic and relict species are of particular interest when evaluating the ecological intactness of a given area. In this paper, the reproductive ecology of Seseli ghafoorianum insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Apiaceae); is investigated, aiming to contribute to its protection. The species is considered as a Tertiary relict species in Iran. Both dwarf form and cliff habitats are rare in the family, raising the question of how the plant has adapted to this environment. Population structure, plant architecture and flowering sequence, pollinators, pollen quantification, and seed set insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(bagging experiment); were investigated. Individuals produce about 20 flowering branches with ca. 120 umbels. Flowers and umbels are protandrous. The female stage of the terminal umbels usually overlaps the maleness of the 1st order umbels promoting geitonogamy. The pollen/ovule ratio is about 30,000:1, indicating outcrossing. The degree of andromonoecy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(>70%); and pollen vitality insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(~90%); indicate that pollen availability is not a limiting factor. In contrast, fruit set is low insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(~7%);. It depends on the presence of pollinators insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Lasioglossum);, which is low, most likely due to the use of pesticides. The population furthermore suffers from the low survival rate of seedlings insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0.02%);. S. ghafoorianum appears to be an outcrossing species suffering from low pollinator and survival rates. To protect the species, use of pesticides and grazing should be reduced.
Keywords : Apiaceae, reproductive ecology, dwarf, protection, rocky cliffs, Seseli ghafoorianum