Back to Search
Start Over
Vivipary, a rare phenomenon in Afrotropical Melastomataceae: first report in Amphiblemma ciliatum (Sonerileae)
- Source :
- Plant Ecology and Evolution, Vol 156, Iss 3, Pp 333-338 (2023)
- Publication Year :
- 2023
- Publisher :
- Meise Botanic Garden, 2023.
-
Abstract
- Background and aims – Within angiosperms, vivipary has been reported in less than 0.1% of all species. We herein report the first occurrence of vivipary in an Afrotropical Melastomataceae and discuss its phylogenetic position, habit, habitat, and fruit attributes. Material and methods – Observational data were gathered from a field expedition to Gabon, and from herbarium specimens from BR, BRLU, P, and WAG. A phylogeny was generated to map all the eight species exhibiting vivipary in Melastomataceae. Key results – Amphiblemma ciliatum is currently the only known melastome species in the Afrotropics exhibiting vivipary. It is likely that its angular capsules depend on rainwater for seed dispersal. Conclusion – The combination of a herbaceous habit and angular fruits with the occurrence on shaded humid tropical rainforest floor during periods of incessant rainfall and high humidity might be responsible for vivipary in most Melastomataceae.
- Subjects :
- Plant ecology
QK900-989
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20323921
- Volume :
- 156
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Plant Ecology and Evolution
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.be5ca865226b42899084f3a6d1134d9d
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.106696