Ecological aspects of the floral structure and flowering in Pulsatilla species

Acta Agrobotanica

Thomas Sawidis¹  Aneta Sulborska²  Elżbieta Weryszko-Chmielewska²  Beata Żuraw²  Renata Chyżewska³ 

[1]Department of Botany, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54006 Thessaloniki, Macedonia

[2]Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin

[3]Department of Ornamental Plants and Landscape Architecture, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 28, 20-612 Lublin

关键词: pasque flower;    structure;    flowers;    hairs;    stomata;    attractiveness to insects;    nectar;    pollen;   

DOI  :  10.5586/aa.1715

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In terms of flowering ecology, Pulsatilla flowers are classified as “pollen flowers” producing inconsiderable amounts of nectar. The aim of this study was to assess the length of the flowering period in Pulsatilla slavica and P. vulgaris and to investigate the structure of the epidermis of the perianth and generative elements of their flowers. Special focus was placed on the structure of hairs and the distribution of stomata. The weight of nectar released by the flowers of the two Pulsatilla species and the content of sugars in the nectar was also evaluated. In SE Poland, both species flowered for similar periods between the second half of April and the first half of May. The flower life-span of both was determined to be 9–14 days. The lower part of each sepal was observed to be covered by long hairs having cellulose-pectin cell walls of varying thickness. Hairs present on the pistil style are thinner; they may provide some protection against cold and can play a role of a secondary pollen presenter for insects. The bowl-shaped structure of the perianth and the nature of the adaxial surface of the sepal epidermis may facilitate reflection of sunlight into the inner parts of the flower, which may contribute to an elevation of the intraflower temperature. This is particularly important for the functionality of the ovary. The surface of the hairs was seen to be covered by a cuticle ensuring water impermeability. Flowers are visited by honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and ants, for which nectar and pollen are the main attractants. Ants, which are regarded as illegitimate flower visitors, were found to cause damage to the androecium. The number of fruits produced in the flowers of both Pulsatilla species was lower than 50% of the number of pistils.

【 授权许可】

Unknown