We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Vivipary, a rare phenomenon in Afrotropical Melastomataceae: first report in Amphiblemma ciliatum (Sonerileae).
- Authors
Veranso-Libalah, Marie Claire; Luo, Chen; Bidault, Ehoarn
- 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
GABON; MELASTOMATACEAE; SEED dispersal; RAINFALL; BOTANICAL specimens; ANGIOSPERMS
- Publication
Plant Ecology & Evolution, 2023, Vol 156, Issue 3, p333
- ISSN
2032-3913
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5091/plecevo.106696