Decoupling of reproduction and growth: An unusual pattern in the life cycle of the Mediterranean geophyte Narcissus serotinus

Abstract:

The unpbkp_redictable seasonality of the Mediterranean climate imposes on the development of specific life-cycle phenologies such as those seen in geophyte species that have a period of dormancy to avoid stressful abiotic conditions. To date, two life-cycle strategies are recognized in Mediterranean geophytes. In some species, growth and reproduction occur in different seasons (hysteranthous geophytes), whereas in others these two processes occur at the same time (synanthous geophytes). A study of the life cycle of the autumnal-flowering Narcissus serotinus in three populations over two consecutive years confirmed that neither the hysteranthy nor the synanthy strategy could be applied to this geophyte. Rather, reproduction and growth occur simultaneously, but in different plants. A strong correlation was found between bulb weight and the presence of reproductive or vegetative plants. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 The Society for the Study of Species Biology.

Año de publicación:

2012

Keywords:

• life cycle
• narcissus serotinus
• Hysteranthous/synanthous leaves
• Bulb weight

Fuente:

scopus