Oxalis debilis in China: Distribution of Flower Morphs, Sterile Pollen and Polyploidy

Authors: LUO, SHIXIAO; ZHANG, DIANXIANG; RENNER, SUSANNE S.

Source: Annals of Botany, Volume 98, Number 2, August 2006 , pp. 459-464(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

• Background and Aims Oxalis debilis is a South American tristylous species that is currently naturalizing in China. Based on field observations and herbarium data a report is made on its pollination, morph frequencies, pollen viability, seed set and chromosome number. In addition, a new chromosome count for the species in Africa is provided.

• Methods Field observations were conducted in six provinces in south-east China. Flower visitors were recorded and nectar sugar was measured with a refractometer. The species' compatibility system was determined by carrying out experimental self- and cross-pollinations on bagged inflorescences. Stigma receptivity and pollen viability was determined using the MTT test.

• Key Results and Conclusions Populations of O. debilis in China contain either the mid-style-length morph or the short morph, but not both. Pollination is by nectar- and pollen-foraging bees; pollen viability is low; and seed set in natural and experimentally self- or cross-pollinated flowers is extremely low. Chromosome counts indicate that O. debilis contains diploid and tetraploid forms in its native as well as introduced range, which does not support a previous hypothesis that the predominant vegetative reproduction in this species is an escape from pentaploidy.

Keywords: Introduced species; Oxalis; male sterility; pollen viability; chromosome counts; vegetative reproduction

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcl121

Publication date: 2006-08-01

More about this publication?

• Annals of Botany is an international plant science journal with editorial offices in Australia, China, Japan, Mainland Europe, UK and USA. It is published monthly in both electronic and printed forms with at least one extra issue each year that focuses on a particular theme in plant biology. The Journal is managed by the Annals of Botany Company, a not-for-profit educational charity established to promote plant science worldwide.

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