Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Linares, Lauren [1].

Floral Biology and Breeding System of the Crenulate Leadplant, Amorpha herbacea var. crenulata (Fabaceae), An Endangered South Florida Pine Rockland Endemic.

The crenulate leadplant, Amorpha herbacea var. crenulata (Fabaceae), is an endemic shrub of the wet pine rocklands of southern Florida whose natural populations are nearly extinct. This study examined the floral biology and breeding system of the leadplant, factors that may help explain its decline and provide direction for conservation. Protogynous flowers and a high pollen/ovule ratio suggested a reproductive strategy of outcrossing for the leadplant, while a binucleate pollen grain indicated possible gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI). Hand pollinations showed that while the leadplant was capable of some self-fertilization, it was significantly more successful in setting fruit when cross-pollinated, and produced a greater percentage of seed when outcrossed. This predominantly self-incompatible species may therefore suffer decreased reproductive fitness in its few remnant localities.

1 - Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, Roadway Maintenance Environmental, PO Box 9828, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33310

Keywords:
breeding system
outcrossing
self-incompatibility
protogyny
Fabaceae.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 29-15
Location: Wasatch (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2004
Time: 11:45 AM
Abstract ID:709