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Variation in self-fertility and floral characters ofGeranium caespitosum (Geraniaceae) along an elevational gradient

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Abstract

Characters that have the potential to alter the breeding system ofGeranium caespitosum were investigated. The characters differ mechanistically, functioning either endogenously and independent of pollen transfer, or exogenously by influencing pollen transfer. Little variation in self-fertility (endogenous mechanism) was measured among populations from different elevations grown in a common garden. Variation in floral morphology (exogenous mechanism) was limited and unlikely to create a change in the breeding system. Macroscopic variation (exogenous mechanism), including gynodioecy, sexual specialization, and pollen sterility, was observed in extreme elevation populations and probably has a sizeable effect on the breeding system.

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  1. Department of Botany, University of Georgia, 30602, Athens, GA, USA

    Mark B. Hessing

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Hessing, M.B. Variation in self-fertility and floral characters ofGeranium caespitosum (Geraniaceae) along an elevational gradient. Pl Syst Evol 166, 225–241 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00935951

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