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Ant nests as primary habitats ofSilybum marianum (Compositae)

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Abstract

The common Mediterranean ruderal thistleSilybum marianum is associated with nutrient-rich sites. Its wind-dispersed achenes possess an oily food body, that is attractive to harvester-ants. Following removal of the oily body, the achenes are deposited in the refuse zone together with rich organic material and soil removed from the nest; while in the nest the achenes are partly protected from fires. The thistle grows successfully in the nutrient-enriched refuse zone and thus dominates patches in the grassland. Preadaptations to live in association with harvester-ants enableS. marianum to occur also on marking stations of male gazelle, on cattle dung deposits, and in synanthropic ruderal habitats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, The Hebrew University, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel

    Avinoam Danin

  2. Department of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Yoram Yom-Tov

Authors
  1. Avinoam Danin
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  2. Yoram Yom-Tov
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Danin, A., Yom-Tov, Y. Ant nests as primary habitats ofSilybum marianum (Compositae). Pl Syst Evol 169, 209–217 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00937675

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