Changes in fruit shape inproboscidea parviftora ssp.parviflora (martyniaceae) with domestication

Abstract

Aboriginal cultivators selected a phylogenetically novel fruit shape during the domestication ofProboscidea parviflora ssp.parviflora var.Hohokamiana. The extremely long rostrum of the domesticated var.Hohokamiana is unique for the Martyniaceae. Rostrum length and width are significantly correlated in the wild var.parviflora, but in var.Hohokamiana aboriginal cultivators apparently selected for a weaker correlation between these variables. In both varieties there is an allometric relationship between rostrum and “capsule” lengths, with the former increasing proportionately faster than the latter. The above allometric relationship and the decrease in correlation between rostrum length and width are advantageous to aboriginal cultivators because the proportionately longer and thinner rostra are better for basketmaking. Comparisons of the data presented herein with data from other plants suggest that similar growth factors have been responsible for changes in fruit shape resulting from domestication.