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The flower biology of Daphne gnidium L. (Thymelaeaceae)

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Abstract

Daphne gnidium is a circum-Mediterranean evergreen shrub. Flower and pollen features related to pollination mechanism were analyzed, and the seasonal presence of insects visiting the plant was monitored. The morphology and functionality of flowers are compatible with entomophily, as are pollen viability, which is maintained for a few hours only after anthesis, and the very short stigmatic receptivity. The reproductive fitness of the species is low and the ripening process often fails (35% collapsed embryos). While male organ functionality is fairly regular, the female organ often shows developmental arrest. The complex or transient evolutionary traits displayed by D. gnidium are comparable to those of Thymelaea hirsuta and other members of the Thymelaeaceae.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to B. Borghesi and G. Troiano (DIP.TE.RIS., University of Genoa) for the identification of insects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DIP.TE.RIS, Università di Genova, Polo Botanico Hanbury, Corso Dogali 1 M, 16136, Genoa, Italy

    Enrica Roccotiello, Gabriele Casazza, Laura Cornara, Alessandro Moncalvo & Luigi Minuto

  2. DIP.TE.RIS, Università di Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Loris Galli

Authors
  1. Enrica Roccotiello
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  2. Gabriele Casazza
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  3. Loris Galli
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  4. Laura Cornara
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  5. Alessandro Moncalvo
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  6. Luigi Minuto
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Correspondence to Luigi Minuto.

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Roccotiello, E., Casazza, G., Galli, L. et al. The flower biology of Daphne gnidium L. (Thymelaeaceae). Plant Syst Evol 279, 41–49 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-009-0144-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-009-0144-1

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