Weak latitudinal trends in reproductive traits of Afromontane forest trees.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Is the increase in species diversity patterns towards lower latitudes linked to reproductive traits? Plant reproductive organs influence reproductive isolation and hence species divergence. Abiotic differences between temperate and tropical regions can also directly impact on plant reproductive traits. Here we provide a novel overview of southern hemisphere, Afromontane forest tree taxonomical patterns and ask whether reproductive traits relate to latitude, while accounting for environmental (tree height) and evolutionary (biogeographical affinity) selective forces.

Methods

We compiled a novel dataset with (1) flower colour, size and pollination syndrome and (2) fruit colour, size and dispersal syndrome for 331 tree species found in six Afromontane forest

SUBMITTER: Swart RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11082511 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature