Endozoochory by the cooperation between beetles and ants in the holoparasitic plant Cynomorium songaricum in the deserts of Northwest China.

ABSTRACT: Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. first described by Carl Johann (Ivanovič) Ruprecht in 1840 is a desert parasitic plant that mainly parasitizes the roots of Nitraria L. (especially of Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov., Nitraria sibirica Pall.). During seed maturation, C. songaricum releases a distinct smell, and its seeds are round and dust-like. Previous studies indicated that most parasitic plants produce small seeds, which are primarily dispersed by the wind. Recent studies reveal the significant role of animals in the seed dispersal of parasitic plants. In this study, we combined (1) the direct observation of the seed dispersal of C. songaricum, and (2) the indoor breeding of beetles and ants to assess the viability of seeds, clarify the seed dispersal system, and explore the mechanisms by which

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11896033 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature