<i>Haloxylon ammodendron</i> adapts to desert environments through seed polymorphism during diaspore germination and seedling establishment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Seed polymorphism, defined as the production of two or more types of diaspores with distinct morphology and ecological function within a species, represents a bet-hedging strategy that enables plants to cope with unpredictable spatiotemporal environmental variability. Previous studies have mainly focused on annual plants; therefore, little is known about in perennial species, particularly in desert constructive plants.

Methods

This study investigated seed polymorphism in Haloxylon ammodendron, a foundational desert shrub critical for maintaining the stability of fragile arid ecosystems. Field surveys, morphological characterization, phytohormone quantification, germination assays, and seedling growth analyses were conducted to elucidate the ecological sig

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12018425 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature