Hygrochastic capsule dehiscence supports safe site strategies in New Zealand alpine Veronica (Plantaginaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Hygrochasy is a capsule-opening mechanism predominantly associated with plants in arid habitats, where it facilitates spatially and temporally restricted dispersal. Recently, hygrochastic capsules were described in detail for the first time in alpine Veronica in New Zealand. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hygrochastic capsules are an adaptation of alpine Veronica to achieve directed dispersal to safe sites. We expect that by limiting dispersal to rainfall events, distances travelled by seeds are short and confine them to small habitat patches where both seedlings and adults have a greater chance of survival.

Methods

Dispersal distances of five hygrochastic Veronica were measured under laboratory and field conditions and the seed s

SUBMITTER: Pufal G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2924830 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature