Evidence for mixed sexual and asexual reproduction in the rare European mycoheterotrophic orchid Epipogium aphyllum, Orchidaceae (ghost orchid).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Despite their significant capacity to propagate vegetatively, most orchids reproduce via seeds. Sexual reproduction via seed is commonly reported, in contrast to apomixis, whereby seeds are clones of the mother. Although insect pollination and autonomous self-pollination exist in mycoheterotrophic plants, the reproductive embryology of these plants remains under-studied. This paper provides evidence for the co-occurrence of both sexual and apomictic reproduction in a population of mycoheterotrophic plants - Epipogium aphyllum We investigated seed formation via open pollination, induced autogamy, autogamy sensu stricto and autonomous apomixis.

Methods

The study was performed on a population of E. aphyllum located in northern Poland. The research included s

SUBMITTER: Krawczyk E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4934402 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature