The thermal ecology of flowers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Obtaining an optimal flower temperature can be crucial for plant reproduction because temperature mediates flower growth and development, pollen and ovule viability, and influences pollinator visitation. The thermal ecology of flowers is an exciting, yet understudied field of plant biology.

Scope

This review focuses on several attributes that modify exogenous heat absorption and retention in flowers. We discuss how flower shape, orientation, heliotropic movements, pubescence, coloration, opening-closing movements and endogenous heating contribute to the thermal balance of flowers. Whenever the data are available, we provide quantitative estimates of how these floral attributes contribute to heating of the flower, and ultimately plant fitness.

Outlook

Future

SUBMITTER: van der Kooi CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6798827 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature