Phenotypic Plasticity In Micranthes Foliolosa And Pollen And Seeds In Micranthes Foliolosa

Beskrivelse

Micranthes foliolosa, found in the Sisimiut area of West Greenland, exhibits fascinating variations based on substrate temperature. This plant species develops six distinct phenotypes, making it a valuable indicator of climate conditions.

The plant's diverse phenotypes and reproductive strategies reflect its adaptation to temperature differences.

Micranthes foliolosa (R. Br.) Gornall sensu lato shows remarkable phenotypic plasticity, with its genotype producing six different forms depending on the temperature of the substrate. This variability allows the species to serve as a natural climate indicator in its native region.

Cold phenotypes, which rarely coexist with the warm, flower-rich forms, reproduce solely through bulbils, an asexual method. In contrast, warm phenotypes utilize both asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction involving insect pollination. Interestingly, the insects are not attracted by nectar glands but instead target the red tips of the anthers, which they remove.

These insects tend to focus on plants bearing triple capsules during a two-week period around August 1st. By around September 1st, the capsules open to release seeds. The growth and development of Micranthes foliolosa may be influenced by red staining caused by anthocyanin pigmentation.

This study also suggests that Micranthes redofskyi could represent a Beringian variant of Micranthes foliolosa s. l., while Micranthes foliolosa var. sisimiutii appears to be an Atlantic variant of the species.

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