Reproductive biology of Tillandsia deppeana (Bromeliaceae) in Veracruz, Mexico
The reproductive biology of Tillandsia deppeana (an epiphyte) was studied in 1987-89 in a small patch of deciduous forest near Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Aspects included floral biology, the breeding system, flowering and fruiting at different heights on trees, and seed germination. T. deppeana grew most frequently (53.57 percent) on Liquidambar macrophylla trees. Hummingbirds visited the plant and effected cross pollination; hand pollination showed autocompatibility but not autogamy. Herbivory on inflorescences reduced the reproductive fitness of the plant early in development. T. deppeana did not show differences or correlations in its biological and reproductive characteristics at different heights on trees. Although seed germination was high (80 percent), few individuals were observed in the field, and the epiphyte maintains its position in the community via vegetative growth.
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
1991
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| Subjects: | TILLANDSIA, BROMELIACEAE, EPIFITAS, GERMINACION, REPRODUCCION, BIOLOGIA, PLANTAS ORNAMENTALES, MEXICO, |
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| Summary: | The reproductive biology of Tillandsia deppeana (an epiphyte) was studied in 1987-89 in a small patch of deciduous forest near Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Aspects included floral biology, the breeding system, flowering and fruiting at different heights on trees, and seed germination. T. deppeana grew most frequently (53.57 percent) on Liquidambar macrophylla trees. Hummingbirds visited the plant and effected cross pollination; hand pollination showed autocompatibility but not autogamy. Herbivory on inflorescences reduced the reproductive fitness of the plant early in development. T. deppeana did not show differences or correlations in its biological and reproductive characteristics at different heights on trees. Although seed germination was high (80 percent), few individuals were observed in the field, and the epiphyte maintains its position in the community via vegetative growth. |
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