Articles
Orchid seed micro-morphometry: importance to species biology, ecology, and conservation
Article number
1334_19
Pages
153 – 162
Language
English
Abstract
Many orchid species are included on threatened species lists because they are vulnerable to habitat degradation and climate change.
However, a basic understanding of orchid seed biology to support conservation efforts is still lacking for the majority of species in this large family.
Greater knowledge of orchid seed characteristics would provide useful insights for understanding the biology, ecology, and evolutionary background of different species.
While orchid seed has been described as dust-like, we have observed high morphological diversity of orchid species reflecting diversity of habitat requirements and biogeographical distribution.
In particular, variation in embryo size and its ratio to seed volume has implications for seed dispersal and germination.
Terrestrial species, which are thought to be ancestral, tend to have larger air space as an adaptation to increase the likelihood of anemochory.
In contrast, some groups, such as the dendrobiums, tropical epiphytic species have relatively larger embryos and smaller seed air space, and this is associated with easier germination.
These findings have implications for the optimization of both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.
However, a basic understanding of orchid seed biology to support conservation efforts is still lacking for the majority of species in this large family.
Greater knowledge of orchid seed characteristics would provide useful insights for understanding the biology, ecology, and evolutionary background of different species.
While orchid seed has been described as dust-like, we have observed high morphological diversity of orchid species reflecting diversity of habitat requirements and biogeographical distribution.
In particular, variation in embryo size and its ratio to seed volume has implications for seed dispersal and germination.
Terrestrial species, which are thought to be ancestral, tend to have larger air space as an adaptation to increase the likelihood of anemochory.
In contrast, some groups, such as the dendrobiums, tropical epiphytic species have relatively larger embryos and smaller seed air space, and this is associated with easier germination.
These findings have implications for the optimization of both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.
Authors
S. Diantina, A. Clavijo McCormick, H.W. Pritchard, J. Millner, J. Nadarajan, M. Mastur, C. McGill
Keywords
orchid seed conservation, air space, plant habits, climate, seed dispersal
Groups involved
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