Comparative pappus micromorphology of edelweiss (Leontopodium,Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae) with implications for taxonomy,ecology and evolution |
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| Authors: | J Sebastian Stille Tod F Stuessy W Bernhard Dickoré Michael Jaeger Birgit Gemeinholzer Volker Wissemann FLS |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Institut für Botanik, Justus‐Liebig‐Universit?t Giessen, Giessen, Germany;2. Herbarium and Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA;3. Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;4. Botanische Staatssammlung München, München, Germany;5. Justus‐Liebig‐Universitat Giessen, Botanischer Garten, 35390, Giessen, Germany |
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| Abstract: | We analysed pappus characters in 31 of the c. 34 accepted Leontopodium spp. (edelweiss). Micromorphological pappus character states were useful for discriminating between individual species and intrageneric groups. The pappus differs in number, length, breadth, surface structure, colour and the tips of the bristles. Several features characterize single species, for example a unique fan‐like tip that is only found in L. franchetii. Leontopodium section Nobilia is supported by unusual pappus characters. Experimental evidence shows that the pappus of Leontopodium, previously thought to be caducous, is well suited for wind dispersal of the fruit. One clear trend is that species growing in sparsely vegetated, high‐altitude regions often have more numerous and longer pappus bristles, particularly on the female flowers. |
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| Keywords: | adaptation Compositae Cypselae microscopy wind dispersal |
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