Allometric growth of the flowers of five genera of the Marantaceae and of Canna (Cannaceae)

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Bruce K. Kirchoff, Emeritus Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Allometry was used to compare differential growth of the floral organs in seven species of the Marantaceae and in Canna indica. Different relative sizes of the floral parts arose through changes in the allometric growth rates, not by extension or truncation of the period of allometric growth. Cor-relations were found between the allometric growth rates of the various floral organs and the relative sizes of these organs. Relative size of the floral parts that function in pollination showed the best correlations with their growth rates, suggesting that selection for the relative sizes of floral organs can influence the allometric growth rates of these organs. Principal component analysis showed that growth rates of those floral members that function in pollination do not change independently. Two methods of pollinator action are suggested to account for this phenomenon. Similarity in allometric growth rates did not reflect the traditional taxonomic treatment of the Marantaceae at the generic level.

Additional Information

Publication
Botanical Gazette, 44: 1 (Mar., 1983), 110-118
Language: English
Date: 1983
Keywords
Allometry, Marantaceae, Canna indica, Floral organs

Email this document to