Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Buckley, N.E. [1], Williams, Joseph H. [2].

Mating System Biology of the Florida Native Plant: Illicium parviflorum.

Illicium parviflorum is an evergreen perennial species that is endemic to central Florida, particularly within the Ocala National Forest. Though locally abundant, I. parviflorum is currently listed as endangered at the state level due to being under constant threat of habitat disturbance and over-harvesting. Previously, I. parviflorum had been assumed to be self-incompatible due to low seed set. Self-incompatible (SI) species require additional individuals of a different genotype to successfully reproduce, and therefore are at a greater risk of extinction when experiencing mate-limitation. Here, we provide evidence that I. parviflorum can produce fruits when undergoing self-pollination, though, fruit-sets of both out-crossed and self-crossed flowers were quite low. Further investigation into the cause of low fruit-set in I. parviflorum is needed in order to determine future management strategies. Current ongoing research is being focused on elucidating the relatedness of individuals using genetic analysis to determine diversity within populations, while future research will be directed towards investigating plant fitness.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Tennessee, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 1460 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
2 - University of Tennessee, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 442 Hesler Biology, Knoxville, Tennesee, 37996, USA

Keywords:
Illicium parviflorum
self-incompatibility
mating system
Austrobaileyaceae
pollination biology.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PCB007
Abstract ID:419