Open AccessComparative pappus micromorphology of edelweiss ( Leontopodium , Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae) with implications for taxonomy, ecology and evolution
Author(s) -
Stille J. Sebastian,
Stuessy Tod F.,
Dickoré W. Bernhard,
Jaeger Michael,
Gemeinholzer Birgit,
Wissemann Volker
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
botanical journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.872
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1095-8339
pISSN - 0024-4074
DOI - 10.1111/boj.12472
Subject(s) - biology , bristle , taxonomy (biology) , botany , asteraceae , biological dispersal , evolutionary biology , population , brush , demography , sociology , electrical engineering , engineering
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.