Ecological aspects of the floral structure and flowering in Pulsatilla species

Abstract

In terms of flowering ecology, Pulsatilla flowers are classified as "pollen flowers" producing inconsiderable amounts of nectar. The aim of this study was to assess the length of the flowering period in Pulsatilla slavica and P. vulgaris and to investigate the structure of the epidermis of the perianth and generative elements of their flowers. Special focus was placed on the structure of hairs and the distribution of stomata. The weight of nectar released by the flowers of the two Pulsatilla species and the content of sugars in the nectar was also evaluated. In SE Poland, both species flowered for similar periods between the second half of April and the first half of May. The flower life-span of both was determined to be 9-14 days. The lower part of each sepal was observed to be covered by long hairs having cellulose-pectin cell walls of varying thickness. Hairs present on the pistil style are thinner; they may provide some protection against cold and can play a role of a secondary pollen presenter for insects. The bowl-shaped structure of the perianth and the nature of the adaxial surface of the sepal epidermis may facilitate reflection of sunlight into the inner parts of the flower, which may contribute to an elevation of the intraflower temperature. This is particularly important for the functionality of the ovary. The surface of the hairs was seen to be covered by a cuticle ensuring water impermeability. Flowers are visited by honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and ants, for which nectar and pollen are the main attractants. Ants, which are regarded as illegitimate flower visitors, were found to cause damage to the androecium. The number of fruits produced in the flowers of both Pulsatilla species was lower than 50% of the number of pistils.

Genetic Analysis and Morphological Profiling of Ranunculus Genotypes

“…It involves crossing a set of inbred lines (referred to as "lines") with a set of tester lines (referred to as "testers") that are genetically unrelated to the inbred lines. The resulting hybrids then undergo evaluation for their performance in traits of interest, such as yield, disease resistance, or quality characteristics (Yadav et al, 2013). Improvement in traits depends upon the nature and degree of gene action (Evans et al, 2002).…”

“…These flowers are like an origami creation when packaged in multiple layers of delicate crepe paper with thin petal shapes. Ranunculus flowers are nectar-producing pollen flowers that bloom in the spring (Weryszko-Chmielewska et al, 2017). Various insects visit the Ranunculus genus flowers, which help to pollinate them (Jürgens and Dötterl, 2004).…”

Pulsatilla alba: analytical review of spread, chemical composition, biological activity and medical application

“…This plant is a hemicryptophyte, i. e., a plant in which at the time of adverse conditions (drought, low temperature) the buds of recovery are at ground level. Pulsatilla alba is a perennial primrose plant that develops a strong taproot and numerous branches of the caudex, from which divergent underground shoots diverge [9].…”

Micropropagation and experimental field cultivation of Pulsatilla turczaninovii Kryl. et Serg. (Ranunculaceae)

“…Pasque flowers (Pulsatilla spp., Ranunculaceae) are not only important components in natural ecosystems (Bochenková et al 2012(Bochenková et al , 2015 but are also widely exploited by human. Numerous species have medicinal properties (Danova et al 2009;Hao et al 2015;Lin et al 2011;, whereas ornamental, honey-yielding cultivars are readily cultivated in gardens (Weryszko-Chmielewska et al 2017). Horticultural exploitation of Pulsatilla species is constantly extending, and novel Communicated by M. I. Beruto.…”