The effectiveness of asexual and sexual reproduction in clonal species Dianthus superbus L. in different site conditions – the consequences for population development

Abstract

Abstract. The effectiveness of asexual and sexual reproduction of rare, clonal species Dianthus superbus L. were conducted in the years 2008-2010 in Kostrze (Southern Kraków). The observations were carried out in Molinietum caeruleae patches dominated by small species creating delicate, erect or procumbent stems (MC), prevailed by tall grasses (GR), and overgrown by willows (SA). The number of above-ground units per ramet cluster were much greater in MC patch, than in sites GR and SA. Controversially, the number of fruit per generative shoot and seed production were greater in GR and SA patches, than in MC patch. The highest seedling recruitment, occurring only in artificially created gaps in plant canopy and litter was noted in patch MC, while the decline of genet emergence were found in SA and GR patches. In light of performed studies, it should be concluded, that population established in patch dominated by small meadow species has the greatest chance for survival, whereas populations inhabiting sites prevailed by tall grasses or overgrown by willows have much lower possibilities of persistence in occupied places.

Pollinator dependence but no pollen limitation for eight plants occurring north of the Arctic Circle

“…The other five plant species, Anthriscus sylvestris , Dactylorhiza maculata, Dianthus superbus , Silene suecica, and Menyanthes trifoliata, have not been identified as pollinator dependent or autofertile. However, these species are known to be insect pollinated and Menyanthes trifoliata is heterostylous (Darbyshire et al., 1999; Kostrakiewicz‐Gieralt, 2013; Mondoni et al., 2018; Olesen, 1987; Thompson et al., 1998; Vallius, 2000). This study provides the first experimental data on pollinator dependency for these five species.…”