Hi,
I have been sowing various winter-growing Drosera recently (D. cistiflora, peltata, macrantha ssp planchonii & whittakeri - wish me luck!
), and was struck by how different the various seed structure/morphology is in this genus: from the tiny D.cistiflora, through the small rounded peltata, to the what I can only describe as "wierd" D.macrantha ssp planchonii, to the (relatively) huge D.whittakeri seed! Also, from experience other members of the genus are different again (e.g. the fusiform [=thin at either end, swollen in the middle, like a giant orchid seed] shape of D.rotundifolia).
Has anyone ever done a study to see how they are adapted for dispersal in the wild? e.g. D.rotundifolia may be partly wind disperal (but not v.far range I think), D.whittakeri dispersed by insects perhaps (e.g. ants), etc. Most probably just fall near the parent plant in (hopefully) suitable soil. It just struck me as an interesting question!
Also, similar question re: flower pollination. For example, many pygmy Drosera seem to have almost a "metallic flaked" appearance, which is extraordinarily beautiful to us humans (IMHO) - is this also an adaptation to specific insect pollinators?
Most studies on CPs seem to generally concentrate on the aspect of carnivory, but I think these other aspects are also very interesting, especially if we wish to understand their biology in full.
(Of course, the same questions can be applied to other [lesser] CPs as well - ducks & runs!! )
Just a couple ideas I thought I'd kick around!
Adam.
I have been sowing various winter-growing Drosera recently (D. cistiflora, peltata, macrantha ssp planchonii & whittakeri - wish me luck!
Has anyone ever done a study to see how they are adapted for dispersal in the wild? e.g. D.rotundifolia may be partly wind disperal (but not v.far range I think), D.whittakeri dispersed by insects perhaps (e.g. ants), etc. Most probably just fall near the parent plant in (hopefully) suitable soil. It just struck me as an interesting question!
Also, similar question re: flower pollination. For example, many pygmy Drosera seem to have almost a "metallic flaked" appearance, which is extraordinarily beautiful to us humans (IMHO) - is this also an adaptation to specific insect pollinators?
Most studies on CPs seem to generally concentrate on the aspect of carnivory, but I think these other aspects are also very interesting, especially if we wish to understand their biology in full.
(Of course, the same questions can be applied to other [lesser] CPs as well - ducks & runs!! )
Just a couple ideas I thought I'd kick around!
Adam.