Allometric Growth of the Flowers in Five Genera of the Marantaceae and in Canna (Cannaceae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Allometry was used to compare differential growth of the floral organs in 7 spp. of the Marantaceae [Ischnosiphon elegans, Pleiostachya pruinosa, Marantochloa purpurea, Calathea vinosa, C. lancifolia, C. leopardinia, Monotagma plurispicatum] and in C. indica. Different relative sizes of the floral parts arose through changes in the allometric growth rates, not by extension or truncation of the period of allometric growth. Correlations were found between the allometric growth rates of the various floral organs and the relative sizes of these organs. Relative size of the floral parts that function in pollination showed the best correlations with their growth rates, suggesting that selection for the relative sizes of floral organs can influence the allometric growth rates of these organs. Relative size of the floral parts that function in pollination showed the best correlations with their growth rates, suggesting that selection for the relative sizes of floral organs can influence the allometric growth rates of these organs. Principal component analysis showed that growth rates of those floral members that function in pollination do not change independently. Two methods of pollinator action are suggested to account for this phenomenon. Similarity in allometric growth rates did not reflect the traditional taxonomic treatment of the Marantaceae at the generic level.