Expression of Andromonoecy and Pollination of Tuberous Lomatiums (Umbelliferae)

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Abstract
Tuberous lomatiums (Lomatium, Umbelliferae) constitute a well-defined infrageneric group that is characterized by adaptation to a short, early spring growing season followed by a long summer drought. All tuberous lomatiums are andromonoecious and all exhibit a pattern of increasing ratios of hermaphroditic to staminate flowers in successively maturing inflorescences. Floral visitation by a variety of Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera effects outcrossing and may also mediate geitonogamous selfing. Xenogamy is promoted by protogyny of hermaphroditic flowers, the arrangement of staminate and perfect flowers, and the sequence of floral maturation. Geitonogamy is favored by the morphology of the inflorescences, overlap of the staminate and pistillate stages of different flowers on the same individual, and the behavior of pollinators. Andromonoecy and high pollen production favor both xenogamy and geitonogamy. The floral features of tuberous lomatiums ensure relatively high levels of seed production even though abundance and activity of pollinators may be limited by harsh environmental conditions.

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