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Trioecy in Flowering Plants
V N Godin1,2
1Moscow Pedagogical State University, Moscow, Russia. vn.godin@mpgu.su.
Summary
Trioecy, a rare plant reproductive system with male, female, and hermaphrodite flowers, is documented in 80 angiosperm species. This study compiles data on trioecious plants, analyzing their distribution and associated biological factors.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Angiosperm diversity
- Evolutionary botany
Background:
- Trioecy, characterized by staminate, pistillate, and hermaphrodite flowers on distinct individuals, is exceptionally rare in flowering plants.
- Existing data on trioecious species are scarce, necessitating a comprehensive global compilation and analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile a global list of trioecious plant species.
- To analyze the taxonomic distribution and frequency of trioecy across angiosperm orders, families, genera, and species.
- To investigate potential associations between trioecy and various biological and ecological factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and original research to identify and list trioecious plant species worldwide.
- Taxonomic classification of identified species across angiosperm phylogeny.
- Statistical analysis of the frequency of trioecy in different taxonomic ranks.
- Correlation analysis between trioecy and selected life-form, pollination, floral, and geographical traits.
Main Results:
- A global list of 80 trioecious species from 46 genera and 33 families was compiled.
- Trioecy occurs in 7.9% of angiosperm families, 0.3% of genera, and 0.03% of species, predominantly in Superrosids and Superasterids.
- Significant numbers of trioecious species are concentrated in families like Rosaceae, Caprifoliaceae, and Scrophulariaceae, and genera such as Fragaria, Valeriana, and Buddleja.
- Associations between trioecy and factors like life form, pollination syndrome, and geographical distribution were explored.
Conclusions:
- Trioecy is a rare but taxonomically widespread phenomenon in angiosperms, with specific clades and families showing higher frequencies.
- The study provides a foundational dataset for future research into the evolutionary mechanisms and ecological significance of trioecy.
- Further investigation into sex lability, polyploidy, and population dynamics is warranted to understand trioecy maintenance and evolution.
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