Cryptovivipary: A rare phenomenon in monoecious species of Ficus L. (Moraceae)

Abstract

Vivipary in Angiosperms refers to the precocious germination of offspring while they persist on the mother plant. True vivipary and pseudovivipary represent distinctive and adaptive strategies in plants. This phenomenon has never been documented in the genus Ficus (Moraceae family) before. The family Moraceae showcases a remarkable variety of floral structures, methods of pollination, and reproductive mechanisms. The present study is the first to document cryptovivipary in three monoecious fig species. The occurrence of this rare phenomenon could be plants' non-adaptive approach, as well as the influence of the microenvironment surrounding the seed of the species. Based on the observations made in this study, cryptovivipary in these three species appeared to be promoted by high levels of moisture, along with the microenvironment within the syconium that is encountered after seed maturation. Vivipary was documented predominantly during the heavy rainfall period in the monsoon season, spanning from late May to early August 2022, with July being the peak period. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study in that it was not possible to investigate the survival and outcomes of viviparous offspring in comparison to non-viviparous seedlings, primarily due to resource limitations during the experimental period. Subsequent studies on reproductive biology, followed by seed setting and the effect of microenvironment inside syconia could advance our understanding of evolutionary factors and the influence of vivipary on seed production and survival in natural settings.