Variation in floral morphology and individual fecundity in Erythronium dens‐canis (Liliaceae)

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which the reproductive success of plants of Erythronium dens‐canis (Liliaceae), a spring herb of mountain habitats, is dependent on floral morphology. To this end, a series of studies was performed in an area in northwest Spain. The results show that E. dens‐canis plants in this area a) are self‐compatible, b) need pollinator visits (largely Bombus terrestris and Andrena spp.) to produce seed, and c) show high fruit set under natural conditions. Only 20% of among‐plant variance in floral morphology variables was explained by variation in plant size. Floral morphology variables (outer tepal length, stamen length, style length and ovule number) tend to vary in parallel, indicating the existence of an “integrated floral phenotype”. Two floral morphology variables (initial number of ovules and outer tepal length) had statistically significant or near‐significant effects on seed production. A more detailed experimental analysis indicated that small‐flowered plants produce fewer seeds than large‐flowered plants, and that this is attributable to less efficient pollination of small flowers. The results of this study thus suggest that among‐plant variation in floral morphology in E. dens‐canis has implications for reproductive success.