Primula tschuktschorum and Primula eximia (Primulaceae: Section Crystallophlomis): A Distylous Species and Its Homostylous Derivative from the Bering Strait Region, Alaska
Kelso S. 1987. Primula tschuktschorum and Primula eximia (Primulaceae: Section Crystallophlomis): A Distylous Species and Its Homostylous Derivative from the Bering Strait Region, Alaska. Brittonia. 39(1):63-72
(Author's abstract) 'Primula tschuktschorum Kjellman s. lat., known from Alaska and northeastern Siberia, has been the subject of many nomenclatural combinations. this paper argues the case for treating it as two species on the basis of morphology and reproductive biology. Primula tschuktschorum Kjellman s. str. is a distylous species endemic to the Bering Strait region and P. eximia Greene is a more widely distributed homostylous species. The polyporphism seen in P. eximia is attributed to ecological and phenological factors and a high degree of self-fertilization. In contrast to its distylous relative, the ability of this homostylous species to self-fertilize has enabled it to colonize recently deglaciated areas in Alaska. Because of the intramorph incompatability system associated with distyly, P. tschuktschorum is an obligate outcrosser. Its apparent rarity may be due to a dependence on inefficient pollinators. The species deserves further study to determine if there is a need for protected status in Alaska.'
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kelso, Sylvia
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR
- Keywords
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Botany, distylous, Flora, homostylous, Plant Studies, Plants, Primula eximia, Primula tschuktschorum, Range, Taxonomy, Vascular Plants, Vegetation