Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2012, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (11): 1145-1153.DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1258.2012.01145

Special Issue: 青藏高原植物生态学:种群生态学

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Variation of reproductive allocation along elevations in Saussurea stella on East Qinghai- Xizang Plateau

WANG Yi-Feng1,*(), LI Mei1, LI Shi-Xiong2, GUO Jie1, CHEN Yu-Ping1, WANG Rui-Xue1   

  1. 1College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    2School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China
  • Received:2012-04-16 Accepted:2012-08-20 Online:2012-04-16 Published:2012-11-09
  • Contact: WANG Yi-Feng

Abstract:

Aims Our objective is to study the variation in floral traits of Saussurea stella in 20 populations in response to elevation and mean plant size on the East Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Methods We used population means to evaluate sources of variation in reproductive allocation within species. In addition, we used the sample investigation method and dry weight to evaluate biomass.
Important findings Reproductive allocation is negatively correlated with mean plant size. There are trade-offs of resource allocation in reproductive biomass and vegetative biomass, capitulum number and its weight, male and female as well as filament and pollen. Additionally, there is a relationship between variation in floral traits of S. stella and elevation. Consequently, the variation of floral traits ensures that S. stella pollinates effectively and completes sexual reproduction.

Key words: elevation, reproductive allocation, Saussurea stella, size-dependent, trade-off