Patterns in floral traits and plant breeding systems on Southern Ocean Islands

A significant proportion of flowering plant species on Southern Ocean Islands (SOIs) exhibit traits indicative of wind pollination (anemophily) and self-compatibility, challenging the expectation that these harsh environments would favor such reproductive strategies. The study found that 34.3% of the 321 SOI species possess anemophilous floral traits, while 92.6% of potentially self-fertilizing species were confirmed as partially or fully self-compatible. Gender dimorphy (dioecy and gynodioecy) occurred in 7.1% and 3.4% of species, respectively, with no clear evidence of in situ evolution. Notably, anemophily was more prevalent in genera occurring on subantarctic islands, while biotic pollination traits were significantly higher on climatically milder, cool temperate islands. These findings suggest that reliance on biotic pollinators has constrained species distribution on SOIs, though mixed mating strategies are likely common. The study also highlights the need for further in situ research to better understand the reproductive biology of SOI species.

Lord, J. M. (2015). Patterns in floral traits and plant breeding systems on Southern Ocean Islands. AoB Plants, 7, plv095. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plv095