Date of Award:
5-1-1978
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Biology
Department name when degree awarded
Life Sciences:Biology
Committee Chair(s)
R. J. Shaw
Committee
R. J. Shaw
Committee
Phil Barker
Committee
Jan Henderson
Committee
Herm Wiebe
Abstract
The floral biology of Acer grandidentatum Nutt. was studied on flowers from excised branches in the greenhouse and on trees in the field. Studies on Flowering Time Sequence both in the greenhouse and in the field showed that two types of flowers occur, male flowers with stamens only, and functionally female flowers which bear stamens that do not release pollen. Morphological development of both male and female flowers was found to follow a distinct pattern of development which is described. Results showed that A. grandidentatum is dichogamous, male and female flowers reaching and completing anthesis at different times, and that the dichogarny is incomplete. Considerable overlap of anthesis of male and female flowers of a given inflorescence type was observed, indicating a potential for inbreeding. Acer grandidentatum was found to be andropolygamous, trees bearing male flowers only, or flowers of both sexes. Ratios of protandry to protogyny were found to vary widely between sampling sites. Female flowers isolated before anthesis showed 45 percent parthenocarpic sterile fruit development, with wide variability.
Recommended Citation
Klomps, Virginia L., "The Floral Biology of Acer grandidentatum Nutt." (1978). Biology. 435.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd_biology/435
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