THE CHARACTERISTICS VARIATION OF THE FLOWERS OF CAPPARIS SPINOSA L. DURING THE EXTENDED FLOWERING PROCESS AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE RATE OF SEED-SETTING

Abstract

The reproductive characteristics of Capparis spinosa (Capparaceae) were examined at the Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden in Xinjiang, China. The flowering period was approximately five months long (from May to mid-October of 2011), during which time, two main and overlap flowering peaks emerged. Several significant differences between the two peaks were found: the number of flowers and duration of the flowering period for male flowers were identical in both peaks, but differed for perfect flowers(contain stamens and pistil); the filaments of both long and short stamens in male and perfect flowers in the first peak were longer than those in the second, whereas anther length showed the opposite trend; the frequency of fruit set and size in the first peak was respectively higher and larger than the second; and the seeds produced in the first peak were smaller and lighter than the second. These results provide that the continuously blooming C. spinosa and the variation in the proportion of male and perfect flowers have played a positive role in ensuring a continuous supply of pollen and controlling the investment of fruit.