Embryological features, pollen and seed viability of Arnica montana (Asteraceae) – a threatened endemic species in Europe

The embryological features, mode of reproduction and reproductive capacity (pollen and seed viability) on two naturalized populations of Arnica montana in Bulgaria were studied. The embryological study shows that A. montana is a facultative apomictic species in which sexual reproduction predominates. In this species, it was established that there is a comparatively high viability of the mature pollen and embryos, which enables the successful realization of its reproductive capacity. The results of the study on A. montana reveal that both sexual and asexual vegetative reproduction with rhizomes undoubtedly play more important roles than the apomixis (namely diplospory) for support and preservation of the populations

Reproductive biology of Atropa belladonna: embryological features, pollen and seed viability.

An embryological study of the Bulgarian native populations of Atropa belladonna has been carried out. Some embryological features typical for the genus Atropa and the family Solanaceae were observed. A new feature, namely endosperm embryo, was also established. The recognised high plasticity of the female gametophyte, as well as the high pollen and embryo viability play an essential role for maintaining the size of populations of the studied species. The specific reproductive features observed are important for the use of A. belladonna as a source of raw material for the pharmaceutical industry and for its status as an endangered species in the Bulgarian flora.Peer Reviewe