15 research outputs found
Adaptive Radiation in Mediterranean Cistus (Cistaceae)
lineage consists of
12 species primarily distributed in Mediterranean habitats and
is herein subject to analysis. lineages), which display asymmetric
characteristics: number of species (2 vs. 10), leaf morphologies
(linear vs. linear to ovate), floral characteristics (small,
three-sepalled vs. small to large, three- or five-sepalled
flowers) and ecological attributes (low-land vs. low-land to
mountain environments). A positive phenotype-environment
correlation has been detected by historical reconstructions of
morphological traits (leaf shape, leaf labdanum content and leaf
pubescence). Ecological evidence indicates that modifications of
leaf shape and size, coupled with differences in labdanum
secretion and pubescence density, appear to be related to
success of new species in different Mediterranean habitats.