ISSN:
1615-6110
Schlagwort(e):
Angiosperms
;
Compositae
;
Silybum marianum
;
Formicidae
;
Messor semirufus
;
Myrmecochory
;
preadaptations
;
synanthropic plant
;
grasslands
Quelle:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Thema:
Biologie
Notizen:
Abstract The common Mediterranean ruderal thistleSilybum marianum is associated with nutrient-rich sites. Its wind-dispersed achenes possess an oily food body, that is attractive to harvester-ants. Following removal of the oily body, the achenes are deposited in the refuse zone together with rich organic material and soil removed from the nest; while in the nest the achenes are partly protected from fires. The thistle grows successfully in the nutrient-enriched refuse zone and thus dominates patches in the grassland. Preadaptations to live in association with harvester-ants enableS. marianum to occur also on marking stations of male gazelle, on cattle dung deposits, and in synanthropic ruderal habitats.
Materialart:
Digitale Medien
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00937675
