Plant Diversity ›› 2007, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (03): 300-302.

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Amphicarpy of Ceratocarpus arenarius (Chenopodiaceae) in Junggar Desert

GAO Rui, WEI Yan   

  1. College of Forestry Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University , Urumqi 830052 , China
  • Received:2006-09-19 Online:2007-06-25 Published:2007-06-25
  • Contact: WEI Yan

Abstract: The fruits characteristics of Ceratocarpus arenarius were studied in the Junggar desert, including fruit ( dispersal units) morphological characteristic , space orientation , development characteristic and dispersal characteristic . The results are as following: Ceratocarpus arenarius has amphicarpy, producing aerial fruits above the ground and subterranean fruits within the soil . The dimorphic fruits are different in color , shape , size , mass, number , space orientation , ripe period and dispersal characteristic . Amphicarpy of Ceratocarpus arenarius is an especial reproductive strategy for adapting to variable environment in the Jungger desert and ensures the species to successfully inhabit. The amphicarpy is first found in Chenopodiaceae.

Key words: Ceratocarpus arenarius