The dynamics of reproduction in Trachycystis microphylla (Dozy & Molk.) Lindb. (Mniaceae, Musci)

Abstract

The dynamics of reproduction was surveyed in Trachycystis microphylla, a dioicous moss. By dividing the population into sets of male/female and current/previous year shoots, the proportion of asexual and sexual shoots in both male and female populations were analyzed for a two year time period. In the female population, all 131 shoots with archegonia from the previous year formed sporophytes. Of these, 85 shoots did not form current year shoots. In contrast, every shoots in male population from the previous year formed current year shoots, and most of the sexual shoots in previous year formed antheridia also in this current year. It is interpreted that the differences between male and female populations is due to the large cost of sporophyte formation in female plants.