2006 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 122-126
Gynodioecious Dianthus superbus L. var. longicalycinus (Maxim.) Williams, has been endangered along the Tama River, Japan. We examined the germination traits of hermaphrodite-derived seeds and female flower-derived seeds in a laboratory experiment using a gradually increasing and decreasing temperature method. In our germination experiments, it was showed that this plant doesn't have mechanisms to maintain persistent seed banks; it would be important, therefore, to conserve the existing individuals and their habitat. Restoration of populations with seed banks would be difficult. Restoration efforts for this plant should include dispersal of cold-stratified hermaphrodite-derived seeds and female flower-derived seeds in spring.
