Reproductive biology of Centaurea lydia Boiss. (Asteraceae)
Articles > Article · 2025
Authors: Volkan EROĞLU
Biological Diversity and Conservation, Refereed Journals of Other Institutions, International, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), 2025, vol 18, pp 224-234
DOI: 10.46309/biodicon.2025.1628555
Summary
Centaurea lydia, an endemic species belonging to the Asteraceae family, has a limited distribution in Turkey and is currently listed in the LR/cd category by the IUCN. This study, conducted in 2024, examined the impacts of wildfires in Bornova, İzmir, on the species and its reproductive biology. Key factors such as flower morphology, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, seed production success, and germination rates were evaluated. The results showed that the species exhibits protandry and relies on insect pollinators for effective reproduction. It has a self-incompatible pollination system and a fertile seed ratio of 40.86%. The high seedling establishment rate of fertile seeds is a significant advantage that enhances the reproductive capacity of the species. However, despite the high seedling success, the wildfires in İzmir have caused severe habitat loss, placing the Centaurea lydia population at considerable risk. Therefore, it is suggested that the conservation status of the species should be elevated to "Vulnerable".