Search results for "Erica plukenetii"
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An approach to determining anthocyanin synthesis enzyme gene expression in an evolutionary context: an example from Erica plukenetii
2019
Abstract Background and Aims Floral colour in angiosperms can be controlled by variations in the expression of the genes of the anthocyanin pathway. Floral colour shifts influence pollinator specificity. Multiple shifts in floral colour occurred in the diversification of the genus Erica (Ericaceae), from plesiomorphic pink to, for example, red or white flowers. Variation in anthocyanin gene expression and its effects on floral colour in the red-, pink- and white-flowered Erica plukenetii species complex was investigated. Methods Next generation sequencing, reverse transcriptase PCR and real-time reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR were used to quantify anthocyanin gene expression. Key Re…
Do pollinator distributions underlie the evolution of pollination ecotypes in the Cape shrub Erica plukenetii?
2013
Background and aims According to the Grant-Stebbins model of pollinator-driven divergence, plants that disperse beyond the range of their specialized pollinator may adapt to a new pollination system. Although this model provides a compelling explanation for pollination ecotype formation, few studies have directly tested its validity in nature. Here we investigate the distribution and pollination biology of several subspecies of the shrub Erica plukenetii from the Cape Floristic Region in South Africa. We analyse these data in a phylogenetic context and combine these results with information on pollinator ranges to test whether the evolution of pollination ecotypes is consistent with the Gra…