Molecular characterization of SrSTP14, a sugar transporter from thermogenic skunk cabbage, and its possible role in developing pollen.

In floral thermogenesis, sugars play an important role not only as energy providers but also as growth and development facilitators. Yet, the mechanisms underlying sugar translocation and transport in thermogenic plants remain to be studied. Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius) is a species that can produce durable and intense heat in its reproductive organ, the spadix.

Establishing an efficient protoplast transient expression system for investigation of floral thermogenesis in aroids.

Floral thermogenesis is an important reproductive strategy for attracting pollinators. We developed essential biological tools for studying floral thermogenesis using two species of thermogenic aroids, Symplocarpus renifolius and Alocasia odora. Aroids contain many species with intense heat-producing abilities in their inflorescences.