The ecology, evolution, and biogeography of dioecy in the genus Solanum: with paradigms from the strong dioecy in Solanum polygamum, to the unsuspected and cryptic dioecy in Solanum conocarpum.

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Premise Of The Study: Island plants are over-exploited and "under-explored." Understanding the reproductive biology of plants, especially rare species, is fundamental to clarifying their evolution, estimating potential for change, and for creating effective conservation plans. Clarification of sexual systems like dioecy, and unusual manifestations of it in specific studies within Solanum, helps elucidate evolutionary patterns and genetic and ecological control of sex expression.

Reproductive biology of the dioecious Canary Islands endemic Withania aristata (Solanaceae).

We confirmed functional dioecy of Withania aristata via field and greenhouse studies. Male flowers are significantly larger. Female flowers bear stamens with no pollen; males bear 220 000 grains.