Habitat-correlated seed germination and morphology in populations of Phillyrea angustifolia L. (Oleaceae)

The broad aim of this work was to study intraspecific variation of seed germination in Phillyrea angustifolia L. (Oleaceae), a species with a hard (water-permeable) endocarp. Germination of seeds from six different wild populations was correlated with traits related either to seed morphology or to environmental parameters. Germination of naked seeds (seeds without endocarp) at the optimum germination conditions was similar among populations and individuals, but great differences could be detected regarding the germination of seeds with endocarp both at inter- and intra-populational levels. Differences among populations could be related to climatic parameters and to morphometric variables of seeds with endocarp. A higher germination was associated with populations growing in habitats with more severe summer (higher temperature, lower precipitation and a longer drought period) and producing elongated seeds (lower Feret ratio and roundness). Moreover, seeds from eight different individuals within a population were tested independently, and great differences regarding the germination of seeds with endocarp could be detected among individuals. Our results suggest that the morphological variation found in P. angustifolia endocarp is both under strong maternal genetic control as well as influenced by environmental factors, as indicated by the high variability among individuals within one population and the significant correlation between climate variables and seed germination among populations. Finally, it is emphasized that standardization of plant propagation protocols should take into account the degree of intraspecific variation of Mediterranean species.