Begoniaceae
Family of flowering plants
- 2 min read
- 2 chapters
Related on Lably
Through Flowering plant, Pollination and Endemism
Evolution
The origins of the family most likely reside in Africa from which it then spread to South East Asia, South and Central America. The plant also has characteristic variegation present on leaves which has been found to be caused by air pockets within the leaves themselves. This would usually mean less space for photosynthesis but the plant is able to make up for it by having cells adapted to produce more chloroplasts. This means there is no cost to the plant to have these patterns in terms of photosynthesis and light absorption. Although there is some loss of function within those regions the other portions make up for the loss
Sign in to keep reading
One more chapter is free with a Lably account.
Ecology
Most species pollination mechanisms are unknown but there have been studies showing that there are deceit pollinated species. Since most species do not have a reward for animal pollinators, it is thought that pollination occurs by accident and pollinators are deceived into thinking that they are visiting a reward (nectar, nest materials, scents used for mating) bearing flower.
Seed dispersal is most commonly seen using "rain-ballist" and animal dispersal mechanisms. These are thought to have evolved from wind dispersal mechanisms seen in older relatives of the family.