Extensive population-level sampling reveals clinal variation in (R)-(-)-linalool produced by the flowers of an endemic evening primrose, Oenothera harringtonii

The study of floral trait diversity has a long history due to its role in angiosperm diversification. While many studies have focused on visual traits including morphology and color, few have included floral scent despite its importance in pollination. Of the studies that have included floral scent, sampling has been limited and rarely explores variation at the population level. We studied geographic variation in the flowers of Oenothera harringtonii, a rare plant endemic to a vulnerable shortgrass prairie habitat, whose population structure and conservation status are well studied. The self-incompatible flowers of O. harringtonii open at dusk, produce nectar and a strong fragrance, and are pollinated by hawkmoths. We collected floral trait (morphology, scent chemistry and emission rates) data from 650 individuals from 19 wild populations to survey floral variation across the entire range of this species. Similarly, we collected floral data from 49 individuals grown in a greenhouse c...

花部性状多样性的研究历史悠久，因其在被子植物（angiosperm）的物种多样化进程中发挥关键作用。尽管诸多研究已聚焦于形态、色彩等视觉性状，但鲜有研究纳入花部气味——尽管其在传粉过程中至关重要。在已纳入花部气味的相关研究中，采样往往受限，且极少探究种群水平上的性状变异。我们针对哈氏月见草（Oenothera harringtonii）开展研究，该物种为稀有特有植物，仅分布于脆弱的短草草原生境中，其种群结构与保护现状已得到充分研究。哈氏月见草的花为自交不亲和型，于黄昏绽放，分泌花蜜并释放浓郁香气，由天蛾（hawkmoths）传粉。我们从19个野生种群的650个个体中采集了花部性状（包括形态、气味化学成分与挥发速率）数据，以全面调查该物种整个分布范围内的花部变异。同理，我们还采集了49株温室栽培个体的花部性状数据……