VARIATION OF SEX ALLOCATION AMONG EIGHT TAXA OF THE MIMULUS GUTTATUS SPECIES COMPLEX (SCROPHULARIACEAE)

Abstract

Characters related to sex allocation and the mating system were studied in eight California taxa of the Mimulus guttatus complex: M. guttatus, M. nasutus, M. glaucescens, M. Tilingii, M. nudatus, M. laciniatus, M. platycalyx , and M. micranthus , ranked in approximate decreasing levels of outbreeding. Dry weights and lengths of floral parts, pollen and ovule number, and timing of stigmatic closure were measured on plants in the growth chamber. As percent of total flower weight, allocation to stamens and corollas was lowest in M. micranthus (28%), intermediate in M. platycalyx, M. Tilingii , and M. laciniatus (50%), and high in other taxa (60%). Among M. micranthus, M. platycalyx , and M. laciniatus , pollen–ovule ratios ranged from 3.9 to 12.0; ratios for other taxa were 19.3 to 26.6. Taxa with increased male biomass allocation generally show increased outcrossing and increased P/O ratios. Stigma‐anther separation and closure of stigma lobes upon touch were positively correlated with outcrossing ratios, P/O ratios, and male allocation. Isozyme variation indicates the inbreeding taxa have been independently derived; thus, these associations of maleness with outbreeding are significant trends in the Mimulus guttatus complex.