Effects of apomixis and polyploidy on diversification and geographic distribution in <i>Amelanchier</i> (Rosaceae)

Abstract

Documentation of numerous transitions from diploidy to polyploidy helps clarify diversification, geographic distribution, and the species problem in Amelanchier. Despite the infrequent occurrence of triploids, their retention of 25% sexuality and capacity for triploid bridge may be important steps between sexual diploids and predominantly apomictic tetraploids.