Oral Paper

         Floristics & Taxonomy

Morphometric analysis and self-compatibility of species in Lilium L. sect. Leucolirion in the southeastern United States

Presenting Author
Cassandra Fink
Description
Lilium L. section Leucolirion Wilson, known as trumpet lilies, consists of nine species native to Central and Southeast Asia. These species are characterized by large white flowers and can be either self-incompatible or self-compatible (the latter is rare in Lilium). Four species in this section appear to be naturalizing in the southeastern United States (US): Lilium formosanum, L. longiflorum, L. philippinense, and L. regale. The reproductive mechanisms of these species are not fully understood in native or naturalized populations. Previous studies debate whether these species are self-compatible as it varies across sites. These species alone are difficult to distinguish due to morphological similarities. Additionally, hybrids have been shown to form readily among species in this section, which may complicate identification. Therefore, pollination treatments were conducted at three sites in the southeastern US to test for self-compatibility. Buds were covered with mesh bags to exclude visitors before and throughout the duration of anthesis. Pistils were collected 48 h after pollination and visualized under UV fluorescence. We conducted a morphometric analysis using both herbarium specimens and specimens collected from field sites in the Southeast to explore differences among species and identity species present in the US. Online herbarium images were downloaded from the following data portals or herbaria: SERNEC, GBIF, NY, and US. Where possible, type specimens for each species (digitized specimens, original illustrations, and species protologues) were referenced online to aid in morphological identification. Digitized images were measured using Fiji (ImageJ) and color will be standardized using a Kodak color control chip. Analysis of morphology included measurements of plant height, length and width of leaves, floral buds, tepals, fruits, and length of pistils and stamens using digital calipers or a steel ruler. The color and surface texture of leaves, bulbs, stigmas, anthers, buds, and tepals were also recorded. Data were analyzed using principal component analyses to quantify the morphological characteristics of each species in program R. Preliminary results suggest the species present in the US are self-compatible. This study seeks to identify morphological characteristics to differentiate between Lilium formosanum, L. longiflorum, L. philippinense, and L. regale to better understand the species present in the Southeast US.