Anthecology of some species of Hamanthus Bunge and Halimocnemis C.A. Mey

Abstract

It is promising to grow the long-vegetating annual halophytes Gamanthus Bunge and Halimocnemis C.A. Mey. ( Chenopodiaceae Vent.) in arid locations since they are important grazing plants for Karakol sheep and camels. These species’ xerothermic periods are when they flower and bear fruit. Research on reproductive biology must first examine how certain traits of plant reproductive organs in harsh environments relate to environmental influences. Identification of reproductive organ adaptation to air temperature and water stress in desert plants is an issue that has not received much attention from Chenopodiaceae family members. Such knowledge is crucial for developing perennial agrophytocenoses and boosting the production of pastures in need. The study of Halimocnemis species is particularly interesting since this genus is thought to be confined to the Iran-Turonian floristic zones, with the Central Asian (Turonian) plains being its center of origin. In the studied species, there are signs that ensure the xenogamous type of pollination by entomophilia. These are proterandria in flowers, brightly colored outgrowths of pollen which are secondary attractants, morning type of flowering when insects are in high flight, and autogamous type of pollination by anemophily. Similar conditions eventually lead to funneling of Halimocnemis and G. gamocarpus.