524 This involves fleshy contractile roots 487, 492 and a thin underground stem often called a thread that bears numerous small bulblets. The second adaptation is a unique system for vegetative reproduction and dispersal. For details visit the scientific literature) (This explanation is, of necessity, oversimplified. Since the original plants, and their vegetative progeny are all of the same ploidy type, they can not cross-fertilize and no seeds are produced. It is thought that the independent introductions of Bermuda buttercup into non-native habitats have each been based on a single ploidy level. Thus a diploid plant can be pollinated by tetraploid or a pentaploid plant, but not by another diploid plant, etc. 523 There are three ploidy levels in this species and they are primarily self-sterile. The first is presumably a mechanism to inhibit self-fertilization in the native range. In spite of research, the explanation is still incomplete, but seems to hinge on two independent adaptations. So far as is known, plants in California are all pentaploid.īermuda buttercup is an aggressive invader but doesn’t produce seeds. These are morphologically distinguishable by the length of the stamens and the relative position of the styles. In addition to diploid plants, tetraploid and pentaploid plants have been found. Three ploidy “types” exist in this species. Plants reproduce vegetatively by means of numerous tiny bulblets. – April.įruits are not produced in California. In our area, blooms occur during the wet season, usually Nov. ![]() There are ten bright yellow stamens, alternating short and long, and one pistil with five styles with capitate, papillose stigmas that are shorter than the anthers. Flowers may have tiny purple lines radiating outward from throat. Yellow petals form a narrow tube at their bases and flare outward to 1½ inch (4 cm) across. There may be tiny orange tubercles at the sepal tips. The light green sepals are lanceolate, and overlapping, forming a tube around each flower base. Twenty of fewer flowers occur in clusters held above leaves on long peduncles and opening a few at a time. Showy, symmetrical, bright yellow flowers open only during the day. Leaves and stems contains oxalic acid, which gives them a tart flavor, and results in another common name: sour grass. Leaflets are often marked with red-brown splotches. Leaves are usually 1½ inch (4 cm) or less across, and consist of three heart-shaped leaflets from a single point. A short stem supports a clump of clover-like leaves clumps can form dense carpets. ![]() Bermuda buttercup is a rounded perennial, less than 20 inches (50 cm) high, that grows from an underground bulb.
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