Reproductive efficiency of Primula allionii: is this endemic plant really threatened?

Description

Primula allionii is a primrose endemic to Maritime Alps. The plant was studied in three different plots representing the different structures of cliffs where the species usually lives. The reproductive success of the plant was analyzed in order to evaluate its conservation status. Mean plant dimensions and distribution within the plots were evaluated. The species resulted low morph biased (0.13), very fertile (83.53%) and with a quite good sexual organs efficiency of flowers (both in pin and thrum morphs) as demonstrated by the high rate of fruit (52.18%) and seed production (20-50% ovules developed in seeds). However, the populations remain in a demographic balance ( % = 0.38) and very few seedlings (0.21% of available seeds) were recorded in populations. The particular habitat of the plant does not favour a consistent population renewal. Primula allionii populations are not under a real threat at present: but the species and its loci deserve much more consideration in the future in order to preserve this possibly fragile habitat.

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